Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 620) (1889 06 11)
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Spel ella A CM \ a \ BY BEADLE AND No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. ZZ VY Y2 Wy Copyright 1889, by BEADL# AND ADAMs, \ Deu py ey py ™~Z. June ll, 1889. Vol. XXIV ADAMS, Price, 5 Cents. __ SSS x V4 G Wl Ld ~~ \ \ oc S \ \ LZ yi J Gj a LM Ki dciséac WML a (i ; ya yy, . (oa | SSS “IT IS A COMPACT—A LEAGUE, THE INVINCIBLES IS MAKIN’,” MUTTERED BOLLY DARRIT, iggy 2.) \ \ , \ 23 SAMUI SN WW: AY - . ws WO “Ss \\ WY COO. INEN QW QAI = a Ss CNS AY) \y , \WWGH, The Mystery of the ‘Island. A Companion Story to ‘ Bolly Darrit, the Veteran Detective. BY JOHN W. OSBON, AUTHOR OF ‘‘THE RIVAL GIANTS OF NOWHAR,” *“CACTUS BURR, THE MAN FROM HARD- LUCK,” ETC,, ETC, CHAPTER I. THE ATTACK, ALL work had been suspended at Little Light- ning Lode. The mine was situated in the wildest portion of the Snnke Range, in Eastern Nevade, and was owned and worked by ten dashing young fellows known as the Prairie Invincibles,
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2 Little Lightning’s League. The recognized head of this band, or ‘‘com- ny,” was David Kane—better known as ‘Little Lightning”—a dark-eyed, dark-haired = just at the threshold of vigorous man- The second in command was David’s twin- brother, Kent, a trim, fine-looking lad, with blue eyes, and light-brown hair. The noon-hour was just past. Everything about the little silver camp had been made snug, and the ten young miners, in holiday attire, were lounging about the narrow ledge, upon which their corral and cabin had been built. In a rustic seat near the doorway, sat two of their number—superbly-robust, bright-eyed fel- lows, faultlessly attired, and, just then, objects of special interest to their comrades. It would have required no second glance to determine that they were the Kane brothers—Little Lightning and Kent. Though silent, both looked happy, and just a trifle nervous, Evidently an ordeal of some sort, more or less trying, was near at hand. ‘‘ Kent,” exclaimed Little Lightning, suddenly breaking the long silence between them, ‘‘ Kent, rouse up! Throw a little life into that motion- less carcass and silent tongue of yours! Do you know, every mother’s son of the Invincibles 1s staring at us as if doubting our sanity!” The young miner stared straight ahead at the steep hillside opposite the cabin, a tender glow in his half-closed blue eyes. ‘*‘ No doubt of it!” he returned, dreamily. ‘I don’t blame ’em, either.” * Nor do I,” averred David, laughingly. ‘‘In fact, I feel charitably inclined toward the whole world—the Brotherhood of Fortune included |” Kent started, and his expression changed, the smile dying on his lips, and the light in his eyes turning to a peculiar sparkle, “T can’t say that, Davy!” he exclaimed, ab- ruptly, as he turned his head to meet his bro- ther’s gaze. ‘‘I don’t believe we’ve seen the last of those fellows yet! Ican’t rid myself of the idea that they are simply biding their time —that when they strike, the blow will bea heavy one! ‘- It is just possible that you are right,” ad- mitted Little Lightning, his tones suddenly becoming grave, “At all events, they are at large—have baffled every effort looking to their capture, Captain Marks has in many respects proved an abler leader than Bishop Hearne!” “True!” and Kent nodded sharply. ‘‘ And we must not forget that jor Menace, Gideon Grim, and ‘ Red? Pepper are also at large. A coalition would make'the band more’ dangerous than ever.” ‘¢ But Orndare has taken every precaution.” ‘“‘ And yet he might be caught off his guard.” ‘‘ Kent, you are growing morbid!” ‘‘No, Davy, not that. The heaviest strokes come unawares; when the cup of happiness is nearest full, Fate shows itself and the bow! is snettele Li htning’: ity visibly increased ittle Lig’ 's gravi inc a ‘“We'll take every iba Rae f he averred. “If the Brotherhood shows its hand, we'll try to do better than we did before; we'll hound’em down if it takes a month!” ‘Exactly! When the mischief is done, it will be too late Sed anything but revenge, however.” “‘ Well, then, Kent, what is it you have to suggest?” , “Simply, that we proceed with all haste to Yellow Dust, I have a premonition that all is not right there!” é Little Lightning stared quizzically at his brother’s somber face, Then a shade of anxiety crept into his own visage. . “We'll go!” he exclaimed, springing to his feet and confronting Kent. ‘‘ Itmay be foolish—” The report of a rifle cut off further utterance, and the sentence was ieft unfinished. A bullet buried itself in the cabin wall directly back of the seat the young miner had just vacated. ** Tree!” At that word from their chief, all became life and activity among the Prairie Invincibles, every Jad bounding toward the cabin, securing tree and rock asheran. _ With a single fleeting glance Little Lightning had read the full import of the shot—realized that it was nothing short of a dastardly attempt to take his life; and, with that note of warning to his comrades, he pulled Kent to his feet and pushed him aside—just asa heavy volley rung out on the hillside opposite. “The Brotherh of Fortune!” ejaculated Kent, paling to the lips, as they darted into the cabin and caught up their weapons, ‘‘ Pards, ‘we've got some hot work before us!” ‘ An illegant toime intoirely!” echoed a little young Celt, just behind him. \ a, ee ica “But confoundedly inopportune!” Little Lightning added, ‘‘Close the doors and win- dows, lads, and take to the loopholes, We must drive these fellows off as quickly as possi- e. “‘Ken:, keep your eye on the corral. We may have to makearun forit. Weare going to Yellow Dust to-night if we have to ride over gy ae Marks and his band!” sort of stifled cheer greeted the sturdy declaration, and then the young rangers quietly settled down to the business in hand. For upward of two bours, a desultory fire was kept up by the mysterious attacking party with an occasional return shot from the Sa Invincibles. Then. a man bearing a white flag stepped out from the shelter of a huge bowlaer half-way up the hill, and strode boldly toward the cabin, “A flag of truce—that’s richness!” exclaimed Little Lig tning, his dark eyes flashing fire, “Be jabers! it’s a notion Oi hev to pepper ’im wan!” the Celt cried, fondling his rifle. “A flag av thruce, indade! Fw’at’s he take us fur— a loonathic ’saylum?” *“ Rasy, Pat!” cautioned Little Lightning. “A dose of cold lead would serve him just right, no doubt; but, in a case of this kind, it is wisdom to meet the enemy half-way in his game—to get a glimpse of his hand if possible. Look sharp. Watch the others, and leave this fellow tome. We may-score a point.” At that moment the truce-bearer halted at a distance of not more than fifty yards from the cabin. . , ‘“* Hello! hello!” he hailed, sharply. ‘“* Hello!” returned Little Lightning. ‘* What do you want?” ‘A talk—a chaince ter settle ther leetle p’int bechuxt us by argyments.” “The logic of lead is good enough for us!” “Don’t ye be too sure ov thet,” the desperado returned, sagely shaking his head, ‘‘ My pards aire a bad lot ter buck ag’in’, I kin tell ye. ‘“‘ Then, too, you galoots hev jumped our claim, an’ es et is es good a one es kin be skeered up in ther hull deestrick, why, et’s only natteral thet we sh’u’d stan’ right up ter ther rack as long es a man kin hold orter a we’pon. An’ that’s the kind ov red-shirts weaire—you bet! Ef ye ain’t a age ov dirty kiotes, send yer chief out fer a talk, an’ act like men hed orter act.” Little Lightning uttered a contemptuous laugh. * And if we don’t comply with your request— what then?” he asked. ‘“‘Wal, I reckon ye’ll find ye’ve played ther durn fool,” was the prompt reply. ‘Ther property is ourn, an’ we're goin’ ter hev et. ye refuse ter act like white men we'll jest keep under kiver an’ starve ye out. Not aman ovye shell escape! So, what say?” ‘Just this: Your claim to this mine is a trumped-up excuse to cover the wholesale mas- sacre you attempted awhile ago. This property, as aia well know, is ours, and is on record as such, - “ Honest men, fighting for their rights, do not hide their faces behind masks, nor adopt the methods of assassins. Go back to your Brother- hood of Fortune, Captain Marks, Your misera- ble subterfuge is too tra nt to deceive any- one. Go! and if you are not under cover at the end of a minute you are a dead man!” There was a dangerous glitter in the dark eyes of Little Lightning, and the words came from his lips in strains of deadly earnestness, The truce-bearer panten only me Be ne to tear off his mask and shake bis clinched hand at the cabin, then turned, and with long strides hastened up the bill, quickly disappearing be- hind a growth of bushes at the outer edge of a long terrace. f Little Lightning watched the fellow out of sight and then turned to Kent. : ‘You saw that face?” he asked. “T did,” was the low-voiced reply. ‘Davy, my eye or was a true one!” ‘To a certain extent—yes.” “No, true to the letter, I fear. Captain Marks has not made this attack without a deep purpose.” 4 At that juncture a sturdy lad at the opposite end of the cabin hailed the chief of the young miners, saying, in a quick, sharp tone: “Hyar, Davy—at a double-quick! Them cusses aire makin’ a move too deep fer me!” — Little Lightning hurried across the cabin. When he rejoined Kent, five minutes later, his face wore a perturbed look. “What was it, Davy?” © cee ‘¢The Brotherhood are making a move I don’t like. They have vacated the hillside by way of the terrace. I suspect their objective point to be Yellow Dust,” Little Lightning replied. “Leaving us to believe that we are in a state of siege?” ‘* Yes; their departure was cautiously taken, and naught but Lyon’s alertness spoiled the cun- ning scheme. Open tbe corral door, lent! Boys, see that your weapons are in trim, and tighten saddle-girths. There’s a ride before you that may try your nerve!” Silently, with the precision of trained sol- diers, the lads obeyed the commands, The cabin door communicating with the corral was then secured, and the corral gate thrown open. Forth rode the brave young cohirt, Little Lightning and Kent taking the lead. _ The tortuous descent from the level of the little piateau to the pass, three bundred yards below, was quickly made. Turning to the east- ward, the Invincibles urged their horses into an easy once Perhaps a thousand yards had been thus tra- versed, when Little Lightning suddenly halted. ‘“‘Here’s the point at which they left their horses,” he announced, as he sprung from the saddle. ‘ Here, Pat—you’re an expert in such matters; help me read this trail.” ‘‘ Begorra, sor, Oi’m yer b’y!” cried the Celt, dismounting with alacrity. Patiently the two bent to their task. ‘‘ Fifteen horses—probably two with empty saddles,” said Little Lightning, after a mo- ment. ‘““Yis, sor! Oi’m afther makin’ the same count,” Pat responded. ‘They left two av the dirthy divils on the bil] beyant, Oi reckon!” When the two had remounted, the cavalcade again set. forward, exercising due precaution to avoid an ambuscade. At the expiration of an hour, the lower end of the pass was reached, and there it was found that the Brotherhood of Fortune had swerved to the north, as if to avoid the trail leading into Yellow Dust from the south. The Invincibles halted, and a brief council was held, ‘Tt will never do to lose the trail,” declared Little Lightning, after a pithy discussion of the uestion. ‘* You, Bobby Lyon, take the lead. sh on after the Brotherhood, and hole the varlets if youcan. If they are heading toward Yellow Dust, as I suspect, do your best to cut them off from the Rare 9 Bobby Lyon touched spurs to his horse and dashed away, with the seven Invincibles at his heels, ‘“* Now for the Yellow Dust trail!” cried Kent to Little Lightning. ss CHAPTER II. & STOLEN!” ‘Twas a gala night in Yellow Dust. A fair September night, bright with the sheen of a full round moon, and odorous with the sweet freight of soft southern breezes, The camp was a blaze of light, Lamp and lantern, candle and torch, marked the location of each habitation, from the humblest wickiup to the most imposing structure, while along the line of the one winding street glowed and crack- led a half-score bonfires, As to the silver-seekers, out in full force were they, for the most oak freshly-shaven and ena in their best, but with not a weapon visible. It was to be & night notable in the camp’s his- tory. Hight o'clock, precisely; in a half-hour would be performed the first marriage-service in Yellow Dust—a double wedding, at that! Little wonder the camp was indulging in a ** blow-out!” Then, too, it was to be no ordinary affeir, but in both cases a union of beauty and chiv- alry. Not only were Rachel Carson and Millie Orn- dare beautiful girls, but they were so gentle, and true, that the toughest denizen of the camp was avowedly the better for their presence. And, as for David Kane, and his twin brother Kent, of the Little Lightming Lode, they were splendid looking fellows, generous to a fault, and of dauntless courage, and were pronounced favorites. . Half-way up the irregular street, in the very heart of the camp, a large frame building reared its ungainly proportions. The sign-board ex- tending across its front announced tbat it was the * St. George Hotel.” Promptly at five minutes past cight, a tall, lank figure stepped forward and mounted an inverted starch-box in frontof the hotel, There a shrill, penetrating whistle rung out, and in- stantly the noisy crowd became silent. ‘« Et’s Ole Dan Rackhoss, ther marshal,” éx- ™
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plained a miner, to an inquisitive stranger. ** Jes’ lis’en—’ ‘* Gentlemen,” began Rackhoss, at that mo- ment, with a grandiloquent flourish, ‘‘ ther time fer action hes arrove; ther event ov ther day is athand. Ef—” A wild outburst of cheers checked the orator. When the din had subsided, he continued: “Ef ye think thet arter ye git thar ye kin hold yer jaw, keep quiet, keep yer paws off’n things, an’, in fact, behave ginerally es gentle- men hed orter behave on sich condemned sub- lime occasions, why, we’ll now fall in an’ march ter ther residence ov Colonel Orndare an’ ’tend ther weddin’, What say?” A roar of assent went up from the crowd. “Wait!” thundered Old Dan, sawing the air frantically, in an effort to make himself heard. ‘ Jes’ one thing more: Ther galoot thet fergits his promise will settle with me /” Rackhoss started rong’ wf as he uttered the last word. A streak of had shot skyward from the dark hillside across the narrow valley, “ A rocket—a get !” he muttered, his hands dropping to his belt. ‘‘ Thar’s devilment afoot! Little Lightnin’ must know—” The report of a revolver rung out, directly behind him, and, uttering a scream of pei. he staggered forward, gamely striving to keep his feet, then pitched headfirst from the box. Instantly, the crowd was plunged into a very Babel of confusion, and surged toward the fallen official, breathing threats of vengeance against his slayer. Simultaneously, the sounds of a fierce scuffle arose directly in front of the hotel. The assas- sin had been spotted. He was none other than the inquisitive stran- er. 7 Pressed to the wall, his still smoking revolver stricken from his hand, he struggled gamely, desperately, but to no purpose. He was buffet- ed to and fro by the strong arms of the men of Yellow Dust until he hung limp and senseless in their hands, - ‘* What’s the trouble, boys?” The even-toned query came from a short, stout man, slightly past middle age, wearing a dark, slouched hat and black clothing. His eyes were blue, mild and gentle, and his face fresh and full even—boyish. *Darrit, by Brigham!” ejaculated a miner, stepping back a se is t was indeed Bolly Darrit, the Veteran Detec- ve, ‘“Murder, may’r—murder!” another replied, in turn giving way to the redoubtable detective, **This galoot we’ve got hyar tried a snap-shot at Ole an Rackhoss, an’ I reckon he fixed him, too! Bolly Darrit was staggered. ‘Killed Dan, you say?” he exclaimed, as if doubting his ears. ‘‘Where have you taken him?” “He— Thar—they’re takin’ him inter ther hotel,” and the miner pointed to four men at that moment pushing toward the doorway of the hostelry with khoss in their arms. ** Hold on to your man, boys! I'll be back in a moment, Remember, I want him alive /” Darrit elbowed his way renee the throng and into the bar-room of the hotel, That popular resort, naturally enough, was packed; but the men of Yellow Dust parted Hc and left before the detective, and, in a half-minute, he was bending over the body of the old marshal. Rackhoss had been placed upo; a table, and a lamp banging directly above hin brought his grizzled face into strong reliei. White and ghastly it looked in the garish sent---90 rigid and deathlike that Bolly Darrit uttered a roan. grr He’s dead, boys—just as dead asa man can be!” he declared, sadly. ‘‘ All we can do—” A sudden, a mighty uproar, in the street of the camp, barred further utterance—a wild out- burst of yells and curses, the heavy crash of firearms, the dull thunder of a troop of madly- riding horsemen, a ringing shout of triumph— just a breath of absolute quiet, then, in stento- rian tones: “* Fire—fire—fire !” The dread word rung throughout the almost defenseless camp, carrying with it a chill of ter- ror, Men rushed to and fro, for the moment absolutely bereft of reason, while along the rough street glowed and crackled a dozen in- cipient conflagrations—the lawless work of now fast-departing riders, Bolly Darrit was among ‘the first of those within the St, George to reach the street. A glance showed him that the prisoner was te ow —a second, that the camp itself was inimminen Little Lightning’s League. danger; but coolly, he rallied the men of Yellow Dust, and in an incredibly short time squad after squad, organized and instructed, hurried in the direction of the burning buildings, until the detective alone remained. He had turned to re-enter the hotel, when a hand dropped heavily upon his shoulder. Darrit started, and, with revolver half-drawn, faced about. Confronting him, his black eyes glowing lurid- ly, his face drawn and haggard, stood James rndare, of the Silver-Streak Mine. ‘*Good heavens, colonel!—you here! What has gone wrong? Tt is time for the wedding!” ejaculated the detective, paling. ‘* Wedding?” iterated the mine-owner, hoarse- ly. ‘ Man, there will be no wedding this night! hat devil’s cohort, the Brotherhood of For- tune, has at last accomplished its mission of revenge! My daughter and Miss Carson have been stolen |’ CHAPTER III. MENACE AND HIS MEN. AN hour before sunset, one of strong vision, standing in the doorway of the St. George Hotel, might have seen perched at the outer edge of a terrace in the face of the great hill opposite, a man—a tall, trimly-built, athlete fellow, roughly garbed, and provided with a spy-glass, saroaeh which he was narrowly scan- ning the camp. r This spy was a handsome man, at first glance, His face was almost perfect in feature; his eyes were a brilliant dark-blue, his neatly-trimmed hair and mustache black and silken. But a certain bold, evil look, a peculiar death- like whiteness of skin, and a livid X-sbaped scar beneath one eye, combined to set at naught the first impression. The man was bad—thoroughly bad, and bis presence on the terrace was portentous of evil to Yellow Dust. “The fools! Can they have forgotten the Brotherhood of Fortune?’ he exclaimed, as he lowered the glass for a moment. ‘They have thrown precaution to the winds! The camp will be defenseless long ere midnight, and but for the master-stroke we have planned they should feel the weight of Major Menace’s hand! “That point settled, now for a searching scrutiny of Orndare’s dove-cote and its surround- ings! The gayety incamp may mask a heavy battery there. Those accursed ex-prairie va- grants, Little Lightning and his brother, are art- ful—deuced artful, and as wary as the oldest fox in these bills. To catch them napping would be glory enough for one lifetime!” The spy leisurely turned his glass upon the really elegant cottage of Orndare, which stood surrounded with shrubbery in the midst of a grove near the center of a beautiful little plateau about four hundred yards north of the camp. ‘* Nothing—absolutely nothing!’ he muttered, after a long and careful survey. ‘Our agents certainly have not been deceived.” Drawing back from the edge of the terrace, Major Menace uttered a sharp whistle, The next minute a man stepped out from the edge of the timber and advanced across the open with qnick, restless strides. Ata point fifteen feet from the brinck of the “ bench,” he dropped to his hands and knees and crept forward, “Here is your station, Con,” said the major, as the fellow balted beside him. ‘‘ Orndare’s house is in plain view. When a lantern swings in acircle in the open off to the left, set off a rocket. Do you understand?” “‘ Perfectly, major,” and Con repeated the in- structions. ‘* After that,” pursued Menace, ‘‘ you are to remain perfectly quist until assured that the boys are at workin the camp down there. Then vamose, taking due care, of course, to cover ye raking to water as f tl ible,” aking to water as frequently as possible, the outlaw added, with a tonning smile. “Exactly. Resort toevery trick known to baffle pursuit. We must not fail. By these men of Yellow Dust my facher was driven to his death, and through me his scheme of vengeance shall be consummated,” a The dark eyes of the outlaw chief flashed wickedly as he spoke, and into his clear soft voice crept a hard, metallic ring. Con glanced at him slyly. . J don’t think we shail fail,” -he declared, ‘‘ In a scheme of this kind success in a t measure 78 tape upon the leader—and I reckon you'll 0 “Then, too, the boys must have a strong mo- tive toinsure their best efforts. Money wags everything in these days; and as this promises 3 to be a rich haul, you can just gamble that the boys will pall hard.” ‘*Your supposition as to the financial part of the affair is certainly not far wrong,” admitted Major Menace, laughing sharply. * As to the rest time will tell. ‘* Keep your eyes open, do your task well, and you shall not be forgotten,” ‘*Oh, I feel easy on that score,” Con hastened to say, and then the major turned and crept to- ward the timber, within which he soon disap- peared, Con-winked knowingly, and uttered a sound akin to a chuckle, “The old un was counted Al asa desperate schemer, but I reckon the son discounts him,” he thought, as he turned to his task. ‘‘ Hearne never tackled such a job as this!” ‘In the mean time, Major Menace had gained a narrow pathway leading around the hill. Striking into it, he walked rapidly for perhaps a half-mile, then turned aside and entered an extensive growth of young trees and bushes, At a distance of fifty yards from the foot-path was a small open space, in which were picketed | a number of horses, while lounging about, chat- ting and smoking. were a half-dozen men—reck- less-looking fellows, roughly dressed, and arm- ed cap-a-pie. “It’s boots and saddles, boys,” answered Major Menace, as he glided into the shadowy glade. ‘*The way is clear before us. Not a recaution has been taken. If Captain Marks as done his duty, we shali be miles away before a pursuing party can even be organized.” Silently, with scarcely so muchas a word to express their satisfaction at the aspect of affairs, the men sprung to their feet and prepared to leave the glade. Within two minutes, th were in the saddle, each man wearing over his face a black crape mask. Menace took the lead. Out of the thicket and along the wmountain-side they rode, keeping well up in the timber, and describing a quarter- circle in their route, At dusk, they halted a few minutes to await the rising of the moon, then pushed forward again, at the same slow, cautious pace, until they had entered a pass leading away to the northward, Then Menace drew rein and dismounted—an example that was at once followed by his men. ‘* Slow and easy, boys!” he cautioned, of = Lyrae house is not three hundred yards awa “Ts your lantern ready, Sulkan?” ‘“* An’ lighted, boss, ready ter turn on,” was the low-voiced reply. “‘Take charge of the horses, Tybo, aud we'll j to work. Make sure of your Seog io boys, and if we are forced to fight, fight like devils, As be finished king, Major Menace moved forward, silently followed by the men in Indian- le. e. It required but a moment to ascend to the plateau upon which stood Orndare’s house, where, at a word from their chief, the daring band crouched behind the clumps of shrubbery dotting the level, — the brilliant ne and the ruddy glow from scores of colored lanterns swin in the trees, Menace coolly removed his mas and approached a small pavilion just east of the cottage, A es figure darted out to meet him, “* Dolores!” “ Manuel!—it is you!” “Ttis I, girl. hat have you to tell me?— good mews, or bad?’ and Menace drew the woman into the shadows at an angle of the pavilion. She shivered, and her dark eyes looked plead- ing] into the cold blue orbs of the outlaw. ‘Manuel,” she faltered, her hands droppin, gently upon his arms; “I doubt you! Am not your wife?” “You are, my bonny Dolores,” whispered Menace in reply, his coldness vanishing for the moment, “ Are Ye true to the vows we took before the good Padre Juarez?” the woman continued. “Yes, jealous Dolores—true to them and to you, if to nothing else,” he laughed. ‘ This affair with the young ladies arises from motives - money and revenge—nothing more, nothing ess ‘But they are beautiful—so very beautiful!” sighed the woman, ‘I fear for—” ‘ You are to go with us,” interrupted Menace impatiently. ‘* Now tell me the exact state Bi h ” D 6 house is full of guests,” began Dolo: hereyes brightening. ‘The youn en gentlemen *« have not arrived yet, although they were to — have been here at sunset, The young ladies are | bas
