Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 651) (1890 01 14)
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a | aa Sy y _— G = | ¥ ay # r L = QRA-Ce i Src BEADLE AXD ADAMS, Price, 5 Cents. A Brothers Ibe Treachery. BY WILLIAM G. PATTEN, AUTHOR OF “DISMAL DAVE’S DANDY PARD,” ‘““THE DIAMOND SPORT,” ‘* CAPTAIN MYSTERY,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER IL. FRANK SCENTS A MYSTERY. ** Comg, Frank,” snapped Farmer Joel Hobbs, ‘it’s time you was gettin’ up them keows, : Seems like you never know ernuff tew start.” WSS The boy addressed, a smart, intelligent-appear- \ NAS ing lad of sixteen, glanced at the speaker, a SSE look of resentment and surprise on his clean-cut NNSSSS sf Sgr Ses ; ace, SSS Oi OE Re Se “Why, Mr. Hobbs!” he éxclaimed, “ it. was HE HELD THE MATCH CLOSE TO THE PAPER WHILE HE RAPIDLY SCANNED THE only night before last that you gave me a scold- TELL-TALE MISSIVE, 14 i > Wie» >i) hy
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ing because I got the cows before you told me to, You said that if lever cut that caper again there would be a reckoning.” . The man looked confused for an instant and then he stammered: “*DidI tell ye that? Guess I did! Wal, you left yer work t’other night. What are ye doin’ now? Jest pilin’ over that air wood-pile, an’ I guess that can wait. When ye’ doin’ sump- thin’ of importance it makesa big difference. You must Varn tew judge ther importance of yer work.” ‘But I was piling wood the other night,” de- clared the boy, a twinkle of merriment in his yes. ‘“Was ye? So ye was! Wal, never mind; I have tew keep ye doin’ sumpthin’ or you’d have a fine time lazin’ roun’. I guess ye’d better git them keows!” Joel Hobbs was one of those blustering, dog- matic men who think they know about all there isto be known, but who arein truth, ignorant, mean and thoroughly tyrannical, He was in- deed an overbearing and wholly disagreeable man, who was heartily disliked by his eth 38 He was a brute in his own bousehold and ruled his meek, submissive little wife witha rod of iron, tospeak metaphorically. r. Hobbs’s parsoniel #pens anes was not pre- ossessing. His figure was short, thick and ox- ike, his face was broad and florid, and his little eyes seemed to have caught a tinge from his red hair, which stood out like bristles all over his head, When excited or angered he had a trick of running bis big unshapely fingers through bis hair ina way that seemed to cause every dis- tinct strand to stand on end and made him seem like a mad porcupine, That the farmer’s wife stood in mortal terror of her husband when he was ‘‘ on his tantrums,” as the neighbors called his ugly fits, every one who knew them was aware. It was said that the wretch had beaten his spouse on one or two occasions when he was unusually furious, but, if the story was true, Mrs, Hobbs did not cor- roborate itin any way. It is probable that she did not dare to doso, or that pride restrained the pitiful confession. Frank Frisk had been with Farmer Hobbs almost seven years. The farmer had brought him to the farm, from the county poor-house, when he was not quite ten years old, Hobbs had taken the boy on conditions, and one of these con- ditions was that he should not have to legally adopt him and give him the name of Hobbs, “Pm a leetle proud of my fambly name,” Joel had declared—* yes, sir, proud of it. Ivsa good name, and don’t you forgit. that! I hain’t goin’ tew take no poor-house scum inter my house an’ give it my name, I hain’t! No know- in’ what he’ll turn out tew be, an’ the chances is that he’ll disgrace the good old name. No, sir; if I take the boy, he’ll keep the name he’s known by now.” And so, when little Frank went to live with Farmer Hobbs his name was notchanged, The “authorities” were only too glad to get rid of another pauper on any conditions, But it was not cértain that the lad’s true name was Frank Frisk, His advent in River- ton had occurred when he was a babe in his mother’s arms. One stormy winter night the ple of the poor-house had been startled by a eeble knock at the door anda faint moan that did not seem quite like the wail of the wind, When the door was opened, a dark form was seen lying in the snow on the ste When lifted and carried into the warm room, every one saw that it was a thinly clad woman, She was unconscious, evidently having swooned immediately after giving that moan. eld close to her breast was a half-frozen babe. The mother—-for such she was-—had ex herself that the child might be protected from the storm and cold! She had stripped her own clothes from ber body and wrapped them about the babe, and, when discovered, was nearly ‘§ dead from exposure. ' Before morning the woman died. When she recovered from the swoon after being carried in- to the house she was delirious, and she was not in her right mind from that time till she breathed her last. She was constantly crying to some one whom she called Frank and begging him to come to her, That name was on her lips when she drew her last breath, and softly whis- pering, ‘‘ Frank,” she died while her babe lay sleeping by her side. In a pocket of her dress was found a letter addressed to ‘‘Sadie Frisk” and _ signed “Frank.” It was not dated and the post-mark was illegible, therefore it was utterly useless as a clew. The letter was well worn and was blotted where tears had fallen uponit, It was : Bound Boy Frank. from a lover to the object of bis adoration and was filled with expressions of unbounded affec- tion, Riverton made a feeble attempt to discover who the unfortunate woman was, but, as the search was not very energetic, it failed signally. She was buried in a pauper’s grave, and the name *‘ Sadie Frisk” was cut upon the little stone which charity erected over the dead mother. The baby lived—a blue-eyed, light-haired boy— and was called Frank Frisk at the poor house, When Frank went to live with Joel Hobbs, there were those who predicted that the farmer would kill the rather frail lad within a year; but, there was one kind-hearted neighbor who resolved that the old churl should not abuse the boy. It was notlong before Ezra Small discovered Joel Hobbs beating the lad in the wood-shed. Small promptly interfered, and, although he was a little man, be swore that he would lick Hobbs within au inch of bis life if he ever heard of his whipping Frank in that way again, It was really a ludicrous sight to see little Ezra Small as be danced around the corpulent body of the man who had been punishing the boy, shaking his skinny fists in Hobbs’s face. Although Hobbs pretended that he cared nothing for the threats of his quick-tempered little neighbor, certain it is that he did not whip his bound boy very often after that, But he succeeded in making Frank’s life miserable ina score of different ways, At the gruff command to ‘*‘ Git them keows,” Frank abandoned the work that he was doing and started for the pasture. He left the fa-mer running his fingers through his stubbed hair and glaring after him in a manner that was far from pleasant, ‘*Seems’s if that dratted boy will never l’arn northin’,” mumbled the man, as Frank dis- appeared around the corner of the shed, There was a strange look on the farm-lad’s face pas heclimbed over the fence and turned down the ane, ‘““Tfit was not for Mrs, Hobbs I’d run away,” declared the boy, beneath bis breath. ‘* Mr, Hobbs has never spoken a kind word to me and he does everything he can to make lifea burden. He has never whipped me real hard since Mr. Small took my part, that time, but he does everything else be can think of and says be will kill me if I tell the neighbors. I can’t stand it always,” Frank’s eyes flashed as he thought of the abuse which he was forced to endure, ‘* But, Mrs. Hobbs is so kind,” continued the boy, after a moment of silence. ‘‘Sbe has always been good to me, Mr. Hobbs treats ber almost as bad as he does me and she never com- plains, Sheisa saint! I’m not going to run away, but if it was not for her I would, ‘** Look at the clothes I have to wear!” he ex- claimed, as he glanced down at his garments, which were more suitable for a boy of tenor twelve than for one of sixteen, ‘Even these would be a mess of rags if poor Mrs, Hobbs did not sit up nights, when she ought to be in bed and asleep, mending them. And these are the clothes of Jimmy Small who is three years younger than I, Mr. Small gave them tome when Jimmy had outgrown them. If I was not small for my age [ could not get into them.” One of the cows was notin her usual place near the lower bars, so Frank was forced to go in search of her. He did not call to her as he would have done usually, His thoughts were of Farmer Hobbs and his meek little and he scarce- ly noticed where he was going. Finally he glanced up to find himself in the midst of a wood which extended into the pasture, He was about to call to the lost cow when, hap- pening to glance along a natural opening that led through the bushes which surrounded him, he espied a man advancing. In a moment the lad’s keen eyes detected the fact that the person aproaching was a stranger, “That fellow don’t look like a pleasant kind of a chap to meet,” concluded the boy after a a observation, and with that decision he odged into the bushes and concealed himself, Onward came the stranger, prssing directly by the place where the boy was concealed, He was at least six feet tall and must have weighed two hundred pounds, His face looked decidedly ban’ TePeape brutal, hen this unprepossessing stranger had pass- ed Frank crept out of the bushes, “T don’t like the cut of your jib, Mister Big- body, and Iam going to see which way you 0. Noiselessly he followed till he saw the unknown pause near a birch tree in the midst of a little glade, Watching closely, Frank saw the man take something from his pocket and, after glancing around asif to make sure that no one saw him, reach up and tuck it into a small hol- low in the tree. The unseen watcher grew decidedly interested, at once, ‘Wonder what he’s putting in there,” he thought, Having made the deposit, the stranger turned to retrace bis steps and Frank was obliged to vide again, When the man had passed and disappeared, the farm-lad crept out of the busbes and stood iv the path amument looking voward the spot where the unknown was last seen. ** This is peculiar, to say thé least,” decided the boy, ‘Wonder what he did put into that tree? I am going to find out!” ' He advanced straight to the tree, and clamber- ing up to reach the bollow, he grasped and drew forth the object which the stranger had placed there, ‘* Jingoes!” he cried, softly--“‘ a letter CHAPTER II. ' FARMER HOBBS IN TROUBLE, For a moment the boy seemed on the point of putting it back, but finally decided not to do so, ‘*T didn’t like the looks of that chap and I believe be is up tosome deviltry. Perhaps if he is, this will let me into the whole business and I can defeat his little game. Anyhow, I'm going to read it,” And he drew the inclosure from its dirty, unsealed envelope and read :— ‘““The devil is loose! He has escaped from his guards and come this way. Look out for him.” ‘‘ The devil is loose?” repeated the boy. ‘* What does that mean?” He sat down on the ground and puzzled over the singular message till the gathering shadows warned him that night was at band, Then he arose and climbed up so that be could return the letter to its hiding place. When this was done, he turned away, saying to himself: **Got to give itup now, but I calculate Vil look after tbat tree a little. Some one uses it for a secret post-office, that’s as plain as the nose on a fellow’s face. If I keep my eyes open Imay find out who that letter was for. It strikes.me that there is foul work going on, I believe I’ll turn detective! Ha! ba! ba!” Frank laughed softly to himself at the thought of becoming a detective. To Frank a detective was the embodiment of ali that was wonderful, He believed that all detectives had to do was hunt down red-handed criminals, bring evil- doers to justice and receive fabulous rewards for helping to crush crime and encourage virtue. He knew very little of the world, and his knowl- edge of detectives had been obtained from cne or two wonderful yarns which other boys had lent him to read. With little trouble he discovered the missing cow, but it was long past sunset when he drove the cattle up the lane, ‘Now Vil catch it from Hobbs,” he thougbt, “He will give me fits for not getting back sooner,” But, he saw nothing of Joel when he drove the cattleinto the barnyardand put up the the bars, Wondering at this, he entered the barn by the tie-up door, Almost as soon as he did so he heard loud and angry voices coming from the open barn-floor, He paused and listened, **T tell you, Hobbs,” said a stern voice, “ you must help me out of the tight corner I am in, It is useless for you tosquirm; you must come to it.’ . ‘‘ Hopping toads!” exclaimed the listening lad, beneath his breath, ‘‘If J am not mistaken, that is the voice of Owen Durand.” Owen Durand was said to be one of the wealth- iest men in the town of Riverton, having fallen heir to the wealth and magnificent estate of old Major Durand, bis uncle, one of the first settlers in the town. ‘* But, I tell ye I can’t, Duran’,” Frank heard Farmer Hobbs protest, in a whining manner. “‘ Now, don’t tell me that lie, you old fool!” retorted the rich man, roughly, ‘1 kuow better!” Frank had known Farmer Hobbs and Owen Durand to bavea dozen private and mysterious interviews with each other, but never before is he overheard a word that passed between them, ‘Now, what’s the use for ye tew sa that, Duran’!” protested the farmer, ‘I'd like tew bave ye tell me how itis that you know ser much,” in vane {have my eye on you all the time, oe ” .
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ae PE toca fai RT, ae SE eae SO beater Prem ; : , } Bound Boy Frank. “ An’ what right have yew t’ watch me?” There was just a touch of resentment in Hobbs’s voice as he asked the question. Durand laughed sneeringly, ‘““There, there, Hobbs,” he said, sharply; “don’t try that on me, I reckon we know each other pretty well, and I am sure that you ought to know better than to ask such a question.” Joel mumbled some reply that was unintel- ligible to the boy. Then Frank heard one of the men pacing nervously up and down the floor, “By Jingoes!” thought the farm-lad; “I’m going to get where I can see that fun, and learn, if I can, what it all means.” He crept forward till he could peer out upon the open barn-floor and was himself in a dark corner of the tie-up where he was in little danger of being seen. The big double doors were open and by the light Frank saw Owen Duran pacing nervously back and forth while Hobbs stood watching him narrowly. Suddenly Durand pau farmer and spoke shortly: **Tam not going to fool with youa bit, my my man, I want some money and I know you can let me have it. Fork it over.” Joel shrunk back a step asif fearing an attack, and half-lifted his big fat hands as he retorted: ‘*Yew’ve bled me all ye’r’ ever goin’ tew, Duran’. Nota cent will ye git.” This was a flat defiance and the tall man glar- ed at the squat form of the farmer in amaze- ment, a scow] on his dark face, Finally he bhiss- ed: ‘*DolI understand that you defy me, Joe Hobbs? ‘* You can understan’ what ye like,” was the dogged reply. urand reached out like a flash and caught the farmer by the shoulder, ‘Took here!” be snarled, ‘‘ where would you be now if [ hadn’t stepped between you and the law? Another man suffered for your little piece of villainy, but you would bave stood in his shoes had it not been for me.” ‘* An’ I have paid ye for that half-a-dozen times,” declared Hobbs, ‘*That don’t make any difference;I hold the grip on you just the same, and I shall use it if you don’t help me over this hard place.” **Thav’s what you allus say.” * And thatis whatI mean, I must hayesome money and you must fork over.” é ‘But, [ hain’t got none!” ‘¢ T know better. You received six hundred dol- lars for a piece of land to-day. Itisin the houss now. I want it.” ‘*Wal, yew won't git it!” growled Hobbs, striking Durand’s hand from his shoulder, ‘‘ Yew will ruin me if ye keep on. I'l) never let ye have another cent!” ‘*Then behind prison bars you go!” For several moments the two menu glared into each other’s eyes, hatred and anger pone on their faces, Then the farmer said, slowly: ‘Yew dassent try it, Duran’.” ‘¢We will see! You will let me have that money or the law will ate its clutch on you be- fore to-morrow night. 1 mean business,” “* An’ I never'll let ye bave that money tew gamble away like yew have the rest of your uncle’s forchune, nary cent of which rightfully belongs tew yew.” ‘“‘That settles it,” snarled the tall man. “I shall keep my word.” Durand half turned away, but, Hobbs caught him by the arm. ‘¢ Look here, Duran’,” said the farmer, hoarse- ly; ‘let me warn ye that if yew set the officers onter my track T’ll tell what I know "bout the boy.” Durand wheeled on the farmer like a flash, “What do you mean?” he demanded, harshly. ** What do you know about the boy, anyway “T know things that yeu don’t want tole,” was the reply. The tall man’s eyes blazed. ““Tt’s ahie!? hesnarled. ‘* You know nothing, Curse you! Do you dare threaten me?” Hebbs retreated, putting up his big hands and erying: ** Keepaway, Duran’! Don’t ye dar’ touch me! If ye do, li tell—I will, as sure as my name is Hobbs!” 5 But these words only made the tall man still more furious, With a terrible oath, he leaped straight at the farmer’s throat, hurling Hobbs back against tbe partition in front of the tie-up. Then began a desperate struggle. CHAPTER IIL BAFFLED BURGLARS, Frank FRISsK had been a wondering witness of this strange interview, and had overheard every word that passed between Durand and in front of the Hobbs after he entered the barn. He was both surprised and puzzled, He could not understand the meaning of some things which they uttered, while the meaning of others was only too plain. Yhe fact that Joel Hobbs had committed a crime some time in the past,and that Owen Durand had saved him from punishment, was only too evident, And now Durand was trying to force money from Hobbs by threatening to set the officers on his track, “Great Scott!” was the exclamation which came near bursting from the bound boy’s lips. And then followed Hobbs’s flat refusal to be “bled” any more. But what puzzled the lis- tener most was the farmer’s threat to tell what he knew concerning *‘ the boy.” But Frank was not given much time to con- sider these strange words just then, for the struggle between Durand and Hobbs quickly followed. The tall man leaped upon the farmer, caught bim by the throat, and hurled him back against the boarding, ‘Curse you!” gritted Durand; ‘ [ have half a mind to choke the life out of your villaindus carcass now!” Joel vainly tried to tear the iron fingers from his throat, and wheezed and gurgled in a fruit- less attempt to speak. This seemed to delight Durand, for he tightened his grip and Jaughed heartlessly. It seemed that he had fully made up bis mind to strangle the helpless man. ‘* By jingoes! I can’t stand this!” gasped the watching boy. Like a cat he sprung out through the opening in frout of the feed-crib, He made very little noise, and neither of the struggling men heard him. But Durand felt him directly. **Stop that, you old skunk!” shrilly screamed the lad, as he leaped upon the tall man’s back, From the way that the boy clawed and bit, Durand might bave thought himself attacked by a mad cat. With an exclamation of surprise and dismay, he released his hold on the farmer’s throat and attempted to shake the boy from his back. But Frank clung like a leech, and it was several moments before the man could break bis hold. Finally he succeeded. ‘*- You little rat!” snarled the enraged man, as he held Frank by the shoulder and glared into his face. ‘‘So you dared spring upon my back, did you! Well, take that!” and, with one brutal open-handed blow he struck the boy down. Panting and wheezing as he rubbed his ox-like neck with his fat red hands, Hobbs had wit- nessed the brief struggle between the man and boy and had not lifted his hand to prevent the eruel blow which stretched Frank upon the floor, Neither did he stir or speak when Du- rand lifted his foot asif to kick the now help- less boy. But the ruffian did not kick, What was it that prevented the scoundrel from doing so? Frank did not make an attempt to get out of his reach, but, as he lay at the gam- bler’s feet, his eyes met Durand’s and the man did not deliver the foot blow. There was a steady, unflinching gleam in the lad’s blue orbs that seemed to check the rascal’s mad act, Hobbs looked on surprised. **Look here, Hobbs,” and Owen turned to th farmer; ‘‘do you allow this young brat to be nosing around in this way? 1t is evident he was spying on us, and there is no telling how much of our talk he overheard; he may know too much for your good.” ‘By gosh!” gasped Joel. For a moment the two men gazed into each other’s eyes, and even the gathering shadows did not conceal the look of aletm that was pic- tured on the farmer’s countenance, Durand caught Frank by the shoulders and lifted him to his feet. ‘* Now don’t try to run away, you little snipe,” the ruffian cautioned. ‘“‘We want to know what you heard.” Frank did not remove his eyes from Durand’s face, but he made no reply. ** Answer me! What did you hear?” ‘That is for you to find out,” was the cool an- swer. Owen shook the lad savagely. ae will find out or br every bone in your body! “Hold on, hold on, Duran’!” luttered Hobbs. “I can bandle that Sbataiinats little brat—I can! Yew jest let me tackle him.” Then the farmer seized Frank by the shoul- der. “Yew gow us what ye heerd or I’ll lam ye—I will, within an inch of your life!” But Frank maintained silence and met Joel’s eye without flinching. Hobbs looked amazed. “Do yew dar’ defy me?” he shouted. “Great beeswax! Duran’, git the hoss-whip.” With a harsh laugh, the gambler hastened to obey. In a moment he returned with the whip. Fon hold him, Hobbs,” ordered the tall man, **T'll wield the lash ” “Not by a_ hooter! Yew hold ’im,” ‘All right; suit yourself,” and Durand grasped the boy by the collar while Joel seized the whip. A moment later the lash descended on Frank’s shoulders, “Tll bring him tew it! Ill make him tell! Ill make bim beg!” But for all of the cruel punishment, nota word or a sound came from the lad’s lips. The dark shadows in the barn hid the unfathom- able look on the little sufferer’s face, otherwise Hobbs might have been awed into holding his hand in the same way that Durand had been led to change his mind even after ke had raised his foot to kick the boy. Suddenly the gambler uttered a cry anda curse, at the same time releasing his bold on Frank, who sprung away a step, and stood with clinched bands, glaring at his tormentors us a wounded beast might have done. ‘*What’s the matter?” demanded the farmer, astonished. ‘* Curse him! he bit me!” replied Owen, at the same time caressing his left hand, **T swan!” Farmer Hobbs was amazed. He had not dreamed that his bound boy would dare do such Pll lick my own boy, a thing. Fiximg his eyes on Frank, he thundered: ~** Come here, sir!” - But the boy did not stir. Owen Durand laughed even while he was swearing with pain. *** You'll never bandle him in that way, Hobbs,” he said. ‘“‘It is plain to me tbat you have a hard case to deal with,and before you punish him further I wish to have some talk with you.” But Hobbs was reluctant about allowing the lad to escape without further punishment. How- ever, Durand finally persuaded him to do so for the time. ‘“‘ Wal, sir,” said Joel, sternly eying Frank, “vew may git the pails an’ milk the keows. “* Yew’'ll have tew hustil if ye git it dun before dark. Now, stir yerself!” Frank hastened away, leaving the two scoun- drels alone, The milking was not finished till some time after dark, and Frank saw nothing of Hobbs when he carried the pails into the house, Du- rand’s team was still standing in the dooryard. Without eating any supper the boy went up- stairs to bed. His mind wasin anything but a pleasant condition. He did not remove his clothes, but flung himself upon bis bed, that was near an open window at the back of the house, Lying there, he thought over the singular things which he had seen and heard within the last three hours. And the more he thought of them the more puzzled he became. ‘* The man in the wood, that strange letter, the talk that 1 heard between Owen Durand and Mr. Hobbs and what followed—I don’t know what to think of it all.” And so thinking and muttering to himself, he finally fell asleep when he least thought of such a thing. Frank was usually a sound sleeper, and for several hours he heard not a sound to arouse him; then for some reason, he started’up in the darkness and listened intently—something seemed to warn him of danger. He arose. and crept softly to the window, and, cautiously thrusting bis head out, looked down, too see, directly beneath, two dark forms! ‘* Burglars!” thought the lad. Like a flash he remembered that Joel Hobbs had six bundred dollars in the house. The rob- bers were evidently after it! For Frank to come to that decision was to act. At once grees a heavy, old three-legged stool, he held it poised above the unsuspecting burglars, ‘‘ Hang it, Dan!” he heard one say in a hoarse whisper. ‘‘ [t won't come up.” ‘“* Well, here is something that will come down,” laughed the lad and the stool whistled through the air, and, well aimed, it struck one of the men fairly on the back. A cry of pain followed, and then both ran swiftly away in the darkness. CHAPTER IV. RESPECTFULLY DECLINED, ** My dear,” said Mrs, Thaddeus Sheldon, as she looked oP from the deptbs of a large easy-chair and held her fan silently poised for a moment,
