Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 621) (1889 06 18)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second C _——____ ————————— — eas $2.50 The Spoiler Despoiled. A Romance of Magic City. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM, UTHOR OF “LITTLE FOXFOOT,” “THE sSuURE- SHOT PARDS,” ETC., ETO, CHAPTER I. A THIEF IN THE NIGHT, _“ I xnow you, Dan Fury! Get out o’ that!” fhe speaker, a youth, was leaning, with head _ and arms visible, from a cabin loft, and in his Tight hand was the deadly six-shooter of the _ Colorado Mountains. B the room below bim was the dark figure of an, who was dimly visible by the light of the ling moonbeams that came in through the be publ suciaitoF 2 = %) SRR — — SLI. Ny <\ {uw WN SON \y \ " - NUH ‘ YUAN AN \ . WN N \ f J \\ WW \ ROM SN MAW “ & “TEGAN Copyright 1889, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, June 18, 1889. BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. SSS **COME ON, DORA, I’M YER FIRIN’ SQUAD!” AND TRUTHFUL AND THE FAVORITE HURRIED AWAY, THE NIGHT MADE LURID BY THE BURNING PARLOR.
Page 2
a ane Enea Truthful James. half-open door. The intruder was standing at one side of the room beside a rough table, the one drawer of which he had just opened pre- paratory to examining its contents, He started and rested his hand on the handle of a weapon when the interruption came, ‘* Get out o’ what?” he growled insolently. “‘T’}} show you what in a jiffy if you don’t obey!” replied the youth, threateningly. “Who is’t a-talkin’ so much with his mouth?” the man demanded, ‘Oh, Moses! you know who it is—that ‘ bright boy’ that afforded you and your leather- brained associates so much amusement the other evening; the one you were pleased to address as ‘buddy’; just nobody but Bud Bright, as the name now goes, but— Bud has the drop! Never mind drawing that weapon, Dan. You know what ‘ the drop’ means in Magic City!” ‘““What are ye callin’ me ‘Dan’ fer—' Dan Fury’? asked the visitor, innocently. ‘“‘ You’ve made a mistake. Thar’s no fury about me,” The youth in the loft laughed, ‘* Come, now, you can’t disguise your voice, Dan. Do you want me to prove you a liar?” As he spoke the youth suddenly lowered a dark lantern with his left hand, springing back the slide, and as the effulgence covered the form of the midnight intruder, he gave an exclama- tion of triumph and satisfaction! He had not been mistaken. It was Dan Fury. He was a tall, heavily-built man, dressed in the rough garb of a miner, and fully armed. His face was covered with a thick growth of hay- colored whiskers, and his eye—he had but one— was restless and piercing. As the light fell full upon him, he uttered a snarl, for all disguise was useless now. ‘‘- You thought me out of town, eh, Fury, so you paid me a visit to-night?” queried the boy. * You see, I suspected as much. I took particu- lar pains to let you see me as I rode away on tke west trail, but Vana equally careful not to let you seeme come back. I wanted to find out who it is that is so interested in my business that I am spied on all the time. ‘“‘T thought the first night,I was supposed to be away from home the place would be entered, and I put up this job to catch on, When you sneaked in the door while ago, Fury, you didn’t see me, but I saw you, and [ wasn’t surprised. The sight of you only confirmed my belief that you're a Satan’s lieutenant of the first rank. ‘You see, the contents of that drawer are not very valuable, but I don’t want them dis- turbed.” Fury, now that there could be no conceal- meut either of his identity or purpose, coolly seated himself, and looked boldly up at his captor. “What are you going to do about it?” he questioned. ‘‘ Nothing,” was the ready reply; ‘‘ except to warn you to make this your last visit here. Great guns! what kind of a town is this? Can’t a man come here and attend to private business without being spied on and robbed? You claim to be one of the prominent men of the camp—are you a type of the place’s morality?” er ‘Magic is not given over much ter religion,” was the reply, as the rough’s mouth parted in a in. ‘* Thar never wuz but one parson in ther Sura an’ he left at ther end ov a week by re- quest. He fell in love with Denton’s daughter which was ag’in’ ther rules. And so we fired him an’ his new meetin’-house fer a saloon.” ‘‘He ought to have resisted such treatment,” Bud Bright retorted with spirit. ‘‘I heard ofa sober parson once who shot eternal daylight throu ag gang of toughs that attempted to makehbimrun. The fact is, Fury, it’s but a step, in some cases, from meekneéss to madness. Some meek people are like a certain innocent-looking little box—tramp on it and it will blow you over into the next Territory.” ‘* Yourself for instance!” jeered shart 1 ‘Never mind,” returned the youth. ‘“‘ You may have cause to see for yourself ere long, if you don’t give my affairs a rest. Ain’t it about time you grew scarce? The quicker you chase yourself out of here the better I'll be pleased.” Fury, with his hands in bis pockets, leisurely got up and sauntered toward the door. ‘* Hope you’ll return my call, sometime, Willis,” he called back, The youth gave an inaudible exclamation of surprise as he heard the name Willis; but he gave no token of the feeling, as he eo yaw “When I dol’ll not sneak in at. midnight. ‘You'll be sure to know of my call, and you’l\ not forget it soon after ’m gone.” @ continued to keep the lantern and revolver turned upon the rough, for be knew him to be a desperate man, ready to seize the slightest ad- vantage to turn the tables. Fury, without further words, went out the door, and Bud Bright beard his retreating foot- steps, which gave assurance that no treachery was intended. The youth who had been so wide awake put up his revolver and light, and swung imaalt foot the little loft to the floor below. ‘*T know who my enemy is now,” he muttered as he went tothe door. “Dan Fury! I’d rather have any one else. I’ve heard he has a bad record, and is looked upon as one of the worst men in Colorado. All the same, I’m here to ac- complish something, and I shall have success or fight to the last breath. Fury and his ilk will find mea pretty tough knot to untie, if I am little.” Yes, he was small; as could be seen as he stood in the doorway with the moonlight falling upon him. That is, small as compared with a man of such proportions as Dan Fury. He would not weigh over one hundred and twenty- five pounds, but what he lacked in flesh was made up in ee and strength. He wasa mode} of youthful vigor. It was not strange that the name “ Bright” had been bestowed upon him, for he had an ex- ceedingly bright face, and his eyes were positive- ly brilliant. They told, better than any words, of determination and fearlessness; of honesty and high purpose. For dress, the youth wore a handsome flannel shirt with wide collar, substantial woolen pan- taloons and stout shoes, Like other new-comers to Colorado, he had found it desirable to conform to the custom of the country and wear a belt of weapons. His revolvers and knife were cf the latest and best pattern. As he stood on the threshold of the cabin he heard the footsteps of his late visitor die away in the distance. ‘*T wonder how thal desperado knew my name was Willis?” he went on, communing with himself. ‘‘I have told it to no onein Magic City, or in Colorado, for that matter. Not that I fear to have it known, but I desire to have my mission as secret as possible. My succ-ss may depend on secrecy. It is evident, though, that the enemy is ontome, What could Dan Fury have wanted here to-night but that paper ? What have I been spied upon for? Tosee if my researches are successful! I must be cautious, I know that. I have not seen the last of this big ruffian,” He smiled when he thought of how he had just defeated his enemy. ‘*Tt was a good scheme. He thought me out of town. Perhaps I’ma brighter boy than he at first supposed me. The name he was instru- mental in giving mein derision may fit better than it was intended, At any rate, I’m satis- fied with it, and shall use it in the future.” When he had arrived in Magic City abouta week before, and had taken up his abode in this eh cabin on the outskirts of the town, he bad gone on a stroll of observation through the place, and it was at this time that he received the name—‘‘ Bud Bright.” It was bestowed by Dan Fury and a crowd of brother loafers, who, taking him for a tenderfoot, jeered him merci- lessly as he passed a saloon where they stood. Satisfied that his enemy would disturb bim no more that night, the youth was about to turn back into the cabin and seek repose, when the hoof sounds of an a sper horse caused him to retain his listening attitude in the door- way. The cabin was situated at the eastern limit of the town, and the Leadville trail ran past it. Consequently Bud Bright was in position to a. the first view of all travelers from the ast. The midnight rider was coming from that direction, oubtless, however, ts was no stranger, for a stranger would hardly travel in- to the og at midnight. Some belated citizen from the Magic Mine, thought the boy. On came the horse, its ircn-shod hoofs beat- ing a metallic tattoo on the rough rock trail. oon the animal and its rider could be seen by the watcher, who kept his own form from view in the shadows. 4 The rider was a boy, evidently little older than Bud Bright, but heavier. k As he swept by the cabin he turned his face for a moment so that the moon shone fully up- on it, and the watcher in the doorway shrunk back, with a little cry. ‘‘A stranger, yes, and the last one I want here!” escaped his lips. ‘‘ I thought I was rid of Cool Caleb, ’way out here; but, he is on my track!” CHAPTER II. A “ PECOOLIAR” INDIVIDUAL, Wauat Bud bright saw when he took a survey of Magic City was about a hundred cabins, erected with more regularity as regarded street and direction than is the case with most mining- towns, and the principal buildings being as a matter of course, liquor resorts. The general appearance of the place was that of an ordinary miniug-town that is fairly pros- perous. There was nothing particularly characteristic about the town, except its reputation ‘for being a very noisy place, where men carricd their re- volvers tor something besides ornaments. The inbabitants were, in greater part, a rough class of miners, who earned their gold only to spend it either at the bar or the gaming-table. Only a few females lived in the town, the sole unmarried one being ‘ Denton’s Daughter.” Denton was an oldish man with grizzled hair, who probably had a story to tell, but had never told it. {It was generally understood, however, that he had fled to Colorado and to Magic City to escape the law for an alleged crime in the States. His daughter, who was then fifteen, had come with him, and hadever appeared content during their life of two years in Magic City, although denied the comforts and advantages of advanced civilization, to which she had evident- been accustomed, y She was a sweet girl, as fairand pureasa calla, and more than one rough miner cbherish- ed secret hopes of one day winning her for a wife. It was jealousy which had led them to order the parson to leave town twelve months before our story. This jealousy was unfounded, how- ever, as the girl cared for no one save ber kind father, and treated attention from others coldly. The old gentleman had ‘struck it” pretty well soon after settling in Magic City, and the few hours he worked with bis pick and shovel each day brought him ‘‘ yellow” in plenty for the needs of himself and daughter, and he was probably enabled to put away something besides. Indeed, the claim gave indication that great wealth lay beneath the soil, end all that was needed to gain it was a proper amount of labor and capital. But, Denton seemed satisfied with what he was able to secure single-handed. Father and daughter were never disturbed b the men of the camp—the girl seldom so muc as addressed, They lived ina secluded spot in the north end, and their wish to be left dlone met as a general thing, with due respect. However, they had an uninvited guest on the evening following Dan Fury’s visit to Bud Bright and the advent of Cooi Caleb into camp. They were sitting in their plain but neatly fur- nished little cabin, saying little, but seemingly happy in each other’s presence, and listening to the deep thunder that foretold a rapidly ap- proaching storm, when the door was opened without ceremony and in strode a grotesque figure that brought Denton to his feet in sur- prise, : ‘*Evenin’, Denton! evenin’, Dora!” saluted the stranger—for stranger he wasin Magic City. “You must excuse me for my informality; I’m a pecooliar cuss, I am, an’ never could spell er even pronounce the word ‘ceremony.’ It’s a fine, large evenin’.” His pleasantry was not altogether lost on his hearers; althcugh it received no reply, it served to bespeak his well-meaning and to apologize in a way for his strange appearance, Truly he was a character. If bis face had been that of an ordinary man his clothes were enough to make him outlandish; and if bis clothes had been store-made bis face would have excited attention in any crowd. Since both face and clothes were so unusual it may be readily im- agined that his | mea was something de- cidedly remarkable. His features were not coarse, but of an odd color, being a brownish yellow, which seemed a blending of tan and pallor. His eyes, cheeks and temples were sunken, the bones standing out with great prominence, Indeed, there seemed anabsence cf flesh on his body, so emaciated was he, And yet he did not look to be an in- valid; his movements showed ratker that he sessed sinew and strength, His costume fully justified the remark that he was “pecooliar.” It was composed of skins of various wild animals, fantastically made up, and gave him an air of uncivilization, if not of actu- al wildness, Denton was not an uncivil man, and though he started up at the entrance of the intruder, he offered him no insult and returned to his chair, pointing, as he did so, to a third seat, which the caller proceeded to occupy, quite at his ease.
Page 3
a - At this moment the storm, which had been threatening fora half-hour, broke with great fury, and the rain descended intorrents. So the stranger, if his mission were peaceable, was sure of an audience for some time, for Denton was not one to send a guest forth from his shelter to the mercy of the elements. “Huh! kinder damp, ain’t it?’ remarked the caller, glancing out the little south window | that overlooked the camp. ‘Jes’ got my frame under roof in time, ef I do say it u.yself.” ‘** A hard blow is soon delivered,” said Denton, stroking his beard. ‘I guess the storm won't lust long. Dora give our friend a cup of coffee.” The girl promptly arose to obey, as the ** friend” gave a pleased smile and exclaimed; “Wal, now, thet’s kind! I’m a cur’us individ- ual, an’ ef there’s any thing I do like it’s coffee. Up ter Pepper-box, where I kem frum, they don’t hev much to drink but whisky straight. ““Whisky’s a popular drink in Magic, but we prefer coffee,” re fied Denton. ‘1t don’t turn a man into a beast.” Dora pipces the steaming cup (the evening meal had but lately been finished and the drink was still warm) in the man’s hands and hesipped it with: ** Very much obliged, Dora. You do make beautiful coffee, ef I do say it myself. This af- fords me more genuine pleasure than I’ve had since I went tomy mother-in-law’s funeral, back in the States, It is beautiful coffee!” Denton regarded him closely, “‘ Haven’t I seen you before now?” he queried, suddenly. “‘ Hub! I don’t know, I never traveled much, Ef you’ve seen me you’d oughter remember it,” “It does seem that way, especially if you were togged out as you are now,” admitted the old man. ‘‘ You say you’re from Pepper-box?” ‘*Yep; jes’ arriv’, lately. Pepper-box is a nage, place; ever been thar?” “Never have, but I know its reputation. Are you one of its bad men?” ““Can’t say thet lam. I hev many pecooliar properties, but I’m not wicked, Denton. name will tell ye that. I’m known all’ays ez Truthful James.” Father and daughter smiled slightly at the words and manner of the man, ** Well, since you know our names, our ac- quaintance is now complete,” said Denton. ‘* Do you mean to locate in Magic?” ‘Done located. You're the first man I’ve called on.” Truthful James finished his coffee and set the empty cup on the table in the middle of the room. Outside the storm still raged, though it was evident from the thunder that the clouds were pssing. ‘*T suppose I ought to feel complimented,” ob- served Denton, dryly, after a pause. “Friends don’t often hurt a honest man an’ his daughter,” replied the visitor; ‘‘ ’m hyer to be yer friend, an’ I want you to recognize me ez such, Will you?” Bs At present I know no reason why I should not, “T may be able ter sarve you some time. Dora,”—turning to Magic City’s beautiful favor- ite—** do you know a young feller named Cool Caleh?” ‘*No, I never heard of him,” was the candid answer. “Hub! thet’s no wonder, since he jes’ come hyer. He’s a unique cuss, is Cool Caleb, He'll want to get acquainted with you an’ call hyer.” ““T don’t receive callers,” the girl informed her guest, “‘Thet’s good, in his case, enyhow, ef I do say it myself. Hev nothin’ to do with him, Dora. He wuz never raised in a Sunday-school. You see, I know him.” “Is Bud Bright bad, also?” she asked, inno- cently. ‘Not thet I know of. It’s my opinion thet he’s a good feller. Acquainted with Buddy?” ‘*T have seen him pass here, and father told me his name, or what the miners call him. Of course I shall have nothing to do with Cool _ Caled,” ‘* Is this cool young man from Pepper-box?” asked Denton. ‘Ther rain’s let up, I vum!” ejaculated Truth- ful James, unheeding the question. ‘*‘ Wal, Den- ton, I'll be goin’. I never stay long at one place —never. Why? It’s ag’in’ my constitutional breedin’. I’m a pecooliar cuss.’ The strange character moved toward the door, For an instant Denton seemed on the point of a Reng back, and half-arose as if to detain Sak ep sunk back into his chair without a 4 aes ee err fae pars hes Ngee a Ads Re . Truthful James. / ** Evenin’, Denton! Evenin’, Dora!” said | the scowl deepened on his features. Apparently | Truthful James, bowing, with his hand on the | the suggestion that bis enemy would *‘cut bim door, ‘‘ My visit has ’forded me much pleasure —yes, indeed, if I do say it myself. friends!” “*Good-evening!” was replied by father and daughter simultaneously, and their visitor passed out and closed the door behind him. Denton soon became pre-occupied and rest- less, He slowly walked to and fro in the cabin, in an attitude of deep thought, and the questions and remarks of his daughter fell unheeded on his ears, Evenin’, ( “‘ Truthful James is not truthful!” he declared, all at once, and then again relapsed into silent meditation. CHAPTER III. A COOL YOUTH FROM KANSAS CITY. THE breaking of the thunder-storm awoke a youth who had passed most of the day slum- bering in a cabin near the center of the town. As a particularly heavy clap of thunder smote his ears, he sat up on his cot, rubbed his eyes for a moment to get them fully open, and then arose to his feet. He had not gone to the trouble of removing his clothes, so he escaped the worry of dress- ing. “You haven't slept any since I saw you last, I guess,” observed a man who sat regarding him on the opposite side of the room, ‘I’m ready ter believe ye’r’ one of the seven sleepers. You’ve been like a log all day.” **T haven’t slept much before for a week,” re- turned the youth, ‘‘ and, besides, I was tired out with the hard journey to Magic City. I was bound to get here before I stopped to rest, Any liver-regulator, Dan?” **That’s right, call me Dan, and you can’t be- yin practicin’ on ther name any too soon. How does this strike you?” The young man took the bottle extended to him, and drank from it with apparent satisfac- tion. **Good!” said he. ‘ Now, old man, I want something to chew. I’m as empty as the cradle when baby’s gone.” ““l’ve got a big job ef I’ve got ter fill you up,” replied Dan Fury, ‘‘ But ]’m fixed fer you, Ca- leb. Set up to ther table thar.” The young man from the East took his seat at the place designated, and the host set before him a very comfortable repast, to which he im- mediately began doing justice. Fury resumed his seat and the conversation. ** How’d you leave things in Kansas City, Ca- leb, and how’s Chief Speers?” “All right. The chief has not sought m company lately, for I’m a little too smart. He has never been able to prove anything on me, Did as get my last letter, a week ago?” Do, “And Willis is hyer?” **Yes. You passed his cabin comin’ inter ther camp las’ night,” ‘* Has he found his prize yet?” “No, but he hunts fer it diligently. You see, thar hev been so many changes in two years it’s hard ter locate ther spot exactly. But he’s liable ter hit on it any time.” ‘* What's your plan if he does?” Fury’s evil face took on a suggestive smile, but he did not reply to the question, ‘‘By ther way,” he said, ‘ r hed jest been visitin’ ther boy when you come las’ night.” ** Get the paper, Daniel?” ‘‘ Halifax! no! Ther boy wuz at home, an’ he’s a reg’lar little torpedo. He got ther drop on me by impish strategy. About dark he rode away from camp on ther west trail, equipped fer a long journey, an’ I never thought ov it bein’ a trick an’ thet he would sneak back an’ watch fer visitors. He’s a slick coon, He'd caught on ter bein’ watched an’ laid ther trap.” Fury had doubtless been astonished to learn that Bud Bright was aware of the shadowing to which he had been subjected. The rough was a sharp worker. But, Bright was no ordinary boy, that was evident. The defeat of his plans could te compassed by no ordinary tactics, “T kin fetch him,” declared Caleb, with a scowl, ‘‘ Now he’s out here away from the law, I'll settle scores and settle our trouble fer good. I'll get thet paper, Dan, and don’t you forget it!” “I'm willing,” responded Fury. ‘ Though you'll hev yer hands full attendin’ to ther sweet, Dora, And don’t let Bud Bright cut you out, Caleb,” : “Bud Bright” ** Thet’s ther name Willis is known by here. We give it ter him in fun, an’ it hez stuck to , ez he never told his right name,” The youth stopped eating for a moment, and ee nn | uttered, savagely. out,” was unpleasant to him, “I’ve come too far fer the prize to lose it,” he ‘He'll not dare to interfere with me, even if he hes the chance, which he wowt, I kin be deadly as weil as coolina game of this kind!” ** You’re made ov ther right stuff, Caleb. Go on with yer feed. The man thet nints we won't win the points in our little game, is the cham- pion liar ov ther Territory.” The guest continued his eatiug, asking pres- ently: “* Is the girl really all you pictured her?” ‘““She certainly am! She hez developed inter one ov ther purtiest creatures I ever saw. Col- orado air hez been good fer her.” ‘* How old is she?” **Seventeen, [I’m thinkin’.” wae the mine—did you examine it your- se b) ‘**T did, fer a fact. And while it won't com- pare with ther Magic, it’s my opinion, Caleb, thet it’s quite a bonanza. I guess you won't sneeze at it ef it comes inter your possession.” “Do you ever talk to Denton, and does he ever say anything about Kansas City?” “He don’t talk to anybody much, and never says nothin’ about old times. But he begs fer a letter ever time ther mail comes inter town, so I think he’s got somebody at work fer him. Did yer ever hear ov anybody?” **No. Lsuspicioned there was onefor awhile, but never knew for certain. If there was, he’s thrown now,eh? Does Dentonever get a letter?” “Once in a while, but it don’t do any good, fer he’s jest ez anxious fer ther next one.” “Then his man bas not succeeded, you see. Daniel, that was the neatest job I ever heard of. Kansas City will not forget it for a long time.” Fury cbuckled, and lit a big pipe. Cool Caleb finished his meal and began puffing acigar. He had queer, sharp eyes, much sike his companion’s good one, that blinked curiously in the blue smoke, They gave hs face an un- pleasant expression—‘ crafty,” a judge of hu- man nature would say. Cool Caleb, though not much beyond his majority in years, was one of the craftiest men in the whole West! The two seemed to have a great deal to say to each other. For more than an hour they smoked and talked continuously. The storm ceased, the clouds cleared away, and the shades of approaching night began to fall athwart the gold-camp, Finally they were interrupted by the opening of the cabin door and the entrance of a man coatless and hatless, and who staggered in as if drunk or badly wounded. ef got up quickly and went forward. ** What is it, Mack?’ he exclaimed, observing the man closely; then, seeing his condition—- ** Satan! thar’s blood on yer shirt!” Mack leaned heavily against the wall and ground an oath through bis teeth, “‘T want you ter git vengeance fer this, Dan. I b’lieve ’ve caught ther bullet in my life-box. Go an’ send ther animal to Tartarus!” ** Who done it? Tell me, and by Joseph! I'll make ’im smart fer it! You hevn’t hed tapuble with one o’ the pards?” ; ‘*No; ther storm blew in from somewhar a critter thet don’t desarve ther name ov man. I'd call ’im a human skeleton ef he wuzn’t more like a beast. He done it!” “But, what wuz ther trouble? Out with it, Powder Mack!” The wounded rough was unable to respond for a moment, The blood on his breast was gracu- ally coloring the whole front of his shirt, and bis breath came in gasps. He recovered his strength of speech with an effort. ‘*Can’t you guess?” he exclaimed. ‘‘ Three er four ov us wuz at ther Parlor. He took our sport all right ontil, when he wouldn’t pay fer drinks, he got a little touch o’ — in ther face. Then he seemed ter be double-j'inted lightnin’, Thet bony arm ov his must be made ov iron, I wuz ther fu’st one up, an’ in two seconds I would hev carved ’im like a pig, but ther devil gave me this,” The words were followed by a groan that made Fury swell with indignation. “ Whar is he now?” he asked. “T left im at ther Parlor, with his hand close to his shooter an’ his eyes on ther pards, Go an’ git ther drop, Dan, an’ kill ‘im!” “Pll avenge ye, don’t be afeard o’ that,” Pow- der Mack was assured. ‘* No anomaly kin shoot an’ live in this camp, while I kin lift a six- shooter! Lie down thar, an’ while I play a game at the Parlor, you dress his wound, C
Page 4
en I'll execute yer commission, Powder, er you kin hook me fer a salmon!” Fury went out the door and strode up the rain-drenched street with the air of un aroused lion. Surely his name, be it real or assumed, was an apt one. His instructions to the men in the cabin were obeyed. Powder Mack’s strength had been al- most exhausted in coming for Fury to take up his cause, and it was not without Caleb’s as- sistance that he managed to cross the room to the cot. The young man from Kansas City did all that he could for his host’s friend. The wound in the breast was an ugly one, but whether dead] or not it was uncertain. Caleb bandaged it carefully and stayed the flow of blood. It was not a great distance to the ‘ Parlor.” Fury was there in two minutes. At the door he paused and looked in. The place was a store and drinking resort, the bar extending across the back end of the room, and the stock of merchandise being in front. Never wasa name more inappropriate than the one bestowed upon this haunt by the para- doxical mountaineers. The Parlor had wit- nessed more drunken affrays than any two houses in the camp. While Fury still stood at the door, trying to catch sight of his enemy and gain the drop be- fore presenting himself, the man whom Powder Mack had rudely but sufficiently described sud- denly appeared on the threshold. As the avenging desperado caught a fair view of, his face, instead of raising his weapon he shrunk back with a startled exclamation! CHAPTER IV. PERIL AT THE PARLOR, DAN FuRY was unnerved for the moment, “‘Thet razor-face is strangely like ther sick man’s on ther Wildcat trail!” he muttered. “But, thet man—died. 1 know it.—Perdition! what am I hyer fer?” He was himself again. ‘One of the huge re- volvers that habitually graced his belt was drawn. ‘‘I’m not chicken-hearted, ter be scared by ther silly memory ov a face. All ther gospel-slingers in America could’n’t make me believe this wuz him. Dan Fury’s byer fer business!” The stranger had paused for a moment in the doorway to glance back at the men who might take advantage of his back to give bim a bullet, He was cool and fearless, and in his movement there was a suspicion of defiance toward the des- peradoes who had forced their rough sport on the wrong man and been sadly worsted. He was unprepared for an attack from the outside, at that moment. Standing as he was in the full light of the saloon’s lamps, he failed to see the dark figure of Dan Fury five steps away. Just as he was stepping from the threshold he felt a violent hand on his shoulder and was shoved backward into the room, with such force that he with difficulty kept his feet. **You nondescript—you crazy vagabond, I want to see you!” was howled in his ear. ** You’ve got ter answer fer the blood ov Pow- der Mack!” It might have been well for Truthful James if he had prolonged his visit at Denton’s cabin. He found himself in a desperate situation, facing the menacing weapon of Magic City’s notorious bully. Taken at a disadvantage, he was completely at his enemy’s mercy, but, his thin, sallow face held no expression of fear; instead, it was calm, Sy rage smoldered in his nay ‘* Magic City takes no insults from a tramp from the grave!” Dan Fury went on. ‘The wind tricked you when it blew you inter this burg. We are all nee hyer, an’ when you smite oue you smite all. Great Tophet! hev you never heard ov Magic’s vengeance?” + Truthful James’s jeopardy was enbanced at this moment by the approach of the men whom he had vanquished in the back part of the room, and by the entrance of others at the door. “No, I can’t say thet I hev,” he said coolly in reply to bis foe’s angry question. “I’m a pecooliar cuss, I am, an’ never read up much on vengeance, What's the law?” “Blood fer blood!” was the sayage answer. “By Satan! you die now! Powder Mack’s blood calls for atonement!” Fury’s weapon clicked twice, ; Then came a shot, sudden, loud—and the desperado dropped his revolver with a wild, oarse cry! d h It was not his weapon that had spoken, but Truthful James. that of some enemy, some friend of Truthful James, for the latter was through Fury’s hand was a bleeding wound! The shot had come from the darkness be- yond the door. The spectators answered it with mad impre- cations, and their hands were quickly bolding glistening weapons, while with one accord all leaped toward the door, ready to visit speedy vengeance on the unknown for his shot of in- terference. ‘Fifty dollars ter the man thet brings ther assassin hyer!” cried Fury, as the dozen roughs sprung into the darkness, He was in a fearful rage. His features were contorted with pain and fury, his body writhed in his frenzy. And while the flame of his passion was raging at its hight, he suddenly discovered him- self alone in the saloon with his enemy, with that enemy’s revolver leveled full at his head! The tables had been turned. Truthful James had taken advantage of the confusion. ‘* Hands up, boss!” he commanded, his very tone a threat. ‘‘Handsup! I’m acur’us cuss, an’ sometimes shoot and talk arterwards.” The desperado obeyed. “Right face!” Trutbful James continued, his finger dangerously near the trigger, “ right face, march! An’ lower a hand ther breadth ov a finger an’ you’re a victim, shore as heaven! March lively, there, you devil janizary!” The “right face, march,” took Fury toward the back end of the saloon, and he covered the distance to the bar at a good pace. All at once three or four shots rung out be- hind bim, in quick ‘succession, and every light in the room was shattered, all being instantly extinguished but one, and this played havoc, terrible and undesigned. It was Truthful James’s plan to escape in the darkness, but the flaring flame of the lamp caught the spilling oil; there was a sudden, great, bright blaze, and the room was afire! The ‘‘ pecooliar” man’s life now depended on instant action, for he knew that bis shots and the flames would bring the search for his friend to a quick close, and he would again receive the undivided attention of the men who thbirsted for his blood. Without delay he bounded out the door, and that he was not a moment too soon it was at once evident, He heard a shout and a shot not far away, and a bullet struck the weather- boards behind him with an unpleasantly sug- gestive sound, Then be passed into the darkness, where he was comparatively safe from recognition, for night bad now fairly settled down on Magic City, and the moon bad not appeared. As he made his way among the cabins he could hear the yells at the parlor, and, turning once, he saw the eager flames leaping up the building’s side almost to the roof. The ruffian resort was doomed. He did not stand to watch the progress of the flames, but continued rapidly toward the north- ern part of the camp, presently halting before the door of a ove-roomed shanty, whose door swung open ere he touched it, with a sharp ** Hello!” to him. Truthful James replied with an easy Jaugh., ‘“*Hush! Youw’re hyer, Sierra? A lively lad you are!” ‘‘T thought you’d come,” said the man who had blocked the entrance, as Truthful James entered. ‘I’ve not been back long. Where have you been?” ‘“'Texas! don’t you know? Didn’t you save my life, Steve?” The two men faced each other in the dim candlelight, with curious expressions on their faces. “T save yer life? Not that I know of,” re- plied Sierra, “You didn’t shoot Dan Fury at ther Parlor ez he hed ther drop on me?” ‘*T hav’n’t seen ther Parlor since mornin’. I just got in from ther mine.” “‘Thet’s strange. Then I’ve got another agp in camp,” decided Truthful James, puz- zled, ‘* Was Fury killed?” “No, he only got a hole in his hand. He meant ter shoot me, an’some one interfered from the dark outside. Look at ther fire! Thet’s the Parlor.” As the two stood at the window and gazed at the red blaze that ascended from the lost saloon, Sierra Steve was told all about the trouble that resulted in the conflagration. “Tt wasn’t my plan ter make enemies hyer, at present, but it couldn’t be helped,” Truthful James concluded. ‘‘It changes the aspect of uninjured, and | Could you leave the mine?” ‘Yes, for the storm swept away ther Ghost affairs, and you ought to be hyer now, Steve, Cabin, and ther shaft’s half-full o’ water!” “Jericho! thet’ll make Fury sw’ar! hevn’t told ’im yet?” **No, but lll go ter him now, I guess. Hark! thar’s some one at the door!” The words were hardly spoken when the docr was unceremoniously flung open. You CHAPTER V. YOUTHFUL ENEMIES. Just beyond the light of the flames from the Parlor, in the dark shadows of a cabin, stood a youth of supple build, watching with interest - the scene of conflagration. As the mad exclamations of the excited rougbs, who stood around helplessly and gazed on the destruction of their favorite resort, came to his ears, he laughed softly to himself and snuttered half-aloud: ‘* Magic City loses little when the Parlor turns to ashes, Every board of the place is doomed and I’m glad of it, if it’s only to enrage and defeat Dan Fury and his Aim! Mlb ty I wonder what Dan would give for the heads of bis ene- mies served up in chargers. I’m worth fifty dollars myself—at any rate, that’s what I heard him offer.” He was interrupted. Between him and the firelight a dark figure suddenly appeared, the figure of a youth slightly heavier than himself, who paused a few feet away, causing him to step back in alarm, Simultaneously with the sudden appearance he caught the glimmer of a weapon, the click-click of which was both a command and a threat, The young men readily recognized each other, The new-comer was the first to speak, “ Hullo, Willis—er Bud Bright, Fury says. Have you forgotten me?’ ‘‘Can’t say that I have, Caleb,” replied the youth, who had been standing alone in the shadows. ‘‘ You have a way of keeping your- self in the memory of your acquaintances.’ “Good quality that, don’t you think so, Bud? You see, this isa pleasant little surprise I put up on you, interrupting your Colorado medita- tions. Though you are far away from home, you see I still live.” ‘* You have followed me, Caleb!” ‘Don’t mention it, Buddy. As an old friend who has an interest in you—” ‘“«There—don’t get humorous. Your song might suddenly change to a wail. What are you here for’—because I am, or is Chief Speers after you?” Cool Caleb’s bantering tone became one full of venom. The devilin his nature could not be concealed long at a time, ‘*T don’t see that it’s any of your cursed business!” was his retort. ‘‘T’ll tell you this much: my presence here means no good to you / I hate you as much as ever.” ‘*T supposed as much,” retorted Bud Bright adding cuttingly: ‘I’m not one who would always cather bars the friendship of a dog than his ill-will.” Bud Bright and Cool Caleb had been enemies for years, in Kansas City. As boys they had attended the same school, when between them had developed trouble which had been carried, later, into business life, Caleb) was a human serpent, who had proved an evil genius in many a plan of bis enemy, and caused him harm at every possible tak He had earned the appellation of ‘Cool Caleb” because he was so cool and deliberate in the execution of his schemes of mischief. First they had become enemies over a trifling © matter. Caleb, naturally bad, never sought to heal the breach between them, but on the con- trary to widen it. And Bright had found him- self the r of a foe wko needed constant watching in order to thwart his machinations, Caleb drifted from bad to worse, became a fre- quenter of low resorts, and, beyond doubt in the minds of those who knew him, a criminal; but, although he was arrested a number of times, his guilt was not proven, : Time had not alleviated his feeling of hatred. Instead, it seemed to have strengthened it, Had he tracked Bud Bright to Magic City in order to defeat him in his great western purpose? The ‘‘little torpedo” certainly had reason to think so, Although Bright bad nearly always come out victor in their difficulties, the fact only added to the zest with which Caleb sought to harass his life. Is it a wonder that Bright recoiled the night before when he saw his foe ride into the mountain town, a spot hundreds of miles from
Page 5
c i Ks ’ drop a Trcthful James. where he had left him, and left him ignorant, as he supposed, of his destination? _ Brighbt’s last remark brought an oath to Caleb’s 1 Dm the boy who can cram sech insults down yer throat,” he uttered. ‘‘There’s a difference between this town and Kansas City in the matter of settling insults, don’t forget that! And, by heavens! Bud Bright, as they call you, . I'd love to take advantage at this moment of that difference to give you a bullet from my er!” C Tob looked as if he meant every word, as he bent forward with blazing eyes, and finger - the trigger. But, Bright was utterly fear- ess, ‘*That’s one truth to your credit, Caleb,” he returned, easily. ‘I know you have long had a bullet for me. But—excuse the change of sub- ject—how did you know I was at Magic City?” ‘* Tsaw you buy your ticket at Kansas City.” ** That’s not so!” ** Well, a friend did.” * But my ticket only took meto Leadville. Tracked me from there, did you?” ** No, I didn’t. Durn it, I knew you were coming here. What’s more, I knew you were on the hunt of a bonanza!” Bud Bright vouchsafed no reply, and Caleb went on: ‘** IT know something else, too, you confounded gopher! It wasa ballfrom your shooter_that perforated Fury’s palm! Don’t deny it! I saw ou dodge a searcher and take your position yer in the dark. Dan wants to see you bad, just now. Thet human tempest will swipe you off the face of the earth!” ““'You say he will?” ** Ain’t I got the drop? Thar’s one way you can escape him, though.’ **How’s that? Turn the tables?” ‘Not exactly. Lead me to yer cabin and give me the paper to the bonanza |” Bud Bright emitted a soft whistle. * Well, now, mebbe I’ve got it right with me in my pocket,” he suggested. “T guess not,” responded Caleb, ‘ There’s too much danger in that; and, besides, common wrapping paper is not leather;—that piece is tender as well as precious, and would quickly wear out in the pocset. Oh, no—you have the contents all in your head, Willis, and the paper is in some snug place in the cabin.” The youth with the drop failed to see the look of astonishment that swept his enemy’s face as “wrapping paper” was mentioned. And yet he must have known his, knowledge was sur- prising, for doubtless Bright was ready to swear that no one alive had ever seen the paper except himself. **Do you accept the terms?” Caleb asked. “Refuse, and by the blazing stars! you march to the Mountain Tempest at once!” Bright recognized the fact that he was in for it, and there was too much business about him to attempt to argue the matter. Neither did he offer a doubt that. his guilt would be proven were he delivered into Dan Fury’s bands; a denial from him, even if he cared to lie in self-defense, would have no weight against the testimony of bis captor, in the minds of a mad Parlor judge and jury. “Tt’s hard to choose between two evils,” he remarked, dissembling; ‘‘ but, I guess it’s death or the paper, so the paper goes. I live at the East End, Caleb,” ‘‘TLead the way,” commanded the visitor. ** And don’t let yer memory slip on the fact that I’ve got you dead to rights, and at the first break we’ll make a sieve out of you!” | Bright started off at a brisk pace, with Caleb close at his heels. It is needless to say the route did not take them near the Parlor, for the young bonanza-hunter did not care to rush straight from the frying-pan into the fire. Magic City was not a metropolis, and in five minutes the captive announced that their jour- ney was at an end, at the same time throwing open the door of his home. ** 'You’re treacherous as Satan, Willis!” Caleb suddenly exclaimed, with his foot on the thresh- old. “I'll keep my hand on you until you light a dip, and then put down yer weapons. ‘By Judas! there’s to be no bad points in this game! You can work the torpedo racket on Fury, but nothin’ shall mar my bour of triumph!” Bud Bright laughed in a manner child-like and bland. ‘*Don’t be nervous, Caleb,” he said, as he fumbled with his rigbt band for a match, while - his left was seized by bis enemy, as a precaution st a sudden dodge or game of any kind in e darkness. ‘‘ You’ve got me in your power I must make the best of it.” Caleb was not so certain of his success but that he was sharply alert, with his revolver in position to bring an instant termination to any effort of his enemy’s to escape. Bright soon found a match and struck it on the boards of the rough table. It blazed up in a red, strong flame, revealing a tallow candle elose at hand; instead of applying the lucifer to the wick, however, he cast it straight into his captor’s face! It put Caleb into more of a panic than a bullet would have done. He fell back precipitately, completely off bis guard. Bright, quick as a flash, darted upon his dis- concerted foe, struck the revolver from his hand as the last ray of the match expired on the floor, and threw him headlong toward the door! “The ‘torpedo racket’ won’t work, eh?’ he cried, as he sprung after the fallen youth, ‘I guess you'll find 'm able to take care of myself, even in Magic City! The young rough would have gained his feet in a moment, but the other fell upon him with the fury of a catamount and proceeded to ad- minister a severe punishment with his fists. “*Tve got my dander up!” cried Bud between his swift and heavy blows. ‘‘ You’ve got to learn to keep clear of me, You've pestered me about long enough, and for following me out here to Magic City and interfering in my affairs, I ought to stave in your head, to say the least! But for this time I'l] let you off with a beautiful i black eyes, a broken nose and blubber ips! At length Bud desisted, and arose to his feet, His enemy slowly followed him, very badly dis- comfited, No sooner was Caleb up than he was seized by the collar and forcibly and inelegantly ejected through the door of the cabin, and the door was Slammed behind him. CHAPTER VI. A MAD DESPERADO. ALTHOUGH the interruption at Sierra Steve’s cabin was so sudden and unexpected, had the person been an enemy he would have been given a warm reception; for as the door swung open Truthful James’s revolver leaped from his belt. It was immediately restored, however, as a view of the caller was obtained, and both men gave evidence of surprise. The visitor was none other than Dora, Magic City’s beautiful favorite! She made a charming picture as she stood animated, erect in the door- way in the uncertain candlelight. But she gave the two men no time for admira- tion. She was manifestly excited, and her call was not one of social formality. “‘T have come for you, Truthful James!” she exclaimed. ‘‘I saw you enter here this evening and thought it must be your home. Were you in earnest when you said you would be a friend to father and me?’ ** Huh! I wuz thet, Dora! I’m—” **Then will you help me now? I fear father is killed! Powder Mack has turned demon! he shot father, and isin my room now, raving like amaniac! Will you help me, Truthful James?” Truthful James strode to the door, “Make yer report ter Fury, ez ye started, Sierra,” he said to his pard. ‘I’m goin’ ter step over hyer an’ throw a feller named Pow- der Mack inter ther Pacific! Come on, Dora, I’m yer firin’ squad!” and Truthful and the favorite hurried away, the night made lurid by the burning Parlor. ‘*T shall be grateful to you always for this service, Truthful James,” said the girl. “I bad no pistol to protect myself, so I had to run to escape.” “‘Thar’s nothin’ I wouldn’t gladly do fer a gal who kin make coffee like you,” James replied. “I’m a pecooliar cuss, I am, an’ I glory = ee 9 o this kind, Roe eae me etter than ther prospect ov a prize-fight with Powder Mack,” - - ’ “IT fear the ruffian has killed my poor father!” ‘* He'll pay fer it if he hez, dast’im! Thet feller is a unique critter, ef I do say it myself, I thort I done ’m up fer good an hour ago,” ‘“He was badly wounded, His breast was bandaged.” ‘“‘He’s one ov them fellers you hey ter kill entirely ter stop their’ meannesss, It'll be a cur’us sarcumstance ef I don’t stop ‘im this trip. [('m howlin’ glad ye come ter me, little gal. fer help. Ye did jest right shore ez shoot- n They reached the cabin, They heard a heavy tread inside, and loud talking. . winder,” suggested the rescuer, ‘‘ jes’ ter seo what ve’s up ter, anyway.” ’ Looking through the window they saw Pow- der Mack stalking to and fro in the room, flourishing two great six-shooters dangerously. His shirt hung open in front and across his breast could be seen the bandages with which Caleb had bound his wound. His face was dis- torted into the expression of a ferocious beast, as he kept up a meaningless raving. ‘*He is a maniac, Dora, I vum!” James re- marked, in a lowtone. ‘‘ Lcok at them eyes! Tell ye what, his wound hez turned his brain. He hain’t got enough sense ter last ’im ter bed, af ther present writin’. But sense er no sense, Tl stop his rippin’ up a peaceful household, durn his unique picter!” ‘*Do you see father?” Dora inquired. ‘*Nup. Cain’t see’im nowbar. Where did he fall when he wuz shot?” “Between the table and the door. He was advancing to meet the intruder, who had just jum from a horse and kicked open the door.” “Wal, he ain’t thar, sartain, Mebbe he’s escaped. Now, Dora, ter squelch thet cuss, You'll hey ter help me.” ‘“Help? Well? ‘Tap on ther winder till yer ketch his atten- tion. ren rush thar ter see what it is, an’ while his back’s ter ther door I'll step in an’ pulverize ’im. See?” “Pll do what you say,” assented Derton’s Daughter. ‘‘ But, Mr. James, you must not en- danger yourself—” ‘*Huh! Thar—don’t be skeery, gal. [ma cur’us person, ter never git hurt in a scrim- mes? ‘* Now, pound ther winder!” Truthful took his position at the door, and the girl obeyed him by rattling the window panes re at the same time keeping back from the ight. The truthful individual heard an unusually loud growl from the crazy cova within, and marked his footsteps as he strode in a rage to the window to investigate. At what he conceived to be the right moment, James softly but quickly opened the door, and with the spring of a panther pounced upon the unsuspecting Powder Mack, and with an adroit movement tripped him and flung him heavily to the flocr, It was astonishing to see the qualities of Truthful James’s emaciated limbs. Never was a human appearance more deceptive than that of the odd individual ‘‘ from Pepper-box.” The mad desperado struggled like a freshly- branded bull; but with a grip at his throat like a steel vise, and his arms pinioned to the floor beneath him, he found himself powerless to moye his unseen and terrible foe. Dora, entering the cabin, intuitively recog- nized a need of her friend’s, and hastily brought a small, strong rope, with which the arms of the rough were securely bound behind his back, His weapons were then removed, and he was rolled over so that he could get a view of his captor, whose heel upon his neck made him still hel less to rise. he eyes of the maniac burned like balls of polisbed steel. Woe to his foes if he gained the mastery! ‘“'Ye’re a bold, bad man, if Ido say it my- self,” averred Truthful, calmly, not at all ruf- fled by the encounter, ‘‘ Mebbe, ez this is most likely yer last night on earth, ye’re tryin’ ter do somethin’ ter be remembered by. Consarn ye, keep still!” The heel was pressed heavily upon the thick, bronzed throat, and the desperado had sense enough to cease his struggles. ‘This biz’ness hez started yer wound ter bleedin’ ag’in,” the man from Pepper-box went on, ‘an’ it’s my opinion you won’t want nothin’ by mornin’ but about seven feet o’ earth, unless thar’s a change in you.” ‘“* Hey you found Denton, Dora?” ‘No, he is not here,” replied the distressed girl. ‘* What could have become of him?” ‘* Now, I never waz much on riddles,” was the mse. ‘‘Cur’us, too, ain’t it? Lemme see, Did ye say Powder Mack rode up hyer?” ‘Yes, he came right up to the door with his horse in a gallop.” ‘“ What became ov the hoss? “Tcan’t answer. When I ran from the cabin it was standing near by.” “ An’ Denton wuz lyin’ on ther floor thar? When we kem back, ther animal wuz gone an’ Denton wuz gone. Mebbe they left in company, little gal,” The maiden’s face flushed. *‘T hope it is no worse!” she breathed fer-- “Let's squint at ther auimule through ther ' vently. .
Page 6
tes PARSE There was a short silence, broken by the ques- tion: ““ What harm hez this devil done hyer, Dora?” “No real harm, only to my father, I think,” was the reply, as she surveyed the room. ‘‘ He has knocked everything over that was in his way, but broken nothing, I guess,” ** He didn’t get his hands on you, did he?” ** No; he didn’t seem to see me when he came in, as I shrunk into a corner. He didn’t seem to notice father, either, after he shot him, He just went about the room, raving and swearing, as you saw him. I ran out when his back was turned, and went to you.” “* rm thinkin’,” said Truthful James, deliber- ately, ‘‘ thet Powder Mack never kem hyer with any bloody purpose—be wuz jest on a crazy tear, an’ didn’t know nothin’ he done. He hed got away frum his doctor, whoever he wuz, stole a hoss, an’ jest chanced ter strike your cabin fur his circus. I guess he hain’t responsible fer all this mischief. I’m goin’ ter take him ter his friends.” The girl did not realize the significance of this last declaration, did not know how daring was the idea, for she was unaware of the fact that her friend and Powder Mack’s friends were deadly enemies, “You hain’t afraid ter stay hyer, are ye, Dora? Keep one o’ them pistols at hand, and shoot ther fu’st p’izen kiote thet molests you!” **} shall not be afraid,” was the answer of the brave girl. ‘‘I shall keep prepared as you ad- vise. But—” ‘* Yer father, eh?” “ae Yes—” ** He shell be found, you bet! Rest quiet on thet p’int, honey! . Now, ter take this unique cuss ter the doctor ag’in. I vum! he’s not ez lively ez he wuz, Gittin’ weak, shore. Come, git up hyer, Mack!” The desperado was given no time to consider whether he should obey or disobey; he was all at once landed on his feet by main strength. Then, grasping the cords at his back, Truthful aoe marched him unresistingly out of the cabin. They were going to Dan Fury! CHAPTER VII, BOLDNESS WINS, Tue Parlor was not the only saloon in town, so after its destruction the roughs of Magic City made another, ‘‘ No, 2,” as it was called, their headquarters, It was not so pretentious a place as the one de- stroyed, but it had for sale equally as bad liquor, and liquor was what they wanted after their hot experience in watching the Parlor burn down. it assuaged their wounded feelings and afforded them general relief. As we look in upon the crowd at No, 2, ashort while after the destruction caused by Truthful James’s bullet is complete, we find them gath- ered about Dan Fury, who had just entered, dis- cussing in grim tones the events of the night. Fury leans against the rough edge of the bar, his one fierce eye still speaking of the the terri- ble passion within him. In all probability he has but returned from his home, for his bullet- sae) hand is well bandaged with clean cloth, m which the fumes of camphor come. Cool Caleb is there, but the “ tempest” has not seen him. He is alone ata table, as nearly out of sight as he can get, sullenly sipping the contents of a glass, The truth is, Caleb’s features, after their numerous forcible contacts with Bud Bright’s hard fists, are not very pre- sentable, The blows have told upon him, and there are a number of suggestive black marks about his eyes, nose and mouth. He has received a pretty severe lesson. It is a question, how- ever, whether he will profit by it, for his brain is full of plans for revenge. ** Does anybody know the name ov ther skunk thet’s at ther bottom ov’ all this?” savagely came from Fury. No answer. “Wal, he’s ther meanest insect thet ever crawled in Colorado, Don’t know whar he’s frum, I reckon?” No answer. 2s | guess it war ez Powder Mack said, ther storm blew him in frum somewhar—nowhar in partic’lar. I’d wish ther storm ter blow him out again, but I want ter git hold ov him. By Jernsalem! pards ov Magic, thar’s deadly pay fer sech work ez he has done! Hi’ll, wish he never saw Magic City. But blowin’ him in waz not ther only bad turn ther storm done me.” ** What else, cap’n?” “Sierra Steve, the foreman o’ ther Magic Mine, told me five minutes ago ther office hed been swept away an’ ther shaft had several Truthful James. feet ov water in it. How’s that ter make a saint sw’ar?’ “* Thet’s blamed bad, Dan—blamed bad. It'll take a good deal o’ trouble ter git things straight ag’in.” ** Yes, an’ thar’s no one who kin do ther work like Powder Mack. He would go at it ter-mor- row, but he’s got a cursod bullet in ’im. By ther way, whar is Powder Mack?” “Dunno. Why?’ **Wuz’n't he at your cabin, Dan?” “He wuz at my cabin, yes. But he ain’t thar now. He come ter me ter avenge him, an’ [ left him an’ Cool Caleb thar. But when I went back ter bind up my hand both wuz gone.” ** Who’s Cool Caleb?” ** Thet’s so, you fellers don’t know ther cool young sport from Kansas City,” said Fury, pausing to swallow a glass of whisky. ‘* He’s an old friend of mine. He jest got in last night, an’ slept ’most all day. thoroughbred, e is.” ** Cool ’un, is he?” ** Cool ez an ice-berg in a fight, He’s only a small feller, too—small, but turrible.” Two or three of the men involuntarily glanced at the young stranger behind them at the table. Fury observed them, and following their gaze, immediately recognized Cool Caleb. ‘*Thar be is, by Joseph! Come up hyer, Caleb. I wuz wonderin’ whar you wuz.” Discovered, there was nothing for the youth but to obey, and he quit his seat and joined the crowd. He didn’t look much like a thoroughbred as he came slowly up with a black, sheepish face— sheepish in spite of his efforts to look indif- ferent. ‘* What in Hail Columbia is ther matter with inal sing demanded, noting the dark, tell-tale ruises. Then, without waiting for a reply, he continued, ‘‘ Pards ov Magic, this is Cool Caleb. He’s a true blue, dyed-in-ther-wool, and yer do well ter know him.” The introduction wes acknowledged by both parties, and their friendship ‘‘ clincked ” with a drink all round at Caleb’s expense. “Vm not very presentable, I guess,” said Caleb, apologetically. ‘‘ My beauty was spoiled to large extent within the last hour.” “What's ther trouble, pard!” Fury repeated. The cool youth was aiways able to improvise plausible excuses, ‘Why, I left Powder Mack in the cabin after I dressed his wounds, and started up toward the Parlor, which was just beginning to burn. Id got no distance hardly till I was jumped on by two galoots who used their revolvers as clubs, and rather got the best of me. Though I fancy I warmed ’em up in a way they despised.” ‘© Who wuz the critters, Caleb?” “You got me, Dan. Of course, being a stranger here, I was as ignorant of their names as I was surprised at the attack, I thought at first they meant to rob me, but I think now murder was intended, though why they should want to killa stranger is a mystery to me. didn’t have time to draw a weapon, but I was able to defeat their purpose with my fists. I got in a good right and left on each one, and they skipped. But they had left their mark, as you see by my blooming countenance,” Caleb told the story in an exceedingly cool and modest manner. It aroused the admiration of the Magic pards. ‘* By Jerusalem! two ter one is a durned sin!” rowled Fury. ‘‘ Tried ter hill ye, eh? and yer nocked ’em out with yer fists?” ‘* Well, I got away,” responded Caleb, in an off-hand manner, ‘** An’ yer don’t know who ther gophers wuz? Describe ’em! By Joseph! you kin describe em! Caleb contracted his brows thoughtfully. “Tecan do that, yes,” said be. ‘*One was a pore, ed about my size, only lighter in weight, think—” “Eh” The —_ glanced at each other. “Only one sech in town,” remarked one, “Tt wus Bud Bright, shore ez judgment,” said Fury, conclusively. ‘Go on, Caleb.” “‘The other—I’m not likely to forget him,” the youth continued; ‘‘ I guess he had just got loose from a grave-yard. He wasa skeleton clothed in animal skins—” There was a general exclamation. ‘* We know him,” grated the big tough. ‘‘ See thet hand? It would hev been hia death ere he saw you but fer a bullet from ther dark—a bullet fired by Bud Bright, I'll bet a gold mine! Thar’s no doubt ther two arepards, Thet grave- ard beast is ther one thet shot Powder Mack, ye now, Caleb.” ‘‘ Thet’s so. I remember how Mack described him, when he come to the cabin.” “T want ter tell you fellows something!” Dan Fury resumed, bringing his sledge-hammer fist down on the bar, ‘‘ Them two are public ene- mies, an’ should be shot on sight. Magic City hez received a deadly insult this night, an’ it kin be settled only in idoa, As fer thet little upstart, Bud Bright, ’ve got a bad hand hyer, but I'll manage ter git ther drop on him. Jest leave him ter me, As fer his pard, the devil thet shot Powder Mack, and burned ther Parlor, I want you fellers ter sw’ar with me ter shoot him on sight. We'll take an oath right hyer to hev him under ground afore sundown ter-mor- row. He hez come ter our peaceful burg, an’ made a score thet kin be wiped out only with his life!” ‘* We're ther men ter wipe out sech scores, Dan!” cried a burly tough. ‘‘Sw’ar us, ef yer want!” Dan Fury’s right hand was raised, and every right hand in the room followed suit, ‘*Sw’ar you will hev vengeance fer Powder Mack an’ ther Parlor, an’ fer Cool Caleb, ther minute you see ther foe!” ‘* We sw’ar!” The oath wasa deep chorus. The despera- does of Magic City were in terrible earnest. The hands were lowered, and the crowd in- dulged in another drink, this time almost in silence. ‘“* What become ov Powder Mack?” Dan Fury suddenly inquired of Cool Caleb, “Tf he leit the cabin I don’t know anything about him,” replied the youth. ‘*‘ When i came away be was lying on the bed with his eyes closed.” ‘*Not dead?” quickly. ae No—” ** Hyer’s Powder Mack !” The crowd in No. 2 were astounded to see Powder Mack, hatless, coatless and wild-eyed marched into the saloon by the very individual my the moment before they had sworn to ill! Tbe boldness of the stranger unnerved these bold men, and they watched him witha look something like stupidity. ‘“‘['m Truthful James, gents ov Magic,” said the character, with a wave of a weaponless hand. ‘‘ We’ve met before, I believe, but never hed an interduction. [’m a pecooliar cuss, I am. Iheerd an inguiry about Powder Mack; hyer heis. He’s crazy ez a loon, an’ ort ter be ey care ov. Take hold ov him, Fury, er he'll fall!’ With the last words Truthful James urged his charge forward, and supporting and guid- ing him by the cords at his back, walked bim directly up to Dan Fury, and there released im. The wounded man had lost strength rapidly, and he was now so weak, Fury was obliged to hold him up or let him fall to the floor. The roughs seemed to have lost both the Hepes of speech and of action. The men who ad sworn to shoot on sight never so much as drew a weapon from their belts in their con- sternation at such unprecedented daring. Truthful James acted as though be were among friends, with no thought of fear. He was as nonchalant as though he did not know that these men thirsted for his blood, but not for an instant did he remove his sunken, fascinating eyes from their faces. He stepped backward toward the door, and as yet no word had been spoken save by him- self, “Don’t put off doctorin’ Mack.” he suggestéd. ‘* He’s in a bad way, but it’s owin’ ter bis own foolishness. He hez been tearin’ around like a mad grizzly. Ihev no cards, gents,” he went on, as though apologizing for a serious fault; ‘“‘['m a cur’us feller, ef I do say it mysel?, an’ ii left all my cards up ter Pepper-box, whar I come frum. ‘I hev bullets, though! Be car’ful, boy!” Caleb was in jeopardy. He had drawn a re- volver from his belt, but, ere he could raise it, Truthful James had flashed a pair of six-shoot- os Fin view, and one of them covered his ead. The pards of Magic were themselves now, and ready to execute their oath, but no man among them dared to attempt to fire. Such an act would be an out and out forfeit of his life, with those threatening barrels leveled upon bim. Fury was practically powerless, with the weight of Powder Mack to support. Behind his glistening men-killers Truthful James backed to the door, and smiled page mockingly, as he bowed himself out into darkness!
