Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 663) (1890 04 08)
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_ OEE OEIC OILS: PIN, A EET NC LIE NNT NOUR WS A 7a - DAR So Zits, Hi \ a HU ING ( | Net i) | Wi a aN i i " lt a a (10 Wind a3? a eer ecerr rrr = mOsm Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y. » at Second Cla Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1890, wedi BEADLE 4 AND ADAMS. April 8, ete D $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY, BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 663. a Year. No..98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW: YORK. 5 Cents. Vol. XXVI. - ii iil HHH} Va Hilti] WHT HATE HAT | HH] HHI) | il & | MH AAA mM Hi WL Hl ht pe || Il i wy THE, JASPER CITY CLEAN.OUT: A Companion Story to “* Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport.” BY WILLIAM G. PATTEN, AUTHOR OF “VIOLET VANE,” ‘*DAISY DARE,” ‘OLD BOMBSHELL,” ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. A SINGULAR DISAPPEARANCE, It was a great night for Jacktown. The best—or worst—men of Jasper City had been defeated in an open contest, and the gang of toughs that had come to Paradise Gulch, re- solved on wiping.out the little mining-camp, had returned to the boomers’ town in a decided- ly crestfallen condition, IN A MOMENT THE V&LVET SPORT HAD THE DAGGER AND TELL-TALE PAPER wats IN HIS HAND, %
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et see 2 This is how it came about: There wasarivalry between Jacktown and Jasper City, and while the former was the older camp, it had not the ‘‘ get up and hustle” pos- sessed by its nearest neighbor, Long before the first slab shanty was erected near the spot where Jasper City afterward sprung into exist- ence, Jacktown had flourished like a green bay tree, and had boasted that it was the liveliest camp of its size in the State, But, with the rise of Jasper City there cameachange. The best citizens of Jacktown deserted the place for its new-born rival, Some did so voluntarily and some were attracted by the tempting lures which the cunning land-sharps of the boomers’ camp dangled before their eyes, Gradually the situation in the little town in Paradise Gulch hp worse, and slowly the citizens who stuck y the place grew desperate. What could be done? This was a poser for the Jacktownites. Day by day they sawtheir glory fading and felt that they were unable to preventit. The citi- zens of Jasper sneered at them and openly re- viled them, hurling insult after insult into their very teeth. The men of Jacktown were not lacking in courage, and promptly resented every insult, although they ’most always came out second best in the pitched battles which fol- lowed. A few of Jacktown’s citizens had faith in the future of their camp, and these sought to devise some scheme whereby their lost glory could be regained. There were several promising lodes in the vicinity, and not a few believed that were some of those opened up by parties who had E, of capital, the little town would score a m that would soon put Jasper in the shade. But, strangely enough, men of capital who were willing to invest their money in opening unde- veloped lodes were not plenty. The athletes, dead-shots and all-round fighters of Jacktown had deserted the place for the boom- ers’ camp, leaving the little town in Paradise Gulch sapped of its strength and unable to cope with its rival. There were those in Jacktown who claimed that the crying need of the place was one man able to whip the best men of Jasper at anything they might name. Had they rs man, they would soon have the colors of the Jas- r City sports trailing in the dust. Others be- ieved in a different method. Could Jacktown secure some peculiar attraction which would draw the attention of the surrounding country. capitalists might be enticed to that camp, am — led to invest some of their capital ere. One day the desired attraction came. It was in the form of a beautiful young girl of not more than eighteen who was searching for her brother, supposed to be somewhere in Colorado, She was tired of moving from place to place, end de- cided to remain in Jacktown for a while, hoping that fortune might bring her brother to her, The girl gave her name as Luona Howard, and besides being more than pretty, she had the air and breeding of alady. She wasat once called the “‘Queen of Jacktown,” and her pleasant ways and musical laugh soon gained for her the sobriquet of Laughing Lu, But Jacktown was soon robbed of its queen, for when the news reached Jasper, the citizens of the boomers’ camp resolved on a bold move, Without delay, they made their way to the town in Paradise Gulch, coming upon the place in an overwhelming number; and when they returned Laughing Lu went with them! Then there was a stir in Jacktown! The result was an indignation-meeting in the bar room of the Silver Bell Hotel, at which time Judge Blowbugle, one of Jacktown’s pompous citizens, made a fiery speech and called for some one to come forward and champion the cause of the camp. A decidedly ragged and seedy- appearing vagrant, who hailed to the name of rastus Wagg, and called himself the ‘ ’riginal woolly-headed man,” came promptly forward. He was followed by a small, foppish-appearin stranger, attired in a black velvet suit, b’il shirt, high silk hat, and wearing a bunch of fresh mountain violets in a button-hole, The in- mates of the saloon thought that they had struck a tenderfoot, and without delay sought to have some sport at the dandy’s expense. But the fun came the other way. The little stranger proved to be a “holy terror.” Without pas ot A at all, he whipped Blizzard Ben, the acknowledged “chief” of the town. Then the velvet fop got at Dandy Dirk, the proprietor of the Silver Bell, and really the chief of the camp with cards, pistols or fists, and after he had Dandy at draw poker, the wearer of the violets knocked him out in a fistic encounter. ~ Whereupon the stranger, who had given his the camp. Violet Vane’s Victory. name as Violet Vane, was promptly hailed as the best man in Jacktown, Erastus Wagg, the tramp, being among those who shouted the loud- est over his victory. At about this time the regular stage brought Owen Wilson and his beautiful daughter, Ione, to Jacktown., Mr, Wilson had been connected with an Eastern bank until that bank was robbed, when suspicion turned upon him as having a hand in the job. The gentleman was in danger of arrest when Philip Howard, Ione’s lover, confessed that he was one of the robbers and cleared Mr. Wilson. The self-confessed criminal was arrest- ed, but afterward escaped and disappeared. But the confession of Philip Howard did not entirely clear, Owen Wilson of suspicion, ‘and one day he was invited to resign his position or be discharged. He chose to resign and with his beautiful daughter went West. When they ar- rived at Jacktown, both Mr. Wilson and _ Ione saw and recognized the Velvet Sport, Violet Vane. It was Philip Howard! Meantime, in Jasper City Laughing Lu had met an old-time lover, Ned Morris. She had also seen a man who gave his name as Solomon Snide and professed to be a life insurance agent, but whom she believed to be a detective in pur- suit of her brother. Elated by the capture of Jacktown’s Queen, a drunken gang from Jasper decided to clean out the little camp in Paradise Gulch, Ned Morris had learned of their intentions and bad warned Jacktown of its danger, so that ~'gen the gang from the boomers’ camp arrived, they were given a warm reception and driven from the place. Violet Vane and Erastus Wagg were prominent among Jacktown’s defenders. After the gang from Jasper City had been driven back, they demanded satisfaction for the damage sustained, for they had lost a number of horses in the battle. It was finally decided to settle the affair in a bloodless manner with cards, Violet Vane pitting his skill against thatof High Card Harry,Jasper’s champion short-card player. 1f Vane was defeated, Jacktown should pay for the horses which the men of Jasper City had lost in the scrimmage; if Harry was vanquished, the gang from the boomers’ camp was to depart without more ado. Once more the Velvet Sport came off the victor, but the crowd from Jasper was not satisfied till Vane had defeated their champion wrestler, Hickory Jimmy. Meanwhile Dandy Dirk was not idle. He had seen Ione Wilson and made a resolution to pos- sess her, With this object in view, the proprie- tor of the Silver Bell hired two ruffians, Blizzard Ben and Tiger Joe, to abduct the girl, which was done while the exciting events were taking place on the outskirts of the camp. As soon as Voilet Vane learned the truth con- cerning the dastardly outrage, he and Wagg, together with a number of Jacktown’s citizens, started in pursuit of the kidnappers. Vane was the first to overtake the two scoundrels, and single-handed, fought them both and hurled them down to their doom in the depths of a ter- rible sink-hole called Pluto’s Pit. When the victorious party returned to Jack- town they found the place ablaze with light—for darkness had fallen—and wild with enthusiasm. The news of the Velvet Sport’s wonderful battle had preceded him and all Jacktown was ready to do the champion hovor, A fife and drum corps wason hand, and Vane and Ione were escorted into camp amid the shouts of the multi- tude and the roar of some anvils which served as cannon, It was the grandest occasion that Jacktown had ever known and the little town did itself proud, At Silver Bell a surprise awaited the party. Dandy Dirk alias Thomas Alicar had been arrest- ed by the little detective, ‘Solomon Snide ”— siete Alan Dale—for being the robber of the urnton Bank. Dale had not been after Philip Howard at all, for he claimed to have positive roof that Alicar was the man who planned the job and carried it out with the aid of one or two accomplices, Young Howard confessed that he was the robber in order to save his sweetheart's father from disgrace and imprisonment—a noble act. Jacktown went wild with enthusiasm. The toughs from Jasper had been defeated and their stolen Queen was restored tothem, for Laughin Lu had found her brother in Violet Vane an had refused to return to the boomers’ camp. Ione Wilson was equally as beautiful as her lover’s sister and was also hailed as the Queen of That night Jacktown had two queens and more than one happy citizen drank himself into insensibility in trying to get away with _ numberless toasts to the of Jack- wn. ——FSSFSSSSFFSSSFSSSSFFSSSSSeSSSSSSSSSeSSeSeSeSSeFeseseseeseSeSeeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeee eS The Velvet Sport found it no easy job to es-- cape from his admiring friends. Erastus Wagg and Judge Blowbugle were among the most en- thusiastic, and the amount of ‘“ tanglefoot ” which they disposed of was amazing, When Vane finally tore himself from them, the camp tramp and the judge were in a decidedly “* balmy” condition, When midnight had passed the excitement began to subside, and by two o’clock the town was as silent as if nothing unusual had occurred, Between that hour and daybreak strange things transpired in Jacktown. The Velvet Sport was awakened by a heavy knocking on the door of the room in which he bad slept. : . “Hello!” he cried. ‘‘ Who is there?” “T's me, pard,” was the immediate reply in a voice which Vane instantly recognized as be- longing to Erastus Wagg. ‘‘I hate most might- ily ter break yer beauty slumber, Sweet Violets, but ther fack is ther devil hes bruck loose an’ I reckon ye’d better cum see “bout it.” ‘““What’s that?” demanded Vane, sharply, being in none too pleasant a moood for be- ing aroused in such a manner. ‘‘ What are you driving at?” ‘“‘He’s gone, pard,” was Wagg’s rather vague reply. ‘* I’m givin’ it ter ye straight fer I’ve bin ter see an’ he hain’t thar. H’s disappeared like ther mornin’ dew, an’ Satan hisself only knows whar he’s gone ter.” ‘‘ Whose gone? His name, Erastus?” And the woolly-headed man answered: ‘‘Thet thar varmint, 0’ sin, Dandy Dirk—he’s sloped!” _ i CHAPTER IL. * JASPER CITY CLAIMS HER QUEEN!” VIOLET VANE sprung out of bed instantly and opened the door to admit the tramp. Wagg came in quickly, looking none the worse for the night’s racket, but appeared a little excited over the moe pe information which he had just imparted, ane caught him by the shoulder. ““ What's this you say?” he demanded. ‘‘ Dandy Dirk gone? How do you know?” “Cause I’ve bin ter see. You bet yer boots, pard, thet Hrastus Wagg don’t make menn crooked statements w’en he tries ter shout Gospil facks. Hes gone, plum dead sure.” Vane hastened to get into bis clothes, ‘‘ Where is Dale, the detective?” he asked. ‘*Give us an easy one! Thar hain’t hide ner ha’r ter be foun’ o’ either o’ them, [ reckon thet p’r’aps he’s bin putt out o’ ther way by ther cusses w’at got Dandy out o’ ther scrape, It looks thet way, by ther jumpin’ jimcracks!” “How long since you discovered that Alicar had escaped?” ‘Jes’ foun’ it out, Violets. I kem straight ter you, fer I knew thet you’d know w’at ter do, “How many others know of this?” “I reckon Judge Blowbugle’s ’bout ther only one, an’ he’s so numb thet he kin skeercely git roun’. I lef’ him in ther room, whar he sed he’d stay till I got back. He tried ter drink Ole Wooltop off his pins, but foun’ ther job er mighty big one fer er galoot o° his size.” he little sport spent no more time in asking estions, but he was soon ready to accompany the eccentric vagrant. He paused an instant to lance out of the window, noting that, although t was not far from sunrise, the entire town seemed still sleeping off the effects of the night’s carouse. Then he followed Wagg along the corridor to the room which the detective and his prisoner had occupied. The door of the room was wide open, and Judge Blowbugle was within, fast asleep in a chair tilted against the wall, Evidently the racket had come pretty near “knocking him out,” for the entrance of Erastus and the sport did not arouse him. Vane’s keen eyes took in the general aspect of the room in a moment, and the first thing noted was that there seemed to be no indications of a struggle, The bed had not been slept in, but it was plain it had been slept upon, Everything was in as good order as could be expected in any room occupied by two men, Not even an overturned chair och er ane that anytbing of an unusual nature had taken place. “‘ Jest as I foun’ it, pard,” assured the watch- ful Wagg. “The man in velvet said nothing, for he was not ready to talk just then. He was doing some “tall thinking,” and always made it a practice to think first and talk afterward. The aspect of the room puzzled him nota little, for he did not believe that Alan Dale was a man who could be taken i ig and overcome with- out a struggle. Finally he shook his head, ’ oe Ram PA Cente mit | 2 ss ue om a
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y =a Fe Po. ae “T reckon we will find the prisoner safe enough, Erastus,” he smiled, Wagg looked amazed. ‘¢ W’at d’yer mean?” he gasped. “T hardly think that he has escaped,” de- clared Vane, ‘Probably the detective has taken him from this room for some reason of his own,” “Jeehocus! w’at a blamed ole fool I be!” grunted the tramp. ‘I never thcrt o’ thet, an’ I reckon thet ther jedge wuz too fur paralyzed ter think o’ ennythin’. Jest hear him snore!” Regardless of their presence, Blowbugle was still sleeping, and was snoring in a truly terrific manner. ‘*We shall find Dale and the prisoner some- where in the house, I think,” observed Vane, us he turned to leave; but, at that moment, a pisce of paper, pinned to the door by a small dagger, caught ais eye. “Hal what is this?’ he cried, as he sprung forward. In a moment the Velvet Sport had the dagger and the tell-tale paper in his hand, and this is what be read: _ “Qood-by to poor fools who thoushs they had me fast! Iam a hard man to catch and still harder to hold. My arrest wasa trick which deceived you all, for Alan Dale, the detective, is no detective at all, but is one of my well-paid tools who stands ready to come or go at my motion. Let the Velvet dandy beware, for he shall hear from me when he least expects such athing. To my enemies I am worse n poison. Danpy Dirk.” Truly a startling message, ; Wagg was watching the sport’s face and in- stantly saw that the paper contained something of an unusual nature, for he asked: . “Wat is it, pard? Hes ther blamed critter got erway arter all?” “That is about the size of it, I reckon,” con- fessed Vane. ‘* You were right, Erastus, and I ‘was wrong.” “ Jaythutter! you don’t say so!” “Yes, it is a scandalous fact. We all have been beautifully sold and I feel like kicking my- self for a thick-headed clown. But I don’t know whether to believe this paper or not.” “Wat's it say, pard? it. Durnef I’ve got mer spettacles hyer.” Then the sport read the note aloud for Erastus, “ Jeehocus! Ther durned imp o’ Satan hes bruck loose arter all. An’ ther dashed detec- tive wuz er frand?” “Tt looks that way,” Vane acknowledged; “*but, for all that, it may vot be ‘true. Tom Alicar would not hesitate to tell a lie if it would gall us in any way. Perhaps the detective was whi ‘* But it don’t look thet way.” ‘¢That is what I said, but we will have more roof before we condemn him, He may have eign tricked and overpowered by the prisoner.” “Wal, w’at are ye goin’ ter do, pard” “T am going to capture Dandy Dirk,” was the quiet reply. “Whoopee! Thet’s ther stuff! I’m with ye, Sweet Violets, bone, mussil, sinew an’ rags? calkerlate thet atween us we kin scoop ther -varlet an’ not hafe try.” **'We shall have more than one person to con- tend with, Erastus, for he will probably enlist a gang of ruffians in his service, He is a des- perate man and will make a hard fight.” f ‘‘Ther harder ther better. I’m ther kind o’ a rosebud as likes er leetle kercitement jest ter _ keep mer blood frum _gittin’ stagnant, ou kin count on me, pard. _ Hello! w’at’s that?” There was a sudden commotion in the house, the sound of a closing door was followed by heavy footsteps and hoarse shouts, Revolver in hand, Violet Vane sprung through the open doorway just in time to confront an excited man, who was rushing wildly along the corri- dor, The sport caught him by the shoulder, ex- Pe “Mr, Wilson—you/! What is the trouble?” It was indeed Owen Wilson, and the Easterner looked half-crazed and wholly frightened, For ‘a moment he lifted his hand as if to dash aside the grasp which detained him, but the sport’s revolver disappeared like a flash, and be caught Mr. Wilson by the wrist, crying sharply: ‘Slow and easy! Are you blind, sir, that you cannot recognize your friends!” A light of recognition flashed in Wilson’s eyes, and he hoarsely gamned: : “ Philip—thank God! Rouse the town, Phil! _ Stir them up! Quick, or it rer fer too late! _ Why do you stand like a statue? Make haste, for the love of Heaven!” _ _ The man’s words were almost ineoherent, and this manner that of one who had received a et ER gee so that I may know what to do, Violet Vane’s Victory. severe mental shock. For a moment Vane thought him deranged, and his thoughts found expression in words. ** Are you crazy? What is the meaning of—” “No, no! Lam notcrazy. You are wasting time, Call for aid! Help! help!” Then the Velvet Sport’s hand closed over Mr, Wilson’s lips, effectually stopping his wild cries. To his ears came the sound of slamming doors and hurrying feet. Already was the house aroused; and he knew thatin a few moments they would be surrounded by a gaping throng. He must learn the truth before the crowd ar- rived. **Tt is you who are wasting time, Mr. Wilson,” came sharply from his lips, ‘‘ Tell me the truth What is the trouble?” Something seemed to suddenly restore Owen Wilson to his senses, for he gasped: ‘*The girls—Ione, Luona—” “‘ What of them? **My God—gone, both gone |” The Velvet Sport waited to hear no more. With Erastus Wagg close at his heels, he sprung away nga | the corridor, hurrying toward the room to which the two girls had retired the night before, He was confronted by one or two per- sons who had been aroused by the cries of the excited man, but he hurled them aside as if they were children, paying no heed to their eager questions. Reaching the room, he found the door slightly ajar, but it was not without an in- voluntary feeling of hesitation that he swung it wide open. The room was indeed empty. “Here, Erastus,” came crisply from Vane; “stand by the door while I make an inspection, and admit no one but Mr. Wilson,” “Till do thet same, mer posy,” said the va- grant, promptly. ‘Ef enny one tries ter crowd over me, they’ll fine thet I’m er b-a-a-d man frum ther rustlin’ leetle town o’ Red Hot.” The Velvet Sport, examining the room, saw that, unlike the room he had lately left, there were evidences of a struggle. The clothes had been partially torn from the bed and every- thing seemed to indicate that one or more of the blankets had been used to smother the cries of the unfortunate girls. But, it was also evident that the ruffians had known how to carry out their work, for the poor girls had not made noise enough to arouse those of their friends who slept nearest them, A cloud settled on Violet Vane’s face as he noted the general aspect of things. Suddenly his attention was arrested by a slip of paper which was pinned to the door in the same way that the one had been which he found in the room from which the prisoner had escaped. He did not have to remove the paper to read the five words written upon it. They were: “* Jasper City claims her Queen !” CHAPTER III. SOLID SID SEEKS ASSISTANCE. BARELY had Violet Vane read the words writ- ten upon the paper which was pinned to the door by the my dagger when that door was hurled open and Owen Wilson staggered into the room, The unfortunate parent was nearly dis- tracted by grief and excitement. Seizing Vane's hand, he cried: ‘*Where is she? What have they done with her—my darling?” For answer, the sport pointed at the writing on the slip of paper. “What does it mean? hoarsely asked the Easterner. : “Tt mears that your daughter will probably be found in Jasper w 4 ” was Vane’s calm re- ply. ** Brace up, Mr. ilson. vee may not as bad as they seem. This is a wild country, and strange things transpire here.” __ ‘But I feared that she had again fallen into the hands of villains like those who kidnapped her yesterday. The thought nearly drove me frantic,” ** We will hope that Fate has been more kind to her. You knew that Jasper City claims my sister as Queenof the camp. The words on that slip of , seem to indicate that, although defeated, Jasper does not intend to give up her Queen. They came for my sister some time in the night, and finding Ione with her, carried away both of the girls,” Thank Heaven that it is no worse!” came slowly from Mr, Wilson’s lips, as he sunk dowa Josn a Goa “There must be honest men in r aspe ty. ** Without doubt there is, If the girls are in | that camp they are comparatively safe.” "Tf they are!” exclaimed the shaken parent, *““What do you mean by that ‘if? Does not that slip of paper prove beyond a doubt where they are?” ‘We will hope that it does,” returned Vane “but we are not sure of it till we know. I shall take immediate steps to find out the truth.” ‘Heaven aid you, Philip! God grant that my poor girl may be restored unharmed to my arms!’ ‘¢ Amen.” At this moment Erastus Wagg thrust bis head in at the door and cried: ‘*Dunno but I shell hev ter hev reinforce- ments hyer, pard, fer they are cumin’ by ther leetle millyon an’ all yoopin’ ter know w’at ther racket’s erbout.” **Stand them off for three minutes, Erastus, and | will explain. Get the drop on the gang and hold them back,” “* Ay, ay, old man: I'll do thet same. Ef the attempt to climb me w’en I hold the drop, they’ think they hev tackled a bigger job than mount- in’ Pike’s Peak, by jimcracks!” Then Wagg’s head disappeared and the door closed with a slam. Hurriedly Vane continued his inspection, but found nothing more that could aid bim in deter- mining the fate of the unfortunate young wo- men. The room was at the front of the build- ing and a window which stood wide open seemed to indicate that the kidnappers had entered and made their exit there. But, the shrewd little sport knew that appearances were ofttimes de- ceptive, and so examined the window stool closely to see if he could discover any indica. tions that the kidnappers had entered through the open window. e found nothing from which he could draw a conclusion, Once more bis eyes fell upon the slip of paper tacked tothe door by the tiny dagger and he made haste to possess it, for he fancied that he bad seen similar writing before. Then be turn- ed to Owen Wilson. “You gave the alarm as soon as you discover- ed that the girls were missing, did you, Mr. Witson?’ ‘As soon asI could comprehend that they had been foully dealt with.” ** How cid you learn that they were gone?” ‘© When Larose I discovered that the door of this room was covey | slightly ajar. Of course I thougbt that somewhat singular and I at once determined to learn the meaning of it, M knocks failed to elicit any answer, and when looked into the room I found it as you now see it. ““There has been bold work done here,” de- clared the sport. ‘It is evident the girls were carried out of this room by the way of that door, If that is true, the kidnappers must have had friends in this house. There is some- thing rotten in Denmark!” ‘“*T beg you, Philip, not to lose time in useless ulations,” eptreated the Easterner. ‘‘ Make all baste to effect the rescue of the poor girls.” “Tt is better to go slow and sure than to rush and make a failure. There issuch a thing as overshooting the mark, sir.” At almost any other time Owen Wilson would have recognized the sound logic of those words, but just then his nerves were quite unstrun and it seemed that the sport in velvet was need- lessly wasting time. Vane read the thought on the face of the excited parent, and coming for- ward, he laid his hand on the gentleman’s shoulder, while he said, earnestly: “Trust in me, Mr. Wilson. I promise you that there shall be no unnecessary delay. It is my sister, as well as your daughter, who is in danger. You know bow much Ione is to me, and you should know that I will leave no stone unturned but I will find and rescue her, Luona has a lover, Ned Morris, who, I am confident, will stand by me through thick and thin, and will lay down his life for my sister, if it is neces- sary. All 1 ask of you, Mr. Wilson, is that you remain quiet and permit me to do what I think best.” Calmed by the young man’s words, Mr, Wilson consented to trust all in Vane’s hands, Then the level-headed little sport advanced to the door, beyond which he could bear the clamor of many voices, True to bis word, the cam <p was holding the throng back before muzzles of his long-barreled revolvers, Vane appeared with uplifted hand the Babel of “voices became hushed, With a few well-chosen words, the sport ex- altos everythivg in a satisfactory manner, ut the indignation of the crowd on learning the truth can be better imagined than describ- ed. Fierce oaths and cries of rage from their lips, all directed toward the men of Jasper who had played them such a trick, pas ~ raed ORs
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4 Violet Vane’s Victory. “Sbow him into this room,” said Vane, promptly. Wagg’'s woolly head disappeared, and a few seconds later, the doorswung open to admit a man who would command attention anywhere, for he was at least six feet tall and must have weighed two hundred pounds, But at a glance any one could see that there was not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon him; everything was bone and muscle, An exclamation broke from Ned Morris’s lips as his eyes fell upon the magnificent form of the man from Jasper. “Solid Sid.” “That’s your humble servant,” bowed the bi man, ‘ Solid Sid, Marshal of Jasper City. Do have the honor of meeting the little sport who cleaned out the best men of both Jacktown and Jasper?” with his eyes fastened curiously on the Velvet Sport. “Yes, sir,” replied Ned, promptly, “ this is Philip Vane Howard, known in this camp as Violet Vane. Philip, this is Sidney Sharon, Marshal of Jasper City.” Solid Sid extended his hand, ‘‘T am proud to meet you, sir,” he declared. ‘‘T have heard of you asa mighty bad man to crowd, and that is just the kind of timber Iam looking for.” ‘“‘ The pleasure is mutual,” said Vane, gaily, as pe sreepes the marshal’s brawny hand, “Yes, you are just the man I am looking for,” repeated Solid Sid, ‘* The devil has broke loose in Jasper City, and I need a good deputy to help me quell the ruction. .*#soon as I heard what you have {done, I struck straight for this As soon as he could make himself heard above the uproar, Violet Vane cried: ** Where is Ned Morris?” ‘‘ Here,” was the instant rept as Laughing Lu’s lover pusbed forward, ‘1 have been to Jasper for some of my more valuable personal roperty and have just returned. What is this pee about the girls being kidnapped?” Grasping Morris by the arm, the little man in velvet drew him into the room where Owen Wilson still remained, bidding Wagg remain outside to still restrain the curious crowd, a thing which the faithful old fellow readily con- sented todo. Ina few moments Vane succeeded in making everything clear to Ned, and but for a restraining hand and calm words, the startled outh would have become as excited as Mr. ilson had been. ‘“‘Keep cool, Ned!” commanded Vane, his hands on the other’s shoulders, ‘It is a cool head and steady band that is wanted now, We shall find enemies on every hand to pit our skill against, and if we are rattled it will be the worse for us,” Ms “You are right,” acknowledged the youn man, instantly becoming calm. ‘“‘ We shail need cool heads in Jasper City, for the town is. in the hands of a gang of toughs who are run; ning things as they please and have inaugurated a perfect reign of terror.” ‘ How long has this been?” “‘ Since the gang returned from this place last night. There is a prospect of a battle between the honest men and the toughs of the camp, If I am not mistaken, there will soon be warm times in Jasper City.” “One thing is certain; we shall have the honest men on our side.” ** Sure.” ** But, there is one point which [ wish to set- tle before I leave this hotel, and that is; was the room adjoining this occupied last night?” ‘Tt was,” asserted Mr. Wilson, ‘‘I am sure of it, for I tried to obtain it in order that I might be as near nfy daughter as possible.” _ And now,” said Vane, “ the question is; is it we eee Ned, | propose that we investi- gate. “But, what is the object?” “This: if that room was occupied last night, whoever wasin it must have heard something of the noise which the kidnappers made, how- ever careful they were. It is possible—or prob- able—that whoever occupied the adjoining room had a hand in this dastardly work, and by be- ginning right there, we may get on track of the scoundrels.” Two minutes later Ned and the Velvet Sport were in the room which was separated from the one which the girls had occupied by merely a thin board partition. It was tenantless, “The indications are taat its occupants have sloped,” said Vane, grimly. ‘‘I will bet five to one that they had a finger in the pie.” “But why is it necessary to go to all this trouble when we know quite well where to find the girls?” ‘* Do we know where to find them?” The question startled Ned Morris as a sudden clap of thunder might havedone, He caught his ey 2 ‘*T am afraid that you have wasted your time, sir, for just at present I have more than both hands full.” The marshal’s face fell, “‘ How is that?” he asked, Briefly Vane explained. * Ah!” broke from Solid Sid’s lips. ‘‘ And so you fancy that Dandy Dirk had a hand in the dirty work? Well, if Dirk is the coon youfare after, you will find him in Jasper City, for 1 am ready to take my Bible oath that saw him there less than two hours ago. And now will you f° back to Jasper with me?” ** You may wager your wealth that I will,” was the Velvet Sport’s reply. CHAPTER IV, A PAIR OF ANGRY RASCALS. Ir was an angry and sullen gang of_half- drunken ruffians who were returning to Jasper City after meeting with defeat in their lawless raid on Jacktown, They had expected to take the camp in Paradise Gulch by surprise, and have no trouble at all in “cleaning” out the place. Just what their real intentions bad been they were not willing te confess, but certain itis that Jacktown would have suffered severely bad the raid proved a success. It is possible that the drunken scoundrels might have fired the town. Jacktown owed much to Ned Morris, who had warned the town of its danger. But for him, the place might have been taken by surprise and fallen into the hands of the toughs from Jasper breath and grasped the arm of the little sport as | almost without a struggle. But Morris knew e asked: that Jasper City would be too hot to held bim “* What do you mean?” after what he had done, for the worst class would consider him a traitor to the place, That was why he burried back to the boomers’ town on the night of the jubilee in Jacktown and se- cured such personal property as he could com- fortably bring away. Cf the Jasper City roughs, High Card Harry and Hickory Jimmy took the defeat most to heart, although they said less about it than did their companions. Neither of them had been drunk at the time of the raid, but had joined the gang for the excitement of the thing. They bad anticipated little resistance from the citizens of the camp'in Paradise Gulch, and their defeat at the hands of one man, the dandy rt, Violet ithin their “Simply that Ione and Luona may not have been carried to Jasper City.” ‘¢ What makes you think so?” Vane produced two slips of paper, “ This,” said he, ‘‘I found on the door of the 1s’ room; this I found on the door of the room om which Dandy Dirk escaped, Can you see any similarity in the handwriting?” “Yes, the same hand wrote both of those!” “¢ pg oe That means that the same person had a hand in both jobs, and I am willing to give big odds that Tom Alicar is the one into whose nds the girls have fallen.” “Gods! I believe you are right. But why did you not say so before? Vane, galled them tothe quick. “Simply because I did not want Mr. Wilson | hearts they swore to have vengeance. to suspect what I fear, He is nearly crazed now; Both High Card Harry and the champion that would quite upset him.” wrestler had opposed the retreat from Jacktown. I see. You think that this slip which yaa | It made little difference to them that the Jasper found upon the door of the girls’ room was put | City card-sharp had pledged bis word to Violet ¢ to mislead us?” Vane that if they were defeated they would with- *I think that it may have been put there for | draw and leave the place unmolested in the oe At the same time it is not impos- | future, Neither High Card or his athletic pard sible tha though he has the girls in his power, | were men of honor. Their word was as good as Dandy Dirk has fled to Jasper. He may have | their bond, ard neither was worth a pinch of decided to gather the ruffians of that camp | snuff, At the time of the fire in Jacktown around him and make a desperate fight.” which destroyed a single cabin, they bad tried At that moment Erastus Wagg thrust his head | very bard to persuade their followers to make {n at the door and called: another desperate raid on the camp, But the “Gent frum Jasper City wants tosee ye, Sweet ; gang had received a lesson which bad taken awa: fViolets. He’s in an all-smokin’ h y 100.” | Goes of the false courage which Jasper City ————— ee eee Less... !:/'__x°\v.cQ°>e “tanglefoot” had instilled into their veins. They wanted to go home aud go home they did. The baffled sport and wrestler accompanied them —part of the way. ‘Curse that velvet dandy!” gritted Hickory Jimmy, bitterly. ‘¢ Double curse him!” came ina low, fierce tone from the card-sharp’s lips. ““T have something laid by for him,” declared the defeated athlete. ‘So have I—a lead pill!” ‘Tn my case it is a bit of cold steel!” ‘Oh, we both love him!” “Yes, dearly!” Then the two scoundrels looked into each other’s eyes and read the deadly deterniination written there, “Bet you fifty I down him first,” proposed Harry. sd Th go ye,” was the instant reply. ‘* He has my money.” * An’ he pritty nigh broke my neck.” ‘* How in the world did he ever work that last flip on you? Itbought you had him foul and was just ready to cheer when he kicked you into the air and sent you over on your back,’ “ Don’t ask me how he dun it! I reckon it’s a reg’ler trick in a rough-an’-tumble, but I never had it worked on me before.” i Noe not believe ya ig was in the little in- significant-appearing fop. af No more did I. I calkerlated on havin’ er reg’ler walk-over, but he dun me up jest as easy ez be got erway with you at draw-poker. He’s er sardine!” “The trouble with us is that we were looking for an easy victory. If we had been prepared, it might have been different.” ‘+ Well, we'll be ready for him next time.” * And the next time will come mighty soon if I have anything to say about it.” ‘The sooner ther better it’ll suit me, I'd like ter turn back now.” The wrestler’s words set High Card Harry to thinking, and for a long time he rode along in silenc2, Finally he made a motion which Hick- ory Jim understood, and gradually the two fell back till the entire gang were in advance “That is a pretty sight,” observed Harry, sarcastically, as he pointed to the straggling crowd ahead. The wrestler uttered an oath. ‘ “T reckon we owe ther most of it ter him,” he growled. ‘‘ He an’ thet ragged tramp shot down - more than bafe our bosses.” Nearly balf of the crowd were mounted double and a few were walking. The unlucky ones had left their horses dead in the streets of Jack- town, shot down by the defenders of the camp. “* Jim.” “ Waal?” : “Tm going back to Jacktown.” “Now?” , “Directly.” * Are you goin’ alone?” ‘No; you are going with me.” “Ts thet all?” High Card was silent for several moments, apparently thinking deeply. Finally, he asked: ‘Do we want any more?” “Good men are allus handy.” “You are right, but this time we will not enter the camp publicly, Whatever work we do must be done swiftly and silently. We want no one with us who will be an incum- brance.” “What do you propose ter do?” ; ‘“ Kill the velvet dandy if possible! No man can call Harry Harkman a cheat and live long to boast of doing so.” . “Ay no man can flop Jim Carnes an’ not hear from him erg’in.” “That is the right kind of talk, But even if we do not get a chance at this Violet Vane, I have work to do there.” “‘ What kind of work?” : “Laughing Lu, the Queen of Jasper, is in that camp. I have sworn that she shall be mine by fair means or foul. Itis quite apparent that [cannot obtain her by fair means, therefore T — shall try foul. sa know everything is fair in love and war. Ha!” Hickory Jimmy smiled, An’ you want me ter help you git @ holt of ther gal?” “ VY ” “ Any inducements? It’s risky, you know.” JT will pay you well.” ‘* Thet’s ern with me. I’m with ye.” “1 knew I could depend on you.” “How many men will you take with ust. We may git inter a mighty snug corner in Jack-— town. uff. You hey allus kep’ yer word 4 Batt jee +ahit>
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? ; ? re | ; " ‘ a aks hh, eT a am as. “Not a man. I have friends in that camp whom I can depend on, For instance, there is Dandy Dirk.” ‘* An’ er mighty good man he is too,” asserted the wrestler, ‘‘ Are there enny more like him?” ‘*There are others, but none of them are the equals of Dirk. We don’t need any from this half-drunken crowd of cowards,” ** All right, you knows best. W’en shell we turn back?” : **Now; but we will not enter Jacktown until after dark, We can lay low near the place and wait till night. Itmight not be healthy for us if we were recognized by some of Jacktown’s citizens; and besides that we may do work that ‘we will not care to have laid at our door.” Watching their opportunity, the two plotters turned asice from the trail when no one was no- ticing and allowed the crowd to go on without them, Then they turned their horses’ heads back toward Jacktowa, ‘Now for Laughing Lu and revenge,” said the Jasper City sport, crianhy Reaching a point near Jacktown, they con- cealed their horses and stole forward till from a bigh bluff they could command a view of the victorious camp. There mer remained, con- versing in low tones, laying plots and plans, till darkness fell. When they finally stole forward into the place, they noted that the camp was brilliantly lighted, and it seemed that the cit- izens were greatly excited. Just as they reached the eastern boundary of the town a burst of music, a wild cheer and a thunderous report saluted their ears. t ** Great, Moses!” gasped Hickory Jimmy, in alarm. ‘‘ \y’at’s thet?” ‘The Jacktownites are their victory,” Harry explained, we are on hand to witness the fun.” robably celebrating ** Come on, CHAPTER V. THE WORK OF A NIGHT, Hien Carp Harry and Hickory Jimmy wit- messed the reception given the party returning from the successful pursuit of the kidnappers of Ione Wilson. ingling with the excited crowd, the Jasper City desperadoes attracted no attention and were enabled to see everything that occurred, When Violet Vane appear- ed on the platform in front.of the Silver Bell Hotel and made a speech after being presented by Judge Blowbugle, the vindictive wrestler in- voluntarily reached for a revolver, but his com- panion’s band restrained him, by “Slow and easy, pard,” came firmly from the eard-sharp’s lips. ‘‘ This is not the time for that. You would hang higher than Haman if you dropped him now, He is the idol of this camp, and the men of Jacktown will visit a speedy vengeance on the one who harms him— providing they know who does the job,” _ Hickory Jimmy relinquished his evil purpose with a sigh of regret. It was hard for him to restrain bis passion, but he knew that Harry had spoken the truth, ‘*Tt must be done silently and swiftly,” hissed ‘the card¢player, softly. ‘‘ No open work. Have a care if you wish to leave Jacktown alive,” It was some time later that the two learned of “Dandy Dirk’s arrest, ‘*He must be rescued,” declared Harry, with some excitement, ‘You must help me, pard, and that must be our first work. After Dirk is free we can look after the girl, The girl—by Jove! there are two of’them, and both are hand- some. One is Violet Vane’s sister and the other his sweetheart. If we kidnap them both, we shall be striking a heavy blow at the velvet dandy.” ay But won't it be er mighty hard job ter do” “The chances are tbat it will; but we can work it with some aid, and I fancy I havestruck the bing Foye to help us. He hasaroom in the Silver Bell and will admit us, We can make a go of it,” ~ “ And if we fail ter kill Violet Vane, we will _ have him hot at our heels to-morrow.” “Just what we want, for then we can lead him into a death-trap. Savvy?” “ Yes, but it’s goin’ ter be mighty dangerous,” “You are right. Any games against that lit- tle deception in velvet will be dangerous. Are -you afraid of him?” “Not by er durned sight!” . “ Allright; that settles it,” High Card Harry was busy from that time onward, He laid bis plans well, eng care that in no way should he meet with defeat. As ‘the night wore on and the carousal continued he nervous and fearful Jest he should not have an opportunity to carry out his schemes, ‘ bao of ey ao a ne ee oe a ree ee . EC Re Ae An eee Violet Vane’s Victory. He had managed to let Dandy Dirk know that he was near and waiting for a chance to effect his rescue, and he knew that the prisoner would be ready for anything that might occur. The room next to the one in which the unsus- pecting girls were to spend the night was occu- pied by the ally of whom the card-sharp had spoken. to Hickory Jimmy. But instead of waiting till things were quiet and admitting the two plotters, it was decided that they should secretly enter his room and remain there till the time for work arrived, High Card Harry bad once been an actor and was able to successfully imitate the voice of almost any’ person whom he had ever heara speak, providing he had taken particular notice of their manner of speech. The sport from Jasper resolved to try to make use of this ability in rescuing the prisoner. The hour for action finally came. High Card and the wrestler crept from the room into the corridor. Quietly and with a steady tread the gambler advanced along the corridor, and with the step of a cat, a revolver in either hand, Hickory Jimmy followed. Before tbe door of the room in which Dandy Dirk was confined, guarded by the detective, Harry halted. Then he rapped boldly on the door. There was a stir within and a voice—that of the officer—asked: ‘Who is there?” For answer, the carj-sharp rapped again in a peculiar manner, at the same time saying: ** Tt is I—Violet Vane.” And his voice sounded exactly like that of the Velvet Sport, It was a perfect imitation, His second knock had been a signal to Dandy Dirk, and the gambler knew that the prisoner would ke all ready for desperate action. . But it was evident that the detective’s suspicions wero easily aroused, for he advanced to the door and again demanded: ‘ ** Who is there?” Harry replied in the same tone of voice used before: ‘Violet Vane,” ‘* What do you want?” ‘*To talk with the prisoner a few moments. Five minutes is all I ask,” After a few moments more of hesitation, the cunning mimic heard the key turn in the lock and braced himself for a spring, intending to launch himself straight at Alan Dale’s throat. But as the door swung open, the gambler saw Dandy Dirk strike the detective on the back of the head with the iron manacles which held his wrists together and Harry was just in time to catch the body of the unlucky man in his arms, , The detective had been stricken senseless perbaps