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eT 4a Bound Boy Frank. girl of nineteen. Della Sheldon, daughter of Judge Thaddeus Sheldon, one of the wealthy and influeutial citizens of Riverton, was ac- knowledged to be the bandsomest girl in that part of the country. Hers was a tall, graceful figure, and although her eyes and hair were dark, her cheeks were white and fair, with suf- ficient color showing through the thin skin to give tbem a healthy tinge. Her face was a true index to her. character—intelligent and vivacious. Della’s mother was still a handsome woman, despite the fact that she had passed her for- tieth birthday. Perhaps the remarkable pre- servation of her beauty was due to idleness; she had never done work enough to burt her good looks, but had made it a rule to take a certain amount of outdoor exercise every day that it was possible to leaye the house. Driv- ing was Mrs. Sheldon’s favorite pastime and it had done much to sustain her youthful bloom, In truth she did not look a day over thirty-five. The Sheldons resided at Stonyhurst a hand- some, old-fashioned residence, situated within a mile of Riverton village. The judge was said to be ‘‘ well fixed,” and the majority of the country people regarded him as a wonderful and fortunate man. Mrs, Sheldon had summoned Della to her pri- vate room, ahd now informed the girl that she wished to speak to her concering something of importance, ‘Sit down, my dear,” she observed, languid- ly; ‘‘ it makes me nervous to see you standing.” Della took the chair indicated, a look of ex- pectancy and interest on her face, for it was not often that her mother summoned her to that particular room, and whenever she did it was to discuss something that closely concerned her welfare, Mrs. Sheldon, strange to say, looked a little nervous and flurried as she observed that Della was looking steadily at her. This surprised the girl, for in all her life she had not seen her mo- ther exhibit symptoms of agitation a dozen times, **Della, your father has requested me to speak with you of a most important matter—a matter that concerns your own welfar6é, You know that Owen Durand—” Della interrupted with a gesture, “Don’t mention him to me, mother! You know I hate thé map.” ‘*Hush! hush! Easy, my dear! that for unaccountable reasons you seem to dis- like Mr. Durand.” “Yes, I do dislike him,” Della repeated. ‘I have tried to look on him with respect, but I cannot bring myself todo so, Something seems to tell me that be is a bad man.” ** Nonsense, Della! All in your imagination. Mr, Durand is a gentleman and is very wealthy.” The girl tossed her head scornfully, “IT don’t carea fig for his wealth,” she de- clared. ‘I shall never marry a man for money.” ““T have something of importance to say to you.” **T am listening, mother.” The second speaker was a beautiful dark-eyed I know Mrs, Sheldon smiled wisely and the fan moved with a slow, graceful motion, indicating that she had regained her usual composure. ‘*You are very young, my dear,” observed the matron, ‘‘ You think that you would not marry for wealth, but, let me tell you, money is what all the world is striving for. Of course Ido not advocate thatitis right fora girl to marry a man whom she cannot respect, money being the sole inducement to the union.” Della smiled quietly. **Then there need be no argument between us, mother.” ** What do you mean?” “Simply that I do not and cannot respect Owen Durand.” ** Nonsense, my child! Mr. Durand is a man to command the respect of every one. Do not allow your imagination to prejudice you against him. He stands very high in this community.” ‘For what reason, mother? Simply because he was fortunate enough to inherit Major Du- rand’s wealth, But, people have whispered that there was something crooked about that, for it is known that Owen was a wild and reck- less young fellow, and also that the major al- ways preferred the younger brother, Francis, Some people believed there was another and later will than that by which Owen came into the possession of the major’s property.” “There, there!” came, sharply from behind the handsome fan, ‘‘ You know that people will talk, Della, You have paid too much at- tention to the absurd stories that have been cir- culated concerning the Durands, I do not be- lieve that there was anything out of the way in the manner that Owen came into the possession of his uncle’s property! but of course, people will have their say. It is ridiculous for them to slander Mr Durand in the way that they do. There should be a law to prevent it!” and the lady sunk back into the soft depths of the easy- chair and once more her fan began its languid oscillations, But Della was not silenced by the mother’s words; instead, she seemed somewhat aroused, for, when Mrs, Sheldon paused, she went on, calmly: ‘* You kuow as well as I, mother, that people say that Owen Durand gambles. It is rumored that his uncle’s large accumulations are van- ishing rapidly; some have whispered that Du- rand Hall is heavily mortgaged as well as all of the land which surrounds it, Do you wish me to marry a gambler, mother?” The question was put so abruptly that it startled Mrs. Sheldon, Della was watching her mother closely and could but wonder at her un- usual nervousness. The woman was quite pale as she hastened to reply: “The stories concerning Mr. Durand’s gam- bling are probably a m ss of fal-ehoods, e is an extensive it) aes, I will acknowledge; and, although that may be called gambling, it it legitimate gambling and is respectable. Some of the greatest fortunes known were made in that way.” ‘““And hundreds of men have ruined them- selves in the same way. But, you know, mo- ther, that it is claimed that Owen has lost vast sums at cards, Nearly always he has a gang of city bloods around him, and stories of their wild debauches are rife in the neighborhood,” “That is because the quiet country people do not understand the ways of the world. The stories which they tell sre exaggerated greatly. When he is a married man Owen will probably setlte down and become sober enough to satisfy the plodding people of this neighborhood.” A look of determination crept over the girl's face, Della was an only child, and many de- clared that she had been ogee by her parents, who had always allowed her to have her own way. Now sbe declared, firmly: ‘**T shall never marry Owen Durand, mother,” Mrs, Sheldon closed her fan with a snap, and sat up very straight. ** My dear Della, your father and I will have something to say about that,” She spoke in a manner which plainly indicated what that *‘ something” would be, Della looked her mother straight in the eyes as she asked: **Do you intend to force me into an obnoxious marriage?” The woman quailed before that piercing gaze. ‘** Della, my dear!” she cried, deprecatingly. ** Why do you ask such a question? You know better than that; but I am confident that you will be guided by our superior judgment,” ‘* But, mother, you know that I love another.” Mrs. Sheldon avoided looking her daughter in the eyes, as she asked, in affected surprise: * Love another—who?” ‘Can you ask? Surely you have seen that I regard Leon Norman as something more than a mere friend,” ‘*Leon Norman!” cried the woman with the fan, in evident amazement, ‘‘ Why, he is poor! He cannot support a wife if he tries! You must be jesting, Della,” “Tam not,” was the firm response. ‘I love Leon Norman!” “ And has that worthless young upstart dared to make love to you? Why, he has all he can do to support his mother! Has he dared to utter one word of love to you?” Never before had Della seen her mother so ex- cited. The woman was very white, and her hands trembled, Della was astonished, for she had always thought that her mother liked Leon Norman, _“*No, mother, he has never spoken to me of his love, but I have read the secret in his eyes. I know that Leon loves me, and‘ am sure that I love him in return,” “You must give him up!” firmly declared Mrs. Sheldon. ‘You and he can never be anything to each otber. Your father says that you must marry Owen Durand, and i hone you will be sensible enough to consent. More than you dream of depends on your accepting him.” Della bad sprung to her feet, and she now said, ina pa Grates voice: * And so [ am to be forced into this marriage after all? But, I'll never—” ‘Mush, my dear!” exclaimed Mrs, Sheldon, who had just glanced out of the window. ‘* Here comes Mr. Durand now.” as sound of wheels came up from the gravel walk, “Let him come!” exclaimed Della. ‘ But re- member that.1 flatly decline to see him.” CHAPTER V. A FATHER’S DECISION. **Do not be foolish, my dear,” entreated Mrs. Sheldon. ‘‘If Mr. Durand wishes to see you, why you will see him of course.” Della’s eyes flashed, ““T have no desire to see him,” she declared, with spirit. ‘‘1 would not be able to treat bim witk respect,” ‘Oh, yes you would!” protested her mother. ** You must see him for thesake of your parents if he wishes to see you. It is not probable that he will press his suit at present, so you need not fear to see bim on that account,” ‘Tt is strange, mother,” said the girl, slowly, “that you should seem determined on my en- couraging Owen Durand when you know that I dislike him so. I cannot understand it.” *‘Tam working for your best interest, Della. Young blood is apt to be impulsive and un- reasonable. Now for my sake see Mr, Durand if he wishes to see you to-day. Do me this favor.” Della hesitated. “Tf I could be sure that he would not speak to me of love,” she said, “Tt is not at all probable that he will to-day,” assuréd Mrs, Sheldon, quickly. And so, in order to please her mother, the irl consented after a time to see Owen Durand. ogether mother and daughter descended to the parlor. Twenty minutes later, Judge Sheldon followed Owen Durand into the room. Thaddeus Sheldon was a_ stern-appearing, solemn man of fifty-two or three. The frost of age had tinged his hair and beard, but he still looked vigorous and hearty, as a man of his age should look, He always dressed in black and wore a ‘* Prince Albert” coat, which made him seem more like a clergyman than a judge, Owen Durand greeted Mrs, Sheldon and Della pleasently, and when he and the judge were seated, a desultory conversation was com- menced, Della said very little, although Du- rand directed nearly all of bis remarks toward her. After a time Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon made some excuse and retired, leaving Owen and Della together. When the door had closed behind them, the judge laid his hand on his wife’s arm, asking in a low tone: ‘* What is the prospect, my dear?” The woman shook her head gravely. ‘*Very unfavorable,” she replied in the same low tone, ‘The child is very obstinate, and I do not know asI blame her. I fearshe will never consent to wed Owen Durand.” Thaddeus Sheldon frowned. ““She must /” be exclaimed, hoarsely, ‘‘I tell you she must! My bonor—my reputation de- nd upon it!” ‘*Hush, Thad!” cantioned Mrs. Sheldon. ‘If you speak so loud they will bear you.” She did not seem excited in the least, but looked a bit puzzled, He became calm in an in- stant, ‘*You will understand, my dear,” be added, “that this is no ordinary matter, There is but one way for it to terminate, and that isin the marriage of Owen and Della.” ** You have made the unfortunate fact known to me before,” calmly, ‘I never pry into your business, or I should be tempted to ask you to explain.” % ‘Don’t ask me that! I cannot explain now; rhaps I will sometime,” ‘* Very well, But if Mr. Durand presses his suit to-day he will meet with a direct. refusal. I have done all that I can; you must take the child in hand.” ; The judge bowed, and without another word they parted. Meanwhile Owen Durand was doing bis best to make bimself agreeable to Della, Her cool- ness seemed to spur him on, and witbin his heart he determined to win her for his wife b fair means or foul. Della saw to what his tal wes leading, and tried to cut the interview short. But when she arose, saying something of am ap- pointment, Durand arose also and approached er. ‘Miss Sheldon,” said he, earnestly, ‘‘I have something of importance to say to you.” The color receded from her face_and she put out one hand asif to check him, He caught it quickly and held it fast, a
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a eee PEE OS fe a **T beg that you will hear me, Miss Sheldon,” he entreated. ‘““No, no!” she exclaimed. time—not now!” But, be was not to be turned aside. ‘*Now is the best time possible. I cannot be silent longer! Miss Sbeldon—Della, listen.” ‘‘ Mr, Durand, release my hand! I cannot and will not listen! Let me pass, or have the good- ness to leave the room in advance!” Her eyes flashed, but ne was not to be cowed by a woman’s eyes just then, “Della,” he persisted, still holding ber hand, “7 have asked and received your father’s con- sent to speak to you of a matter that has long been on my mind. It cannot be that you have failed to note that I have long regarded you with sincere admiration. My admiration has ripened into—” ‘** Stop! I will hear no more!” With sudden strength, she tore her band from bis grasp. But when she tried to pass him, he blocked her path, ‘* My dear Miss Sheldon, I am certain you will not be unreasonable, If you will calmly listen to what I have to say it will be better for us both. I have determined to know my fate now; therefore, you must hear and decide,” She seemed to become suddenly calm. ‘Very well, sir,” with evident scorn, ‘if you have not manhood enough to respect the wishes of one weaker than you, go on. I am listen- ing. He shrunk back a little before her flashing eyes, but the cool, confident smile did not leave his face. ‘**That is sensible. Iam aman of few words, and will not detain you long. AsI said before, I have obtained your father’s consent to tell you that I love you and to ask your hand in mar- riage.” Still she did not speak, but continued to gaze at bim with unlimited scorn. ‘“*You hear, Della? I love you,” in a low tone. ‘* That is enough, Owen Durand!” she cried, with flushed face. ‘* You cannot deceive me if you can my parents, You love me! Pah! I can fathom the selfish motives of your heart, Were La poor girl, you would not think of ask- ing me to marry you. It is my father’s wealth that you covet, and not his daughter,” Every word was like the cut of a whip, and, despite his iron nerves, the handsome gambler shrunk still further away. In her excitement the girl followed him a step, with one band up- lifted. Della was naturally headstrong and im- pulsive, and now that she was aroused, she hardly knew what she said. ‘* You misconstrue my motive, Della,” Durand faltered after a moment. ** Stop!” she enjoined once more. “Do not dare to address me in that manner again! To you [am simply Miss Sheldon,” He bowed, mockingly. “Very well; Miss Sheldon it shall be. You have spoken some very harsh words to me. Perhaps you may regret them when you are calmer and remember that you spoke to one who was paying you the greatest compliment that a map can pay & woman—was asking you to marry him,” There was a reproach in his voice which she could not help feeling, and for a moment the impulsive girl was silenced, But the man’s next words aroused her again. ‘Perhaps you think I do not understand why you have met my advances in this manner; but know quite well. There is a person who stands between you and me—one whom you fancy that you love, He has imbittered you against me. What he has told you I do not know, but I do know that he has dohe me a greatinjury. Let him beware!” There was a hard, deadly ring to his voice which made her shudder. She managed to as “ ‘**At some other hom do you meau?” ‘“*Tbat worthless dog, Leon Norman.” In an instant her anger flashed forth anew. ‘* Wretch!” she cried, as she faced him boldly, **do you dare threaten him before me—to my very face? You betray your vile nature by doing so, But, let me teil you, if you injure him, I hope the curse of God will fall upon u ‘Ha! ha! ha!” laughed the gambler, sneer- ingly. “I knew I was right. You do love Leon Norman! But, I swear that he shall never have you for his wife—I swear it! [f he has the boldness to stand in my path, he sball wish he never was born!” At that moment Durand’s face was the face of a fiend. A shudder of horror passed over the eee eeeeeeeEeEOEEEEeEeEeEEeeeeeeeeee————————ee——eeeee ee f $ i Bound Boy Frank. irl as she gazed upon his transformed features, he unwelcome suitor saw tho light of terror which leaped into her eyes as she drow still fur- ther back from him, and a change came over his face. *“You need not fear me. Miss Sheldon,” be said, in a low, almost sad tone. “I spoke hastily, I fear. My love for you isso great, and my disappointment so bitter, that I scarcely know what I doorsay. But the time is coming, Della—Miss Sheldon—when you will know me as I am, anid not asl appear to be. You have spoken barsh words to me, but I forgive you, even though you do not ask it.” He ceased speaking, turned half away, and | then suddenly faced her again. **T am going now,” came slowly from his lips, ** Good-by.” He made a motion as if to hold out his hand, then seemed to suddenly change his mind, for, wheeling swiftly, he deliberately walked out of the room. When he was gone Della’s strength almost deserted her, and staggering forward, she sunk upon the sofa. ‘** Thank Heaven!” she gasped; * he is gone!” Twenty minutes later she heard the sound of wheels on the gravel at the door, and peeping out, she saw Owen Durand drive away. ‘* He has been talking with father,” she mur- mured. ‘‘I would like to know what passed between them, Certain it is that 1 will never marry that man if I can help it.” Durand bad been gone less than an hour when from the window of her own room Della saw Leon Norman a3 ewe the house, mounted on his favorite saddie-horse, Her heart gave a great bound and then seemed to stand still. Leon was coming to see her, she felt sure, but she restrained an impulse to rush down to the door and greet him. How would ber father receive the young man? She watched Leon as he sprung from the horse and, after hitching it, run lightly up the steps. Then came a ring at the bell. After that she moved away from the window and waited, expecting to be called down, lowly the minutes dragged by—five, ten, fifteen. Della grew restless, Half an hour passed, The front door opened and closed—slow, heavy steps descended the steps—a moment’s pause and then the sound of a retreating horse. She sprung up and rushed to the window. Looking out she saw Leon Norman riding slowly away. “* Heavens!” she cried. ‘*‘ What does that mean? He is going away!” A moment later she tore open the door and fairly flew down the wide stair-case, Her father was at the foot of the stairs. She caught him by the arm, exclaiming: ‘* Leon—why has he goneaway?” Judge Sheldon avoided his daughter’s eyes as he replied: ‘* Because I sent him,” ** You sent him!” she gasped. merry Ae not understand.” “Yes, sent him away,” repeated the judge. ‘* He had the audacity oS tak oe chy. daughter’s hand in marriage—the impudent scoundrel! But I silenced him shortly for { told him you were already engaged,” The girl staggered back a step. ‘* Engaged !” she gasped—“ engaged! But I am not. Father, what did you mean?” ‘“T mean,” said Thaddeus Sheldon, firmly, ‘that 1 have decided on the man whom you ure to marry. I have given him my word that he shall have your band in marriage. This makes you the same as engaged.” Della’s bosom rose and fell like the waters of a storm-swept lake as she hoarsely demanded: “To whom?” And with averted eyes, Judge Sheldon replied: ** What do you “Owen Durand.” CHAPTER VI. AT THE HOLLOW TREE. * Goit, you skunks!” yelled Frank Fisk, as the two would-be burglars vanished in the darkness, “* By jingoes! I wish that chair had broken the head of one of you.” A minute later Farmer Hobbs yelled from the bottom of the stairs: “What in the name of sin’s all that row er- baout, hey?” Quickly getting into his pantaloons, Frank went down-stairs and soon communicated to the farmer the startling intelligence that burglars had been trying to gain an admittance to his house, Joel listened impatiently to the boy’s brief tale, and then he flatly declared: **T don’t beleeve a darned word of it!” “Tt is the truth,” declared the Bound Boy, with some indignation. ‘‘ You may believe if or not, as you please, 1 threw the oldstool down upon the back of one of the men.” ‘* Joel,” faltered Mrs. Hobbs, who had heard | Frank’s tale, ‘‘1t may be true. Remember the ; money.” ** Betsey,” yelled the farmer, ‘‘you go to | bed !” The woman sbrunk back a little, but curiosi- | ty prevented her from obeying the command. | Together the man and boy went out and looked around the house. The stool was found beveath the window, but of course the farmer found no indications that burglars had been in | that vicinity. **IT don’t believe a word of it,” he declared. **'You must ’a’ bin dreamin’.” Mrs. Hobbs, peering out of the window, ven~ tured to repeat in a hoarse whisper: ‘* Remember the money, Joel. ** Shet up !” bellowed Hobbs. ‘If you hain't | in bed when I git in there, sum’thin’ ']] happen, sure !” / The woman’s white night-cap vanished in- stantly, and when the farmer entered the house, | he found his wife shivering in bed, “There, there!” he growled. ‘‘Whut ye shakin’ like thet fort There hain’t bin nobod roun’; it was all that pesky boy’snosbun. He never saw northin’. I’ve sent him off tew hed, but [ll have a reckernin’ with him in the morn- in’—I will, by gosh!” “You badn’t better hurt him, Joel,” faintly murmured the trembling little woman. The irritated farmer paused to glare at her through the darkness, For at least a minute he stood there in utter silence; then, with all the sarcasm he could command, he repeated his wife’s words: “* “You hadn’t better hurt him, Joel.’ And why badn’t U better burt himt That’s what I'd like tew know! Answer that question, Mrs. Hobbs—answer it, I say! That’s right, lay there an’ shiver. Yer teeth are dancin’ a reg’lar clog. Hear ’em snap! Why in thunder don’t you say something, Mrs. Hobbs?” The terrified woman managed to gasp: | ‘*T bave nothing to say, Joel.” “Then keep still!” snarled the old ruffian, | ** Don’t let me hear ennythio’ further from yew ter-nite, If I do—well, we won’t talk erbaout that. Despite the fact that Farmer Hobbs pretend- ed tc believe that Frank had seen no one be- neath the vindow, he sat up the rest of the night and kept a careful watch. But the bur- glars did not reappear. For all of his threat to heave a reckoning with Frank in the morning, the farmer said nothing to the lad about the af- fair. Early the following day, Joel took bis six hundred dollars and started for the village to deposit it in the bank. Strangely enough, he did not direct Frank to complete while he was away an amount of work sufficient to keep an able-bodied man busy for a week, Finding that the farmer was going to ride away without giv- ing him any instructions, the boy ventured to ask him what he should do. ‘* Do!” snapped the farmer, *‘ ye needn’t do nothin’. Git up, Dobbin!” And giving the old white horse a cut that must have filled it with amazement, Joel was whirled out of the door-yard, “* Well, I’m beat!” muttered the boy, gazing af~ terhim, ‘I never knew Mr, Hobbs to go away like that, before. He hasn’t told me to doa single thing! What can it mean?” or @ time the boy wandered around the place, not knowing what to do, but, at last, decided to walk into the pasture. He’ could not keep his thoughts away from the singular letter which he had discovered in the hollow tree, and wanted to know if the letter was still there. ‘Perhaps the person whom it was intended for has already received it?’ thought Frank, as he hastened down the lane. Just as the boy entered the piece of wood he saw, or fancied he saw, some one flitting through the bushes a short distance away. Instantly he concealed himself and watched, For nearly half an hour the watcher kept. uiet, but was not rewarded for his trouble. Nothing further was seen of the individual who had Gieppested into the bushes, “ Well, then,” decided Frank, ‘ we will move forward again, “There don’t seem to be any one round,” he muttered, 4s he surveyed his surroundings and listened, ‘It is possible that my eyes deceived me, although I was almost certain that I saw some one.”