Page 7
v = ta eee t art nde tee eee, rae pS Truthful James. CHAPTER VIII. BUD BRIGHT ENTERTAINS. *T G@uEss Caleb will learn to leave torpedoes alone one of these days,” Bud Bright smiled grimly, as he sat at the table in his cabin, think- ing of the meeting between himself and the young sport from Kansas City, a half-hour be- fore. ‘‘ He ought to know by this time that ’m not to be trifled with. But the drubbing won’t do him much good—he’ll attempt to get revenge at the first opportunity. It may yet be Caleb’s life or mine.” His lips closed firmly and his brilliant eyes flashed. “T have no one to answer t),” he went on, drumming softly on the rude stand—“ no father, no mother, no wife or sweetheart. There is no law here; every man carries bis life in his own hands. If I don’t defend myself no one will fight for me, and I did not buy my weapons for playthings. So look out, Caleb, I am ready, for you, my old enemy, be your game to the death!” He stared abstractedly at the wall in silence for awhile, and then continued: ‘Dan Fury and Cool Caleb are pards—that is plain. I see now how Fury came to know my real name—Caleb wrote it to him. Ah, the two are boldly playing for the richest prize in the Colorado Mountains!” Before him on the table where the light of the tallow dip fell fully upon it, was a piece of rag- ged manila paper, which, unfolded, was about six inches square. It was an uninteresting, unimportant looking document, but it was worth much to the boy-- and to bis enemies, It was nothing more nor less than a chart to a wonderful mine. The writing, which was coarse but plain, seemed to have been done with a sharpened stick, berry juice having been used for ink. The writer was Thornton Webb, and bis manu- script was dated over two years before. Besides the chart which gave directions to and described a certain spot, there were these addenda: “This rich deposit was discovered by my partner, James Dayton, and myself, three monthis ago. “*Dayton has been gone a week. He was undoubt- edly murdered by the Indians, ‘ “Our large sack of gold I leave buried at the foot of a great oak tree, ten steps west of the X-marked bowlder near the mine.” Bud Bright knew the contents of the paper by heart, and yet he read it with.manifest inter- est. “Who would not search for such a bonanza? It may make me as wealthy as a duke. I’ve been here a week now, and my researches have so far been unsuccessful, But I will find it; I believe I am within a half-dozen miles of it, and I be- lieve it is somewhere east of here. I will find it in spite of you, Fury and Cool Caleb!” There was a step outside the cabin and a knock on the door. The youth instantly blew out his light, and hurriedly concealed the paper, not in the table drawer, but under his cot ina corner; then, with his hand on a weapon, he opened the door, and recognized his caller at once. “Truthful James, at yer sarvice!” said the lank individual, who had cowed the most notori- ous desperadoes in Colorado. *‘ Ts this ther honer’ble Bud Bright?” “Tam that individual!” replied the youth, re- laxing his hold on the handle of the revolver. ** Come in.” He relighted the candle, and Truthful James entered, closed the door, and helped himself to a seat. Bright turned to his visitor a questioning face. The silent interrogation was answered at nce. ‘* Powder Mack, a ruffian I wounded at ther Parlor, an hour or so ago, to save my own life, went crazy an’ raised Old Ned in Denton’s cabin, durn his unique picter! Heshotold man Denton, an’ Dora ran ter me fer help, an’ I took the devil back to bisfriends, But, Denton wuz gone, don’t know whar, an’ I promised ther leetle gal id find ‘im. Ye’re the right stripe, ain’t ye, ud 7 “ Correct!” was the prompt response, “Waal, will ye pre Sierra Steve an’ me in findin’ ther old man? Ye see, its my opinion he’s rid off somewhar a-hossback, fer there’s a hoss‘a- missin’.” “Who's Sierra Steve/—Dan Fury’s agent?” queried the youth, suspiciously, Truthful James’s only answer was a longstudy ~ _ Bright’s face. At last he asked, very lowly: ——— ** Who are you?” The youth smiled and shrugged his graceful shoulders. ‘* Bud Bright,” he returned. ‘**T know—but, what wuz yer handle afore ye become so bright?” persisted the man from Pep- per-box, evidently very much interested. ‘See hyer,” be went on, ‘‘1’m a cur’us cuss, but ’m an honest man!” Bright believed him, and said as much, add- ing: “IT know no harm ia telling my name. My enemies know it; and my friends may, I’m sure. It is Willis Webb, and I’m from Kansas City.” Truthful James rose to his feet. There was a strange look in his eyes,which he evidently tried to ae but the youth noticed it. ‘“Jest shake hands, will ye?’ the man said. ‘** Jest shake hands,” ‘*'You know me?” Bud Bright queried, in sur- prise, graspmg the extended hand. ‘‘ Maybe you'll tell me your right name.” ‘Don’t ask nary questions. I never saw ye outside o’ this cabin,” was the reply. This was a puzzling experience for the young bonanza-hunter, but he did not press his ques- tion, and the mysterious visitor returned to the subject of Sierra Steve. His communication on this was another surprise to the youth. “Sierra Steve is Dan Fury’s agent, yes, but he’s mine, too!” ‘“* And you are Fury’s enemy?” “Sartain, Thar, you know a great secret boy—one that no one knows but us three. I kin trust you, an’ we are friends. What do yer say?” There was something indefinable about the man that made Bud Bright answer ‘ yes” with hi; whole heart, * Of course,” Ke continued, “ I'll help you find Denton, I have seen bin to know him, and oe I should not be human to refuse her aid. **So say I, me boy!” said Truthful James. “* She’s a flower from an angel mother’s grave.” Bright was not slow to catch the hidden mean- ing of the last sentence, and the poetry of it struck him as remarkable, coming from such a character. A question was on his tongue, but James in- terrupted, “The mother died when Dora wuz born. That’s all. Cool Caleb is also frum Kansas City; do ye know ’im?” The youth leaned his chair back against the table and smiled. ‘* He was here about a half-hour ago, and I a. . him two beautiful black eyes with my sts. “I saw he wuz in a bad way when I took Powder Mack inter No, 2. What wuz ther diffi- culty ‘twixt you two?” Bright ignored the question. “Did you expose yourself again to Fury and his friends?” he inquired, in astonishment, It_was the visitor’s turn to laugn. ‘“‘T delivered ther crazy critter ter Fury in person, in ther presence ov ther whole gang. An’I give Fury some advice about how ter treat ther patient. I’m a pecooliar cuss, I am, ef I do say it myself.” ‘“‘ Blamed if you ain’t!” cried Bud Bright. ‘I should have said it was as much as your life was worth to sbow yourself to Fury after the trouble at the Parlor.” ** Did yer see thet?” es.” ‘*Mebbe ye’re ther friend in ther dark thet saved my hfe.” The youth offered no denial. ie yer sweet life, boy, what made ye do i “I thought an enemy of Dan Fury’s must be a woes man,” was the reply. _truthful James was very grateful for the ser- vice, and he commended bis young friend highly for his skill with the revolver. We'll go over ter Denton’s cabin at once now,” he concluded, ‘‘an’ see ef ther old man hez turned up. Ef he hain’t, you an’ me’ll git our hosses an’ hunt ‘im on ther trails, while Sierra Steve will spread himself over ther camp. He’s in no danger oy a bullet, ye know.” The light was extinguished ‘and the two left the cabin, making their way toward the northern part of the town. Mat 0c) Powter gt continued, and Bright told is new friend of his long-s i i Coal Caleb, z g-standing trouble with Finally Truthful James said, abruptly: “Willis, I wish ye’d tell me what on “i doing hyer. I might be able ter help ye a mite!” The bees hesitated a moment. ‘I’m here on secret business,” he returned at last, “ But, Pl tell you this much, Truthful: I’m hunting a lost bonanza.” The intelligence called no expression from the man save: ‘** Did it ever occur ter ye thet somebody hed found it afore ye?” “ Tt never did,” The man from Pepper-box placed a hand on his friend’s arm and whispered something in his ear. The youth started and gave an exclamation. “Truthful James,” he began, “‘ I want to know who ge are—” “Thet you'll learn after a bit, but not now. Many strange things will come ter light in Magic City. soon, an’ ther least of ’em ‘ll be who I am.” Bud Bright saw the uselessness of further pressing the question, and he pondered a mQ- ment, “Tf what you suggest is so, why should Dan Fury try to steal my chart?” “Chart? Waal, ter keep you from makin’ trouble.” Again there was a period of silence. Pr The location is right, but the description don’t fit,” remarked Bud. “Years an’ hands kin make changes.” ‘*T}] kill two birds with one stone!” exclaimed the young bonanza-hunter. ‘‘When I ride in search of Denton I'll ride eastward!” **Good!” returned Truthful. ‘‘ Hyer we are, Yer eyes are goin’ ter hev a treat!” He knocked on the door of Denton’s cabin, and, a minute later, the two stood in the light before the charming Dora. The girl clutched something bright in the folds of her dress, and she laughed a trifle ner- vously as her visitors accepted her cordial invi- tation to enter, and she put aside one of Powder Mack’s revolvers. ‘“*'You see, I took your advice, and was ready to defend myself,” she explained. “This is Bud Bright, Dera,” said Truthful James. ‘A good friend he’ll make you.” The young persons seemed mutually pleased to acknowledge the introduction. ‘*T have seen you before, and father told me your name,” added the girl, smiling. ‘“*And I heard of Denton’s Daughter at the time I heard of Magic City,” Bud Bright re- turned. ‘‘ How often since it would be impossi- ble to count.” Truthful James glanced about. ‘*Denton has not got back?” ‘* No,” replied Dora. CHAPTER IX. AT BREAK 0’ DAY. THE morning sup was taking its first peep at Magic City when Truthful James drew up his jaded borse before Sierra Steve’s cabin and Sierra Steve himself. “* Well?” interrogated the rider. ‘Still no Denton,” replied Steve. ‘I’m satis- fied he’s not in camp. You failed ter find bim— “Or any trace ov ’im. Ther boy hezn’t re- turned?” ty No.” Truthful dismounted. ‘*Ther hoss must hev a rest,” said he. ‘‘ He’s been all over ther western kentry. An’ say, Steve!” “Well?” ‘Did yer teJl Fury about ther Magic, so thet ye kin stay hyer beamhg if “Yes. He swore like a sailor, an’ then said thar’d be no use o’ my goin’ out ter-day. He'd ride out bimself this mornin’ and take a look at it. “Said that, did he? Goin’ this mornin’? Do er know, I'd like ter hev a little talk with an, an’ while you git breakfast, Steve, I'll trot over ter his cabin. He'll be leavin’ purty quick.” Sierra assented, and took charge of the ari- mal, while the man from Pepper-box took bis way southward, toward the center of the camp. Tbe camp was not awake yet, though the time was short until it would be fully astir, The boldness of this odd individual was re- markable. 'He must have known that his life was sought by the very men whose doors he passed, and yet he walked along with as much uncon- cern as though he were king of Magic City, and all its inhabitants his subjects. “Fury is startin’ early!” be muttered sud- denly, as be noticed a horse standing in front of his foe’s cabin. Then he added: “I wonder ef him an’ Bud Bright won’t run tergether on ther east trail.” James approached the shanty from the rear, for the reason that it faced south. As he
Page 8
af a I es EN _ Truthful James. neared the structure he stepped softly, for it was not his purpose to give the enemy warning of bis presence, ““T may breakfast with Fury, who knows?” he chuckled. ‘* Though not by invitation, I guess.” He was alongside the west wall of the cabin when the door at the front opened, and he heard voices of men in conversation. He recog- nized them—Fury and Cool Caleb. He drew Fo back against the logs and listened. ; ‘ve got a bad eye and a bad hand,” Fury was saying, madly, ‘‘but, [ll play a game thet’ll paralyze my foes! Curse ther storm thet : should do me damage! But, I'll be back in two se hours, Caleb, and afore ther sun sets we'll plant He, both ov ther pesky galoots!” 7 The Tempest of Magic City approached his x horse and prepared to mount, i “*T’ve got two black eyes,” Cool Caleb returned, in a rueful tone. ‘‘ How do they look, Dan, ; this morning? Am I presentable enough to call war on the fair one?” Fury gave him a scrutinizing glance. ‘“*Thar’s no swellin’ ter speak ov, and they’re not very black. Ther camphor doue yer a good ‘ turn.” rie Fury put his left foot in the stirrup, withdrew * it, and took a step toward Caleb, ““ Yer told a good lie about them eyes last night,” he suggested. hi Caleb, leaning against the casement of the door, flushed, and then gavea hard laugh. a ‘*Thanks,” said he. ‘* How did you know it 4 was a lie?” ; ‘*T ain’t a fool,” responded Fury. ‘ Thar’s a reason fer everything. What reason would them two hev in beating yer? I saw ther lie, Caleb, an’ helped yer out in it, jest fer appear- : ances afore ther boys. Then I’ve waited fer ; ther truth, but yer hain’t give it.” » He waited expectantly for an explanation. se ‘* Well, the tale I put up in defense of my black eyes was a lie,” Caleb admitted. ‘‘T had " a meeting with Willis, and, curse him, he got i the best of me. I had my revolver at bis head, while he lighted a dip so as to find thet paper, and he threw the burning match into my eyes i and rattled me. Then he jumped on me like a tiger. ne ury ran his fingers through his grassy i . beard. Ms ‘*Did you ever hear of torpedoes?” he in- quired. His answer was a fierce oath, and: ‘*Never mind! The battle only gives me an excuse ter kill that imp of Satan!” ‘Don’t be in a rush, Caleb,” Fury warned. . ‘*T’m goin’ ter investigate ther damage at ther ry mine now. When I come back we kin resume cf ther game, You kin pass ther time :mindin’ ny Powder Mack.” bat ‘“T won’t have to mind him long.” ““Why? Do you think he’s yoin’?” ‘‘He’ll be dead before you get back, in my q opinion.” ae Fury gnashed his teeth. 