Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 673) (1890 06 17)
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my ‘S 3 a, B | y. : on \\ U0 = = a os at Se | a $2.E0 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BE ADLE_ ANDY ‘ADAMS? ‘, . valle ona cates No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK? il SS ~ ——s— CSR = tN vs i i ii Gare pl oa fs i , ‘| . ye Aa | TMM OU . = es ill, <x Swill aul N NI poe om | By) it ‘ Pp ' ja il ie i Hy | i cS a ep) i en ; THE FOREMOST BANDIT, WHO HAPPENED TO BE JUST WITHIN RANGE, CAUGHT THE TRON “ey FULL ON THE NECK,
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4 2 The Lightning Express Detective. Ralph Renwood, The Lightning Express Detective; OR, BLACK BART’S DEATH RUN. A Romance of the Rail. BY A, F. HOLT, CHAPTER I. HOMEWARD BOUND. A PASSENGER-TRAIN was flying over the irons at almost lightning-speed; and’ high above the whirr of wheels rose the voice of a singer, out- ringing bold and clear: *“Toor—toot! Ding—dong! Swift as the whirlwind we thunder along, Ftying past lakelets and sparkling rills, Plunging through tunnels in towering hills; Rattling o’er bridges, rushing through dales, Waking the echoes of slumbering vales; Puffing and snorting o’er meadow and plain, Our glittering iron horse draws the long train. Clashing, crashing, Wildly dashing, Light as a fiery meteor flashing! ** Pulses throbbing and hearts filled with glee, Madly we dash on our wild career; Monarchs of all we survey are we— Hurra for the life of the bold engineer!” A mere lad was the songster, certainly not over seventeen. He was tall and slender, and straight as an arrow. His merry blue eyes sparkled like twin stars. Bold and picturesque he looked, in the weird, ‘uncertain light, standing erect upon the floor of the cab, his slender form sweying from side to side with the motion of the swiftly-speeding iron horse. Intense enthusiasm lighted every feature as, in a clear, boyish tone, he su ose stirring words, . ‘‘Tham’s my sentiments exactly! This is jest e-lorious! Jee-whizz! How we are ifenmin’. he for an engineer’s life, say 1!” Unable to do bis feelings justice by words alone, the lad essayed“to dance a break-down, but with disastrous results; for just then a sud- den plunge of the locomotive around a sharp curve in the track caused the would-be dancer to lose his equilibrium, and roll over and over upon the floor. At this unexpected ending to the boy’s demon- strations the man upon the engineer’s seat turned his head for a moment, an amused smile upon his lips, He was a young fellow, not ore than twenty- three, straight and tall, with wavy brown hair, and eyes that flashed keen as the mountain jo kab] if h ibl emarkably young ‘for such a responsible po- sition, yet Ralph Renwood 1 possessed all the es- sential qualities of a model engineer, being brave, steady and reliable; and doubtless the railroad officials knew what they were about, when they intrusted to him the guidance of the Lightning Mail and Express, Tae young engineer looked with amusement upon the antics of his irrepressible comipanion. “Careful, Harry!” he cautioned. ‘* Pray ex- ercise a little more judgment, or F fear you will go ‘ crashing, clashing’ into the ditch.” His ardor somewhat dampened, the boy slowly pulled himself together, ruefully rub- bing the back of his head, which had come into violent contact with the oaken floor, ‘*Never mind, Harry. It’s all in a lifetime. ‘You must expect many a hard knock, my lad, before you become a full-fledged knight of the lever,” Harry Hilton was a typical American boy, filled to the brim with life and spirit. Like many others of his e, the adventurous life of the railroad man had for him a strange fascination, and the height of his ambition was to stand at the throttle of a locomotive, The Jad was a universal favorite in his na- tive town, and particularly so among the rail- road “boys.” One of them, on account of the ote ee well-known hobby, also in allusion to his illiant hair, had dubbed him Headlight Harry, a cognomen which stuck to him like wax. “IT don’t wish to'influence you to turn from a@ course u which I see you are deter- mined,” said the young en ineer, as the train rolled along. ‘‘* Live and learn,’ says the motto; and experience will teach you that the life of an en ris a thorny one. “Think of the danger! A’ broken rail, a wash-out, a misplaced switch—countless py either the result of accident or carelessness, he must be ever ready to avoid. He stands at his post, with the possibility of being hurled into eternity the next moment. ** An engineer must be faithful, cool and vigi- lant, with active brain and nerves of steel. The passengers look to him for safety; their lives are in his hands, He must be prepared to run extra hours—foodless, sleepless and without a thought for his own comfort. In fact, he should be little short of superhuman—a ver- itable automaton—for the benefit of the public. ‘** All this danger and inconvenience is in- curred for a meager salary; and if, perchance, Fate gains the mastery and the engineer goes down with his machine, standing hervically at his post in the effort to save the lives of others, when a sudden leap might have preserved his own, people turn carelessly away from ~ the mangled remains, with the remark, ‘Only the engineer! ‘* Believe me, Harry, it’s a rough life at best; and it will soon wear out a constitution of iron. Headlight Harry,in blank astonishment, lis- tened to the speech of his companion. ‘* Wal, I didn’t expect to hear you talk that way, Ralph,” he ejaculated. ‘‘Skin me if lL don’t, believe you’ve gone clean plumb crazy! I’d be ashamed to run down my own calling. If an engineer’s life is such an all-fired hard one, what are you doin’ here on the Atalanta, 3, Si ‘* Necessity, not choice, keeps me here. My father was an engineer—a better man never crossed the foot-boards; and it- was: he who taught me how to drive a locomotive. So when he died, leaving me at an early age to carn my own livelihood, I naturally chose the calling of which I was master.” ‘* Wal, it’s my opinion;-Ralph, there’s better things in store for you,” announced Headlight Harry, with the air of anoracle, ‘‘Onless ’'m greatly mistaken, there’ll be a job for the par- son, afore long; an’, of course, Millionaire Gar- land, with all his rocks, wouldn’t allow his son- in-law to continue runnin’ an engine, rigged up in greasy overalls an’a jumper. Eh, old pard?”’ The young engineer made no reply, but the faint blush that suffused his cheek, told that the boy’s shot had not come far from the mark. “There is still another danger that menaces the railroad man, particularly in the less thickly settled regions,” continued Renwood, after a pause. ‘ There are in existence bands of train- robbers—unscrupulous Ccut-throats, who would not hesitate to ditch a train and send scores of souls into eternity, if there was any booty to be gained by the operation. ‘* This road hasnotescaped their depredations, as you are well aware. obody has forgotten the dread Black Brotherhood, whose daring ex- ploits, only a year ago, created a reignof terror all along the line, Before their every Boban the dark deeds of the notorious James boys pale into insignificance.” “But those days are now ” declared Headlight Harry, eye ‘Nothing has been seen of Black Bart or his men since the bu’sted, an’ "ll never be heard from again.” ** Possibly so; but I doubtit. Black Bart has more lives thana cat, and is always appearing when least expected. It’s dollars to doughnuts, the scoundrel is still laying low in the vicinity, awaiting a favorable opportunity to spring some infernal scheme upon the public.” Headlight Harry laughed derisively. ‘* Well, I guess there’s no danger of bein molested by the Brotherhood to-night, so a worry myself about it,” he said, care- lessly. § There was a serious expression upon the face of the young engineer, as he gazed fixedly out through the narrow window, to where the lurid gleam of the great headlight fell upon the glit- tering rails, “T trust nothing will happen; ‘yet, truth to tell, I feel unaccountably nervous to-night,” he sai peer ety. ‘“*T know the road-agents have let this vicinit severely alone for some time past; but that is no sign they always will. Be- sides, there are extra inducements for attack of- fered by this particular train.” ‘* How so?” 4 ‘*- Yonder Express car contains a cool hundred thousand dollars—solid gold bars, smelted at Bullion City, and consigned to the National Bank at Richville.” ‘* A hundred thousand dollars?) Whew!” and wry Harry’s eyes protruded like peeled onions. . ‘Of course, no one is to know of this consign- ment, save the parties most particularly con- cerned, including the messenger and myse However, Black Bart is‘a very bloodhound fo nosing out such secrets; and, once aware of its valuable contents, would spare no pains to cap- ture the train.” ‘‘ Little danger, I reckon; but if Black Bart should come, we’re all ready to receive him. It’ll be the toughest job he ever tackled!” de- clared Harry, assuming a defiant attitude. ‘* Nevertheless, I shall not breathe free again, until the goldis out of my charge, and safe in the vaults at Richville— Hark!” The bell-cord suddenly tightened, then slack- ened perceptibly, as a singlesonorous clang of the engine-bell pealed warningly upon their ears, while at the same time the Atalanta lurched forward at increased speed, asif sud- denly released from a beavy burden. With a cry of alarm, Renwood sprung to grasp the throttle. ‘* Great Heaven!” he exclaimed. has parted!” ‘* The