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We 6 Slowly he walked down the cow-path, still on the alert, but he saw nothing, Reacning the old tree, he quickened his movements, and soon was reaching into the opening. “ Hopping toads!” he cried, ‘it’s still here!” His hand had touched a paper within the hollow. He drew it forth, and when his eyes fell upon.it, be repeated the cry. It was another letter! ‘Great Scott!” exclaimed Frank. ‘ This is owing mighty interesting. [ll bet a cow this is an answer tothe other letter, Well, it isn’t sealed, and so I'll find out whether I am right or not, With trembling fingers he unfolded the sheet which was not concealed in an envelope. Upon the paper was some burriedly scrawled writing, done with a lead-pencil. he sheet appeared like a leaf which had been torn out of a memo- randum of some kind. “That was written in a hurry,” soliloquized the lad; ‘‘and [ calculate it was written right here under this tree after the writer had read the other letter. Let’s see what it says.” This is what he read: ** How in the name of Heaven did he slip you? He must be recaptured or killed! While he is at liberty Iam not safe for aninstant. For God’s sake make every possible effort to get your hands upon him again! Iwill pyy you twothousand dollars if you succeed in taking him before he does any damage; if you kill him, I will double the sum. ‘Let me hear from you again.” That was all; and it was quite enough to fill the young reader with redoubled amaz2ment, Frank stared at the paper as if fascinated. “The plot thickens!” he muttered, uncon- sciously repeating the words of one of the novels which he had read and from which he had ob- tained his idea of detectives. ‘‘I fancy I am on the trail of a double-and-twisted mystery. There has been foul work done I am confident; but to tell just what itis, 1s whatsticks me. The other letter said that ‘the devil bad broke loose,’ This one says be ‘must be re-captured or Killed. Whew! This is growing tragical. Everything is as clear as mud.” For ten minutes he stood staring at the paper, thinking busily. Suddenly he made haste to re- Jace it in the hollow from which he had taken t. “The fellow that is intended for may take a notion to call for his mail pretty soon. I guess it will be safer for me somewhere elseif he does,” Without delay, he hastened to conceal himself in the bushes near by; and it was well that he did so, for, three minutes later, the very man whom he had seen deposit the first letter in the hollow tree appeared, The watching boy suppressed an exclamation of satisfaction. Straicht up to the tree walked the stranger, and a moment later he had the letter in his band. Quickly he unfolded it and soon deciphered its contents. When he had done this, a fiendish look transformed his evil face, and loud enough fur the boy to hear, he muttered: ‘* Four thousand dollars is a large sum, He shall die!” CHAPTER VII. THE MAN IN BLACK. PLAINLY the hidden boy heard the ominous words uttered by the evil-faced man. Frank felt a cold chill run down bis back as be looked upon the man’s cruel features and ‘heard the muttered words, For several minutes the stranger stood gazing at the letter. Finally, he turned and walked rapidly away. “ V ben the man had vanished, the watcher was about to crawl from his concealment when he saw something that caused him to remain where he was, for, out into the opening near the tree stepped a man who had evidently been watching the evil-looking stranger. P - + ingoes! a ghost!” flashed through the boy’s ead, And indeed the man did look like a ghost, His long bair and beard were snowy white, and his face was as ghastly as that of acorpse. But, ‘out from beneath the brim of his hat peered a ir of coal-black eyes, which seemed to glisten ike glittering black diamonds. His form was apparently quite emaciated, for his clothes hung loosely upon his body. For a moment this strange, white-faced man stood staring toward the spot where the one who had received the letter had disappeared, then he lifted his thin, skeleton-like hands toward Hearen and cried in a voice that was filled with suppressed emotion: Bound Boy Frank, ** How long, oh, Lord, before the hour of re- tribution! How long must I hold my hand and allow my enemies to walk the earth unpun- ished?” Strange words! The watching boy shuddered as he heard them and the furiher words, as the man shook his clinched fists toward the spot where the evil-looking stranger had last been seen: ‘*Go!l go unpunished for the time. But just as true as there is a God above, the hour of vengeance is near! No punishment can atone for the suffering that 1 bave endured. And [ know now who caused it all. My treacherous brother shall feel the weight of my vengeance! Great heavens! whata demon this knowledge has aroused within me! 1 will follow him!” And he burried forward in the pursuit. ‘* Hopping toads!” exclaimed the lad, as he re- gained his feet. ‘“‘This is what beats me, I am ready to give it up. No, I am not. I am just beginning to get hold of the facts of the case, although it looks a little foggy now, If I am not a natural idiot, that white-faced man is the fellow who escaped, and therefore the very one ie ere party wants captured or killed, “Tam getting mighty interested—I am, for a fact. But, what can I do? How can I help along the cause of justice? I am puzzled more than a little. Well, I guess the best tning that I can do now is to follow that man, I may see or hear something more of interest,” and, pur- suing the pursuer, it was not long before he came in sight of the man in white, now trailing the man who had taken the letter from the hol- low tree, This strange double tracking did not continue, however, a great while, for Frank saw another person—a man dressed entirely in black —step out of the bushes and confront the white-faced man, The manin black was a rather under- sized person, whose face was quite innocent of beard, and whose eyes were concealed by a pair of spectacles. Immediately cn the appearance of this third man the elder person paused; then the small man laid his hand upon the otber’s arm, and said something in a low tone, Immediately both sat down on a log near at hand. ‘What does that mean?’ muttered Frank, now under cover. ‘ Here isa new-comer on the scene, Evidently be and the man with the white face are ou friendly terms, or they would not be chinning in that way. I wishI could hear what they are saying. Ill try todo just that!” The boy crept slowly forward under cover of the bushes, But it was not long before he found that be could net approach near enough to over- hear their talk without being in great danger of being detected, “Pll have to watch them from here,” thought the boy, as he peered forth from the bushes at Jeast half a dozen rods away. ‘“‘If they only spoke up loud 1 might hear something, but they are both talking in low tones.” As he lay watching, he saw the elder man be- come greatly excited, while the other did his best to restrain him, ‘The white-faced stranger yartly arose to his feet, but the other drew him fauk to the log. Then they talked in low, ear- nest tones once more. For at least a quarter of an hour the two sat on the log and talked, but during all that time the watching boy caught only an occasional word, from which he could make no sense, Finally both arose and and separated, the white-faced man turning back and the man in black con- tinuing on after the person who had taken the letter from the hollow tree, “ Jingoes!” whispered Frank to_ himself, “there’s a split. Which one shall I follow?” After a moment’s besitancy, be decided to shadow the man in’ black, but, a surprise was in store for the shadower, for as he was hurrying forward he was amazed to see the very individ- ual he was Jooking for step out of the bushes not four feet away and confront him! “* Well, sir,” said the small man sternly, ‘* what do you want?” Frank was too amazed to make an immediate reply. His face was the picture of dismay. ‘And so you were following me, were you?” questioned ‘the spectacled stranger. “* What were you doing that for? -I fancy you were not aware that I have eyes in the back of my head. I saw you following the gentleman whom I recently met, and I sent him back the other way, thinking that you would continue to pursue him. What are you up to, anyway?” “Nothing, nothing!” stammered the dismay- lad, The little man laughed, and taking Frank by the arm, said: ** Come.” Then they walked back to the log and soon both were there seated. ‘* Now,” said the little man, briskly, ‘ I want to ask you a few questions, and I fancy you will find it for your interest to answer, First, what is your name?” ** frank Frisk,” was the prompt reply. “Good! Where do you live?” ‘““With Farmer Hobbs, who owns this pas- ture.” ‘* Ah, yes, I know the old skinflint by bearsay. [ take it that you are nct in any way related to him?’ ** You are right; I am not a Hobbs!” ‘Tet me see; Frank Frisk—Frisk. Yes that’s the very name. Farmer Hobbs took you from the pvor-house?” “ Yes.” ‘¢- Your mother died when you was a babe and left you there? Am I right?” ‘¢ Yes, sir,” replied the boy, filled with wonder that the stranger knew so much concerning bim, The man in black rubbed his hands and looked pleased. “The very boy I am looking for!” he de- clared. ‘*l have wanted to have a talk with you for several days.” . ‘¢ With me!” exclaimed the farm-lad, ‘‘ What in the world do you want of me?” “Yes, you are the one, and] want to hear from your own lips all that you know concern- ing your past. Tell meall about your life as you remember it, and also tell me whatever you may have heard concerning yourself.” What in the world did this stranger want to know about his past life for? : He knew of no reason why he should not tell the man of bis past, and therefore be did so to the best of his ability, assisted in a measure b the numerous questions which the other matte The unknown seemed greatly interested in the recital, especially when the boy spoke of his mother as he had heard her spoken of by those who saw her at the funeral. The dark-clothed man asked Frank to describe her, if he could do so from what be bad heard, and as Mrs. Hobbs had been one of those who attended the funeral, and had told him of his mother and how she looked lying in the coffin, he was able to do so. ‘* But, I canvot understand what you want to know all this for,” the boy declared. ‘‘ You are a stranger to me, and strangers do not usually take such an interest in a bound boy.” The man laughed ina pleasant manner and placed one hand on the farm-lad’s arm, as he replied: ‘‘T cannot explain to you now, Frank: but, rest assured that you sball know all in good time. There is a mystery about your life that shall Be cleared up; then you will know why I, an utter stranger, took an interest in you.” ‘*But won't you tell me your name, sir?” asked the boy. The strange man shook his head. ‘Not now, Frank.” ‘““Nor the name of that wild-looking, white- faced man whom I was following?” “No. You must not know bis name now. More than that, 1 havearequest to make of you. You have an honest, opep face, and I be- lieve you will keep your word when you give it. “Thank you, sir.” “Now what I want you to promise is that you will not tell a living soul that you saw any one in this wood, Will you promise? I know you will,” But Frank hesitated, ‘Why do you wish me to promise that?” “T cannot explain, but I will say that it is for your good as well as ours. Weare both friends to you. You will promise?” ‘Yes, I promise.” ‘Good enough! Now we must separate, for I have business that must be attended to,” They both arose and the stranger held out his hand, which Frank did not hesitate to take. ‘Remember your promise, Frank,” admon- ished the man in black, ‘*Good-by.” “*T will remember, sir, Good-by.” Then they separated, the man going on down the cow-patb and the boy turning toward the highway, which was not far off. CHAPTER VIII. DELLA’S DEFIANCE, THAT very morning, mounted on the back of her favorite horse, Della Sheldon was enjoying a gallop in the fresh air, Della was an excel- lent rider and her favorite pastime was a dash along the country roads, This she enjoyed daily when the weather would permit.