killed. “Slickly done!” laughed High Card Harry, softly, as he bore the unconscious man to the little bed in the room, ‘ Iknew that you would be ready to act, but I hardly thought you would have a chance to do such effective work as this. Here, I will place my coat under his head to keep the blood from smearing the clothes, He is not bleeding very profusely, Wedo not want to leave any signs of a struggle if it can be avoided.” “Right you are,” agreed Dandy. ‘It would please me to make people believe that it wasalla perp job between me and the sharpy here, f there are no signs of a struggle, J can do tha for I will leave a little note behind which wi prove anything but a balm to their souls,” Swiftly Harry and the wrestler bound and gagged the unconscious man, then the key to the manacles was found and Dandy was released. “Gods!” he exclaimed, ‘It seems good to get out of those cursed things. I was in what ou might call a mighty tight box, and when I orget this service I shall be unable to remem- ber anything.” “That is all right. I only did for you what you would have done for me had I been in the same fix. But there is more work for us to do and the quicker we get at it the better,” “Tam with you in anything, and perhaps I may be able to assist you materially, Just tell me potE plans,” . The door was closed’and in a short space of. time the Jasper City sport had made Dirk ao- quainted with his plans. ‘i : !” exclaimed the liberated scoundrel, I have taken a fancy to Owen Wilson’s daugh- ter and have registered an oath to gain posses- sion of her, You may have Laughing Lu; I will take the peerless Ione.” ;, The arrangement satisfies me,” : Anu, as you say, we will be striking straigh at that cursed velvet fop when we carry away his sister and his sweetheart, We can take the girls to some safe place amid the mountains, f Sy a ts baw. i + eS SW Mapry o Gnaeuaen ASL) RS: ide dedines ati. eke hae |. elias aka se 5 and lure Violet Vane into Jasper City by mak- ing him believe that they have been carried there. In Jasper we can easily find a way to down the man whom the toughs of the place bea! cordially hate after the work of yester- ay. ** Solid hoss sense, If we can get away with the girls, Mr. Vane is as good as done for.” “We will get to work at once. First let me write a few words, then we will carry this bound of justice out by the back way. I have keys which will take us anywhere in this old building.” In afew,moments Dandy had written and posted the note which Violet Vane afterward found pinned to the door by a tiny dagger, Then they lifted the still unconscious detective, and with his head wrapped in Harry’s coat to prevent leaving a trail of blood, carried him from the Silver Bell. The Jasper City: sport had made arrangements for horses to carry them all away from Jacktown, but Dandy se- cured one more to carry the detective, who was bound upon the animal’s back, Then leaving Hickory Jimmy and the man who had served them by secreting the Jasperites in his room, High Card Harry and Dandy Dirk once more Rare into the Silver Bell to complete their vile work, In less than half an hour they issued forth, carrying two unconscious forms in their arms. Dandy’s keys, a little chloroform and a great deal of cat-like cunning, had enabled them to secure the unfortunate maidens without arous- ing a soul within the house, Behind them they had left the writing which they hoped would lead Violet Vane to Jasper City—into the lion’s jaws—to death! Hidden by the darkness, they rode out of town and away into the mountain fastne leading the horse upon whose back was bound. the silent detective, f For nearly two hours they rode onward through the’ dark. passes, Finally High Card Harry fell back to see if there was still no sign of life in the detective’s body. Then he made an amazing discovery. The led horse was burdenless—the detective ‘was gone ! CHAPTER VI. THE SITUATION IN JASPER CITY. THE defeated toughs upon returning from Jacktown had indeed ‘ttaken” Jasper City. The unexpected result of their raid had aroused ail the ugliness in their natures, and they pro- ceeded to vent their spite on their own town, Had High Card Harry been with them when they reached Jasper, such a thing would not have occurred, for the cool-headed card-sharp would have seen that a struggle that might be disastrous to the toughs would surely follow if they attempted to hold the place. But the gam- bler was not on hand to restrain them, and within thirty minutes after charging down the main street of the place they had the majority of the law-abiding citizens under cover and everything in their hands, Then began a genuine reign of terror in Jas- per City. Up. and down the streets of the boomers’ camp rode the liquor-maddened mob, yelling like Indian warriors and firing their re- volvers to the right and left. Two or three of the quiet citizens of the place were wounded, and one man who came out and tried to argue with the ruffians with a shot-gun was dropped in his tracks, the bullet striking a vital spot, The first place seized by che mob was the Night Hawk Saloon, one of the worst drinking and gambling resorts in the town. tor of the place was fired through a window, and at the muzzles of several revolvers, the bar- keeper was forced to set out liquid refreshments for the gang. Right then and there the mob would have got paralyzed so that the honest citizens of the place would have had little trouble in Gusting the riot, but at that juncture a cook tems ed and desperate man grasped the reins. “s “Whisky may be tempting, pards,” said a lit- tle man, whose steel-blue eyes seemed to look one ‘through and through, “but you are display mighty poor judgment in turning down som of the stuff. Hadn’t you better let up?” . A dozen men wheeled, with their hands resend ‘on their revolvers, but their fingers never cl to draw the weapons, for they i one who had spoken, ‘* Saul the Spotter!” exclamation came from the lips of two- thirds of the inmates of the saloon. ey knew, the small man with the steel-blue eyes, SauF in re ei oy a2 The proprie- - he sl
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Violet Vane’s Victory. istol-shot of the camp. He never missed, and it was said that he could draw and shoot while most men were reaching for their guns. He was a dangerous man to tackle, as his own private | graveyard in Jacktown would testify. He was a very peculiar man, for he never drank a drop of liquor, never avoided a quarrel, and some- times picked a fuss for the mere satisfaction of having some one to shoot. He had enemies enough, but they were careful not to let him dis- cover that they were his enemies, A man who carried his life in bis hand, although he did not yr he was classed with the toughs of Jasper ity. And now as he stood within the Night Hawk Saloon, his arms folded, leaning lazily against a post he looked like the meekest and most inof- ensive of men. But the gang around the Spot- ter knew him quite well, and their hands fell away from their weapons as they uttered his name. No change came over his immobile fea- tures to indicate that he noticed the sudden change, but his keen eyes took it all in just the same. Slowly he repeated: ‘Don’t you think you had better let up?” ‘¢ What do you mean?” asked several. “Just what I said. You are displaying mighty poor judgment in filling yourselves with liquor in this manner. If you do not all want to be fired out of town before another day, you will chain up a little.” “ How is that?” ‘Plain as the nose on aman’sface, You have made fools of yourselves to begin with in raid- ing this town in this way, but now that you have taken it, you must hold it or be fired. Where in the name of the prophets is High Card Harry?” “Dunno. He left us on the way back from Jacktown,.” “That wassmart! I always counted him aman of good judgment, although I did not our approve of the raid on Jacktown and he did. e should have staid by you and saw that you broke up and hunted your boles when you got back here. {f know thathe would not have coun- tenanced this wild raid.” + Wat's thet got ter do with our drinkin’?” “Hello! So you are there, Toddy Tom. I might know that you would be around when free whisky was running. You don’t know enough to reason about this matter, but that the others may understand, I will say that as sure as the crowd get paralyzed to-night the Sunday school people of this camp will rise up and overpower you when you are unable to resist. What does that mean?” The Spotter paused a moment, but no oae answered the question. **T will tell you what it means,” he said, slow- ly and distinctly. ‘‘ Jt means Judge Lynch !” There was something terribly blood-chilling about those four words, and more. than one law- less fellow trembled and rubbed his throat as he heard them. After several moments of impress- ive silence, Saul continued: “You all know that for some time Jasper has been threatening a general clean-out of the gamblers and bums, and your judgment should tell you that that clean-out will come now if the goody-good men can make it work. You have seize? the town and you must hold it or go.” *¢ An’ er leetle whisk’ is jest the stuff ter give us ther backpone ter hole it,” asserted Toddy Tom, ** And too much whisk’ is weakening for that same backbone. If you could get the stuff, you would drink till you was blind drunk, even if ee knew that the blamed p’isen would kill you. ou take a reef in your mouth and let us hear less of you. I would be doing the community a good turn if I loaded your old carcass down th lead, and I may be t-mpted to do so if you put in any more of your lip.’ That was enough for the bummer. Swiftly he slunk out of sight behind those who were gather- ed around the pistol prince, and nothing further ‘was heard from bim. , The Spotter went on: ' You men of brains can see the common sense in what I have said. If you fill up with liquor, there will be an uprising in this camp and some- body will be hanged for dropping old Solomon Drew, who attempted to hold the town witha shot-gun. If there are serious charges against any others of the gang, he may have company. The rest of the crowd will be escorted to the out- skirts of the place and given a certain ce of = ei Rceeiag wea open Saha t If ey return, the penalty wi a piece of hemp. How like you the prospect, pards?” , There was a dead silence, then some one an- \Bwered: , Spot, called ‘Saul, the Spotter,” was the crack “©*Tain’t very invitin’.” Saul smiled, grimly. ‘“‘ There is only one way to prevent this clean- out, and that is to hold thecamp. Do you think that a gang of drunken men can do that?” ““Tt’s pritty doubtful.” ‘Right you are, Now, pards, you have your choice. What will you have?” “ Wat d’yer want us ter do, Saul?” * Let up on liquor and hold the town. I will help you, ‘* An’ you're as good as fifty common men,” declared an enthusiastic admirer. “‘ Br durned sight better,” shouted another. The gang needed a leader and they all knew that in the absence of High Card Harry the Spetter was the very one for the place, there- fore they were ready to listen to him almost to a man, And those who did not wish to listen did not dare tosay so, Saul bj perceived that he could carry things as he liked. ‘* Pards,” he said, quietly, ‘‘ I propose that we turn this saloon into the hands of its rigbtful owner. Whatever liquor comes over the bar after this will be puid oc; and for to-night the bar will be closed, I shall order the other saloons closed until to-morrow. Who kicks against that?” The Spotter’s hands were in the side-pockets of his coat—and no one kicked. “ That settles it,” declared Saul, and for the remainder of that night the toughs found it very difficult to obtain liquor in Jasper City. Where was Solid Sid, the marshal, all this time?. Nobody seemed able to answer the ques- tion, Sid was known as a mig bad man, and the peaceable citizens of the town had ex that he would soon quell the riot, But the solid man failed to show up, and the toughs had everything taeir own way. There seemed to be 4 screw loose somewhere, to speak figara- tively. It was near morning when there were three new-comers in the place. Two of them_were well-known, for they were High Card Harry and Hickory Jimmy. The third was tho Jack- town gambler and desperado, Tom Alicar, or Dandy Dirk. Harry’s appearance was hailed with delight = the toughs, of whom he was the acknowledg- leader, The Spotter at once stepped into the ranks, and the vey diay ey assumed command. But he depended on Saul to explain the situa- tion, which the pistol expert did in a very lucid manner. For a time the gambler seemed to hesitate between dismay and delight, but finally a grim look settled on his face, and he said: “ There is no backing out now. We must hold the town and rule it from this time onward. This difficulty was needless, but there 1s no use in crying over spilled milk, We had quite a grip on the place before, and could bave held our own had the cits tried to get rid of us, but now peck must get everything into our hands and cling Morning came, and at Harry’s direction the Night Hawk Saloon was opened again, although the card-sharp warned his men to go light and y for all they drank. Thus far the law-abid- ing citizens of the place had made no hig rE attempt to regain control of the camp, but the ae were looking for such a move af any time. The forenoon passed without a pitched battle, although there were several little skirmishes in which no one was seriously injured. Near mid- day a delegation from the peaceable citizens of the place appeared in the Night Hawk Sa- oon, “We wish to see the leader of the party that is raising such a riot in this place,” declared the spokesman of the delegation. High Card Harry ers pad stepped forward. * Reckon I must the man you are looking for,” he admitted. ‘I am the leader of the party that has taken possession of this lace, and by common consent the Alcalde of Jasper City. OXow hole a leetle on there!” cried a voice from the doorway. “I reckon ye'’re troddin’ on my corns wen ye make thet kind o’ tork., I heerd thet this hyer town wuz needin’ 0’ er al- calde ter kine o’ yank ther knots out o’ things an’ bring ’em roun’ ship-shape, so I jest hoofed it all ther pig 3 frum Jacktown hyer ter present merself fer thet orafice. Ef ye’re lookin’ fer er galoot ter do thet same, I’m ther very galoot ye’re lookin’ fer. I propose ter becum ther Al- calde o’ Jasper, an’ my name’s Wagg, with Erastus ter ther frunt. Whoopee!” And straight into the saloon tripped the wool- ly-headed man, hat in hand, bowing to the right ia bn and grinning all over his homely, beard- ess face, the saloon, and more than one man allowed his not very deceptive, the vagrant from Jacktown the toughs were smarting from their recent re- declare that he was just from Jacktown; but the camp tramp put himself in double danger by announcing bimself as falcalde “in opposition to the card-sharp chief of the lawless gang. ly as if in the midst of friends and advanced into the room without the least hesitation. The of bravery, braggadocio and cowardice, and it CHAPTER VII. ERASTUS GETS INTO TROUBLE. THE ragged vagabond of the mines was on hand as usual and was auxious to get into the midst of the excitement. Apparently without a thought of danger, he boldly entered the Night Hawk Saloon and proclaimed himself a candi- date for the office of Alcalde of Jasper City. It is doubtful if Erastus knew just what an alcalde was, but he was certain that it was some exalted position else High Card Harry would not care to represent himself as holding the place by com- mon consent of the people; and it is positively certain that the tramp did not pause to take a second thought before he announced that he was a candidate for the office. The woolly-headed man usually talked first and thought afterward, Wageg’s appearance and loudly-spoken an- nouncement caused a ripple of excitement within hands to creep toward his revolvers, Every- thing seemed to indicate that there would be lively times directly, and if appearances were would find himself in warm company. While pulsion in Paradise Gulch, it wasa bold thing for any man to appear in their midst and boldly But what cared Erastus? He smiled as serene- woolly-headed man was a strange combination was impossible to tell, when he was forced to do one or the other, whether he would fight or run. He would do either at the most unexpected mo- ments. Pausing in the middle of the floor, he fanned the air with his long arms as if they were a pair of ie and uttered a very creditable imitation of the hoarse crow of a Brahma rooster. ‘“‘ Hyer I be,” he loudly announced, “ ther fine- feathered, high-steppin’, loud crowin’ cock-a- doodle-do from Jacktown. Jest feast yer bleared optics onter me an’ see ’f ye kin realize yer own utter insigniffycanse, Common critters bunt their holes an’ prepare fer Gabriel w’en I let off steam in a good-sized ole-fashioned yoop. They think that it’s ther las’ trumph an’ thet ther final day o’ deestruction hes cum. I’m a leather- lunged bowler frum Hurrycane Gap, I am, I'm er mighty b-a-a-d man ter tackle an’ er hard ~ hawse ter crowd. Whoopee/ Trot out yer heavy-hitters an’ see me interjuce ’em ter one ° them ancient s’prise partys w’at ole Samson use ter kerry concealed in ther sleeves o’ his every- day ulsterett. If ye want ter see furi—fun— haydoogins o’ it—jest give me er chance ter spread, He paused a moment to catch his breath and to glare around in a manner that was both de- fiant and beseeching. It was a wonder that half a dozen of the fighters in the crowd did not make a jump for him without further ceremony, fi but something seemed to hold them all motion- less till the vagabond began again. “ Hev I took ther place without er struggle?? he asked. ‘ By jehocus! it looks thet way. I did thiuk thar wvz er leetle sand in this ole town, but I reckon I must’a’ bin woefully de- ceived, They sed thar wuz sum might good @ men in Jasper an’ thet if er feller wuz lookin? ; fer invigoratin’ exercise he c’u’d fine it hyer 3 without bafe tryin’, Reckon thet must ’a’ bin th 4 . ss | | 44 an 4 anerror. I didn’t expec’ ter becum’ Alcade 0” Jasper without bevin’ ter rassil fer ther posish, but it looks‘as if I had slid rigkt inter ther place ez easy ez grease, Dinged if I don’t admiro ther jedgmint o’ ther gang, though I can’t sa} thet I think much o’ their pluck, Gentlemen, allow § ¥ me ter interjuce merself: E. Wagg, Esq.,Al- calde o’ Jasper City.” i y And once more he bowed to the right and left, hat in hand. The crowd looked curiously at High Card Harry to see what the card-sharp would do or say. Harry was regarding the 3 4 loud-spoken vagrant with a look of mild annoy- = ance on his dark, handsome face. Still the = Jasper City sport did not seem very angry. It At was apparent that he was more disgustedand = annoyed than anything else. The crowd waited for him to make some kind of a move. Wagg = pretended to accept their hesitation as an -evi- Pibey'? dence of fear. j “Tails down ther hull o’ ’em,” he bg. ‘rw “Score one fer Erastus! Ob! I’m ther igh a howler w’at makes them hunt their holes! ie « Stop I” :
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- hog ter want ter take yer Jest go ahead with yer tooth-pullin’ w’ile I *muse ther congregation.” Waal, waal! Reckon I'll hev ter pa then,” and his hand slowly descended into the capacious pocket of his ragged pantaloons. sharp command caused the tramp to pause with his mouth wide open, the picture of sudden sur- rise, aah Eh! did you speak?” gasped Erastus. ro cues ‘Waal, waal! Thet’s most s’prisin’! I didn’t spose no one dared open theirclam-traps. W’at %d yer say?” “T said stop, which literally means chain up. You are using your mouth altogether too freely.” “Sho! Js thet so?” ‘“You are apt to discover that it is. You have evidently been drinking or you would not dare to come in here and fire off your mouth in this way. I advise you to go somewhere and snooze it off. If you want avy fun—fun—come back when you are sober and get your stomach full. Now slide.” But Erastus did not slide. ‘**Oh, no!” he grinned. ‘* Excuse me if I pause awhile. You are’way off if you think that I am drunk, It takes quite a lot o’ ther stuff ter git Ole Wooltop fuddled, an’ [ll sw’ar thet atween us, Jedge Blowbugle o’ Jacktown, and I, only surrounded one small gallon las’ nite. We both went light, though ther jedge c’u’dn’t see quite as well as usual this mornin’ an’ his pins was a leetle shaky. But Z’m all right, bet yer boots!” Then the woolly-headed man took a double- shuffle to convince every one that his legs were - right. Gradually the scowl on High Card’s ace rew more ominous. ‘‘ Tf you will wait till I attend to business with these gentlemen,” said the gambler, ‘I will see what can be done for you, my friend.” ‘Oh, cert,” nodded Wage, gravely, ‘I’m no tention all ther time. A word from the card-sharp warned the crowd = to “‘jump” the vagrant till he should give them what the delegation from the peaceable citizens bad to propose, to the bar and called for a “* bracer.” rmission, and then he turned to hear Wagg promptly made his way **T would like to see the color of your chanze before I set out the moisture,” said the cautious bartender, “Hain’t my credic good?” asked the tramp, appearing somewhat surprised, “Yes, good for nothing.” “Ts thet so? An’ I ther Alcalde o’ apap t cas Wonder whar my puss is?” he muttered, as he slowly felt around in all of his pockets. ‘‘I don’t seem ter fine it, an’ it orter be hyer. Guess I must ’a’ drapped it. Oh, well! I don’t mind,. fer it only contained a ces 2 or three hundred, Guess I won’t drink now; as [ wuz,” Then Erastus turned his back to the bar, and for five minutes his tongue ran without stopping. No one tried to interrupt him, for net did not care to put their fingers into High Card Harry’s soup, and every one felt that the card-sbarp had something in store for the tramp from Jack- town. In one corner Harry was talking earnest- ly with the delegation, evidently discussing the situation, ‘**T hev taken er contrac’ ter muse the congre- gashun,” observed the woolly-headed man, ‘an’ I'm goin’ ter do my best ter do so. P’r’aps you folks don’t know thet I’m er poic?” No answer. “T thort likely,” he nodded. ‘Waal, I be. Tl sing ye a leetle song w’at I composed as I was cumin’ frum Jacktown, lissen.” And without further ado, he began to roar at the top of his voice: hain’t hafe ser dry * Cum lissen to my ditty, T'll sing it soft an’ low,— There dwells in Jasper citty A gallant sport you know; He’s tall an’ straight--ther dandy! His eyes are dark an’ keen, An’ with ther keerds he’s handy, W’en he strikes er chap thet’s green, * ‘ler Jacktown came this daisy An’ er gang ter take ther town; Begobs! it wassent aisy W’en 'Rastus wuz aroun’! He tried er leetle poker— It is his fav’rite game— He met his match—ther jo! Thet we call Violet Vane.”’ ' Every one within the room knew that this was a direct thrust at High Card Harry, and more than one expected to see the card» sharp drop the reckless vagrant in his tracks; but the gambler seemed topay no attention to the woolly- Violet Vane’s Victory. headed man or hissong. Quietly he continued his talk with the representatives of the law- abiding people of the town. Finally the interview ended, the delegation left the saloon and High Card Harry turned to- ward the bar. There was a slight stir, for every one expected trouble at once, The tramp was the only one who did not seem to notice Harry’s approach. “Yes,” Erastus was saying, ‘‘I hev kinder made up my mine ter becum alcalde o’ this hyer town. I understan’ thet thar is er leetle trubble hyer ’bout suthin’, If thet’s er fack, ’'m jest ther lad ter straighten things out. I kin do it in er leetle o’ no time, an’ I’jl ergree ter hev this runnin’ as it orter be afore twenty-four hours,” ** And I will give vou just twenty-four seconds to get out of that door,” observed High Card Harry, quietly, drawing a gold watch from his pocket and glancing at the face of it. ‘“‘If ee not gone in that time, I will have yon red, -_ Wagg gave vent toa whistle of astonish- ment, “Now you don’t mean thet,” he asserted— “you can’t! There is apt ter be fun in this ranch afore I am fired.” The card-sharp said not a word until the twenty-four seconds were up, then he turned to Hickory Jimmy, who was standing near: ‘Fire him, Jimmy.” The wrestler grinned and spit on his hands, “Bet yer life I will,” be chuckled, savagely, as he began to advance toward the intended victim. ‘Bet yer life you won’t!” came promptly from the vagrant’s lips, as his long-barreled revolvers appeared in his hands. “I am a mighty hard man ter fire w’en I hold ther drop. Jest chain up or chaw lead!” And it was plain that Wagg meant business, therefore Hickory Jim paused irresolutely. “I’m no rassiler,” admitted the woolly-headed man, as he leaned lazily back with his elbows on the bar, the rusty-looking revolvers being inted to the front. ‘I thort I wuz yesterday, ut 1 got holt o’ this same galoot an’ mighty soon changed my mine. My back hain’t got over achin’ yet. He guv me ther all-durnedest flam 1 never got. No, thank you, I don’t keer fer enny more in mine, I know w’en I’ve got erpuff o’ er good thing.” The wrestler looked toward High Card Harry for instructions. The gambler scowled, an evil gleam in bis eyes. “*T will give you one more chance,” said the dark-faced sport. ‘‘ You may leave this room unmolested now, If you appear again, you will be shot on sight. If you do not go peaceably, you shall be thrown out.” **An’ wu'd ye throw me revolvers an’ all?” inquired Wagg, blandly. Yes, through that window to your right.” “All right, throw away! Jasper City will hev_ sevarial funerals ter-morrer, I reckon, Su’thin ginerally draps w’en one 0’ these anti- mortem pill-dispensers an’ system-perferators kersplodes, Wade in, sinners!” Just then Erastus felt something cold just back of his right ear. It was the muzzle of a revolver held in the hand of the bartender, who commanded; Dace them revolvers! If you don’t I'll blow the whole roof of your cabeza off!” Wagg suddenly grew pale. ‘Hole on! hole on!” he spluttered. ‘‘ I cave! I'm reddy ter git out now. I don’t believe I want ter run fer office ennyhow. Fact is, I w’u’dn’t be alcalde o’ this ole campif I c’u’d jest ez well ez not,” ‘Disarm him,” ordered Harry, coldly, Two men sprung forward to obey. ‘Tain't no fair,” whined the trembling vagrant. ‘This cotchin’ er man frum bebind is low dirt. I reckon I stubbed inter ther wrong ae, and I’m will’ ter depart quietly now, his hyer gittin’ mixed up in pollerticks an’ run- nin’ fer office is danger’us business,” Wagge’s long revolvers were taken from him and laid on thé bar, Then the two men looked to Harry for further instructions, “Fire him through the window,” was the grim command. > They seized the woolly-headed man, and were about to obey, when a clear, ringing voice cried: “Hold a little on there! What's all this row about, anyway ?” ; CHAPTER VIII. ANOTHER CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE, speaker was a new-comer in the saloon, and a stranger in town. He was a rather un- dersized man, and was dressed in a seedy-look- ing suit of faded black. His rather florid face ‘ nhs ~~" “ “ ; Ts he NEP othe! 7 FRAT. MS TE SPR be eae. = an was made to look doubly florid, as his stubb whiskers were fiery red. A mass of reddis hair formed a “fringe” entirely around the lower extremity of the battered silk hat that was set upon the back of his bead. His hands were thrust deep into the pockets of his panta- loons, and a half-smoked cigar, held in one cor- ner of his mouth, gave him a rakish air. But his eyes were dark and keen, and his voice bad scunded clear and distinct, despite the cigar, causing the men who wereabout to throw Eras- tus through the open window to pause and look around. ‘““What’s all this row about anyway?” re- peated the seedy stranger, blowing out a cloud of cigar-smoke. ‘*I would like to inquire what our friend of the shaggy head has done that he should be so rudely ejected through yon yawn- ing window.” Cool as an icicle was the red-haired individual as he leaned lazily againsta post near the center of the room, and allowed his keen eyes to pass swiftly and searchingly over the throng. Al- though he appeared anything but dangerous, there was something about his careless manner that caused the card-sharp’s satellites to pause and hesitate ere carrying out the orders of their leader. High Card Harry wheeled with an oath, re- volver in hand. ‘“Who in blazes are you?” he demanded, sav- agely. “* Well, now, partner, I don’t know as that is any of your business,” was the calm reply. “But for all of that, I don’t mind swapping handles, to speak figuratively. Who in blazes are you ?” The scowl on the gambler’s face grew still blacker. He did not fancy the stranger’s cool, impudent manner. ‘You are either a fool or a lunatic,” declared the angry sport. “‘Possibly you are right,” admitted the red head, soberly. ‘‘ I’ve been told that same thing before, but I notice that I ’most always manage to rustle around and hold up my end with the rest of the boys. I must say that if I am either a fool or a lunatic, I am about the smartest one that I know of.” The gambler laughed sneeringly. ‘‘-You are altogether too smart,” he asserted, ‘“‘You had best have a care, or you will wish you bad not thrust your nose into High Card Harry’s business.” ‘“‘Thanks, awfully! I am so glad you men- tioned it. So your handle is High Card Harry? A gentleman who sometimes feels of the papers, I should infer. In other words, a shark who makes food of the foolish little fishes which come in his way. I wonder if some of the little fishes ever turn out to be full-grown whales,” At which the woolly-headed man snickered,. “ Jeehocus!” he grinned. ‘‘Now you've hit it, pard. He run plum erg’in’ er whale w’er he tackled Violet Vane at Jacktown. Sweet Vio- lets is small, but—oh, my !” The stranger smiled knowingly as he blew out another cloud of smoke. “Tt ofttimes happens thus. The mouse some- times proves to be a tiger with claws worse than Damascus blades. Now I am a sport myself, and 1 must admit that I have been there many atime. Some of you people may have taken me fora millionaire in disguise, Iam not. I am no grasping monopolist, I am no Jay Gould, Y een simply one of the bloods, deucedly down on my luck, I beard thet this town was off its trucks and needed some one to yank things into running order, so I jast slid in here to present myself as a candidate for the office of alcalde.” The camp tramp gave a whoop of delight. “Great jeeswax!” he bellowed, ‘ Ernuther one inter ther ring! This hyer’s gittin’ kinder interestin’, I swow! Stranger, w’at is your name?” 7 The seedy individual removed his left band from bis pocket long enough to doff his battered high hat, as he answered: “Most honorable sir of the shaggy caput, my baptismal handle is Coolan Casey, a peculiar name I think you will admit. Out in this land of rustlers, however, they have altered the title somewhat and call me a Cool Case. Ihave been told that the abbreviated cognomen suits me to a full-grown capital T,.as all who know me say I am indeed a very Cool Case.” > High Card Harry gave vent to an oath of dis- st. wi You are too fresh for killing,” he asserted, contemptuously, ‘‘ You had better take a back seat and witness the performance from a safe distance, for something may fall on you and hurt you if you get too near.” - :
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mouth, ‘Thanks again, dear sir. You mean well enough, but itis very plain that you have not sprouted your last wisdom tooth yet. There is lots in this world for you to learn if. you try, This brings me round to my original question. What has the gentleman of the dilapidated at- tire and lamb-like topknot done that he should be so rudely ejected?’ Wagg hastened to reply: *Northin’ at all, pard, only jest announced meself as a candidate fer ther orafice o’ Alcalde o’ Jasper. This hyer High Keerd Hurrah says thet he is ther alcalde, an’ so he wuz goin’ ter hev me fired.” The Cool Case buried his hands still deeper in his pockets. and surveyed the Jasper City, sport in a quizzical way. * And who is this high horse that attempts torun this town?” he inquired, a touch of con- bia in face and voice, : ‘*l am the Alcalde of Jasper City,” answered Harry, hotly. : ‘*Naow is that so?’ drawled the red-head. “You quite'surprise me! How long have you held the office, may I inquire?” “You may inquire and be hanged!” snapped the furious sport. ‘‘I am not answering ques- tions for every bummer who strikes the place,” ** Quite right, dear sir—quite right. But itis always best to answer a gentleman, I fancy that you do not answer because you cannot, You are no more the Alcalde of Jasper than I am, and neither of us will rightfully obtain that osition till we do so by a vote of the people, ow I present myself as a candidate for the office, and until I am defeated at tke polls or some other fatal spot, I intend to make a strong fight for my rights, Please jot that down in your memorandum so that you may not forget “Bah!” sneered the gambler, ‘‘ You are making a fool of yourself, You can no more obtain the office in opposition to me than you can creep into heaven.” ‘*A place where’ one could waste ten thou- sand yearsin a vain search for you, my friend,” smiled Case, ‘‘But let that drop and come around to the business in hand. Why isit that T stand no show at all in opposition to you?” “That question shows your utter ignorance. D» vou observe these men around you?” “Deir sir, do you fancy that I am blind or asleep?” The gambler ignored the question as he con- tinued: ‘* Every one of these men are friends of mine and they are all heeled. A word—a look from me and down you go, full of lead.” ‘ Case surveyed the crowd critically. * Quite a select gang of cut-throats,” he finally observed, ‘And are they really all tools of yours, my friend?” An ominous murmur came from the gang, and half a score of hands crept toward concealed weapons. They did not fancy the stranger’s plain talk. The peculiar little man noticed the alarming aspect of the crowd, but he did not appear startled in the least. Calmly he blew out a thin column of smoke, and with one roll of his tongue, shifted his cigar to the otber corner of his something. “What is it, sir?’ asked Case. ‘* Are you thinking of pulling the string and letting the animals loose? Perhaps you had better consider’ it a little longer. I bave no desire to wipe out theentire gang, beginning with you. I have oop come here to present myself as a candi- date for the office of alcalde, and if elected, to yank things into running shape, I have wiped out entire battalions’ of toughs before now, but it is a very unpleasant job—very!” ““ Whoopee /” cried Erastus, ‘If I kin git holt o’ my resolvers, [Il holp ye; pard. Ireckon we kin clean out this place an’ capter ther town, I’m er mighty b-a-a-d man w’en | git started, an’ don’t ve fergit it.” High Card Harry uttered a snarl and wheeled toward the men who were still holding fast to age, «Hire the fool out of the window!” shouted the card-sharp, ‘Then we willattend to this galoot,” “Stop!” came crisply from Cool Case’s lips, ** Release that man or suffer the consequences!” The men hesitated. “Throw him out, you fools!” roared Harry, * What are you hesitating for?” : But just then somethin curred. Erastus seem very much alive. ocked the feet from under both of the men 0 suddenly become With a sudden movement, he who held him, letting them fall to the floor, High Card. seemed to hesitate about | slipped us,” nite unexpected oc-' Violet Vane’s Victory. Then, one after the other, he seized them by. a convenient part of their clothes and hurled them through the window! For a few moments the entire crowd appeared dumfounded. Wagg improved the time in se- curing his revolvers. Then High Card Harry cried, furious with rage: “ A thousand furies! Jump him, lads! Down him in his tracks!” But louder and clearer than before rung Cool Case’s voice:: ’“ Chain up or chew lead! I always shoot to kill, and High Card Harry is the first man to drop!” ° His hands had left his pockets and both’ of them held revolvers of the latest and most im- proved pattern, Th» careless stranger had sud- denly resolved into a very dangerous-appearing individual, and the card-sharp observed that one of Case’s revolvers had him ‘‘ ]ined.” “Call off your dogs!” commanded the red- headed man—‘‘ call them off, I say! The first shot means death to you!” Ths gambler hesitated, but there was some- thing in the black eyes of the little man that cansed him to fling up one hand with the order: ‘* Hold a moment, pards! Don’t shoot till I tell you to. We will avoid bloodshed, if possi- ble.” ‘Many thanks,” smiled the Cool Case, ‘I thought you would not be so very rash, for if, you are any like me, you have no desire to shuffle off this mortal coi! yet awhile, Life is sweet to us all, and it would be eshame to cut you down in the flower of your manhood,” ‘*Curse you!” gritted the baffled and defied gambler, ‘ You are not yet out of the woods,” Before any furtber words could be exchanged, | “Yes, and he will be on my trail again ~ directly. I:shall have to watch out for him.” ‘‘ Yes, down bim on sight and down him for keeps.” ‘*T will do that same, but the blamed hound is’ mighty sharp in the way of disguises, No one would have imagined that Solomon Snide was a détective. Ishall have to keep my eyes peeled or be will close in on me again.” si But there is something that bothers me just now,’ “What?” ‘“* How long was the fellow conscious before he escaped.” ‘+ Why does that trouble you?” : **T would like to know how much of our ton- versation he heard.” ' “ Ah ” - For several moments the perplexed rascals were silent. They all understood that the de- tective might have heard things that would enable him to make it very uncomfortable for them. ; ‘“‘What if he heard us state where we intend to take the girls?” finally came from High Card Harry’s lips, “ He will be able to organize a party and res- cue them,” answered Dandy, promptly. “ Just that. What shall we do? “Do you think we had better take the chances?” “No: I am in favor of taking them some- where else.” ‘* But where?” “ That is a difficult question. I know of no other good place, Can you think of any?” “Not one.” . —. At this point Hickory Jimmy came to their there was a sudden hubbub near the,door and a | aid, man pushed into the room, crying: ‘“ Where is High Card Harry?” ‘* Here,” answered the sport. wanted?’ “The south guard have been taken by sur- prise and passed by a party from Jacktown.” ‘* When did that occur?” “Nearly an hour ago.” ‘‘Muries! And why was I not nouified be- fore?” ‘* Because the guard was bound hand and foot and gagged, They were discovered less than ten minutes ago.” * The card-sharp swore roundly. “This is a pretty mess!” he snarled, the guard recognize any of the party?” “Yes, three.” ‘** Who were they?” , “The young fellow who warned Jacktown that we were coming to take the place, Solid Sid and- the velvet dandy they call Violet Vane,” ‘*f will look after those gentlemen directly,” declared the gambler, ‘‘ But first I must at- tend to the case in hand.” But, when he turned toward the spot where he had last seen Erastus Wagg and Cool Case, he discovered that both were gone, The open window told how they had succeeded in so quietly and suddenly making their exit. CHAPTER IX, ‘THE CAPTIVE QUEENS, _ ALAN DALE, the detective, bad made his es- cape in some remarkable manner. When the Jasper City sport discovered that the led horse was riderless he was both amazed and startled. . “Hey, there, pards, hold on!” he cried. ‘* The deuce is to pay here!” “ What’s the matter?” demanded Dandy Dir, ‘Matter enough. That cursed detective has “What is’ “Did ‘** Impossible!” “Well, I guess not! He’s gone, sure as shoot- ing! Here, Hickory, your hands are empty; see if you can tell how the trick was worked.” The little party halted and Hickory Jimmy sprung off bis horse to obey the gambler’s com- mand. He examined the riderless horse as well as the darkness would allow ahd answered directly: ' “Not a sign here, old man. I reckon ther cuss must have got his han’s loose an’ cut bisself clear some way. He fs gone, an’ so’s every trace ov him.” ; It dawned upon the villains that they had been tricked by the detective, ‘‘T don’t understand this,” asserted the man from Jacktown. ‘1 bit him a killing belt with those irons, acd was afraid that I bad cracked his skull, He must bave a hard head. I was desperate and did not care how hard I bit. I was striking’ for liberty.” ; “‘ Well, tt seems that our friend, the detective, has struck for liberty.” “T can tell you where ye hed better take em,” he asserted. ; ; “You can?” exclaimed Harry and Dandy in abreath, ‘* Then fire away.” “Take ’am straight inter Jasper.” é, ‘“What?’ The word was both a question and an exclamation. ““T sed take ’em straigbt inter Jasper,” repeat- ed the wrestler, . “You are crazy!” growled the Jacktown des- perado, ; ¥ ‘“‘ Not by er durned sight. W’at mecks ye think I’m daft?” : , ‘Why the idea of taking them to Jasper City is simply ridiculous!” ; * “Do ye think so? An’ w’y is it?” “That will be the first place where their friends will look for them,” “ An’ we will be there ter meck it mighty in- terestin’ fer their fr’en’s. Jasper will be too hot to hold ennybuddy frum Jacktown arter this. .We kin git ther gals inter ther place afore day-peep an’ hide ’em. Then let their fr’ens um, hi ** T believe Hickory is right,” put in High Card Harry, Yep “ But where can wo hide them?” asked Dirk, who was still doubtful about the policy of the move, : ‘‘In ther secret cellar under my own wig- wam,” said the wrestler, ‘* Ther cellar has hid more nor one galoot as was wanted:by ther law. It will hold ther gals safe, an’ no matter how much they squawk, they won’t be heard by no one, “The very place!” exclaimed Harry, Dandy Dirk did not arrive at such a sudden con- matter, and when he spoke, his mind did not seem fully satisfied. : hie Well. if there is nothing better, we will carry them to Jasper. J shall haye to trust everything to you, my friends.” 4 “And you will never regret doing so,” as- sured the card-sharp. ‘* You may be sure that I lose her if I did.” ; . And so it was settled. The party turned their faces toward Jasper City and entered the place some time before daybreak, Where they ex- pected to find a sleeping camp they discovered one that was very wide awake, At first they were at a loss to comprebend the meaning of the uproar’ which, seemed to going on, but the quick-witted gambler soon suspected the truth, — “ The drunk exclaimed, — more than once, but I have always held them in fools have taken the town !” he is hot work ahead,” ~ But \ clusion. . For several moments he considered the - _would not wish to carry my prize to Jasper if I. thought there was much of a chance for me to i “They have threatened to do so : check; but now they have done it for sure, — That means a stiff fight with the Sunday-school men who will try to incite the majority of the citizens to go in for a general clean-out, There — 2 eee Les bal Y) Pe 4a; ey ee < —os Te Le