train CHAPTER II. BLACK BART. ** ALL aboard!” The conductor impatiently swung his lantern, the engine groaned and labored, and the wait- ing passenger who had'signaled the Express at the lonely station of Cross-Cut, had barely time to scramble upon the platform, ere the train rushed off into the darkness again. There was nothing particularly noteworthy in the appearance of the new-comer, who, nod- ding carelessly to the surly official, leisurely made his way into the smoking-car. » f He was, apparently, a middle-aged man, of medium hight, broad-shouldered and muscular, with long, sandy hair, and beard that fell upon his breast, while from under shagey brows a air of dark eyes flashed with wondrous bril- iancy. A very ordinary man, unostentatious- ly attired, wearing the appearance of a quiet, hard-working countryman. ‘Ho carried in one hand a heavy valise, while the other grasped a cane; and there was a perceptible limp in his gait as ho ontered the car. The smoking-car was filled by the . miscel- laneous gathering always to be found within this thoroughly American institution, Tour- ists, commercial travelers, ohh laborers— good, bad and indifferent, had cougregated with one common purpose in view, and tho ig of -the rankest ‘‘nigger-head” mingled with the fragrance of the choicest Havana. The card-tables, too, were receiving their cus- | share of attention, and every one see hap™ and contented, from the haughty Britisher, ‘doing this blawsted country, don’- cher know,” down to the ragged, impecunious tramp, who had snugly ensconced himself in the wood-box, and was now philosophically figuring out his chances of escaping the ob- servation of the argus-eyed ticket-puncher. Every seat was occupied, and the late ar- rival from Cross-Cut looked anxiously about for ab ce in which to deposit bis hundred and fifty d pounds of flesh, bone and muscle. Near the middle of the car lounged a com- mercial drummer, who, with more cheek than courtesy, bad appropriated two entire seats to accommodate himself and a multitudinous ar- ray of boxes, bundles and budgets, He was a swell young fellow, faultlessly attired, and lolled with his feet cocked upon the top of a pile of sample-cases, puffing serenely at a fragrant weed, in utter disregard of the discomfort of his fellow- ngers, 4 z But the man from Cross-Cut espied this “‘ pig in pantaloons,” and immediately a portion of the drummer’s possessions found themselves upofi the floor, while the stranger, without further ceremony, drop into the vacant place with a sigh of satisfaction, The youth whose luggage had undergone such careless treatment was so affected by the fellow’s effrontery that for a moment he could only glare at the intruder in open-mouthed amazement, ‘* Aw—my dear sir, it seems to me you take considerable liberty with another man’s prop- erty,” he finally managed to utter. ‘Are you aware, my Christian riend, that this seat is engaged?’ be new-comer beamed pleasantly upon his irate vis-a-vis, and calmly proceeded to make himself. more comfortable ere deigning a re- sponse, “Pray don’t let your an passions rise,” he seid. texnely. “Man was sate 9 before boxes and bundles, an’ consequently has a_ better right to a sit. You'll allow that the floor is pomny good enough for these traps. Don’t a hog, young feller!” tomar
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es 7 ' The drummer saw at a glance that the new passenger was not to be trifled with. Discre- tion mastered his anger, and the cloud upon his brow cleared away instantly, as he leaned forward with outstretched hand. “ft admire your cheek,” he admitted, can- -didly. ‘‘I was laboring under the delusion that I was the brassiest man in existence, but now I shail have to take a back seat. If you ain’t a drummer, you ought to be. Shake, stranger!” A complacent smile played about the bearded lips of the man,from Cross-Cut, as he noticed the complete change in the manner of the erst- while belligerent dandy; but he accepted the proffered hand, and shook it until the owner winced. “Glad you happened along, stranger,” said the drummer. ‘ Deuced tiresome this traveling alone, with no one to talk with. You seem to be the right sort, stranger. Have a weed?” ** Thanks !?? ‘Genuine article, those—three for a dollar. Expensive Well, rather; but, you see, we al- ways manage to work our wine and cigar bill into our regular expense account, so the house pays for all our little luxuries, and is none the wiser. Dame Nature had endowed the commercial traveler with a liberal bump of self-conceit,. He was one of the prevalent class who ‘*‘ know it all,” and never missed an opportunity to impress his hearers with that belief. Consequently, as his companion seemed to be a man of intelli- gence, the dandy felt that the chance was too good to lose, and so launched forth a ceaseless stream of ‘* gab.” The man from Cross-Cut was terse and reserv- ed, but he listened attentively to the other’s garrulous discourse, and, not to be outdone in politeness, made frequent qoasnays to an inside ket, bringing forth each time a mysterious ottle of “something,” the taste of which gave the drummer great satisfaction. ‘Lonesome region, this,” remarked the trav- eler, after a cursory glance from the window, **Reminds me of—yes, by Jove! itis the very place where I had such an adventure, over a yearago. Isay, stranger, have youever heard of Black Bart’s Brotherhood?” ** Black who’s what?” ‘* Black Bart’s Brotherhood—a band of train- robbers. They had a stronghold in the moun- tains, nobody knows just where, and used to make things interesting for travelers all along the line.” The red-haired man shook his head positively. ‘*Never heard of them before. Never was within a thousand miles of here until yesterday, and so have had no chance to get acquainted with the local celebrities,” and I tell “Yes; and a clever dodge it was. I carried a small fortune safely from under Black Bart’s very nose. Light another weed, while I give you the story.’ And while his listener hastened to light the proffered cigar, the garrulous youth proceeded to unwind himself, ‘t You see, my business brings me into this re- a considerably, and several times I had suf- ered at the hands of this scoundrel, who had a habit of showing mS with the regularity of clock-work, whenever I was aboard. Finally, { began to grow tired of the thin —particularly so, as most of the stolen money belonged to the firm, and they, suspecting that I was not on the square, finally declared that the next time it occurred I must make good the losses, ‘* This stirred me up, you see; and I jmmedi- ately set my wits at work to devise some means of circumventing this audacious road-robber, with such good effect that a contrivance was goon evolved, the merits of which I was eager to test. The opportunity was not long coming, for, soon after, | was again sent over the line; and this time I was perfectly willing, even anxious, to meet Black or was I disap- pointed, for pony there was a commotion, as a crowd of cut-throats thronged into the car, -with the redoubtable chief at their head, natu- ral as life. “Black Bart smiled triumphantly as he led me out, for he doubtless remembered with pleasure the fat haul he obtained from me } the last time we met; but his feelings were doomed to undergo a sudden transformation, fora thorough search of my person brought to light only a plated chain, a jack-knife, a cork- screw, fiity cents in change, and a bottle— empty. Yet, stranger, the fact remains that a coo] thousand dollars was at that moment in my possession, and it run the gantlet of Black Bart’s keen eyes, unnoticed. ““If ever a man had dust thrown in his eyes, then the redoubtable king of train-robbers is the individual; and to me belongs the distinc- tion of having completely hoodwimked him, Ha, ha!” And the self-satisfied drummer threw himself | back in his seat, laughing long and loud at the remembrance of his own adroitness; while the man from Cross-Cut, who had been an attentive listener, rightly conjectured that such a windy discourse had left the orator thirsty, and cordi- ally extended his flask, which, it is needless to say, was promptly accepted. ‘1t must, indeed, have been an ingenious de- vice, to baffle such a sharp fellow as this train- robber is said to be,” allowed the red-haired man, ‘If Iam permitted to ask, how did you accomplish such wonders?” The commercial traveler drew himself up, closed one eye, and leered knowingly at his questioner, “That, sir, is a profound sectet,” he said, thickly, for the stranger’s liquid fire-was fast affecting the by no means strong head of the drummer, The bearded man leaned eagerly forward. ‘Tell you what I'll do, friend,” he said seriously. ‘‘I am a traveling man myself, and often carry large sums of money with me, Your mysterious contrivance, if what you say is true, would be just the thing for my needs, Say, Pll give you ten dollars for the secret!” “What? Ten dollars for my wonderful wealth-protector, warranted to deceive the sharpest thief in existence! Do you think.I would barter the offspring of my fertile brain for the paltry sum of ten dollars? Never, sir! Make it twenty !” The man from Cross-Cut appeared to hesi- ti e. ** Twenty dollars is considerable, but I’ll give it,” he said, at length. ‘‘Here ‘you are! And now for the wonderful se ret!” The drummer snapped up the greasy XX and critically examined it to seeif it was genu- ine. ** Oh, it’s a simple thing, once revealed,” he ex- plained. ‘‘Observe these shoes! ‘ Very ordi- nary pair,’ you say, ‘just like any shoes,’ There’s where you are mistaken. The heels are hollow, and may be removed or attached at pleasure, by means of a hidden spring. These receptacles, ingeniously contrived within the apparently solid heel, form an excellent hiding- ace for whatever valuables may be contained in such a small compass, and a man, by simply changing his money into bills of large denomina- tions, might safely carry a small million about **That’s the whole scheme in a nutshell, stran- ve A simple device, but nevertheless effective. on’t you think the scheme is well worth the twenty ?” *‘Dirt cheap at the price,” allowed the red- haired man, rubbing his hands softly, while his dark orbs twinkled with satisfaction. ‘* Young man, you are a genius! No wonder you can laugh in the faces of Black Bart’s Brother- 00 ** And now, asI have purchased your secret, I suppose you have no objection to showing me how the device is manipulated.” ‘*Not in the least,” Inastily replied the over- confident drummer, Leaning forward, he touched one heel, which instantly e detached, revealing a cavity crammed with a wad of Uncle Sam’s promises to pay. Pall done by asimple twist of the wrist. It’s as plain as the nose on your face, and—” s he looked up, the drummer paused abrupt- ly, and the self-satisfied smile gave way to a look of blank astonishment, for a metamorphosis had taken place, complete as it was startling! The man from Cross-Cut suddenly straight- ened up, until he seemed at least a foot taller; his cane was thrown aside, red wig and bea followed, revealing a dark, swarthy face, fairly devilish in its expression. Into each hand of the metamorphosed n- a glittering six-shooter, one of which pressed the temple of the terrified drummer! ‘* Holy smoke!” gas the latter, feebly. ‘“ What on earth does this mean?” “*Tt means that you've made a cursed fool of ger lea The Lightning Express Detective. 3 yourself, young feller. Up with your hands, quick, for I’m here on business, an’ my name is lack Bart!” CHAPTER III. THE BROTHERHOOD AT WORK, As the stern, commanding voice of the self- announced king of train-robbers rung through the car with startling distinctness, every man started as if he had received an electric shock. Scarcely one but knew the notorious bandit by reputation, while many from personal experi- ence were aware of his plundering proclivities. In mingled fear and indignation the passen- gers heard the outlaw’s grim announcement, de- termined to offer desperate resistance in defense of their property: but not a weapon was drawn, for just then another movement took place that was entirely unexpected. The two rear seats were occupied by a party of rough-looking fellows, apparently backwoods- men, who were engaged in a quiet game of eucher; but now,at the bold wordsof Black Bart, these men leaped to their feet, while cards were dropped, and in their places’ gleaming six- shooters frowned upon the other occupants of the car, Like lightning was this move executed, and so, before the luckless passengers could offer even a show of resistance, they found themselves covered by the deadly weapons of Black Bart’s satellites. Standing like a statue in the center of the car the redoubtable chief viewed with malicious tri- umph the result of his strategy. **Quite.a surprise-party, eh, gentlemen?” he laughed. ‘‘ Well, it’s the unexpected that al- ways happens. Now, gentlemen, be so kind as to elevate your hands while I take up my cus- tomary collection, Try to appear as cheerful as possible,and remember that the man who offers resistance gets a double dose of lead,” Hemmed in on all sides by a threatening array of weapons the unfortunate passengers had no alternative but to obey, and the trembling wavering line of hands that instantly pointed heavenward was a ludicrous sight to see. Even the conductor, at that moment entering the car, gazed meditatively for an instant into a frowning tube, then promptly elevated his hands. The coolest person in the car was the ragged tramp, who rejoiced that his pockets contained nothing but holes, and consequently had no reason to fear the train-robbers. Acknowledg- ing, in this case, the advantage of poverty, he philosophically viewed the scene from his point of vantage, ready to dodge out of harm’s way if the bullets began to fly. The bandits Icst no time in useless dallying. Two of them proceeded to “‘ go through” their victims with lightninglike rapidity, appropriate ing everything of value, while the others stood guard with ready weapons, Black Bart devoted himself to the drummer, whose confidence he had so cleverly gained. Off came the wonderful boots, the valuable con- tents of which were ily transferred to the capacious pocket of the outlaw. Then, with a mocking laugh, he sent the boots flying through the window. ‘*A good return for my twenty dollars,” chuckled Bart. ‘‘Now, good-by, young man. Don’t get down-hearted; but when you have any more wonderful inventions, don’t fail to confide the secret tome. Ha, ha!” The luckless man of samples, now frightened , into a state of perfect sobriety, could only sink limply back into his seat, the most crestfallen being imaginable, At this moment the rear door was thrown open, and in rushed several fellows, whose rough attire and bristling weapons stamped them as more of the Brotherbood. ‘“‘ Well?” interrogated the chief, impatiently. ‘Allright, cap’n. We cleaned the other car out, slicker’n a whistle. Not a copper left in the hull crowd.” ‘*Good! Now, boys, for theother game. Too much time has beenalready wasted here. Live ly, my men!” As Bart spoke, he darted to the door, with the band close at his heels. Several of them re- treated backward, still keeping the passengers covered, until the door was reached. Then, when the last man had disappeared, and the deadly weapons no longer threatened them with death, the infuriated passen pt en masse, and rushed out upon the wat orm, However, Bart had anticipated such a mova He was too sharp to leave his retreat uncovered, The Brotherhood worked with a machine-like
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4 The Lightning Express Detective. regularity and precision, that showed the de- tails of the plan had been arranged beforehand. The chief led the way to the platform of the Mail-and-Express car, which was next ahead of the smoker, while two of his followers has- tened to detach the “i a and thus leave the passenger-cars behind. So rapidly did they work, that when the occu- ts of the smoker rushed to the door, it was find themselves left fifty yards behind, with the engine and Express car rapidly receding in the distance. The grade at this point was re- markably heavy, and, deprived of the services of the locomotive, the speed of the detached cars lessened perceptibly with every passing moment. Meanwhile, the train-robber chief, pausing only to note the success of his men, had thrown himself against the aoor of the Express car. It was locked; but gave way before Bart’s mas- sive frame, and the leader rushed into the car, only to recoil with a cry of dismay, At the furthermost end of the compartment, in front of a massive safe, stood the Express messenger. He was in the act of opening the safe when the assault came. The ponderous outer door was swung open, and the messenger, keys in hand, stood ready to unlock the inner oor, Just then the racket outside reached his ears, warning him of danger. Like a flash, the mes- senger’s trusty revolver lea into his hand, and, as the door flew open he fired shot after shot at the robber chief, Crack!—crack!—crack! Bullets flew like hail about the outlaw’s ears. One plowed a reyes 4 furrow in his cheek; another clipped a loc from his swarthy brow, then buried itself in the shoulder of a brawny ruffian beyond. Then Bart recovered himself, and with an angry, snarl leaped forward like a wounded tiger. His own trusty shooter spoke spitefully, and the brave messenger fell prone upon the floor, shot through the breast. With an inarticulate cry of triumph the rob- ber chief bounded forward. The inner door of the safe was locked, but he caught the gleam of steel in the hand of the stricken man, and eager- ly bent to seize the precious keys. But the gallant messenger still had a vital spark left. Brave and faithful to the last, he raised himself with a supreme effort, and with his last departing strength, hurled the bunch of keys far out through the open window. t was his last effort, for blood gushed from, the poor fellow’s mouth and nose, and he fell , . But the keys were irretrievably lost, and the scheme of the Brotherhood temporarily frus- trated. Knowing every foot of the road, Black Bart had no difficulty in locating their whereabouts. The train bad reach«d the top of the heavy grade, and was now plunging swiftly down into valley where nestled cosey Richville. Soon this stopping-place would be reached; and the robber saw that only prompt and energetic ac- tion could save his scheme from defeat. ‘Out .with your tools, boys!” he yelled. ** Drills, hammers and greed of powder! The bullion sha)l be mine, if I have to blow the whole train to kingdom come. Work lively, for there's not a second to lose.” The outlaws went to work with a will to blow off the safe-door, while their commander paced up and down the car like a caged lion, impa- tly directing their movements. ee ! This willnever do! The train must be stopped at once, or we will run our precious necks into the hangman’s noose.” _ **Shall we detach the car, cap’n?”’ ) **No, you idiot! The road is steeper than Jacob’s ladder, and all the brakesin Christendom couldn’t hold us on this infernal grade. The wnly thing that remains is to take the engine. » ** You, Long Pete, hail the engineer. Order thim to stop the train, and if he refuses, riddle him with lead.” “ Ay, cap’n!” A tall, awed outlaw hurried from the car, to appear upon the front platform,revolver in hand, ** Hello, there, engineer! Reverse your en- gine and stop the train, or off goes your head!” This was the peremptory summors that reach- ed the ears of the two occupants of the locomo- tive cab; and asthe young engineer turned his head, only to find himself covered by a glitter- ing revolver, a true sense of the situation flashed upon his mind like lightning. He realized that the outlaws were in possession of the Express car, and failing to get to the treasure, were determined to stop the train be- fore Richville was reached. This it was Ralph Renwood’s duty to prevent; yet, brave as eS was, there was no denying the fact that the rob- ber had him nicely covered, and in the mellow firelight that illuminated the cab, the form of the engineer presented an inviting target for pistol practice, But before Ralph could move a finger, the problem was solved in a manner quite unex- pected. Headlight Harry had entirely escaped the ob- servation of the outlaw, whose gaze was riveted upon the engineer; and the lad was quick to im- prove his opportunity. Snatching up a heavy stick of firewood, he hurled it with all his strength at the man on the platform, The missile sped true to its aim, striking the robber upon the right arm with terrific force; and as the arm dropped useless to his side, the pistol fell from the nerveless grasp, while its contents were discharged harmlessly into the air. ‘*Bravo, Harry!” cried Renwood, and in a twinkling he pulled the throttle wide open. The Atalanta bounded ahead with increased velocity, while the engineer, with a warning cry to his companion, threw himself prone upon the floor of the cab. The precaution was well-timed, for the baffled ruffian on the platform had drawn another wea- pon with his uninjured hand, and now a bullet went crashing into the engine, passing the very spot where Ralph’s head had been, Headlight Harry was prompt to follow: his friend’s example; and now the two crouched low behind the iron water-tanks, secure from the robber’s fire. ‘“Whew! Things are gettin’ superenially interesting, [ll allow,” gasped the boy, excited- ly. ‘* This is railroad life with a vengeance!” The engineer’s only response was to produce a brace of revolvers—small, delicate tools, yet capable of doing good execution in experienced hands. One of these he handed to his com- panion. ‘* You know how to use it, Harry,” he said. “Tf you have to shoot, keep cool, and make every shot count.” **You bet!” returned the intrepid youth, as he resolutely clutched the death-dealing wea- mn. PTousthe?, the tivo watched and waited. The baffled outlaw had gone to rejoin his comrades and nothing could be heard save the rattle and roar of the speeding train. ‘*My fears are realized, you see,” exclaimed Ralph. ‘‘I anticipated trouble, and it has come. The Brotherhood have taken the train, but, for some reason, don’t appear to have been successful in getting at the treasure,” ‘‘ Why don’t they cut off the Express car, an’ so rob it at their leisure?” ‘* Black Bart knows better than to attempt it. H tpoansas | at such terrific speed on a down-grade, it would be impossible to stop the car, No: their only chance is to capture the engine, and that I am determined shall not be done.” ‘* An’ I’m with you, ev’ry time, If them ga- loots try to take the Atalanta, we'll show ’em we're mighty hard trees ter climb,” declared Headlight Harry resolutely. ‘‘ But, jee-whizz! How the old engine whoops ’er up! hy, we're fairly flyin’!” Indeed, the Atalanta was running at an alarming speed. Rocking, swaying, throbbing, her headlight piercing the Stygian gloom, the beautiful machine rushed over the irons like a fire-breathing monster. Myriads of sparks drifted heavenward, and the air rung with the ceaseless pounding of the huge driving-wheels, asthe engine leaped madly away, threatening each moment to jump the track, and send all on board to destruction. But Ralph Renwood had perfect confidence in his machine, knowing the rest of the road was straight as an arrow; and he gave his attention to the movements of the robbers in the rear. ‘* Black Bart’s efforts must be made quickly,” grimly said the Sete engineer, ‘‘ for in twenty minutes we shall be at home, providing we keep the track. Hark!” To the defenders’ ears was wafted the sound of feet clumsily climbing over the wood-pile up- on the tender. The crisis was at hand! ‘** They are coming, Harry.” warned Renwood, rey 5 ‘** Steady, my boy, and don’t waste your lead! A dozen shadowy forms rushed into view, and the next moment the sharp rattle of pistol-shots rose above the noise of the speeding train! CHAPTER IV. DEFENDING THEIR TRUST. Yxwwine like a pack of wildcats, the Bandit Brotherhood, with Black Bart at their head, scrambled desperately upon the tender, dete mined to annihilate the brave defenders of the: locomotive. The latter, undismayed at the overwhelming odds, crouched low behind the iron tanks, one upon each side, and met the fierce assault with the steadiness of veterans. é “Crack! Crack!” Spitefully spoke the re— volvers of the gallant defenders, One stalwart, outlaw threw up his arms, and leaped wildl into the air; another fell back severely wound- ed, while the remainder came on like demons, firing a volley into the cabas hey rapidly ad- vanced. Then Pandemonium seemed at iarge, as the two parties came together in a terrible struggle for possession of the locomotive. Far above the roar of the whirling train rose the shouts of the combatants, and the sharp, ceaseless crack of rapidly-exploding firearms, mingled with the crash of glass, and the buzz of deadly bullets flying through the air. It was a trying moment for the defenders of the engine; but not for an instant did their courage fail them, Side by side they grimly faced the outlaws’ scathing fusilade. The young engineer was anexpert marksman, and did good execution with his trusty weapon ;. while Headlight Harry, though this was his: maiden battle, kept his head at the critical mo- ment, and fired with telling effect. Shot followed shot in swift succession, until the Brotherhood, though they still outnumbered them five to one, actually wavered before the leaden tempest. Hope leaped high in tne breast of the en- emeeay as his quick eye observed the discom- ture of the train-robbers. **Give it to’em, Harry!”he yelled. ‘Only a minute more, and the murderous hounds will turn tail.” But alas! Even as he spoke, the hammer of the young man’s pistol descended with an ominous click. No report followed, and the en- gineer thrilled with dismay, for he knew his. weapon was empty. An instant later, Headlight Harry was in the same ‘predicament. Loud yells of triumph pealed from the rob- bers’ lips, as they surged forward with renewed spirit, eager to take advantage of their oppo- nents’ misfortune, , however, was equal to the occasion. At this trying moment, when all seemed lost, the lad’s eyes fell upon the long, heavy poker lying upon the floor at his feet. Grasping the ponderous utensil with both hands, the railroad boy brought it round with terrific force. The foremost bandit, who happened to be just within range, caught the iron bar full on the neck. There followed a faint cry, together with a glimpse of a flying form, and the luck- less outlaw sailed out into the gloom as though a cyclone had struck him, k came the ponderous poker, and the next: man saw more stars than ever ventured out on an autumn night. Bullets flew like hail about the daring boy, but - it seemed as if he bore a charmed life, for not a bullet touched him, as with dauntless courage he continued to flourish his formidable weapon, fo the imminent discomfiture of the Brother- ood. Meanwhile, Ralph Renwood had taken ad- vantage of this diversion, and rapidly reloaded his revolver, the contents of which he now hast- ened to pour into the fast-thinning ranks of the outlaws. Luck was against the latter, nan their ad- vantage in numbers; but the idea of being cheated of their anticipated plunder by two mere striplings was enough to madden them to d ration. Black Bart, furious with rage, threw himself at the head of his dwindling band, and fought like a tiger. ‘* Hooray! We're home at last!” It was the voice of Headlight Harry that rung cheerily above the sound of conflict. Sure enough, the lights of Richville could now be seen just ahead, twinkling like fireflies in the darkness, Black Bart saw them, too; saw that, in spite of his strenuous endeavors, the precious contents of the Express car were fated ss into other hands than his, 1n his desperation he had re- mained on board rather Jonger than was con- ducive to safety; and now their proximity to the town warned the chief that n but in- stant flight could save him from capture and th n’s noose, e Accordingly Black Bart reluctantl ve the signal for fight, pe | +