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6 alone, in the east parlor. When a light is placed in the window thus, you may know all is well, Bring u your men, I will openthe window.” ‘* Good !”” Menace exclaimed, patting his wife’s cheek tenderly, ‘* You are the most consum- mateé little outlaw in the Brotherhood!” The face of Dolores flushed with pleasure. Impulsively she caught his hand and pressed it to her _ ‘Don’t forget!” she warned, drawing back and shaking her finger at Menace. The next moment she glided toward the house while the major hastily made his way to the en of the plateau bordering the pass, where he quickly selected three men. “Zeb, if we have trouble, you and Jim come up as quickly as possible,” he said, as he turned to retrace his steps to the pavilion. “Sulkan, make your way to the lower edge of the plateau, and at the hoot of an owl signal Con with your lantern.” Then, with two men at his heels, Menace hur- ried through the grove, arriving at the pavilion just asa lamp appeared in the window of the east parlor. “Byverything is all right, boys,” he muttered, hurriedly, as the light suddenly disappeared. ** Follow me.” oun 2 only long enough toread just bis mask, Major Menace glided toward the house, closely followed by his satellites. ' On their approach, the window was noiseless- ly opened, and Dolores Menace sprung out. “They are there, both of them—drugged!” she exclaimed, in a penetrating whisper. ‘‘ The doors of the room are locked; but make haste, for Orndare is growing restless.” “« And the servants?” queried Menace, “They, too, are unconscious—have been for twenty minutes.” ‘ “Bravo! Stand close, boys, and go straight for the horses when I hand out the girls.” As he uttered the last words, the outlaw chief vaulted lightly into the room, Not so much as a glance did he vouchsafe his surroundings. Directly before him, in a great upholstered chair, lay the prizes he coveted— Rachel Carson and Millie Orndare—inert and helpless! * Beautiful? Yes, as the fairy creatures of a dream!” he muttered, pausing just a breath of time, his cold blue eyes lighting up. ‘t Were my true-hearted Dolores less beloved, her jeal- ma would be well-founded!” hen, as suddenly as it had appeared, the light died out of bis eyes, leaving them again as cold and hard as steel. Gliding forward, he deftly lifted Millie Orn- dare from the depths of the chair, turned and crossed the room to the window, where he laid the senseless form in the armsof one of his wait- ing followers. he next minute Rachel Carson suffered a like te and the outlaw was alone in the ent. Drawing a neatly-folded sheet of paper from his pocket, he threw it upon a small table hard- b inning it to the costly wood with the blade : of his bewks: “There!” he muttered; ‘‘let James Orndare and Lewis Carson know whose hand has struck the blow—that, though Bishop Hearne is dead, his vengeance lives!” The next instant Menace was startled by a subdued rapping at the nearest door, Then, as the plotter stole noiselessly toward the open window: ‘* Rachel—Millie!” “‘Orndare!” thought the major, his hands in- voluntarily clinching. ‘In another minute he will be through that door! It is high time we were away!” Leaping to the ground, he was confronted by his wife. ‘Dolores! you should have gone with the others!” he exclaimed. _‘* Manuel, my place is with you,” she returned, simply. Catching her by the arm, he led the way across the plateau, anon glancing back at the house, again noting with anxious ear the vary- ing sounds coming up from the camp proper. t the end of the level, Menace and his wife were joined by Zeb and Jim, the two outlaws who had remained behind, : “ Signal Sulkan, one of . ‘We will await him here,” his head forward, Zeb imitated the of anowl. Scarcely had the sound died away when the little party caught a glimpse of ou,” said the chief, ’s lantern near the lower edge of the cap and, a8 ve meen We aes the flash of rocket against c to the cat of Yellow Dust a of the hill Little Lightning’s League. ‘‘Things are working splendidly!” declared Menace, gleefully, rubbing his hands, as Sulkan came running up. ‘If Pepper—” ‘‘Thet’s him, now,” interrupted Jim, as _ the report of a pistol came from the camp below. ‘* Hark!” A chorus of harsh, angry cries came up to the plateau, “They’ve spotted him!’ Menace grimly averred, ‘Cut for the horses! We must get away from here!” The party hurried down into the pass, the major taking Dolores in his arms to facilitate the descent. Tybo and the two men with the captives were mounted and waiting, and the new-comers lost no time in getting into the saddle, Menace tak- ing his place at the head of the party, with Dolores at his side, Then up the pass they spurred, two abreast. A mile was quickly covered; then, with the abruptness of thought itself, Major Menace drew rein, “Easy, boys!” he warned, lifting his trim white hand. ‘‘Look to your weapons. We are not the only horsemen in this pass to- night |” Just before him was a broad belt of moon- light. Slipping the mask from his face, he deftly edjused a neat-looking beard in its stead, then slowly rode forward to the center of the lighted space. hen, just as he drew rein, forth from the gloom ahead spurred a horseman—a slender, wiry-looking youth, revolver in hand, halting face-to-face with the outlaw chief. For a moment neither spoke. Both sat as pe tg in as statues. Eye met eye unflinch- ingly. Rien, swift as the lightning’s flash, the hand of the youth swept upward and outward, clutching the false beard, tearing it away, and revealing the stern, strangely-white face of Major Menace. At the same instant, the horses were forced back upon their haunches, while through the brooding silence of the pass rung the voice of the youth, crying: ‘‘ Forward, boys! every lad of ye! It’s our ee ge devil’s cohort, the Brotherhood of ‘ortune!” CHAPTER IV. LITTLE LIGHTNING’S LEAGUE. Tat Bolly Darrit was dismayed and sorely disturbed by Orndare’s startling announcement, was apparent at a glance. ‘ Stolen!” he ejaculated, clinching his hands and staring hard at the mine-owner’s ashen face; ‘‘ stolen! and by that imp of Satan, Major Menace!” ‘(Exactly !—read that!” and Orndare thrust into the detective’s hand a neatly-folded slip of r. Per Confound it all, colonel!” gritted the veteran detective, as he eagerly opened the missive, ** we've got to wipe out these devils, if we have to lick all Utah with ’em! Let's see—they say: “*Messrs. JAMES ORNDARE AND Lewis CaRSON:— “* You are hereby notified that Miss Orndare and Miss Carson are at present the honored guests of the undersigned. You need have no fear as to their comfort and absolute safety. It is for you to decide the duration of their visit with us, with the assur- ance that, without strenuous and well-sustained ob- jection on your part, it will certainly be a lengthy one. “The media of communication are not all that the heart of fond parent could desire just yet, as we are at present located in an extremely isolated region—a spot, too, which a dozen men might easily hold against a thousand; but you may expect to hear from us again and more definitely, within a few days. gz BROTHERHOOD oF ForTUNE.’” As he read the signature to the singular com- munication, Darrit uttered an oath. ‘‘Tt’s the old game,” he cried. ‘‘1lt’s been worked hundreds of times, but these blasted bandits have gotten the thing down toan ex- tremely fine point. They’ve waited and watched, caught us unawares, and made a clean scare; but the game ain’t out till it’s played out, and— Bolly Darrit ain’t dead yet!” The veteran’s eyes flashed vengefully. ‘Nor hyar, ’uther, pard!” gritted a voice at his side, and, the next instant, the deatbly-white face of Old Dan Rackhoss met his gaze. ‘I’m able fer a whack at ’em yet, I reckon!” “Glory!” ejaculated Darrtt, shrinking back just a trifle, then suddenly springing forward and grasping the old man’s hands, ‘“‘ Blest if I didn’t think you were a goner, Dan!” ‘« Only creased,” Rackhoss quietly averred. ““Now to business—we’ve not a breath to lose,” continued Darrit, turning abruptly to Orndare, ‘‘ Where’s Carson?” ** At the cottage, examining the grounds,” the mine-owner replied, with ashen lips. ‘* And the a ‘‘ David and Kent—they are not here yet.” “Trouble there, too, 111 bet!” muttered Dar- rit. ‘‘ It’s a precious plot—a master-plot! But, 0 on, Orndare—tell me all you know of the af- air.” “That is very little. David and Kent were to have been at the cottage by sunset, but failed to arrive. We were all restless and uneasy, feeling that something out of the ordinary had- happened, The girls were waiting in the east parlor. Some time between half-past seven and eight o’clock, I went to that rvom, knocked, called to the girls, and, receiving nor mse tried the door, finding it locked. When it had been forced, I discovered that the room was empty, one window being open. Pinned to a table with a bowie-knife was the message from the Brotherhood. “A hurried examination of the room revealed nothing more. I at once gave the alarm, and then, while Carson headed a search of the eat ises, hurried here to counsel with you. hat can be done, Darrit?”’ The mine-owner’s voice, tremulous at first, had gradually become steady, and the question race incisively. “You go home, colonel—and keep Carson there, ” the veteran replied, after a moment of deliberation. ‘‘Just leave this matter to me— T'll attend to it.” “* But how shall you proceed?” persisted Orn- dare. “Dispatch a messenger to Little et perro. Lode at once, then pick a score hard riders. from the men of Yellow Dust, and strike sharp and quick. Ef the lads—” “ Thar’s ther boyees, now!” interposed Rack- hoss, pointing to the door, his grim visage light- ing up asif by magic. ‘‘By smoke! they've b’en in action, too!” True enough; Little Lightning and Kent at that juncture crossed the threshold of the bar- room, their elegant apparel disarranged and covered with dust and giving evidence of a fierce struggle. Orndare impulsively sprung forward. He attempted to speak, but his voice failed him. ‘© We have heard all,” averred Little Light- ning, quietly. ‘' Pray spare yourself the pain of a repetition, Mr, Orndare. Bolly, have the Invincibles put in their appearance?” ‘‘Not as ther court knows on,” the veteram declared, shaking his head dolefully. “Singular!” muttered the young miner. ‘« They should have been here an hour ago! ‘¢ Mr, Orndare, I feel that a word of explana- tion is due you, precious as time is. Shortly af- ter noon, we were upon from ambush, at the Lode, by the Brotherhood of Fortune. Luck- ily no one was hurt, and we retreated to the cabin, where we remained in a state of siege for over two hours, when the outlaws stealthily withdrew. Feeling assured, that Yellow Dust was their objective point, we at once set out in pursuit. A mile or so west of the old south trail, eid turned abruptly to the north, and while Bo Lyons and the boys pushed on after them, Kent. and myself hurried in this direction. “Three miles down the trail, our horses were shot from under us by assassins in the brush, and, after a sharp hand-to-hand fight, we were compelled to e to the woods, and thus our arrival has been delayed.” Orndare extended a hand to each of the young miners, “ It is just as I feared,” he said, simply. ‘The condemned vandals have attempted to make a clean sweep,” observed Darrit. ‘‘ No doubt they have had spies in Yellow Dust for a month past. ‘How soon can you be ready for the war- path, boys?” : “The moment we can secure horses,” Little Lightning replied. “Luckily, we are fully armed, fr the boys were only here with Rover, we could race down the gang by daylight.” ‘My stable is at your service,” said Orndare, ‘Good! In fifteen minutes we can be in the saddle. It is barely possible that we can lift the trail by moonlight, and if we can—” The significance of the hiatus was not lost upon the little group. Silently they turned toward the door. At that juncture the sharp clatter in the street announced the arrival of a party of horsemen. An oath left Major Menace’s lips as bold Bob Lyon plucked away the false beard, and as the young ranger’s rallying cry rung through the
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pass, the outlaw threw his horse back upon its hbuunches and leveled a revolver at the lad’s head. There was murder in the heart of Menace just then. Behind him, the camp of Yellow ust was no doubt aroused to the Pighest pitch; before him, bold, self-reliant, ever ready for action, was a foe no less formidable than his own redoubtable clan—Little Lightning's Prairie Invincibles! [t required no words, no explanations to es- tablish their identity. Intuitively, the aie kuew that Captain Marks had not been wholly successful—that the young rangers had eluded him, and were now in the pass, a barrier to the safety to be found only in speedy flight, So, with stern purpose and fixed resolve, his cold blue eyes gleaming pitilessly—without the quiver of a nerve, his beart steeled against the faintest throb of pity—Major Menace raised his revolver, and fired. A dual report rung out. Uttering a cry of pain, the outlaw chief re- coiled in his saddle, then suddenly rose in his stirrups, and flung his yet smoking weapon at his wary adversary, The missile sped truer than had the bullet. A sharp crack followed, and Bob Lyon’s revolver dropped from his hand, ndismayed, the young ranger grasped his — rapier-fashion, and urged his horse for- ward. At the same instant, with a whoop and a cheer, into the lighted space spurred the Invin- cibles, charging straight into the shadows envel- oping the outlaw band. During the hurly-burly incident to the on- ward rush, Lyon and Major Menace were swept wide apart—the young ranger resuming his place at the head of the dashing squad, the outlaw chief wheeling and opening a sharp fire from the rear with his remaining revolver. Then up from the gloom of the lower pass came a sound that brought a lurid glow to his eyes, and an exultant ring to his voice as he shouted: “Steady, boys! Steady! Strike quick and hard! Captain Marks and his men are with us !? High above the sharp rattle announcing the meeting of the unflinching foes rung the words, and Bobby Lyon, striking right and left, his gray eyes gleaming fearlessly, his handsome, boyish face aglow with dauntises courage, real- ized that the worst had come—that naught but a speedy and skillful retreat could save the lnvincibles from the threatened death-trap. _‘* Fall back, boys!” he cried, the command creeping through Ifis hard-set teeth in sharp, bitter accents. ‘‘ Fall back! Lively! There they—”. ‘© Oh, God, have mercy! Help, help!” Clear and piercing rung that agonized shriek, cutting short Bob Lyon’s hurried words, and driving the last vestige of color from his face— going straight to his loyal heart. In the gloom before him—beyond the line of fierce-battling outlaws—struggling in the arms of a burly horseman, was a slender, white-robed form, and as if by inspiration he divined the truth. The captive was Rachel Carson. 15° Instantly, the bold boy seut forth a thrilling rallying cry, struck spurs to his horse, and forced his way between two mounted outlaws, firing right and left the last two charges of his remain- ing revolver. The space intervening between himself and the captive was quickly cleared, Taken at a disad- vantage, hampered by the struggling girl, the outlaw readily yielded, slipping to the ground for safety’s sake. Justa breath, and then Rachel Carson was lifted to a perch before Lyon and given the sup- port of his left arm. “Rest easy, miss; you are with friends!” breathed the young ranger, encouragingly ; then, clearly and distinctly: “Close in, lads—ready for hot work! The devils are closing in upon us!” ‘Faith, captin, dear, we’re here—ivery mon av us,” returned the rollicking Celt. o Forward, in a body!—we must break through!” cried Lyon, bis voice full and strong, though bis heart sunk as he noted the solid pha- 1.nx the Brotherhood had formed. ‘‘ Forward— Sorward !” Obedient to the letter, with the suddenness and swiftness of a thunderbolt, the Invincibles charged down upon the rigid line, breaking through, though horses and men went down in the mad rush, The last lad was clear. The ranks of the In- vincibles were open and scattered—the inevitable Little Lightning’s League. 5 outcome of such an assault. Slightly in the rear, handicapped by the rescued captive, rode Bob Lyon, plying spur to his noble horse. That his position was one of direst peril, was to be seen ataglance. To a man, the gallant band drew rein, to put him in the lead. How fruitless that effort to secure the fruits of the dashing victory. Forth from the line of the Brotherhood:spurred a Centaur-shape—a horse and rider with out- lines blended in the darkness. A moment of suspense, of quick, anxious work on the part of the Invincibles, and then— A ringing scream, tho sound of a blow, a great sob from brave Bob Lyon, and then, with the captive struggling in his arms, back to his men rode Major Menace in triumph! ‘*Quick, boys—lend a hand, some of you,” cried a tall youth—the first to reach Lyon’s side, ** Poor Bob is hard hit!” “Hard hit!—it’s his death he’s got!” another ejaculated, catching Lyon’s arm. ‘‘ Forward with you, boys! We must reach Yellow Dust— the sooner, the better! Saul Scott an’ I'll keep Bob in the saddle.” The outlaws were speeding away as rapidly as the darkness would permit, and further effort in the direction of a rescue just then would be worse than useless. With heavy heart the In- vincibles wheeled about, and, with their stricken comrade in. their midst, proceeded down the pass at a sha The ride to Yellow Dust was accomplished in unbroken silence. Arriving at the St. George Hotel, they dismounted, and Bob Lyon was lifted from his saddle. “* He’s dead, boys!” uttered big Saul Scott, in ‘** Lay a-holt, easy-like, an’ canter. an awed undertone, we'll get him inside.” At that juncturea group of five men appeared at the door of the bar-room, and to the inex- pressible relief of the Invincibles, they recog- nized the foremost as their leader, Little Light- ning. Great was the sorrow and indignation of the young ranger chief and his brother Kent at Bob yon’s sad fate, while James Orndare, Bolly Darrit and Old Dan Rackhoss were moved scarcely less deeply. “Carry the poor fellow in, boys,” said Little Lightning, clearing a passage to the door, “ Let us do all we can for bim, there—” He sprung through the doorway and pointed to the ong table upon which Old Dan had been placed a short while before. A glance showed that Lyon was dead—had died almost instantaneously. The handle of an eight-inch bowie-knife protruded from his left ben ow did it happen?’ and Little Lightnin turned to Saul Scott, % . Minutely, the young Hercules described the events of the afternoon and evening. The In- vincibles had lost the trail of Captain Marks and his men, and, after a wan Tore fruitless search, had pushed on to Yellow Dust, with the intention of entering the camp through the pass leading to the northward, and thus had met Menace and his party. As Saul narrated the details of the ren = gly described in his rough yet eloquent style the at- tempt of heroic Bob Lyon to rescue Rachel Carson against such desperate odds, Orndare’s eyes grew wet and he sob like a child, while old Bolly Darrit turned away and strode mood- ms to and fro, making vigorous use of his ban- ana. _ The effect upon Little Lightning was fully as intense, yet widely different. The color fled from his face, His lips trembled, then settled in hard, unyielding lines, His eyes filled with a dark, scintillating glow, and every fiber in his lithe young body seemed drawn to its utmost tension. } ‘He lived and died a hero!” he said, in a hard, choked voice, as Saul ended, and stoop- ing he pressed back the dark-brown hair and imprinted upon the broad white forehead a lin- gering kiss, A moment he hovered silently over the lifeless clay, his lips twitching spasmodically. When he lifted his head and faced his fellows, his eyes were dry and hotly burning. ‘*He was our hearts’-brother boys!” he con- tinued, lowly and with a peculiar intonation. ‘He was brave, noble and generous, It was a coward’s hand that struck him, and .he died doing his duty. ; *“Ye who are with me for vengeance, look one last upon r Bob, Nota moment is to lost. We shall take the trail at once!” Silently every lad of the ranger band glided up to the table. Hand clasped’ hand and eye met eye above the voiceless dead. “It is a compact—a league, the Invincibles is makin’,” muttered Bolly Darrit to Orndare. ‘Just plant the kid the very best you know how, colonel. Old Dan, Orthodox Pete an’ my- self are goin’ to have a finger in this rumpus— mind that ! ‘* An’ if it’s in the power o’ humans to fetch back them gals, you’ll see ’em soon; bear that in mind, too!” CHAPTER V. / SEEKING THE TRAIL, Just as the sun rose above the far-eastern horizon, twelve horsemen, two abreast, splendid- ly mounted and armed, and leading four pack- animals, emerged from a dark defile leadiug back into the hills, and slowly descended the shar}, slope before them, halting at the brink of a swift, narrow stream, That the twelve had seen hard service within a shcrt time was evident. All were jaded-look- ing, and upon several bandage and compress showed, hiding the marks of bullet and knife. These riders were the Prairie Invincibles. In the rear with old Rover in leash, was Little Lightning. At the side of the young ranger chief rode Bolly Darrit. “Now, hyar’s trouble!” ejaculated the vet- eran, relapsing into the vernacular, as he sub- jected the opposite bank to as close a scrutiny as the distance would permit. ‘‘Et’s ther fu’st water this side ov Yaller Dust, an’ ther con- demned skunks hev took to et es straight es ducks! ‘*T tell ye, Davy, we hev got ter make slow an’ sure ther words in this hyar campaign. Menace is es keen es a fish-hook, he is, an’ es desp’ritt a thief es ever went onbanged. Given hafe a chaince, he’d fang ther hull outfit!” “You are right, Bolly,” Little Lightning admitted, with forced composure. ‘The stake is too great to risk a “eet 2 ‘*Kent, you and Saul Scott ride up-stream, one on each side, as far as you think et and keep a sharp lookout for anambush, If you discover anything, report just as quickly as possible, ‘* Here—take Rover with you. prove sharper than your eyes.” Then, as the two lads rode away on their perilous errand, Little Lightning and Bolly turned and led the way down-stream and into a beautiful little glade about three hundred yards distant, where the party halted and dismounted. After a brief consultation, Old Dan Rackboss was appointed to have charge of affairs at the temporary camp, and then Little Lightning and his veteran friend remounted and continued down-streaim, one on either bank. The valley gradually widened as they pro- ceeded, and finally opened into a broad level, covered with a dense forest, across the lower end of which stretched a range of lofty, heavily- timbered hills, broken by numerous passes, Just before ioe ee the base of this range, Little Lightning suddenly halted, uttering a sound expressive of intense satisfaction. The next minute he was joined by Bolly. ‘* We're on the track,” said the young miner, pointing to hoof-prints in the yielding turf, “*The Brotherhood passed down the stream.” ‘“An’ hev left a spy,” the veteran added. ‘“*T don’t like the looks ov things, Davy! They're p'intin’ straight fer Utah!” **'You may be right, Bolly,” Little Lightning returned, his face ye race “That the rank and file of the Mormon hierarchy would do everything possible to screen them,I do not doubt. In fact, the very boldness of this raid goes to show that such would be the case. Men- ace and his men are not without friends, even in Yellow Dust.” P ‘“Yas, yas; friends in plenty, too,” the veteran observed, “But the fact that the party are without pack-animals, so far as we have been able to determine, indicates that their flight is not to be a lengthy one,” pursued Little Lightning. ‘* My idea is, that if we succeed in picking up the trail we shall hole the cusses to-day.” “Don’t ye bank on thet, Davy,” Darrit ad- vised, with a shrewd look. “ Now, le’s see w’at ther galoot thet left ther His nose may water right byar aire upto. Ef we c’u’d on’y git our han’s on him—” Little Lightning nodded grimly, and started forward, a fierce glow coming over his face, “Easy, boyee,” warned the veteran, ‘ Tain’t in nater fer you to be patient, I reckin; I c’u’dn’t, I know. But at ther same time thet cuss ahead ov us holds a big advantage, an’ he’s none too good ter drop us both, from under kiver, it “Jest hol’ back an’ let me hev a whack at era TY ha u \ owes eae ert Ny “ 25 ye “7 P 2 Loss mi rae F ee.