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| Leon Norman was also a fibe rider and would often meet the judge’s daughter and enjoy a gallop by her side. It is an undisputable fact that both of the young folks rode oftener than they would but for the fact that they often met and spent an hour in each other’s company in that way. Leon was a fine. manly-appearing young man of twenty-one. His face although not hand- some was marked by a lo. k of determination and natural honesty which made it a very at- tractive countenance to look upon. A trifle above medium height, his figure was well knit, graceful and supple, yet with something about it which seemed to indicate that the young far- mer was the possessor of more than ordinary strength. Leon and Della had been schoolmates to- ether and as such had become fast friends. When they grew older this frienéship was not broken but became firmer and stronger in- stead. At first the girl’s parents did not com- plain because their child was on such intimate terms with the noble-appearing son of old Zenas Norman. In fact, they had no reason- able grounds for complaint, as Zenas Norman was at that time fully the equal of Thaddeus Sheldon both socially and financially. But, acbange came, Zenas Norman became involved in a desper- ate lawsuit with Joel Hobbs, the point of dis- pute being raised over the dividing line be- tween their farms. Both men were obstinate and they fought tbe case to the last, carrying it from one court to another with a persist- ency that indicated the amount of unreasoning determination they both possessed. Regardless of the final result, Norman drew heavily on his bank account; in fact, be spent money-like water in order todefeat his enemy. Just where Hobbs obtained the means to make such a desperate fight was a mystery; but, he obtained it some way, and in the end defeated N an. There were those who declared that re was something crooked about the manner in which the final decision was obtained, but, nothing of the kind could be proved. Then Zenas Norman, when be had paid the heavy damages which the court called for, awoke to realize that he wasaruinedman, The knowledge killed bim., From that time the social positions of the children, Leon and Della, were widely separated in the eyes of the girl’s parents, at least. It was not long before Leon discovered this fact, and the knowledge cut bia deeply. He was then scarcely more than a boy, but he had the pride of a man, When everything was settled, Leon and_his mother found that they were almost penniless, and only a small portion of the original Nor- mun farm was left to them. But Leon was a brave boy, and succeeded in cheering his mo- ther with the assurance that she should not want as long as he had health and strength to work. And he kept his word. Of course the young man was obliged to leave school and give up his ambition to go to college; but, at the same time he did not give up his studies, and he made a more rapid advance- ment than many of his companions who re- mained in school, Therefore, at the age of twenty-one he was really better informed than many a young man who had wormed his way through college. And all the while he carried on the little farm in @ manner that merited and received the praise of many an experienced farmer. ; The ill-fortune which had befallen Leon did not change Della’s regard for her young lover in the least. It made no difference to her whether he was rich or poor; be was her ideal of all that was good, noble and true. But the girl’s parents regarded Leon in a different light after the great misfortune which befell bis father. It 1s true that they did not forbid his occasional visits to Stonyhurst, but they regarded his and Della’s friendsbip as merely a boy and girl infatuation which would never amount toanything. Astime progressed, however, they began to realize that it was not going to be such an easy thing to separate the young people, Finally the attentions of Owen Durand brought them face to face with the actual con- dition of things, After the judge had turned Leon Norman away from Stonyhurst with the information that Della was already engaged to Durand the young girl bad Ta terriblenight, Ste loved and respected ber parents, and it filled her bosom with anguish to realize what a painful position she was in. She had inherited a large amount of her father’s obstinate disposition, r¥ ay Bound Boy Frank. and therefore was not inclined to submit with- | dangling out a struggle to a fate against which her soul rebelled. ‘* J will sae him to-morrow,” she told herself a thousand times after Leon had been turned away from the house. When she rode away from Stonyburst the next morning she little thought that Durand | | | | | would be the first person whom she would meet. She took a long gallop into the country without seeing any one, but, while passing along the road which skirted Farmer Hobbs’s pasture she came face to face with the master of Durand Hall. He lifted his hat politely, but, when she would have passed with a formal bow, be reined the black horse which be bestrode fairly in ber path. ‘¢ Wait a moment, Miss Sheldon,” be com- manded rather than entreated, ‘I wish to speak with you and I fancy 1 shall not find a better op- | portunity.” Her eyes flashed, as she said ina low, cold tone: *¢ Allow me to pass, Mr. Durand, I have neither time nor inclination to speak with you.” “ Which is quite unfortunate as l have both. I know you will pardon me and will grant mea few moments—I am positive that you will.” There was something in his manner which seemed to say: ** You cannot belp it.” His in- sinuating glance of admiration caused a hot blush to leap to ber cheeks, and with great diffi- culty she controlled her voice as she replied in an icy manner: ‘You are quite mistaken, sir; I shall waste no time in talking with you. Let me pass.” Then sbe urged ber horse forward, but Du- rand’s band fell upon the bridle-rein. ‘Now, don’t be too hasty,” be laughed. “It is not always best tobe inarush, I want to talk with you, and I am going to do so,” For a moment she came near losing control of herself, but by a great effort she succeeded in holding ber wrath in check, At the same time her flashing eyes and burning cheeks told of the fire that lay smoldering beneath, Fixing a steady glance upon his dark face, she waited for him to continue. “There, that is sensible,” Durand declared. “1 knew you would be reasonable when you thought the matter over, Ihave not much to say, and I shall talk straight to the point.” “Well, sir, if you will force me to lirten, be kind enough to speak as briefly as possible, I am ina barry.” Durand laughed scornfully: ‘Yes, 1 know. In a burry to meet young Norman. But he is not fit for you*to wipe your dainty feet upon.” ““ Stop!” cried the girl, lifting her riding-whip with a guesture of command. ‘‘ Enough of such talk from your lips! Leon Norman isa gentleman, which is more than I ean say for you, Owen Durand, since this ungallant act,” and sbe again sought to go on her way, but, onee more bis hand fell upon the bridle-rein of her horse, ‘*Not yet, my beauty! my wife—” “*T will die first!” “T repeat it—you will soon be my wife. I have the power to make you marry me whether you want to or not.” His words sent a cold chill over her, but she quickly recovered her usual composure. “That is idle, foolish talk, Owen Durand!” she exclaimed. ‘ You cannot force me into anything against my wishes,” “T can and will!” “ Again [say you cannot. You are a wicked man, but I do not fear you, and I defy you to do your worst!” “By heavens! your spirit shall be broken!” snarled the angry scoundrel, ‘* You defy me, do you? Very well, we'll see who will conquer. Iswear [{ will kiss you now, just to show you that { am not to be trifled with in this way.” He suddenly urged his horse forward and at- tempted to catch her in hisarms, Della uttered a ery of terror, and struck straight at his face with her whip, The lash fell across his cheek with a cut that left a livid mark bebind. Then Della’s borse, becoming frightened, sprung away. An instant later the terrified horse was galloping wildly down the road, with the girl clinging desperately to its mane, and the rein dangling beyond her reach. Uttering a hoarse shout, Durand lashed his own horse into pursuit. CHAPTER IX. A LOVER TO THE RESCUE, Down the road thundered the frightened horse, with the pale-faced girl clinging to its mane. Once she essayed to get hold of the You will soon become rein, but she found it beyond her reach, and came near falling from her horse, “ Merciful heavens!” gasped Della; ‘* What can I do?” She could do nothing but wait—for what? W hat would be the end of this terribly unpleasant adventure? Suddenly out from the bushes at the road- side leaped a slender, sharp-eyed boy who sprung straight at the horse’s head and grasped at the dangling rein, Frank Frisk! he Bound Boy had seen the runaway, and recognizing the peril of the beautiful girl, he made a desperate attempt to stop the frightened horse. But, the animal saw bim an instant too soon for him to succeed. His hand almost touched the rein as the horse sprung to one side; then he was knocked down and from out of a cloud of dust the horse galloped on, leaving the boy lying 1n the road. When the horse sprung to one side, Della was nearly unseated, but she succeeded in remaining upon the animal’s back, She had recognized the | brave lad who bad made such a desperate at- tempt to stop the horse, ‘Heavens! he is killed!” flashed through her head as the horse dashed on leaving the brave boy lying in the road, | Sheaid not dare to turn ker head to look back, therefore she did not see what happened when she bad passed. As she swept around a sudden “There, Miss Sheldon,” said the victor, with turn in the road, she came in sight of a horse- man who was leisurely approaching. It was Leon! As soon as Della saw the young farmer she uttered a cry of joy, for she felt sure that he would save her in some way. He echoed the ery and quickly wheeled his horse so that it was headed the same as the runaway. Then the whip in his band rose and fell. One wild leap and the borses were neck and neck dashing along the road. “Cling fast, Della!” shouted the young man. ‘¢] will save you!” In less than a minute he had succeeded in get- ting the runaway by the bridle-rein; then be- gan a desperate struggle between the man and the borse. But the young farmer knew | quite well how to handle the frightened | animal, and within a sbort time he had the | horse under control, A few moments later he had brought the runaway to a stand. a respectful bow, *t you are quite safe.” ** Miss Sheldon!” she echoed, do you address me thus?” ““T donot wish to be too familiar under the circumstances.” ‘¢<Tnder the circumstances?’ ” she repeated, ‘* What, for Heaven’s sake, ‘*Leon, why in a dazed manner. do you mean?” ‘Surely you should know. me all yesterday.” Then she understood his strange words. believed her false to him. ‘‘Ob, Leon!” she cried, holding out her hand to him; ‘* you did not believe me so utterly false and deceitful?” He caught her hand and kissed it. “No, no!” he hoarsely murmured; ‘‘I could not quite believe it. Now I know you are true, my darling!” ‘« Leon,” she panted, ‘‘ they are trying to force me into an obnoxious marriage with that man— Owen Durand. I met him a few minutes ago and he insulted me. He tried to kiss me and I struck him with the whip. Then the horse became frightened and rap, He is coming now!” She spoke truly. A rapid clatter of iron-shod hoofs was followed by the appearance of the master of Durend Hall as that individual swept into view. A few moments later he drew rein before them. “ Aha!” he drawled, fixing a baleful glance on Se young farmer, ‘“‘So you are around, are 0?” “‘ Fortunately, I am,” was the cool reply, “I happened along just in time to save this young lady from injury after ber horse was frightened by you.” : “Exactly. You shall be paid for your trou- ble. Now tbat your service is no longer re- quired, you will please let us see how the back of your coat fits,” urand’s yoice was even, calm and insulting. Leon felt the warm blood rush to his face. “shall do nothing of the kind, sir,” be de- clared, “This young lady needs some one to protect ber, and—” “T will attend to that, my dear sir.” ‘You? You are a fine guardian! Why, Miss Sheldon has just complained tbat you in- Your father told He
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sulted her and frightened her horse! I hardly think I will leave her in your care.” The gambler’s face grew black. ‘**So she said that, did she? That is all right. She will change her tune soon.” ** Never!” flashed the girl. ‘‘ Owen Durand, you are making me detest you!” Durand rode a little closer, and pointing down the road, hissed to Leon; “Get out of this! I want to speak with this young lady alone.” “Nary get!” retorted the young farmer, quietly. ‘‘I do not fancy that the young lady cares to speak with you, and until she asks me to go, I shall remain.” ; Durand was furious, To be openly defied by the young farmer in the presence of the girl whom he hoped to make his wife was bumiliat- ing indeed. The scowl upon bis face grew blacker and his hand crept back toward his bip- pocket, as he snarled: **Tf you do not make yourself scarce at once, young man, it will be the worse fcr you.” **Stop!” came sharply from Leon’s lips. “Have acare, Owen Durand! Do not dare to draw a revolver on me!” The young farmer’s eyes gazed straight into the gambier’s dark orbs, and there was not the least sign of fear in their clear depths. Durand held his band, awed by the fearless manner of the rival whom he now hated so intensely. “That is right, Durand! It is best to goa little slow. Miss Sheldon is under my protec- tion; and now, you will please move on.” For a moment the gambler hesitated, but, Leon’s blazing eyes never wavered for an in- stant. That piercing glance, strange to say, cowed the half-intoxicated scoundrel. is hand fell away fro:n his hip, but be hissed: **Curse you! You shall pay for this!” “Spare your threats for some one who cares for them,” advised the young man. ‘I do not fear you in the least, and you are simply wast- ing your breath when you threaten. My ad- vice to you is to be moving.” *“*T will go,” said Durand, savagely. ‘* But let me tell you, young man, that girl is to be my wife. Becareful what you do or say in her presence. Her father has promised that I shall have her,” ‘But I have told you that Ishall never marr ou,” cried Della, ‘Sand I meant what I said, y father has not the heart to force me into a union so repulsive.” The villain laughed sneeringly, ‘*Oh-o! he basn’t the heart? Well, then, I will put the heart into hin, Do you hear? 7 will put the heart into him!, Your father will do just aslsay, Bevause why? Because be can- not help himself. J am his master! Ha! ha! ha!’ Then he rode past them, waving Della a kiss, but scowling darkly at Leon, Giving his borse several sharp cuts with the whip, he galloped furiously down the road, and was lost in a cloud of dust. When he was gone Della drew a breath of relief, saying at the same time: **T am so glad he has gone! Leon, I am dread- fully afraid of that man. He has shown to-day just what he really is—a low, vindictive scoun- drel. I believe that he will stop at nothing to accomplish bis evil ends,” “*T fear you are right,” admitted the young farmer. ‘ But let him harm you if he dares!” ‘* What can he have meant when he said that he was my father’s master? That puzzles me.” ‘Oh, that must have been idle talk. He can have no control over your father.” ‘Tt does not seem possible, and yet lam at a loss to understand, to fathom father’s strange actions, He does not seem like the kind, true parent of old. He is so changed.” Leon said nothing, yet he, too, was at a loss to understand Judge Sheldon’s changed manner, But he would not express bis fears in her pres- ence, He attempted to turn her mind from the » perplexing point. “Tt is fortunate that I happened along just as I did, otherwise the runaway might not have terminated so happily.” “ That is true, n; there is no telling what you saved me from. And that makes me think —you were not the first to attempt to stop my horse. Farmer Hobbs’s bound boy saw my peril and made a brave trial to check the beast; but he failed, and wasknocked down. I fear he was seriously hurt. Let’s ride back and see,” To this the young farmer readily assented, and together they rode back along the road. They found Frank sitting by the roadside, near the spot where he was knocked over by the flying horse. He sprung up witha cry of delight as he saw them approaching. Ce Ce Bound Boy Frank. “Tm awful ‘By jingoes!” he exclaimed. I was glad to see you alive, Miss Sheldon! afraid you would be thrown anda killed.” ** And I was afraid you bad been injured in so bravely trying to stop Dandy. Were you not hurt? ‘*T was knocked so numb that when Owen Durand came along and tried to run bis horse over me I had just life enough to barely get out of his way.” ‘** Did Durand try to ride over you?” ‘* Hopping toads! I should say so! He made straight for me, and swore like a pirate when I got out of the way, Ob! he meant to fix me.” ‘* Heavens!” gasped Della. ‘‘That man is wholly wicked! I never dreamed that he was so bad.” ‘*He is a miserable brute and villain!” de- clared Leon, with pardonable wrath. ‘“‘That’s about the way I figure it,” nodded the Bound Boy. ‘‘ He’s meaner than spoiled eggs.” CHAPTER X, THE YOUNG AMATEUR FINDS ANOTHER LETTER, For two days atter the events just narrated Farmer Hobbs kept his bound boy so busy that the lad had no time to spend in the vicinity of the hollow tree. The farmer was in better spirits after his return from Riverton, where he had safely deposited the six hundred dollars in the bank, He breathed freer and once more went about his farming with bis usual vigor. **Crops goin’ tew be poorty good this yeer,” be chuckled. “I’ve bin ‘tarnal lucky, for I hain’t bad tew pay out much for hired help so fur. That air boy’s almos’ as good as er man, but it’d never do tew tell ’im so—oh, no, no! that’d never do. Take ’im all roun’, he’s poorty vallyble, he is, for I can use bim ag’in’ Owen Duran’ when Duran’ gits tev callin’ for munny. Ob, yes, be’s vallyble! Ha! ha!” And the farmer rubbed his bard red hands to- ether and rolled his little eyes in a manner far from pleasant to witness, As for Frank, he was decidedly uneasy and very desirous of putting his hand into the depths of the secret letter-receptacle in the hollow tree. But bis master was looking after him all the time, and he found no opportunity to visit the tree. On the afternoon of the second day, Frank came suddenly upon the farmer and Owen Du- rand, who were conversing in low tones and appeared very anxious lest they should be overheard, Both men looked alarmed at the boy’s sudden* appearance and Frank fancied that Durand flushed in a guilty manner while Joel’s usually red faceseemed to become redder still, ‘‘ Hello!” growled the gambler, as soon as he could command his voice, ‘ [ thought you said there was no one round, Hobbs? What is this confounded boy here for?” ‘“*T dunno,” mumbled Joel, slowly recover- ing his composure, ‘‘I didn’t know be was roun’, Hey, you rascal! where are you go- ? ing? Eto the house for that pail of water which you told me to get as soon as I finished that row,” was the prompt reply. ‘Ob, yes! sart’inly—tew be sure!” nodded Hobbs. ‘ Trot rite along an’ be mighty spry *bout it. No dawdlin’ now,” As Frank moved away. he heard the farmer say: ‘*He didn’t bear nothin’, don’t you worry, Duran’,” ** Wonder what they are up to,” thought the boy. ‘‘Some rascality, Jll bet, or they would not have acted in that way, It is plain that they were both afraid that I had heard something, What can they be talking about?” But there was no way for him to find out, and when he returned with the water, Durand was still talking with the farmer, and the two men remained together the greater part of the afternoon, “They are plotting something evil,” thought Frank. And he was not far from right. That night when he went for the cows he dis- covered that one of them was missing — **Good!” he softly exclaimed. ‘Now Pll bave another chance to find out if there is any- thing in that hollow tree.” It was then quite late and rapidly growing dusk, but he found the vow witbout much diffi- culty, and, as be drove ber back toward the foot of the lane, he came to the hollow tree, It was then nearly dark, and the boy made haste to discover if there was another letter in the tree. Witbin the hollow lay another letter, which he soon brought forth, 4 hie ; “ls § Wy Ly 4 yey ct 1H AMA . is rey art d jt “JT thought I’d find it, Perhaps this will throw some light on the mystery. I’m resolved to solve about all these goings on and about myself— What's that?” He listened breathlessly, but could hear no sound save the ‘‘ tunk-tanok” of the bell on the cow that was going slowly down the path. There seemed to be nothing else stirring within the wood, ‘*There isn’t anybody round,” muttered the boy. ‘‘Tll see what there is in this letter—that is, Pll see if it isn’t too dark for me to see,” But be soon discovered that it was too dark for him to read the writing on the paper, He held it close to his eyes and puzzled over it for nearly five minutes, but, each minute it grew darker, and be could make nothing out of it, ‘Great Jinks! this is a scrape! I guess Dll have to forego the pleasure of perusing this document. I ought to have come before.” Once more he held the paper close to his eyes and tried to make out the hastily-written words on tho sheet, but was forced to give it up. * Tt’s no go,” came regretfully from his lips. ** T can only see to make out one or two words, If I only had a light!” Swiftly he felt through his pockets, and a cry of delight broke from his lips as he discovered two broken matches in one of them, ** Jingoes! Iam in luck! Now Ill read it or know the reason why.” Laying the paper on his knee, he proceeded to carefully draw one of the matches along on the leg of his pantaloons. It readily ignited, and he held it close to the paper, while he rapidly scanned the tell-tale missive. It read: “Everything is quiet.. Where can the lost one be? He has not appeared. You say he is in the vicinity, but I think you must be mistaken. Watch sharp avd earn your money if you can. He must be re- captured or killed. ** T have another piece of business for you. You used to be pretty good at cracking banks before you entered into my ee § We have done more than one job together. Of late [have had my eye ona certain bank that it will not be hard to go th If you are in for such work, we will—”’ *s Hopping toads!” Frank had held the match till it burned his fingers. He dropped it, at the same time utter- ing the exclamation given above. As the match went out the darkness seemed more intense than it really was, and for several seconds the farm-lad held bis breath and lis- tened, The lonely cry of a tree-toad and the aa tinkle of a cow-bell was all he could ear, ‘‘Guess I'd better be getting,” he muttered, “Td like to read the rest of that letter, but I don’t dares carry it away. The wiiter must be a desperate man, and 1 don’t believe it would be healthy for me if I was found with it in my fingers. By Jinks! Pll put 1t back.” And he hastened to refold the letter and place it within the hollow. “There,” he uttered, with a breath of satis- faction, ‘‘ I'll find a way to get down here in the morning, and if that letter is not gone I will finish reading it.” He dropped down from the hollow and lis- tened again. Save for the cry of the tree-toad, the silence was oppressive. “TY believe Ill be getting home with those cows,” observed the_boy. “It’s mighty lonely here now, I expect Mr. Hebbs will give me fits for being so loug. Ab! what’s that? Once more he listened, and this time he was sure that he heard stealthy footsteps advancing. He heard the bushes scrape against the body of oe object that was evidently passing through them, “By gracious! some one is coming!” flashed through bis bead. , He did not wait for anything more, but turned and ran silently down the path, vanishing in the darkness. rough. CHAPTER XI. A SHADOW AND A SHOT. Frank found all the cows standing at the bars. He made haste’ to open the bars, which he had forgotten to do before he went to search for the lost cow, and hurried them up the lane as fast as he dared. Farmer Hobbs was waiting at the upper bars. “So yew’ve gut erlong at last, have ye!” he sang “* Where in the name of sin have yew in “One of the cows was not at the bars and I went in search of her,” was Frank’s truthful apswer. ‘** Wal, yew’ve bin long ernuff "bout it. I was jest comin’ arter ye, an’ if I bad, yew’d ’a’ nowed it! Now yew hump yerself an’ git the > ndtae