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Vote The Lightning Express Detective, To leap from a flying train in safety is no easy task; but there was no alternative, and the bandit leader set the example by swinging from the tender into empty space, Quickly his surviving men followed. For a moment the air was full of flying bodies; then all that remained upon the trainof Black Bart’s Brotherhood were the bleeding bodies that strew- ed the tender, The conflict was over, and the victorious de- _ fenders, marvelous to relate, had not even a * seratch to show for the desperate struggle. **Thank goodness, the agony is over! Hot and heavy while it lasted, but the results are highly satisfactory,” exclaimed Renwood, as he hurried to moderate the speed of the leaping, throbbing engine. : Headlight Harry, brim-full of enthusiasm, continued to wave his fire-poker vigorously. **That’s what I call fun,” he cried, excitedly. ** No flies on us,eh, Ralph? Reckon Black Bart thas come to the conclusion that he bit off more than he could chaw. **Pulses throbbing, and hearts fill-d with glee, Madly we dash on our wild career! Monarchs of all we survey are we; Hurrah! for the life of the bold engineer!” A minute later what was left of the Lightning Express train rolled into the station at Rich- ville; and as Ralph and Harry stepped from the cab, it was to find themselves surrounded by an excited crowd, comprising most of the town’s 26, argon: who had been attracted to the scene y the heavy firing. It took but a short time for the engineer to ex- plain matters, and then thesurprise and indigna- tion of the Richvilliaus knew no bounds, After nearly a vear of peace, it had become an established belief that Black Bart’s Brother- hood was a thing of the past; but the daring attack upon the Express proved that the re- doustable train-robbers were once more at their old tricks, An engine, well guardea, was sent Dack To re- cover the detach portion of the train; and a formidable party at once set out in pursuit of the outlaws, lt is hardly necessary to say that this latter expedition was unsuccessful. wide, deep ditch ran beside the track, andinto this the ban- dits had landed when they leaped from the fly- ing train. One poor wretch, too badly hurt to get away, was found and captured; but the re- mainder, including the notorious chief, had vanished in the darkness, leaving no trace be- nd, But the train, with its valuable freight, was safe; and for this, the townsmen had to thank Ralph Renwood and his brave companion, Head- light Harry. The gallant young fellows at once became the heroes of the hour, Headlight Harry was particularly happy, for he found himself avpointed regular fireman on the Atalanta. This appointment, made at his own request, afforded the railroad-boy great satisfaction, for it not only gave him an oppor- tunity to be constantly with his bosom friend, but wasalso a prodigious stride forward to his coveted goal—the post of engineer. Harry Hilton that night was the happiest youth in Richville ‘*Cracky! Dll be a full-fledged engineer in a month,” he assured himself, confidently. Next day the usual trip was made without incident, Richville was reached shortly after nightfall and Headlight Harry, his day’s work ended, bade good-night to his companion and cheerfully started for home, He lived with his widowed mother in a mod- est little cottage nearly a mile from the railway- station. The way was a dreary one, leading for a considerable distanes through a gloomy forest. But harry’s neart was 1 ght, and so were nis footsteps as he trudged blithely homéward, whistling a merry tune, Visions of the matron- ly woman waiting at the door to greet him with a kiss and a smile, and later, a smoking hot sup- per, with the delicacies that only his mother’s ands could eeeere thee formed a pleasant picture in the mind of tne hungry rail -boy, who hurried on, little thinking that fate was ahout to launch him into the most exciting ad- venturcs of bis life, He was fairly within the depths of the forest now, and, although the moon shone brightly without, an impenetrable gloom pervaded these shady recesses. Awed by the dreariness of his surroundings, the boy’s whistle soon died away and he continued in silence. Suddenly he halted, for his quick ear detected the rapid hoof-beats of a h _ from an ea eae direction. | Headlight orse approaching Harry immediately darted to the side of the road and, crouching there in the bushes, waited for the rider to pass. A moment later the horseman hadarrived up- on the scene, but instead of riding by he drew rein within arm’s-length of the spot where the boy was hiding. Through interstices in the foliage above a radiant moonbeam slanted into the glade, bath- ing steed and rider in its mellow glow; and as Headlight Harry gazed upon the features of the new-comer he gave a start that nearly betrayed his presence, ‘* It’s Black Bart, the outlaw, or I’m a China- man!’’ he gasped. CHAPTER Y. PLAYING THE SPY. YEs, it was the notorious chief of the train- robbers, as formidable as ever. A handker- chief was bound tightly about his brow, while several strips of court-plaster adorned his cheeks, hightening the ferocious expression of his naturally repulsive countenance. His clothing was torn and nfuddy. Indeed, from Black Bart’s tout ensemble, it was appar- ent that he was considerably the worse for wear, after his rough-and-tumble experience of the night before. eadlight Harry gazed curiously at the no- torious road-robber, as he sat upon his steed, motionless asa carvenimage. He was evident- ly waiting for some one; and the railroad-bo was on the qui vive, for the presence of Black Bart, at this place and hour, signified that mis- chief was brewing. A minute passed; then from up the road came the shrill, peculiar cali of the whippowil. Black Bart immediately echoed the signal; and then a man made his appearance on foot, coming from the direction of the town. As the new-comer advanced, an involuntary exclamation escaped the lips of the youth in the bushes, for the aac | moonlight enabled him to recognize the man’s features immediately. he last arrival was Dave Darke, cashier of the Richville National Bank, and Ralph Ren- wood’s unsuccessful rival for the hand of fair Grace Garland, daughter of the wealthy rail- way king. **On hand, I see, Bart!” exclaimed the cash- ier, advancing promptly. ‘* Yes; and waiting this ten minutes,” return- ed the outlaw, rather shortly. ‘‘ Black Bart al- ways keeps his word.” ‘* Well, I'm sorry to keep you waiting, but it couldn’t be helped,” said Dave Darke, apologeti- cally. ‘* However, now I’m here, let’s lose no time in getting down to business,” **Not here. Come back from the road a lit- tle, that we may be secure from observation. I’m mighty solicitous for the welfare of my pre- cious neck. ‘*Curse the luck! I feel as though a freight- train had been running over me,” continued Black Bart, as he dismountec with some diffi- culty. A on look as if a cyclone had been wrestling with you,” complimented the cashier, with a sardonic smile, as he followed the outlaw, who, leading his animal, left the trail and disappear- ed in the thicket. Headlight Harry had listened to this brief conversation in open-mouthed astonishment, scarcely able to believe the evidence of his senses, What meant this secret meeting in the forest? What were the relations of Dave Darke, a trusted bank official, with the notorious chief of outlaws? ‘*T allus sot Darke Dave down asa bad egg, but I didn’t think he was so low down as to as- sociate with Black Bart,” soliloquized the rail- road-boy. ‘‘ Talks as if he’d knowed him fer ears, too. One thing is certain—there’s mis- chief on foot; an’ shoot me fer a Chinaman, if I don’t find out the whys and wherefores of this mysterious bizness. Here goes!” Without the slightest hesitation, the intrepid lad followed the two men into the thicket, They had halted in a little glade, a short dis- tance from the road; and guided by the voices, Harry had no difficulty in locating bears ed tion. No naked Indian scout ever advanced up- on the foe more cautiously than did the daring railroad-bey, who stole noiselessly from bush to bush, and finally reached a position close to the objects of his espionage. e could just distinguish the forms of the two men, who had seated themselves, and were conversing in low tones. **Curse the infernalluck! To think that we were outwitted, after the treasure was almost within our grasp,” growled Black Bart. ‘Five 5 of my best men gone, and as many more wound- ed—caramba / Itmakes my blood boil to think of it. ‘Bah! A few men’s lives don’t matter. You can easily get recruits toreplace them. How- ever, [ had everything at stake. The success of this scheme was my only salvation. Now you have failed, what is to become of me?” ‘*T fail to understand why our failure should affect you, beyond the loss of your share of the spoils. You must have had another object, Dave, of which I knew nothing.” ‘* Right, captain,” allowed Darke, frankly. ‘* Listen, and E will explain everything.” ‘* Proceed !” ‘““Two years ago, Bart,” began the bank cashier, ‘‘ I was the trusted lieutenant of your powerful Brotherhood. No better man ever served you, if I, myself, do say it, until one da I chanced to see handsome Grace Garland. fell desperately in love with the maiden, and swore to possess her for my own. ‘*To do so it was necessary for me to change my calling, for what pure girl would accept the attentions of an outlaw? True, I might easily have carried her off to our stronghold, but in that case I would forfeit all hopes of fingering her rich sire’s fortune. Iresolved to renounce outlawry, and become a virtuous citizen, until I could win my prize. Accordingly, I left your band, first taking an oath never to betra y your secrets—” ‘*And you have kept your oath faithfully, Dark Dave,” declared the road-agent chief, heartily. ~ ‘* Well, I went to Richville and commenced my new career. Being tolerably well educated intelligent, and not bad-looking, L soon managed