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. Was upon his feet, this wrinkle. Pile down off’n yer hoss an’ git back inter kiver, fer es soon es ther condemned galoot diskivers thet he is followed, he’ll double on his trail an’ make back ter ther water. When he does thet, we’ve got him.” Without a word, Little Lightning turned aside, leading Darrit’s horse, and rode into a thicket, where he dismounted. The veteran, Winchester in hand, glided for- ward on the trail with all the stealth of a red- n. Straight up the side of the bold, wooded spur led the trail, until the ascent became so abrupt as to preclude the possibility of further advance mounted, then veered sharply to the south, rounding a mass of jutting rock. At this point the wary old detective paused long enough to secrete his Winchester, then with his self-cocking revolvers in hand, crept forward inch by inch, confident that the outlaw was not far in advance. A glance around the angle of the rock proved his surmise correct. Tethered to a dwarfed pine only a few rods distant, was a horse. Beside the animal, busy with a small, square package fastened the sad- dle, stood the spy. After a moment the outlaw, package in hand, lided away from the horse, laying his course irectly toward the summit. Bolly watched him narrowly. “Go ahead, my bantam!” he chuckled. ‘I think I begin to see your leetle game!” Even as he spoke, the detective again crept forward, using every precaution possible to avoid discovery. Within twenty minutes the spy had reached his objective point—a barren spot just beyond the summit, on the eastern slope of the hill. Opening the package, he set to work upon its contents with a sort of nervous eagerness, ap- parently wholly unsuspicious of the proximity of an enemy. The task required but a moment, When he rose to his feet he raised aloft to catch the rays of the sun a buge, highly-burnished reflector. Darrit uttered a startled grunt, and the next instant sent a pistol-ball crashing through the center of the frail disk, smashing it into a hun- dred ee “ Hands up! ye condemned sneak!” he grated, nging from his covert and confronting the unded outlaw. ‘! Hands up! or yer ornery pelt won’t be wu’th takin’!” The muzzle of a revolver stared the fellow in the face, the hammer half-poised under the steady pressure of the veteran’s finger against the trigger, and with a face as colorless as ashes he sullenly obeyed the stern command. Darrit strode forward, a mocking grin lurk- ing about the corners of his mouth. ‘A nice trick fer you ter play, Jimmy Pet- tin!” he enunciated, his blue eyes meeting the dusky orbs of the captive fiercely, wrath mr by * You 2 cur! Stick out yer paws—quick, afore I ergit, an’ save the hangman a job!” Mechanically the uplifted hands of the outlaw came down to a level. His dark eyes glittered dangerously, and into his pallid face crept a red- dish glow. “It’s your turn now, Bolly Darrit!” he mut- tered, in a voice hoarse with chagrin and rage. “* Mebbe mine *11—” Like a flash of light the detective leaped for- ward, the butt of his heavy revolver descending upon Pettin’s skull with: crushing force, drop- ping him in his tracks, senseless, Just in time, too, was the veteran’s maneuver executed, averting, by the fraction of a second, aduel to the death; for as Pettin sunk down inert and helpless, a short, heavy double-bar- reled pistol slipped from his nerveless hand to the ground. Bending over his captive, Darrit secured his wrists with handcuffs, and removed his belt of . arms, J ‘“* [ll trust to luck thet ye don’t get up an’ run away,” the detective muttered, as he gained his feet. “Ugh! a close call that! If I hadn’t santes it— : mething like a shudder completed the sen- tence, and then with a grim smile Bolly turned - away, pulling from his pocket asmall field-glass. Long and earnestly he surveyed the surround- ing hills, scanning every nook and cranny vVisi- ble; but no trace of the Brotherhood was dis- cernible. ; ‘‘They’re there somewhere,” he muttered, in a vexed tone, as he put away the glass, ‘‘ Pet- tin’s signal could have been seen a long dis- tance.” Turning to his captive, the detective found ‘that the fellow bad ained consciousness, and y for flight. Little Lightning’s League. “That is all right, Jimmy!” he exclaimed, nodding shortly. ‘Forward, now—just as straight to your borse as you can walk!” Pettin'’s heavy jaws closed with a click. “Have it your own way, Bolly!” he gritted, sullenly Lah up the march down-hill, ‘‘ Be jest a leetle keerful, though, an’ not crowd too hard! Menace might git a holt ov it, an’—” ‘‘ Shet up!” broke in the detective, contemptu- ously, ‘‘ ¥e’ll git chaince enough to talk, by an’ by! Now, mosey!” There was a gleam in Darrit’s usually mild blue eyes that did not escape the observant out- law, and he silently hurried forward, Arrived at the jutting rock, Darrit secured his Winchester, then unhitched. the horse and compelled Pettin to mount. “‘ Jest ye ride straight back to the p’int whar eleft ther water,” said the detective, sternly. ‘Don’t ye try ter twist right or left; straight ahead—or ye don’t go at all!” So captor and captive quietly made their way down the long, sharp slope, arriving in due time at the point where Bolly had left ittle Light- ning. The young ranger was nowhere visible. Again and again, the detective uttered a pecu- liar signal of frequent use among the Invinci- bles, but as often no response came, save the echo from the bills, Securing the outlaw in the saddle, he tied the horse to a tree, and began a hurried reconnois- sance of the vicinity. ‘‘ There is something strange about it all,” Bolly muttered, as he forced his way into a thicket hard by, following the trail left by the youth. ‘*Davy never went away from _here without a good, solid reason, If— Hallo! thar’s my critter!” A shrill whinny, an ejaculation of delight, and then with a bound the veteran reached the side of his faithful steed and clutched eagerly at a scrape of paper pinned to the saddle, A leaf from a memorandum-book, it proved to be, and penciled upon it was the following message: “ Botty:—Hurry back to camp and lead the boys down-stream. Have made a discovery, and_will leave a plainly-marked trail. ro i ‘“*Glory!” ejaculated Darrit, shoving the note into his pocket and turning tothehorse. ‘‘ That from Davy, just at this time, means business!” Mounting, he rode back to his captive, and thence with the outlaw in custody, to the creek. At that point, he was suddenly confronted by a horseman from up-stream—Saul Scott, the young Hercules. ‘“‘ What’s broke loose?” cried Bolly, ere the youth could speak. ‘“‘ Nothin’,” was the cool reply, as Saul drew rein. ‘* We lit onto ther trail a couple of miles above camp, an Kent an’ ther boys aire on ther move. Hurry on, you an’ Little Lightnin’.” Darrit uttered a low whistle, “We cain’t do it, Saul!” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Jest read thet,” and he handed the young giant Lit- tle Lightning’s message. Needless to say, Saul Scott was in turn non- plused, ‘* What shall we do, Bolly?’ he asked. ‘‘ Ther best we kin. Hyar, take this galoot an’ hurry back ter ther Invincibles, Pll push on ar- ter Davy. Tell Kent ter send three or four ov ther boyees ter j'ine us—we’ll need ’em “fore many hours.” CHAPTER VI. A MAD RIDE. Wirn what burning anxiety and impatience Little Lightning had retreated to_the cover of the thicket, to intercept the outlaw spy and await Bolly Darrit’s return, it isnot easy to por- tray. For the nonce, the coolness of the pig ran- ger had given place to the frenzy of the dis- tracted lover. What a moment of torture it was! Why must he supinely await developements wrought by another? Was not Rachel Carson in the hands of foes most unscrupulous? This last was the thought that goaded him to action. Hardly had Bolly Darrit disappeared when he sprung from the saddle and securely tethered the horses, “T can at least scout down the creek a short distance,” he muttered, leaving the covert. ““Even Bolly couldn’t object to that! If the y gives him the slip, my chances of cutting the cunning rascal off from his fellows will be just as good—perhaps better.” And tbus musing, he regained the bank of the water-course and rode slowly onward, his eyes ceeded when he suddenly halted, uttering a short, sharp cry. Just before him, upon the drooping branches of a bush overhanging the water, was a hand- kerchief—a dainty combination of lace and linen, unquestionable a lady’s. Instantly Little Lightning sprung from the saddle and secured the tell-tale article. A single searching glance was all-sufficient in reing He ownership of the prize, “Tt is Rachel’s!” he ejaculated, his dark eycs aglow. ‘‘ The Kip 3 devils have carried her down-stream, but she has succeeded in leaving behind her this trace.” A lover-like outburst followed, and then, with his precious souvenir snugly posers he turned and spurred back to the thicket, Darrit had not returned. Hastily writing a few lines, he attached the message to the detective's saddle, and returned to the stream. At the point’ where he had discovered the handerchief, he entered the water, and passed onward, closely scanning the banks. A few minutes passed in silence; then the dis- tant report of a revolver stung through the woods, “That was Darrit’s weapon,” he muttered, pausing, irresolutely. ‘‘To push on seems al- most lice deserting a friend in distress,” Then his face grew grim and dark, and he touched spur to his faithful steed. ‘There was but one,” he continued; ‘Sand for bush-fighting I'd pit Bolly against any man in the hills—red or white.” Another mile was covered, and then the chan- nel of the stream became rough and broken, the hills on either side rising steeply and to a greater hight. Little Lightning had reached a point opposite the mouth of a small pass, when the roar of a cataract just beyond him, hidden by a sharp curve in the channel, apprised bim that a fur- ther descent of the stream was probably out of the question. “They must have gone up the pass,” he thought. ‘‘ They certainly have not left the stream at a point behind me, and a dozen paces will reveal what is below.” The surmise was correct. Not only was a further descent impracticable, but a survey of the pass disclosed the fact that a body of horse- men had entered it not many kours before. Marking his trail, the young ranger pushed on up the pass ata rapid pace; yet noiselessly, the iron-shod hoofs of bis horse sinking softly into the yielding sand and earth. ‘* They have thrown precaution to the winds,” he mused, glancing at the clearly defined trail. “They did not expect a night pursuit. Saga- cious cld Rover never entered into their evil cal- culations,” f Scarcely had his mind framed the thought, when forth from a number of unsuspected coy- erts in each wall of the pass sprung upward of a half-score of masked men—roughly-clad, un- kempt-looking fellows, thoroughly armed, and with weapons leveled. “Hold, Little Lightning! Don’t attempt to draw!” sung cut the leader of the ill-favored co- hort, throwing himself directly into the ranger’s pathway. ‘ You are our meat dead or alive!” A bitter imprecation escaped the lips of the youth, and his hancs which rad moved swiftly to his belt, fell limply to his sides. Asingle swift glance had been sufficient to establish the exact status of affairs. He was-in atrap. Resistance, just then, meant defeat and death! “So be it, Captain Marks,” he responded, as coolly as his intense chagrin and disap intment would permit. ‘I must acknowledge that you've got me into a tight box!” } “« Bxactly !” laughed the outlaw, grimly. ‘* And the prospect is decidedly in favor of a continu- ance of the ‘box’ arrangement! “Sulkan, you and Tybo assist the gentleman to dismount. Relieve him of his weapons, and pinion his hands at bis back.” : An outlaw glided forward from each side of the pass, and the chief's commands were obeyed promptly and to the letter. " “Now, back into the saddle with him,” con tinued Captain Marks. ‘He isin your hands, and it is for you to see that he is not missing when wanted, “ Forward, men, to the horses,” With the precision of soldiers, the men formed around the captive, and with in their midst advanced at a double-quick, A few hundred feet above the point of attack was asbarp bend in the per aud just beyond n a. with their quest. the angle thus formed, in charge of two men, ot three hundred yards had he thus pro-! were the horses of the band. <td d rel epee Er ee Eee ee ee ee ee ee Oe en eee pon Pe |
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" perado. ** Mount,” tersely ordered Captain Marks, Little Lightning drew a breath of relief, ‘‘Thank Heaven! the girls are not here!” he could not help exclaiming, mentally. me in this plight would almost deprive them of hope!” Then onward swept the Brotherhood, covering mile after mile in utter silence. Just at noon, they turned from the pass into a dry watercourse, and thence made their way, after a sharp scram- ble, to a small plateau overlooking the pass, Here Captain Marks ordered a halt. ‘* We've got to dispose of our captive, boys, as you know, and bere is the place to do it,” he an- nonneed. ‘* At this point we scatter, to meet at oa rendezvous, and we can’t be burdened with im. * Little Lightning, your race is run! ‘‘Tybo, your lariat! Noose one end, and fast- en the other around the bale of that sapling. We'll swing him over the edge of the cliff.” The young ranger could not repress a shudder. Yet, he nerved himself to meet unflinchingly the grim fate that seemed inevitable, watching with undaunted eye the hurried preparations, Bitterly he regretted that he had so quickly yielded—that he had permitted his impatience to override his judgment, but no trace of fear, or of the emotions called into life by thoughts of Rachel Carson, could be detected upon his set, stern face. “Tt is hard, boy—bitterly hard!” uttered Cap- tain Marks, slowly, his basilisk eyes gleaming coldly through the aperturesof his mask. ‘‘ But —business is business! Were we to release you, it would put our own necks in the halter!” “Right, captain!” Little igeeaing enunci- ated, a reddish glow appearing in his black eyes. ‘‘ Were I to escape, Judge Lynch would have business with you and yours before many days!” ** Just so!” and the outlaw nodded viciously. ** Boys, help him from his horse.” “Hold, captain!” cried the young ranger, his voice high and clear, the muscles standing out from his body in great cords, as the men started forward. ‘* Hold! I prefer death by tbe bullet —if death it must be! ** Out of the way, you devils !” A jingle of spurs, a sudden bound of the horse, a mighty wrench, a rending, snapping sound, and as the broken bands fell to the earth, Little Lightning shot forward, leaning from the sad- dle and dexterously plucking the revolvers from the belt of Captain Marks as he passed that worthy. - Just a breath—then his sharp, shrill cries ringing defiantly through the mountain fast- nesses, the dashing youth disappeared below the level of the plateau, charging headlong down the abrupt descent to the water-csurse! For a moment the Brotherhood stood a led. Thon, to a man, they sprung to their = mounted, and spurred to the edge of the u. There they halted, falling back in confusion, just as Little Lightning turned between the sheltering banks of the dry channel. ‘“* Back!” cried Captain Marks, hoarsely. ‘‘ It is as much as a man’s neck is worth to risk it! Back! we can pick him off as he goes down the ss! In hot haste the robber cohort again dis- mounted, and with weapons in hand, aligned themselves along the brink of the precipice over- hangivg the pass. A moment of suspense—then a single shot, . followed the next breath by a volley—a ringing shout, defiant and exultunt, and Little Light- ning was clear of the death-gantlet! Captain Marks reeled back from the verge of the precipice, his hands clinched, his eyes gleam- ing savagely. ‘Don’t waste your lead, boys!” he grated, madly. ‘You might as well attempt to hit a streak of lightning!” “You is right, Cap!” declared a grizzled des- ““Derned ef I ever see’d sech a trick played!” ‘““The young dare-devil has the best piece of horseflesh in Nevada!” Marks sullenly returned. “*Tybo, you and Sulkan must have bound him insecurely.” ‘‘Hyar is ther cords,” responded the ruffian addressed, stepping forward with the broken bands, ‘‘ Knot’s all right; he bu’sted loose by — pe pat n ejaculation of surprise esca Captain Marks. The buckskin Shands had, oy Ba ora snapped asunder! ‘“Gents, it’s a feat worthy of Samson!” he cried, flinging the broken strands over the precipice, _ “Now remount and scatter, Let each man ** To see |. Little Lightning’s League. cover his trail, for in less than three hours the whole pack of young devils will be on.the scent, hot-foot!” CHAPTER VIL. ROAD-AGENTS—A CONFERENCE, A WEEK later. The shades of night, black, somber, starless, had settled over Yellow Dust. A chilling north wind swept down the pass, and the streets of the camp were deserted. Within the bar-room of the St. George Hotel were grouped a half-dozen men, conversing in low, excited tones. ‘*Hafe-past nine!” suddenly ejaculated a brawny miner, leaning against the end of the bar, as he glanced at the clock adorning the wall opposite. ‘‘ Gen’lemen, I opine thet ther kernel hes run ag’in’ a snag!” ‘*T hope not!” asseverated another, earnestly. ‘*Hyar, too, pard!” a third vigorously declar- ed. ‘Thar ain’t many men es squar’ es Jim Orndare.” ‘* Ther more reason fer ther dirty galoots ter fang ’im,” remarked the first speaker, calmly producing and filling his pipe. ‘‘ Sech critters hate men like Jim, wurs’n a bum does water.” ‘*Edzactly,” the "tender chimed in, with a knowing nod, as he rested his elbows upon the bar. ‘* Thur’s no gettin’ around ther fact thet ther huss hes bin held up ag’in, though. Et’s two hours overdue,” ** A good two hours,” supplemented the man at the end of the bar—Si Hart—puffing vigorously at his pipe. ‘‘Blessme! ef Yaller Dust ain’t on ther boom I don’t want a cent! Ther gals stolen, ther Rocky Bar coath held up twicet in three trips, an’ ther Old Boy a-runnin’ loose gin- erally fer a week past! ‘1 tells ye, pards, thar’s goin’ ter be a mighty upsplosion in this part ov ther kentry one ov these days, an’ some ov these derned Mormon galoots aire goin’ up so high they’ll need six feet ov solid clay when they come down!” ‘* Thet’s w’ot!” the tender asseverated, thump- ing the bar with his fist by way of emphasis. ‘* Menace an’ his gang aire in cohoots with ther Saints—don’t ye fergit it! Ef—” - At that juncture, the door was hurriedly open- ed, and a new-comer strode into the room—- a tall, well-dressed man, with flashing, blue- gray eyes, long white hair, and patriarchal eard. His face was white and drawn, and about bim was an air of nervousness that did not escape the group of loungers, ‘‘Has the colonel returned?” he asked, in a keen, incisive voice, Si Hart removed the pipe from his mouth. : ¢ Not yet, Mr. Carson,” he replied, respect- ully. “Then say to him, the moment he comes, that I wish to see him on urgent business.” “Pil do it, sir.” With a curt nod, Carson quitted the room as abruptly as he had entered it. A moment of silence followed his departure. _ “ More high jinks!” muttered Si, with a know- ing look, ‘It beats ther nation, pards—this hyar case. Whar’s Little Lightning—” “* Listen!” interrupted the bartender, sudden- a pene his hand.’ ‘‘ Thar they come—huss an’ a True enough, the rumble cf wheels and the heavy tramp of many horses could be heard, and then there was a rush for the door. The next instant the stage and its escort of a half-score horsemen, drew up before the hotel, ~ be greeted with a volley of eager interroga- ions, Promptly singling out the leader of the troo Si Hart elbowed his way through the aya crowd, and delivered Carson’s message, where- upon Orndare uttered a few words to one of his mounted companions, and then hastened towaid the cottage, Just as the mine-owner arrived at the edge of the little plateau, a dark shape glided out “tm the dense shadow of a tree and confronted im. ~* Colonel!” “Who is it?” The clizking of a revolver accompanied the sternly-utte question, and Orndare peered sharply at the figure blocking his path, * Bolly, Jim—ole Bolly!” ras the instant re- ply, in the most guarded of tones, ‘I’m on my way ter ther house. Ride on,.an’ ef ther coast aire cl’ar I'll jine ye thar ina minnit. Let me in ataside door, an’ mind thet ther servants ain’t in ther way. ; ‘Ketch my drift?” “T do, Darrit,” and then, as the ‘shape disap- peared from his path, the colonel rode onward, 7 Ten minutes later a door in the west side of the cottage was noiselessly opened, and Orn- dare, stepping out, uttered a low whistle. He was instantly confrunted by three men. ‘*Lead on, colonel,” requested the foremost, in a husky whisper, as Orndare started back with revolver half drawn, ‘‘ They’re only ther ees, With a breath of relief, Orndare led the way into the house and secured the door. Procur- ing a light, he proceeded tena ys to the library, where Lewis Carson was found in waiting. There the three visitors removed their facial disguises, disclosing the well-known features of Little Lightning, Kent Kane and Bolly Darrit, The brothers were in the buckskin garb of prairie rangers, and were well armed. The veteran detective had assumed the guise ofa mountain tramp—his favorite role. As his eyes fell upon the trio, Carson uttered a sharp cry and sprung forward with extended hands, saying: ‘*Thank Heaven! you are here at last! ‘What of ny daughter, David, and of poor Millie?—bave you found them?” “No, Mr. Carson, we have not,” was the steady reply. ‘‘ Menace bas scattered his men in every direction, and every known precaution has been taken to cover the trail. So far as the whereabouts of the Brotherhood is concerned, we are utterly at sea!” “Exactly!” supplemented Bolly Darrit, quickly; ‘‘ but we bain’t thrown up ther sponge. ‘*Colonel, we’re hyar ter talk bizness—pri- vately. Kin ye make sure we won’t be heard?” ‘Certainly ; you may proceed with perfect a. ‘*Then, colonel, s’pose ye tell us w’ot hes bap- pened in Yaller Dust sence thet night.” Orndare started. ‘**You have heard—” ** Nothin’ definite, colonel,” interrupted Dar- rit Feat ** Jest ye tell us.” ‘* Well, then, to be brief, the Rocky Bar stage has twice been held up, and Carson and myself have been heavy losers.” ‘““Wa-al!” ejaculated Darrit, rubbing his hands softly, and flashing a significant glance at Little Lightning and Kent. ‘‘ Wa-al! wa-al! thet was hard luck, to be sure! “But go on, Orndare—tell us all about et.” “‘The first robbery oceurred night before last,” pursued the colonel,.as he lighted a cigar; “the second only a few hours ago, and at the same place—the ford above the big island in Snake Creek. ‘*On both occasions, the hearse was halted just before entering the water, the road-ageats appearing from the numerous fissures in the rocks at that point. ** About three thousand dollars were secured the first haul, and to-night five thousand more were taken, the scoundrels literally gutting the stage to secure it. . ‘Yesterday, I organized a posse and rode down to the ford, but not a trace whereby the road-agents might be trailed could we find, although we searched the vicinity most thor- ouney. “Then, again to-night, when it was found the stage was late, we hastened there, arriving on the scene just after the miscreants had vanished, ‘But, the singular part of the affair is the fact that the attack was made upon the incom- ing stage, and just at the right time. Ary one at all familiar with the business of tte line would know that such an attack would very likely prove to be a water-haul, while a like descent upon the out-going ccach would almost infallibly nan out handsomely.” “True,” affirmed Darrit, reflectively, as Orn- dare paused. ‘But, colonel, how do you ex- plain it all?” ‘My explanation is simply this: The road- agents have a spy 1n camp, and that spy has by some means obtained un inkling of the fact that Carson and myself had money in transition those days,” ‘I would have been easy for a spy to have obtained such information?” “Yes; an adroit fellow would have found the task not at all difficult,” Orndare admitted. ‘* While we have not openly mentioned the mat- ter, yet we have taken no especial care to make it a state secret.” ‘Texas Tom had charge ov ther buss?” ‘ **Yes, and a more trusty fellow never held ribbons on that line.” i “* You’re right, colonel.” declared Bolly, with an emphatic nod. **I know old Tom—know him like a brother! “But were thar anv passengers ?” “On the first trip, no. Yesterday Moses /