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x ny . af oad 2 3% >Hi} > al ‘ sg * Alin ithe = on ; RATE Tey, Uae Ge te OSE? OUR OE ae oe eae Toveke Pu i ae TTS — “men,” declared Lulu, a They succeeded in entering the town and reaching the secret cellar without being seen. When the two unfortunate girls recovered con- sciousness they found themselves in a low, dun- eon-like place with walls of stone on every side, hey were lying on a hard bed, and a lantern which was suspended from the planking above their heads, gave out a dim light. Ione started up, and seeing Luona by her side, cried: ‘Where are we? What has happened?” But Laughing Lu’s reply was a faint moan. She was stiil in a semi-unconscious state, ‘Heavenly Father!” gasped Ione. ‘“ How came we in this horrible place? My tead is * bursting with pain and I can remember noth- 7 ’ ing. She pressed her hands to her head, and sat up- on the bed staring vacantly at the rocky walls when Luona opened her eyes and sobbed: “Oh, this is fearful pain! Iam so sick—so sick!” The words seemed to arouse the other girl from the strange lethargy that was upon her, and she bent over the moaning girl, softly calling her name. : ‘* What is it?’ asked Lu, in a dazed manner. ““Who, are you? Oh, I know! You are his sweetheart—my brother’s sweetheart! How came you here? How came I here? Where are we! ‘* I don’t know,” answered Ione, dazedly. “I cannot remember.” Suddenly Laughing Lu sat up, crying: “T remember it all now! @ were seized while we slept. I felt strong hands grasp me, but when I tried to cry out, something which gave out a sickening smell was pressed over my mouth and nose, Heavens! 1 thought they were killing me! Everything grew pitchy black, after which bright lights flashed before my eyes, and I knew no more, And now I find myself here.” ** Ah! and now I remember the same things! But where are we?” The two fair captives looked into each other’s face, but failed to find the answer to the ques- tion there, “T think we have been kidnapped by wicked ““This place looks like a dungeon, and I know well enough that we are prisoners here.” Her words seemed to deprive Tone of strength, for the poor girl sunk back on the rude bed, cov- ering her face with her hands and bursting into tears, At the sight of her companion’s distress; Miss Howard appeared to suddenly become strong and almost cheerful—nearly her usual self, as **Don’t cry, Ione,” she entreated. ‘ Don’t give avay to your feelings. Bear up, dear friend.” Between her sobs, the weeping girl replied: “It is so terrible—just as—as everything had been explained and I was so—so happy. Just as _ the sun hac broken through the black clouds— then came this, Ob, mother in heaven! what will become of us?” : me Lu did her best to soothe the dis- fe air. girl, and after a time she succeeded in a measure. . ‘It may not be so bad as it seems,” said the ‘dark-eyed queen. , ‘‘ Remember that we have friends who will leave no stone unturned but will find and rescue us, Be as brave as you can and let’s examine our prison.” But Ione’s nerves were too unstrung. * Lu’s last words fell harshly on ber ears, and she could only wring her bands and at: ‘Our prison !* our prison! our prison!” Luona arose and carefully examined the dun- geon-like cellar. \She found that she could searcely stand erect in the low, cobwebby place, Beneath her feet was the damp ground, and on every side were stone walls, She put up her hands and pressed against the planks over her head. They were immovable. In one of the walls she found an iron grating, and from the small | per beyond came a draught of fresh Nowhere in the walls could she find a door, but near one corner of the cellar she discove what appeared to be a trap-door in the plankin overhead. A trial convinced her that it cont not be moved from within the cellar. Finally she went back to the bed, - “Is there no hope?” asked Ione, : “While there is Jife there is hope,” was the brave reply. Ly. : Then the two Lae lay down on the bed with their arms around each other and talked in low tones for a very long time, Finally Tone fell asleep, and after watching her for a time, Lu also slept. Neither of the captiyes had seemed to think it worth while to call for help, for they BS did not believe that their cries would ir heard, aa os ee dal kets nt ; rig. a Oh :¥ oh as peso —— Violet Vane’s Victory. They had no way of telling how long they slept, but when they awoke they found a small stand near the bed and on the stand a tray with dishes of food and glasses of water. It had been placed there while the slept, Evidently their captors did not intend tostarve them, The girls did not hesitate long about eating, for they were hungry and thirsty. When they had eaten they felt much better. Then once more they fell to discussing the situation, and so the long dreary hours dragged away. No more food was brought them, for there was enough left the first time to serve for two meals, It seemed that they had been imprisoned for twenty-four hours at least when they were startled to hear a slight noise near the corner where Luona had discovered the trap-door in the planking.’ T'hey started up and held their breath while they listened for a repetition of the sound. It came in a few seconds, Some one was trying to open the trap! Who was it? They asked themselves the question and seem- ed to feel that there was but one answer. Their captors were coming to see how the birds were getting along, After a short time the door opened. A mo- ment later a face appeared, the face of— Ved Morris ! Both of the girls uttered a cry of amazement and delight, which was echoed hy the young man, who sprung down into.the cellar, ae at last!” burst in joyful accents from is lips, But, an instant later two forms followed the young man through the trap and two burly ruffians flung themselves upon him, Toen began a desperate struggle in the cellar prison, one man against fearful odds, fighting for more than life, — CHAPTER X. THE MARSHAL’S PROCLAMATION, HicgH Carp Harry for a moment could scarcely believe the evidence of his eyes when he discovered that both Erastus Wagg and the Cool Case had disappeared from the room; but the open window told how the feat had been accomplished, and with a fearful oath, revolver in hand, he sprung forward. But a glance out of the window showed him neither of the men he was Jooking for. “Curse it all!” he snarled, wheeling on those within the room. ‘Are you all blind? How came you to stand and allow them to escape be- fore your very eyes?” No one ventured an answer, “T care nothing for that rag’muffin of the woolly{bead,” Harry declared; “ but I fancyjthat the other was a desperate foe in disguise, The removal of that beard and wig might have shown a face well known tothe most of us, al- though not a man here ever saw it before yes- terday.” , There was a moment of silence, then Hickory Jimmy asked: ‘*Whatin ther uame ovsin do ye mean, ole man? Who do ye think ther critter was!” . ‘*Can’t you guess?’ sneered the tricked des- perado. ° : ef No, blamed if I kin, unless you mean thet— thet— ‘*And that is just what Ido mean. I am willing to wager my life that Cool Case is none other than the velvet dandy, Violet Vane!” A chorus of exclamations burst from the men within the saloon, They bad not suspected the little man of the red head of being the Velvet Sport, but now that High Card Harry declared his firm conviction that Case was Vane in dis- guise they at once accepted that view as being the probable truth, “*T am certain that I am right,” declared the card-sharp. ‘t The man who called himself the ool Case was about Violet Vane’s height and build, he had the velvet dandy’s eyes if not his voce, But you know a man’s voice can be easily disguised, Not one man in a thousand would ‘| -have dared to come in here and face this entire crowd with High Card Harry at its head; but Violet Vane is an exception. I believe that the little fop dates anything, It will take a mighty good man to get him off his pins.” ei _ * Ye’re right,” nodded Hickory Jimmy; “ an’ if thar’s a man on ther face ov this hyar’arth as kin do it, you’re ther one.” i “Thanks for the compliment,” smiled the gambler, who seemed to have suddenly regained his usnal composure. ‘‘ It may sound like boast- ings but I must sav that I reckon you are right. ee eee for the whole town of Jasper to make the at- tempt. He has got to come under.” These words were received with growls of ap- roval by the scowling toughs gathered around. hey all felt that they had no cause to love the little sport who had done so much to contribute to their defeat at Jacktown, and there was not one among them who would not have felt a thrill of satisfaction had he seen the Velvet Sport lying dead at his feet. It was indeed a very bad gang which had gathered beneath the roof of the Night Hawk Saloon. High Card smiled again as he noticed the signs of approval from those gathered around, ‘Everything is fair in love and war,” quoted the crafty gambler. ‘* With that for my motto, I shall undertake to get the best of the little sport from Jacktown by fair meansor foul. He will probably join with the goody-good people of this place in the warfare which will, without doubt, be organized against: us, He will provea desperate foe, but I fancy that we can cut bim off in the early part of his career, He has been lured to this town for the purpose of making an end to his high horsemanship in these parts, and some of the very ones whom he considers friends are his foes, plotting the best way to destroy him, And Iam at the bottom of it all.” With that declaration, Harry ceased speaking, and instantly some one pro : “Three cheers fer High Keerd Harry, ther The Alcalde o’ Jasper!” * Then the room rung with their cries, gambler bowed his thanks, and when silence was restored, his veice was heard again: * And now, pards, we will go out and look for our foes from Jacktown. If we find them, we will make it mighty pleasant for them. Jasper City is a warm town, but it is not every day that we suspend business for such a holiday as this. Drink all round at my expense, and then we will capture the street.” : 'And after they had turned down the vile liquor they did go out capture the street. Honest, peaceable men sought the nearest cover when the wild, yelling mob came tearing along the public thoroughfare, the occasional rattle of fire-arms and jingle of broken glass telling that they were benton mischief, Above other sounds could be heard the voice of High Card Harry crying: ‘** Where are the men from Jacktown? Where is the velvet dandy, who calls himself Violet Vane? If he is not a cowardly craven he will come out here and meet me on the open street where I will mighty soon cut his comb and dull his spurs. Iam High Card Harry, Alcalde of Jasper City.” But, if the card-sharp’s boastful words reached the ears of the Velvet Sport, that individual made nosign. His silence angered the desperado, and louder than ever Harry called; ‘* Where is he—where does he hide—this mighty chief from Jacktown? He dares nut show his head! I fling my challenge in his teeth. If he isa man _ he will come forth to meetme,. He is a cowardly dog who hides in some safe corner. I defy him!’ I laugh at him! He is a squaw! Let Little Johnny-jump-up show himself if he has the least sand in hiscraw. In Jacktown they call him a chief; in Jasper we call him a coward,” Tke gambler more than half-expected that his taunting words would call the little sport into the street where he would have an advantage, for the entire ‘gang, fired by liquor, were lovking for Vane, intending to shoot on sight. Had the sport appeared, he would have found fifty foes instead of one. But if Vane heard the gambler’s taunting words, he allowed his good judgment to control bis actions and remained under cover. ‘ . If High Card Harry did not find Violet Vane, he found something else when he returned to the Night Hawk Saloon. Upon the outer door of the saloon was pinned a largé sheet of brown paper, upon which was written in a clear, bold nd the following: * PROCLAMATION, “We, the undersigned f¢rardians of the peace in Jasper, do hereby proclaim the parties who are causing the riot in this town law-breakers ard ruf- fians who are dangerous to the peace of the com- munity and a disgrace to the place. While such men are sthoweéd to dwell in our midst no peaceable ‘man’s life is safe pnd no honest man can rest assured that his property will not be taken from him. The only way to assure the safety of the law-abiding cltizens of Jasper is to get rid of the ruffians and cut-throats in one way or another. This the peace- able citizens have decided todo. A general cleon-out of the roughs and toughs which infest our fair ci has been decided upon, and we, the undersign have been instructed to accomplish this end, there- don’t down Violet Vane, it will be useless } fore we give the following 3
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ee + ct hg ™~ aay AF > a 10 WARNING. “The rioters in Jasper, including al the bums, loafers, dead-beats, ruffians, cut-throats and law- breakers in general, will be given until sunset to leave the place. If at that time such parties as are above indicated are still to be found within the limits of Jasper, they sha'l be gencrously treated to a dose of Colorado justice administered by Judge Lynch, This is not an empty threat, but is a fair warning. We are backed by all the peaceably- inclined citizens of the town and shall enforce the law with rope and revolver. Take heed, ye evil- doers, and leave the place while there is yet time. * (Signed,) ** SIDNEY SHARON, ** Marshal of Jasper, ** VIOLET VANE, * Deputy. The card-sharp read the proclamation and warning aloud to the crowd at his heels, He was listened to with almost breathless interest. When he had finished, he turned to the men around bim, asking: * Well, what do you think of that?” A low murmur arose, and gradually swelled toa wild yellof fury. When silence had been restored in a measure, High Card Harry cried: “‘ Here are my compliments to that!” Then he wheeled, a revolver in each hand, and, a few seconds later, twelve bullets had per- forated the proclamation and splintered the door. His example wasinfectious. Every man in the crowd drew one or more revolvers, and a perfect storm of bullets was poured into the in- offensive sheet of paper, riddling it from top to bottom so that in twenty seconds scarcely a dozen words of the writing were complete, High Card laughed aloud as he witnessed this little piece of wor ‘*Your aetions speak louder than words, pards,” he cried, ina clear tone, ‘ You are not ready to leave Jasper just yet, and you do not ropose to be frightened out of tae place, The unday-school children of the town will have lots of sport ejecting us.” hoarse growl came from the listeners, Harry continued: ‘ ** A great many of us who are now warned to leave the town were induced to come here a short time ago by the flattering prospects which were held out to us by the citizens of this place. They were booming the camp, and wanted us for a pu . Wecame and served their pur- se, and now they want to get shut of us. n’t we better go without kicking? Hadn’s we better sneak out of the place that we were enticed into? Hadn’t we better steal away like a pack of whipped dogs?” Saul the Spotter stepped forward, ** Any one can take a sneak that wants to,” he said, calmly; “‘ but I am going to stop right here, if I have tostay alone and fight the whole town.” And every one there\ knew that the pistol dead-shot was a man who never broke his word. “¢ An’ I'm stayin’ with ye,” came from Hicko’ Jimmy, as that worthy also stepped forward, ~e bof paid me money ter git me hyer, an’ they’l hev ter pay me more ter git me out.’ ‘* We'll all stay!” roared the crowd, *¢ And we'll all have to fight,” said High Card Harry, grimly. “Did you catch the name at the very bottom of the paper which we just filled with punctuation points? It was that of the champion all-around fighter of Jacktown, a ec who 1s little, but wears twelve-inch spurs, iolet Vane is the most dangerous foe we have to contend with, When he goes down for keeps I shall breath easier. He is the one against whom we rust direct the heft of our energies. Down with the velvet dandy!” Brandishing their weapons, the desperate crowd echoed the ery, It looked as if the lit- tle sport would have desperate odds to contend against. ** Now,” continued the gambler, when silence was restored in a degree, ‘we must get to business, Probably you all know that_1 have proclaimed myself Alcalde of Jasper. Is there one among you who wishes to dispute my right to the position and my power as an arbitrator? If there is, let him step forward,” No one stirred. “Tt is evident that there will be no trouble about that,” smiled the cunning card-sharp. ** And now I will tell you what I think we had better do, i think that we had better go ' into the saloon here and call a meeting to de- cide upon a plan of action. There are enough of the boys scattered through the town to hold the place or give us warning should the other party make any decided move.” , This proposition was favorably received, and the bullet-shattered door swung open to allow the crowd to file into the room at the heels of the self-chosen Alcalde of Jasper City. Bad Violet Vane’s Victory. CHAPTER XI. A LITTLE GAME AND AN UNMASKING, Nicut came again and found Jasper City still in the hands of the roughs led by High Card Harry. Despite the marshal’s proclama- tion, the law-respecting citizens had made no move to drive the rioters from the town. But this silence on the part of those whom he con- sidered his foes did not lull the card-sharp in- to a feeling of security, for he realized that the looked-for onslaught might occur at the most unexpected moment, Bearing this in mind, he kept the soberer and more trustworthy of his followers on the watch at various parts of the camp. Relying on these men, he felt sure that the peaceable citizens could make no or- ganized move without his being apprised of the fact immediately. Having everything thus ar- ranged, he strolled into the Night Hawk Saloon to see how things were moving there, Justas he entered he heard a sharp, crisp voice saying: ‘Yes, gents, I am Handy Jack, and I am here to make good the boast when I say that I am the best all-round short-card player in Colorado, I reelon I was born with the devil’s bible in my hands and have been fingering it ever since, for I cannot remember the first time that I saw a pack of cards. Tama sport by nature and a sport by profession, I love a good game as I love anything in which there is excitemeut, I can live on excitement, It is like mother’s milk to me. I have been informed that there are some full-blooded sports in this little town, whicl‘4nformation caused me to-lean in this direction, If you have any real good poker-players, trot °em out and see me do ’em.” High Card Ha drew back a little and sur- veyed the boastful speaker. He saw a man somewhat below medium height, whose dress was a strange mixture of Mexican and Ameri- can attire. There were the sombrero and sash, but on his feet were patent-leathers, and the open front of his jacket showed a “‘ b’iled” shirt, collar and crimson tie, from the midst of which flashed either a large diamond ora very good imitation. There was another stone in the ring upon the smallest finger of his left hand. No weapons were Yisible about his person, but his general appearance was decidedly loud, to say the least. is face was covered by a handsome coal-black beard, which appeared to have been carefully trimmed and parted in the middle. His general aspect was that of a dandy crank who dressed in that manner toattract atten- tion. But High Card was cautious, and there- fore decided not to be in haste about forming an opinion of the stranger. After uttering the challenge, the little un- known leaned carelessly against one of the posts in the room end proceeded to produce and light a cigarette while he allowed his dark eyes to rove searchingly over the faces before him. High Card Harry fancied that he was looking for some one, No one stirred to accept the challenge, “Come, come!” Jaughed Handy Jack, as the dandy had called himsclf. ‘‘ Is this the kind of a place that you call warm # Why, there are lots of towns in Colorado that make no preten- sions of being more than half-awake where I could not crow balf so loud or long asI have just done without having three or four bantams on my back, Warm! Is this what you calla warm reception? Boo! It chills me!’ And the speaker shivered and drew his jacket close about him in mock pretension of being cold. High Card Harry muttered a curse and ‘took a step forward, but halted suddenly and shook his head, ‘No, I'll not dive at the fool just yet,” said the gambler, beneath his breath, ‘‘ Let’s see what he will doif given alittle more rope. have more than half a mind that this is some kind of atrick to get me entangled in some scrape, Perhaps our foes are playing the game to get me pinned down to cards while they carry Out some kind of a move that I would be liable to thwart if I was looking round. No, if any one climbs Handy Jack, it won’t be me,” “Do you all belong to the church?” inquired the stranger sport, neck sneLy. ‘““Have you suddenly reformed and left all your bad habits in the lurch? I swear it looks that way! Per- haps you have heard of me and are afraid to try me on, I will allow thatIam bad medi- cine, but I sup I should strike a town which contained some bloods with sand, The reputation of Jasper is wide-spread, but I fancy that [ have been misinformed about the place. I reckon this must be a colony of retired Gonpel sharps. For Heaven’s sake, isn’t there one man among you who will come forward and play me eo Bae 4 ing a as pin eat ties 42 ECT ee 0 a ee ee ee EE CE ROE — a little gameof penny ante, just to keep me from perishing and passing up the flume?” High Card Harry ground out a guarded oath and again seemed on the point of advancing, but at this moment another voice was heard. ‘© Whoopee! I’m ther lily-like lulu ye’re look- in’ fer. I’m er full-blooded sport o’ ther ole school—hic!—I be! Wazzer masher with me, hey? If ye want fun, I’m jest ther galoot as kin give yeallye want. I’m ther boss poker-player “¢ frum ther—hic!—town 0’ Red Hot, I be. My | name’s Wagg, with Zrastus hooked in ther - thills, Jesh name yer game an’ I’m wish yer.” Once more the woolly-headed man was around, and if appearances were not very de- - ceptive, be was ‘‘gloriously elevated.” It ap- peared to be quite a task for him to keep on his feet, and his tongue was very thick, to judge by the words he uttered. For some reason no one within the room had offered to molest him, and since entering he had patronized the bar in a very liberal manner. It is probable that the gang was waiting for the word from High Card Harry before they ‘‘ climbed ” the vagrant from Jacktown. . Wagg reeled up to Handy Jack and halted be- fore the small sport, swaying unsteadily as he delivered the — just given, Jack surveyed the tramp, and a quizzical smile settled on his face, ‘‘ Hello! hello! hello!” he repeated, in, three different tones of voice, ‘‘Is this the kind of timber that Jasper City produces? Is this a specimen of your terrible sports? Ha! ha! ha! Really I am amused! What do you call this bundle of rags anyway?” ‘They call it a terror ter-dawgs,” replied the woolly-headed man, grinning in a very “‘ boozy” way, apparently thinking that he had uttered quite a joke. ‘*T should think it would frighten anything.” ‘*Then you’re skeered out—you take—hic!— washer?’ came quickly from Erastus, who evi- dently misunderstood the stranger’s meaning. ‘*T knowed it, You hain’t got no san’, you hain’t, arter you done all the crowin’. Hoop! I'm ther bully boy wish ther keerds—hic!—I be. Ob, ’mer lulu! Where’s ther galoot as wants me ter clean him out o’ hish loose wealth? I'd like ter git inter er game wish erbout ten ante an’ er thousan’ fer ther limit.” At this moment Wagg felt a heavy hand on his shoulder, and a hoarse voice growled in his ear: . “*Get out o’ this, you drunken, no-’count crit- ter! Stan’ back an’ give er man er show. You hain’t got ernuff stuff erbout ye fer pay fer er drink, say nuthin’ bout playin’ poker. Ef this hyer sport wants amoozement, J can ’commy- a= dagpe . a The speaker was a tall, supple-appearing fel- low, who was attired in cowboy qakeepeend wore a belt around his waist supporting a small arsenal of weapons, His face was covered by a heavy, brown beard, which somehow looked strangely out of place, Just one look at this person did Erastus take, then he clinched his hand and drew back bis fist with a suddenness that caused him to reel back several steps. / “ Jeeswax!” growled the drunken tramp. “I'd good mine ter hit yer one. I swan—hic!—I wud if ’tware’t fer killin’ ye. Who be you, anyhow?” **T am er bad man ter fool with,” was the re- ply. ‘‘I dunno’s I’ve got er name, but I’m generally called ther Tough frum Tucson, I’m an onpleasant man ter r’ile.” The speaker glared savagely at Erastus, as if trying to frighten the vagrant; but Wagg glared back as well as he was able toin his ey condition, and shook his fist at the ugh. “Treckon—hic!—I'll hev ter thump ye oncet,” nodded the camp tramp. ‘“T’'ll hev ter do it jest fer luck, I don’t reckon you knew w’at ye wash foolin’ wish w’en ye kem roun’ ole Wagg.” “Oh, ye think Waal, { dunno but I'll thump you once.” But when the paige sta forward with clinched fists, Wagg beg denly that he Jost his balance and fell flat upon his back, This caused a burst of laughter, and with a contemptuous gesture, the Man from Tucson turned from the fallen boaster to the stranger sport. “T hev ther rocks,” the Tucsonite asserted, displaying a roll of bills, ‘an’ wile I don’t be. long in this ele town, I c’u’dn’t b’ar ter hear ye crowin’ ther way ye was, I know how ter han’le ther keerds er leetle, fer I made this pile at poker, an’I didn’t git it out o’ er tenderfoot either. If you want sport, I’m with yer till I’m broke,” » af e’'d better hit me, do yel