to make myself quite a favorite with the towus- people, none of whom dreamed 1 was an ex-~ member of the dreaded Black Brotherhood, So well did I succeed that when the bank cashier died suddenly, I was appointed to fill the va- cancy. ss But while I was thus making myself solid with the citizens at large, the fair object of my adoration did not seem very favorably im- pressed. Truth to tell, she was already in love with another—a handsome chap named Ren- wood, poor as a church-mouse, who earns a pre- carious livelihood by driving one of her rich fa- ther’s engines; the same fellow, by the way, who ran the Express last night, and whose hake was too much for you and your band of loodhounds.” ‘* Curse him!” gritted Black Bart. ‘*Tt took me some time to discover that my case was hopeless,”. continued Dave Darke. ‘** Meanwhile, my passion for gambling led me to indulge, on the quiet, to a considerable ex- tent. As luck was against me, and my salary was inadequate to the demand, I was conse- uently compelled to ‘borrow’ from the bank, rom time to time, until, at the present mo- ment, the deficiency amounts to a cool ten thou- sand ‘dollars. ‘* Knowing that the time for the annual ex- amination was near at hand, I naturally looked for some way out of the difficulty. Just then we received notice of a consignment of bullion, Here was a chance for salvation! I posted you in relation to the proposed shipment, on condi- tion that I receive one-third of the plunder for the information, ‘* Had the plan succeeded, I could easily have made good the deficiency. But now, all is lost, To-morrow the bank examiners will be here, and ar only chance is to—” ** Skip!” finished Black Bart, tersely. ‘* Exactly, captain! My career as an upright citizen of Richville is over. Now, I propose to resume my old position in your band, providing my presence is welcome.” lack Bart’s eyes lighted with pleasure. ‘* Your old position as first lieutenant is o to you, Dave,” he said, ‘‘ The boys, what’s left of ’em, will be glad to see you back once more, But the girl! Do you intend to accept your fate, and resign her to the tender embrace of this young engineer ?” ‘‘Never! The girl shall be mine!” Dark Dave fairly hissed. ‘‘ That is the point | was coming at. The ee must be seized, and carried to our stronghold. Once there, I will tame the proud beauty, and laugh at the agony of my rival.” ** But can this be done?” ** Yes, with your assistance.” + **-You shall have it,” declared Black Bart, for the cashier had been a most valuable assistant, and the chief was elated at the prospect of his ee Nad the band. ‘‘When is the deed to be one “This very night. The girl’s parents are both away, and there’s no one at home but the iwi \
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6 The Lightning Express Detective. servants, No time could be better. You know The diabolical plan was speedily put into ex- the premises, I suppose?” ‘* Every nook and cranny.” ** And the men?’ ‘* Are so near that a blast from this whistle would bring them to the spot.” ‘* Good, captain!” exclaimed Dave Darke, elat- edly.» ‘‘ I shall depend upon you.” “The girl shall be safe at the stronghold ere another sun rises,” promised the outlaw leader. * And you?” ** To-morrow I shall shake the dust of Rich- ville from my feet, but not until I have pocket- ed all the available funds that remain in the bank,” declared the ex-lieutenant, grimly. ‘* Ex- pect me at the stronghold to-morrow night.” “Good! It is settled, then?” said Black Bart; and the nefarious scoundrels rose to their feet. Meanwhile, Headlight Harry, from his hiding- place close at hand, had heard every word of this highly interes ing conversation. To say that he was surprised would be to but faintly express the boy’s feelings. The revelation of the bank cashier’s true character and subsequent development of bis diabolical! plot, fairly stupe- fied him with disgust and amazement. Indeed, it was not until the precious pair rose to depart that Harry was awakened to a true sense of his own danger. The outlaws were advancing straight toward him, and were now so close that retreat was al- together out of the question. The railroad- boy could only hug the ground, hoping against hope that he would escape unnoticed. With a prodigious stride Black Bart passed over the lad; but the lieutenant, as luck would have it, stumbled over the prostrate form and measured his length upon the earth. ‘* Hello! what’s this?” ejaculated Dave Darke, as he quickly recovered himself and grasped the luckless eavesdropper by the collar, With an eel-like motion of his sinewy body Headlight Harry wriggled out of his jacket, and leaving that garment in the grasp of his would- be captor, sped away like a frightened deer. * Blazes!” yelled the lieutenant, in blank dis- may. ‘‘He must be caught, or everything is lost. After him, Bart!” The outlaw chief was too stiff and sore to be of service in a foot-race, but Dark Dave sped in pursuit of the fugitive at a speed born of des- peration. With a mocking laugh Headlight Harry dart- ed through the forest like an arrow. He could hear the heavy footsteps of his pursuers, but felt contident in his ability to outrun them, for he knew every foot of the ground like a book. Alas! for the railroad-boy. He caught his foot against some projecting object, stumbled and fell heavily to the ground. Before he coulc rise Dave Darke pounced upon him, and seized him in a vise-like grip. Headlight Harry kicked and struggled des- rately, but to no purpose; and presently Black art came up, growling and cursing. “Dve caught the spy, Cap,” announced the lieutenant. ‘‘ Strike a matchand we'll see what the rascal looks like.” The chief struck a lucifer and held it before the fave of the youth, who bore the malignant gaze of his captors without flinching. ‘* Headlight Harry!” gasped Dave Darke. “The eg cub that fit us on theJocomotive,” hissed Black art; and from his tone the unfor- tunate lad felt that he need expect no mercy. ‘*Glad you know me, gents!” he exclaimed, rofessing a cheerfulness that he was far from eeling. ‘‘Is there anything I kin do fer yer?” “You infernal eavesdropper, what are you doing here? Heard all we said, I suppose?” “Only a word or two,” lied Harry, glibly. ‘*T was takin’a short cut home an’ run across you gents accidentally.” ‘*Bah! That game won’t work, sweet inno- cent. But, what shall we do with the young- ster?” ‘* He must die,” declared Black Bart, positive- ly. ‘His work last night has sealed his fate,” As he spoke the outlaw whipped out a huge knife, which he flourished in the face of the risoner. ‘* Hold!” interposed Dark Dave. ‘‘ The river is close at hand. Why not bind the boy toa log and set him adrift? The Devil’s Jump is just below, and Ill warrant the young imp ‘Il never live to tell of his pleasure voyage down Mad River.” ‘¢ Agreed! Lend a hand with the cub, Be quick, for time is precious!” The two scoundrels at once strode off through the forest, bearing between them the helpless railroad-boy. A brief walk brought the party to the bank of the rushing, turbulent stream locally known as Mad River. — ecution. A large number of logs strewed the shore, and to one of these Headlight Harry was securely lashed, despite his desperate resistance. This done, a vigorous shove sent the log far out into the stream, while the two fiends, laugh- ing mockingly, turned and disappeared in the forest. Caught up by the rushing current the log shot swiftly down the leaping, swirling tide, bearing its human freight on, on to—what? CHAPTER VI. BLACK BART’S MASTERSTROKE, *TwAS night! The sable goddess had spread her shadowy mantle over all. Nothing to re- lieve the inky blackness, save myriad stars that twinkled like wondrous jewels in the distant heavens. . Richville was wrapped in silence; her worthy citizens slept the sleep of the virtuous and <just. It was at an early hour in the morning, when tired nature sleeps the soundest. Nota sound to disturb the stillness, save the mournful cry of the night-bird; not a light to be seen except at the railway station, for it was nearing the time for the Night Express toarrive, and the sleeping official whose duty kept him there nodded and blinked in blissful unconsciousness of what was transpiring about him. Yet, in spite of the hour, Richville’s streets were not altogether deserted, Had any wakeful villager chanced to glance from his window, he might have been interested upon seeing a party of horsemen ride slowly along one of the roads which led from the out- lying country. Six of them, all told—grim, ghostly figures, seeming, in the indistinct light,a part of the steeds themselves—veritable centaurs, whose roufiled hoofs gave forth nosound as they glided like phantoms through the street. Mysterious as their presence might be, there was nothing supernatural about these grim night riders. Real flesh and blood every one; and the man who led thecavalcade was no other than Black Bart, the outlaw captain! Their course led along the outskirts of the town and directly toward the residence of Rich- ville’s millionaire, Gilbert Garland, which stood upon an elevated site—the only habitation in the immediate vicinity. ** Hist!” At this warning from their leader, the silent riders drew rein instantly. Motionless as statues they stood awaiting further orders, ‘*'Yonder is the scene of our operations,” whispered Black Bart, as hestretched one sinewy arm toward where the dark shape of the Gar- land mansion loomed against the starry sky. ‘*The house is fully two hundred yards away, but it is unsafe to bring the