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me Les. Ce ee ‘ae. - + Pte 7%. Baumschell went down to the the Bar, and was on the hearse to-night. He became impatient at the delay occasioned by our arrival, got a horse from one of the boys and rode on to wy ‘* Wa-al, thet’s ole Bumshell, to a cent,” Bolly remarked, with a peculiar smile, ‘I kelkilate ter bev bizness with him ’fore many moons.” ** Do you suspect him?” queried Carson. ‘* Yes—to be plain about it.” At that juncture, Kent noiselessly arose and quitted the library. ‘* Now, what is your opinion of this road- agent business, Darrit?” Orndare asked. ‘‘ Do you connect it with the abduction of the girls?” ‘*T most certainly do!” avowed the detective. ** More than that, [ can’t say jest yet. ** We hev formed a theory ov our own in re- gard to ther Brotherhood ov Fortune, an’ this appearance ov road-agents tends ter strengthen thet theory.” ‘*Tf we could capture one of the miscreants,” suggested Orndare, ‘“‘ We might squeeze some- thing from him.” Bolly shook his head. ““°Pwon’t work,” he declared. ‘‘ We've tried it, an’ ther cuss cain’t be made ter talk wu’th a copper. At that moment, Lewis Carson drew from his pocket a letter, which he handed to Orndare, saying: . ‘“* Read that, Jim. I found it awhile ago, pin- ned to the door with an eight-inch blade, If you saw Si Hart at the hotel, you will now under- stand why I left the message with him.” Bowing slightly the mine-owner ae ey opened the missive, A glance at the hand- writing confirmed his suspicionsas to its source. “Tt isfrom the Brotherhood!” he muttered, growing deathly pale. ‘Ill read it aloud, ‘* GENTLEMEN :—Pursuant to the promise contain- ed in our communication of a week ago, we drop you these lines, with the hope that you are now ready for business. You have certainly had ample time and opportunity to learn that any and all search for your, missing treasures would be without result. ‘** The simple truth is, they are held for ransom:- “*Upon the receipt of $25,000-—-to be paid as here- inafter specified—they will be promptly restored to your paternal care, unharmed. “If you desire to accept this proposition, we would respectfully refer you to Mr. Moses Baum- schell, of your place, with whom you are doubtless well acquainted. *** We have placed in the hands of this gentleman a bill-of-sale, purporting to be an instrument witness- ing the] gal transfer of a certain mining claim from Carleton Nesbitts and Robert Crissell to James Orn- dare and Lewis Carson, in consideration of the above-named sum. So far as Baumschell is con- cerned, the transaction is bona fide, andif you are wise > will not inform him to the contrary. «The day the Jew receives the money, and you, in return therefor, the bill-of-sale, your daughters will be released and provided with a proper escort to Yellow Dust. Seer nie proposition will remain open one week. ‘* THe BROTHERHOOD OF FortTUNE.’”’ Bolly Darrit drew a long breath as Orndare finished reading the communication, “Thetis es purty a lettle scheme es was ever hatched!” he ejaculated. ‘* But what shall we doin the matter?” cried Carson. ‘The artful devils have us by the heels, and we are well-nigh powerless.” ‘*Tt doesn’t look very promising for us,” Lit- tle Lightning admitted, frankly. ‘‘ Yet, much may be accomplished ina week.” ‘“*We had better accept their terms and pay the money,” gloomily averred Orndare, Darrit took a turn or two across the library. ‘*Oh, w’u’dn’t I like jest ter git my two han’s on one ov ther galoots!” be growled, suddenly pausing beside the table in the center of the room, “Ob, w’u’don’t I make ther fur fly, though!” ‘W’u'’dn’t I turn myself inter a ginooine ole in- quisition, though! Wa-al, mebbe—” Orndare lifted his hands instantly checking the outburst. A succession of startling sounds came from without—sounds that could have but one inter- pretation. A desperate struggle of some sort was in pro- gress directly beneath the hbrary windows. _ Hesitating not an instant, Lewis Carson glid- ed forward, opened the blinds and hoisted the lower sash of the window nearest him. Then came the sound of a heavy blow, and the next minute Kent Kane appeared at the window, half-carrying, half-dragging a burly form, CHAPTER VIII. SI HART’S PREDICAMENT. UTTERING a startled cry, Lewis Carson shrunk ‘back from the window, his pallid face the pic- ture of amazement and alarm. ‘* By heavens! there is a mistake somewhere!” Little Lightnin g’s 7 League.’ he exclaimed, as the young ranger forced his | half-senseless captive into the room, ‘* What is the trouble, Kent?” ‘Nothing to speak of, sir. Will you please to close the window? This affair should by all means be kept as quiet as possible,” and the youth pulled his captive aside and pusbed him Poa a chair, where the light shone full upon his ace. ‘*Si Hart!” cried Orndare, visibly surprised. “Si Hart!” Bolly Darrit ejaculated, with an inscrutable smile, ‘* Exactly, gentlemen, and a spy!” Kent coolly bee ble!” and Ornd spy !—impossible!” an rndare grew white to the lips. ‘‘ He is one of our most trusted men. ‘* Nevertheless, he was caught listening at the wincow—caught dead to rights!” put in Darrit, crisply, ‘* Eh, Kent?” as: he was listening at the window,” af- firmed the ranger, with a short little nod. ‘I heard a stifled sneeze out there, and went out to investigate. The fellow was crouching at the window. I watched him several minutes, to assure myself that I was not mistaken as to his motive or object.” ‘*Then, I thank Heaven that he was detected and foiled!” fervently avowed Orndare, ‘“Not more than I!” echoed Carson, turnings from the window to the captured spy, bis bril- liant eyes flashing irefully. ‘‘The traitorous dog! he deserves to die!” ** Easy, boss!” the fellow protested, suddenly sitting upright in the chair and facing Carson with an air almost defiant. ‘‘ Don’t ye take everything fer granted. Et don’t need ter foller thet bekase I war under thet winder I am a traitor. W’ot c’u’d a man heer out thar, eny- way? Jes’ nothin’—ef et kems ter thet!” ‘But what were you doing there?’ demanded Orndare, sharply. ‘* Layin’ fer ther galoots w’ot follered ye from ther camp!” was the bold reply. ‘' They war ther spies! Ef Kane hyar hedn’t ’a’ bin too fast fer me, I'd ’a’ nailed ’em both, Es et is—wa-al, et’s no use ter talk—they're gone, an’ I reckon thet ends et!” ‘‘Hardly,” Kent returned, smiling grimly. ‘*The fact is, Hart, it is useless for you to kick. The case is dead against you. ‘Bolly, will you examine that window?” The veteran promptly complied. He discov- ered that the window had been tampered with— that the ee had_ been stripped from a lower pane, so that the glass could readily be forced outward an inch or more, making it possible for an eavesdropper to hear distinctly even a whis- per uttered within the library. As the detective announced the result of his examination, Si Hart’s face became bloodless, and he sprung from his seat, wild with rage. ‘ Et’s a putt-up job” he roared, brandishing his huge fist. ‘‘Et’s a putt-up job! I know w’ot you fellers aire after, but et won’t work—et won't, I tell ye! Git out ov my way—I’m goin’ venous ov hyar! Darn sech a shebang, any- wa Rasy, now,” warned Little Lightning, cold- ly, as he stepped between the entrapped despe- rado and the door, ‘‘Don’t you try the frac- tious dodge; if you do your life won’t be worth a pinch of snuff! ‘Bolly, slip on the nippers.” Si Hart sunk back into the chair, utterly cowed, There was something in the attitude of the young ranger most ominous—a something the desperado read aright. ‘* Now let’s search him,” Little Lightning con- tinued, as the detective drew back. ‘Tf the fellow is really a spy of the Brotherhood, we may find something about him to clinch the fact beyond question.” “That’s my idea, exactly,” Bolly declared, and, despite protestations and curses, they pro- ceeded to turn Hart’s pockets inside out. The search was not without results most sat- isfactory. A slip of paper fluttered to the floor, and as Orndare seized it he uttered a cry of satisfac- n. ** That settles it!” muttered Darrit. ‘* Yes, it is a message from the Brotherhood,” the mine-owner averred, narrowly scanning the slip. ‘‘It is without date or signature, but the handwriting is identical with that of the communication we have just received. It says: ** “Hart:—The time for quick, sharp work is at, hand. Let nothing slip you. .See B— dail A cry of rage escaped Hart, and if looks could have killed, the five friends would have been ae Qatek,_ sh k—let nothing sl uick, sharp work—let nothing slip—see B—— daily,’” mused Darrit, thoughtfully strok- ing bis smooth chin, is worth something!” ‘** So much that we'll keep it,” Orndare added. ‘*T suppose, Bolly, that the B—— of one is the Baumschell of the other?” ‘* Just so, colonel, an’ we'll see both, later on. ‘* The first thing to do, however, is to make Si Hart blab.” * Gentlemen, that paper ‘* Never!” gritted that ruffian, resolutely, ‘‘ I a talk—I know nothin’ ov ther Brother- ! ‘*So much the worse for you!” said Carson, grimly. ‘‘ I don’t see any chance for you to es- cape alive.” “*T kin die with a still tongue!” was the dogged response, ‘*That remains to be seen,” Orndare observed, his black eyes beginning to blaze wrathfully. ‘*This isa desperate case, and the end justifies any means. ou shall either make a clean breast of it, or be put to every torture that our ingenuity can invent.” ‘That’s right!” cried Bolly Darrit, with a vigorous nod. ‘‘Two pure and innocent girls have been torn from home by a cohort of inhu- man outlaws. You are a member of that co- hort, and you shall tell us where those girls have been taken, or, by the eternal Rockies! you shall die by inches!” There could not be an atom of doubt that the veteran detective was in deadly earnest. His ruddy face had grown colorless, his usually mild blue eyes emitted a lurid glow, and his tones sunk almost to a whisper—cold, clear, sibilant, “Yes, yes!” echoed Little Lightning and Kent, starting forward, with weapons half- drawn, : As might have been expected, Si Hart again changed color, and cowered down in the chair. The ebullient wrath of the five was deadly enough to have frightened a man far braver than he. Though visibly alarmed, the outlaw bad no intention of disclosing his knowledge of the Brotherhood. **Go ahead!” he muttered, between his set, colorless lips. ‘ You are five to one, but I defy ou!” In the fire-place smoldered a bed of coals. Without a word, Orndare strode across the room, heaped on kindlings and wood, and fanned the coals into a lurid blaze. ‘* Off with his boots and bind his ankles,” he ordered, smiling coldly as he noted the look of consternation upon the captive’s face, ‘‘We shall stop at Be +1 to obtain the secret, ‘* Hold!” cried Hart desperately. ‘I can stand anything but fire! ‘** Give me a show, and I will talk!” The five men exchanged glances. ‘““We will give you your liberty when the girls have been recovered,” said Darrit assum- ing the office of spokesman. ‘* That is, provided you tell the whole truth.” For a moment Hart seemed lost in thought. Orndare thrust the poker into the fire, “Til do it,” cried the captive. ‘I can’t tell you much, for I don’t know much; but what I do say, you can depend upon.” “Go ahead,” saic Darrit. ‘‘ Where are the s? ‘*T don’t know—somewhere within five miles of Yellow Dust. The exact place is known to but three or four men.” Again Bolly and his companions looked at each other. : ‘*Oh, it’s the truth I'm givin’ you,” Hart de-. clared, vebemently. ‘The trail led miles away, I know, but it was to mislead you as to the whereabouts of the rendezvous. ‘** Major Menace, the head of the band, is an extremely suspicious galoot, and, to guard against treachery he has conveyed the girls to a secret cavern, where they are held in custody by two of his mest trusted men and his wife, Dolores, who, by the way, is an old acquaint- ance of yours,” . ‘* Of ours?” exclaimed Orndare, in surprise, “Yes; she is none other than the Inez Carro, who disappeared from your house the night your daughters were abducted. She drugged the girls, and it was through her that Menace and his men gained admittance to the house,” “The she-devil!” Darrit ejaculated. ‘But, Hart, of how many men is this Brotherhood com- posed?” “TI don’t know—from twenty-five to thirty, I suppose. The men remained hidden away ia the hills in small detachments,” “And they are identical with the ronad- gents?” ‘s- Yes, I think so; Menace is the head of both bodies,” was the reluctant reply,
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* ‘* What is the ‘ quick, sharp work’ referred to in this message?” as a Sig Menace posted as to the shipment of money. Itis reported that the $25,000 ran- som money will be brought up from Rock y Bar within the week.” “‘ And the road-agents would seize it?” “Yes. Itis calculated to make not less than fifty thousand on the deal,” “Tt is just as [ suspected,” exclaimed Orndare, ert his hands, 1 ‘* We'll foil ’em yet, colonel,” Bolly declared, ere Hart, one question more. Who is ‘* My side-pardner, Bolivar Blackstone. But little ‘ood will that do you, as Bolivar never ventures into camp.” After two or three more questions, Bolly and Orndare stepped aside for a bri.f conference. When it had ended, Hart was conducted into an adjoining a rtment and securely bound. “The fellow’s tale corresponds with that of Jimmy Pettin,” remarked Little Lightning, as they re-entered the library; ‘‘and yet I cannot bring myself to a belief ‘that he’ has told the truth.” ‘“‘Nor I,” Bolly declared. ‘But let’s get at the meat in the cocoa-nut, and quickly, too.” Seating themselves at the table, the five enter- ed into aa earnest discussion of the situation. CHAPTER IX, BAITING A TRAP—THE APPARITION. A SHORT distance south of the St. George Hotel was a long, low building of rough slabs, enviar] across its narrow front in tall, ungainly letters “MOSES BAUMSCHELL, ** Bonanza Stars and Gold Mine of Bargains,” Midnight was near at hand, and the three or four miners lounging about the interior of the Bonanza knocked the ashes from their pipes and sidled up to the bar at the rear of the room. ‘*Give us our night-caps, Mose,” cried the foremost, a tall, red-whiskered fellow, ‘Name yer stuff, pards, an’ we’ll drink an’ git out,” “Death ter ther road-agents!” exclaimed one, as he lifted his glass. ‘* An’ more power ter Orndare!” another add- e “ Amen!” e jaculated he of the red beard, and then the glasses were drained, A moment later the trio quitted the Bonanza, followed by a peculiar look from Baumschell. A wiry, dapper little fellow was the Jew, as lithe and agile as a cat; and his nose alone be- trayed his Hebrew blood. His eyes were as blue as a summer sky, his hair and mustache a bright brown, and his speech was smooth and unbroken, - y From the day Baumschell had pitched his tent in Yellow Dust, he had done a booming busi- ness, His was the principal general store of the camp, and his bar Lad been most liberally patronized, He employed an assistant, or clerk, but on this evening that worthy chanced to be absent, and the task of closing the establishment for the night devolved upon the Jew himself. $s soon as the trio had quitted his place Baumschell came out from behind the bar, an carelessly made his way to the front entrance, At the threshold he was suddenly confronted by James Orndare. ‘* Good-evening, colonel!” ejaculated the Jew, with evident surprise. ‘‘ Step in—step in!” ** Don’t care if I do, Mose,” was the indifferent response. ‘‘ You may let me have a good cigar; and, while I’m_ smoking, we may as well salk business. It is late, but— ‘¢¢ Peeshness ish ne OE as my country- men have it,” said the Israelite, briskly, as the mine-owner hesitated. “ Just step back to the bar, colonel, and help yourself, while I close up. Vl be with you in a minute.” Nodding ‘assent, Orndare sauntered slowly down the long, narrow room. At the bar he secured and lighted a cigar, and then helped himself to a seat near the stove. Poag sy Baumschell was not long in joining m ‘* Now, colonel, what can I do for you?” the Jew asked, coming at once to the point, just the trace of a crafty smile lurking about the corners of his thin red lips, ‘* Have you a paper for me—a legal document of any kind?” queried Orndare in return, his piercing black eyes staring straight at the face of the Jew. ‘*Me?—no! What sort of a legal document should I have?” Baumschell ejaculated, with a roc of surprise. “fam not an officer of the aw.’ Little Lightning’ Ss na. in eda ‘That is very true; but have you not been requested to act as the agent of Carleton Nes- bitts and Robert Crissell in a certain matter?” ‘*No, I have not,” declared the Jew, and he shook his head as if ‘thoroughly puzzled, “* Sure?” ‘* As certainly as I stand here!” Orndare’s face expressed disappointment. **T am sorry to have Sroabiad you, Mose,” he said, rising. ‘‘I received notification this even- ing, however, that you had been selected to represent the parties I have named in a matter in progress between us, 1t is probable you will receive a like notification later on. I will see you again.’ ee Wait, ” requested Baumschell, suddenly gaining his feet. “It is possible that I have spoken too soon. Let me open my mail—-haven’t had a chance to look at it yet, ‘* What was the nature of this business?’ “The transfer of a mining-claim,” Orndare replied, puffing vigorously at his cigar to hide his agitation at the turn affairs were taking. ell, sit down, and I'll see,” and Mose turn- ee to the inverted store-box doing service as a esk After due search, he brushed aside a heap of paper: s, and with acry of satisfaction rejoined is visitor, bearing in his hand the document in question. ‘Here it is!’ he exclaimed, with a flourish. ‘Bill of Sale of the Yellow Jacket Claim, of Rocky Bar— Whew, colonel! Twenty-five thousand ! Sure you’re pot striking a snag?” “Oh, yes! But let me see the document, Mose!” - Certainly. You're not going to leave us, colonel?” “cc No. ” The bill-of-sale had been drawn up in regular form, and accompanying it was a letter to Baumschell, giving him the power of attorney in the matter, ‘*Tt all seems straight enough,” said Orndare, as he handed the papers back to ‘the Jew. “ Ac- cording to your instructions, we have a week in which to make the payment?” Exact ‘Well, if the hearse pulls through to-morrow unmolested, I may be able to pay you five thou- sandas a clincher, and the remainder in five days. Will that be satisfactory?” ‘*Father of Abraham-—yes! Pay it to suit yourself, colonel,” the Jew replied, with un- wonted earnestness, ‘ Why should I crowd you? The men are perfect strangers to me— never put eyes on ’’em that I know of. I can’t understand how they came to select me!” ‘Well, I dare say it would be no mystery to Mich friends,” remarked Orndare, dryly, and idding Baumschell good-night, he left the store. ** Trapped!” softly laughed the Hebrew, rub- bing his hands briskly, as the door clanged be- hind his departing visitor, The day succeeding this eventful night dawn- ed bright and clear, and long ere the sun rose above the hills to the eastward, the Prairie In- vincibles were astir. After a hasty breakfast, the horses were sad- dled and bridled, the pack-animals oats. and then all stood awaiting the command to move, Little Lightning and Saul Scott had drawn aside, and were engrossed in a low-voiced but animated conversation, Old Bolly Darrit, Kent Kane, and the cap- tive outlaw, Jimmy Pettin, were nowhere to be seen. “Hurry up, thar, you cubs!” wled Dan Rackhoss, the grizzled marshal of Yellow Dust, as he impatiently clambered into the saddle. ‘ Str addle horses, boyees; we'll leave ’em moon- n’! At that juncture the two young rangers turn- ed toward their fellows, and the next minute all were in the saddle, ‘* Boys, ride on to the Lode,” said Little Light- ning. ‘ ‘Corral the pack-animals, and employ the day scouting through the hills by twos. Saul and myself will probably join you along toward midnight, “The rendezvous of the Brotherhood is not many miles from Yellow Dust, and if you strike a trail or sign you'd better’ proceed with ex- treme caution.” “Thet’s us,” returned Rackhoss; and then the Invincibles moved forward, laying their course to the southwest. “Well, Saul,” said Little’ Lightning, turning to his herculean friend, as the departing ‘* brigade ” disappeared behind a wood swell, 9 ‘‘we may as well press on to the ford. By the time we have secreted our horses and explored the island, the afternoon will be pretty well ad- vanced.” ‘‘That’s about my idea of it,” Saul averred. ‘By gemently! if we kin only sight ’em, Davy, I reckon they'll heer from us! Eb?’ The young ranger simply nodded; but the gleain lighting up the depths of his black eyes spoke volumes to his big-bearted friend. “Ef they’ll only fall into Orndare’s trap!” pursued Saul, fondling his revolvers. ‘‘ Dern ‘em! wu'dn’t I like ter puncture a few of their rascally pelts, though!” ‘*T only hope the chance may be offered us,” said Little Lightning, grimly; and then silence came over the two, and during the next hour not more than an occasional word was exchanged. ‘* Thar’s ther Rocky Bar trail,” Saul suddenly exclaimed, as they rode out of. the defile some miles from their starting-point. Little Lightning drew rein. ““The ford isn’t far below,” hesaid. ‘‘ We'd better get the horse under cover and proceed afoot from this point.” “ Thar’s a sort of blind gulch cuttin’ into ther side of ther defile a couple hundred yards back,” suggested Saul. ‘*Thet’ll do. Run the critters back, and cover the trail in and out. Ill scout ahead as far as the road. Kent may have left some sign.” ° Saul hurried away with theanimals. Halfan hour elapsed, and then he emerged from the de- e afoot, and sought Little Lightning's trail. "Half-way to the road he came upon his young chief, seated on the trunk of a fallen tree, “The have gone down,” Little Lightning an- atanced, gaining his feet. ‘‘ Carson and Orn- dare have returned. We shall find Kent some- where near the island.” Good!” ejaculated Saul. ‘‘Le’s move on— I’m anxious ter see ther end of this wrinkle,” They at once started forward rarrLinng wef well back in the heavy timber skirting he trai and after a few minutes descended into a nar- row valle Here their progress was much slower. Not only was the way all but blocked by the dense undergrowth, but they felt that they were upon dangerous ground, and proceeded with the ut- most caution. ‘*'There’s the ford,” said Little Lightning, pointing to a wide, shallow-looking expanse of water some distance beyond them, as they at length halted in a small open space, ‘* Wemust be just about even with the head of the island.” ‘* Then we'd better change our course so’s ter strike et about midway,’ Saul suggested. ‘‘ Thar’s better kiver lower down.” Little repays pe assent, and they glid- ed on until they had reached the bank ‘cf the stream, while they paused to survey thair sur- roundings. The ford was fully five hundred feet above them, but from the undergrowth reaching down to the water’s edge they could obtain a clear view of it. A short distance below the ford, the island rose sharply from the water, breakin the current into two streams, neither of whic was less than sixty feet in width. Of this island, little was known. It was per- ~ haps a quarter of a mile in length, and in width ~ from fifty to two hundred and fif ty feet. Its surface was extremely rough, masses of rock rising toa pepe een hight in places, while the lower portions were covered with timber anda perfect tangle of undergrowth. After a thorough reconnoissance of the vicinity, the two rangers ‘continued down-stream in quest of Kent, finding him ata point just above the lower end of the island. “Tam awfully glad you are here,” he declared, as he wrung their hands. ‘‘ Some ‘trisky outlaw on the hill southwest of Yellow Dust has been busy all morning with a reflector similar to the one Bolly smashed for Pettin, and, . without joking at all, I was becoming alarmed.” Little Lightning’s face brightened. ‘I shall accept that as pretty good evidence that their stronghold is somewhere in this vicinity,” he avowed, ‘* But where is the canoe, Kent?” “ Just below us, hidden in the rushes. It kept. the three of us busy to get it here before day- break, but we succeeded.” “ And Bolly—did you learn if he discovered anything?” “Yes, He detected Baumschell stealing out of camp about twoo’clock this morning, and fo]- lowed bim; but the Jew was too slippery for him, and vanished somewhere near the ford. As we came down we met Bolly returning.” **Good enough! They are walking straight into the trap! They'll attack the coach to-night,