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* eat, much more tew ues Bound Boy Frank. critters milked. Guess yew’ll have tew have a lantern if ye see.” i Farmer Hobbs did not lift his hands to heip the boy and therefore Frank was obliged to do the milkingall alone. He was handy at that kind of work, however, and made a short job of it. But, for all of his swiftness, be did not es- cape a liberal amount of ‘“jawing,” from the churlish farmer, “Yew hain’t wu’th yer salt,” growled Joel, ** Yew don’t do enough tew’arn the grub yew y for havin’ ye 'roun’, If *twasn’t for the look of the thing, ’'d tarn ye out tew shift for yerself—I would, by gum!” ‘*T wish he would!” thought the boy. When the boy carried the milk into the house he watched for a chance to speak with Mrs, Hobbs, having decided to tell her about the letters in the tree, but be was destined not to find such an opportunity that night, for Joel soon sent hirn off to bed. Witbin his room Frank found ita difficult thing to go to bed and sleep. When he had undressed, ihe tar upon the bed for hours thinking of the strange events that had so recently happened. There were many things which he could not understand and the more he pondered on them the more puzzled he became. ‘* Jingoes!” he finally groaned; ‘‘ I don’t know what to do or think, 1 wish there was some one whom I could tell the whole business; but there isa part that I can’t tell, for I promised that strange man that I would not.” At length he fell asleep, but his slumber was fitful and broken, being filled with unpleasant dreams, He arose the next morning feeling tired and almost sick. The first thing that he heard was the snarling voice of Farmer Hobbs calling him from the bottom of the stairs, and he made haste to dress and descend, ‘* Come, now!” snapped Joel. ‘‘ Was ye goin’ tew snooze all day? Jest step lively now an’ git them keows milked tarnal soon. hey orter be in the paster this very minute. Hump now!” And without a word Frank ‘ humped.” When the cows wereall milked and driven down the lane, he beard the farmer bellowing for him to come to breakfast. ‘‘ Now I hope [’ll get a chance to speak to Mrs. Hobbs,” thought the boy. But, be did not, Joel seemed more attentive t an usual that morning; in fact, 1t seemed to Frank almost as if the farmer suspected that he wished to speak with Mrs, Hobbs and was de- termined that he should not have a chance, Frank was obliged to go into the field without saying a word to the farmer’s wife, and he did not find an opportunity to do so during the entire day. That night Joel sent the boy to bed earlier than usual, for he said that they had a big day’s work before them, But again Frank found that he could not go to sleep at once. ‘* ve got to tell some one,” he muttered. “It isn’t mght for me to keep quiet, knowing what I do. Thereisn’t much show for me to tell Mrs, Hobbs to-morrow, What shall 1 do?” For along time he lay on the bed thinking. Finally, he started up, exclaiming in a low tone which was filled with deep satisfaction: ‘“*T know what Tlldo! I will tell Mr, Norman. He will know just what to do, Why didn’t I think of that before?” As soon as be had arrived at this decision he also decided to see Leon as soon as possible— that very night if he could, It was yet early in the evening and Leon lived so near that he could soon reach the house. He knew that there would be little difficulty in leaving the farm- house, “Tl get out and in without waking a soul,” he muttered, as he hurriedly put on his pants. ‘‘Naither Mr. or Mrs. Hobbs will know a thing about it.” Silently he stole down the back stairs, his bare feet making nosound, The door that opened into the shed was fastened with a hasp, and Frank opened it without a sound. He found no trouble in leaving the shed and was soon running ety across the fields toward Leon Norman’s ome, It was not long before the boy came in sight of the littie cottage to which Leon and his moth- er had moved after the death of the young man’s father. Frank sto sbort asthe dark out- lines of tke little cottage caught bis eye. He knew not why, but something seemed tojtell him that there was danger in the air. ‘*T feel just like Iam not the only one out here in the darkness,” hethought, ‘‘1t seems as if Ican scent danger. I never felt this way be- fore. What does it mean?” He sunk down and lay gazing toward the cot- tage, from one window of which shone a dim light. His thoughts were busy and he did not heed the flight of time. Suddenly he caught his breath and sunk lower till he hugged the ground, “Great Scott!” Like a dark phantom a tall, shadowy form swiftly passed him, moving silently toward the cottage. Notasound did the shadow seem to make, but its aspect, as it glided along, suggested a panther creeping upon its hoped-for prey. ‘The breeze did not lift the brim of the slouched hat which the figure wore, but it tossed back the cape of the long cloak till it resembled the wings of a huge black bat, ‘* Hopping toads!” thought Frank, ‘*Whoor what was that? There’s something crooked afoot!—another mystery. What won’t develop, next, I wonder?” He lifted hitaself and looked after the retreat- ing shadow. Thedark figure was making direct- 1. an the house from which shone the faint ight. “Tm going to follow,” decided the plucky farm-lad. ‘‘lam going to see the whole of this, no matter what comes!” Noiselessly he followed in the tracks of the phantom, and as it approached the house it seemed to move forward with redoubled caution, Finally the figure paused and seemed to peer in at the window from which shone the faint hght. A moment it stood there, and then one arm was lifted. The light from the window fell upon some thing that gleamed like silver or burnisbed steel. aoa watching boy caught his breath, and then— Crack ! : There was a bright flash, and the report of a pistol rung out upon the night air! CHAPTER XII. THE BANK ROBBEKY. AN involuntary cry broke from Frank’s lips as he saw the flash and heard the report of the pistol. He knew that the cloaked figure had fired through the window at some one within the cottage. But at whom? The boy did not have much time for specula- tion, for as soon as the shot was fired the cloaked man ran swiftly away. ** Jingoes!” gasped the farm-lad; ‘he is com- i is for me!” ad he paused to think, Frank would have simply hugged the ground and allowed the man to pass; but, he was seized by a sudden panic, such as sometimes assails the bravest, and leap- ing to his feet, he fled into the darkness, ‘““That man isa-murderer! He will kill me if he catches me and discovers that I saw him fire the shot!” were the thoughts which flashed through the boy’s brain. Fear seemed to lend him wings and he was in no danger of being overtaken, He did not stop running, however, until be was safely within Farmer Hobbs’s shed. Then he fell panting on the floor. For along time the exhausted lad lay there slowly regaining his breath. His thoughts were busy all the time. He believed that be had seen a murder committed, but, who was the cloaked man who fired the shot and at whom had he fired?- Frank believed that the shot had been fired at Leon Norman. And who should desire Leon’s death? Owen Durand! With difficulty the Bound Boy suppressed a ery which might have aroused Mr. Hobbs or his wife. He believed that he had hit upon the truth. Now that he thought of it, the cloaked figure had seemed to resemble the tall form of the gambler. ‘‘ ft was Durand!” gasped the boy. ‘‘ He has a grudge against Mr. Norman and he has mur- dered him, What shall I do?” The question was more easily asked than an- swered, What could he do? His first thought was to arouse the farmer and his wife and tell them everything; but when he remembered that Hobbs and Durand had been in close con- versation only the day before, he hesitated, . “T know Joel Hobbs pretty well,” thought Frank, ‘‘and I am quite sure that he is far from an honest man, He bas been pretty thick with Owen Durand and may know more than I imagine, If I told him what 1 have seen, I would not be believed. He would give me fits pe pang out after going to bed. What shall I Frank was certainly in a fer from pleasant situation, The more he thought of the matter the more puzzled he became, Perbaps Mr, Norman was not_ killed,” thought the boy. “If he was not, it will be Joel better for me if I say nothing about what I have seen, I wish I knew.” For nearly an hour he lay there thinking and trying to decide which was the best course for him to pursue. He finally decided to say noth- ing of what he bad seen until morning. When he had arrived at this decision, be crept into the house and carefully made his way up the back stairs to bed. The farm-lad did not pass a very comfortable night after he retired, All night be tossed and twisted as he dreamed of dark bat-like shadows, pistol-shots and murder most foul. He was ex- ceedingly glad when morning came, Frank’s first thought in the morning was to tell Mrs. Hobbs about what be had seen the night before, but once more Joel seemed very vigilant and the boy found no opportunity to carry out his design. But Frank was unable to keep his secret long. When he found that he was not going to be able to tell Mrs. Hobbs, he resolved to tell the farmer himself. ‘‘ Perhaps I saw a murder,” was the thought which continually harassed him. ‘‘IfI did it would not be right for me to keep still, I .must tell some one!” ; When he had arrived at this conclusion, he lost no time in relating his story to the farmer, taking care, of course, not to tell why be was in the vicinity ef Leon Norman’s bome at such a time. Joel seemed not only amazed but also frightened. His usually florid face actually grew pale, ‘¢T—I—don’t believe such a ridiculous story!” he stammered, ‘‘ Some one attempted to mur- der young Norman? Bosh!—bosh, Isay! How did you happen to be there at such a time to see all this?” Frank had expected the question and was pre- pared with an answer—a truthful one. “T was restless and could not sleep, so I arose and noiselessly left the house. When I was out of doors { walked in the direction of Mr. Nor- man’s home. I did not know that there was any one in the vicinity till the shadow-like form dme. I was frightened, but followed and saw what I have related.” ‘Bosh again! I don’t believe a word of it! If I did, T’'dthrash yew fer leavin’ the house after I sent yew to bed; but as itis, [ kinder guess yew was dreamin’. Yew never saw all this.” And try as he might, the farm-lad seemed un- able to convince the farmer that he was telling the truth. Joel insisted that he had been dreaming, and finally grew so angry that he was forced to give up trying to convince him, ‘IT have done my duty,” Frank muttered to himself. ‘If murder was done last night, my conscience will be clear, But I wonder what made Mr. Hobbs took so peculiar when I told him what I bad seen.” At the same time Joel was saying to himself, while he watched bis boy slave from beneath his shaggy eyebrows: ‘What in the name of sin can that air bo have bin up rantin’ roun’ las’ night for? It’s lucky he didr’t bear Duran’ when he swore to kill that yo’nker, for if he had, he’d ’a’ under- stood the hull matter an’ that might ’a’ brought me inter it in some way. I tell yew, this air killin’s mighty bad bizness.” But the farmer and his bound boy had not been at work 1n the field more than two hours when they both saw Leon Norman ride past and continue on in the direction of Riverton. At the sight of the young farmer, alive and well, obbs seemed scarcely less surprised than was the lad who had seen the would-be assassin shoot through the window the night before. As soon as he could recover his usual composure, Hobbs stalked over to where Frank was still standing gazing at Leon’s retreating form. Catching the boy by the shoulder, he snarled: “There, what did I tell ye! I knew he was all right! A pritty yarn yew tole! But I wasn’t fool enough tew believe it.. If I really thought that yew never dreamed it nor northin’, an’ was just lyin’ to hear yerself talk, Tla— He lifted his band asif to strike the lad, but paused, transfixed by a glance. There was something in Frank’s piercing eyes which cowed Joel Hobbs and made him feel almost afraid of the boy. “ Wal, it’s all right this time,” he mumbled— “its all right this time, but look out for the next!” It was near noon when Owen Durand rode along beside the field where the farmer and his bound boy were at work, stopped his horse and called: ‘* Ho, Hobbs! come here; I want to see you.” The farmer at once left his work and obeyed i}.
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— > om PIAS nde Se rae! A tt ee 10 the summons. Durand dismounted and soon the two men were in close conversation. ‘*Wonder what they are talking about,” speculated Frank, ‘‘It will be a miracle if Mr. Hobbs does not tell Owen Durand the story that I told him. By Jinks! I’m more than half- inclined to believe that Mr. Hobbs knew more about that affair of last night than be wished to have me know! Perhaps Durand told him his plans,” And Frank had come nearer the truth than he knew, Covertly the Bouni Boy watched the two men while he worked. We wasa little afraid of the gambler, and thought thatif Hobbs told what he had seen the night before, Durand might be angered so greatly that he would do something desperate, But Frank was unable to decide whether the farmer told Durand or not. Frank fancied that both men actedin a singular man- ner, seeming very much afraid of being over- heard, ‘* More plotting,” was the boy’s comment, and he was right. When Mrs, Hobbs blew the dinner-horn, both men seemed too busy to notice it, Frank thought that his opportunity to havea talk with the farmer’s wife had come, Without a word, he started for the house; but he had not gone far before he heard Hobbs gruffly calling to him. ‘*Ffold on, there!” shouted the farmer; ‘‘ you jest wait till I git reddy tew go tew dinner. ou can keep ter work, tew.” And Frank was obliged to obey. As for Hobbs, he made no move to go to his dinner till the horn had sounded for the third time. Then he and the gambler separated, both acting a trifle sly and nervous, so Frank thought, **1’ll bet they have laid another plan to finish Leon Norman!” suddenly flashed through the boy’s brain. ‘‘I must try to warn him some by iat ut the farm-lad did not know how closely he was to be watched by Farmer Hobbs, He was given no opportunity to see Leon that day or night, nor did he have a chance to speak with the farmer’s wife. That night Hobbs followed him to his room and locked bim in, ““T guess that ’Il keep him quiet tew-night,” chuckled Joel, as he returned down the stairs, It did. Frank spent another wretched night, for his mind was filled with strange thoughts and fearful forebodings. The farm-lad was glad when the morning light stole in at his window, and he waited impa- tiently till he heard Farmer Hobbs’s heavy tread as he ascended the stairs to unlock the door. es garage the stairs close at the farmer’s eels, ** Yew can milk the keows an’ tarn’em inter paster,” instructed the farmer, without looking at his bound boy. ‘‘ Then we'll have breakfast, Arter breakfast yew can put the Paris green onter the ’taters in ther south patch. I sha’n’t be here this forenoon.” ‘Where are you going, Joel?’ Mrs. Hobbs ventured toask, | “That hain’t none’ of your ’tarnal business!” snarled the ill-tempered old curmudgeon, After breakfast Joel harnessed the old white horse and rode away toward Riverton. It was high noon when he returned, and Frank had come in from the field for his dinner. The boy was telling Mrs. Hobbs of the singular things which he had seen, when the white horse came galloping wildly into the dooryvard, drawing the rattling wagon in which sat the farmer. A mo- ment later Hobbs came bursting into the house, ** Betsey,” he shouted, “‘I’m erfeared we're ruined!” “Why, Joel!” exclaimed the startled woman; ** what can you mean?” **[T mean that the Riverton Bank has bin robbed, an’ every cent of reddy munny I had in the worl was in that bank!” “Land of mercy!” gasped Mrs, Hobbs, ** When did this happen?” ** Las’ night,” was the reply. ** Gracious!” flashed through Frank’s brain. “* Now LI understand it all. This is what that letter was about, I have been too slow to pre- vent the robbery, but perhaps I can be of some service in finding the ones who did the job.” CHAPTER XII, FRANK AND THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER, “Yes, I’m erfeared we're ruined,” repeated Mr, Hobbs, as he flopped down into « chair. ** How much was stolen?” asked his wife, *T dunno,” groaned Joel; ‘there don’t no- body know. The bank’s closed an’ they’ve got a detective there lookin’ round. 1 dunno what 7 i ee ee Bound Boy Frank. they are goin’ tew do ’bout it. Nobody seems abie tew find out.” ‘** Perhaps they have not lost much.” * P’r’aps they kain’t, bey! Wal, I'll bet they have. Some say that they have lost as much as twenty thousand dollars; some say ’tain’t more’n five or ten, But I'll bet the biggest figger comes the nighest—I will, by gosh!” ‘*Land sakes!” gasped Mrs. Hobbs; ‘‘ twenty thousand dollars!” “So y're jest gittin’ woke up ter realize that we have prob’ly lost somethin’, are ye?” sneered the farmer. “If the bank was robbed of twenty thousan’ an’ the depositors make a run on it, she'll prob’ly bu’st.” Mrs. Hobbs sunk into a chair, fanning her- self excitedly with her apron. Joel seemed to watch her with a gleam of triumph in his beady eyes, For some reason it appeared to Frank that the farmer was secretly delighted at bis wife’s consternation; in fact, that Joel was more delighted than he was concerned about the robbery. ‘“‘There’s something about this that I do not understand,” thought the farm-lad. “Well, Joel,” faltered Mrs. Hobbs, “‘ what are we going to do?” **Do!” mocked the farmer—‘‘ what do yew s’pose I’m goin’ tew do? [I’m goin’ back tew town an’ find out if there’s enny show for my munny. I’m goin’ tew have it if [ can git it! Is dinner reddy?” “Yes, yes; almost. I'll have it in a mioute.” “Wal, stir yerself, for I want tew be gittin’ back tew town. Don’t go tew sleep about it!” It is needless to say that Mrs, Hobbs stirred herself. She got things ready in short order, Joel sent Frank to look after the horse, and when the boy returned, he found the farmer already at the table, The mid-day meal was soon dispatched, and grabbing his hat, Joel at once left the house, Thus Frank was given another opportunity to tell Mrs. Hobbs what he had intended; but for some reason, the farm-lad did not do so, He seemed to have changed his mind about telling her; and the woman’s mind was too greatly oc- cupied with thoughts of tbe bank robbery for her to recall him to the story which had been broken by the sudden appearance of Mr. Hobbs, When Frank finally left the house he met Joel, who told him to harness the horse at once, The boy knew that the poor animal had not been given sufficient time to eat, but he dared not say so; therefore he proceeded to obey orders, By the time that the horse was harnessed Hobbs was ready. As he climbed into the old wagon, he said: ‘“*T hain’t had no time tew plan out enny work for yew, boy; so [ dunno jest what tew set yeat. Yewcan finish up the ’taters, an’ if 1 hain’t back then, yew can rest. By gum! there can’t nobody say that yew don’t have an easy time of it! Git up!” and once more he gave the horse a vigorous cut and was whirled out of the yard at an amazing speed. For several moments Frank was dumb with surprise. Finally he muttered: “Well, this beats the Dutch! This is the second time that he has gone off that way, What can have come over Mr. Hobbs? Why, usually, if be had nothing else for me to do, he would set me piling over wood or something of that sort, I don’t know what tothink. It won’t take me over an hour atthe most to finish the potatoes,” And in an bour’s time that task was finished. ** Now}” said the boy to himself, ‘‘ what next? Ah, 1 bave it! I have resolved to turn detec- tive and hunt down the robbers of Riverton Bank, Now is my time to get in some work. It would be a surprise to some folks if I did cause the capture of the rascals. I believe that I have a clew, as the real detectives call it; and my clew is that letter, only a part of which I read. **But come to think of it, I don’t know as that is a clew, for it isg{not now in my possession, Perhaps it should be called a pointer. Any way, | am going to work it for what itis worth. I was tempted to tell Mr. Hobbs about it, but, something kept me from doing so. He might have said that I was dreaming, as he did when I told him of the man who fired in at the win- dow of Leon Norman’s home, Iam glad I said nothing about it, “But now I am going to visit the hollow tree again, for I may find something there that will aid me in bringing the criminals to justice, Something seems to tell me that I shall be instru- mentalin their discovery and arrest, Ah-a! here I am, Frank Frisk, amateur detective, just taking hold of my first ease. May good fortune aid me.” Weta a SO re re nee ee ree ee ee een ee eee A snort time later found Frank at the hollow tree in the midst of the pasture woods. His hand was soon within the place where the secret letters had been deposited, but a look of disap- pointment clouded his fuce as he withdrew it quite empty. ‘*Not a Jetter,” he exclaimed in a tone filled with vexation. ‘I hoped to find one,” The boy sat down at the foot of the tree and for a long time was lost in areverie, All man- ner of plans and scbemes passed through bis head, none of which, bowever, seemed at all practicable. He was finally obliged to acknowl- edge to himself that he did not know how to be- gin his detective work. **[ don’t know just what to do,” he muttered, as he arose slowly to bis feet. He walked back along the cow-path, his head bowed. He saw no one till he heard a strange voice say: ** Good-afternoon, my son!” And then, looking up, he found that he was .face to face with the strange white-faced man whom he had seen once before. The unknown was regarding the boy with a pair of eyes which seemed to gleam with an unnatural fire. Frank started back in alarm. “Do not be afraid, my boy,” begged the old man—for he appeared old, ‘I will not harm you in the least, and I wish to speak with you.” ‘Who are you?” asked Frank, A strange, awe-inspiring smile swept over the man’s pallid face, “Who am I!” he echoed, ‘Iam one who has escaped from the regions below! I feel like a fiend incarnate! Within my breast is a per- fect hell of passion. I have suffered the tor- tures of the damned, and now I live for ven- geance—vengeance!” His words and his manner wereso terrifying that the lad was tempted to turn and flee. The stranger seemed to read his very thoughts, for he said quickly and with forced calmness: **No, [am not mad. Do not fly from me, for I wish to look upon your face a little longer—I wish to hear you talk. You may think this strarge, but some time you will understand. No, no! Iam not mad, butit isa miracle that I have my right mind!” Frank knew not what to say, so he stood re- garding the man in silence. The stranger scanned his face with an eagerness that could not be concealed, “Ab! you are an honest-lookiug boy,” he de- clared. ‘‘ You are a boy fora father to be proud of—to be proud of! I like to look upon your face; itis good. I have heard that your name is Frank Frisk.” ‘** Tt is, sir.” ** Ah, yes! you look like her—you have her eyes! oor face is molded like hers; your lips have that same proud curve. You are so much like ber—so much!” Tbe boy’s amazement held him dumb. Of whom was this wild, white-faced man speaking? “And she is dead!” the stranger continued— ‘‘dead! I have been to ber grave—I have stood beside it—I have flung myself across it, Dark- ness and daylight—the evening dews and the morning sun—they bave found me there! But nothing can bring her back ‘to me; sheis gone forever—forever!” There was a look of sadness on the stranger’s allid face that the Bound Boy never. forgot. ndeed, the man seemed on the point of burstin into tears, but, with a sudden outward fling o his bands, he appeared to throw off tbis sudden sadness. Whirling half-around, he glanced back along the path, saying: * We must not stand here too long, for I ex- pect that he will visit this wood_this afternoon —the dastardly double traitor! His.day is com- ing—it is coming! Ha! ba! my ‘boy, it is com- ing!” * Whom do you mean?” asked Frank, almost involuntarily. “J mean your enemy and mine—the dastard- ly creature whose vile plotting bas caused so much misery! Ah, but he shall feel it!” A sudden ig seemed to come over the e mysterious man. ““T have said more than clared. ‘‘I wish you would forgetit. Perhaps we had better separate before I continue my foolish talk. Will you take my hand?” Frank did not hesitate to do so, but it seemed that he touched a piece of ice, He was unable to repress a shudder, K “ Ah, itis cold I know,” said the stranger, ‘it is cold, but within my bosom isa beart that is filled with fire. But I am talking again. Good- by for the present,” And without another word they separated, spoke pore calmly: e shall feel my erip—| intended,” he de- .