animals nearer, lest some unfortunate noise should betray us, ‘© You, Slim Jim and Yellow Jack, come with me. The rest of you remain here with the horses. Do not stir from this spot until I rejoin you, unless you hear three sharp whistles in quick succession, which will ke the signal of anger. In that case, bring up tie animals without delay. Now, are my instructions thor- oughly uaoderstood ?” ** Ay, captain.” “Then let us get to work at once,” and Black Bart swung from his saddle as he spoke, while the two men designated hastened to follow his example. Like shadows, the three marauders swiftly advanced until a point was reached directly op- posite the mansion. Here Black Bart paused to consider the situation. It was a diabolical errand that sent the bold outlaw forth, that balmy autumn night. With characteristic daring, he was about to attempt the abduction of fair Grace Garland, and so fulfill his promise to Dave Darke, the treacher- ous bank cashier. It was no easy task to force an entrance to a house, and carry away one of its inmates from the midst of numerous friends and servants, One less audacious than Black Bart, would have shrunk dismayed from an undertaking of such colossal magnitude. The Garland mansion stood back a short dis- tance from the highway, being surrounded by spacious Senet beautifully ornamented by trees and flowers, crystal fountains, greensward and gravelly walks: A broad driveway led down to a rustic gate, now closed and fastened. A magnificeat residence, looming grand and ove the mellow moonlight; but the outlaw cap had no eye for the beautiful. He was ee on business, and immediately set to work, It was an easy task to scale the gate; and the outlaws were soon crouching in the friendly shadows within the grounds, From shrub to shrub, from tree to tree, the three marauders flitted like specters, and in this manner stealthily approached the mansion, pausing only when secure in the dense shadow thrown by the broad portico. Then Black Bart begkoned his followers to his side, ‘*¢T shall enter the house alone,” he whispered. ““Remain here; and if I am successful, I will hand the girl down to you from the window, In case I am discovered, you know the signal. Rush in at once to the rescue.” Black Bart at once proceeded to climb to the roof of the portico, He ran up the strong lat- tice like a cat, and landed upon the flat roof without a.sound, Several windows looked out upon the balcony, and trying these, one after another, the housebreaker was pleased to find one unfastened. To raise the sash and push his lithe body through the opening, was but the work of a moment, and Black Bart found him- self fairly inside the mansion. All was darkness within, not an object being visible. Alone in a strange house, at dead of night, one might naturally lose his bearings; but the outlaw, nevertheless, seemed perfectly at home. In fact, Black Bart was better acquainted with the ‘‘ lay’ of the premises, than the Gar- land family might have desired, for, ‘‘ once up- on a time,” he had figured prominently ina mid- night visit, detrimental to the jewelry, silver- ware and other valuables. The outlaw knew he was now standing in a spacious corridor, from each side of which opened the sleeping apartments of the family. One of these he was confident contained the ob- ject of his quest; yet it was impossible to locate the exact apartment. As the marauder stood irresolute, his quick eye caught a faint gleam of light at the further end of thecorridor. A single glance told him that the light came through the keyhole of one of the rooms, and from the faint sounds that fol- lowed, it was evident the occupant was astir. An impatient exclamation escaped the lips of the midnight prowler. The restless one might possibly leave the apartment, and this meant instant discovery to the bold outlaw. But stay! This person who threatened to disturb his plans, might be the very girl for whom he was in search. This thought flashed through Black Bart’s brain, as he glided forward with cat-like tread, and paused beside the door whence gleamed the tell-tale light. One hand touched a glittering dagger: the other a tiny vial of chloroform, Whatever the emergency, the captain was pre- pared to meet it. Soft footsteps could be heard approaching the door, which was gently opened, while a form appeared in the opening. t was the figure of a maiden, tall, supple and graceful; a face of rare beauty and intelligence, with sparkling brown eyes, and a wealth of silken hair falling about her neck and shoulders, Hastily attired in a neat-fitting wrapper, she burst upon the astonished gaze of the intruder like a beauteous vision, It was indeed the lovely daughter of the rail- road ey: Poor Grace Garland! Utterly unconscious of her terrible danger, she advanced deliberately into the corridor.. Fate had led her straight in-* to the lion’s jaws! Crouching low in the gloom, Black Bart for an instant feasted his gloating eyes upon the dazzling vision; thea, recalling his purpose, he bounded like a panther upon his prey. At sight of the burly ruffian, Grace recoiled with a loud shriek that echoed and re-echoed through the silent hulls; but, ere she could turn to flee, the outlaw was upon her. : One sinewy arm encircled her frail form, as he hurriedly applied the chloroform to her nos- trils. The subtle fluid performed its work well, and Grace Garland lay limp and motionless in her captor’s arms. However, her one cry had the desired effect, for it penetrated to the innermost recessesof the mansion. Lights appeared in various rooms, while the sound of hurrying feet warned Blac’ Bart that the household was alarmed. With an angry cry, the captain rushed down the corridor, bearing his precious prize, just as a number of servants, with lights, appeared np on the scene. Some of them were armed, but dared not fire, lest they should hit their mis tress. Bewilderedly they stood in a huddled group, as the dare-devil outlaw, with a taunt. ing laugh, bounded through the window to tho roof of the balcony.
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The Ligh ** Below there, boys!” yelled Black Bart, in stentorian tones. “Here, cap’n,” came the ready response of Yellow Jack. ‘Lend a hand to catch the girl. now.” The captain sunk upoh his knees at the edge of the balcony, and lowered his burden over in- to the waiting arms of his satellites. The next moment he, himself, swung hastily to the und. ‘Vamos, boys!” he cried. This racket will rouse the town, an’ we will have a reg’lar hor- nets’ nest ’round ourears, Git!” The chief caught up his captive, and darted over the lawn at full speed, closely followed by his subordinates, just as the servants, having recovered their self-possession, issued from the mansion in pursuit, The two outlaws drew their weapons, and fired several shots as they fled—a proceeding which caused the would-be rescuers to waver perceptibly, and gave Black Bart time to reach the gate with his prize. ith one sinewy arm entwined about the frail form of the unconscious maiden the outlaw chief clambered to the top of the gate just as his men rushed down the road with the horses. But ‘‘there’s many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip,” and the captain’s exultation quickly changed to dismay as he found his triumphant course suddenly checked in an unexpected man- ner. There was a sound of clattering hoofs coming from a direetion opposite the marauders and tiie next moment a Gadewy band of riders thun- dered ony. upon the scene. A party of Richvillians, belated in their re- turn from some expedition or other, had ap- proached the town and, attracted by the sound of fire-arms, rode up just in time to interrupt Black Bart’s little scheme, They quickly took in the situation, and, with furious shouts, spurred into the midst of the discomfited out- laws. There was a terrific shock as the two par- ties crashed together, followed by the sound of arms and excited shouts of the combatants. However, the conflict was of brief duration, for the outlaws, taken by surprise, quickly wheeled and fled. After them thundered the victorious Richvill- ians. The latter were well-armed, and tne sharp ring of their pieces made bitter music to the ears of the panic-stricken marauders. Meanwhile, Black Bart had not been caught napping. Comprehending the situation at a glance, the wily captain. h°d flung himself into the shadows of a convenient bush, while his two i less active companions were quick to follow im. There they crouched as the horsmen galloped by their place of concealment speeding in pur- suit of their routed comrades; nor did Black Bart venture forth until the hoof-beats of their animals grew faint in the distance, The members of the Garland household were skurrying after the receding combatants, delud- ed by the belief that the chief and his captive had joined the fugitives,and to this mistake Black Bart owed his escape from instant dis- covery. The outlaw chief was furious with rage and disappointment. The inoportuneinterferenceof the Richville party had checkmated a trium all but attained and left him on foot in the midst of enemies, To be sure, the erafty robber had eluded his foes at the outset; but it was only a question of a few moments when the party would discover their mistake and hurry back to find him, Be- sides, the sounds of conflict bad aroused the sleeping town, Lights were twinkling in many dwellings and voices could be heard as the own- ers issued forth to learn the cause of the disturb- ance, Black Bart glared wildlyabout. It was prob- able he must abandon his prize to save his own neck. Even then, dismounted as he was, the ye i chance of escape was exceedingly small, Toot!