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10 Little Lightning’s League. and we’ll be on hand to see where they vanish to so mysteriously!” ** Le’s launch ther canoe an’ slip over ter ther island,” suggested Saul Scott. ‘‘ Ther upper end will be ther p’int ter lay fer ’em.” The proposed movement was at once enacted, Disembarking near the head of the island, the trio drew the canoe out of water and carried it inland a short distance, where il was concealed in a clump of bushes, The next step was an exploration of the island —a task requiring no little time and patience. Although they did not then realize the fact, their labor met with an adequate reward. Midway of the island, at its widest point, rose a rocky, cone-shaped bill of considerable extent, and to all outward appearances as solid as ada- mant. What, then, was the surprise of the trio to dis- cover that it was —— the rim of a large, irregular basin—a rock-walled lake—having a narrow outlet into the eastern branch of the creek! ‘* Et looks es ef ther bull center of ther hill hed dropped out,” vowed Saul Scott, as he red sharply at the water twenty feet below. ‘*Reckon thar c’u’d be a hole in ther walls, Davy?” The question fairly startled Little Lightning. Without a word, he turned and walked slowly around the basin, narrowly scanning its abrupt walls of rock. Kent proceeded in the opposite direction, halt- ing when he had reached the east shore of the island. Little Lightning shortly appeared ou the oppo- site side of the winding fissure, or outlet. “The walls are solid—not a break in them that I can discover,” be answered, ‘*Same here,” Kent returned. ‘If the ren- dezvous in the vicinity of the ford, it is proba- bly across the creek there. The bank is high and rocky, and fullof fissures, In fact, it looks as if the hill might be honeycombed with - caverns.” “True,” asserted Little Lightning; and then, keeping under cover as much as possible, they retraced their steps to Saul Scott. Completing their explorations, the three rangers returned to the spot at which the canoe had been concealed, and there proceeded to make themselves as comfortable as possible, pending the arrival of the stage at sunset. Saul took upon himself the onerous duty of sentry, thus giving his friends an opportunity to secure a few hours of much-needed rest. _ Faithfully, the young Hercules kept his vigils. As the forenoon wore on, the sky be- came dark and lowering, and finally a drizzling, misty rain set in, while a light fog began to rise along the creek. ‘This is cheerful!” muttered Saul, with a . grunt of disgust, as his surroundings grew more and more indistinct. ‘‘ Blamed ef ’tain’t goin’ ter be a nasty ole night!” Little Lightning and Kent were as yet hap- pily unconscious of the unpropitious change in the weather, both being soundly asleep under the sheltering branches of a low-growing live- oak, As the day advanced, the fog thickened. By the middle of the afternoon, Saul found it im- possible to distinguish objects at a distance of ten feet, and he became conscious of an oppres- sive feeling—a feeling of vague, indescribable uneasiness—and he at length decided to arouse his companions, : Scarcely had the young rangers gained their feet, when tke steady dig of a paddle sounded near at hand, warning them of the approach of a canoe, Little Lightning uttered a word of caution, and the three listened intently. After a mo- ment the slight plasbing was succeeded by a com- motion among the flags at the edge of the is- land, as if the prow of the canoe had been driven into them. hen followed a faint rustling of the dampened leaves strewing the ground, and as the lads ipped their weapons they were suddenly con- ronted by a slight willowy figure. « ‘“* My !” ejaculated Saul Scott, reeling back and betraying deep agitation, ‘Jt is Mabel Vane!” ‘ CHAPTER X. MABEL’S MISSION. As the yo Hercules shrunk back with that low, sharp cry, ruddy, honest face blanching to a deathly or, his keen, gray eyes glowing with horror, Little htnjng and Kent sprung to his side, in utter bewilderment. What mystery was this! him—that he should shrink back, dismayed, ap- palled, when thus brought face to face with her? These were the startling queries pressing them- selves upon the ranger brothers, even as they sprung to the support of their friend, and intuitively their eyes sought the face of their mysterious visitor. And what a face it was! pure oval, dark al- most as a Gypsy’s, yet clear and fresh, wit’ sloe- black eyes, curving red lips, and teeth glistening white and pearl-like as she stood smiling at the trio. A simple straw hat covered her tightly-coiled black hair; her dress was of plain, dark material, and Indian-made moccasins incased her symmetrical little feet. ** Saul [”” Just the one word—that was all, and enough. Coyly uttered, yet with a degree of expostulation in the liquid voice, it brought the young giant te his senses as effectually as if accompanied with a dash of ice-water. A burning flush instantly took the place of pallor, and with a growl of delight he shook off the hands of bis friends and iurched forward with outstretch- ed arms. Little Lightning and Kent literally ‘‘held their breath,” and, out of consideration for Miss Vane’s blushes, turned away. Big Saul Scott was looming up in a new light. ““Hey. boyees!’’ he called, after the lapse of a few minutes; ‘‘look hyar!’’ And then, distinctly, as they approached: **Miss Vane, let me make you acquainted with my friends, David and Kent Kane, of whom you have heard me speak. “Gentlemen, my betrothed, Miss Mable Vane!”’ The young rangers inclined themselves profound- ly, and in graceful terms acknowledged the intro- uction. Then, after a few minutes’ conversation, they retreated to the other side of the island. “Davy,” exclaimed Kent, as they seated them- selves in a sheltered nook, “pinch me! I can’t be- lieve that I’m awake!” ‘Well, I can assure you that you are,” Little Lightning returned, ina matter-of-fact tone. ‘* This occurrence of to-day explains Saul’s recent frequent and hootiless hunting excursions—the sly dog! “But doesn’t it strike you singular, Kent, that the young lady should appear here, and just at this time?’ ‘*Since you speak of it, yes; but despite the sin- gularity of it all, I'll pin my faith to the girl,” avowed Kent. Meanwhile, Saul Scott and Mabel Vane, at the urgent request of the lattcr, had r treated to the opposite side of the island and seated themselves under a live oak growing close to the water’s edge. ‘*Saul,” said the girl, abruptly, after a moment of profound silence on the part of both; ‘* Saul, do you know why I have sought you and your friends here to-day?” The young Hercules slowly shook his head, and a strange, puzzled look crept over his expressive face. ‘*T do not know,”’ he replied. ‘‘ May I ask?’’ ** Yes; I came at the request of Rachel Carson and Millie Orndare!”’ was the startling og * You /”’ ejaculated Saul, starting to his feet. **Yes—me /” iterated the girl, in a voice of forced calmness. ‘Sit down, Saul; I have much to say, and but little time; and the sooner certain dis- or facts are disposed of, the better.” er lips quivered painfully, and as the ranger looked down into her pale face and misty eyes he felt an uncomfortable lump rising in his throat. With considerably more cel rity than ceremony, he complied with her request, slipping his arm between her shoulders and the trunk of the tree. “Go on, my dear,” he exclaimed, with forced cheerfulness. ‘‘If it is anything so very disagree- able, we'll forget it all the sooner!” “No, it is not to be forgotten,’’ said she, almost sharply. ‘t But listen: “Who am I?” “Mabel Vane—the dearest girl on earth!” cried Saul, reverently, his aim tightening about her shoulders, his lips touching ber rorehead. : “And my father?’ she continued, averting her ace, ‘* John Vane, trapper and miner.” “No! John Vane, outlaw and member of the in- famous Brotherhood of Fortune!” ** Tmpossible!”’ and Saul started as if stabbed. “Ttis true!’’ declared Mabel, steadily. ‘I dis- covered it less than a week ago, when the two girls were pluced in his custody.” * Ah! they are at the cabin?” ““No; at the secret rendezvous of the Brother- hood. Father has abandoned the cabin for the present.” \ és 4 — how many are at this rendezvous?” pursued paul, ‘The chief and his wife, the two girls, four men, and father and myself,” ‘**May I ask where it is located?” ‘“*T cannot tell you that.’’ Saul was silent a moment, pondering all he had just heard. ‘ ey a say the girls sent you here?” he queried, at ength. ‘Yes; we saw you approach the island, and they were very anxious to communicate with you. As both were quite sure that you had not quitted the island, I secured a canoe and started in quest of you as soon as I could slip away.” * “© And their message?” **Saul!’? exclaimed the girl, in a suppressed voice. “Well, Mabel?’ “T’'ve got to get away from that outlaw den at once—this very night! Do you know that Captain Who was this girl—this Mabel Vane? What was | Jason Marks is forcing his attentions upon me—that she to Saul Scott that his stanch heart should fail | my father has sanctioned his suit?” aig ng ante ‘ %, W Al ; Sek BP RTS ta nt he Foe nat atte Das TEE os Sal - 2 af . ‘ * gs a ey? Da TY et, ae re eee es The announcement brought the young Hercules to his feet, with bloodless face and flashing eyes. ‘*The—the deuce he has!” he ejaculated, explo- sively, clinching his great hands. ‘‘ Now, look ’e yee Mabei—d’ye think I’m goin’ to stand anything of that sort? Not much! I'll wring that condemned cut-throai’s neck!” The next instant he was down upon his knees, with his arms around the girl. “Td like to see em tech ye!” he growled, with a sort of grim fondness. a flush of triumph lighting up his gray eyes. ‘‘ They'll hev to git ye fu’st!” **Oh, Saul—” : “Never ye mind, girl! I kin skeer up a gospel- sharp er a jestice mighty quick—no troubje "bout that! An’ I reckon them sharks will diskiver thar’s a mighty difference betwixt Mrs. Mabel Scott an’ Miss Mabel Vane!” “But, S:ul, I must go back!” declared Mabel, smiling through her tears. ‘‘ You forget the girls!’ The Ticht faded from the young ranger’sface. He seemed in a quandary. “If you'll only tell us where to find the rendez- vous.,’ he began slowly, ‘‘ we’d—” “That is out of the question,” interrupted Mabel firmly. ‘“‘Though an outlaw, I cannot forget that John Vane is my father. You must not ask me to betray him,” Saul mutely bowed his head. He felt that the rebuke was just. “There is one way in which the girls may escape,” pursye’ the girl, after a moment of thought. ‘'We ave talked it over, and it certainly seems feasible. “The outlaws feel so secure that no sentry is posted, day or night. If I can reach Rachel and Milhe to-night, we will make an effort to get away. Wait for us in the canoe at the head of the island.” “*Bureka!’’ exclaimed Saul, his face ~brightening. “We'lldoit! How will you come?” **In the canoe there; and be patient, for we may be very late. “But nowI must leave you; I’ve been away too long,’”’ and Mabel arose, i A tender parting, and then the girl sprung into her canoe and pushed out into the stream. With arms folded across his breast, Saul gazed after her disconsolately. ) “Dang that Captain Marks!” he growled, clinch- ing his hands, and turning away, as the boat disap- peared in the dense fog. ‘*‘He’d best keep clear of me—the rascally whipper-snapper!” Making his wy across the island, the Hercules re- joined Little Lightning and Kent. ‘Wal, boyees, she’s gone,’’ he announced, drop- ping into the dialect. ‘‘ Kind ov knocked ther props rom under me at fu’st, when she sorter kem up out ov ther fog.” : “So it seemed,” observed Little Lightning. ** Where does ske live?” ‘Oh, back in ther woods a leetle ways,” was the evasive reply. ‘But, I say, ain’t you fellers think- in’ it’s time ter move on up toward theford? Ther huss is apt tu kem pilin’ ‘long now ’most any min- nit, an’ ef we’re goin’ ter trick them road-agents, we'd better be in posish ter see ’em start.” ‘ There’s no disputing that fact,’’ said Kent, and he scrambled to his feet. “Hush!’? warned Little Lightning, lifting his head. ‘I hear paddles.” ‘*Thar’s a canoe comin’ up-stream,” Saul everred, after a moment of listening. ‘‘ Thuar’s several pad- dles. Git down, both ov ye. Mebbe we kin see somethin’ !”’ The three cautiously extended themselves at full length on the elevated bank, and peered anxiously down-stream. A moment of waiting, and then, just abreast of them, and scarcely a dozen feet distant, appeared the faint and indistinct outlines of two ca- noes, moving slowly through the water. Each bark carried three men. “‘Let’s get our boat into water.’’ exclaimed Little Lightning, in a‘quick whisper, when the outlews had receded from view. ‘It won't do togive those fel- iows too much of a start.” ‘We ought to ’a’ plugged ’em!”’ Sanl muttered, as they hastened toward their canoe. ‘ Dang *em! that’s ther quickest way ter hunt ‘em down!” Silently launching the boat, they placed their rifles in the bottom, then embarked, and pulled cautious- ly up-stream. Just as they rounded the head of the island, they were greeted by a rubbing, chafing sound, coming from a rocky point on the east sbore directly below the ford. f “They are landing,” observed Little Lightning, just audibly. ‘‘ Now use your paddles cautiously— we must get in sight of em without bein’ heard, or it’s work for nothing.” With the faintest of ripples, the light canoe moved diagonally across the stream, then crept ahead un- der the bluff eastern bank, until the outlaw boats could be seen through the fog. ; Running tne canoe beneatha mass of overhanging bushes opportunely at hand, the rangers settled themselves as comfortably as possible to await de- velopments, now confid:nt that they held the wkip- hand of the situation. An hour passed. Then came the rumble of wheels and the clatter of horses on the rocky trail, aceom- panied anon with the cracking of a whip and the voice of the Jehu—announcing the approach of the stage, Onward it came, at a spanking pace—nearer and nearer, until— y Halt, Texas Tom! Hold up, or you’re a dead man!” The hail rung out clearly and sharply, and the next minute the coach came to a standstill. ‘Hvar we aire, capt’in! Go ahead with yer fu- neral!” rung out a chong voice, which the three scouts instantly recognized as that of Texas Tom, ——4
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Ps i, Ss => —— view, —_ directly tow. ee ae the driver, ‘Et’s a water-haul, though—sure’s ye’re born! Nary a passenger nor nary @ passel this day —thank ther Lawd!” ‘*Seeing is believing, deacon!” retorted the out- law spokesman. ‘‘To work, boys; riddle the old hearse from boat to box, if need be!” Then followed the slamming and snes of the coach doors, the restless pawing of the horses, and finally a volley of curses from the disappointed road-agents, “Satisfied, gents?—ya-as! Wa- -al, so-long, an’ wuss luck naixt time! Gi‘ up, thar!’ A mocking tt from the Jehu, a eee wreck of the whi then the horses plunged briskly into the ford and the scene was at an end. Cursing their ill-luck, the outlaws waited until the stage was out of hearing, then re-embarked and pulled down-stream, passing within arm’s-length of the hidden scout. “ Slow and easy,” cautioned Little Lightning, as he shoved the canoe out into the stream. “ Listen, and let the current do the work.” Several minutes slipped by. The dip of the paddles then ceased, and a ceutious command came from some point a short distance down-stream. The three rangers instantly stopped their canoe, It was quite evident the road-agents had reached their destination. ‘‘Let her sip along in the middle of the current,” whispered Little Lightning. ‘‘We must run right t’em. You fellows watch the main shore—[’ll take the island.” The _ thus laid down was faithfully enacte e canoe was held as nearly midway be- tween shores as possible, and permitted to slip softly — with the current until the island had been pas: * Well?” queried Little Lightning, in a low tone. “‘Nothing,”’ Kent replied. “Nor here. What shall we do?” “Pull ‘round an’ np t’other side ter ther head of ther island, an’ disem ark,” suggested Saul. “ Night is comin’ on, an’ I'm hafe-starved.” ‘And abandon the search?” “T reckon so, Davy; ye kin find nothin’ in this fog,’’ and the young Hercules uttered a sound be- tween a chuckle and a groan. ‘‘ Ye mi cht jest as well take my advice, fer I know what I’m talkin’ about—I do! * Ther gals will bereskied afore mornin’ |” “What!” ejaculated Little Lightning, turning pale. “Don’t trifle!’ muttered Kent, hoarsel y,, as he leaned forward and peered at his comrade’s face. “*Tt isn’t like you, Saul!’’ Laughing softly, the young Hercules thrust his paddle into the water and turned the prow of the canoe, saying: “Tt’s no joke, pee but a solid fact. Jest kee quiet now, an’ when we git ashore— Waz-al, I'll te ye sumthin’ !” Without a word, the brothers took up their — dles, knowing that it was useless to urge Sa make any additional disclosure just then. Atrivel at the head of the island, they beached the canoe, and then proceeded to lunch heartily from the pouch of provisions each carried. When the meal tad tr finishei Saul calmly filled and ** Well, Saul?’ “Whar’s er hoss?”’ “ Picketed in the hills over there. ““Wal, we’il need ’em by-an’ by; better fetch *im down ter ther ford. “Davy, kin ye paddle us across?” “ Certainly, Saul,” Little Lightning replied. what—” “Nary a word, Davy,” blandly rt ye ted the Hercules. ““Ye'll know all soonenough. Jest now, Kent an’ we aire waitin’ ter git acrost ther crick.”” Pa gem the canoe was launched, and the trio pad- toward the eastern side of the ford. When they had reached the bank, Saul said: “Go back ter ther head’ ov ther island, Davy, an’ wait patiently. Sometime ter-night thet gal ov mine—God bless her!—will git yer sweethearts awa from ther Brotverhood. They'll come up ther crick in a canoe, an’ expect ter find ye at ther upper eend of ther island. Don’t disappoint ‘em! “Disappoint *em! ? ejaculated Little htning, seizing his friend’s hand in an ecstasy of hopeful- ness. ‘Disappoint em! Never! Heaven bless you, girl!—and you, too, Saul Scott!” “ Amen!” uttered Kent fervently. Tearing himself wigs Saul sprung ashore. “Come on, Kent,” he urged. “ We'll wait fer ye right about pyar, Davy. When we heer a fox's bark, we'll be on hand ter help onload ther gals.” “ All right,” said Little Lighten ng, cheerily, and and handing his comrades their rifles he pushed off from the a and in the deepening gloom hurried back to his pest. Night settled down in the deepest blackness; but as the houts wore away a strong breeze Ap sia | up, clearing away the fog as if by magic; the clouds rolled away to the southward, and the clear waters of the creek reflected the light of countless stars. Midnight was near at hand when the faint splash- ing of paddles announced an approach from down stream, Bending his head, Little yrightning listened “But i attentively. The sound became nearer distinct, and resently a canoe containing two men shot’ in ard the western side o mt ord NTS ai The y young ranger @: en ng of disap- intment, and silently pushed his S Boat back into The heavy shadows of the bank. “Outlaws!” he mused, sharply eying the now receding canoe. “T don’t like Forse may frustrate Mabel’s plans.” | Little Lightning’ Ree ee eee The boat disappeared in the darkness. Half an hour passed, and then it again came into view, pass- ing down the creek. ittle a are settled himself for another weary, yet hopeful vigil. The minutes wore slowly away. The wind gently myaying the trees, and the musical purling and ripplin the ——— com- bined to lull his senses with their drowsy so: A piercing scream startled him into wakefulness. ain and again it rungout. Then came a sullen splash—a loud hallo, and a series of short, sharp cries and ejaculations. His eyes glowing like smoldering coals, Little Lightning caught up his paddle andsent his light craft flying down the stream with ali the strength of his powerful arms. As if by inspiration, he divined the full import of that wild commotion. The two outlaws had encountered the escaping captives! Swiftly as his canoe shot forward, the youth was too late. After that first startling outburst, all grew quiet, and when he reached the scene of the sup- pees meeting the place was silent and deserted. ot a trace of outlaw or captive was to be discov- ered. Stifling a groan of anguish and despair, Little Lightning lifted his paddle from the water and with bowed head drifted on, hoping that some sound, however slight might betray the position of his enemies. They, as the prow of the canoe struck some bulky. ielding substance, causing the er ift to veer sharp- y, toward the island, out of the dark depths slowly arose a rigid white face, wan and deathlike—a face which the ranger instantly, and to his intense hor- ror, a pr eiey as that of Saul Scott, the young Hercules! CHAPTER XI. THE VENTURE. ‘*“WHAR ye bin, Mabel?” There was a threatening ring in John Vane’s voice ashe asked the question, and his keen eyes were aglow with suspicion. He stood squarely in his pretty daughter’s athway. The girl was nothing daunted. She had anticipat- ed just such a salutation, and was prepared for the emergency. “On the creek, fishing,” view a dozen fine specimens of t **Where’s Dolores?”’ “With ther als—es usual, ” growled Vane, step- ping aside. ut look-’e, gal, ye want ter keep in- side ther cave. Ther boyees atop ov Ole Eph hev signaled thet ther woods aire full ov spies, an’—"’ “As if a spy, or any other creature wi h eyes, could see arod through the fog out. there!” inter- rupted Mabel, lightly. as she disappeared in the gloom be ond her father. ‘*Gal-like!” the old outlaw muttered, with an ominous frown. ‘‘Kaliker is a bad thing in this bizness!’”” And his conscience added, ‘‘ Because this business is a bad thing.’ The scene of this meeting of father and daughter was the interior of a cavern of considerable extent. Off to the right a few paces glowed and crackled a bright fire, serving in part to dispel the gloom, the smoke escaping through the numerous seams and rifts in the rocky vault above. To the left the floor sloped downward, ending at the edge of a dark, somber-looking pool, upon which floated several canoes. From one of those boats the girl had just disembarked when hailed by her father. Here, then in this dark, ‘subterranean place, was the retreat of Major Menace, the secret head- quarters of the Brotherhood of Fortune, and the rg of the fair captives, Rachel Carson and ilie Orndare, As Mabel sped away from her father, something like a gleam of triumph flashed from her bri ght black eyes. She had dreaded the ordeal of his ik mi ore & Turning an angle in the wall of the cavern, she ascended two or three natural steps and entered a narrow winding corridor. Here, two or three lan- terns suspended against the walls lighted the way, showing a gradual ascent. Having traversed this passage, the girl paused be- fore a sort of rude table and put away the fish, then in an unconcerned way lifted a curtain near at hand and disappear d. The place she had entered was alow but roomy chamber, almost circular in shape, with a cheery fire midway of the stone floor. Beyond this fire, looking haggard and wan in its lurid | ‘ht, sat Rachel Carson and Millie Orndare, wit their treacherous servant, Inez Carro, otherwise Dolores Menace. ** Dios! You startled me!” ejaculated the latter, springing to her feet as Mabel entered. ‘Where have you been? The gallant captain has come, and has ought you high and low.” “tn deed!" i more the question. “Yes, indeed! He was inexpressibly shocked to find that you had slip —_ away.” Mabel’s eyes flashe ; “The contemptible scoundrel!” she exclaimed, clinching her slender brown hands. ‘‘If he has any’ erent for his eyes or his face, he'll keep his dis- nee!”’ A ripple of silvery laughter escaped Dolores. — “Bravol she tly glidiog towarti the outlet of the chamber. ‘I pel our spirit and your taste. The captain is a miserable rascal—a low, cunning wretch, utterly devoil of the brain and the genius that makes even a bad man endurabie. “But, Mabel, entertain the young ladies while I prepare supper, will you?” se prongs = lifting into ‘‘finny tribe.” 11 “Certainly, madame,” replied Mabel, her anger vanishing. ‘“‘If you — assistance, call me.’ oa the curtain fell and the outlaw’s wife was gon The three girls were silent until her footsteps a died away in the corridor. Then Rachel looked up, saying in a low, but eager voice: “She coy nothing. The arrival this afternoon of Captain ks was sufficient excuse for your ab- sence. ‘* Did you see the boys, Mabel?” The erness with which the question was asked was cay lV peace, and was shared in an equal de- gree 7 he. eee, of them,” replied Mabel, guardedly, as she sought a seat between the two. “ And that, my darlings, is all I’m going to tell yo ou at present. Im- risonment in this gloomy hole has worn upon much for you to endure calmly anything oF pay exciting nature. Keep perfectly cool and trust in me.’ “We shall certainly trust in you,” averred Millie, simply, as her arm stole fondly about Mabel’s waist. **You have proved yourself true tous on more oc- casions than one.’ Rac hel nodded affirmatively. ‘When we go, you must acco mpany us,’’ she said. ** Our home shall ang gered home.” *1 am afraid that I shall have todecline your hos- itality,’? Mabel observed with a deep blush. “In tne t, when I leave here i e xpect to go almost direct- ly to a home of my own.’ ‘*- You will surely leave here with us?” “Yes; but Saul insists upon an immediate mar- riage, and—and—” There the outlaw’s daughter faltered and broke down completely, glancing. coyly from one to the other. = her friends, her winsome black eyes dewy with j $4.8; Nid exclaimed both, and the next breath their arms were around her in hearty sympathy. ‘‘ Saul” was a revelation. The hours wore slowly away. To Mabel, time seemed never to have dragged by with such leaden feet. Shortly after supper Captain Marks sent his respects, with a request that Miss Vane grant him an audience. In answer, Mabel pleaded a severe headache, and that excuse the captain was com- elled to accept. A little later, Dolores Menace joined the trio, remaining until late in the evenin When she had retired from tne chamber, the three girls threw themselves upon a couch and per- mitted the fire to die out. About an hour passed, and then Mabel silently arose and glided out info the corridor. A glance showed her that it was deserted, and she cautiously proceeded to the lower part of the cavern. It, too, was empty. Returning to the chamber, she found the girls u and ready, enveloped in long, dark wraps, wit which she had provided them. ‘*Come on,” she whispered. ‘‘The men are out of the way. Step lightly and make no noise.” With that, she le the way into the corridor, and thence to the edge of the pool, where she quickly selected a canoe. When they had embarked, Mabel took up the paddle and sent the light boat forward slowly and noiseles:ly until what appeared to be a solid wall l-omed up before them, Leaning forward, the outlaw's daughter pressed a small knob projecting just above the water-line, whereupon a portion of the wall receded, leaving an aperture several feet square. Through this opening she forced the cance, then in the starlight paddled rapidly away, finally passing through a narrow out- let directly into the creek. ‘*Free!” ejaculated Millie, in a low tone. ‘Thank Raaveni breathed Rachel, fervently. “Not yet,” Mabel cautioned, as, with d: xterous strokes, she sent the light craft fiying down-stream. “ Wait until we have reached the head of theisland. We are not safe until then. Our flight may have been discovered; if so, a hot pursuit will be made.”” Roundipvg the lower end of the island, the daunt- less girl turned up-stream, keeping close in to the shore to avoid the current. Almost half the length of the island had been thus traversed, when a slight om in their rear caused the fugitives to look Searcely a hundred feet distant, and fairly flying through the water under the impetus of four dles, came a long, trim canoe, the outlines of w ich were just discernible. Hardly had this startling discovery been made, when, with a slight cry, Millie clutched Rachel's arm and pointed up-stream. A second boat was beg peg Were its occupants friends or foes? The three girls had little time in which to decide the momentous question. It occurred to Mabel that the new-comers might be the young rangers, and she grimly held to her course, A moment, and then the two canoes ran along- side. Uttering a shrill scream, Mabel clubbed her nas dle and struck savagely at the strangely-white, sar donic face of the foremost of the two occupants of the beat. It ree uired no second glance to establish his identity. e was no less a tea i an. a na Menace, the chief of the Brother. of ortune. The paddle fell squarely upon his face, cutting selaghed emote and exultation. At the same instant, a gigantic form rose up in the water between the two ats, a long knife flashed upward in the starlight, and descended to the hilt in the breast of the second of the outlaws! * Paddle, ga l—paddie! straight up-stream, es jump!” cried the man in the water, short a cry of comm tight es ye k sharply.