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— Bound Boy Frank. ee PISO, it CHAPTER XIV. DELLA HEARS STARTLING NEWS. “My dear Della,” said Mrs. Thaddeus Shel- don, casting a look ‘over her shoulder as she stood before the glass, carefully inspecting her appearance as revealed by the reflection—*‘ my dear child, you must listen to reason.” “Tam ready to listen to reason, mother,” was the calm reply, as Della continued to view the landscape from the window; ‘‘ but what you see fit to designate as reason, I consider folly in- deed.” Mrs. Sheldon turned square round with her back fairly to the glass—a very unusual thing for her to do while able to see her image in a mirror—and after gazing steadily at her daugh- ter for a moment, said with some warmth: ‘You must remember that I have lived in this world a little longer than you have, and therefore am better able to judge what is sensi- ble and what is folly. Owen Durand is a catch which any girl might be proud of,” “ Well, [ am a very unambitious angler, mother,” laughed the girl, ‘*I have no desire to land such a big fish.” ** Della!” sternly, ‘this is a serious matter. I wish you to drop jesting.” ‘Very well, mother mine, I have dropped it, I will be as serious as you wish; but let me tell ou now that it is useless to talk to me cf Owen urand. I heartily detest\the man!” ‘* A foolish feeling which you must try to over- come,” * Must, mother? Mustisa hard word, I have too much of my father’s blood in my veins to be forced into such a detestable union, Ob, mother, mother! you must not think me hard and un- dutiful; but I cannot marry that man—I can- not! Mrs, Sheldon turned hastily aroune and again faced the glass. Della’s manner had suddenly touched her. As long as the girl was defiant she could argue with her; but the moment that Della appealed to her feelings, she was touched, “Mother,” said the girl, softly, as she came from the window and placed her arm about her mother’s waist, ‘‘ I want you to answer one question for me: Do you really want me to marry Owen Durand?” The suddenness of this question seemed to flus- ter Mrs. Sheldon, and for several moments she was unable to say a word in reply. When she did speak she did so in a faltering manner. ** Do [really want you to marry Owen Durand? Why—why, what a question! Della, my child, how can you ask after all that has passed be- tween us!” at You have not answered my question, moth- er. These quiet words completed the woman’s dis- comfiture, She turned from the glass with an impatient gesture, saying sharply: “It is not your place to question me, child, I do not care to answer such a silly question.” ‘*T did not think you would,” declared Della, calmly. -“ To tell the truth, I could not believe that within your heart you really wished me to marry Owen Durand, There is something about this affair that Ido not understand. Never be- fore have both you and father seemed so deter- mined to compel me to do something against which my very soul rebelled,” ‘¢My dear Della,” said Mrs, Sheldon, tarning to lay both hands on the girl’s shoulders, “* you should not question our motive in this matter, for you must know that we are working for your best interests. I wish I could make you realize the truth—could make you understand that this marriage will avert an awful calamity, I wish I could cause you to understand this without having to tell you everything.” Della*was amazed. She stared at ber mother in silence for several moments; then she cried: “Why, what can you mean? You speak in riddles, mother!” “There—I have said too much! f feared that Isbould. You must not question me,” Then the judge’s wife walked nervously across the room to the window where Della bad been standing ‘and gazed out with vacant, unseeing eyes. The girl watched her closely, feeling al- most terrified at her mother’s unusual actions, Finally she followed ter across the room and paused close beside her without speaking. For several moments the woman did not stir. At last she turned slowly, “I know what you would ask,” she said. **-You would urge me to explain my words. I cannot! But I fear that the time is at hand when you must know the truth. I shall not tell you. That shall be the duty of the one who un- wisely involved us all im this net from which there is but one escape,” The girl’s amazement did not diminish in the least, for she had seen her mother display emo- tions of which she had never dreamed her capable, What was this awful secret, the exis- tence of which she had so suddenly become aware? ‘* Mother!” Mrs. Sbeldon turned swiftly from the window, one hand half uplifted. ‘*Hush! It is useless to urge me. I can give you one reasen why I wish to see this marriage take place, It is because I wish to see you safe- ly united to a man who has sufficient wealth to support you bandsomely should auything ever happen to sweep away what your father pos- sesses,” ‘* But there can be no danger of such an event taking place.” ‘* Ab, you know little of the danger. Sucha thing is liable to happen, Even now we may be tottering on the brink of ruin,” “But, mother, I care nothing for wealth if it does not bring me happiness, could never be happy with Owen Durand if he had the wealth of a Croesus!” ‘*Ah, my child, you are yet young—you are yet young! Why, Della, you do not know what poverty is! You do not know what it is to want a thing and not have it. Anything is preferable to poverty. I know what it is to want end want io vain. I know what it is to wear calico while rich ladies rode past mein silks, I was a poor girl and 1 know the horrors of want—tbe misery of poverty. My dear girl, anything is preferable to poverty!” ‘You may think so, mother, but I do not, With one—”. ‘“*There, there! We will not discuss this mat- ter any more at present, Thaddeus has just re- turn from Riverton; the carriage is at the door. [ will godown and see him, for he may have some mail for me,” And without another word, the worldly wo- man left the room and descended the stairs, Five minutes later she returned, her face being quite colorless and her voice trembling a little as she said: ‘** Della, your father wishes to see you in the library.” A finger of ice seemed to suddenly touch the gir’s heart, but she arose without a word and descended the stairs. Judge Sheldon was ner- vously pacing the library floor, and be seemed not to notice her entrance till she stood before him and said: ** You sent for me, father.” ** Yes, yes,” he repeated, stopping suddenly in his walk. “I sent for you, for I have a most important matter to speak of.” And then, as if anxious to come to tue point at once, he demanded: ‘*“When will you be ready to marry Owen Durand?” ** Never !” ““Ab!—never? But I think you will—you must! Last night the Riverton Bank was robbed, and I expect I have lost something there if the truth is told concerning the sum obtained by the parties who did the job. If a runis made on the bank it may have » hard pull—may even have to suspend payment.” ‘‘] am very sorry, [am sure; but, father, I cannot see what this has to do with my marry- ing Owen Durand,” ‘My dear, you do not understand the exact position in which I am placed. Mr, Durand re- quires the payment of a certain debt. It must be paid at once, If Durand presses the matter, I am ruined, for I cannot make the payment.” ** And still lam puzzled to understand it all. Iam amazed to know that you owe Owen Du- rand anything. How ean that be?” ‘*Do not ask me questions, I owe Durand the money, and it must be paid,” ‘* But if I marry him the debt will still remain unpaid.” “Tf you marry him he has promised to make ou a‘ wedding present of the notes which he olds against me.” ‘“* Ah!” scornfully. ‘‘ And soI am as good as legal tender! iam to be sold to this man—this wretch!—whom I so heartily detest!—sold to him like an animal! And pray, how many thousand am I worth?” He retreated a step before her flashing eyes, a flush of shame coloring his face. Then he bowed bis head on bis breast, a smothered groan break- ing from his lips. ce Father!” che cried, starting toward him— father, forgive me! I spoke too quick. I did not mean what I said.” And yet it is the truth,” came bitterly from his lips, “I did not mean to let you know it when I asked your mother to send you here, but it came out in spite of me, There is no use in wearing a mask any longer. The plain and simple truth is that Owen Durand holds notes ugainst me which must be paid in some way. I bave not the money to meet them, If he forces payment, I am ruined. The robbery of the Riverton Bank will make little difference; I brought that up as an excuse when I did not wish to teil you the whole truth, Durand has seen me to-day, and he swears that if the notes are not paid or you do not at once consent to become his wife, be shall crowd me to the wall. Ah, God! that I should ever come to this!” He buried his face in his hands and bis body shook with an emotion that it was difficult for him to suppress, Della was at his side in a mo- ment.” ‘Father,’ she said softly— dear father, do not take this so toheart. 1 will see Mr. Durand —I will plead with him! Heshball give you more time. e is hard I know; but I will go down on my knees before him and entreat him to be merciful. Surely he cannot refuse!” He lifted his baggard face, ‘** My dear child,” he said slowly, ‘‘ you do not know Owen Durand, He basa heart of stone— a heart of stone!” “But, father, I can try—it will do no harm— Ican try! Perhaps I can touch his heart, Let me try.” ‘* Well, my dear, darling daughter, it shall be as you wish, You may try, but you will fail. There is but one way to save me, that is to give yourself up as a sacrifice. Durand will provide you with a good home, and he will not misuse you. He willcall atone. You have until then to think of it. ** Now I wish you would leave me alone fora ime.” Della kissed him and then went slowly from the room. Owen Durand was on band promptly at one o'clock. Descending the stairs, Della heard him talking with her father in tbe library. She caugbt Leon Norman’s name and paused breath- less with suspense ana interest. ‘* Arrested?” she heard her father say—‘' Leon Norman arrested? Are you sure?” ‘Quite sure. He bas surely been arrested, and the case looks black against him, It is my opinion that he will be proven guilty,” Then Della burst into the room. ** Leon arrested? she cried. ‘‘ For what?” Durand looked startled, but he had sufficient presence of mind to bow politely—triumphantly, she fancied—as he replied: * Yes, Miss Sheldon, Mr. Norman has been arrested on a very serious charge,” ‘* What charge?—of what is he accused?” ‘* Of being one of the robbers of the Riverton Bank,” was the even reply. She staggered back with both hands clasped over her heart. Both men thought she was about to fall and they sprung to catch her; but she recovered herself and waved them off, Fix- ing her eyeson Owen Durand with a look that he never forgot, she cried: ‘* Something tells me that this is your work, you villain; [see itin your face! Your vile plots are working well just now: but the bour of dis- aster is coming! Hear me, for I feel that I speak the truth. Leon Norman shall walk forth a free man, and you—you, the scbemer !— you, the vile plotter!—you sball take his place and. suffer for thecrime which you would burt upon an innocent man! You, Owen Durand, are the guilty wretch who shall meet a just pun- ishment!” CHAPTER XV. THE BOUND BOY AS A SHADOWER,. FRANK FRISK watched the strange, white- faced man as he walked away down the path. ‘“*He seems almost like a crazy man,” mut- tered the boy, ‘* Yet there was a hidden mean- ing to all his wild talk. And, after all, bis talk was not so wild. He has an enemy, one who has done bim a great wrong. I fancy i begin to understand the meaning of the contents of the strange secret letters. He is the person spoken of in them, the one who had escaped. That is it!” Frank was confident that he had bit upon the truth, and the more he thought of it the more confident be became, The farm-lad realized that he was slowly learning something of a great crime, the magnitude of which be was un- able to estimate at that time, but which made him shudder whenever he thought of it. ‘“‘ Here's enough detective work to keep a fel- low por oe Frank muttered again, “It seems to me thatIam not doing much of anything for all of the pointers which] have got. My confidence in my detective ability slowly fading away. But then, what can a fellow do,
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© 12 handicapped as I am? Simply nothing. But then, I am going to keep an aE out all the same and see what comes of it. That strange man said that he expected his enemy would visit this wood this afternoon. If he does, that will be my chance tosee him and so get at the lay of the land. I rather guess I’ll lay around this patch of brush this afternoon. If Mr. Hobbs gets back and finds me gone, there will be trou- ble; but then, I must take my chances.” The remainder of the afternoon until supper- time the boy spent in the woods, It was near three o'clock when he espied a familiar form walking swiftly along one of the paths which ran through the wood. ‘‘ Ho-ho!” gasped the Bound Boy; “ that’s Owen Durand! Wonder what he is here for? Pll beta cow that he is connected with this strange affair in some way! Gracious! I am beginning to see more light. Shouldn’t be surprised if I tumbled right onto the rock bottom facts pretty soon. I am going to follow Durand and see what comes of it.” Cautiously the boy stole along after the gam- bler. Prank had need to be cautious, for every now and then Durand would pause and glance searchingly around, ** He acts as if he is afraid of being seen here,” thought the young shadower. “I know well enough that he is not here for any good purpose. Pil do my level best to discover what he is up to,” Finally Durand paused and gave a low, cau- tious whistle, Then he listened closely, but seemed to hear nothing, for he repeated the whistle somewhat louder than before. That time the listening farm-lad distinctly heard an answer at alittle distance, Durand gave ut- terance to a soft exclamation of satisfaction and then went slowly forward. ‘* Great Scott!” was Frank’s mental exclama- tion; “‘he is going straight toward the jungle!” “The jungle” was asmall partin the very center of that piece of wood which well deserved its name. It was one tangled mass of vines, bushes, and’ fallen and twisted trees, Frank had often thought that it would afford a secure hiding-place, Straight toward the jungle Durand made his way,and at a safe distance Frank followed, The boy shadower now used still greater cau- tion, for he knew that there were others— friends of Durand—within that very piece of wood. , Just before he reached the jungle the tall zam- bler paused and whistled again, soft and low. The signal was instantly answered in a similar manner from amid the tangled mass just ahead. Then Owen went forward, and, falling on his hands and knees, parted the tangled vines and crept out of the watching boy’s sight. ‘“*He’s gone,” murmured Frank—‘‘gone to meet some one who is hidden within the depths of the jungle. I would give considerable if I could get near enough to hear their talk. By Jinks! I must get near enough in some way!” From that moment be devoted every thought and act to the accomplishment of that design. For nearly half an hour he worked; at the end of that time he was delighted to find himself in a position where he could overhear what was being said by the men within the jungle, although he could not see their faces. Durand was speak- ing. a Yes, I am positive that I saw his face at my window,” declared the gambler, with apparent excitement. ‘ He is here, laying low and wait- ing for his time to strike.” **-You may be right,” admitted a gruff voice, which the listener instantly recognized as belong- ing to the evil-faced man whom he had seen at the hollow tree. “‘If he is here, 1 have seen nothing of him,” ES gay you watched sharp?’ questioned Du- rand, ‘* Watched is it? Well, I should say so! Two thousand for a live man or four for a dead one is quite an inducement to watch.” ** And you have not seen a trace of him, you say?” “ Nary.” ‘* Well, he is here just the same, and I saw his face at the window. I am beginning to get a litcle shaky, for something seems to tell me that ruin is impending.” ‘“Ye’re losin’ yer nerve, ole man,” a third voice declared. ‘** Hello!” was Frank’s scarcely suppressed ex- clamation; ‘‘ there is some one there that I don’t know nothing about, A new character has ap- peared on the scene.” ‘*T don’t know but I am,” the gambler ad- mitted. ‘‘ But you can both see that I am tread- ing on dangerous ground. From this time on I i —_— ee ee et Se ae ee pen rE I I Say ni AS SE Bound Boy Frank. cannot expect the aid of either of you, for you will not dare remain in this vicinity. I must fight the battle alone, I should not have planned this other job and got you into it if I had not stood in desperate need of mouey, for I knew all the time that you would have to skip as soon as possible after the work was done, That leaves me alone to meet the one who naturally hates me after a rost deadly fashion. If [ remain, I shall have a desperate fight of it I feel sure.” “Td stay and fight it out,” declared the gruff voice. ‘If you run, you may be suspected of having a hand in this other job,” : ‘* You areright. 1am in a decidedly unpleas- ant position. I donot want to run, for I have certain matters planned which I wish to carry out—matters which, if successful, will once more place me on solid ground.” ** Well, I don’t see but you have the winning hand,” the gruff voice said. ‘Situated as you are, you should be able to beat your—your enemy if he appears,” ‘* Perhaps so—perhaps not.” “ But be cannot prove his identity. Ie has been dead to the world (or sixteen years.” ‘* But he is not going to come out and give me achance in that way. He will strike when I am not expecting it, and I fear he will have me off my feet before I get a chance to strike back.” ** Durand, you are afraid of him.” “*T acknowledge the corn.” “Well, I don’t know what you are going to do. We will kave to leave you at the earliest moment. And until we can do so, we must lay low. ‘Just so. While they are on the watch for suspicious-appearing parties for miles around, ou will be safely concealed close to Riverton. o-night we will divide the boodle. Don’t for- get; be on hand at ten. You shall have a hiding-place that no one will ever suspect, ‘“T must be going now, Lay low till it is pitch dark; but be on hand at ten.” ‘*Bet your life we'll be there. I don’t care about sleeping in this place another night if I can get under cover.” ‘*Ner me,” asserted the unfamiliar voice, ‘*You shall have a bed on an attic floor,” assured Durand. Aud then hecrept forth from the jungle, pass- ing within ten feet of the boy shadower. CHAPTER XVI, IN FARMER HOBBS’S ATTIC, WHEN the little amateur detective came up from the pasture he discovered that Farmer Hobbs had returned from Riverton and was standing in the tie-up door, taiking in low tones with Durand. The boy succeeded in reaching the house with- out being seen by the two men, He knew not what course to pursue, He felt sure that he had discovered the robbers of the Riverton Bank, but he knew from experience that it would be useless to tell Joel Hobbs what he had seen and heard, He had pondered seriously on the matter and could see but one course to pur- sue. When both the farmer and his wife were asleep that night be would arise and go to Leon Norman with his story. He felt sure that Leon would know what todo. He did not know that the young farmer had been arrested as one of the robbers, y ** Tf Mr, Hobbs locks me into the room, Dll find a way to get out of the window,” Frank told himself. ‘* Nothing shall keep me there to- night.” At the supper-table Frank learned of Leon Norman’s arrest. This filled him witb dismay and doubt. What was he todo? For a time he was at a loss to decide, but he finally con- cluded that the best thing he could do would be to tell his story to Judge Sheldon, “ He is an awful stern-looking man,” thought the boy; ‘‘ but I calculate he isin for the right every time. Perhaps he-will believe my story. If he does, he will know what to do. Iam sure that Mr, Norman is innocent, and if these men can be captured it will show that be is not the one who did the job. Frank Frisk, you have some work before you.” That night Farmer Hobbs sent his bound bo off to bed at an early hour, and much to Frank’s delight, he did not follow and lock the door, But the farmer did not retire as soon as Frank had hoped that he would. Indeed, Joel seemed unusually wide-awake and restless, for Frank could hear him nervously walking the floor of the kitchen, ‘* Wonder what’s the matter with him,” specu- lated the boy. ‘I wish he would go off to bed and give a fellow a chance. I can’t get out of the house without being caught by him.” ——— ee NN — ES It was least 9:30 before the farmer extin- guished the light in the kitchen, Frank list- ened closely, but could not determine if the farmer went to bed at once. ‘*He may be laying for me,” said the boy to himself, ‘* If I knew he was I'd try the window, I’m going to tell somebody what 1 know or make a bad slip-up.” For nearly half an hour he listened at the head of the stairs; then he went back into his room and looked out of the window. The night was very dark, but as he looked forth, he saw two dark forms skulk out of the gloom and pause at the side of the house almost directly beneath his window. Ina moment he thougbt of the two burglars whom he had once seen beneath that very window. ** Jingoes!” was hismentalexclamation. ‘I'll bet them are the same fellows! What are they after? I guess I’d better wake Mr. Hobbs and let him look out for himself this time.” He heard the two men speaking in whispers, but could not understand their woras, Finally they crept round the corner of the house, “Now for Mr. Hobbs,” mettered Frank, Then he Jeft the room and made bis way noise- lessly to the head of the stairs, Then he paused, for he thought he heard a light, cat-like step in the hall below. For fully a minute he remained there listening; then to his amazement he heard a low, peculiar rap on the door, Then some one in the hall sil the key which bad been left in the door-lock, the door swung open and two dark forms glided in like shadows. ‘*Great Jinks!” flashed through the brain of the lad at the head of the stairs; ‘‘ burglars have got into the house ahead of me, and I shall not be able to alarm Mr. Hobbs, They had an accomplice concealed in the house and he has admitted his companions, What am I going to do? This seemed a poser, ‘* { will find some way to warn Mr. Hobbs and defeat those fellows,” was the boy’s mental assertion. Again he listened and was rewarded by hear- ing a voice say: ‘* Hang it! it’s dark as a pocket in here,” Frank gave a start of surprise. He knew the voice. It was the gruff base of the evil-faced man whom he had seen in the pasture wood near the hollow tree! Who then should the man’s companion naturally be? The boy in- stantly thought of the stranger whom he beard speak in the depths of the jungle that after- noon, ‘* Yes, ’tis kinder dark I'll admit, but ye see I didn’t dare tew keep a light goin’.” Frank came near uttering a cry of amaze- ment, for he recognized the voice of the last speaker. It was Farmer Hobbs! ‘*Great Gideon!” gasped the boy, as he leaned forward and tried to peer down intc the dark- ness. ‘* That was Mr. Hobbs or J don’t know potatoes from pumpkins! What does this mean?” ‘“ Well,” said the gruff voice, ‘‘ here we are. What are you going to do with us?” “T have things all fixed for ye up in the at- tic,” Joel replied. ‘‘Tll take ye up there, but ye’d better take off yer shews so’s not tew wake the boy, That’s right; now foller me an’ step light.” “They are coming!” thought Frank, and like a shadow he stole swiftly back to bis room. By keeping his door slightly ajar be was able to tell when the men passed and ascended the attic stairs, Then once more be crept out and listened. It is impossible to descrite Frank’s amazement. He could scarcely believe that he was not dreaming, but a good bard pinch con- vinced him that he was very much awake, ‘*The Old Boy has broke loose,” was bis men- tal decision. ‘* Mr, Hobbs has taken to biding criminals. Now I understand what I heard this afternoon about sleeping on the attic floor, Those men are to bide bere till the excitement about the bank robbery has abated. But I can’t understand it, for Mr. Hobbs seemed awfull excited and indignant about the robbery. @ acted asif he bad Jost his whole fortune by it. But it looks now as if be was pla, ing some kind ofagame. Perbaps he did not bave so much in the Riverton Bauk as he pretended; or possibly he believes this robbery will net swamp the bank and he will still be able to draw his money when he wants it.” But the amateur did not know at that time how near the truth be had come, He heard the three men pass over some loose boards in the attic, and then his ears caught a sound which told him that a distant door had opened and closed.