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‘‘ There, that is business,” laughed the dandy, **T was afraid that I could find no fun in this slow town, but it seems that I am going to have a small show, if nothing more. We will take the nearest table, sir.” It did not take them long to get down to busi- ness, The game was soon opened with five dol- lars for the ante, and a thousand as the limit. A crowd of spectators crowded around to wit- ness the sport, a whom was High Card Harry, who scanned both Handy Jack and the Tough from Tucson in a searching manner, The deal fell to Handy Jack and the game began, The first pot—a light one—was raked down by the Tough, “Oh! Iam really a bad man with ther keerds,” laughed the winner. ‘‘ Ef thor feller I’m playin’ with don’t win on his own deal, he don’t win a tall.” The professional sport smiled. ‘* By that I should infer that you can put the papers just where you want to, My dear sir, it will prove mighty unpleasant for you if I catch you cheatin. ‘* Who sed ennythin’ ’bout cheatin’? I plays a@ square game, an’ if you ketch me cheatin’, ye’re welcumter, I reckonI kin chaw you up epnyhow.” ‘Dost think so, partner? Remember that appearances are ofttimes deceptive. It is safer for me to carry a derringer in each sleeve than for you to carry two aces in one sleeve. If you think not, just try the aces a whirl.” The game went on, and the Tough took the second pot. ‘*Ha! ha!” he laughed, ‘I reckon this is a picnic. I thought from your loud talk that you was er mighty chief, but I calkerlate I was off ela Now, bonest, cam you play a little i Tbe little man smiled in an unruffled manner, “Oh, yes, I thinkso. If you don’t mindI will take a few of the pots.” And he did, but from the first the Tough raked down the majority of them, The small sport watched his opponent’s play very closely, and soon decided that the Man from Tucson was a great hand toblaff, Ue made no sign of his dis- covery, but decided to catch him on a big pot, which he finally did, much to the tall man’s dis- st. ‘* Never mind,” came grimly from the Tough’s lips. ‘‘Tll make that all right directly. Iam goin’ ter sink ther knife deep w’en ther chance comes,” And when he held four qneans and an ace and discovered that Handy Jack possessed a good hand, he decided’ that his time had arrived. Jack laid his cards face down on the table, and in a few moments the betting became decidedly brisk. The spectators grew excited when they saw the limit raised several times, and there was a general move to get out of the “line of march” which would probably be taken by the bullets that were expected to follow the show- ing of hands, Finally Handy Jack called. “IT have four queens and an ace,” declared the Tough, laying his cards face upward on the table. “If you have four kings or a straight mare the money is yours, ‘If not, I scoop the He spoke calmly and without a trace of the dialect which he had at first assumed. And as calmly Handy Jack asserted: **T have the four kings.” Then he turned his cards over so that all could see that he spoke the truth. Fora moment ut- ed silence reigned, then the Tough from Tucson ssed: ‘Devils! I am beaten, but I will see the face beneath that beard.” Like a flash, be snatched away the false beard which concealed the winner’s features, As he saw the face revealed, a cry burst from his lips and was echoed by the crowd. ‘ The man thus unmasked was Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport! CHAPTER XII. HOT WORDS AND HOTTER, WORK, ** VIOLET VANE!” The name was repeated in accents of amaze- ment by a dozen witnesses of the sudden unmask- ing. The Velvet Sport’s work of the day before had given Jasper’s toughs cause to remember his ce, . Swift as bad been the Tough of Tucson’s move- ment, the man unmasked was eqnally as quick, and as he raked in bis winnings with one hand, with the other be flashed a revolver from some handy pocket and covered the Tucsonite. For several moments the two men sat in si- Violet Vane’s Victory. lence, glaring straight into each other’s eyes. Finally a light laugh broke from the lips of the venturesome little dandy. ‘*-You have seen my face, partner,” he said, as coolly as if he was not surrounded by a murder- ous band of deadly foes; ‘‘ but I figure it that you have paid well for the privilege.” ‘‘Yesh, tha’s er fac’,” mumbled the woolly- heaced man, ashe reeled up to the Tough. ‘‘ He’s paid fer it—hic!—ke hash, But now he’s seen your face, Sweet Vi’lets, s’posh you take er look at hish.” And with these words, the vagrant seized the Tough’s whiskers, gave a quick pull, and lo! they also proved to be false. It was Violet Vane’s turn to utter a cry of amazement as he saw the face exposed, ‘The Tough from Tucson” was none other but the Velvet Sport’s deadly foe, Dandy Dirk ! ‘* Whoopee /” came from the lips of the intoxi- cated Erastus, ‘I knowed it all thertime. Ye can’t fool ther ole man in thet way. Hooraw! Fush scalp fer ’Rastusb !” and he waved the beard wildly around his head. Seeing that his identity was exposed to the lit- tle sport, Dandy reached for a revolver, but Vane’s sharp words caused bim to pause before his hand touched the butt of the deadly weapon. ‘Hold hard, Tom Alicar! If you attempt to draw, you are a dead man!” There was a look in the dark eyes of the mun with the drop that caused Dandy Dirk to shiver in a of his usually steady nerves, The face of the little sport was like that of an avenging Nemesis, — “ Where is my sister ?” Low, cold and stern came the words from Vane’s lips. He glared straight into the eyes of the cowering man whom he addressed, and Dandy seemed incapable of making a reply. ‘“ Why don’t you answer, you cowardly kid- ig Where is she? Where is Ione Wil- son ?” Still the man addressed spoke not a word. Violet Vane leaned forward till the revolver which ho held nearly touched the forehead of the threatened scoundrel. “Speak, you villain!” he hissed. ‘* Speak, be- fore I bury a bullet in your brain!” In an instant Dandy seemed to regain some of his usual composure, for a strained laugh broke from his lips, “Shoot away, my little bantam, if you want to. If you think you will find your sister quicker by dropping me, drop away.” For a moment Vane seemed staggered. Dirk noticed this, and laughed again. “T thought you would put on the brake when you understood just how things stood. If you salt me, the chance of ever seeing your sister again will be mighty slim.” The Velvet Sport’s face paled visibly. ‘*Ha, ha! That hit you where you live, didn’t it?” came mockingly from the’slippery bank- breaker. ‘1 thought it would. But & fancy you care more to find Miss Wilson than your sister. ‘The chances are that you will never live to see either of them; and if you do live, it will be but to greet Ione Wilson as Mrs, Thomas Alicar,” For an instant it seemed that Violet Vane would burl himself across the table straight at the throat of bis mocking foe. He half-arose, and Dirk leaned further back in his chair to say: if Keep your clothes on, baby. You will get into a mighty bad muss if you try. it on.” Vane sunk back, still keeping the mocking rascal covered. ‘Tf you dare to harm a hair on her head, you shall suffer the tortures of the damned!” came from the little sport. ‘Oh, P'll not harm her, but she shall become my wife jusbthe same. Your sister will probably marry my very dear friend, Harry Harkman, known in these parts as High Card Harry, How do you like the prospect, baby ?” Dandy bowed. ‘That is what some folks call me,” he smiled. ‘Rather an unpleasant word, but unpleasant words hurt no one. Sinner or saint, I seem to hold the winning cards in this game.” - Violet Vane seemed little like the cool, nervy sport of the day before. Now that his sweet- heart and sister were in danger, his blood seem- ed to have turnel to molten lead. It was with the utmost difficulty: that he refrained from shooting his taunting enemy. He seemed to have no thought of his position, surrounded though he was on all sides by deadly foes. You shall give them up, or { will wring every drop of ier from your black heart cried the little sport, Se Le are a ll. ‘‘ Be kind enough to invite me to the wringing . will you?” smiled Dandy. Once more the two gazed iuto each other’s oe in silence. The crowd looked on breath- essly. ‘‘Thomas Alicar,” said Vane, with an attempt at composure, ‘if you do not tell me where those girls are concealed, I will kill you where you sit! My chance of finding them will be as good then as it is now.” ** Do you think so? Well, go on with your kill- ing, then. If you think you can sboot me and get out of this room alive, just try it.” **T will give you one minute in which to con- sider my words. If you are not ready to speak at the end of that time, you die!” “Tt is folly to waste sixty seconds in that manner, for I shall be no more ready to 5 ms when they are past never to return than I am now. I know where the girls are, but I defy you tofind them, They are safe in my power.” “The minute is passing.” “Let her pass. If she doesn’t hold the cards to open the pot, she had better pass.” ‘*Tf you do not talk, at the end of the time allotted you pass out of the game forever.” ‘| may have something tosay about that my- self. You think one six enough to rake the pot, but I may go you one better, in which case you will be apt to get a raise.” For a few moments utter silence followed these words, then Vane announced: “Time is up. Will you talk?” “Yes, I'll talk, and the first thing that I wil? tell you is that you are covered by half-a-dozen revolvers, held in the bands of as many of my friends who stand behind you. Had I wished to do so, 1 could have given them the wink some Ene and you would have been riddled with ead. “Tha’s er fac’, Sweet Vi’lets,” affirmed the woolly-headed man. ‘‘ They’ve got yer kivered, but if I don’t—hic!—shee double, there’s jesh er duzzen o’ ’em, stead o’ six. They’ve all got their re—hic!—solvers out an’ got ye kivered. I'll bet them resolvers are loaded too, I will.” Violet Vane was in a tight box. Fora mo- ment silence followed the camp tramp’s words, then a startling and unexpected thing occurred. A wild yell pealed from the Velvet Sport’s lips, and like a flash he kicked his own chair from beneath him and dove under the table at which he and Dirk had been sitting. Up into the air shot the table, and at the same instant Dandy went over backward, his chair being up- set by the nimble sport. Then a volley of pistol- shots rung out, followed by cries of pain, Up from the floor sprung the velvet dandy to plunge into the very midst of his foes, striking right and left, A terribly unequal battle had begun, But, Violet Vane was not to contend unaided with his many foes. With a whoop, Erastus Wage was at his side, his drunkenness seeming to disappear like magic, “Sock it to em, Sweet Violets!” bellowed the old ragamouffin, as he plunged into the thickest of the melee, ‘‘Give ’em Hail Columby an’ Yankee Doodle! We kin wallop ther gang! This is w’at stirs er feller’s blood, Whoopee? This is ther galorious day o’ salvation!” Whoops, oaths, pistol-shots and all the sounds of a d rate hand-to-hand conflict echoed through the room and the smell of burned pow- der filled the air. CHAPTER XITI. LAUGHING LU CHIPS IN. SuDDENLY through the smoke of battle which bad commenced to gather within the rooma brawny form appeared, and, an instant later, Solid Sid, the marshal, launched himself into the midst of the fray, uttering a shout that was heard above al! the uproar. The gang knew the marshal, and for a moment there was a lull in the conflict, during which Sid was heard to shout: ‘‘ Make way here, make way! Give meroom!” His muscular arms sent the men to the right and left as if they were so many sticks and witb little trouble he gained the Velvet Sport’s side. But the pause) in the battle was only mo- mentary, for High Card Harry’s voiee was heard crying: : “Down with him! Jump the velvet dandy? Don’t let him escape from this room!” Thus adjured, the desperado’s satellites once more pressed toward the Velvet Sport, who was fighting with Wagg on one side and Solid Sid on the other. In a few moments the conflict be- came nearly twice as furious as it had been at any previous time, ‘ ‘Cum on, you heavy hitters!” howled the woolly-headed man, as he worked his arms like
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ee eee as - ee ae oo ae = Violet Vane’s Victory. “= ‘piston-rods, his hard fists catching many a ruffian High Card Harry had been amazed at Laugh- And when the lights were restored within the Bi ‘on some tender spot, ‘* There hain’t only three | ing Lu’s sudden appearance in the saloon when | saloon, it did seem that the gambler’s treacher- ry) ©’ us, but we kin make it mighty interestin’-like he thought her safe in the secret cellar, guarded | ous trick had succeeded, for both Vane and bis hs fer yer bull dirty gang. Jeehocus what a time | by two trusty ruffians, and for a time the card- | sister were gone. Erastus Wagg and the Cool this is!” sharp’s astonishment rendered him incapable of | Case had also disappeared. We ‘“‘ Back!” roared the marshal. “ The man who | action; but, with a sudden effort, he became | Solid Sid lay upon the floor, groaning faintly, haat touches Violet Vane has to walk over my body! | himself once more—a crafty, scheming scoundrel | apparently badly hurt in some way. Within a You all know me. If you don’t let up on thi-, | —and turning to the ruffian nearest him, gave a | three feet of him lay one of High Card Harry’s ‘ Tl pull my barkers and wipe out your whole | few burried orders in a low tone of voice. The | ruffianly tools with a bullet in his brain, his e i gang.” gambler was not ready to give up allhope of | wicked career ended forever. There were sev- bh Sid had the reputation of being a very bad disposing of the man he so bitterly bated, and he eral more of the gang lying on the floor, all k. man with a‘ gun,” but bis words did not quell | intended to again get Vane’s sister in his pos- severely wounded, making it apparent that “oe the riot, Still the ruffians pressed forward, session, if such a thing was possible. | some of the desperadoes bad tried to settle old urged on, by the eard-sbarp and Dandy Dirk. Suddenly Harry found andy Dirk at his | scores. Neither High Card or Dandy were in > The battle waged fiercer and fiercer and the | side. the room. smoke which filled the room grew dense and “* Curse the luck{” hissed the man from Jack- But, the villainous gambler’s scheme had been ey suffocating. As if hoping to create consterna- | town. ‘‘ How did she escape!” : a failure, for the seedy little sharp, Cool Case, Fa tion in the hearts of their foes, many of the “Don’t ask me,” answered the gambler, in a | bad been looking for just such a move, and the | toughs were firing their revolvers straight up at | cautious tone. .“She is here; that is all I know instant the light went out he worked with in- f the heavy planks above their heads. * | about it.” credible swiftness. Ais first move was to in- : j Now that the danger was ver great and the “And the chances are that the other is free | vert one of his revolvers and strike a terrible odds were against him, Violet Tane seemed to | too. Their friends have stolen a march on us.” | blow with the butt of the weapon, aiming a have regained his usual coolness. He kept his ‘It looks that way.” straight toward the spot where he had seen a , } eyes on Dandy Dirk and tried to fight his way “ What are you going to do?” man’s head an instant before the lights went. f toward the slippery bank-breaker; but the surg- “Tam going to regain possession of Laughing | out. Fortune favored the small man, for his iug crowd pressed between them and carried | Lu and wipe out her brother.” revolver landed on the temple of the very man them further and further apart. A desperate “ How will you work it?” he hoped to hit, dropping that individual like a } resolve gleamed in the little sport’s eyes and his “J could easily set the gang on herif I wished, | log. At the same instant that he delivered the ‘EF hands flew to his revolvers. At that moment a | but [ havea better way. Atasignal from me, blow he cried to Wage: AF most unfortunate thing occurred. out go the lights, When they are restored, the “ Look out for Vane.” ‘ “5 For some reason Solid Sid reeled sideways and | girl and her brother will be gone. No one but But, already had Erastus seized the Velvet fell against his deputy, and then, in some unac- ; my special tools will be able to tell what has | Sport in his arms, having first knocked down a& countable manner Violet Vane was hurled to the oe floor. Ina moment he sprung up, but as he was ee rising, he received a blow on the head that ' knocked him senseless for the time. . A yell of delight pealed from the lips of the ruffians as they witnessed the Velvet Sport’s misfortune. In another instant they would have ® hurled themselves upon the fallen man and a ‘Vane’s life would have ended then and there, Through the room rung a sbrill feminine cry" Be igs and a small figure dasbed through the crowd oh and came to a halt near the unlucky sport, happened, and I have taken care to select men | man whom he found over Vane in the darkness, with close mouths.” —- Then the quick-witted vagabond made for the “Good enough! Wipe out the velvet dandy | nearest window. by all means! With him removed from our | When he got outside, Wagg was amazed and way, we will have little trouble in holding this delighted to find the Cool Caseat his side, sup- town. Work lively. Hark! what is she say- porting Laughing Lu. ing?” “This way,” came sharply from the little “T fancy I can name the wretches at the bot- | sharp’s lips. ‘We must hie ourselves away from tom of this piece of dirty work,” repeated the | this vicinity with all possible speed, A few mo- brave girl. ‘* They are cowards and kidnappers! | ments hence this spot will swarm with angry One of them is well known bere in Jasper; the | rascals as might a shaken hornets’ nest with other is a villain from Jacktown.” angry hornets, We had better vanish in the nt E “Back, you wolves!” came sharply from the “You've struck ’em first pop, miss, and no | gloaming if we do not wish to be stung.” wy girl standing there with a cocked revolver in | mistake.” ‘“‘ Right you are, your reverence, “ad on.” . f er right hand—‘‘ back, I say! The first man A cool, placid voice—a voice that sounded Five minutes later they were 1n the midst of a | he who tries to Jay a hand on my brother dies!” strangely familiar to High Card Harry. A mo- | little party of friends and Violet Vane was sit- ment later a snmsall, seedy, red- bearded man | ting up, rubbing his head in a dazed manner. stepped forward and halted beside the girl. ‘What bas bappened?” he asked, gazing blank- It was the Cool Case! | ly around, and finally allowing his eyes to rest ee 4 “Taughin’ Lu!” . be ‘‘ Ther Queen o’ Jasper!” f AG, ‘She holds ther drop!” « An’ ber eyes say shoot!” Lifting his battered high bat, the little man | on the face of his sister, who was beside him. : ae: 3 “Look out fer cold lead!” bowed to the girl with a grace that no one would | ‘I feel as if I had been struck a heavy blow.” ea “ Hold hard, pards; don’t crowd er leddy.” have dreamed him capable of, at the same time “ My dear sir,” smiled the Cool Case, who was > “ A very good reason for committing a miur- A GRAND rush for the doors and windows fol- | grip on your nerves, and I know it. Let’s hear Pre |e hs 4 der!”- sneered the girl, her dark eyes flashing | lowed tbe extinguishing of the lights. There | the lady’s story, then we shall know what kind f ites scornfully. ‘ But you cannot touch him whileI | was not a man within the room who did not | of a place we are going to. It is best to go slow vit rel cis live! I will defend bin with my life! I fancy I | know that he bad one or more enemies near at and sure.” ee ean name the contemptible wretches who are | hand, and he also knew that the’ darkness would The words served to cool the Velvet Sport in a tee oe at the bottom of this dastardly piece of busi- | favor the settling of old scores and doing so in a | measure, but he began’ to examine bis weapons > eee ness.” very secret manner. Some of the very men | a Luona told herstory. ‘The reader knows what e & is Her eyes ran from face to face as if searching | who had stood shoulder to shoulder and howled | she had to tell up to the time of Ned Morris’s ap- tas for some one. Was Dandy Dirk the man she was | for the Velvet Sport’s blood were the first to | pearance. P ae looking for? Be this as it may, the Jacktown make a break for the outer air. In the sudden “When the two men sprung upon him,” con- ‘eas ; Toe j desverado took good care to keep in the densest | darkness they ran into and fell over each other tinued the girl, “I was frozen with terror. I ae le of the crowd and avert bis face so that she could | while curses, yells, blows and an occasional | did net seem able to move a hand or foot, but ro snot recognize bim, / pistol-shot made a medley of sounds which were | sat staring at the struggle like one fascina Sa, With a revolver in either band, Solid Sid | appalling. For a time Ned seemed almost a match for his ee i ” stood at the girl’s side, his aspect being that ofa| It seemed that everything favored High Card | two assailants, and I began to ho that he 5, te Py man who is undecided what move to make, On Harry’s crafty game. In the excitement both | would be the victor. But, finally, t saw that ! hay x the other side stood the woolly-headed vagrant, Violet Vano and his sister could be seized and | they were overpowering bim, The realization i nese im) 0b Erastus Wagg, appearing somewhat amazed, but | carried from the room to some place where they | that he was being conquered broke the spell i would be safe in the card-sharp’s power. If the which seemed to bind me, and my first. thought hated velvet dandy failed to appear again in | was to aid bim in some way, I looked at Ione Jasper, who ‘could say what bis fate had been and saw that she was lying face downward on or point to the men who put him “out of the | the bed, The next moment I saw the open | way?” trap-door. If 1 could only escape and go for | { ot. be " glaring defiance at the crowd. From bis ap- Bis pearance, it was quite evident that his drunken- ao ness had been assumed, for he was quite sober. oe: =~ | The camp tramp was 4 very successful accor in | eertain lines.