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12 The warning came too late! Even as it was ut- tered, a strong hand grasped the stern of the canoe containing the girls, and a heavy blow descended ‘upon the head of the 5 ay giant. With a low moan he raised his hands and sunk out of sight, inert and lifeless. disastrous failure! The skilifully-planned venture had terminated in a CHAPTER XII. THE MAJOR AND HIS AGENT. By the time Little Lightning arrived at the head of the island, after setting his friends ashore, they had formed their plans and were moving quietly through the woods, Kent going in one direction and Saul in another, The Hercules was the first to reach the rendezvous they had eed upon—a granary ““open ”’ a few rods south of the Rocky Bar trail. ismounting, he picketed the two horses and seated himself in an obscure covert to await the arrival of Kent, In the course of a few minutes, the young ranger rode into the glade, disposed of his animal, and joined his friend. ‘Do you think we’d best remain here, Saul?’’ he asked. ‘* Wouldn’t it be a good idea for one of us to get down by the ford?” “Not yet,” replied Saul, shaking his head. ‘‘The gals will not attempt to move for hours yet. Bime- y one of us’ll go down, Jest now, we’re both bet- ter off right hyar.” And with that Kent had to rest content. About Pe. : ten o’clock they bridled the horses and led them ° down almost to the trail, halting behind a heavy ; cluster of bushes. ** Now, Kent,” said Saul, * we'll hitch the critters righthyar. Youstay right by ’em—don’t git further away than ther trail thar, unless sumthin’ unusual happens. I'll go down an’ git under kiver at ther ren When ye heer a fox bark, bring ther horses out,’ To all this Kent gave mute acquiescence, and the 7 next minute he was alone. Arrived at the ford, Saul turned down-stream a few paces and sought cover behind a huge bowlder. For upward of an hour nothing occurred to at- tract his attention. Then, all at once, a faint, regu- lar splashing greeted his ears, coming from a point two or three hundred yards down the stream. *“ That’s them!” thought the Hercules, craning his neck in a vain endeavor to pierce the darkness. ** Mabel has succeeded!” But as the minutes sped bys the approaching boat shot ose the be yd end of the island, and headed ‘ directly toward the western side of the ford. And as it drew nearer, Saul could distinguish, not the outlines of the three girls, but of two men, and his heart sunk like lead. Hardly had he made this discovery, when rapid but stealthy steps on the trail above him attracted his attention, warning him of the approach of some oue, and a minute or two later the figure of a man joomed up in the darkness, right at the edje of the wa'‘er, and nota pore pe oman istant. No sooner had the fellow halted than the prow of the canoe struck the bank at his feet. Then, as the light craft swung around, one of its occupants ‘ sprung ashore, og Aa “Tie in close to the bank, Con. There may be spies abroad.” “Exactly, major, let’s get to business,” pursued the first speaker, turning to the siJent figure at his side. ‘‘Have you anything speciai?”’ “T have, major,’ was the prompt reply. ‘*Come —let us retire to a more secluded spot. Our faithful Con will excuse us, | know, when I say tuat the re- port I have to make concerns you alone.” **Go on, pards—don’t mind me,’’ urged Con, avert- ing his face lest even in the darkness its expression should put the plotters on their guard. The two men then proceeded up the trail a short distance and halted in a secluded spot. ~ Saul was not far behind them. The young Hercules had recognized them by their voices. The first was Major Menace, the Brother- hood chief; the other the Jew, Moses Baumschell, “Thar’s a confab of sum sort on hand—a confab wu'th hearin’,” he mused, as, with the adroitness of a red-skin he crept through the ee in pur- x suit of the schemers, determined to take desperate odds, if need be, to learn the object of the Jew’s nocturnal errand. ‘‘Mose Bumshell isn’t out at i midnight fer nuthin’.”’ At that juncture he was interrupted in a startling manner. The peculiar chirrup of a cricket sounded off to ” the left, and then a bulky form suddenly loomed up i before the young giant, answering the rasping notes i with an excellent imitation, Saul halted, his hand slipping down to the long knife in his girdle, his keen gray eyes fixing them- py selves upon the men in his path. Even in the dark- - ness there’ was something familiar about the Fal- s‘afflan proportions of the prowler, and with just a trace of a smile the young ranger caught up and repeated the answering chirrup. Then, as he ad- er in the most cautious of whispers came the ; ail: “ Saul 7? ’ ; Hy ag Bolly,” the Hercules repliéd, as guarded- f ly, Ag hand met that of the detective. ‘* What 2 Se .9) ae ** Stalkin’ Bum an’ ther major.” bet ‘Same hyar. D’ye see Kent?” , ne “Yes: he told meall. Ye'd best git back ter ther ; ' . erick. We'll 5 e this wrinkle.”’ “Good! Ef I’m missin’ bime-by, keep close ter a ther ford tiil Pk see me. Ef ther gals fail ter git & i, out I may find ther way to ’em.” a ‘ All right; but look sharp.” " ‘ : x , ‘ : ¥ 5 ene EN ee Me tet sy L u © or orn $e? 9 x ee eee ee Pea Ere ar eae PI meen eae ert Little Lightning’s League. With that the friends sepa ton) Bolly Darrit creeping forward, while Sal silently retraced his steps to the bowlder. aking up his position behind the great stone, the Hercules carefully scanned his surroundings, then turned his attention to the canoe. The boat was empty.: As he noted this fact Saul chuckled outright. The explanation of the outlaw’s absence had readily presented itself. : The wily Con had abandoned his post to overhear the secret conference between Menace and his cun- nivg Spy. f His face aglow with satisfaction, Saul laid his rifle at the foot of the bowlder,silently removed his boots, belt, coat and cap, and then, armed only with his knife, lowered himself noiselessly into the creek, The canoe had been moored at an off-set just be- low the ford, and the water was quite deep. With due caution the young ranger swam up-stream, de- scribing a semi-circle, and approaching the boat at the stern, ‘*T kin do it,” he muttered, after a brief examina- tion of the craft, and with that he sought a conve- nient nook in the bank. Meanwhile, Major Menace and his ally having, as they supposed, gained the seclusion so urgently de- sired just then, were talking over certain matters fully as interesting to Bolly and Kent, and the out- law, Con, as to themselves, “‘T suppose, major, that we skall run as little risk of being overheard right here as at any spot in the vicinity,’ Mose had observed, after seating himself upon the trunk of a fallen tree, ‘*T don’t believe that we could select a better place without going a considerable distance,” Menace de- clared. ‘“*The only thing we have to fear is that that rascally Con may get an idea into his head thar it would be profitable to steal up and hear what you have to say.”’ “The fellow isn’t to be trusted,” averred Mose, sagely. ‘It willdo very well ordinarily, or where his neck isin the halter. But in a job of the sort we have in hand to-night, he’s just one too many.” . ‘My idea exactly. But, to business.”’ “The coach yielded nothing to-day?” ** Not a sou.’ ‘*So IT heard,’ and the Jew laughed grimly. “It wasn’t Orndare’s fault, however, He came a my arson lace to-night and explained the matter. Rad neglected to write their agent at the Bar, and consequently they were just five thousand dollars ahead.” “You think, then, they are going to accept the proposition?” “They will be prepared to do so at the last min- ute, Of course, they hope to discover your hiding- ea during the time intervening. That brigade of <ids are scouring the hills, leaving no stone un- turned.”’ , ” So said the signal on top of Old Eph this morn- ng. “T know; but the signal did not save Pepper and his detachment,” ‘* What!” ejaculated Menace, gaining his feet with abound, ‘ Have they taken Pepper?’ ° coyy you not heard?” the Jew queried, incredu- ously. ; ‘* Not a word,” and Menace dropped limply upon t he log. ‘* Well, I dislike to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I reckon you can’t hear it sooner,” said Mose, grimly. ‘four of the Invincibles routed out Pepper and his men, killing three at the first fire. In the en- counter that followed, five more were wounded, more or less severely, and only one escaped cap- ture!”’ For a moment Major Menace seemed deprived of the aabgh of speech, ‘Four against ten, and the four victorious!’’ he muttered at last, in a husky undertone. ‘‘ They must have fought like devils!’ “So they did, and with charmed lives,” averred the Jew. *‘To-night, Yellow Dust is wild over Little Lightning’s any Toa ‘* And what of Pepper?’’ asked Menace, suddenly. ‘* Killed,’’ was the laconic reply. “Then the secret of our retreat is safe!’ ex- claimed the major, with a breath of relief. ‘‘ Other- wise, I would flee at once to our friends and backers in Utah.” “And leave the harvest ready for the sickle!” Mose ejaculated, sneeringly, ‘*‘ Where’s your nerve, major?” “Well, go on—have your say,” cried Menace, in a savage tone. ‘ This affair nettles me, but I’m ready for business.”’ **'That’s more like you!” laughed the Jew. “To resume: Naturally, Orndare was elated over the triumph his forces had achieved, and waxed confidential. Day after to-morrow, according to his statement, the stage from Rocky Bar will bring up the treasure-box of the firm, containing something over fifty thousand dollars!” “Tt is a hoax—a bait! He suspects you!” assev- erated Menace, striking the log a blow by way of emphasis. ey “Ibeg leave to hold a different opinion,” said Mose, suniinasy: “Ordinarily, my conclusion would be exactly the one you have jumped to; just now, however, the circumstances are such that I can’t help believing the fellow spoke the truth. ‘*He mentioned the fact, too, that the Invincibles would be on hand to protect the coach against road- agents, and that ut the first sign of such gentry there would be blood spilt.” “Tf that crew are to. accompany Texas Tom, the treasure shail go through unmolested, so far as lam ¥ f . “ 1 a ‘veh Fe i 7 “e: t =F $i his teh oe, Ma i le a is 1 lan he ai oe igh Sp he! concerned,’’ Menace firmly declared. ‘It would be man against man; and the boys will be disheartened and unnerved when they learn of this Pepper mat- oe would be no match for those reckless devils.”’ “Oh, that’s all true enough,” cried the Jew, im- a “But listen: Assemble your men, and } ave them encamp somewhere in the bottoms below | here. Then, a couple of hours before the hearse is ; due at the ford, send a picked squad of ten or | twelve, well-mounted, down the trail to make a feint at the treasure. A glimpse of them will be all the Invincibles need; they will give pursuit, your \ men will scatter and draw them on; and the unpro- it tected coach will keep right on to the ford, where i po can op. rate upon it, just as you have hereto- ore,’ | “The plan certainly seems feasible,’’ Menace ad- { mitted, in a reflective tone. ‘Not only feasible, but’ wholly practicable,”’ de- clared the Jew. ‘‘ But the nub to the entire thing is yet to come. ‘*Let the men believe the extent of the haul to be twenty-five thousand dollars—the amount of the ransom demanded. Then have the box carried to the treasure-chamber and deposited unopened, where we can remove the surplus at our leisure, with none of them the wiser. ‘* What say?’ “I'l, do it!” avowed the major, springing to his feet. ‘‘But are you sure that it will contain the amount you have mentioned?” ‘it will be more rather than less,’’ was the reas- surin? reply. After a moment of less important talk, the evil pair separated, the Jew returning to Yellow Dust while Menace slowly retraced his steps to the canoe. Con was awaiting his return, paddle in hand. As soon as his chief had taken his place in the boat, the outlaw pushed off, turning down-stream when he had gained the middle of the western current. The canoe dragged and at times hung back slug- gishly—a fact unnoticed by either of the outlaws, so | preoccupied were they with the Jew’s startling dis- closures, A single glance over the stern of the boat would have revealed the nature of the incubus. Clinging to the craft with both hands, his bowie be- | tween his teeth, his face white and grim, was Saul, the young Hercules. | CHAPTER XIII. AN INTERRUPTED REPRISAL. No sooner were the major and Mose Baumschell out of the way than Old Bolly Darrit was rejoined by Kent Kane, the two then taking their way to the bank of the creek in search of Saul. The lad was not to be found, and after a hasty consultation Kent returned to the horses, leaving Bolly at the ford. ; The footsteps of the retreating ranger had hardly died away, when there arose the commotion occa- sioned by Major Menace’s interruption cf the canoe containing Mabel Vane and the escaping captives—a commotion that startled the veteran detective, and brought Kent hurrying back to the ford. “ Easy, lad,’ warned Darrit, grasping tle arm of the excited and agitated ranger. ‘‘That’s ther gals, I know, jest so well es ye do; but w’at ye goin’ ter do? e cain’t reach ’em, an’ we'll hev ter own up thet Menace hes beat us on this tack—bar- rin’ quick work by Saul an’ iss! 4% Uttering a groan of dismay, Kent crowded at the edge of the water, peering anxiously down-stream, ) All was a blank, black waste. ; x “We can do nothing,’ he admitted, in husky tones, as he gained his feet. ‘‘ All is over, down there, and unless Dave and Saul were on hand the girls are worse-off than before,” ‘*Prezackly! And ef our friends have failed, it’d | ’a’ bin better ef they hedn’t ‘a’ tackled Menace a’ tall!” averred Bolly, grimly. ‘*‘ They’ve showed our hands, mebbe, an’ done nothin’!”’ With that, they became silent and crouched down on the bank to await developments as patiently as possible.. To Kent, the uncertainly and enforced in- activity were bitter and galling. In due course, the sound of a paddle came to them through the darkness, warning them of the approach of a canoe, and after a moment- of sus- pense the boat touched the bend and Little Light- me sprung ashore, e@ was instantly joined by Bolly and Kent, “They bea ag ye, Davy?” queried the detective, peering hard at the colorless face of the ranger. “Yes. Help me ashore with Saul,” was the hoarse response. ‘‘He’s hard hit, and it'll take sharp work to bring him around.” “Don’t put yerselves ter any trouble on my ac- count, pards—don’t!”? came a voice from the canoe, and the next instant the young Hercules arcse to a sitting posture. ‘But. I say, Polly, ef ye’ve sum- thin’ warm in yer pocket, ye may jest trot it for- ‘ard!’? The request was no sooner made than granted, aud the trio were immeasurably relieved when Saul stepped ashore apparently little the worse for his adventure. After a long pull at the detective’s flask, the Her- cules hastily pulled on his boots, resumed his coat, cap, and belt, and took up his weapons, “Which way, pards?” he asked, ‘‘'To the Lode,”’ replied Bolly, seiekee- “‘T don’t like to leave the island, just yet,” Little Lightning observed. f * Bolly’s idea is the right one,” averred Kent. “Tt is not at all likely that we could do anythin more to-night. Then, too, Saul is as wet as ara and needs a chance at a fire. We'd better put out for the Lode, and take a fresh start in the mo ig"? ‘*That’s it,” Bolly declared, ‘* Ther fact is, Davy ihe M
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Little Lightning’s League. is we've jest heerd a long confab ’twixt Menace an’ Mose Baumschell, the Jew, an’ I kalkilate we're in a mighty fair way ter git ther under holt—ef we don't crowd our game too hard.” “Then to the Lode be it,” said Little Lightning, quickly ‘ Where’s your horse, Bolly?” ““Up ther trail. Git yer critters out—I’ll hoof it till I come up with mine.” In utter silence, the four friends drew the canoe out of the water and concealed it, then set forward, riding slowly and cautiously until a half-mile from the ford. Then, at the suggestion of Little Light- ning, they q/itted the trail, taking a ‘short cut” through the hills in the direction of the Lode. The trip was accomplished without adventure. At the Lode, Orthodox Pete was found on rd, and the horses were promptly given into his charge, while the three young rangers hurried silently into the cabin, Bolly remained with his veteran pard. When the horses had been corraled, the two detectives returned to the sentry’s post a few paces from the cabin door, filled their pipes, and sat down to compare notes. An hour passed, almost unnoticed. Then it grew lighter in the east, and the darkness gave place to the dim gray light of early dawn. The detectives had been silent some minutes, when Pete started and touched Bolly’s arm. “Don’t move, pardner—we’re watched!” he an- swered, ina hoarse whisper. “ By heavens! we're completely hemmed in! ‘An’ kivered, too!” supplemented Darrit without the quiver of a muscle. ‘‘Ther Brotherhood hev stole a march on us!” “‘W’at’re we goin’ ter do?” “*T give it up, _— Ef we sot still, we'll be shot; ef we make a break fer ther cabin, we'll be rid- “Most assuredly, my dear sir,’ interpolated a wheezy voice, just at that juncture, and forth from the cover afforded by a neighboring bowlder strode a short, thickset fellow, masked and bearded, and with revolvers drawn. ‘‘I must ne ane you to elevate your hands and remain perfectly quiet.” “Oh! ah! indeed!” ejaculated Orthodox. ‘This is suddent, an’ in ther nater ov a s’prise, too!” “A painful surprise!” echoed Darrit. ‘‘I say, is thet you, Gideon! “I reckon it’s Gideon,” readily affirmed the out- law, his blue eyes flashing through the apertures in al a “You fellows haven’t forgotten me, e , “Not much—thet is, ef ye’re Gideon Grim w'at was at one time not so long ago ther May’r ov Yal- ler Dust,” Bolly declared. ‘*‘Be ye thet onhanged Mormon reptilian?” “I'm that same Gideon Grim, ex-Mayor of Yellow Dust. But enough! Hands up, geutlemer. or you'll lose your last chance of life! We've trifled barry ‘h’ good feast,’ th Boll ** An’ eno ses es a feast,"’ quoth Bolly, as he thawed the savage command, We've quite captivated us,me noble may’r thet was. But go easy—thar’s a prime young hornets’ nest right in thet shanty there, jest a-waitin’ ter swat ye afew! Ye da’sn’t—”’ “Shut up!” sternly iterated Grim, advancing. ‘*The hornets’ nest, will be attended to in due time, Now, steady—both of you!” “Thar! I knowed it hed ter come!” Bolly ejacu- lated, with a swift, sidelong glance at the cabin door. ‘Ef he’d only ‘a’ kept still!’ uttered Orthodox, in the same breath, with a jubilant ring in his low tones. The outlaw, startled, thrown off his guard, twisted his neck to obtain a flecting glance at the door; and that lapse of vigilance, though so brief as to be hardly noticeable, decided the encounter. Like twin flashes of light, the detectives spru forward, dashing the revolvers from his hands an hurling themselves upon him ere he could utter more than an inarticulate cry, The lurking members of the Brotherhood dared not fire. To a man they left their coverts and darted forward, vowing vengeance against the wily old sleuth-hounds. But Bolly and Orthodox were not idle. No sooner had they disarmed the luckless Grim than they started with him in a zig~- line toward the door- way of the cabin, swerving to and fro, twisting and whirling about, as if in the throes of a desperate struggle, and thus preventing anything like accu- rate aim on the part of their foes, Straight toward the open door rushed the outlaws, and the space between them and the detectives de- creased ominously. Then, at the very instant the deféat of Bo'ly and Orthodox seemed assured, the scales turned. A wild cheer rung out, and forth from the cabin ae a half-dozen of the Invincibles, revolvers in and. A panic seized the outlaws. The dashing, reckless clan seemed to strike terror to their very souls. Turning, they beat a precipitate retreat to the cover they had so renee vacated. a mocking laugh followed them. At a word from Bolly, the young rangers glided back into the cabin. en, at the last moment, Gideon Grim slipped away from his captors and darted around the corner of the house. “Good enough!” exclaimed Orthodox, as he closed the door. ‘A miss is es es a mile! “Boyees, keep yer eyes peeled fer ther varlets; Not a shot was ‘put don’t puncture any ov ’em, ‘less ye hev to. Bolly? ‘No, fer we'll need ‘em later on,” said Darrit, with a chuckle, ‘Jest stand ’em off—they'll go | away by an’ by. Old Gid hes bin a-schemin’ ter squar’ up fer Pepper an’ his gang. He'll git tired arter awhile—ef he ain’t tired now!”’ Meanwhile Gideon Grim had succeeded in rejoining his outlaw companions. Not only was he crestfallen, but he also marveled at his escape, which he finally attributed to accident. ““They never let me slip pompceeny he decided, after a brief consultation with two or three of his men. ‘If you fellows had drilled a few holes into those detectives right at the beginning of the muss, Ape ‘a’ cleaned the gang out, and no trouble at all.” “Oh, yes!’ sneered one: “but after you'd cap- tured ’em an’ started toward the house, we c’u’dn’t tell t’other from which, An’ es fer cleanin’ out the gang, thet’s easier talked about than done—specially when they’re up an’ ready. Eh, pards?”’ “Thet’s w'ot!” asseverated the others within hearing. Grim removed his mask and vigorously mopped his brow. ‘“Well, gentlemen,”’ he exclaimed, in sheer des- peration, ** what ’re you going to do about it?” ‘Starve "em out,” suggested one. ‘* Burn ther cabin, an’ pick ’em off es they come out,”’ cried another. ‘ We’ve got ter wipe ‘em out or take jest sich medicine ourselves!” ‘And the quicker: it’s over with, the better,” added Grim. ‘‘The question is, how shall we fire the cabin?” At that juncture, the group were startled by foot- steps directly behind them, and the next moment Captain Jasan Marks confron'ed them. Boys, you'll have to defer your proposed opera- tions,”’ quoth the redoubtable outlaw, quietly. ‘I came directly from our chief, and you are to go with me at once. ‘*Grim, signal the men to retreat to their horses. In due time they shall pay their respects to the Invincibles, but for the time being the matter must rest,’ With a muttered curse, the ex-Mayor of Yellow Dust obeyed the command. CHAPTER XIV. THE TREASURE-CHEST. Texas Tom, the driver of the nmap. Pompeo Rocky Bar and Yellow Dust, was highly e . Two or three trips had been made without the slightest molestation, and the Jehu unhesitatinely gave it as his opinion that the horde of outlaws in- festing the trail had either grown disgusted and quitted the vicinity, or were lying in wait for a ee: haul. ‘They've crowded their game too hard,” he as- serted, one night in the bar-room of the St. George Hotel. ‘‘ When a thing ov that kind happens, ther bizness ov ther line falls off, an’ then ther durned sharks hev eyther got ter hunt fresh water, or else hold back an’ lay fer a chaince et a ten-strike. An’ es ten-strikes aire es scarce es hens’-teeth on this a a line, I opines thet ther galoots hev s oO !’? — he next morning, = before sunrise, the ‘hearse’ rolled out of Yellow Dust, with Tom in his accustomed place, pulling away at his long cheroot. At a point about two miles below the camp, @ slight form suddenly stepped out from the under- growth Se ahead of the stage, with the hail: “Hold up, Tom—I’m going with you to-day!” ‘‘Baumschell! by ther Rockies!” ejaculated the driver, in an undertone, as he drew the reins sharp- ly. Then, aloud: “All right, Mose! Jump aboard lively—I'’m anx- ious fer a quick, clean run ste ‘* But whar ye bin so ’arly? hat’s—”’ “Out for a constitutional,” interruped the Jew, crisply. ‘Take it every morning I find time. Here —have a good cigar.” “That’s me—every time,’’ Tom returned, touch- ing B his leaders, ebbe you'd like to moisten your throat—” “‘Nary time! Thar’s a time fer drink an’ a time fer play. When this huss is back in Yellow Dust, I’m foot-loose till mornin’, Jest now, I belong ter ther Papa eget No rye, pard!”’ ‘* As you will,” and the Jew shoved the half-drawn — Leo be into his pocket. ‘‘Look for any trouble O- a ah) ‘“* Mebbe—an’ mebbe not.” “That isn’t very satisfacto I thought of fetch- ing up a few hundreds from ther Bar, if—” “Keep a still toogue, an’ suit yerself!’’ was the pointed interruption, and as the Jew caught a swift, aaalene, L resrgrag from the Jehu’s gray eyes his face grew , That glance betrayed suspicion. ‘““See here, Texas Tom,” he exclaimed, in a tone of forced carelessness; ‘‘you’re walking on stilts this morning. Now, that’ll do very well with me, but with some men I might name it wouldn’t do at all. Just remember that!” The Jehu uttered a contemptuous little laugh. Taking the cigar he had accepted a moment before, = coolly snapped it in two and flung away the pieces. : Baumschell noted the action, and his blue eyes glittered wickedly. ‘“* What d’ye mean by that?” he demanded, angri- ly, half-turning in the seat. ‘‘D’ye know you've grossly insulted me?” ‘Wal, I wouldn't wonder,” drawled the cool lessly knocking the ashes from his cheroot, “Ther fact is, Moses, ye’ve bin a Jonah ter ther huss ae ye've made lately. This is ther last time ye down with me—mind thet! Um deuced tired ov ’ beld up on your account!” “Oh! is that all? Well—” “Stop P Sag music—I’m tired!’’ sternly interrupted Tom, deftly gathering the ribbons in his left hand and shoving the muzzle of a revolver almost against. the face of the Jew. *' Ye want ter know too much!’ ‘Put up your gun, and let that settle it!” cried Baumschell, shrinking back white-faced and trem- bling. ‘It wasn’t my intention to offend you.”’ “No, I reckon not!” “* Upon my honor!’’* “Yer honor? Hoo!” and the Jehu broke into a grating, ironical laugh, then slowly returned his re- volver to his belt. ‘* Cowards hev tig? leettle honor —et’s all fear oy quinsequences with them!” That ended the conversation; but as the stage ap- proached the ford a half-hour later the Jew became: restless and nervous—symptoms that did not escape: the keen-eyed Texan. Just as the leaders plunged into the water, a closely-folded sheet of paper was slyly thrown o the side of the trail by the spy. Tom instantly detected the act. In a trice the lines were twisted around the iron ruling surmount- ing the stage, and then he turned upon the Jew with. the fury of a tiger. Baumschell, warned by the actions of the Jehu,, had sprung to his feet, and was fumbling with his belt, trying desperately to draw a weapon. The Jew had long borne the reputation of being a. decidedly ‘‘bad man” in an encounter of this sorts, but he had a wholesome fear of the Texan, and just now he was so nervous and confused that his hand, for the moment forgot its cunning. , 7 To this latter fact Texas Tom undoubtedly owed is life. : With a terrible smile upon his tips his clear gray eyes glowing like coals, he flung himself upon the: treacherous Jew, and then ensued a struggle that. baffles description, The stage had entered the ford, and in its unguid-- ed passage over the rocks was pway ing madly to and: fro, with a fair proper’ of upsetting at any moment, The Jew succeeded in eS revolver, only to have it stricken from his hand his w antagonist. Then, as they clinched, a sudden lurch. of the coach pitched them both from the box to the railed top of the vehicle, and wrenched them apart. The agile Texan was the first to n his feet. With a growl not unlike that of a maddened lion, he sprung upon the half-prostrate spy, seized and whirled him aloft in his sinewy arms. “You spy—yon treacherous hound!" he grated,. bracing his feet for a mighty effort, and in his wrath almost nee. ths breath from the body of the Jew.. ‘* Yer work is done on this trail—go/” As he uttered the last word, the enraged Jehu hurled the spy from him with all his strength, then, to save himself from going overboard, dropped in- ertly upon the roof of the wildly rocking stage. With a terrified shriek, the Jew shot outward and downward, striking the water headfirst just below the rocks, and instantly sunk out of sight. ‘* Et’s nothin’ wuss’n a duckin’, I’m afeard!”? mut- tered Texas Tom, as he peered down from the top: of the coach. ‘ Ef he’d ’a’ struck three feet furder this way—’’ A shudder completed the sentence. ickly descending into the box, Tom seized the ribbons, justas the ford was cleared. His long whi erackec itefully, the burros broke into a swi trot, and the scene of his desperate adventure was: soon left far in the rear. The remainder of the down-trip was accomplished without adventure, and shortly after twelve o’clock the stage rolled out of Rocky on its return to Yellow t. As on the down-trip, it carried no passengers; but ai, tony 3 snugly upon the backs of the seats. was a long wooden box—‘a box ie, Hg an” strong enough fer a fu’st class coffin,” as Tom had described it, and bearing across its top the: words: “ ORNDARE & CARSON, ** Yellow Dust, Nev.’ It certainly was a substantial chest, although its: ne and sides were profusely and fancifully perfor- a It was of oak, iron-bound, and provided with a. solid-looking lock, : This box had become a familiar object to Tom. It was the treasure-chest of the firm whose name it bore, and he had frequently carried itto and from Rocky Bar. . The old coach bowled along without mayen until the afternoon was fully half gone. Then, ey as it entered a shadowy defile known along he trail as Half-Way Pass,a man suddenly step- ped into view with a signal to the Jehu tu pull up. “ Thet’s Little Light , an’ now ther band’ll be- n ter play!’ muttered the driver, instantly check- ng his rn A ** Aire ye ready, Davy?” “Yes; toss me the key, Tom, and I'll get inside the coach,” replied the std ranger, advancing. “The trail all clear below?” “Puffectly; not asign ova road-agent. Had ter throw Baumschell overboard at the ford this morn- in’, though,” the Texan returned, as he handed so IE ger key of the coach. “ Aire ther boys on an _“ Just at the other end of the pass.” Entering the coach, the ranger locked the door and coanet the key up to the driver, and then quietly sea. A At the upper end of the s, eleven horsemen: rode out of the timber, and silently fell in “‘ by twos ’”’ behind the head Old Bolly Dar- Hit and Kent Kane, with Orthodox Pete up e rear, These silent riders were the Prairie Invincibles— Little Lightning’s League Two or three miles were covered with scarcely a. ——
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14 word to break the silence; then, with startling sud- denness, the report of Texas Tom’s whip rung out twice in as many seconds. . “ Right and left, boys, and form in front,” cried Kent, in a low, penetrating tone, and with the words the column parted, half aes a one way, and half the other, around the stage, to form in solid lines across the trail. x f In the open timber, scarcely a hundred yards dis- tant, were twelve or fifteen masked men, mounted, and spurring directly toward the stage. ‘ At sight of the League, however, the masked rid- ers suddenly halted, then wheeled and dashed away iv full retreat. **Ready—aim—jre /” shouted Kent, and in re- sponse to the command the ready rifles of the League cracked almost as one. en the smoke lifted, it could be seen that two or three saddles had been emptied by the yer bl while the panic- points road-agents were fleeing in every direc- tion. * After ’em, pards!’’ roared old Bolly Darrit, driv- ing home his spurs. “Give ’em Hail Columbia an’ —remember Bobby Lyon!” That was enough. With an outburst of fierce shouts the band dashed forward in hot pursuit, quick] Tpecine: from the view of Texas Tom. Little Lightning had been an interested specta- tor, and as he noted the headlong flight of the Brotherhood, he smiled grimly and muttered: “That volley was a little more than they had olly wis right—we are getting the sharp whistle. At that time not an outlaw was to be seen, but as the way was becoming choked with undergrowth and young timber, it was almost a certainty that they were not farin advance, and further pursit would be at the imminent risk of ambush. As soon as the last lad of the League nad fallen into line, Bolly and Kent slowly led the way toward the distant trail, walking their horses and maintain- ing strict silence. In due time they arrived at the ford, without hav- ing sighted the stage. After a brief consultation, md crossed the stream and pushed toward Yellow ust. A half-mile beyond the ford Kent dismounted and picked up a piece of bark lying in the middle of the trail. On the under side, printed in red chalk, were the letters: Lhd oO. kK.” “That means business,” observed the ranger, handing the bark to Darrit. ‘It’s from Tom. We must find some place to leave the horses, and make all haste to the island.” “You're right,” Darrit assented. ‘No great need to take ther critters far—two or three hundred yards off ther trail ‘ll do.” Nodding, Kent remounted and led the way toa grassy dingle off to the right a short distance, where all dismounted. When the horses had been picket- ed, two lads who bad been slightly wounded during the skirmish were detailed as sentries, and then the party hastened back to the cree, using every pre- caution to keep under cover 7 the time they had reached the vicinity of the ford night was near at hand; but, after consulting Bolly, Kent decided to cross at once to the island, and the canoe was accordingly brought from its place of concealment and launched, So, in due course, the Invincibles found themselves upon the island. The canoe was carefully hidden, and then the party 4 oceered to the hights sur- rounding the basin, where they halted to await de- velopments. An hour or so after nightfall Bolly and old Dan Rackhoss made a thorough reconnoissance of the island, and on their return seg everything quiet, with not a trace of the outlaws. Sy They are somewhere about this island,” affirmed Kent, doggedly, “‘and here I’m going to stay till I know the secret of their haunt.’ *‘ Well, they cain’t stay holed-up long ata stretch,” Bolly sagely observed, and then he proceeded to make himself as comfortable as possible. His example was s ily followed by the others. Even Kent, who was burning with impatience and anxiety, finally sought his blanket. For hours not a sound marred the intense silence pes oes over the island. The night was clear and cool, without a breath of wind, and the dark waters on either side swept by without a ripple or a mur- mur. Then. all at once, there came a confused murmur- ing, a ring ing clash, as of steel against steel—faint d subdu » yet near at hand, and in an instant every member of the League was alert and wide- awake, A moment of painful suspense ensued. Then an agonized cry, muffled and indistinct, rung out, and Bolly Darrit sprung to his feet, his eyes aglow wi'h ene. es n *“Pards, we've found ’em!” he exclaimed, in a hoarse, chuckling whisper. ‘Kent was right—this island is their lair, and we've solved the secret!” ‘*But—Davy!”’ ejaculated Kent, weakly. Darrit started, and his ruddy visage turned white. ‘: By heavens ! 1 fear heis lost !” he groaned, Then: “Saul Scott, take two of the boys, get the canoe, and go around to the mouth of that basin. We've got aM ia our wayinto that den, by land or by rH, ‘ ; . SS Little Lightning’s League, No response followed. A hasty canvass disclosed the fact that the young Hercules was missing! CHAPTER XV. DOLORES PROPOSES A PLAN. Arter her ill-starred attempt to liberate Millie | and Rachel, Mabel Vane was thrust into the gloomy chamber of the captives, and a sentry posted day and night at the lower end of the corridor. _ Toward the close of the second day of this close confinement, however, to the intense surprise of the captive girls the bearskin covering the entrance to the chamber was stealthily lifted, and Dolores ap- eared. Ps Hist!"’ she warned, lifting her hand as the three girls started to their feet. ‘‘Not a sound, or you may betray me! The guard is near at hand!” Then, as the heavy curtain descended, the out- law's wife glided toward the center of the chamber, saying in a subdued voice: * Tney are all away but the guard, and I succeed- ed in eluding him; but we must be extremely care- ful, for he has keen ears and an incautious word would spoil all.” “ You may trust us, my dear Dolores,” returned Mabel, reassuringly, as she seized the woman’s hands. ‘ You come with news?” ‘* Dios ! yes—and bad news!” was the hasty reply. “To-day the Brotherhood will capture the mone with which the fathers of these young ladies intend- ed to ransom them. Wait—don’t get excited, or faint, my dears; there’s worse to tell you, and after that a plan to escape.” ‘Go on,” urged Rachel, speaking with an effort. ‘* Well, to be brief, the situation is just this: The Kane brothers and their young friends seem to have obtained an inkling as to the location of this rendez- vous, and the Brotherhood has become alarmed and toward morning will quit this place, to cross the line into Utah, where the major has influential friends,” *“What will they do with us?’’ faltered Millie, her face blancing. ‘**T was about to speak of that,” said Dolores, sim- ply. ‘ But before I proceed, there is a word I wish to say concerning myself, ‘**When I consented to aid my husband in this af- fair, it was upon the distinct understanding that neither of you should suffer any indignity or harm beyond being abducted and detained until the ran- som money could be paid, whereupon you were to be returned to your friends. Within the past forty- eight hours, however, I have learned that I was grossly deceived as to his real purpose, and it is now my mission to undo so far as possible the work I have been instrumental in doing. ‘* You, Mabel, are to be forced into marrying Cap- tain Marks. “You, Rachel, and you, Millie, are to be carried into Utah, to become the wives of certain polyga- mous bishops—men high in the affairs of the Mor- mon Church, wealthy and unscrupulous! “ These ts have been the prime movers in this miserable affair—furnishing the men and the money necessary to carry out the nefarious scheme. My husband has been a willing tool in their hands, out of motives revengeful as well as mercenary. You will remember that his father, Bishop Hearne, was secretly a Mormon dignitary, and that through the abduction of Millie there, only a few months ago, he came to bis death,” ‘We remember only too well,” said Rachel, with ashudder. ‘* But for David and Kent—” ““They were the object of my husband’s revenge fully as much as were your fathers,” interrupted Dolores hurriedly. ‘‘The major’s wickedness ap- palisme! He must be thwarted—you three must escape! and covering her face with her hands, the woman s_bbed convulsively. Despite her ionate. prey pening devotion, she was beginning to see Major anuel Menace in his true colors—to realize the enormity of the deed she had blindly helped to commit. A moment, and them she lifted her head. Her tears were gone, and in their stead was an angry sparkle. On her ashen lips was a bitter smile. “Come!” she exclaimed, almost sharply, as she noted the puzzled glances of the three girls. “ You must get away from here—you must dig your way out! I have brougbt you the knives!’ ‘But where?” ventured Mabel, with a dismayed look at the stone walls, “There is a weak spot,” Dolores returned. “TI have heard the men speak of it. Here—this way,” and she glided tow: the gloomiest recess of the chamber. Her assertion proved true. The nook was about three feet wide and probably four in hight. The end and the arch overhead were of earth. ““Youcan tunnel through there in a few hours,” declared Dolores, after a brief examination. ‘The knives are bowies—long, sharp and strong—regular trail-cutters. Slant the hole upward, but not too much. Spread something on the floor for the earth to fallin, so that you can carry it away and dump it in the out-of-the-way corners. ter I have brought your suppers, Jeave as soon as possible. When you get outside, turn to the left and keep on til] you come to the creek, Wait there until I come with a canoe.” The captives listened attentively to the rapidly- spoken words, and as Dolores ended she handed each a knife, cutting short their thanks with an imperious gesture. “There is one thing I shall have to ask,’’ she said, turning back as she was about to leave the chamber. “ Promise me that in the event of your escaping you will not disclose the whereabouts of this cavern un- til my husband has had time to escape.” “Iso promise,” responded Mabel, and her com- | panions unhesitatingly joined her in the pledge, | whereupon Dolores stealthily quitted the cham- | ber. e girls quickly formed their plans. As but one could work in the narrow nook, it was de- cided that while one dug, another should carry away the dirt, and the third guard again:t surprise. | _A blanket was then spread in the recess, and | Mabel ae 9 operations with her knife. The earth was hard, and the work progressed slowly. By | the supper hour, each had taken a turn, and they were not more than a foot nearer the surface. When Dolores heard this, her face clouded. “That is not as well as I could have wished,” she observed, reflectively. “ But rsevere—the nearer the surface you get, the softer the earth will become.” As soon as they had disposed of supper, the cap- tives resumed their task, Mabel, as te 4 fore, taking ~ | | the initiative, But the tunnel lengthened slowly—so slowly, in fact, that by the time three feet of it had n a sap ip the girls were exhausted. “It must be near midnight,” observed Millie, wearily. ‘If it were only completed!” ‘We are nearer through than you suspect,” Mabel averred, turning towerd the recess. ‘: Yes, we are near the surface,” said Rachel, hope- fully; ‘the earth is becoming not only loose and orous, but darker—a certain indication that the end near, ‘* Well, it can’t be too near,” grimly declared Ma- bel. “It is high time—” A peculiar sound interrupted the girl. A faint, rumbling sound, as of sliding or falling earth, and then a succession of heavy bumps. “The tunnel has caved in!’’ ejaculated Millie, catching up and holding aloft a brand from the fire. ‘Exactly! an’ thanks fer ther light; gals!” came a voice from the recess, and the next instant, a tall form, covered with clinging particles of earth, step- ped into view. Mabel started, and uttered a cry of joy. The intruder was none other than Saul Scott, the young Hercules. CHAPTER XVI. MENACE SURPRISED. Ir was with vo little satisfaction that Texas Tom the Jehu, witnessed the defeat of the Brotherhood at the hands of Little Lightning’s League, and no socner was the trail clear than he whipped up and drove rapidly in the direction of Yellow Dust. In a secluded spot a half-mile east of the ford, he ae the stage, descended, and opened one of the oors. “ Pard, we is gettin’ nigh the ticklish p’int,’’ he an- nounced. ‘‘Et’saresky game, Better guv et up an’ try sum other way.” “No. Every foot of ground about the island has been covered, and every other expedient resorted to, and the mystery remains unsolved. ‘Drive on, Tom, and if all goes well leave the mark in the trail beyond the ford.” The Texan seemed nonplused. “I wishes I c’u’d argie ye out ov et, pard!” he ex- claimed, lifting his hat and running his fingers through his iong hair. “But ef ye well go good pos to ye! Do ther best ye know how. Shake, avy !’’ Their hands met in a warm clasp; then the door closed, the key clicked in the lock, the Jehu clam- bered back into his perch, and the stage rolled on toward the ford. Just as the leaders were entering the water the expected hail rung out: “Halt, Texas Tom, and throw up your hands!” The demand met with a ready compliance, and then out from the rocks south of the trail came prem ante masked, and each with a revolver in and. “Don’t try any crooked business, Texas, or out goes your light!’’ sternly warned the foremost. ‘Ye don’t see me foolin’ any, Cap,” growled the Jehu. “Ef them pesky kids war whar they'd orter be, I'd sing ye a sone: though!” : “*They’re a bright lot!” the road-agent sneered, as he tried the stage door. “‘Hello!—locked! That’s a new wrinkle on this line! A “Throw us the key, driver!’ “Oh, sart’inly! Anything else I kin do fer ye?” lgnoring the snarling query, the outlaw opened the door and sprung inside, Save the treasure-chest, there was nothing in the stage. Little Lightning had disappeared. As the road azent noted the address on the box, his eyes sparkled greedily. “Tt’s the genuine article!” he exclaimed, lifting one end. ‘Here, give us a little help, one of you fellows. From the weight of this ches : Carson and Orndare must be shipping a lead mine!”’ Two of the men sprung forward, and the box wag lifted out and earried to the side of the trail, each movement being accompanied with a musical clink- ng. Then the road-agent chief locked the coach- door and politely returned the key to the driver, saying: “Whip up, Texas Tom—push on the ribbons, and adieu till another day!” f With a muttered imprecation, the Jehu obeyed the mocking command, urging the horses into the ford a plying his whip relentlessly on gaining the op- osite shore. Pp ‘He takes it hardly, to-day.” laughed the chief, turning to the box as soon as the hearse was out of “—_ “ Losing the treasure will cost him his situa- tion. “But lay hold—we must get away with our booty. That devil's cohort, the Invincibles-may sweep down upon us at any moment, | =
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“Ho! Tybo, you and Vane lend a hand.” The two men addressed at once advanced from the shelter of the rocks, each armed with a re- peating-rifle. E : Laying their guns upon the lid, the six road-agents eaceruls lifted the chest and carried it back from the trail to a small willow inlet, where three canoes lay moored at the edge of a flat, shelving rock. Across one of these boats a platform had been built, and upon it the treasure-box was carefully placed. The chief then gave the word, and the foremost boat moved out into the creek with the treasure in tow. The chief andtwo men kept a short distance in the rear, permitting their craft to drift with the eer and keeping the ford under close surveil- ance. Arrived in the cavern, the party disembarked, and the chest was at once conveyed to the treasure- chamber. ““It will be opened to-night, boys, in the presence of the entire band,” announced the chief, removing his mask and disclos the grisly face of Major Menace. ‘Go, now, and make your ps elon to depart. The treasure will be apportioned among you shortly before we evacuate this cavern,” A moment later the chamber was deserted. No sooner had the footsteps of the retreat: road-agent died away than a faint clicking soun broke the silence. en the lid of the treasure-box was cautiously raised, and a little form scrambled out. Instead of gold and silver, the coveted chest had contained a man; and that man was the dauntless Little Lightning! : Closing the chest, Little Lightning made a care- ful survey of the chamber, aided by the dull gray light from a half-dozen rifts overhead. t was evident, even in the darkness, that the place was little used. It contained a few boxes and parcels, and over all was a damp, musty odor. “A miserable hole—a fit place for a thieves’ den!’’ muttered the ranger. ‘‘ Heavens! if Rachel and Millie are shut up in a place like this, death would be a welcome release to them! ‘* But if they have suffered, their wrongs shall not go unavenged! If I live, just and due punishment shall be meted out to Menace and his men! * Now to find the outlet to this hole. If anything is to be gained by this venture, I must find my way out and rejoin the Invincibles at the earliest possible moment. Then—’’ Little Lightning’s teeth came together with a sharp click, and into his black eyes crept a danger- ous glitter. Groping across the narrow chamber, he followed the wall until he came to a stout wooden door, which, he speedily discovered, was secured with a heavy lock. “T can’t get through that,’’ he decided, after a brief examination of the barrier. ‘ I may as well sit down and await the coming of the head devil of the gang. As he and the Jew were to have the first whack at the chest, 1 may expect them as soon after nightfall as they can elude their companions in_villainy.”’ Returning to the chest, the ranger sat down and made himself as comfortable as possible, to await patiently the coming of Major Menace. After what seemed ages, though in reality but four or five hours, a key clicked in the lock, and with a faint crea the door swung open. Leaving the chest, Little Lightning glided behind a pile of boxes ouee paces distant. he spy had y changed his position when a match crackled sharply, and the stealthy intruder lighted a lantern. As Little Lightning had suspected, the fellow was Major Menace. Locking the door and slipping the key into his pocket, the outlaw chief at once ativanced to the captured treasure-chest. lantern in hand. is mode of proceeding compelled Little Light- ning to amend his plans htly. Just as Menace placed his tern on the stone floor and produced a bunch of skeleton keys, he was startled by a light touch upon the shoulder. Turning, he found the muzzle of a revolver star- ing him straight in the face. “ Little Lig ray Oe he ejaculated, his natural pal- lor deepening, his hand seeking the weapons in his belt “Exactly, major—Little Lightning, one of the men ou have so bitterly wronged!" was the cold, even- oned response. ‘‘ Don’t try to draw—it’s death to you, *- Hold up your hands!” Utterly they the road-agent chief obeyed. There was something in the stern, white face of the ranger that for the moment struck terror to his very soul. ‘“Where are your captives—Millie Orndare and Rachel Carson?’ The question was ill-timed. It recalled to Menace his senses. The full significance of his position dawned upon him, and a wi sparkle appeared in his dark-blue eyes, A brief struggle, and he was again—as cool, daring and iron-nerved as himself ever! “And what if I refuse to say?’ he demanded, quietly. “Then I shall kill you. and find out later on,” calmly replied Little Liontoing. “Tam not here to waste words. Answer, or—” How it was done, neither could have told. The road-agent chief, nerved to desperation, hazarded all on one bold stroke, bewilde in its swiftness. Little Lightning's revolver rattled to the floor, and om aoe were face to face, neither with a weapon in and. ‘We're man to man!” grated Menace, recoiling a Little Lightning’s League. trifle, and whipping out his bowie, a move in which he hs bar disconcerted by Little Lightning. *‘Are you ready?” “Ready !’’ was the laconic response, and the next instant the ten-inch blades met with a crash. Then the ranger realized that he had his redoubt- able adversary at a disadvantage, that he was a no- vice with the weapon, holding it with his little finger against the guard, his tana and forefinger around the outer end of the handle. A pass or so, a few thrusts, and then Little ht- ning lunged forward, his arm extended, bis blade red a rapier-fashion, his forefinger and the end of s thumb against the short guard, Menace uttered an agonized cry, and staggered back, cropping his knife. His right shoulder had been pierced through and through! Thrusting his bowie into its sheath, Little Light- ning picke 7 his revolver and sprung forward, knocking the disabled outiaw senseless with a blow from the gold-bound butt of the weapon. Hastily securing the key, the young ranger seized the lantern, approached and unlocked the door, then extinguished the light and hurried out into the wide corridor. Along this left fork of the corridor Little Light- ning made his way for perhaps a hundred feet, mov- ing in almost a semicircle; then it suddenly opened out into a large chamber, near the center of which glowed and crackled a huge fire. Beyond this fire, and at the foot of a short slope, afloat on a gloomy-looking pool were a number of canoes, ‘“*That’s the outlet,” the ranger muttered, after a brief scrutiny of the place. ‘As this part of the den seems deserted for the moment, I'll risk the at- tempt!” and springing down from the ledge on oe he had been standing, he hurried toward the water. Then out from the shadows bordering the pool darted two men, pestis ¢ shouts of alarm. “A spy! aspy!’’ cried the foremost, a burly des- perado armed with a knife. ‘‘Onto him, Jim!’ For just a breath, Little Lightning knew not which way to turn. Then. trusting to fortune, he darted into a narrow, dimly-lighted corridor, hotly pursued by the two outlaws. The end of the passage was speedily reached. There was no outlet visible. With drawn revolvers, the ranger faced about, to await the onset. At that juncture, a bearskin hanging against the stone wall at his side was thrust away, and a great hand seized his arm. ‘Hist! Pard Davy!—this way!’ ejaculated a familiar voice, in cautious strains; and wheeling, Lit- tle Lightning found himself face to face with Saul Scott, the young Hercules. CHAPTER XVII. THE ISLAND MYSTERY SOLVED. Tue discovery that Saul Scott was missing was a startling one, and Bolly Darrit and his companions were sadly mystified. But it was no time, just then, for idle conjecture. There was a strong A pte wan that Little Light- ning had been detected in the island lair, and was at bee moment battling for life against desperate ‘* Kent,”’ cried Bolly, when it had been established that the Hercules was missing, ‘take two or three of ther boyees an’ git ther canoe inter water es soon es ye kin. Beat up an’ down ther creek thar till ye find sumthin’—ef it takes till daylight!” The lads required no urging. “No sooner had Kent named his two, than the trio set out in quest of the canoe. Launching the boat on the eastern side of the island, they embarked and were about to paddle down-stream when a sound a short distance above arrested their attention. “It’s Texas Tom, with Orndare and Carson,” ut- tered Kent, with a breath of relief, after a moment of patient listening and watching. ithin a minute or so the canoe containing the mine-owners and the Jehu was alongside that of the young rangers, and aftera brief consultation both crews paddled down the stream, keeping close to the island shore. They had not proceeded far when Kent uttered a word of warning, and the paddles were instantly lifted from the water. The precaution was a timely one, and well taken. Coming up the stream were three canoes, each containing four or five men. At a point cppoaite to the hollow cave, they turned toward the island and silently entered the narrow outlet of the basin, As soon as the last canoe had disappeared, Kent quickly put one of his companions ashore, with a message for Bolly. then pulled at once into the cliff- bordered basin, determined at whatever hazard to learn the secret of the retreat, He was just in time. he canoes had crossed the basin and were in the shadow of the opposite wall, a section of which was just- opening out, like a door upon its hinges, and throwing across the water a belt of light. * Mark the Spot, Pat!” exclaimed Kent, in cautious Pe PS joer: 8 our road, if we have to batter down e door “ Begorra, sor! Et’s thet same we'll be afther’ havin’ ter do, fer et’s divil OF ia e av the kaehole we'll be gittin’ this night! We’se lucky, indade—’— A strange sound interrupted the Celt’s hurried utterances—shouts, cries. the report of firearms— sounds indicative of a fierce struggle—a strange sound, stifled and indistinct, yet coming from a point not far Gistant. “They’ve discovered Davy!’’ eried Kent, an in- describable thrill betraying itself in his voice. *‘ Ha! the secret entrance closes! Back, Pat—we must 1 pick up Bolly and the boys and force our way in— quick! If they’ve murdered him—” “Hold! Kent Kane, I’ve a word for you!” inter- polated a low clear voice, and out from the gloom to the left of the rangers darted a canoe, bearing a single occupant. * By Heaven! it is a woman!” burst from Kent's lips the next instant, as the boats came side to side. ‘““Yes—Inez Carro, otherwise Dolores Menace!” was the swift response. * Ha! you, traitress?” “Yes, J, Kent Kane!” proudly returned the wo- man. ‘But this isno place or time for useless re- crimination! “Swear to me that the life of Major Menace shall be spared, and you shall know the secret of the en- trance yonder!”’ The ranger started. a And if I refuse?” he asked, after a moment of silence. “Then you’d better return to Yellow as for our errand will prove worse than useless. John ane, the man who contrived that gateway of stone, is one of the most skillful artisans known. He worked months upon it, and—Zearn the secret—if you can!”’ “Hold, woman!” “Your promise! Not—” “You have it, Inez Carro!” interrupted a voice, which all recognized as that of James Orndare, the mine-owner. “I have heard all. Now, forward and open the gateway, without the loss of an in- stant!” Burning with impatience lest she should be too late tosave tbe life of her rascally husband, Dolores Menace needed little urging. In an incredibly short time, the six men had been piloted through the gateway, and were at last within the cavern. Beaching their canoes, they silently sprung ashore and hastened up the slope to the level of the cham- ber, revolvers in hand. The outlaws of the Brotherhood, as yet unaware | of the intrusion, were in a dense group at the lower end of the corridor leading to the chamberin which the captives had been confined. Their first notification of the turn affairs had taken was the stern command: *Hands up, gentlemen! The game is played, and / you are prisoners at last!”’ Had a bomb descended in their midst, the rascall crew could not have been more terribly astonished. ‘Boys, they’ve got us, front and rear! The jig’s ee cried Captain Jason Marks, raising his empty ands. His example was at once followed by the men. Then down the corricor came Little Lightning, Saul Scott, Bolly Darrit, ard the others of the League, while in the background were to be seen the three girls, Rachel, Millie, and Mabel. The task of disarming and securing the prisoners was jay cee Ere quietly and effectively, and then it was found that Major Menace was missing. Just as this discovery was made, a pistol-shot, closely followed by a scream, rung out in a remote part of the cayern. ‘*That came from the treasure-chamber," averred Little Lightning. ‘‘ Menace and his wife are there.” The surmise proved correct. On investigating, it was found that the chief of the infamous Brother- hood, preptning consciousness only to find that his stronghvld was inthe hands of Little Lightning’s League, had blown out his brains. The grief of Dolores was heartrending. When everything had bern made snug and secure for the remainder of the night, the three girls and their pallens lovers, together with James Orndare and wis Carson, made their way to the chamber of the late captives, where around a glowing fire they whiled away the hours of darkness with ani- ma conversation. The only sad one in the Foe? was Mabel Vane. Her father was a criminal and a captive. But a half dozen quickly-spoken sentences from the mine- owners removed the weight of anxiety from the heart of the brave girl, and when morning came John Vane was missing. He afterward became a straightforward citizen of Bar. “Saul,”’ exclaimed Kent, during a brief lull in the conversation, ‘‘ how did you fellows gain the interior of the cavern?” “Fell in!” laughed the Hercules. “While we were loafing around on the hillside out there, wait- in’ fur something to turn up, I concluded to scout ‘round a bit on my own hook, and about the next thing I knew, I was right here among the girls. They had been digging their way out, and the tunnel was almost to the surface: I happened to step on the right spot, and down I came. “Td just gotten the tunnel cleaned out, when Da turned up, chased by a pack of outlaws. While he held ’em off, I fetched Bolly and the boys down, and we’d just been a-wipin’ it to the Brother- ig when you ellows came below and stopped the fun.’ And the entire party voted the affair a piece of blundering good luck. — The remnant of the once poyersn and thorough- ly organized Brotherhood of Fortune received just and due panera and the remarkable campaign of Little pnmuing * e was not soon forgotten by the roughs and toughs of the district. Dolores Menace disappeared sho after the death of her husband, and it is thought she made her way into Mexico and entered a convent. 4 week after the triumphant return of ourfriends _ to Yellow Dust, three marriages were solemnized at the Orndare cottage,.and the camp literally “ held its breath, an’ then went wild!” THE END,
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BEADLE'’S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. WIKEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Double agers or, Deadwood Dick's Defiance, 28 Buffalo Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wild Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. 49 Omaha meg or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. &s Deadwood Deka Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. @7 Corduroy Charlie jor, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’« Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch, 188 Blonde Bll; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base, 149 A Game of Goldy or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood} or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dream; or, The Rivals 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-Coated Sam}; or, The Black Gown, 282 Gold-Duast Dick. A Romance of Rough) and Toughr, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divides or, The Spir.t of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. B09 Deadweed Dick’s Big Deal; or, The Gold Brick of regon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats, 847 Dendwood Dick’s Ducuats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings, B51 ay Wieck Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta. B62 Deadwood Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro Flats. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Joan Porter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York} or, A “ Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hund, 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Defiance. 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shusta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’a Full Hand. 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- Up. 465 Phito Pale of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Aan . 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Corral. 476 Humboldt Harry, tie Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Dog Detective. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Dendwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick’s Diggings; or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick's Three. 529 Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Texas. he Wild West Vidoeq. Mettle. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and Backet’s boom, 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 Avaiguanes or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, ' BS Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn BAL; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the amy er or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob ic ugget Ned, the Knight, 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye 3; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator, 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Bossa Bob the King of Bootblacks, 1A1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s Boas Job. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Pg Rada of Nevada} or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, TheVentriloquiat Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trai! Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 24% Sierra Sam’« Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Ange! of Big Vista, 25% Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. (255 Denver Doll's Decoy 5 or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’ Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, 808 ’Liza Jane, the ‘irl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, Kit; or, The Mysterious Miver. 8 attan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 men Jim, the Gold-Gutherer; or, The Lottery of Life. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. : 353 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Ven 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, B89 Bicycle Bens or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, am labald. the r-Boy Detecti iL and Pal | fh bg vate vem Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. Beulakin Saua, the Sparkler, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 18 WII! Somers, the Boy Detective, 22 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 26 Picayune Pete 3 or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 80 Detective Dick; or, The Here in Rags. 42 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 47 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 562 Black Kean, Will Wildtire’s Racer. 67 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 62 WIL Wildfire in the Woods, 65 Billy Baggage. the Railroad Boy, ze A Trump Card; or, Will Wilifire Wins and Loses, z 8 Ld 4 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 9 Bob pesnett, the Bank Runner, 8 The Hidden fand} or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 87 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers. 89 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed; or, Bob Rockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Danes Detective. 220 Tom Tanner ; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 235 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 245 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 42 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps? or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice, 289 Jolly Jim's Jobs or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. B05 Deshawe7y, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker rity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective;s or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B67 Wide-Awake Joc; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larrz. the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firelly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, 482 Invinelble Lo, 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. rest R bee Sake Tes Th Too Sh for the Shi oots, the Boy Fireman or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, Bee The Secret service Boy Detective. ‘6 ” 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves, BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knilfe, the Prince of the Prairies. Al Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border Kings or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy, 74 Mawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ringer. 88 Rollo, t © Hoy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the "Dealt ctesing 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 Captain. 202 prepost Pete 3 or, The Young Outlaw Hunters oy Hereules: or, The Prairie Tramps. ek kk et ek a mkt 8 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 irre Dicks or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpsbooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 ‘The Sky Demon 3 or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hereulesy or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mone, the Tramp Detective. 422 ptt Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Bucka«kin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, Ab? Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul, 468 Tamarac ‘Vom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Beh, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, BY T. ©, WARBAUGH. 8 94 Midnight Jack 06 Old Froaty, the k li 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! J 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli., tne King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Hetective. 279 Old Wi ined or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 204 ihe Won Pan3s or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa. $02 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Buily. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parday or. The Terror of Take-Notice. B86 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitilesas Matt; ov, Red Thunderholt’s Secret. B56 Coot Sam: oc Part ov The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. B86 Captain Cutinsss, or, The Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Robs; or, The I'win Champions of Blue Blazes, 11 The Stlken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 18 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 4256 pert tramp. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vam Ires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. A461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox's Hunt. A? The Excelsior Sport or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded y red the Night Ferret. 51 ne Wharf-Spy Detective. Gil Botta Gt Beier the Dock Ferret. fer Dick's Double}; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, ate Case. bs Dodger ek the Boy Videeg. Bit Ded : 3, ek's Dros Lon, the treet Singer Detectives 548 RE a ay Oe ane eee eee Pam ee ee ae aS BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying Vankee ; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Wiamond Dirk fof The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 7b The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wollf, 102 Dick Deae-Ere the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Seu-Devils or, The Midshipnian’s Legacy. 116 The HMusear Captain 3_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 BUI, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer 3 or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Mouve’s Treasure Islana. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold 280 Merle Monte’« Fate; or. Pearl, the Pirate's Bride. 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Kyes, the Boy Rover «f the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito. the Boy bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. $14 The Mysterious Marauder} or, The Boy Bugler's Long rail. 877 Bonodel, the Roy Rover 3 or, The Flagless Schooner, B88 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. BST Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Consptrator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vachtaman; 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, he 441 The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 HMaphazard Marry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WIHIl: or, The Boy Ferrey of New York, 454 Wizard Will's Street, Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the boy Conster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard, 488 Ferrets Afloat: or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. ART Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal made or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 611 The Outinwed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son, 5655 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIIIL, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. B75 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. BSO The Outenst Cadets or, ‘Ile False Detective, 5S6 The Buckskin Avenger. B91 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. 59? The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines, 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit'’s Champions, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon, Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kanaas 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’o Trost LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Double Curve Dan’e Double Play. By Geo. C. Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective; or, Little Lightning's Invinei*lee. By John W. Osbon. ‘ d & 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. By T. C. Harbaugh, 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules; or, The Tussle at T .ble Mountain. By Lieut, A. K. Sims. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit; or, Turning the Tables on Satan. By Edward L. Wheeler. 618 Billy Blazer; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. By P.S. Warne. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid; or, The Queer Com- bination. By Jo Pierce. r 615 Fighting Harry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The Heathen Chinee’s Mission, By J, C. Cowdrick. 616 The Ocean Detective: or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear. By Geo. C. Jenks. — 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnatl; or, The Clineber Campaign, By Ed. L. Wheeler. 619 The Boy Tramp Detectives or, The Double Grip Witness. By Win. G, Patten 620 Little Light» tng’s Leagues or, The Mystery of the Island. By John W. Onion. 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man; or, The Spoiler Dispoiled, By A. O. Grissom. Ready June !5. -Cat’a Triads or, The Queer Affair at Tomb- — Roxie Dette Sims. Ready June 25. blebee, the Harlem Hummer; or, The mit Ba ae Moving Miracle. By Jo Pierce. Ready July 2. Pick, Tr. in Nevada; or, The Preacher of 624 Deadwood, Dil. Wheeler. Ready July 9. ‘ Pan, the Boy Trafler} or, The Hero of the — pb ies E, Badger, wn Ready uly 16, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 's for asle by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six conte each. BLADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New Yorks