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‘He has taken them into that little old room at the very furthermost end of the house,” was the boy’s conclusion, “A very. gocd place for them to hide, for Farmer Joel Hobbs will never be suspected of harboring criminals. But, if I know my head from a cabbage, something will happen before morning.” retty soon the boy heard returning foot- steps, and concluding that the farmer was com- ing, once more hastened to his room, closing the door fully. Then be listened. A few moments later he heard the soft footsteps pause near the door. Frank feared tbat the farmer would enter the room, but Joel did nothing of the kind. After listening a few moments, and evi- dently satisfying himself that the lad had not cane aroused, he passed on down the stairs. ‘* There will be an explosion in this house be- fore another day,”,muttered the boy. ‘‘ If Joel Hobbs will conceal criminals, be must take the consequences when caught. My only regret is that it will bring trouble to Mrs, Hobbs.” Softly he opened the door a trifle and listened. He had scarcely done so when he again heard a peculiar knock upon the hall door. “Gracious!” thought Frank. ‘‘ Another is coming. It’s Durand this time I'll bet!” and, sure enough, in a few moments Farmer Hobbs ascended the stairs with Owen Durand close be- hind him! At the head of the stairs they paused for a moment, and the gambler said in a whis- per: “You are sure that the cursed boy is fast ay: He must know nothing of this,” ** He’s sleeping like a log,” was Hobbs’s assu- rance, “Then the average log must be a mighty light sleeper,” thought the young amateur, who had his ear close to the key-hole. ““That is good,” came from Durand. ‘ But you feel sure that your wife will not come up and take a peep at us?” “Tf she does, Dll wring her gosh-blamed neck!” growled the farmer. Following this something was said which the boy at the keyhole could not understand, and then the two men went on up the attic stairs. As soon as he thought it safe to do so, Frank crept out of his room, carefully closing the door behind him. < “Tm not going back there to-night,” he de- clared. ‘‘ But what isit best to do first? Had I better leave the house at once and hurry to Judge Sheldon? I don’t know. By gracious! I will creep up into the attic and make sure that there is no mistake; I will be certain that the men which Mr, Hobbs let in are the ones whom I heard talking in the jungle to-day.” And nothing warned him of the unlucky event which was to follow. Noiselessly he crept.up the stairs. At the top he halted, and gazed toward the end of the house where the little attic room was located. From several cracks and holes streams of light shone out into the old open attic, telling him for a certainty that the ones he sought were in the little room, “By gracious!” thought the dauntless lad; “if Tcan creep over there without making a noise, I can p into that room through one of those holes, [ll try it!” It was a hazardous thing to attempt, for there was really no attic floor, A few loose boards were laid on the cross-beams, and those were warped so that it was the next thing to an impossibility to pass over them without making a noise. But Frank had determined to make the attempt. Slowly the boy crept along the loose boards toward the little room. It was a tedious task, and several time he made a slight noise. Each time he paused and listened, with his heart beat- ing wildly, He had decided if he made a noise to alarm the men to make a break and get out of the house in some way. But they did not ap- pear to hear the slight noises which he made, As he crept forward the farm-lad could plainly hear the low hum of voices coming from the little room. “I’m bound to get there someway,” he af- firmed to himself, and get there he did after a time. Carefully he arose to his feet, intent on peering through a knot-hole from which streamed a bar of light. But, careful as he was, he made a misdeal, His foot slipped from the board on which he was standing, just as his eye reached the level af the knot-hole, The foot struck upon the lathing, but that was not sufficient to hold his weight, ‘With a sudden crash it gave way, allowing Frank’s leg to pass through nearly to the thigh, Three startled exclamations, uttered in uni- son, came from the little room close at hand. Bound Boy Frank. CHAPTER XVII. LEON NORMAN’S VISITOR, It was true that Leon Norman had been ar- rested on the charge of being one of the robbers | W ank, A telegram had sum- } am Ross Bayal andam a detective by profession. of the Riverton 13 **But you are a stranger,” said Leon, slowly. “*T do not know you.” ‘** Ah, that is true,” feeling hastily through bis kets, *‘And I have not a card with me, ell, never mind. I can introduce myself, I 4 moned a detective from the nearest city, the offi- | 1 happened to be in Riverton on _ business cer arriving in Riverton at 10:23 in the forenoon and proceeding at once to the bank, He was a young man who had just got onto tne force, and he believed himself «a hustler. He allowed no grass to grow under his feet, metaphorically speaking, and at exactly ten minutes past twelve, less than two hours after arriving in town, he arrested Leon Norman, Of course every one was surprised—or nearly every one. The most of the people of Riverton had believed Leon to be an upright and bonor- able young man, and some of them could scarce- ly credit the report that he had been arrested, There were a few of the *‘ I-told-you-so ” kind of people who declared that they had always sus- pected that the young man was a sly one; they had always said that he would come out in his true colors some time, These people seemed to take a great delight in telling their less acute neighbors of their wonderful foresight. But there were also many who would not believe Leon guilty, although the evidence against him was said to be sufficient to convict the best man in Riverton. Just what the evidence against the young farmer was the public did notknow. It was whispered that Leon’s handkerchief had been found within the bank building not twenty feet from the plundered safe which stood within the useless vault; but no one could be found who knew whether this was true or not. Some said that a portion of the stolen money had been found concealed in the Widow Norman’s cottage, but this could not be substantiated. When the report of the robbery was circulated through the country, people came pouring into Riverton till it seemed as if there was a circus in town or a general holiday was being observed. They gathered on the corners and talked ina way which poorly concealed their excitement, every man feeling it his duty to tell everybody else how and when he first heard of the startling event. Everybody had an opinion to express and no two could exactly agree, Oh, it was a great day for Riverton! The reader can imagine what a shock her son’s arrest was to Leon’s mother, The r woman was completely prostrated, and but for the care of some kind-hearted neighbors, she might have died, for she went from one fainting-spell into another, and some of them seemed very much like death, But watchful eyes were near and kind hands cared for her. His arrest seemed to daze the young farmer fora time. He could not say a word in his own defense, which was fortunate, for in bis excite- ment be might have spoken words which could have been construed to mean something very different frem what he intended. When he awoke to fully realize bis position, he found bim- self in the village lock-up, which was situated beneath the Town Hall. It is needless to tell how the long hours drag- ged away after he was placed in the lock-up, Several of his friends came to see him and as- sured him that everything possible should be done for him. They were sure that if he was held over till the next term of court, there would be no trouble at all in procuring bail, and thus he would be given plenty of time to collect his evidence to prove his innocence, In various ways they did their best to cheer him, but suc- ceeded very poorly it must be confessed. Near the middle of the afternoon a stranger came tosee bim. This stranger was a small man dressed in black clothes; in fact, he was the very one with whom Frank Frisk had talked in Farmer Hobbs’s pasture after seeing the strange white-faced man for the first time. On entering the apartment where the young farmer was con- fined, the small man grasped Leon’s hand saying warmly: ‘¢- Young man, I am glad to meet you but sor- ry to see you in such a bad scrape. I hope you will believe me when 1 tell you that I do not think you guilty; in truth, l am quite positive that you are innocent.” Leon gazed at the stranger suspiciously. Heldid not know the man and his first thought was that the stranger had come there to try to entrap him into a confession. The man in black seem- ed to read his thoughts, for he hastened to say: “Nothing of the kind, young man—nothing of the kind! I am not bere for sucha i but have come on a very friendly piece of busi- ou the honest truth when I say ieve you guilty.” ness. I tell that I do not ee: Seen SS se esses enn and so heard of and became interested in this bank robbery.” But the fact that the man was a detective caused Leon to continue to be suspicious. The small man saw this, and laughed. ‘That is right, keep on your guard, Mr, Nor- man,” be advised. ‘It will do no harm, for I fancy you have foes, or a foe, working against you, and any careless word might be twisted and distorted till it would seem to mean some- thing entirely different than you intended when ou spoke it. But again I will assure you that am not here for the purpose of making capital of your talk, You will have enough visitors who will come to see you for that purpose, for I understand that there are several newspaper reporters intown. But they will have you mak- ing all kinds of different talk even if you do not open your head,” There was something about the small man’s free and easy manner that interested and amused Leon despite his suspicions, and so he asked the detective to sit down. Ross Bayal, as he had given bis name, did not hesitate to accept the invitation, and within ten minutes after he took the chair be and Leon were chat- ting familiarly, the young farmer seeming to have forgotten bis suspicions of a short time before. Without again arousing those sus- }icions, Ross Bayal skillfully led the conversa- tion back to the bank robbery. In ten minutes more he knew the truth concerning the young farmer’s whereabouts at the time that the rob- bery was supposed to have taken place. Once started, Leon poured forth the entire story of his misfortune. Finally the detective asked: “Mr, Norman, bave you an eneiny whom you suspect as having gotten you into this unpleas- ant predicament?” ** No, sir.” 2 ‘*' Then you have no enemies in this vicinity?” ** Well—yes, I have one.” “AbD laughed the man in black, ‘‘I thougbt so. ‘*But I can hardly suspect him of having any- thing to do with my present unpleasant condi- tion—it cannot be that he was instrumental in my apprehension and arrest.” ** Don’t be so sure of that; be may have been, for all you think not. What is this man’s name?” ‘Owen Durand,” ‘Just as I thought. He is a bad man to have for an enemy, Mr, Norman. Will you please tell me just what reason he has for being un- friendly to you?” Leon hesitated, and looking square into the detective’s frank face, he was convinced that the man did not wish to use the information against him, and so, with much hesitation, he told Bayal the truth concerning his and Durand’s rivalry. The small man listened attentively and did not speak for several seconds after Leon had finished his story. ** Owen Durand would like to have you out of his patb,” Bayal finally observed, ** Without doubt.” “He has taken a very effective way of re- moving you and causing your disgrace at the same time.” “Then you think he is at the bottom of this business?” ** Tt looks like it.” ‘* By heavens!” cried the Pe farmer, spring- ing up and excitedly walking the room. ‘I begin to believe that you are right! Why, he attempted to draw a pistol on me when we met after he bad frightened Della’s horse and caused it to run away. Ha! I understand it now! That pistol-shot through the window, that came so near ending my life—Owen Durand fired it!” A few questions from the detective brought out the facts concerning the shot which Frank Frisk, the little amateur detective, had seen fired. The bullet had passed within two inches of Leon’s head and lodged in the wall. “Tt was his work I now believe,” declared nm. “‘T calculate that is near emough,” smiled the little detective. ‘He failed that time, and so he put_up another piece of dirt. Oh, I know him! He isa bad one,” ‘And what if he succeeds in this vile plot?” cried Leon. ‘It means disgrace and imprison- ment for me! It means i and triumph for him! It means sorrow and death for my poor-
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ee ea + Spare 2 14 mother! Just God! can it be that that villain shall walk the earth a free man while I go to a convict’s cell?” ‘There, there, there,” came calmly from Ross Bayal’s lips, ‘*Don’t get excited, young man. Owen Durand will find considerable hard work before him before he gets you behind the bars.” ‘““Itis well enough for you to say, ‘there, there, there!” exclaimed the youngman, ‘ But if you were in my position, Ireckon you would feel pretty nearly as[ do. Thereisa possibility that I will be convicted, for all of the fact that 1 am iunocent. I am afraid that the suspense will drive mse mad!” It was with considerable difficulty that Bayal succeeded in calming Leon, and for some time after the young man had again sat down, bis bands trembled with suppressed excitement, For at least half an hour longer the little detec- tive talked wilh the unfortunate fellow, and ere he went away he succeeded in convincing Leon that his case was uot a desperate one at all, **T am here on this Durand’s trail,” declared the detective, as he stood near the door. ‘* He shall meet the punishment which he deserves. But, before I depart, let me caution you not to tell a soul that you suspect Durand of having anything todo with this business. It will be better for you if no one knows of your suspicion. Do not tell what has passed between us. Be careful.” **T will,” ‘* And now good-by. Keepa good heart, for if nothing spoils my plans, Owen Durand shall soon take your place here, and you will be a free man.” _ ‘* Heavemaid you !” came earnestly from Leon’s lips. And with one hearty handshake they parted, the detective going from the little room, but leaving a hopeful heart where he had found one that was near despairing when he entered. CHAPTER XVIII. THE BOUND BOY’S PERIL, ‘* HOPPING toads!” Frank Frisk gasped those two words as his foot crashed through the ceiling. He heard the startled exclamations which came from the lit- tle room, and knew that the four men would soon seek to discover the cause of the unexpected noise. As soon as possible he sought to with- draw his leg from between the broken laths, but he was caught! ‘* Jingoes! here’s a pickle!” thought the farm- lad. ‘I guess I’m in for it this time!” He did not cease to struggle however, but his efforts were fruitless, The broken laths held him fast. Open flew the door of the little attic room and a flood of light streamed out, Then a dark foror filled the doorway, and a moment later strong hands grasped the unlucky boy by the shoulders, and a familiar voice cried: ‘‘T have the spy! He seems to be caught fast in some kind of a trap.” He was in the grasp of Owen Durand! Joel Hobbs appeared in the doorway, holding a lamp and peering forth in a dazed, frightened way. The light revealed the man and boy. “You have quite sizable rats around your ranch, neighbor Hobbs,” remarked the gambler, grimly. ‘It’s lucky that you also have a trap that will catch and hold them,” *‘ Great gosh!” gasped the farmer, ‘‘ It’s that infarnal boy!” With some difficulty Durand succeeded in freeing Frank’s foot from the broken laths, Then the farm-lad decided that the time had come to make a desperate struggle. With a wild cry he leaped atthe gambler’s throat, striking, biting, and scratcbing. The sudden- ness of the attack came near making it success- ful; indeed, it was successful, for the boy broke away from Durand, Wheeling like a flash, be started to run, but he caught his foot on a loose board, and fell headlong with acrash. Before he could recover the gambler pounced upon him and dragged him into the little room, ‘* Hobbs, your rats have teeth and claws,” ob- served the tall man, calmly. ‘“‘“Drat his skin!” snarled the farmer, as he closed and fastened the door, ‘“ Pll Parn him! Tl] fix him for this!” ‘““Which will be perfectly proper,” Durand admitted, ‘‘ But I fancy that you will not want to fix the little brat when you know how he must he fixed,” “ What do yew mean?” ‘‘ My dear Hobbs,” came slowly and distinct- ly from Abs ganebier’s lips, ‘‘ my meaning should be plain, hat has this boy discovered?” Bound Boy Frank. ‘“Knough to put us allin the jug,” declared the evil-faced man who was stunding near a small table which occupied the center of the room. “ Right you are, partner,” admitted the fourth one of the party, a short, thick, brutal-appear- ing fellow. “Bo has found out too much fer our healthbs,” “Exactly,” came calmly from Durand’s lips, ‘‘He knows enough to put the whole crowd where they would bave a chance to play check- ers with their noses. What's to be done?” The four wen looked into each other’s faces and read one universal thought written on every countenance, Joel Hobbs grew ghastly white. ‘“* What's to be done?” repeated the hard, even voice of the tall gambler, “The brat must be put out of the way!” hoarsely declared the evil-faced man. ** Correct—he must die !” Something which sounded like a choking groan came from Joel Hobbs, The farmer’s face was the picture of horror. “No, no!” he gurgled, hoarsely. ‘“* Yew sha’n’t dew that—yew sha’n’t! There hain’t go- in’ tew be no murderin’ done!” ‘*Don’t bea fool, Hobbs!” snapped Durand. ‘* Look on the table there. What do you see?” The farmer’s eyes followed the pointing finger and rested upon four piles of bank-notes, but his tongue clove to the roof of his mouth, ** You see the money which was stclen from the Riverton Bank,” pursued the tall man. ‘“‘That boy has seen it! He knows where it came from! He was peering through a crack when his foot slipped and went through the ceiling. How much of ou conversation has he heard? Who can tell? Hobbs, if tbat boy is not put out of the way, you and I go to prison!” A cold sweat broke out all over the farmer’s body and he trembled like a man with a chill, For several moments he could not speak, and, during all that time his three companions kept their eyes fastened upon him. Finally be man- aged to stammer: ** But yew mustn’t—yew can’t! It’s terrible! I never bargained for this when I tole yew that yew might come here.” ‘““No; but you are in the trap with the rest of us, and there’s only one way out. You are willing enough to take your share of the boodle, and— “Hang the cursed munny!” whined Joel. “You know I’d never had ennythin’ tew do with this scrape if yew hadn’t coaxed me.” ‘*That’s poor talk to make now.” “ But it’s the trewth, An’ even arter you coaxed me, I’d never bad ennythin’ tew do with it if yew badn’t tole me yew’d never ask me for ernuther cent an’ yew’d never mention a certain piece of bisness tew a livin’ soul. I was a fool tew git inter this fix! Here I am with them fellers bidin’ in my house, an’ if the gosh-darned *tectives should find ’em here, I’d go tew prison. Great beeswax!” ‘*You should have thought of this before, There is no way to back water now. That boy knows your secret. While he lives you are not safe! You can see that he must die.” “Yas,” growled the short, thick man, “he must die! Ill cut his wizzend!” and drawing a murderous-looking knife, he took a step toward the boy. “Stop!” gasped Hobbs, springing between the man and his intended victim, his face shaely white, ‘*There hain’t goin’ tew be no blood- lettin’ in this house!” A snarl came from the lips of the man with the knife, “Git out of my way!” he commanded, bis eyes glowing with a terrible light, “git out of my way or I'll put this knife inter you ez fur ez itll go!” ‘* Duran’, Duran’!” cried the farmer: ‘‘I call on yew tew take bim orf! If yew must murder the boy, don’t for God’s sake do it in this here house! Take him erway sumwhere! Yew’ll leave marks bere, an’ yew may be heard by 5 ed passin’, Stop him, Duran’, stop im The gambler stepped forward, saying sharply and swiftly: ‘‘ Then you consent to his being put out of the way? On that condition alone will I stop Handy. Before the sun rises again that boy must be dead and his body buried or concealed where it will never be found! You need have no hand in the job; we will attend to that. What do you say?” " “ Anythin’,” came faintly from Joel's lips, “‘ anythin’, only don’t do it in my house.” “ All right; it shall not be done in this house,” ae ee Se | a a ee ee Then the gambler advanced swiftly to Frank’s oor and thrust a revolver against the farm-lad’s ead, ‘Tf you utter a yawp, I'll scatter your brains all over this room!” he bissed, ‘* Hobbs, get me a stout rope. Dan, make some kind of a gag.” Three minutes later the unfortunate boy lay on the floor, bound band and foot and gagged so that it was impossible for him to utter anything more than a wheezing sound. Was the young amateur frightened? Any detective would have been in a similar position. ** And now,” said Durand, ‘ we'll let him lay there while we go on with our business,”. But the farmer would not hear to it. He could not bear to bave the boy, who was con- demned to die, in the same room that he was, He could not keep his eyes away from the unfor- tunate lad, and he shuddered with horror every time he looked at him, After considerable talk it was decided to place him in a room below and lock him in, ‘* He will be all right there,” Joel declared. “ He is tied so tight that he can’t git erway; an’ if he did git loose, he couldn’t git out of the room,” ‘* Hobbs, you're a chicken-hearted old fool!” sneered the gambler, ‘ But, we’ll bumor you in this,” And so Frank was carried down the attic stairs and placed in a little room below. Then the men who bad condemned him to death silent- ly left the room and locked the docr behind them. The reader can imagine the-borror of the farm-lad’s position. Bound and gagged! Left alone in a dark room! Condemned to die! He groaned in agony and would have shrieked aloud, but the gag choked back his cries, He struggled like one mad as he sought to burst the cords which bound him, but it was a futile struggle. A cold sweat broke out all over him and it seemed that he wasstrangling. He could scarce- ly breathe, and any one bearing the strange sounds which came from betind that cruel geg would have thought that he was truly choking. After a time he became calmer. Then he faa oh, how he prayed for deliverance! Surely a kind Fatber in Heaven could not turn a deaf ear to such a supplication! Hark! What was that? He fancied that he heard a sound at the door, He listened with bis heart in bis mouth. For a time all was still; then be again beard a faint, cat-like sound at the door. That time he was sure of it. Something or some one was there! Had Heaven answered his prayer? Ab! a sudden thought strikes bim. Perhaps one of the four villains bas stolen back to kill him and thus make a sure thing of the job! Tke short man with the knife! He feels sure that it is that man, Slowly, stealthily, yet with a harsh, blood- cbilling sound, the key turns in the lock. The assassin is about to enter the room! Frank’s blood seems to turn to ice. He strains his ears and listens. Creak! How the door squeaks as it slowly swings open! He can just see it as it moves. With a horrid fascination he watches it swing on its complaming hinges. He strains his eyes to catch a glimpse of the man who will murder him therein that dark room, Is that he? A dark shadow comes creeping through the door- wav! Once more the lad became frantic with fear, How he struggles to burst the cruel cords which hold him fast! How he tries to shriek aloud for help! Then a sudden faintness comes over him, and he closes bis eyes and waits for death, Slowly. softly, nearer and nearer comes a cat- like footstep! It is close beside bim now, but he does not open his eyes, He feels that the assas- sin is bending over him; he fancies that the -terrible knife is upraiged. The man is going to strike! What is that? A hand touched him near the throut! The fiend will make doubly sure that no outery tells of the terrible deed. He feels something near bis bands—a knife! Then some- thing happens that he does not understand. When he opens his eyes the shadow is gone and his bands and feet are free! He can scarce~ ly believe his senses. In an instant the gag is torn from his mouth and he leaps to his feet. The door is still open. He rushes forward and peers out. Blankdarkness! The shadow hus vanished. : But he is free—free! And the road to liberty is open!