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Violet Vane’s Victory. assistance! Without being discovered, I reached the corner beneath the opening. The ‘cellar was shallow at best, and we could not pe stand erect in it. To my joy, I found that could reach up and grasp the edges of the open trap. **T can scarcely describe what followed till I found myself on the street. I was almost be- side myself with fear, fer every moment I ex- pected that one of the men would clutch me and drag me down into the cellar, How I ever succeeded in pulling myself up through that opening I cannot tell, but I did so. In some wayt Seis my way out of the cabin to the street. There I halted, not knowing which way toturn, Fate finally led me toward the saloon, through the open door of which I saw my brother. A revolver lay glistening on the floor as I crossed the threshold. I seized the weapon and rushed forward. I need not tell what fol- lowed.” Violet Vane had listened with marked im- patience to his sister’s story, and now asked: **Can you lead us to that cabin, Lu?” **T think so, for I took particular notice of its appearance when I was on the street, thinking that I would bring some one to aid poor Ned.” ‘“‘Then lead us there at once,” adjured tbe nervous fellow. ‘Every moment we delay but diminishes our chance of rescuing Ione and Ned. » In a few moments the little party was on the street, following Laughing Lu toward the spot where they hoped to find the imperiled ones. Ina short time the cabin was reached, The door was closed and everything around it seemed silent and gloomy. Vane uttered an involun- tary groan, “They have taken the alarm and fled,” came hoarsely from his lips, | yo nig “m not,” said Erastus, hoping to en- courage his little ‘ pard,” who seemed strangely unnerved just then, ‘They w’n’dn’t be very ap’ ter “luminate ther place, They may be thar jest ther same.” Casey said not a word, but immediately tried the door, only to find it fastened. Without an instant’s hesitation, the small man hurled him- self against the door with such force that it flew open, Then he turned to the others, saying: ** Come on.” The red-headed man stood by the door till they had all entered the cabin, then he closed fad fastened it as well as he could. His next move was to produce a small bull’s-eye lantern and open the slide. ‘You will observe that I am equipped,” he laughed softly. ‘‘In fact, I have been thar be- fore many a time. Now, Miss Howard, will you show us the locality of that trap-door?” The door was readily found and opened. Utter darkness reigned in the shallow cellar ow! _“Tt is as I feared,” came fiercely from Violet Vane’s lips, Then he fell on bis knees and called: “Tone! Ione! Are you there?” Noanswer, All was silent in the secret cellar- prison, “Give me that lantern,” and with it in his possession, Vane sprung into the cellar. A quick survey of the dismal place convinced him that it was indeed deserted. ‘Ione, my darling!” he hoarsely breathed. ‘“‘Tf they dare to harm you, I will have their hearts’ blood!” When he became convinced that the place was deserted by the living, he more than half ex- cted to find the dead body of his sister’s lover, ed Morris. Once more he flashed the light around the place, and he drew a breath of relief when he discovered nothing of the dreaded sight he feared to behold, a ¥ ‘They have gone, as I feared,” he said as he passed the lantern up to Cool Case and then sprung through the trap into the room, ‘‘ There is no trace of Ione or Ned. 1 fear the latter has n disposed of; and they have without doubt removed Ione to another place of confinement.” “Hark!” exclaimed the Cool Case suddenly, “* What's that?” They all listened and plainly beard a chorus of wild cries and Babel of voices which appeared to be swiftly approaching. ‘“‘Suthin’s bruck loose,” observed the woolly- headed man, Casey hastened to the front of the cabin and d out into the street, Several of the others mitated his example, . Swiftly the cries came nearer till a dark body of men appeared burrying down the street, They halted directly in front of the cabin occu- ’ ied by our friends, and High Card Harry was beard to cry: ‘Surround that building! . He is in there!” The mob quickly obeyed their leader’s com- mand, and almost before our friends could understand what was happening they were sur- rounded by the yelling gang. ** Jeehocus!” grunted the woolly-headed man, ** Tt looks like we wuz in er tight box!” Then came the cry: ** Hello, within the cabin!” To which Erastus promptly responded: ** Hello, yerself, an’ see how ye like it!” **Ts Violet Vane in there?” ‘* None o’ ver durned business,” was the prompt retort, ‘* Hain’t ye glad ye foun’ out?’ There was a moment of silence, and then an- | other voice cried: “* We know he is in there, and he may as well come out and give himself up. He is wanted.” ** Wanted fer w’at?” “For murder!” was the amazing reply. CHAPTER XV. THE STRUGGLE BEGINS IN EARNEST, For a moment the little party within the cabin was speechless with astonishment; then Violet Vane uttered an imprecation, and reached Erastus’s side by the window. Before the woolly-headed man could prevent, he crie@: “Yes, [ am here, Tom Alicar. I recognize your. voice, you vile bank-robber and kidnap- r! There wasa brief silence, then Dandy Dirk shouted, triumphantly: “T knew you were there, you slippery little devil! We have you foul this time. You may as well surrender.” : ‘*Surrender!” retorted the Velvet Sport, scornfully; ‘‘never! If you want me you will have to take me,” *€ An’ we'll make it durned interestin’ fer your durned gang o’ hyenas!” yelled Erastus, ‘* We kin hole ther fort hyer fer all we're wu’th. There are jest twenty in hyer, an’ every man’s armed with er breech-loadin’ cannon, W’en we git ter slingin’ grape an’ canister inter your ranks you'll think you’re struck by Ole Death- an’-deestrucshun, you will.” Of course Wagg exaggerated the number within the cabin—he could not repress his natu- ral inclination: to “stretch” the truth. Besides that, he thought that if he made the toughs be- lieve that there was a large number within the building, they would not be in such a hurry to attack the place. There were really just eight men within the cabin, the Cool Case having quietly and mysteriously disappeared. Less than half a minute before the ruffians surround- < the place he had silently slipped out of a rear oor, ‘“* Will some one put a plaster over that fool’s mouth?” came angrily from High Card Harry, 2 ae him still if you can, while his betters talk. ‘“You see that the doors and windows are fastened and guarded, Erastus;” said Vane, ‘*T will parley with these fellows, Have the men prepare for a desperate fight, for we ma as well open the ball now as to wait longer. If the other party only learns of our trouble and comes to our assistance, we will be all right, for that gang will be overpowered.” The vagrant turned fo obey the little sport’s orders, although he could scarcely repress his in- clination to fling one more taunt at the ruffians around the cab. As soon as Wagg left the window, the voice of Dandy Dirk was heard again: “ Are you going to surrender, Violet Vane?” ‘Not to you, you dastardly kidnapper!” was the swift reply. _ é ‘Then. we will pull down the hut over your head. You are charged with murder, and wo are bound to have you.” , ‘Charged with the murder of whom?”. - “* Ducky Splinters.” * And who was Ducky Splinters?” ‘“‘ 4 gentleman well known in this place, His friends say that you salted him,” “Splinters was a bummer and tough of the lowest order,” volunteered one of the men witb- in the cabin. “If he is dead, the town is well rid of a pars proiet character, and the respectable Citizens will thank the man who put him out of the way for the service he basdone them. He was one of High Card Harry’s trusted tools,” Vane thanked his informant, and then’turned to the window once more. ‘* When was this gentleman killed?” he in- quired of the spokesman forthe toughs, - - “T reckon you know well ernuff,” yelled an unfamiliar voice, ‘‘ He wuz my pard, an’ you laid him out, You've got ter swing fer it, too,” m.“‘He was shotin the Night Hawk Saloon,” Thus far no one had noticed his absence,’ answered High Card Harry. ‘‘ The boys allsay that ae dropped bim.” . “T deny the charge, for 1 did not use my weapons to finish any one.” A yell of derision came from the mob, and the gambler cried: ‘“*That won’t hold water! If you have any defense to make, you can make it before the judge. As Alcalde of Jasper, 1 demand your surrender,” ‘\Have you a warrant?” No, nor do [ need ove, We are here to take you, dead or alive, and we are going todo it. ‘ou sball have a fair trial.” The Velvet Sport laughed scornfully. ‘* A fair trial!” he sneered. “I know the kind of trial I should get. You would all unite in a trial of speed to see how soon you could get» to the nearest tree with a good stout limb, No, thank you; no Judge Lynch in mine when the judge is a consummate villain and cowardly wretch,” “Thanks for the compliment,” came coolly from the gambler’s lips; ‘‘ but if you are re- ferring to me, I will inform you that there is no way of escaping a trial before Harry Harkman. As alcalde, my word is law.” . “But the honest men of the place deny your being the alcalde, By what right do you hold that office?” “The right of might, and the Sunday-good men of this town will find they have tackled a mighty big job when they attempt to displace me, . At this moment the voice of Dandy Dirk broke ip sharply: : ‘What is the need of all this talk! Weare wasting time,” ‘* Ah-al” cried the sport, at bay. ‘* You are still there, are you?) What bave you done witb lone Wilson, you erg igs kidnapper?” “That is for you to find out,” was the tri. umphant reply, ‘* She is safe in my power,” ‘*If you dare to barm her in any way, I will have your heart’s blood!” was Vane’s fierce de- claration. It was Dirk’s turn to laugh. ‘*When we are through with you;” he re- torted, ‘‘ you will not thirst for any one’s heart’s blood. There is a tree within the limits of Jas- per that will bear singular fruit before another sunrise.” To this Vane made no response, but turned to call to Wugg: ‘Come here, Erastus.” The woolly-headed man promptly obeyed. ** Where is the small man who broke down the door?’ “Ts it samy | you mean?” **T believe [ heard you call him that.” ** Waal, I reckon he’s gone, pard.” “Gone!” exclaimed the sport. “How can that be? He was here when that gang came down the street,” “T know it, pard; but be wuzn’t hyer arter they surrounded ther cabing,” This piece of information startled Vane some- what. He could not understand how the little red-headed sharp, had escaped frcm the place without being ‘seen. For a moment he was silent, then he said slowly: “That looks bad. I don’t like it, anyway.” “Tt duz look quare thet he sh’u’d skin jest w’en we wuz in ther tightest corner,” admitted the tramp. ‘He might have staid an’ holped us hole off ther gang.” “That is not what I mean, old man.” - For a brief space of time Wagg was too startled to speak, but he finally exclaimed: “No, no! Don’t git thetinter yer head, pard? Leetle Casey ain’t no traitor!” ag how do you know? Who is he any- wa I fear treachery, ‘'Wa-al,” drawled the ragged vagabond, “i dunno how I know, but I’m willin’ ter bet fifty thousan’ erg’in’ ten that he hain’t crooked. Who he is excep’ that he calls hisself a Cool Case, I can’t tell. He’s er mighty queer critter.” “That is a fact, and that is one reason why I am suspicious of bim, Who is he? None of the men with us seem to know him.” - ““T reckon be must be a stranger in ther camp.” ne “Then what can be his motive in pretending to be friendly to us?” To this Erastus could make no reply and coulé only say that the Cool Case had been friendly to them and had rendered them a great service by coming to their aid when they_were hemmed in by roughs in the Night Hawk Saloon, “Still I do not fully trust him,” declared Vane. ‘We are going to have a desperate fight and must keep an eye open for any foul int wa et mea Fa Sion aglisal Siege 8: | ghd 0.2 poece —~—
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- stated that he had seen the wrestler 14 move that will give our enemies the advantage ofus., Are the doors and windows fastened and guarded?” ** Bet yer boots!” ** And every man is ready to fight?” “Ter ther death,” “ They are calling to me once more, Seethat Lu isin the safest place possible, forI fancy that the fight will begin directly.” Then he again turned to the window. & ‘What is wanted?” The voice of High Card aia 4 responded: “This is the last call, Will you come forth and surrender? If you refuse I shall let my men loose, and will bave you out of there in twenty seconds.” ‘¢Well, then, you may as well let them loose, but let me warn you that we shall give you a hot reception, My friends are armed to the teeth and can shoot to kill, We shall make a hole in your little army.” “Bah! You cannot frighten us that way. ‘You are our meat. Ready, boys! Now, fire!” The ringing command was heard all round the cabin and a perfect rain of lead was poured into the windows and walls. Two of the defenders of the cabin received serious wounds, but the ruffians’ shots were immediately ans- wered in a similar manner. Standing in one of the windows, Violet Vane worked his revolvers with a coolness and rapid- ity that was quite amazing, and every time his fingers touched a trigger the bullet that left the weapon found a living target. He seemed to bear a charmed life, for although the bullets whistled thickly around him, not one touched his flesh. Whether he was doing much execution or not, Erastus Wagg was making considerable noise. The crack of his long-barreled revolvers was mingled with his wild yells as he shouted his de- fiance and derision to those outside the cabin, The other men were doing all they could, and Laughing Lu was |! ng flat on the cabin floor, where Wagg had told her to get to escape the flying bullets, High Card Harry did not long delay in giving the order: ‘Break down the doors and yank ‘em out! Down with the doors! Come on! But, the rufflans never hurled themselves against the doors, for at that moment a wild cheer came from up the street, Then down through the darkness swept a band of horsemen, uttering a chorus of yells as they charged on the besiegers of the cabin. The leader of the party that had so oppor- tunely arrived on the scene was the Cool Case! Like chaff before a strong wind the ruffians scattered before the moun men, who began to use their revolvers as soon as they were near enough to discern the forms of the gambler’s satellites in the darkness. With a dozen of his supporters following him, Dandy Dirk being of the number, the card-sharp fled down the street, pursued by the victorious horsemen, esate A open the cabin door, Violet Vane stood with his empty revolvers in his hands gaz- ing toward the dark retreating mass of men, bis eyes noting every red flash and his ears drinking in the sounds of pistol-shots and wild yells, a aa struggle has begun in earnest,” he mut- CHAPTER XVI. DANDY DIRK’S DEFIANCE. Tr defeated and furious ruffians took refuge in the Night Hawk Saloon, whither the mounted men, who had so opportunely arrived on the scene of action, could not pursue them, To say that High Card Harry and Dandy Dirk were furious would be expressing it mildly, for both of the baffled villains were fairly beside them- selves with rage. ‘The Jacktown desperado nearly swore bimself into a fit, As soon as he regained some of his usual com- posure, the card-sharp an to inspect the men who had fled to the saloon. He saw that at . least two-thirds of his supporters were within the building, but to his surprise he could find nothing of Hickory Jimmy. Saul the Spotter, however, was on hand, and on being questioned, all at the first fire of the,mounted men, This information again filled the gambler with the fiercest rage. “They shall pay dearly for this night’s work!” he rav' ** Violet Vane shall hang and some of the too-good-to-live people shall keep him com- _ Remember, the velvet dandy is marked forthe rope. Spare him with your lead.” In the struggle that afterward occurred it is well that Vane’s relentless foe gave this order to his men, for more than once could they have dropped the Velvet Sport, but remembering Violet Vane’s Victory. Harry’s words, they refrained from doing 80. Both the Jasper City gambler and the Jacktown desperado seemed to feel that Vane was responsi- ble for the condition of affairs, and nothing but the little man’s blood would satisfy their craving for revenge. “‘Barricade the doors and guard the win- dows,” was High Card Harry’s order, “The fizht has begun in dead earnest, and it’s ten to one that they attempt to drive us out of here be fore morning. It is not going to be boys’ play either.” The gambler took charge of the lower part of the building and sent Dirk to look 6ut for the upper portion. Preparations were made for a regular siege. ‘There are more of the boys who should be here,” said the self-appointed alcalde, ‘* Where are Hook-Nosed Jim and his party?” “¢ At ther south eend ov ther camp,” replied a man who wasstanding near. ‘‘T know they were sent to look after the south end; but they were told to join us at the first indications of a regular battle. I cannot under- stand why they are not here.” Then, after glancing around: “ Hustler Hank and his men donot seem to be here. . Haven’t they come in from the north?” ‘*T reckon not.” ‘* Well, then you slip ont and send in both parties, You can do so now without trouble in ea but ina short time from now this uilding will be surrounded so that such a move will be impossible.” os The man hurried away to obey the order, and High Card Harry’s amazement and rage cannot be described when, thirty minutes later, his satellite returned with the information that Hook-Nosed Jim and his men were not to be found within the limits of Jasper. The indica- tions were that, fearing the final defeat of the toughs, they had ‘‘ skipped ” while there was yet time to do so, The gambler swore like a bebe ‘* Where is the Hustler?’ he demanded, Then came a still greater surprise for the card- proest The Hustler and his men had been cap- tured by their enemies and were all eae 2 under a close guard. Harry’s rage knew no bounds and for atime he was like a madman. When at last he bad cooled in a measure, he hissed : ** They have stolen a march on me, buf I am not downed by aiy means. Curse them alll! They shall learn what it ‘is to buck against Harry Harkman! I can hold my own in this town, as they will discover before this affair is ended.” Meanwhile the respectable eitizens of the camp had been gathering around the building in which the ruffians had taken refuge, and every- thing seemed to indicate that a combined attack on the place was contemplated. After see- ing that his sister was in a place of safety, Violet Vane had } gma those around the ruffians’ retreat and, by common consent, had echo taken command of the citizens who ad resolved to clean out the toughs. Solid Sid could not be found. As usual Erastus Wagg was on hand. It was very seldom that the camp tramp gave his mouth a rest, and on this occasion he seemed to be “ working it forall it was worth,” “ Feller-citizens,” he bellowed, “we hev run ther enemy ter his hoel. Thar in thet rum-hoel o’ ruin he has turned ter show his teeth fer ther las’ time. Ther time hes cum w’en he hes got ter succum’, Thet’s er pun, but in course if ye hain’t eddigated like I be, ye can’t ’preciate it. But, if ye hain’t eddicated, ye kin fight jest ez hard in this year tussil thet’s cumin’, Beyend them walls is ther galoots as hev caused all this ruction, Their leaders are High Keerd Hurrah an’ Dandy Dirk, two cusses thet are jest fit fer ther rope. Oae o’ them has proclaimed hisself Alcalde of Jasper, an’ he proposes ter run this ear camp jest as he durned pleases. Reckon th o’ them hes fergut ther time w’en ey. or Violet Vane an’ got beaucherfully 1-e-f-t, eft, ** Sweet Violets takes ther lead— Er jolly lad, you,bet! ‘We've got ther rascals treed, An’ now we'll make ’em sweat.” Erastus was becoming poetical, but those who heard him sing were inclined to think that he was anything but musical, However his “ effu- sion” caused more than one to smile, Violet Vane was — worried about Ione. The uncertainty of her fate preyed upon him, and he was impatient to get his hands on Dand Dirk and force the truth from the scoundrel’s lips, Perhaps it was this impatience that caused ————— —_—_—_—- Ov OwOllOWOl™O him to consent when the men begged him to be allowed to charge on the saloon and attempt to dislodge the ruffians at once. Be that as it may, he did consent and he led the charge in person, It is impossible to describe the _ terrific battle that followed. A concentrated attack was made on all sides of the saloon, and the be- siegers did their best to force an entrance by some of the windows or the doors, but they were finally repulsed with a loss that was far from trifling. The ruffians within the building were in savage earnest, and they bad not wasted their lead by any means. More than one of Jasper’s citizens received his ‘last sickness ” during the struggle, and at least a dozen were wounded. The damage done the defenders of the saloon could not be determined by the at- tacking party. Great was the excitement and rage which the besiegers felt when they learned of their loss, after being forced to retreat before the galling fire poured from the saloon windows, The fallen men’s friends swore to have revenge, and the entire party united in pledging themselves to hang together till Jasper was freed of the scoundrels which infested the town. The re- pulse seemed to make the defeated party all the more determined in their purpose. The wounded were removed to a building near by and their injuries attended to, while the dead were taken in charge by their friends, : It was a black night for Jasper or Although he was greatly affected by the re- | anpoe the Velvet Sport successfully disguised is real feelings and did his best to encourage the desperate citizens. He searched everywhere amid the besiegers, hoping to find some one who knew something about the marshal, but no one could give him any information. Solid Sid was not to be found. The Cool Case was also miss- ing. During the struggle, Erastus Wagg had been safel y hidden behind one of the cabins which stood nearest the scene of action. His position afforded him the utmost security from flying lead, while he could listen to the sound of the conflict and feel all the excitement of a com- batant, Occasionally he would peer around the corner to see if the attacking party had forced an entrance to the building. The woolly-hedded man had a great desire to be with the first to reach the bar of the saloon, and be did not want to expose himself amid the flying bullets for fear something would happen to prevent him from getting there at all. “ Tt’d be jest my durned luck ter be ee coe. fu’st off,” he muttered. ‘‘Someway I feel ree- markably peaceful jest now.” And when the struggle was all over, the cau- tious vagabond mingled with the defeated fac- tion, and boasted about how hard he bad fought. Truly, the tramp was an enigma—an unfath- omable mixture of cowardice and bravery, Within the saloon the roughs were jubilant over their ear They were drinking freely, much to High Card Harry’s secret annoyance and gave vent to their hilarity in wild yells o delight. For reasons of his own, the card-sharp did not come out openly and declare that any one of his followers should not have any more liquor, but he managed to make the barkeeper understand that he did not wish certain ones to have another drink. And the barkeeper was careful not to let them have any—when the gambler was around, 3 Harry was confident that the defeated citi- zens would not make another attack that night; and he was right, The rest of the night passed an and morning came. Just at sunrise iolet Vane, bearing a white flag, was seen ad- vancing from one of the cabins a short distance up the street, High Card Harry bastily joined Dandy Dirk in the upper part of the building, and together the two eppenret at one of the windows, Dirk covering the Velvet Sport witha cocked revolver, as he cried: “Halt! What do you want?” Vane stopped Lecbin!¢A “T came to demand the surrender of yourself and that man by your side,” he replied, coldly. The Jacktown desperado laughed sneeringly- “Well, you have gall! Why should we sur~ render?” y “ Because the citizens of Jasper demand it. I call on those deluded men who are there wit ou to come out By oay' and leave the town, The will be allowed to depart in peace.” While we will be retained as prisoners?” 4 ctly.” 6 Fat I advise you to go soak your head Lid “Tf you do not surrender,” pursued Vane, calmly, “ you will be driven from that building before the sun 1s two hours high,”