9 ‘“‘Curse thet skeleton in skins!” he grated, thrashing his muscular legs with the bridle-rein. # ‘“‘f sw’ar never ter close eye in sleep ag’in till 7 thet critter is done fer! By Satan! he shell learn what ‘ blood fer blood’ means! He will be : shot on sight, ez the boys made oath last night. ey! He bulldozed us once, but fer ther last time.” si The man who heard himself thus reviled and ‘ threatened folded his arms and remained per- fectly quiet. But there was an angry, danger- ous fire in his eyes. yh Fury seemed again on the point of mounting, (a but he turned and addressed Caleb once more. A thoughtful, half-fearful look had displaced the one of rage. aiid ‘“*T knew a sick man on ther Wildcat trail way up in the mountains once,” he said, ‘* You know who I mean, Caleb.” . The youth nodded. ‘‘ Truthful James hez ther face ov thet man, only it’s thin and sallow.” ‘ _* You don’t say—” Ai ‘““No! I would sw’ar thet man died as I would ae. sw’ar thet I live! Thar wuz a thousand chances 2 ter one ag’in’ his livin’, Caleb. And yet, his ’ face half-unnerves me.” ‘ ** Mebbe this is a brother—” Aq ‘* On ther track?” “4 - “Yes.” pr “Caleb, thar waz no witnesses on cat road.” . A short pause followed, broken by the youth: Bas “Pury,” he said, slowly, ‘I saw a man who ‘. oo ‘ther Wild- * looked like Truthful James once.” am “ ere?” Be . “Tn Kansas City.” EEE EEE ee eee... Fury’s lips did not move, but his eyes said ‘‘ go on. ** He’s the man I suspicioned was on my trail in the real estate affair.” Fury was instantly excited. ‘“ By Heaven! then he’s not thrown. sure, Caleb?” ‘**T believe so—yes, I am, though I never thought of it before. The minute I laid eyes on him I thought I bad seen him somewhere, some- time.” ‘*Thar’s mystery hver, boy, yer saw him?” ‘* The first time was nearly a year and a half ago, only two or three months after we made the fifty thousand baul. He helped me to my room when I was pretty drunk, and accepted my in- vitation to stay all night with me. Then I saw him a time or two afterwards, He tried to ask me about you once, where you were, and so forth, and I got suspicious and left him. He wasn’t dressed as he is now, but in common clothing and he wore a beard.” Fury heard this with a strange expression on his face. And Caleb, as he talked, gave evi- dence of a feeling of uneasiness, Magic City’s desperado stood straight and si- Jent for a time, and then swung himself into the saddle ere he offered a reply. ‘“*Thar’s but one man like Truthful James in ther world,” he said, ‘‘so thur ain’t many chances fer a mistake. And yet, a jedge would say be never saw civilization, Claims ter come from Pepper-box, don’t he? Good-by, Caleb. I’ve got food fer a good deal o’ thinkin’.”, Caleb offered no reply, and Fury spurred away toward the east, while the man about whom clung so much mystery retraced bis steps toward Sierra Steve’s abode. It was quite evident that this strange charac- ter’s fantastical appearance was only a blind to subserve the development of some great pur- Are you How long since pose, ‘* Only. a little while,” came intensely through his thin lips, “‘ and all will be at an end. I’ve heard enough for this morning, and Fury may go. Our conversation can be postponed, and Denton must be found before I undertake any- thing else.” All at once the door of a shanty he was pass- ing was flung open and a man sprung into the street, at the same instant firing his revolver and yelling like a Comanche warriap. Truthful reeled forward as though hard hit by the assassin’s bullet, then his own weapon leaped from his belt and he returned the shot with such deadly aim that his assailant threw up his hands and fell backward across the threshold of his cabin, ‘¢ They really mean to shoot on sight, the cow- ardly skunks!” James exclaimed, as he bounded away at full speed. The effect of the yells and shots in the vicin- ity was electrical. Cabin doors were thrown open, and men in scanty garb almost fell into the street, with cocked six-shooters in their hands. They were only in time to see their sworn enemy rapidly disappearing among the cabins to the north, already too far away for a decent shot, and they uttered savage oaths of rage and disappointment. They followed him, later, but with no success, Meanwhile, Dan Fury rode on and on, leaving mile after mile behind bim, He took no note of the wild and picturesque scenery along the way. His brow was knit and he was plunged in deep thought. Finally he arrived at_a spot where the trail branched to the Jeft. Here he met a rider, at sight of whom he drew his horse to a halt. ‘* Denton, by Tophet!” he ejaculated. CHAPTER X. A GAME FOR A GIRL, DENTON had come from the north and was riding along at an easy gait, with his eyes bent abstractedly on the ground. His handkerchief had been tied about his head, and there were traces of dried blood on his face and neck, ** He hez borrered Powder Mack’s hoss,” Dan Fury muttered, as he recognized the jaded ani- mal Denton was riding. ‘* Hullo!” he saluted. Denton started and looked up. He had not be- fore seen Fury. **Good-morning!” he returned, drawing up his horse. ‘If it isn’t Fury! I must be getting near Magic City?” ** Wal, she’s not a great ways off,” the rough replied. ‘‘ Keep yer back ter the sun frum tbis oa < yell git thar in an hour. Whar ye nD <q The old man ecbuckled dryly. * Strangest journey ever flectively. ‘‘ Been up to Pepper-box. Don’t know when I started or how I got there. I just seemed to wake and find myself there, Some man was holdin’ my horse and askin’ me what I wanted when I woke up.” ‘*Reeckon he knew ez much about it ez you did, didn’t he?” laughed Fury. ‘© Well, I had a mission?” answered Denton soberly. ‘' For all I got there in such an odd manner I had business. I arrived at the partial solution of a matter that has been weighing on my mind,” ** What is thet?” . “Why,” answered the old man, and then he stopped; presently he began again. ‘' Why,” he repeated, ‘‘ there’s an individual in Magic City, or there was one, who excited my: curiosity when he came to my cabin. Mebbe you’ve seen *im—dressed in skin?” ‘* He said he came from Pepper-box, and I got to thinking I'd make a trip to that tough nest and find out, and if it was so, learn something about him. So when I woke and found myself there I jest proceeded business.” ‘* What did ye find out?” queried Fury, and he could not conceal his eagerness. But, Denton did not appear to notice it. ‘Not a thing, cap’n,” he responded, ‘Seems he told a crooked story, fer I was told no such man was ever in Pepper-box. I half sus- pected as much,” “cc Why?’ The old man glanced up at Fury, and left the question unanswered. Though his~mind was unsettled he had discretion enough to reserve some things to himself. ‘*] left Pepper-box hours ago,” he said, ‘‘and I’ve been riding eversince. I let the horse take his own course. How I ever found the way in the first place isa mystery. I knew the general direction to Pepper-box, but bad never been there. The facts of Denton’s strange ride may be readily understood. His mind affected by the wound made by Powder Mack’s bullet, he had, as Truthful James thought, mounted the crazy desperado’s horse and ridden off. The desire to learn about the mysterious mau in skins, which, as he said, had been weighing on his mind, took possession of him, and with that strange judg- ment and cunning peculiar to the insane—the old man was temporarily insane—he had riddena score cf miles over a rough, unknown trail to the ‘‘ unique” Pepper-box. Arriving there, he came to himself, or par- tially, at least, and went on with his business, Finding that the man who had so interested him had deceived him, so far as his former abode was concerned, he had immediately set out on the return, riding without pause until his meeting with Fury. That his brain was not as yet altogether level, as intimated above, was proved by his next few words, which showed, at the same time, that he was gradually coming to himself, ‘“‘ Fury,” said he, ‘*‘ whose horse is this? And where did I get him?” ‘‘ Burned ef I know whar ye got him,” replied the desperado, ‘‘but I calc’late it’s Powder Mack’s four-legged railroad.” At the mention of Powder Mack, a new thoight seemed to dawn on Denton’s mind, a recollection of the crazy rough’s assault, and his face paled. He put his hand to his wounded head to make sure his memory was not at fault. “Powder Mack gave me a bullet there—I re- member now,” he uttered; ‘‘ burst oper m door and shot me. Great Heaven! when I rode from Magic I must have left Dora unprotected —in Powder Mack’s power! My God, Fary! I must ride to her fike the wind! J had not thought of these things before!” ; ; He gathered up the reins and urged bis steed forward, but, as he came even with Fury, the latter caught the bridle-bit. ; ‘Yer darter’s all right,” he took it upon bim- self to inform the old map. ‘She's all right, Denton, Ye kin rest easy. An’since ye men- tioned her, I’m reminded ov a little matter [’ve somewhat considered, an’ I'll jest lay it afore ye. Let yer hoss rest a bit longer while I tell e ” Denton seemed reluctant to obey, for be did not place any great reliance in Fury’s state- ment that his daughter was entirely unbarmed and secure, but there was as much command as request in the rough’s tones, and he concluded it would be best tobeed bir. Fury came at once to the subject in hand, “‘Thar’s a young stranger in Magic,” he be- gan, “who us fellers call Cool Caleb, I hed,” he said, re- Ive — are, SS So he Bs -_- steps is ae. ae ye a #3 7 Oe Pe ig Soe — rd <9 pak = a tas S 4.3 © ye Sep eS \ es eee
Page 9
known this young man fer a long time, an’ he’s a good ’un—indeed he is, Denton; a feller ye don't meet ever’ day. Bright an’ merry, an’ han’some, an’ he’s loaded with dust. He’s in love with Dora, an’ I thought I'd ask ye fer him, ez he’s a special friend 0’ mine, an’ a little bashful sometimes. What do ye say ter the match?” Denton was speechless for a moment, ‘* No!” he finally declared, with all thestrength of his lungs. ‘‘ She don’t wan’t to marry any Cool Caleb, and she sha’n’t !” ‘* Air ye sure?” ‘‘Sure? While I’m alive I’m sure!” Fury’s single eye suddenly began to blaze, and standing erect in his stirrups he gestured wildly, uttering the exclamation: ‘“Thar’s a way ter make ye consent!” **T don’t believe it!’ the old man returned, oe City’s desperado leaned forward and “You kin give yer darter ter Cool Caleb, er by Satan! Ill ride ter Leadville an’ telegraph ter Chief Speers—tell ’im thet Dayton, ther thief, is in Magic City! Tll doit, old man!” At this Denton’s face grew snowy, and he al- most reeled from his horse. He was incapable of reply, and Fury went on: **T know some things, I guess. I hain’t lived entirely in vain. How would twenty-five years behind the bars strike ye?” Denton slowly recovered, and his muscles twitched with nervous excitement as he replied: ** You can do what you say, but I swear you shall never get my consent to take my daughter from me! She is more precious to me than the blood of my heart!” Filled with passion, the rough lost control of himself at these words and the tempest again raged unchecked, Vith his sound hand he pulled a revolver from his belt and thrust it into the old man’s face, ** You may find it death ter refuse!” he cried, **Cool Caleb hez come ter Magic fer ther gal, an’ hev her he shall! Promise me hyer an’ now, Denton, in fear ov a speedy death, thet Caleb kin be yer son! One word—yes—is all I want, and ef ye don’t give it I'll scatter yer brains on ther trail! Ef Chief Speers can’t scare yer, I can! This is no play, fer if ye refuse, these rocks will be yer grave ther next minite! What do you say, Denton?” An unexpected voice answered the desperado, uttering a command clear and ringing: ‘Drop thet revolver, Fury, or I fire!” Fury turned to look at his foe, and with a fierce oath, he dropped his weapon, for, fifty feet away stood Bud Bright, with a leveled six- shooter. Denton noted only that he was saved, and then started his horse at full speed toward Magic City, toward his imperiled daughter, leaving his young friend and his mad foe face to face on the rock- walled trail. CHAPTER XI, THE MYSTERY OF A MINE. Bup Briegut walked toward Fury with his finger on the trigger. “I have some business with you,” he said. ** Throw down your other shooter!” The Tempest threw his second weapon to the pteme and was careful of his movements, for e knew by the boy’s resolute face he would get a bullet at the first sign of an attempt to turn the tables. ** Well, Willis!” he demanded with strange cannes, after his storm, ‘‘ what kin I do fer uu The youth came up to within ten feet of him lowering bis weapon, but still holding it cocked and ready for use at an instant’s warning. *‘]’m sorry to interrupt the murder of an old man,” he observed sarcastically, “‘and I hope ou’ll forgive me, Dan. Yousee, I’ve found the ost bonanza!” Fury’s face became a study at this statement. ‘* What lost bonanza?” he managed to inquire. Bright smiled sweetly. ‘Another innocent abroad,” he suggested. “You know well enough, Fury—the one to which the paper you tried to steal from me guided me. Mine !” “That's my property!” Fury blustered. “You lie, and you know it!” returned the oung gold-hunter. ‘‘ I can prove Ys the a, brought from Kansas City that the mine be longs to me/ You know that I can, and that is the reason you want the paper so bad Ves, & have triumphed in spite of you and Cool Caleb!” could reply, he resumed: roe tahye did me a good turn, for_it “The late ’ve found it—it is the Magic |~ H 7 Truthful James. washed away what you were pleased to call the ‘Ghost Cabin’—though no ghost was ever seen around there—and left exposed the nicely-con- cealed bowlder with its ‘X’mark—which I mainly depended upon to guide me to the treas- ure. Oh, you are a sly one, Fury! I would have made my discovery a week ago, but for the fact that that little cabin so completely dis- guised the presence of that big rock, You are just on your way out to look after the damage, eh? Never mind, Dan! You're too late, I'll look after the matter myself!” ‘*You’ve made a mistake,” Fury began, finger- ing his whiskers nervously; ‘‘1 diskivered an’ named ther Magic—” ‘* Named it, but my father, Thornton Webb, and his partner, discovered it,” corrected the youth. ‘The partner was killed by the Indians, and as my father’s legal heir I now claim the property. I came here for it, I have found it, and Iam going to have it, Fury! You have tried to balk me, but 1 warn you against cross- ing my pathagain! The mine has yielded you handsomely, and what you have you can keep, but you must relinquish your claims to the rich deposit which remains, absolutely and at once!” ‘You might have some diffikelty in proving all ye say,” said the desperado. ‘*The very fact that you knew nothing of a great sack of gold buried at the foot of an oak tree, ten steps from the bowlder, is enough in itself to establish a good deal, ain’t it?’ exclaimed Bright, with dancing eyes. Fury looked blank for a moment. Then he gathered himself together, and his single optic flashed with triumph, as he cried: ‘“T kin prove I am ther lost pardner, James Dayton !” It was the boy’s turn to look amazed, The statement came to him with the force of a blow, and his firm young face grew white. Fury, it seemed, had held his declaration in reserve, that it might have a more startling ef- fect. He watched Bright narrowly. ‘*- You can do nothing of the kind,” the boy finally asserted. ‘** Did ye ever see yer father’s partner?” Bright admitted he never had, as the partner- ship was formed after his father came to the West in search of gold, Fury’s face at this assumed a look of confi- dence which it had not shown before. ‘*Then how do ye know I ain’t him?’ he de- manded, ** You said you could prove you are Dayton. Do it.” ‘*You will hev ter come with me ter my cabin.” ‘* Walk into a trap, eh?” ** No; I kin show you, fair an’ squar’, thet my real name is James Dayton. If any gold wuz buried, it wuz after I left, so I knew nothing about it.” ‘“*] know how fair and square you are, Fury,” said the youth, ‘Don’t take me for a fool. So you’re Dayton, my father’s dear and honest friend?” ‘*T am that very feller, Willis.” “‘Tt seems, from what I’ve seen and heard of you, that you’re not so good as you once as. ‘Well, no. I hev kinder gone to ther bad.” ‘* You didn’t get killed by the Indians, then?” ** No, though I had a narrer escape,” ‘What caused you to leave my father and the new-found bonanza?” ‘* What caused me to leave?” repeated Fury, in some hesitation. ‘‘Why, I wuz goin’ ter Leadville fer supplies.” And when you came back my father was one? “Yep. I thort mebbe he’d been killed.” Bud Bright could but believe that Fury’s game was a piece of chicanery, and yet there were features about it that were decidedly puzzling. How, if the desperado was not the lost part- ner, had he known that his name was James Dayton? How had Cool Caleb, Fury’s boy pard, known that the chart to the mine was traced on brown wrapping paper? And there were other points that the youth could not reconcile to his satisfaction. e found himself growing uneasy. Was he to he baffled in his hour of triumph? Should be have to share the bonanza with a man who was bis foe, who had tried to rob him, who had al- lowed him to search futilely in the mountains for days and had done his best in every way to throw him from the track of his rightful pos- on ““You’ve got to prove—prove all you say Fury!” the boy cried, Semcoethets: “ And your oath will not be taken as evidence!” ** All ye’ve got ter do is ter come ter my cabin in Magic. I’ve got ther proof thar,” Fury re- plied. ‘‘ I don’t carry it in my pocket fer ther Same reason you don’t carry yours thar—it would wear cut. Ikin show ver to yer satis- faction thet I’m really James Dayton, in a very little time, too,” Bright again relapsed into a thoughtful con- sideration of the affair for a moment, and then he broke the silence by saying: eS Tl f° with you to your cabin, Fury, but you shall remain my prisoner, for I mean to take care of myself and shall give you no chance to get the advantage of me. If you call on any of your friends to drop me, I’ll drop you as quick, as a wink, and don’t you forget it!” He advanced and picked up the rough’s wea- pons and placed them in his belt, the while Fury assuring him he need fear no trouble. ** Now I'll step back here a little way for my horse,” said the boy. ‘‘If you leave while I’m gone, I’ve nothing to lose, but will gain a pair of six-shooters.” Going eastward about fifty yards he came upon his animal, concealed by some rocks and bushes, where he had left him while he stole for- ward to hear the trouble between Denton, the man he had been hunting, and Fury his foe, “Truthful James said there would be some strange developments soon, and I’m ready to be- lieve him,” the young bonanza-bunter mut- tered, as he untied his horse. ‘‘ But, I must confess there’s some mystery about this present affair that 1 fail to fathom. I'll sift it to the bottom, though, before the day is done.” As he swung himself into the saddle, he added: ‘* Denton’s found, and the fair daughter Dora will soon be happy once more, Denton—great Moses! I heard Fury call him Dayton the thief! What does all this mean? Dayton— Dayton—” Slowly the boy rode back to Fury, mystified, it is safe to say, more than he had ever been fore in his life. Fury was awaiting him, and the two at once started toward Magic City, the boy alert to possible danger and the desperado quickly confident of coming triumph. CHAPTER XII. COOL CALEB CALLS. In Sierra Steve’s rough log cabin Truthful James, the man of mystery, partook of his breakfast of coffee, bread and venison, as quiet- ly as though he were ina palace of safety, and not in the midst of reckless mountaineers, who were eager for his life. He had had a very narrow escape. ‘*Ther gophers hey no idea ov what become ov me,” he said to his friend, with a short, dry chuckle, “‘and they’ll never think ter suspicion Sierra Steve ov protectin’ me.” ce a you have a talk with Fury?’ Steve in- quired. * played eavesdropper on him an’ Cool Caleb,” was the reply. ‘‘ Ef thar had been ther least doubtin my mind that they’re the men, it’s gone now. What I heard wuz quite enough —more satisfactory, I jedge, than if I hed talked with ther boss wolf myself. Ez soon ez Denton’s found we'll bag ther game, Steve. To- day, mebbe, an’ then ther long trail will be at anend, Do ye know, they’re gittin’ scared; I remind Fury so much of a man he found on the Wildcat trail, and Cool Caleb says I was on his track in Kansas City. Wal—only alittle while, Steve.” After the meal Truthful James prepared to again leave the cabin. Sierra Steve brought his horse to the door, equipped for a new jour- ney. : **T can do nothing in Magic in daylight, ov course,” said the man in skins, “‘ but you, Steve, are a prime man fer a prime place. It’s luck Fury didn’t want yer ter go with him, It will be your duty ter-lay ter keep guard ov Dora, an’ ther best way ter do it, is ter go ter Fury’s cabin an’ stay with Cool Caleb, Ez an excuse fer yer visit fe kin ask about Powder Mack. Caleb will probably caJl on ther gal ter-day, an’ ef he does, let ’im, an’ don’t show yer hand un- less he tries ter harm her. But dofi’t lose sight ov’im. I’m goin’ on ther track ov Fury to- ward the mine. Denton must be in thet p Poe tion, an’ Bud Bright may gitin trouble with Fury, so thet’s my route, Don’t show yer hand unless it’s absolutely necessary, Steve. It might spoil a nice eeme, an’ ver usefulness,” Steve announced that he fully understood the instructions, and would carry them out the best he could, and Truthful James mounted and rode away, avoiding the central portion of the town where were the men who carried bullets for
Page 10
10 Cool Caleb, after the temporary excitement occasioned by the firing at Trutbful James, re- turned to the side of his patient, Powder Mack, who lay on the cot unconscious and evidently near death’s door. ‘‘Dan said to watch you, but there’s not much use,” the boy muttered, as he disposed himself in a chair and looked down into the face of the wounded desperado. ‘‘ You’re too weak to have another tantrum, and it’s my opinion you'll leave here feet foremost before the sun goes down. Well, no one will weep much, 1 guess— the death will only serve to seal a man’s doom, I wonder if Truthful James is really on my track? The more I think of him, the more I am ready to swear he is the oneI thought was tracking me in Kansas City. ‘©As Fury said,” he continued in his medita- tion, ‘‘ there is a mystery about the case. One thing is certain—I shall not remain on the defensive. I came to Magic City for business, and it’s going to be transacted. I sha’n’t put off my visit to girl and mine any longer, and if I’m interfered with I'll show the dealliest pair of claws Magic City ever felt.” Caleb never lost confidence in his ability to win every game in which he took a hand. Defeats—for example, the one received at the hands of Bud Bright—did not long disconcert bim, The young villain’s crafty eyes gleamed as he thought of his chances for success in the great game he was at present playing. “T guess the cool gentleman who made a fifty-thousand-dollar real estate deal under the very nose of the law, can attend to an old man and a girl and a mine in lawless Colorado,” he went on, ‘feb, Powder Mack?” He drew a little hand mirror from his pocket and took a view of his face. “A bad pair of eyes, but I can’t wait avy longer to see the girl I have come so far to wed, I think I'll make a call in the course of an hour, when the sun gets a little higher.” Shortly after, Sierra Steve entered the cabin, and introduced himself. ‘Oh, you’re Fury’s mine boss,” said Caleb, ecognizing the name. ‘I’m Cool Caleb, from Kansas City.” “ve heard of you,” responded ‘‘Fary’s gone out to ther mine, has he?” ‘““Yes; he left me here to nurse Powder Mack?” ‘‘How is ther pard? I came over ter inquire about ’im, ez I heerd the stranger who calls himself Truthful James had shot him, He looks mighty bad, Caleb,” ‘He is bad. I think he is done fer.” Sierra Steve andthe youth continued their conversation until the sun was well up in the heavens, and became quite friendly. Caleb at last concluded that a proper time had come for him to call on Denton’s Daughter, and he brushed bis hair and clothing, and im- proved his appearance still further by tying a gaudy neck-tie about the wide collar of his shirt, He acquainted Sierra Steve with his inten- tions, and requested the miner to remain at the side of Powder Mack until his return. “Your visit comes in pat,’’ he smiled, “‘ you can be useful as well as ornamental, You have no duty at the mine to-day, and nothing would please Fury more than for you to watch his pard here. What do you say?” ‘*Ov course,” responeded Sierra Steve, heart- ily. ‘But ain’t yer afeerd ther men ov Magic will git jealous oy yer attentions ter ther little beauty? “ Let them!” laughed Caleb, derisively. ‘‘ It will do em no good. I’ve heard of the foolish law against loving the girl. What are girls fer? “Go in an’ win ’er, I say!” was Steve's recommendation, and Caleb agreed to follow it if he could, ‘‘ And I guess I can,” he added, confidently, as he went out the door. He had previously located the home of Denton and bis daughter, and after a visit to No. 2, where he treated himself to ‘‘something brac- ing,” he made his way straight to the abode of interest. “The old man may not like me,” he said, un- der his breath, as he approached the door, ‘‘ but he'll have to stand me. I’m going to be affable, at first, and then, if I don’t succeed—well, [ haven't forgotten the old fable: If there’s no virtue in turf I'll try stones.” He gave a rap on the casement, and a moment later the entrance was opened, and, Dora, the flower of Magic, was before him, He saluted her and entered, and with charac- teristic nerve helped himself to a seat, “She's ten times more beautiful than Fury Steve, Truthful James. pictured her!” was the first thought that my Fe into his mind. He said aloud, in the most flat- tering tones: ‘You are the famous charmer of Magic City, I believe?” B girl flushed slightly, but she quietly re- ied: ‘*T am Denton’s daughter.” “‘ T have come all the way from Kansas City to see you,” said he, staring at her in bold ad- miration. ‘I feel already doubly repaid. My name is Caleb Dexter.” ‘Are you the young manI have heard re- ferred to as Cool Caleb?” ‘* Yea, verily,” answered Caleb, assuming at once that the question was a token of favorable interest in him. But when she frowned he saw he was mistaken in this idea. Dora remembered Truthful James’s warning, and with the visitor before her she was not slow in resolving to follow the advice and have noth- ing todo with him. For all his conceit Caleb could see that he had made'an unfavorable im- pression on the object of his adoration, and that his presence was not welcome. Nevertheless he was quite at his ease. ‘¢ Ts Denton here?” he inquired casually. ‘* No,” said the girl, he is”—she checked herself, the thought entering her mind that for her own safety it might be well to leave the bold stranger in the dark as to her father’s where- abouts, She had said enough, however, to bring a grin to Caleb’s face and inspired an_inaudible exclamation, ‘‘ good!” He regarded the old man’s absence as a piece of good fortune. Sierra Steve, it is needless to say, bad conveyed to him no informatiow on this point. The youth could proceed in his love-making without fear of in- terruption now, *‘ Dora,” he said, familiarly, ‘‘ as 1 told you, I have come a long way to see you, and I have called this morning to make friends with you. I hope we shall get along famously.” “Do you?” she replied shortly, with rising color, ‘* Don’t you think we will?” There was no response. “By Jove! you’re a queen of beauty!” he broke out, after a moment’s waiting for her an- swer, during which he continued to gaze into her face. ‘‘You area charmer! I know we shall be good friends.” Cool Caleb showed very little tact in bis ** love- making.” He had for too long cultivated the acquaintance of inferior women to know how to approach a girl of this character. A nature like his could not understand hers. She had not seated herself, but as he had en- tered had stepped back, until her dress touched the wall opposite the door, where she leaned and in displeasure regarded him, . He arose and placed his chair a little nearer er. ‘‘T’m sure you like me,” he smiled insinuat- ingly. “No, I do not!” was the sharp return. ‘ Will you leave me, Cool Caleb? You are not wel- come here!” ‘‘TLeave you!” cried the young rough, ‘‘ why, no! I want to get acquainted with you. That's what I come for!” ‘‘ Well, you know me, now go!” she uttered, drawing herself up majestically in her wrath. ** Obey or a better acquaintance may prove un- pleasant for you!” ‘““Of course I won't go,” he said, easily. ‘Come, my dear—” ‘“‘There! No more of that. Won't go?’ Her right arm made a quick upward movement, “Go, or I will fire!” The insulter of unprotected girlhood fell back hissing anoath, He found himself covered by a frowning revolver. She stood erect with flushed cheeks and flam- ing eyes, with every nerve of her being in full play. She held the weapon with the steadiness and precision of an expert, and her tones were threatening and unmistakable. Unknown to both, another weapon was at that moment held in readiness to defend the girl, should its service berequired. Sierra Steve was a highly interested spectator of the thrilling scene, CHAPTER XIII. THE YOUNG SPORT’S TRIUMPH. SrmrRA STEVE had obeyed the instructions not to lose sight of Caleb, e had followed the boy and taken a position where he could observe the whole of the scene within, through a window. ‘“‘Thet girl is a prize!” he averred, admiring- ly. ‘She has blocked Caleb’s little game with a royal rush! I guess I’m not needed hyer, so I'll make tracks, ‘Ther cool ’un’ll be out inf a min- ute, and he must find me back in ther cabin.” Satisfied that the girl was amply able to pro- tect herself without his aid, and that the present action would quickly terminate the visit of Cool Caleb, he relinquished the bandle of hisrevolver and rapidly returned to the side of Powder Mack, But he did not know the desperate Caleb. The young rascal was not to be baffled easily in his evil-hearted purpose, and though covered by a revolver, it was in the hands of a girl—one whom he might hope to hoodwink out of her victory. She could not be pacified, he saw that; his only chance to accomplish her submission was by forceful strategy—by one of the many tricks at which he was an adept. He would not obey the mandate to leave until the last hope was exhausted. The tragic appearance the two presented would have brought sorth a salvo of applause if wit- nessed on theatrical boards. It was the old story of the dove and the serpent, and for once it look- ed as though the agent of Perdition had been badly worsted. But had Dora known what was to follow she would have pressed the trigger at once, for each moment of delay brought her one moment near- er Cool Caleb’s triumph! That the youth really had a cool brain, and that his title was not altogether misplaced, was shown by the prompt manner in which he form- ed his plans and set about carrying them out, ‘‘'You must take me for a ruffian,” he said, in assumed indignation and perfect self-possession. ‘‘T am a gentleman, I assure you, and mean you but respect.” ‘6 Go, then,” said Denton’s daughter. ‘The greatest respect you can show me is to leave my presence and never return.” “Tf you are really in earnest, of course I will go,” was the rejoinder, ‘But, Dora, I don’t want to leave at the muzzle of a revolver. I wan t to leave you as a gentleman should leave a lady. His words had the desired effect on the brave but inexperienced and unwary girl. “Tf I lower the weapon will you go, and at once?” she asked. ‘¢ Yes,” he answered quickly. Down dropped the instrument of defense to her side. No sooner had the movement been made than the foxy tough leaped toward her with the sud- denness of a tiger’s spring! With a sharp scream she attempted to regain her lost advantage, but the hand that held the weapon was seized in a vise-like grasp and the weapon was wrenched away. Then she felt both of her arms seized, and saw the hideously triumphant face of her foe come close to her own. She struggled furiously, and tried to scream again, but in her terror the sound died in her throat. If Sierra Steve had remained to see this spec- tacle the chances are that Cool Caleb would have received a bullet in his brain; but the young mine boss, with his back to the scene, was wholly unconscious of it all, The violent struggle did not last long; the over- powered victim felt her strength suddenly give way, and she fell back unconscious into her foe’s arms. Cool Caleb laughed in wicked glee, ‘‘She’sa regular little catamount, but she'll be as gentle as a kitten when she knows me better,” he remarkee to himself, ‘* Now, we'll clear out o’ here, before Daddy Denton comes back.” Taking up the inanimate form, he carried it to the door, and thence on toward the south. “If any kiote in the camp don’t like this he can get into trouble awful quick by interferin’,” escaped his lips, as he hastily advanced with his beautiful burden. He was not observed, or, at any rate, was not interfered with. All of the inhabitants of the place who were not at work in the mines were doubtless congregated within the walls of No. 2— with of course a few exceptions. Presently the boy desperado reached his desti- nation, the cabin which he had made his home since coming to Magic City. 2 He threw open the door and strode in whist- ling merrily, Sierra Steve, who was seated near Powder Mack, started up in genuine sur- rise. “ What’s this, Cool Caleb?” he cried. Caleb continued to whistle until he had deposited the girl in a sitting position in a cor- ner. Then he turned and with dancing eyes asked: ‘“‘ What’s what?” | . .