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Se —_A Bound Boy Frank. 15 CHAPTER XTX. THE BOUND BOY’S FORTUNE, Ir was nearly two hours later when the four villains within the attic, room were startled by hearing heavy footsteps on the loose boards of the attic followed by a heavy knock on the door, “Open this door!” cried a commanding voice; ** open in the name of the law!” ‘* Furies!” bissed Durand; ‘* we are trapped!” The four men gazed into each otber’s faces and saw fear and rage written on every counte- nuance, ‘*Open!” cried the voice beyond the door. ** Tf you do not, we will break it down!” ‘“*Thunderation!” spluttered Jvel Hobbs, bis face white as asheet. ‘‘ What can we dew?” ‘* Right!” hoarsely enjoined the short man, drawing the long knife; ‘' fight tor freedom!” But, the farmer was too terrified to fight. With a howl of fear, heslunk intoacorner, The others put themselves in a position of defense, and the one with the evil face called: ‘* Who is there and what do you want?” ‘We are officers of the law and demand admittance,” was the reply. ‘' You cannot escape, for the house is surrounded.” With an oath, Durand sprung to tae window and tore aside the heavy blankets which prevent- ed the light from shining forth. As he did so a shot rung out and a bullet crashed through the glass, passing within two inches of bis head, Then the men beyond the door hurled them- selves against it and it fell with a sound of breaking boards, Several pistol-shots echoed through the old attic, then came darkness and a struggle. Suddenly in the doorway, holding a light above his head, appeared the young amateur detective. The light revealed a strange scene. Farmer Hobbs had crawled as far into one corner as possible and was crouched there the very image of terror. Both of Durand’s companions were lying on the floor with their hands con- fined behind them by manacles, while above them, a pistol in each hand, stood Ross Bayal, the detective! The deputy-sheriff from River- ton was examining a bleeding cuton bis left shoul- der. Owen Durand lay on his back groaning faintly, while above him towered the strange white-faced man. ‘‘Hopping voads!” cried the’ boy with the light. ‘*Scooped them all!” ‘That is about the size of it,” laughed Baya). **But I reckon I have got an ugly cut here,” observed the deputy-sberiff. ‘* That short, thick- set little devil was the one who gave it to me.” “Have you captured the seoundrels?’ in- quired a timid voice behind Frank Frisk. ‘‘ Every one, judge,” answered the detective. Frank advanced into the room and Judge Thaddeus Sheldon followed him closely. ‘*‘ Ah, this is an excellent piece of work!” ex- claimed the judge, ‘* You seem to have done quite well without my aid, but | assure you I should have been on hand had not those stairs taken away my wind completely. _ Owen Durand,” said the white-faced man, in a tone that drew the attention of every one, “look up. Do you know me?” The gambler’s answer was a groan. **Owen Durand, [ am your brother, Frank!” declared the white-faced man. ‘Do you hear? Iam your brother—your own brother, who, at your instigation, has been confined for nearly sixteen years in a private mad-house! Think of that! Confined in a mad-house and placed there by one’s owa brother! Think of the fiend- ishness of such a deed! But, that is not all, You snatched me from the side of my fair young bride, ard she died, thinking that I had deserted her. Gods! It is strange that I am not mad indeed! I married her secretly, for she was a poor girl and Iknew that uncle would not countenance the marriage. Tho wedding took place miles from Riverton and we spent one short happy week together, Then I disap- peared, Won: hired tools did their work and I found myself within the walls of a mad-house, “You know that Uncle George never liked you, but, with me out of the way, you hoped to gain possession of all his property. You schemed boldly, and your vile plots worked remarkably well. During the sixteen years that I have been confined within a mad-house you have been living on the property which our uncle left at his death, for he died shortly after my mysteri- ous disappearance, Not one cent of that prop- erty was guano’ f yours, for uncle never al- tered the will which left me everything and cut you off with nothing. The will by which you obtained possession of the property was a for- rae that you are—was your own base work. ‘* And, while I lay raving within a mad-house, my poor wife traveled miles upon miles with our child in ber arms, seeking for some trace of ber busband, One winter night she came to the Riverton poor-bouse, and there she died. She sleeps in a pauper’s grave, and the name upon the stone which charity erected is Sadie Frisk, her maiden name!” Judge Sheldon started forward, crying: ‘* Man, is this true? Are you indeed the lost Francis Durand?” ‘**T am indeed that unbappy man!” ** And this bby—Frank—he is your son?” ** He is, for I have learned beyond doubt that poor Sadie, my darling wife, died in the poor- house, leaving this boy there, from which place Joel Hobbs took bim, Frank, my son, come to your father!” In a moment the boy was clasped in his father’s arms! Owen Durand lifted his head with a groan. ‘*The game is played to a finish,” he said, slowly; ‘‘and I am beaten. For some time I have felt that disaster was impending. ‘It bas come at last. All tbat my brother Frank has told you is true. For over fifteen years 1 have lived on what was rightfully his; but, the hour of retribution has come, There is nut much of my uncle’s property left, for I have gambled and squandered it allaway. In fact, I was so hard up for money that I planned the Riverton Bank robbery that I might obtain some. Tbose two men, one of whom was connected with the/ so-called mad-house where Frank was confined, helped me carry out the scheme, Joel Hobbs was to have a part of the money if be would hide the two pals of mine till the excitement died away. But everything bas gone wrong.” “And you have made a fool of yourself by blowing,” snarled the evil-faced man. ‘* We might have made a fight, but now it’s the jug, sure. ‘Not for me,” said Owen Durand, quietly. ‘*T have been prepared for something of this kind for some time, and when I felt this bullet in my leg I knew toat it was all up with me, Five seconds later I swallowed enough poison to kill half a dozen men. I am dying now!” He spoke the truth, and in less than half an hour, despite all that was done for lim, Owen Durand breathed his last. He bid hveda wicked life, and his were the wages of sin—a wretched death! In the excitement caused by the baffled plot- ter’s declaration that he had taken poison, Joel Hobbs disappeared. He was never again seen in Riverton, but, some weeks later, Leon Nor- man received a letter from the farmer stating that he had done Leon’s father a great wrong, and explaining the trick whereby, with Owen Durana’s aid, be had defeated Zenas Norman in court, With the letter was a paper conveying one-half of Hobbs’s property—which was held by his wife—to Leon Norman, All that was needed was Mrs, Hobbs’s signature, which was readily obtained. The two burglars, Durand’s pals, went to jail, and at the next term of court they were given good long sentences. The cloud which had hung over Leon Norman’s head was dispelled like mist before the sun; and when he walked forth a free man, it seemed to him that never before bad he hal so many friends, Every one was eager to grasp his hand, and the very ones who were tho first to exclaim, ‘I told you so!” when be was arrested were also the first to re- peat the expression when it was plain that be was innocent, Judge Thaddeus Sheldon greeted the voung man warmly. The judge was in excellent spirits, for, before he died, Durand had given him certain papers, These papers were nothing more nor Jess than promissory notes for an im- mense amount. How the notes came in Du- rand’s possession the judge never explained; but, certain it is that he was very fond of cards, and sometimes played for large sums. The notes probably passed over a gaming-table when they first, came into the gambler’s possession, The reader may imagine the meeting between the lovers, Leon and Della, Suffice it to say that, a short time later, the wedding-day was named, And no one was happier than Leon’s “mother, for to her he was all the world, )Francis Durand, with the aid of Re the detective, had cleared up the aiyiter ops Ao imprisonment, which be had been unable to un- derstand all the long years that he was in the so- called mad-house. Bayal was amply rewarded for his work. Durand Hall and the wreck of a once mag- nificent estate went to the wronged brother, and there, with his father, “Frank Frisk.” the young amateur detective—properly Frank Du- rand—found a home. His entire life, thus far had been one of misfortune, but his luck had changed at last! And Mrs, Hobbs, who had released the farm- lad on the eventful night that the boy bad been condemned to death, was not forgotten, by any means, She is still living in the old farm-bouse, and Frank isa constant visitor there, She is his second mother, who is never so happy as when his brigbt face appears at the door, The kird-hearted woman declares that she does not now regret ber sad and wretched life with Joel Hobbs, since it brought her ber Bound Boy son, And the Bound Boy, placing his arm around her waist, and looking lovingly into the care- marked but now happy face, says: ‘*] raised hob with Hobbs expressly to bave you for my Inammy, and now my mammy you shall be!” THE END. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 681 Dalay irare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Doubie Grip Witness 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. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quarizville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Prise of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the , Sev pont or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist; or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY MAJOR NENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout. 806 Neck-Tle Ned; or, The Dog-Ont Pards, 846 Rapler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. B01 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King, 406 zhs Mad Man-Hlunter; or, The Mystery of Gelden Gulch. 505 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 7% Bol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 258 Joe Buek of Angels heal His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Rick, the Circus Prince. 493 Tnox Ted, toe Arizonn Sports 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal!-Breed Detective. 515 Cool Colorado in New York. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Iorse Munters. By Capt. Mayne Rold and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen,. 12 Gulliver's Travels. By Dean >wift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp, 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sallor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan wew is. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribers. By S, W. Pierce. 86 ig: Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena. By Frank bs no. B88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rides; or, The Underground Camp. By Arebie ‘. lrons. 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 Ifunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 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 Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By G. 1. Aiken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; %r, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. : 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu- tenant Alired Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight tor Life and Honos. By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re- venge, By Ned Bun tline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris, 874 Gold-Dust Tom}; or, Ben’s Double Match, “By George H. Morre. 876 Callfornia Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas Hover Monstery. ‘. 418 Billy Rombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop. 475 The Black Sn a By John S_ Warner. 484 Comanche Pick and His Three Invincibles By Henrv J. Thomas. S28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt, Fawin Brooke Forrest. 582 The Cowboy Duke, By 552 Ariel the Athlete. Ry David Droid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferrat. By H. Enton, A New Issue Every Tuesday. Phe Half-Dime Library is 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, ©
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwoed Pick, the Prince of the Road, 20 Double Daggers) of, Deadwood Dick’s Defiance, 28 Buffale Ben; or, Deadwood Dick in Disguise. 85 Wilda Ivan, the Boy Clande Daval. 42 Phantom Miner; or, Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza. 49 Omaha Oll; or, Deadwood Dick in Danger, BT Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Fleod Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, %7 Corduroy Charlie 3 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 Ronny gon Dick’s Double; or, The Ghost of Gorgon’s guicn. 188 Blonde Bills or, Deadwood Dick’s Home Base. 149 A Game of Gold3 or, Deadwood Dick's Big Strike. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood} or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road, 201 The Black Hill« Jezebel; or, Deadwood Dick’s Ward. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Last Ad- venture, 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam} or, The Black Gown, 282 Gold-Duast Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick's Divide; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death ‘Trail, 809 Deadwood 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 Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. B51 Rendweodk Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, 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, o!f Shasta; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Full Hand, 459 lush Fan, the Ferret; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Big Ronnd- i 465 Philo Fly, of Phenix; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Racket at Claim 10, 471 Bozeman Bill; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Corral. 476 Humboldt Marry the Hurricane; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Dog Detective. 481 Moll Mystery; or, Dendwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood. 491 Prince Pistol, the King of the West; or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Compact. 496 Monte Cristo, Jr.: or, Deadwood Dick Jr’s Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick's Diggings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop. 508 Deadwood Dick's Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick's Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick's Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt, 589 Deadwood Dick Jr, in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidoeq. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick In Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay, 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. . 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsee, Jr., the Boy Phenix. G61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter, or, The “I Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob 1c. ugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Reb on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearanes, 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eyey; or, Arabs and Angels of « Great City, 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective. 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill Miner. 4 188 Bons isob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Sellid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Qaptaia Ferret, the New York Detective; or, Boss Bob’s jo8s Job. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 77 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 Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 248 Slerra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pardy; or, [be Ange! of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Sir! Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B25 Kelley, Hickey & ©o., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Gulck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher, 868 PA en Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Lottery of i 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Sinb City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villnin’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 333 Bleycle Ben; or, The Lion of Lightning Lode, 94 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 35 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 6 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rage. 42 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 7 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 2 Black Bess, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 7 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 2 Will Wildfire in the Wooda, 5 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 0 A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 4 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 9 Bob oenett, the Bank Runner, 8 The Hidden Hand or, Wil) Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Halyard, the Life Bont Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett} or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashawnay ; 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 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in the Quaker City. 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 Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firelty Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 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. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Prank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 601 Boots, the Boy Fireman 3 or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves, BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. RTA ope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 5S The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Wawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. Scar-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 me’ Captain, 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps, 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle, 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkakin Mike, tle Boy Sharpshooter, 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webtoot Mone, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedtoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, A482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. BY T. C. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter, AZ Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dand ack; er, The Outlaws of the Srogoa Tras, 82 Kit Harefeot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack i or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.: or, The Boy Vigilante. itr er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 88 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 8 Arkanasaw 3 or, The Quven of Fate’s Revenge. 7 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 15 Captain Bullet ; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Rei Jezebel, 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoliv, tne King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards: or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. BSH Cool sam ord Parts: ov The Terrible Six. 266 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, The Boccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Robs: or, The !'win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. tie Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty ; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. A477 The Exceisior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. & AOD Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodke. +43 5 and Faicee, ee a Shadows, ger ek, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’« Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dode¢er Dick’s Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows, BS2 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610°O1d Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, os Soe 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ~_ POBNINAIA ” von —] BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph ho yy) the Boy Buccancer; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk ; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Bey Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sen-Devil 3 or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captain ; or, ‘Ile Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bice, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Spert. 216 Bison BILL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ion he Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman utineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Eee Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure sland. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 meric Monte’s Cruisc; or, The Chase of “The Gold 1 . pP- 280 Merle Monte’s Fate ; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merie Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 nae Mysterious Marauder: or, The Boy Bugler’s Long rail, 877 Bonedel, the Boy Rover; or, The Fiagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WIL, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Iaodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloud’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sen Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Mureys or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard WII: or, The Boy Ferre: of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 4658 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster, 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferreta Afloat; or, Wizard Wil!’s Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger, 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King ot the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 555 The Buc: skin Rovers. 640 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Soa. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, tne Young Sea Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit'’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders and the Red Riders of the Kio. BY BUFFALO BILL (Mon. 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 Sccut, 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’ Trust, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 626 The Champion Pards. By T. C. Harbaugh. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold. By Charles Morris. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. By J.C. Cowdrick. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport. By Wm. G. Patten. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land; or, Golconda, the Gladiator. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, 682 The Dead Detective’s Double, By Gerald Carlton. 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector. By J. W. Osbon 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Ginnt, or, The True Hearts of Reo Eye Roost, By Buckskin Sam. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. By P. 8. Warne. 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr. After the Queer; or, Sawdust Sam’s Last Green Gime. By E. L. Wheeler. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. By T. C. Harbaugh. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. By Jo. Pierce. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. By J. C. Cowdrick. 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard. By Wm. G, Patten. 642 Deadwood Diek, Jr., In Buffalo; or, 4-11-44, By Edward L. Wheeler. 648 Wappy Harry's Big Find; or, The Beautiful Jezebel’s Last Stake. By P. S. Warne. 644 The Hercules Highwayman; or, The Mounted Miners of the Overland. By Colonel FP. Ingraham. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. By T. C. Harbaugh. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, or, The Grand Corral at Cross-Notch. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, or, Amateur De- tectlve against Professional. By J.C. Cowdrick. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s., Chase Across the Conti- nent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger} or, Scooping a Slippery Set. By Jo Pierce. G. Patten. Ready January 14, 652 Don Barr, the Plain’s Freelance, By Oll Coomes. ady January 21. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle, By T. C. Harbaugh. Ready January 28. Re 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective. By ym. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library fs for ante by all newsdealers, five conte per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of alx cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98s William Street, New York,