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| ‘*My dear sir, do you take us for fools? You can’t drive us from this building. You have tried it once, which I should think would bea lesson to you. If you want another dose of the same, sail in again.” ** But we shall go about it inanentirely differ- ent manner this time.” ** And we don’t care a continental how you go about it. We hold this saloon and defy you to oust us. Go ahead with your picnic and see which side gets the worst of it.” CHAPTER XVII. SOLID SID SHOWS HIS HAND, ‘“ PERHAPS you will change your mind when i know what we have decided to do,” said the elvet Sport, as serenely as ever. ‘‘ The citi- zens of this place have agreed that the building which you occupy is a disgrace to the town. There are no cabins in the immediate vicinity of the saloon and scarcely a breath of air seems to be stirring this morning. It is an excellent time to make a bonfire of that old ark,” The two desperadoes looked startled, This was something quite unexpected, and for several mo- ments they conversed in low tones, Finally Vane grew impatient and called: PA rs. what do you say—is it surrender or no yo Card Harry spoke for the first time: ** So your little band of Sunday-school chil- dren have turned incendiaries, have they?” he sneered. ‘*A very commendable method of procedure,” ‘“* When we deal with rattlesnakes, we should not have scruples about our methods of handling them. Allis fair in war.” “Exactly. But I will tell You will not burn this building. “Then you will accept our terms?’ *“‘Notatall, We still hold the winning hand in this little game. If you would like it, you,can see the cards.” Vane was puzzled, but quietly replied: **T do not catch your meaning,” Dandy Dirk disappeared from the window, and the gambler said: ““We will explain with pleasure. It only takes a knave and a queen to whip the hand you hold, Here they are.” And then Ned Morris and Ione Wilson ap- peared at the open window, closely guarded by several men, Ned’s hands were tightly bound behind him. “There are my winning cards, dear sir,” smiled the card-sharp, as he waved his hand toward the captives. ‘If you think you have got anything that will lay over them, juSt trot it out, you one thing: For several moments the Velvet Sport was speechless, High Card Harry watched Vane hip a look of triumph on his handsome, cruel ‘ace, ‘Ha! hal ha!” he laughed. “How do you like their looks, little rant? You may be able to out-cheat me at poker, but I am more than a match for yoa at this little game.” “You cowardly kidnapper!” cried the Sport, hotly. ‘‘ You shall be called to an account for this. Itis a villainous trick worthy of such a dastardly rascal as you,” “Thanks, awfully,” bowed the triumphant man in the window. “TI will repeat your words of a short time ago: ‘ Allis fair in war,’” “We shall conquer you yet,” declared Vane. **‘ Beware how you ee a prisoners, for if they. are harmed, you have to answer to me, “Exactly. They shall not be harmed, unless ou see fit to fire this building, in which case hey will undoubtedly be cooked. in great sha —roasted alive! But I do not fancy you will so fierce about burning the buil e Te sport made no respcnse, and Harry went on: **-You have been making terms to me; now it is my turn to dictate. I am Alcalde of Jasper, a position which | shall hold by fair means or foul, and the men who are bucking against me will have tocome under my thumb sooner or later. It will be better for r Baa if they cave at once and give up the fight which ean only end in one way. If they are ready to retire peace- fully a their homes after surrendering you into my hands, I will agree to straighten things out in this camp and restore order within six hours so that a stranger in the place would not know that anything unusual had occurred. Those are a terms, Violet Vane bowed. . “That is all I have to say,” concluded the triumphant gambler. “The sooner you trot back and get under cover the better it will be for you. e of the boys may take a notion : pu WF en =| Violet Vane’s Victory. to perforate you for all of the fact that you carry a white flag.” And without another word the Velvet Sport turned and walked away, Harry’s scornful laugh following him. “Take away the prisoners, men,” was the card-sharp's order. And then, to Dandy Dirk: <a reckon that cooks them fellows, We need not fear a roasting to-day. Ha! ha! Old pard, the game is ours,” “It locks that way,” admitted Dirk. ‘‘ But I do not like the sounds below. I fancy the men are filling with liquor. If you allow them to get drunk, we may Jose our grip after all.” “You are right. I must close the bar.” But the bar was not the trouble, A ragged, dirty-looking old fellow, who i eepte to be a stranger in the camp and who had entered the saloon in some mysterious way, was getting in his work. He appeared to be loaded down with liquor, for as fast as one bottle was emptied he would produce another from some secret ocket, “I'm Rattlin’ Rufe, ther Rustler frum Rat- town,” he announced, ‘* An’ I’ve kem inter this hyer camp fer ter hev ar ole-fashioned four- legg@@d tear. I’m loaded with ther stuff, an’ I want all my frien’s ter drink with me, It’s ther prime artikle an’ mecks er man feel good all over. Hyer ye go, boys; drink hearty.” And, much to the barkeeper’s rage, he passed the bottle around. When the regular dispenser of ‘liquid refreshments” attempted to inter- fere, declaring that nothing could be drank there that did not come over the bar, the little stranger, Rattlin’ Rufe, threw him down and sat astride his body while the bottles continued to go round. When High Card Harry and Dandy Dirk came down the stairs, Rattlin’ Rufe managed to slip past them and ascend to the upper story, where the bottles once more went a merry round. When the card-sharp learned the facts and came to search for the Rustler, that indi- vidual seemed to have mysteriously disappeared. He must either have been an adept at disguises or have known the secret hiding-places of the building very well for a stranger. When Violet Vane reported to his friends there was consternation indeed. It did seem that the ruffians beld the winning cards, Erastus Wagg was wild with rage. ‘Pll go out an’ lick ther hull durned gang!” he raved, ‘‘I kin do it! Ill let ’em see ther kind o’ stuff Hrastus Wagg is made outer, J will! I'd like ter git my ban’s onter thet High Keerd Hurrah. Wiu'an't I make him smart! Durn his hide! I’m goin’ ter challenge him ter im- mortal combat!” And, before any one could restrain him, the woolly-headed man pranced down the street to- ward the Night Hawk Saloon. He paused about five rods from the building, toward which he shook both fists, while he roared: ‘““Whar’s High Keerd Hurrah? Let ther durned sneak come out hyer an’ fight er man/ He’s er coward frum Craven Crick! I kin lick ther best two gg got in thet ole hoel, My name is Wagg. hoopee /” At this point Saul Spot appeared ata window, and with a single well-directed shot knocked the boaster’s hat from his head. This seemed to take Erastus by surprise, for, without pausing to re- cover his head apparel, be wheeled and fled from that dangerous locality as fast as his legs would carry him. With a laugh, the pistol dead-shot sent a few bullets whistling past the fleeing man’s ears, and Mr. Wagg did not pause till he was safe behind a large dry-goods box which sat in front of the nearest store, ; After this there were no more signs of hostili- ties for nearly an hour. At last the door of the saloon opened, and a man stepped forth, bearing a white flag. A cry of surprise came from the egers, It one the marshal, Solid Sid! Without a pause the marshal came forward till he had joined the besiegers, His face looked very grave, and his first words were: ‘* Where is Violet Vane?” Sid’s deputy instantly stepped forward. “T am here, sir. Do you bring us word that those ruffians have concluded to surrender!” Sharon shook his head, **'No; I have come on different business, Iam ments 4 sir, but it is my duty to arrest you.” “To arrest me!” repeated Vane, in utter amazement, ‘* What do you mean “* Just what I said.” ‘* But what is the charge against me?” “Murder, You killed Duck Splinters in the Night Hawk Saloon.” “Tt is false! I know nothing about it!” ‘You will have a chance to prove that when My al, Were ,. 6 te ok ee ae SNe © the case comes to trial. I hope you will have no hard feelings against me, but I must do my duty. ‘* Stop !” came sharply from the Velvet Sport’s lips, as the marshal took a step forward. ** Wait a moment, Mr, Sharon! I cannot submit to ar- rest now, but I will give you my word of honor that as soon as the trouble in this camp is settled, and Mr. Morris and Miss Wilson are rescued from the power of those villains, I will stand my trial and take the consequences, While they are in danger I must have my freedom.” ‘*T would like to accommodate you very much, but it is impossible. Duty is duty, and it is my duty to arrest you now, Please come with me,” And then, just as the marshal’s fingers touched Vane’s shoulder, the sport’s hand flew out and a hard fist caught Solid Sid under the chin. Two- thirds of the witnesses afterward declared that it was the handsomest knock-down blow they ever saw. CHAPTER XVIII. THE GRAND CLEAN-OUT. THAT the little sport had knocked the brawny marshal down with one swinging left-hander seemed hardly possible and not a few who wit- nessed the feat caught their breath with a gasp of amazement. Fora single moment the un- lucky man seemed stunned, then he suddenly sat up, uttering a fierce oath and reaching for a re- volver, “Go a little slow, pard; I have you lined.” Violet Vane spoke the truth as the fallen man could plainly see. The sport’s right hand held a < revolver and the drop covered Solid Sid’s rain. ‘IT mean business from the shoulder,” came calmly from Vane’s lips. ‘‘ This charge of mur- der is a piece of bosh hatched up by my enemies for the purpose of having some pretext for get- tiug me cyt of the way. I can see through the whole scheme, but I am amazed to discover that you are in with tbe rascals, Sharon. I hardly thought that of you.” ; *“*T have todo my duty when called on,” de- clared Solid Sid, glaring vengefully at the little man who held the drop, ‘ For that purpose I came here. You shall discover that it is no tri- fling thing to resist an officer of the law. I pro- mise to make you sweat for that blow.” “Spare your threats,” sternly commanded the Velvet Sport. ‘*Iam not ia a mood to listen to them, for I fancy that I see through your little game. You are hand and glove with those vil- lains, a thing which I half suspected ever since you tripped mein the saloon last night. You did that little trick very neatly and it seemed like an accident, but I now know that it was in- tentional. You have been playing a treacterous ame from the first. How much did High Card arry and Tom Alicar give you to induce me to come to J — City, where, in the midst of ene- mies, I could be easily disposed of? I fancy they find the disposing of me a harder trick than they imagined it would be.” : “Your insinuations are false,” asserted Sid, as he slowly arose to his feet, ‘‘I induced you to come here to aid me in quelling this riot, and I made you my deputy.” : “ And now you want to arrest me for killing a man while attending to my dutyas an officer! That is a little thin, my dear sir. It won’t hold water. Your object is only too plain. You have shown your hand in great shape. A pretty officer, you are! I reckon this town will have to elect a new marshal as soon as things are ae out again.” ** How soon will that be?” sneered the burl traitor, ‘‘From the present indications, it will not be very soon. At the present time, the men within that nao appear to have the best of the situation. In the future, Ha Harkman is apt to make the laws of this town.” “There!” laughed Vane; ‘‘now you are com- ing out in your true colors and showing your sympatby with Harkman and his rascally fol- lowers. Bah! Once I did think you a man, but now I know you for the treacherous two- faced whelp that you are! The best thing that you can do is to get back with your matesin that building. Git! Go before Iam tempted to give you what you deserve—a dose of lead!” Casting one vindictive look at the speaker, Sid turned and walked straight back to the saloon, the door of which opened before him and closed when he had entered, Vane was congratulated by his friends on the very neat manner in which he had handled the brawny officer, who had never before met hi: match siuce becoming marshal of Jasper. But the Velvet Sport was meeay! éo silent, for he was greatly troubled by the condition of affairs, Had not his foes bel4 young More ~
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Violet Vane’s Victory. ris and Ione in their power, he would bave known how to act, but as it was, he knew not what todo, While he was buried in deep medi- tation, Erastus Wagg appeared at his side, The woolly-headed man was somewhat excited. ‘“‘Pard,” he hoarsely whispered, ‘‘hev ye notissed ennythin’ unusual over thar?” pointing toward the saloon, ‘No, [have not, What do you mean?” “Say, don’t ye obsarve thet it’s reemarkably kinder quiet like in thet ole ark?” “Tt does seem quiet,” admitted Vane; ‘ but what of that?” “I dunno; but I reckon thar’s su’thin’ tuck place over thar. I've bin roun’ onter thor back side o? thet coop an’ see’d er feller cum ter one oy ther winders an’ beckon ter me. I c’u’dn’t tell ef I knowed jest who it wuz, but I reckon he’s a frien’ o' ourn. Ef I’m right, thar’s su’thin’ in ther wind.” The sport sprung to his feet. “You may be right!” he cried, eagerly. - «© Show me that window as soon as possible,” Without further words, Wagg led the ,way round the building. Finally he halted. ‘‘'Thar’s ther very winder,” he declared, as he inted toward the saloon. And then an exclamation of surprise came from the lips of both, for at that moment a man whom they recognized appeared at the window. It was the Cool Case! Seeing Vane and Erastus, the little sharp be- gan tomakesignalstothem, oth men watched him closely, but could not make out what he meant. Finally the man at the window seemed to hit upon an idea, for he changed his mode of signaling. Wat in thunder’s he tryin’ ter do?” asked the tramp. “ He is using the deaf and dumb alphabet to communicate with us,” was the reply, as the sport put up his hands and made 4 few rapid passes. ‘I understand him.” And when the signaling ceased, Vane turned swiftly away, saying: “There is work ahead of us, old man, I fancy we willsoon have the winning hand in this desperate game, That man says that more than two-thirds of the ruffians within that build- ing are drugged, and in a drunken sleep. He will admit us by that window, and we can take them by surprise. Our first work is to geta part of the men bere without attracting the at- tention of those within the building who are not drugged. That will not-be an easy task.” “ Nevertheless, it was accomplished. Silently the men stole up to the rear of the building, Vane leading. Cool Case was there, and he promptly opened the window, chrough which the men passed into the saloon, A large num- ber had gained admittance when the fact was discovered by Dandy Dirk. What a battle followed! ; The men who had not partaken of the drugged liquor made a desperate resistance. Their com- rades were unable to do so, for they were lying on the floor, wrapped in a slumber which even the sound of battle failed to break. But the ‘*rebels” were finally overpowered and forced to surrender. This did not happen, bowever, till High Card Harry deserted his then useless tools, and Dandy Dirk fell, mortally wounded. Then what a cheer went up from the victors! “ Hooraw!” roared Erastus Wagg. ‘* Hooraw fer us! We've downed ther skunks, an’ Sweet Violets led us ter vict’ry! Three cheers fer ther posy sport!” , The cheers were given with a will, but when they had ceased, Vane said: ‘“Tt is not 1 to whom you owe this success but to the man who ventured into this den an succeeded in drugging our foes, He took des- perate chances, and but for him we might have met with defeat in the end, 1 propose three cheers for Cool Case.” . They were given, three and a tiger. The lit- tle red-headed sharp, who was bending over Dandy Dirk, arose, “Gentlemen, I thank you,” he said, bowing grevely. _*T fancy long do me too much honor, Rattlin’ Rufe, the Rustler from Rat-town, I did delude these gentlemen somewhat and suc- ceeded in filling the most of them with drugged liquor. But, it isa part of my trade to deceive, I have deceived you all, You know me as Coolan Casey, ‘the Cool Case,’ but when I re- move this beard and wig you will see that I am— \ “ Alan Dale, the detective !” . “Exactly,” bowed the crafty little blood- hound, ‘I'am Alan Dale, and this wounded man is my prisoner. He is wanted back in the East for a bank robbery.” ‘*‘But you will never take me there,” asserted Dirk, with a touch of triumph in his voice, ‘I have got it for good. Within an hour 1 shall be a dead man,” He spoke the truth, for he lived barely fifty minutes, but during that time he made a confes- sion which was taken down by Alan Dale and signed by several witnesses, The confession cleared Philip Vane Howard of the last suspicion that he was in any way connected with the Burnton Bank robbery and left him with an un- tarnished name, High Card Harry and Saul Spot were not to be found, They had escaped in some mysterious manner, and neither of them was ever again seen in Jasper City. Solid Sid and Hickory Jimmy were among the prisoners, but, at Vane's request, were not treated any more severely than than the others, all of whom were disarmed, es- corted to the southern extremity of the camp and given one hour’s start of the Vigilance Com- mittee which, was afterward organized. The committee were like bloodbounds on the trail, and it was said that a dozen trees within twenty miles of Jasper bore “human fruit” before nightfall, ; he citizens of Jasper were unanimous in gar ing Violet Vane the office lately held by olid Sid, but, much to their disappointment, he de- clined to accept, ; Alan Dale decided to accompany Vane to Jacktown, from which place the detective in- tended to return East, It was quite a jubilant little party that left Jasper City that afternoon and t their faces toward Jacktown. Of them all none was more elated over the happy result than Erastus Wagg, who bestrode his old white horse with the grace of a monarch, while he waved his dilapidated hat and cheered back at the cheer- ing crowd who were watching them off, till he was quite hoarse, Ione and Luona rode beside their respective lovers, and were very happy, indeed. Before Jacktown was reached they were met by a party from the place, coming to take a hand in the struggle at Jasper City, Mr, Wil- gon was with them, Despite the fact that Vane had promised to restore Ione to bim within three days if he would remain at Jacktown, he had started for Jasper. His joy at seeing his daugh- ter alive and well must be imagined. At Jacktown every one turned ont to greet the victors, and the people were wild with en- thusiasm when the party rode into the camp, Judge Blowbugle recovered from his “ hooze ” sufficiently to appear ou the steps of the Silver Bell and shout thickly: “Zarezey cum! Hoop! Zare’s er two Queens ov Shacktown! Zare’s Vierlet Vane, zer bull boy wish zer glash eye! Hoop! He ish zer fel- ler ash warms zem up! Hooray fer him !” The people from Jacktown looked upon Violet Vane as a conquering hero, and once more the camp echoed with their cheers for the man in velvet, THE END. | nclsaaaccCCl—Cl—lC—C—lClLLA, ‘Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY OLL COOMES. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. \ | oung Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 224 Dashing Dick: or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. aaa Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon} or, Rainbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, 409 Herculess or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective, 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, | 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairle Centaur, 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or. Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. A478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. j 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. Ree BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy,Detective, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete}; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero tn Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detectige, 147 Will Wildlire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 165 Billy Baggage. the Railroad Boy. 170 A ‘Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett ; or, Mysteries of New York, ‘ 179 Bob fat the Bank Runver, ¥ 188 The Hidden tend; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the 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 }j or, The Biack Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, ; 245 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway : or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. B05 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 Levelers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. + 428 The Lost Fingers or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective, 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. ¢ 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolt in the Fold. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH. Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of '76. ~ The Hidden Lodge}; or The Little Hunter. Nightingale Neth or, Tne Forest pee Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trails. Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 4 Midnight Jack i or, The Boy Trapper. 6 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 8 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 9 Judge Lynch, Jr.t or, The Boy Vigilante. 6S Gold Trigger, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. 69 Tornado Tom 3 or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 88 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. § Arkansaw ¢ or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge. 7 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. & Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, $1 Plueky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. Al Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli:, tne King-Pin of Bowie. * 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parday or. The Terror of Take-Notice, 886 Big Benson; or, Tie Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; ov, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. B54 Cool Sam und Par’; or The Terrible Six. — 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. B86 Captain Cutlass; or, be Brecaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob: or. The Iwin 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 RolfePPigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow}; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. Av? The Exeeisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotters 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. , i 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. ee Dex pad Caters ge ete! south 538 Podger Dick, the Dock Ferret. ; BAS Dodger Dick’« Doubles or, The Rival Boy Detectives, bb8 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case. B68 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. } BS2 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Guard. 626 The Champion Pards, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Pard. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. d 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective. By Wm. G. Patten. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. By OW Coomes. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. By T.-C. Harbaugh, 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. By Edward L. Wheeler . 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. By C harles Morris. 56 Rutterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. By Col. P. Ingraham. 57 Warblin Tiiliam, the Mountain Mountebank, By Tient. A. K. Sima. ; 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver: or, The Storm-Waif of Ginnt’s Boot. By Jo Pierce. a “659 Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest Man of Ante Bar} or, Cibuta John’s Champion Chase. By J. C, Cowdrick. q 660 Der dwood Dick, Jr.» Insurance Case. By Edward L Wheeler. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Delliverance; or, Banner Ben, the Wildfire of the Prairies. By Oll Coomes, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza; or, The Spectre Soldier of the Overland, By Col. P. Ingraham. 668 Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jaspar City Clean-Out, Byv Wm. G. Patten. 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special; or, The Life Raeket at Rattlesnake Ridge. Bv P.S. Warne. J 4 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective; or, Warbling Wil- liam’s Heed any k BS Let be Mines 0; » woo ck, dr., Bae n e nes > oe p pee be ‘Amaxon’s Double Game. By Edward L, Wheeler, _ A New Iasue Every Tucsday- The Half- Dime Library is for asle by all newsdealers, five conte per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. i Te ' os “ wife Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, }