Page 11
** What are you doin’ with her?” Caleb explained. “ You’ve beard Denton came to Magic City from the East?” said he. ‘‘ Well, Dora and me were old friends there, and I came all the way out here to make her my wife, She was awful glad toseeme, Yousee, Denton ain’t her father at all, and he keeps her prisoner here and treats her like a beast. She was so glad at my coming and the idea of escaping with me from Denton she fainted in my arms, So I just gathered her up an’ brought her hyer. Wasn’t thet right, Steve?” The mine boss could find no words to reply to this speech of the young disciple of Machia- elli. ‘* She'll come to herself all right in a little while,” the boy continued. ‘‘ Now, Steve, [’'m going away again for awhile, and I want you to stay on hyerand guard her well. Don’t let a soul know she's hyer, and don’t let her go out of the cabin. You understand, Steve?—don’t let her go out of the cabin.” “*T understand, you bet,” said Steve. **Some one may come to see Powder Mack,” Caleb remarked, crossing over to the big pa- tient. “If so, tell ’em not to come in—he can’t be disturbed—Judas! Powder Mack’s dead!” The “ physician” placed his ear to the pros- trate man’s heart. “Tf he ain’t,” he added, rising, ‘‘he will be time he’s got off to the graveyard. So it’s all the same. Now we'll git him out o’ hyer. Then there’s sure to be no visitors, and the girl, when she wakes, will like the room better if there’s no corpses layin’ ’round.” He cogitated a moment, and then went back to the girl and carefully covered her with a blanket. He then placed a chair over her lower limbs in such a way that the blanket was held firmly in place. “Tl goup to No. 2 and tell ’em of Mack’s bad luck,” he stated, ‘‘and let em come and carry him away. I’m dead sure the girl won’t wakeup fer a half-hour, and none of ’em ‘ll know she’s hyer, ’specially as Ill sit on this chair and see thet nobody moves the cover. How’s the idea, Steve?” “Good!” Steve assentéd. A few moments later Caleb entered No. 2, and found the usual crowd of loafers, “Powder Mack has shuffled over the dark divide, pards,” he announced. ‘‘Come down to Fury’s cabin and take charge of the body, will you?” The pard’s death was not unexpected, but the information had its effect. Even in the rough hearts of wild Colorado there is a love of man for his fellow. Four men were delegated to accompany Cool Caleb and fetch the body to No. 2, where, it was suggested, ‘‘ thar be some funeral exercise.” rriving at the cabin, the party entered, and gatuered about the dead man in silence. In a moment Caleb withdrew, leaving them to act unassisted, and carelessly seated himself in the chair over the concealed captive. Taking the blanket upon which Powder Mack lay by the four corners, the men lifted him from the floor and started from the room. Sierra Steve holding open the door. At this moment the silence was broken by a muffled scream, and there began to be lively movements beneath Caleb’s chair! The men turned and looked, and in astonish- ment let their burden slip to the floor, Caleb’s face got very red, but he kept his seat. He choked back a curse that rose to his ‘Dora had recovered her senses at a very in- opportune time for the success of his pians. inding herself very much ip need of air she Sihobaliy began striving to free herself. She soon succeeded in getting the blanket from off her head, but the chair, bearing her enemy’s weight, still held her body prisoner. The men were not slow to recognize her, and they looked from her face to Cool Caleb’s with much inquisitiveness and anger. She uttered a cry for help, and oaths sprung from the bearded lips of the four rds. An instant explanation was demanded, and they made a move toward the boy that was a manifest threat. S “Don’t you know it’s ag’in’ ther law—” “To Halifax with that!” cried Caleb. “TI came all the way to Magic City for Denton’s Daughter, and she’s mine! Fury will back me in this!” ** Thet’s not us /” the one in advance growled. “Ther gal is ther property ov ther camp, and it’s ther rule no one man shall hev her, We can't ev no sech work ez this ef you are Fury’s | | | Truthful James. **Can’t, eh?” flashed Caleb, with a fine display of wrath, ‘‘Can’t? Mebbe—” he whipped out a brace of revolvers and covered the four— ‘“*mebbe you can! Think again!” ‘This makes us foes, by thunder!” was the re- sponse to the action. ‘‘ This means trouble fer you, boy. We swore last night ter hev ven- geance fer them black eyes o’ yourn—” “There!” was the interruption. ‘I can get my vengeance, and you needn’t concern your- selves, Are you going?” The last words were a menace, and the mad pall-bearers again took up their dead, and went from the cabin. As they made their way toward No. 2 their conversation was anything but complimentary to the cool sport from Kansas City. ‘* We'll fu’st put Mack under ther sod,” they agreed, ‘‘an’ ef Fury ain’t back by thet time we'll throw his devil-pard out o’ town! Ef he is back, he’ll hev ter make this matter right, an’ in a hurry, too!” After the door had been closed on the four, Caleb an’ Steve tied the hands of the fair pris- oner and prevented her screaming by fasteving a cloth over her mouth. “*T guess I know how ther case stands, pard,” Steve volunteered. ‘‘ Ther gal ain’t so much in love with yer as you thought. But thet’s all right. I’m with yer, you bet.” Caleb was greatly E ani at this speech. “Can I depend on you to keep the gophers out of here till I git back?” he asked. ‘“You kin that, even if I hey ter pull trigger on ’em,.” ‘*Good!” said the youth, heartily. ‘* They won't be back, I think, fer a while, and I'll be hyer then. [ve a little errand on hand thet won’t take long.” As he strode away from the shanty his mut- terings explained his errand: “Now Dve got the girl, Til look after the mine. While Denton’s not at home [ll take a yeep at the bonanza. I'll make a handsome na- b, I will!” CHAPTER XIV. DENTON TELLS HIS STORY, DURING the time of the occurrences just nar- rated two men were engaged in an earnest con- versation on the “East trail.” They were Truthful James and Denton, who, as they came together, showed every sign of pleasure at meet- ing each other. ‘Mornin’, Denton,” James greeted. ‘I’m glad ter see yer, ef Ido say it myself! I hunted fer yer all night.” ‘Ts that so?’ said Denton. ‘‘I’ve had a re- markable journey. But have you just come from Magic City?” **- Yep; hev so.” ‘* My daughter—is she safe, Truthful James?” “Very well, thank you. She was enjoyin’ peace an’ health when I left thar. But whar hev you been?” Denton, feeling sure now that Dora was un- harmed, was no longer in a hurry. He made up his mind to settle a few points concerning the man before him, which nad been disturbing his mind since their first meeting. He came to the point at once, without pausing to reply to the question about his journey. **'You lied when you said you came from Pepperb-ox!” “Huh! Hev you. been thar?’ exclaimed the man in skins, ‘‘ Wal, now! I’m a pecooliar cuss; sometimes lie like forty. Give us yer story.” The old man gave a short account of his strange trip, about as he had told it to Dan Fury, and concluded by saying: “When you came to my cabin, Truthful James, I was impressed with the idea that I knew you, and the matter has weighed on my mind ever since. I want you to tell me right now who vou are,” ** A friend o’ yourn,” **So you said the other day.” “TI migbt take a turn askio’ you who you air. Yer name ain’t Denton.” ‘* How do you know that?” ‘* Ther how’s too long a tale, but I know it,” The old man appeared disturbed. “You are the second man who has said that to-day. Dan Fury in an attempt to blackmail me called my true name.” ‘* Where'd you see Fury?” ‘* Back where the trai] branches toward Pep- per-box, The scoundrel wanted my darling Dora.” ‘‘Huh! Fer himself?’ ‘“No—for his young pard, Cool Caleb. The one you warned my girl against.” ax ‘* He’s a unique critter, durn ’im—both ov ’em air, Denton,” James declared. ‘“‘And yer “T told Fury my last breath would be a re- fusal.” ““Thet wuz right. It worried ’im, I vum. Now, Denton, give me your story an’ you shell hev mine,” Denton considered. ; ‘““Asyou know my name perhaps you know my story,” he suggested, presently. “T expect I do—some ov it—most ov it— maybe all ov it! But 1 don’t know whether I do or not until I hear you tell it.” ‘You are a strange man,” said Denton, look- ing straight into the other’sface. ‘‘ By Heaven! I could swear I know you! I am, at least, sure you are a friend to me, I’m enough judge of | human nature for that. And since my enemy knows my story, I don’t know why my friend— | the only one I have in Colorado, perhaps—should not.” ‘< Thet’s sound reasonin’,” said Truthful James. ‘© S*posin’ you turn an’ ride back eastward with me. Thar’s a trusty man guardin’ yer daugh- ter.” Denton demurred. ‘*T have my fears,” be said, gravely. ‘‘ Cool Caleb is in Magic City. I have never left my little girl so long before. She is in danger, Why go eastward?” ‘*’m summit uneasy about my little friend, Bud Bright. Fury an’ him—” ** Don’t worry about that boy, Truthful James, When I saw him last he had the drop on Fury. The one-eyed fiend would have murdered me but for the interference of the boy.” “* He’s a bright ’un!” exclaimed James, enthu- siastically. ‘‘ He saved my life, too, from Fury. You left ’im on top, eh?’ The minute he made the big knave * Yeu, drop his weapon I spurred away for Magic, and 1 don’t know what followed,” “cc I “ cur’us” individual. play a winvin’ hand. won't go thet way.” ‘“‘ We'll ride toward camp,” said Denton, and the other agreed. The horses were allowed to walk slowly, and after a few moments of pain- ful thought, the old man began: “] am intrusting you with a story I never told before, Truthful James, I shall tell you all, and I hope for full confidence from you in return, Two years ago I had a comfortable home in Kansas City, and was an influential man, being at the head of a large land syndi- cate. My wife had been dead for fifteen years, and I had no relations that I knew of save my fifteen-year old daughter and a brother. The latter’s whereabouts had been for yearsunknown to me, “*The syndicate was prosperous, and it was found necessary to have an increase of capital of fifty thousand dollars. This money was to be paid over immediately for a tia? A valuable tract: of land lying near the city. The estate was worth twice the sum, but the man who offered it represented that he was forced to the sacrifice by the urgent need of a large amount of cash at once. He was a stranger, but we supposed everything all right, and jumped at bis offer, finding that the title to the land was perfect. ‘* By appointment one afternoon the ten mem- bers of the syndicate met in my office and paid into my hands five thousand dollars each, which I was to give in exchange for the deed, The man with the deed did not come as he had_ promised,, although he was waited on for two hours, By this time the banks were all closed, and the money was placed in my safe for the night. When I went down to my office the next morn- ing it was gone. **Tn great agitation I reported the loss to the police and the company—and then I found my- self the object of suspicion. Who knew of the money in the safe, save the members of the com- pany themselves? True, the safe had been blown open, but that was a trick to divert sus- picion, it was said. The man who was to re- ceive the money was on hand, and said that he had escaped his financial] difficulty, and for this reason had not kept his appointment the day before, and he no longer cared to sell his property. ** Now, it so happened that on the night of the robbery myself and daughter had been in ae as ess he come out all right,” said the “* Buddy knows how ter Wal, ez he’s all right, we company of a woman whom we had re highly respectable, but who, I had learned from a friend on the way down-town in the morning, was of bad character, and had evil designs in winning the friendship and confidence of lovely Dora. “Tnnocent though I was of the crime, I soom
Page 12
12 resolved to flee, for circumstantial evidence was strong, and I feared that guilt would be fast- ened upon me. At my trial I knew the fact that I had been in the company of an adven- turess, would be developed, and my daughter and self be doubly disgraced. It would be a terrible predicament. _ “* My God!’ was my thought, ‘ if the monster Sin is knocking at my door when I am home, what would he do were I absent—helpless be- hind bars? I feared for my Dora. Without kindred—or friends, after our disgrace—she would be all alone in the world. I saw I must not be separated from her. I must remain free, even though under the stigma of crime, to cara for her. ‘“And when the officers went to my home to accomplish my arrest, they found me and my daughter gone—whither they could not find out. ‘Only one man—a most trusted friend—did I in- form of my destination, and a short time after my escape he died, as I saw by a newspaper ‘which he had subscribed for and had directed here to ‘ Denton.’ But he told the secret to one other before he died, a detective, who under- took to find the real robber or robbers and clear my name. This man has written me short let- ters at intervals ever since, informing me that he was still on the track and hopeful of success. Why he has been so devoted to my interests, I haven’t the remotest idea. I know nothing about him, not even his name, as his letters were always anonymous. He has been a great mys- tery to me, but I have somehow learned to have great confidence in bim. However, iam uneasy about him just now, for [have not heard from him for several weeks. ““T have felt secure in ag Pe City, while knowing itis no place for my daughter. Day by day I have lived in hopes of hearing that the brand of thief had gone from me, and tbat I might return to my home, 1 took a claim in Magic when I first came that has proved a rich possession. It has a vein of gold that I mean to exhaust when my exile ends and I return to civilization, Never until to-day did I knowa man in Colorado knew my real name was Cephas Dayton. I knew not what to think.” “ Denton” had told his story without a break, and Truthful James had in silence absorbed every word. When he had done the old man turned toward his companion with a look of eager inquisitive- ness, Truthful James kept him no longer in sus- pense regarding himself. “IT am the man,” he said, “‘to whom your friend on his death-bed told your address, I am the detective who for twenty months has tried to clear your name.” He continued quickly: ** Tam your brother, Cephas!” Denton gazed at him steadfastly for a mo- ment, and then he cried: “*T believe you! You are—you are!” The two men clasped hands, and the tears sprung into their eyes. ‘*T see why your face has haunted me,” said Denton, brokenly. ‘‘ Yet how you havecbanged! Your face is thin and sallow, and why are you dressed in those outlandish skins?” ‘“‘The expression of my face I can’t help, but my garb has been a disguise to aid me in =! work in your behalf. That work, Cephas, thank ‘God, will end to-day! Was it not a one-eyed man who offered the real estate to the syn- dicate?” “ee 7 * Dan Fury has but one eye! Do you see the point, Cephas?” The two rode together to Denton’s cabin in Magic City, still in earnest conversation. e will learn more fully of Truthful James fater, if the reader please. CHAPTER XV. THE FALL OF THE FOE. Nort far behind the reunited brothers, as they sentered the camp, followed Bud Bright, the torpedo bonanza-hunter, and his burly prisoner, Dan Fury. The boy rode a trifle in the rear of his enemy, that he might the better keep a watchful eye pon him. *“* Remember, Fury,” warned the boy, ‘if you get me into trouble you have trouble, too. ou’ll bave to spring your trap mighty sud- denly to prevent my paying compliments to you. ey only laughed at the idea of playing any le “T want ter realy show yer thet I’m yer Truthful James. pardner,” he assured, ‘‘ Thar’ll be no trouble, less you make it.” Fury’s cabin was situated to the west of No. 2, and consequently the way led directly past the door of the resort. It so happened, how- ever, that at the time the two passed the place was deserted, the crowd of Fury’s friends being in the extreme southern limits of the camp, at- tending tue burial of Powder Mack. So, to Bright’s relief, they were unnoticed. Reaching the cabin they dismounted, secured their horses to a post in the rear, and entered the door, where they were met by Sierra Steve. “Hullo!” said Fury, who was in advance of his captor. ‘‘ What ye doing hyer, Steve?” ** Pm guardin’ Cool Caleb's captive,” was the ee ‘**Denton’s Daughter.” The new-comers were quick to observe the presence of the girl, and great was the surprise of both, Fury had advanced to the middle of the room, and had his back to the others, and taking advantage of the situation, Sierra Steve touched Bright’s arm, and gave him a look which the boy was not slow to interpret: The double game of the mine-boss was not bard to understand. ‘“*Thet Caleb is a rattler!” Fury muttered. ‘** Whar is he now, Steve?” ‘*Dunno. He said he’d be back afore long.” Bright went forward and spoke to Dora, and was greeted with a look of joyful recognition. She did not appear much alarmed at her posi- tion, for of course Steve had explained the situ- tion to her, in the absence of Cool Caleb, and promised her protection. Still, as may be sup- posed, she did not feel altogether pleasant, with a cloth about her mouth, and her hands bound like a slave. ‘*Your father is found, Dora,” said the boy, ‘‘and he is no doubt hunting for you at this minute. You shall be released, and I will take you to him,” Tears of joy sprung into her deep, dark eyes at the welcome intelligence, ‘Sierra Steve,” commanded the boy, ‘‘unbind her, and be quick about it.” ‘*No,” thundered Fury. ‘She belongs ter Cool Caleb!” With his revolver in his right hand, and the muzzle pointed at Steve’s breast, the young bo- nanza-hunter repeated the command, and it was instantly obeyed, Fury offering no further ob- jection, although his wicked eye said that he was in full sympathy with Cool Caleb’s plans, ‘Wait a few moments, Dora,” said Bright, when Steve's light task was completed. ‘‘I have a little business with Fury, and then I will go with you. ‘* Now, Fury, the proof.” The desperado produced a small tin box from a secret hole in the floor, and, unlocking it, took from among its contents a piece of brown ma- nila, similar to that in the possesion of the bo- nanza-bunter. ‘* Thar’s the proof thet ’'m James Dayton!” he vociferated, holding it up. ‘** Read it,” said Bright, quietly. Fury obeyed, first exhibiting the chart, and then reading the accompanying directions, all of which the boy recognized as being exactly like his own, Evidently the two papers had been prepared at the same time. There were no postscripts to this one, however, the last sen- tence being: “The mine of my partner, Thornton Webb, and myself, James Dayton.” ‘* Now Bright could see how the idea had ok- tained that he had a brown manilla chart, and how Fury— Was the big rough James Dayton, his fa- ther’s bosom friend, who, it was thought, was killed by the Indians? The youth was sorely perplexed. ‘*T must see Truthful James,” he thought. “He seems to know much about the Magic bo- nanza, and can perbaps clear up my mind.” Fury was regarding him in devilish exulta- tion, but he ignored him, ‘*Come, Dora, we will fe. he said, shortly, and the pair went out the door, the boy pausing only long enough torelieve himself of the rough’s sonore and remark that he would see him again. As they turned the corner of the cabin they came suddenly upon Cool Caleb. or an instant the two youths exchanged hos- tile glances, and the girl drew back against the ogs of the cabin, for she saw there was to be trouble, perhaps serious, for all at once Caleb jerked a revolver from his belt and raised it with catlike quickness, / But, although bis movements were swift, ¥ Bright’s were swifter. Dora saw her friend’s eyes flash like veritable brilliants, saw his right arm go up and then de- scend like hght, and then Coo! Caleb fall back- ward with stunning force to the ground! But this did not end the scene, ae Dan Fury suddenly sprung fiom the cabinand ~ fired at the victor, and the shot took effect, turning the boy completely around and sending him reeling against the house! s Before the desperado could fire again he was pounced upon by Sierra Steve, and his weapon ; torn from his hand, At this moment two others came upon the scene and made their presence known by sharp cries of surprise and anger, ‘ They were Truthful James and Denton, The former immediately cornered Dan F with a six-shooter, while the latter received Hill frightened daughter in his arms, this time Caleb was on his feet, but ere he could do any damage, Sierra Steve placed him at the mercy of his weapon. ‘* We'll march ’em into the cabin and tie °em up,” Truthful James asserted, and this they im- mediately proceeded to do. Within five minutes Fury and Caleb found themselves bound and D*: helpless ep in their own abode, : Bud Bright was not seriously wounded; he had been but grazed and stunned by the rough’s J bullet, and he shortly came to himself. Dora fastened her handkerchief about his bleeding forenead, and was profuse in her sympathies, ae ‘“We got hyer jest in time fer the fun, eh, Denton?” observed Truthful James when the five friends were gathered in the cabin. ‘ Ye see, Denton am’ me wuz on ther hunt o’ Dora when we saw Caleb comin’ away frum ther Dora mine, an’ we jest concluded ter foller ’im home an’ see what we could see. Explain all this, Steve.” Steve explained the occurrences of the morn- ing in detail, Me he fact that four of Fury’s minions had made =} trouble over Caleb’s atduction of Dora interested +} the man in skins greatly. gS He said little, however, and turned to Bud =f) Bright, with a question as to his success, a | i ‘* You were right when you whispered tome | that the Magic was my lost bonanza,” returned the youth. ‘I found the mine deserted this — morning, and I soon knew that my search was at an end.” He went on and told of the X- marked bowlder, of the ot bag of gold which had been cached ten steps from it, and which, after examining, he had secreted in a new place to await another coming, and closed his story by informing Truthful James that Dan Fury claimed to be James Dayton, who, in con- junction with his father, discovered the mine two years before, he ‘*Can he prove thet?” James asked, witha twinkle in his sunken eyes. ; ‘** He offers a chart in proof—” ; ‘‘ Huh! my boy, thet chart was stolen from me, for ’'m James Dayton myself!” Bey. Bud Bright was astounded. He stared at Truthful James for full a minute. Thenhisgaze fell upon Fury. Boe: The one volcanic eye of the desperado wasa mirror of the storm within him, but nota word ~~ left his tongue. o> The momentary silence that followed. Truth- ~~ ful James’s declaration was broken by the sound hg of heavy feet and coarse voices on the outside. —* Sierra Steve, standing near the door, opened it and stepped out, closing it behind him. The conversation that followed was heard plaitly by those within. oe Steve faced ten men who made a demand to see Dan Fury. Z 5 a ‘““We see bis hoss hyer, an’ we know he’s ~ back,” declared the spokesman of the Ms “You know what ther trouble is, Steves His i pard hez violated ther law ov ther camp, and we want ther matter squar’ly settled.” P ‘“‘ Fury can't see you now—” Steve began. a _ ‘Thunder he can’t!” was the mad interrup- — tion. ‘‘ Look hyer, Steve, thar’s ter ov us bye: who claims ter hev some honor when a gal’s — concerned! We love Fury, but by ther etarnal catamounts! we love innocent maidenhood more! Rough critters we air, but we know what’s right an’ wrong!” as Steve did not know how to act under the cir- — cumstances, and his hesitation was fuel to the anger of the bronze mountaineers. i “By Tophet!” the leader exclaimed, warmly, “you belong with ther crowd oy pales curs | thet slinked off ter No. 2 arter ther buryin’, re- fusin’ ter join us on this mission, Tell ; ter come out, er we'll goin to’im! An’ ef b don’t give us satisfaction we'll box Cool
Page 13
F town in a hurrah, ef we don’t give ’im a fte oy hemp! What yer goin’ ter do about it, Sierra Steve _ Sierra Steve was prevented from answering ’ by the opening of the door behind him and the 4 ap nee of Truthful James. A) he man in skins was empty-handed, and he ~ . addressed the ten rougbs as ‘‘ friends.” Pi “You are honorable and sensible men,” he » said. ‘‘I have made prisoners of both Fury and Caleb, an iif you'll come into the cabin Vil tell you why I did it. Come in, gents, and re- member I’m placing confidence in your honor,” The invitation was accepted, and the roughs of Magic City crowded into the room. CHAPTER XVI. / EXPLANATIONS. In the enemy’s home was enacted the last Scene of our mountain drama. In the presence of friends and enemies many explanations were given and received, until the facts of our story were plain to all. The revelation of Truthful James—or more appropriately, James Dayton—ran about as - follows. if Many years before he had separated from his _ brother in Kansas City and become a nomad of the Westin search of gold. Finallyhe fell in with _ ‘Thornton Webb, who was, like bimself, in search } ofa fortune, and one day while the two were _ prospecting they found a wonderfully rich vein _ of gold, which they worked long enough to as- sure themselves was an unequaled treasure. It was about ten miles from where they had been _ camping, and where they had left most of their outfit. lizing that they had, for sure, “struck it rich” at last, it became desirable to have their belongings, and also some fresh pro- | visions, and so, armed each with a chart of the | location of the find, which was situated in a | wild and trackless region, Dayton started for | Leadville, while Webb visited the old camp. On the way Dayton met with a body of Indians, ' from whom he escaped only after receiving a » terrible wound, As he lay sick and nearly } dying on ‘‘a wild-cat trail” in the mountains, _ he was found by a desperado with one eye, who }) robbed him of his horse, his gold, and his chart, } and tocomplete his atrocious crime hurled him } Overa fearful precipice. But by a strange good fortune his body was caught in a growth of _ bushes, and he escaped death, He was able to ~ crawl to the bottom of the rocky wall where he found water, and here he lived for many days, subsisting on nuts and a little game he brought own with his revolver. He got stronger, and at last he dragged him- self to Leadville, little more than a sallow skele- | ton. Terribly ill, he went on to Kansas City, to - die in the presence of his brother, but when he reached there, Cephas was gone, and the news- ore? were full of the great crime with which ‘he was charged. He repaired to a hospital, where he recovered his strength but not his flesh. i Then he set about the task of clearing his ii ‘brother's name. He learned of the latter’s whereabouts from a man on his death-bed. He * found Cool Caleb drunk, and got enough infor- - mation from him to know that he had been con- cerned in the robbery, and that he was one of 7 two, the other being his father. He failed, how- + ever, to learn the whereabouts of the father, so ~~ Calob was not apprehended, though Dayton had power to arrest him, for, on presenting his pur- ose to Chief Speers, he had received a detec- ve’s commission. + $f i} : a * my Sar eats" 7 ya a ea Re "§ | ealculating brain of Caleb, For the purpose of | getting a large sum of money in an office safe, 38 father, ‘““Dan Fury,” represented to the syn- dicate that he would sell a valuable tract of land Cheap for cash, assuming the recorded name of ' the Gwner, who resided ina distant city, and - appointed a late hour in the afternoon to deliver _ the papers and receive the money. Of course he We had rs, and did not mean to keep the ap- : Ap ointment. The only object was to have Cephas no pape Dayton wait with the money until too late to tit in a bank, and then leave it over night issafe, The plan succeeded, and at the dead ht, father and son cracked the safe, having bed the janitor to admit them to the building. his janitor James Dayton induced to confess no: before we find the detective in Colorado, : e Dayton continued to work on the ime, he did. not forget his mine. He sent a ania Gh look after a The agent “er fagic City had sprung into existence, an the mine, six atlas mony, had been confis- ted by the man who had robbed Dayton of his one whom it would be worse than useless an i a ateur Stage, comprising Original Minor Dramas,, Comedy, Farce, Dress Pieces, Humorous Dialogue and Burlesque, by noted writers; and Recitations and Readings, new and standard, of the greatest celebrity and interest. Edited by Prof. A. M. Russel, Young People’s Series. Book of Games. Fortune-Teller. Lovers’ Casket. Ball-room Companion, Book of Beauty. Ladies’ Letter-Writer. Gents’ Letter-Writer Book of Etiquette. Book of Verses. Book of Dreams. Hand-Books of Games. Handbook ef Summer Sports. Book of Croquet. Yachting and Rowing. Chess Instructor. Riding and Driving. Cricket and Football. Book of Pedestrian Guide to Swimmin Handbook of Winter Sports—Skating, etc, The above publications are for sale by all news post-paid, receipt off dealers or will be sent, price, ten cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, PuvsnisHERs, 98 Wriiiam Srreet, N. ¥,
Page 14
ee at a ee ar ———— — tts Ne i iii i titer tent ttt tet ieatiititineimintiet esoqose cqcgqoqecooee g0oqcg gene sognsceaoeogc 8099 8 O88 0 8.3: oS eee Res SS DM Fs La EAE SE ADT STS SB AB eh RRL ASAD Se PO BAD ELE GRP ORL LEY BP 9 = GI TL OT LA IEE POCA ATLA CA EIR IEE ERT | Always Pure! | The Best Weekly —~ wo" ™ (seer ms trix, 8% Published in America! = Its Corps of Contribintors Unrivaled! Almost all of whom write exclusively for its publishers—embrace the following popular authors: Always Bright! Always Original! TM ©ol, Prentiss Ingraham, Col. B. Z. C. Judson (Ned Buntline), Oll Coomes, Albert W. Aiken, Hon. Wm. F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), Charles Morris, Joseph E. Badger, Jr., Major Dangerfield Burr, Philip 8S. Warne, Capt. Fred Whittaker, Major Sam 8. Hall (Buckskin Sam), Edward L. Wheeler, J, ©. Cowdrick, Edward Willett, Wm. BR. Eyster, TT. C. Harbaugh, Eben E, Rexford, Wm. H. Manning, Frank Triplett, A. F. Holt, H. H. Johnson, Wm. 5S. Gidley, K. F. Hill, Henri Montcalm, Al, W. Crowell, Jo Pierce, Hi. S. Keller, Weldon J. Cobb, Gave to Oo oC etc., etc., X& Rest P. Tog, & Zorg IN ALL THE Te INTERESTING AND ATTRACTIVE FIELDS OF Border, Interior, and Wild West Romance— Adventure, Exploration, and Sport— Life on the Great Plains— Life op the Ranches— Life in the Mines— Life in the Wilderness— City Life Character, Courts and Ways— y ; Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— itt * Stories of the Great Deep, etc. a fe = Published ab the Following Rates : Henee, each and every number overflows with the most i f. 4 interesting and exciting matter, while in its several SPECIAL ie , ys 4 ) Wor Four Months, - - - - - - - $1.00 DEPARTMENTS answering all the needs, and adding to the Ret ise For One Year, - - - - - = = = = 8.00 general interest and usefulness of, the strictly popular oa San Two Copies for One Year - - - - ~ 5.00 journal, Tux BANNER WEEKLY is the paper’ . 2a Bee Single Geples)s- ovine (set Ors Sl 6 cents. others for good reading and entertainment. 14 i SOLD BY ALL NEWSDEALERS. 98 WILLIAM ST, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, NEW YORK. a oe o-Ps * gg SO a
Page 15
B14 | B49 Wild W fins ea ~ BEADLE’S* HALF-DIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 275 Capcain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game. 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vempires. B88 A Tough Boy} or, The Dwart’s Revenge. B68 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. BTS Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. ss Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap. 401 Little Shoo-F ly; or, A Race for a Ranch. 4058 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 431 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood. , 401 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 44) Three Jolly Pardsa, 4iT7 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. #27 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. $47 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. 5&3 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. S74 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs. \ 593 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. #99 Jim Dandy, the No-Name Sport. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WITITTAKER., | 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick Darling, &: ony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154..The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. 200 e Boy Bedoulns}; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World Wanderer. 265 The Zigee Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trail BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.)) 284 Old Rocky's “* Boyees; Breaker. 246 Giant George; oy, The Ang’l of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack 3 or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Teons or, Giant George’s Revenge. 807 The Strange Pard ; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. B18 er. whee. Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. B27 Greening Jat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, 882 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. olf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. S57 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Purgatory, £64 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger. 875 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. B81 Bandera Bll; or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Daisy from Denver. 427 The Three Trailers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star; or, The Belle of the Cibolo, BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. _ 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. S11 The merving Sporty; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vandetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist; or, Tha Montana Vigilantes. BY J, C. COWDRICK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. BY Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dend. 420 The beiective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name. A24 Cibuia John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. A67 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 606 Redlt ht Ral “4 the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadwa Bill ‘a Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 586 heorepi hey Billy’s ‘ Ditikilty.” Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 6571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer. 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party, 6592 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. BY JO PIERCE. B97 Bob o’ the Bowery; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, . prots ur Bo eeey Detective. e wyer’s adow; or, Luke’s Legacy. (44 geunty vine Nog Youn ieee iy urly Sim, the Young Ferryman De ve. 504 Five Points Phil 509 Jack Jourers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River N at, the Pier Detective. | 588 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward. 641 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 551 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. 577 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. 608 Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. Ine Dick; or, The Yellow Chiefs V Hd Fee and lrates; or, The League of Devil's Island. ¥ 187 The Helpless Hand} or, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-seeker Guide; or, The Lost Mountain, BY MAJOR NENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout. or, Benito, the Young Horse- 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards, hael; or, The Swordsamen of Zacatecas, pepler ie <it, the Dandy of the Rockies. 846 «Gl , Hos Bid-Glove Kit'and Pards or, The Gold King, The Mad Man-Hunter; or, Tho Mystery of Golden Gulch . ; 605 Powell’s Pard3 or, The One-Armed Giant. k BY MARRY 8T. GEORGE. h Rockwood, the Ranger. Heating —. or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, Old Hickory ; or, Pandy Ellis’s ccolp. ring Davy ; or, The Trail of the Border Wolf. ory Ha ¢ or, The Trapper-Brigade’s Spy. bolt Tom; or, the Woll-Herder. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 2468 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nicks or, The Fortunes of a Founuuuy, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective, 515 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 ‘The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Haunted Maid of Tass, BY CAPT. J. F. C. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffies’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone 70 Old — Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buekram; or, Bess, the Fernale Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress. 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thunderbolt, BY ROGER STARBUCK, 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. 848 Fire-Heels; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. « 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-house, 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers.of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank}; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY COLONEL DELLE SARA. 108 The Lion of the Sen; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game. BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE ©. JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 98 Flute, tne Sinyer Detective, BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR, U. 8S. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker; or, The Doomed Thirteen. 194 Buffalo BIl’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY CHARLES E. LASALLE. 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 52 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest, BY JOHN J. MARSHALL. 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American. 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harpes. BY WM. & PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 581 Da 4 Dare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Lob, and His Lightning Horse Q 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizons Boy of “Sand.” | 859 Duransre Pave, the Young Cham ion Wrestler, 871 Kingbolt Chria, the Yeung Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill Stddon, Trappe, 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 10 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Stoux Captive. 21 The Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter}; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge IMunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON. 278 The Three Trappers s or, The Mountain Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery. $4 Be ee the ough Road. ae Ra De ue BZE8z Or, ko” Rotky * Dan; iP The bail Ganesan” At @¢ or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY CAPT, MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard B or, The Riot at K 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG. 4 ieheond, aes eo va - Family. The Oaptain of t . Th thletes. 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Vellowstone Jack; or, The Sapo. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lMlawk Kit; or, The Daugiter of the Ranch. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers ; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider ; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, ‘The Strange Guide 855 The King of the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Gingie Hand}; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin coms or, The Demon’s Trail, 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw. BY COL. A. F. MOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyone. 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giant« of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man trom Hard Lack. 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Pards. BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy ot Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy. Hans, the Dutch Vidocq; or, Red-Hot Times af Round-Up. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS. 4 The Wild-Worse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Reld and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Satlor. His Seven Ysa 22 Ep Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Jnan Lewis. 88 The Ocenn Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By 8S, W, Pierce. 86 he Boy Clowns; or, The Queen ofthe Arens. By Frank nn 88 Ned Wylde. the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie “+ TORS. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi, By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Vutlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Sara 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George Gleeson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Samy; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J, Alexander Patten. S27 Dusky Darrell, ‘Tresest: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward erson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Ysrk Boy. By George L, Aiken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the CH® By Captain Comatock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu- tenant Alired Thorne. 828 The Sky Ibe ectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honote By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris 874 Geld-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match. “By George H. Moree. 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas 418 Billy Hombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop. om e e mber. iy ¥. 475 The Black Shi By John S. Warner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invincibles. By Henry J. Thomas. 528 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur 9, Holt, 582 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Forrest. B52 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of alx aie each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 Wiliam Street, New Yorks
Page 16
BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels, Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road, 1 | 20 Double Daggers; 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 Oll; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger. 5&7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. 77 Corduroy Charlie ;_or, Deadwood Dick’s Last Act, 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign, 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s Gulch, 188 Blende Bill; or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold; or, Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood}; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadweod Dick’s 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-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tonghs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide; or, The Spirit 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 Deadwood Dick’s Ducuats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. 851 Hendwoed Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, B62 Beadweed Dick’s Claim; or, The Fairy Face of Faro ats. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds; or, The Mystery of Joan urter. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Nickel-Plate Ned; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Defiance. 458 Sunflower Sam, of Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand. 459 Flush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- Up. 465 Philo. Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10. A71 Bozeman BU; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's Corral. 476 Humpbolds Harry, the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr's g Detective. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 A ynee Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr. or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 34 poaaweed a Digginge 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Sweop. eadwood ck’s Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks, 564 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Texas. B45 Dendwosd Dick on iia Mettles endwoe ek on « Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston, th peagwees picks 5 a i ante gaa endwoo ek r. in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. - BS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree. See pesewees peek or vy voy pt oe Basin. eadwoo ek Jr. at Coney Island. 606 eres’ Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay; or, Bristel and mcket'& Loom. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Heof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, | &8 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner}; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phectograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappenrance. 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. 8 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 7 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 1 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 5 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 8 Boas Bob the King of Boothlacka, 1 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 5S eg Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s ov. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 7 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BAL, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints. 258 Sierra Sam’s Pardy; or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll . the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; 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, tre Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, aiteker a: Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 884 Kangnroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miuer, 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. B58 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-QGatherers or, The Lettery of Life B72 Yreka Jim’s Prize. $78 Nabob Ned; or, The Setret of Slab City. B82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim's Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 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, Sam Slabsides, the r-Boy Detective, 4 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 8 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. skin Sawa, the Sparkler, rk pk pk pbk hh et ae Senn 22a BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss Buy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 186 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildtire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Besa, Will Wildfire’s kacer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the W ooda. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Card; or, W111! Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. 188 The Hidden Hand; or, Wil! Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; cr, The Smugglers, 189 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 Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ;: or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughbred. 805 peskeway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker ity. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firelty Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 423 The Lost Finger}; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagabond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry; Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 47Y Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Ameng Wolves. BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knuilfe, the Prince of the lrairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Khot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Sonne Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, ‘Trepper 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 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ¢ or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger. 84 Whip-khing Joe, the Boy Ranchero, 09 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Ginnt of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fredy; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan, 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. BY T. C. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, Th» Boy Spy of '76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter. AT Nightingale Nat; or, Toe Forest Captains, 64 Dand aek ¢ or, The Ontlaws of the Oregon Trali. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack; or, The Boy Trapper, 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trig er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw ; or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolic, we King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 204 Dynamite ban; or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa, 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, $26 The Ten Pards; or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso, 845 Pitliesas Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. BG Cool Sam nnd Part; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes. A411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Againat Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Excelsior Sport or, The Washington Spotter. A499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. 58S Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’« Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives. 558 Dodger Dick’« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. Ht The Two Shadows, 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. “—. BEADLE’S«H ALF- [)IME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at tne Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, * BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7? The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or. The Fugitive Yachts 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 75 The Boy Dnellst; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 02 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Sinuggier, 11 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 16 The Hussar Caprame 3 or, The Hermit ot Hell Gate, 97 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 04 Gold Plame; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 16 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimaon Kate; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. ; 250 The Midshipman Mutineer or, Brandt, the Buccaneer. 264 ae Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure sland, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 meric Monte’s Cruise; or, The Chase of “The Gold Ship.” 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or. Pear), the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Bemto, the Buy Bugler. $08 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 aaa Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail, 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WII, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Vachtamany; or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise, 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy's Lucks or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WIIl: or, The Boy Ferret of New York, 454 Wizard WIIl’s Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will's Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy 3 or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 5620 Buckskin BILL, the Comanche Shadow. ‘ 525 Brothers in Buckskin, 580 The Buckskia Bowers. 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creele Corsair. 4 560 Pawnee Bill, the Pruirie Shadower. i 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. B70 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. BSO The Outeast Cadets or, The False Detective. BS6 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte. the Young Sea-Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank ef Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foll; or, Double Curve Dan’s Double Play. By Geo. C. Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective; or, Little Lightning?’s Invinei*les. By John W. Osbon, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. By T. C. Harbaugh, 611 Rildad 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 Blazess or, The Skeleton’s Legacy, By P. 8. Warne, 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid; or, The Queer Com- bination. By Jo Pierce, 615 Fighti Harry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The Heathen inee’s ission. By J. C. Cowidrick, 0G: 616 The Sailor Detectives or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear. By Geo. C. Jenks. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders andthe Red Riders of the Kio. By Col. Prentiss Ingraliam. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. In Cincinnati; or, The Clineher Campaign. By Ed. L. W heeler. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness. By Wim. G. Patten 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of the Island, By John W. Osbon. 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar” Man; or, The Spoiler Dispoiled. By A. C. Grissom. Ready June 1». 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Queer Affair at Tomb- stone. By Lieut. A. K. Sins, Ready June 25. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer; or, The Old Captain’s Moving Miracle. By Jo Pieree. Ready July 2. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada} or, The Preacher of Pokerville. By E.L. Wheeler. Ready July %. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer; or, The Hero of the Crater. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Keady uly 16, A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half. Dime Library 's for sale by all newsdealers, five | cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street New York,