—toot! Two shrill whistles at this mo- ment rung upon the air, and glancing toward the railroad the captain beheld a flaming light that, gleaming like a ball of fire in tae darkness, ae ed the course of a slowly-moving locomo- tive. The early morning Express was due at Rich- ville, and, the line being a long one, it was cus- tomary to change engines at this point. The relieving locomotive was run out upon the main line and held in readiness a few minutes before- hand; then the incoming engine made what is Careful, termed a “ flying switch,” letting thetrain down upon the one waiting to receive it. Thoroughly versed in railway knowledge, Black Bart knew well what the presence of the | locomotive signified. A glad cry fell from the outlaw’s lips, for he saw a possible avenue for escape. Bidding his two men to follow, the captain ran swiftly toward the gleaming headlighs bearing | his lovely captive as lightly asa feather. It was his intention to capture the detacbed engine and | run down the line ahead of the Express. An audacious trick, surely, but which, if accom- | plished, rendered escape a certainty. Visions of the hangman’s noose made Black Bart desper- ate, and he fairly flew over the ground. Behind the fugitives came theclatter of hoofs, telling the horsemen were returning from their wild-goose chase; and above the station could | be heard the rumble of the approaching train. It was a trying moment for the dare-devil ma- rauders! The distamce, several hundred yards, was quickly covered ; and breathlessly the three rob- bers approached the locomotive. The engineer and fireman sat at their posts, unconscious of theimpending danger, The engineer was “‘ blow- ing off,” and the noise of escaping steam drown- ed all other sounds. Crack—crack! Tworeportsrung out, followed by agonized yells, as the luckless trainmen sunk bleedin by Black Bart’s sure-shot assassins! ‘* Bravo!” yelled the outlaw captain, as a vigorous leap carried him inte the cab. ‘* Jump on lively, boys! The hell-hounds are close upon 9 Just in time! The locomotive was surrounded by a crowd of excited citizens, who, however, were too dumfounded to act, and at a loss to comprehend what it all meant, Vropping Grace Garland, the chief quickly threw over the lever, and pulled the throttle wide open., The driving-wheels spun round like lightning, but not an inch ahead did the pon- derous machine move! ** A littlesand, Jack!’ commanded Black Bart, as he drew a brace of sixes, and fired shot after shot into the advancing crowd. Aroused to action at sight of the audacious chief, the infuriated citizens rushed forward. But too late! The huge wheels ‘‘ bit the iron,” and the loco- motive shot ahead of the crowd like a meteor! Gaining fresh impetus at every revolution of the giant wheels, she flashed swiftly down the line, bearing away the triumphant outlaws and their prize! CHAPTER VII, DRIFTING TO DOOM, MipnicpT on Mad River! Darkness, deep and impenetrable, brooded over the turbulent stream. The verdant shores, the swirling, foam- flecked waters; the mighty forest stretching on either hand; the smiling sky o’erhead—ail the objects. which together formed so pleasing a anorama by day, were now, by the touch of Right's somber wand, merged into one abysmal chaos of blackness. The sullen murmur of the waters; the mourn- ful sighing of the night wind through the trees; the wolf’s lugubrious how], or the shrill cry of the night-bird—these sounds, alone, disturbed the awesome quiet of the scene, { Borne steadily onward by the resistless tide, a floating object breasted the sweeping current of / Mad River—not a boat, but simply a drifting log; and upon its wave-washed surface lay stretched a human form! Luckless Headlight Harry! It was, indeed, a terrible predicament into which his own in- quisitivenesshad led him, Consigned tothe tender | mercy of the elements, by the hands of his | merciless captors! It was ‘a situation calculated to discourage the boldest man. The railroad boy had been powerless to es- cape, for in their grasp be was as an infant; but now, when the outlaws disappeared, and he found himself fairly embarked upon his invol- untary voyage, Harry commenced a desperate struggle for freedom. However, the ruffians had performed their work too thoroughly to make this an easy task. One sinewy thong bound the boy’s legs firmly to the log, while another was passed tightly around his breast, at the same time confining bis arms. Cunning hands applied the bonds, and strive as he might, they would not stir a particle. So, perceiving bis utmést efforts were futile, arry soon ceased struggling, and set about to consider the situation with as much composure oes could be expected under such trying circum- nces, tning Express Detective. 7 The youth was lying face upward, and the rough log at his back formed a by no means | pleasant resting-place; this, added to the fact that the tightly-drawn cords were cutting into his flesh, served to render his position, to say | the least, uncomfortable. | But Headlight Harry cared nothing for his | bruised and aching body; he heeded not the cut- ting cords, nor the icy wavelets that, breaking | over the log, drenched him to the skin. Other thoughts were uppermost in his mind—thoughts | of a deadly danger, the presence of which the poor youth knew full well. | Mad River was, from source to mouth, a ra- | pid stream, but at this point its course was un- usually rough and turbulent. Its surging wa- | ters leaped and rushed along, constantly gain- ing increased impetus, and finally made a ter- rible leap over a lofty precipice, falling far, far down into the rocky chasm below. This cataract, with the rock-strewn whirl- »00ls at the bottom, was locally known as the Jevil’s Jump; and the name, perhaps, was not inappropriate, for no one less supernaturally gifted than Old Nick could plunge over the dizzy brink, and live to boast of the ex- ploit. The Devil’s Jump-off was below, and scarcely half a mile from where Headlight Harry was helplessly gliding down the stream, drawing nearer to the fatal spot with every passihg mo-~ upon the floor, shot down in cold blood | ment. The railroad-boy knew the location well. Often had he stood upon the shore below the falls, and watched the mighty flood, Niagara-like in its terrible grandeur; and now, powerless to move hand or foot, he was being borne to a frightful death in the depths of the horrible abyss, the very sight of which had filled bis boy- ish soul with awe. The thought caused the brave boy to shudder violently ; indeed, it was a situation calculated to strike terror to the stoutest, heart. On flew the log with ever-increasing velocity, together with its human freight, borne swiftly onward by the merciless current. A low, sullen murmur reached the lad’s ears, borne on the nigbt-wind sweeping up Mad River. It was the noise of the cataract, and it rung in his ears like the knell of doom. The sound roused Headlight Harry from the lethargy into which he-was fast sinking, ; nd stimulated him to almost superhuman exertions. With a strength and desperation born of de- spair, the boy writhed and twisted and strained till bis veins stood out like whipcords, and perspiration poured down his face in streams. But vain were his mighty efforts; for the sin- ewy thongs that bound him refused to yield a hair. Bleeding, breathless and exhausted, Headlight Harry sunk back upon the log, his strength exhausted, his last hope gone. The moments flew by like lightning. The log sped faster and faster. Five minutes more would bring it to the brink of the precipice! Louder grewthe sound of the down-pouring cataract, till the sullen murmur had swelled to a deafening roar! Rougher became the waters, until the log, erstwhile riding smoothly, row rocked and quivered violently on thecrest of the dancing surges! Huge, jagged rocks here and there reared their frowning heads above the surface, but the log passed them all unscathed, Dense showers of spray flew over the craft, threatening to suffocate its Viet! cig Indeed, death in such a guise was preferable to a plunge over the Devil’s J mp Swift danced the log o’er the angry waters! The night wind sung a mournful requiem for the poor soul rushing on to death. Fair Luna, queen of the night, sent her compassionate Bane down, then sorrowfully hid her face be- ind a cloud, as if to shut out the dreadful scene! The thunder of thecataract warned Headlight Harry that the critical moment was at hand, and, with closed eyes, the lad calmly awaited the inevitable. He did not want to die—life was very sweet to him; but now, brought face to face with death he could meet the grim destroyer bravely, and perish as a bero should. Thougkts innumerable flashed like lightning through his brain. He thought of his mother, doubtless at that moment anxiously waiting for him at home—of Ralph Renwood and his many friends; then he tried to pray, just as the lo; leaped into the roaring, tumultuous waters o the Devil’s Jump! For an instant the log shot forward, rocking and plunging violently; then suddenly ¢éame a mighty crash, as the swiftly-speeding timber an ra some unseen object with terrific orce,
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8 The Lightning Express Detective. Recoiling from the shock, the craft swung clear round, pitching and plunging violently; then, its momentum suddenly checked, rode like a ship at anchor on the breast of the tide. Headlight Harry opened his eyes, and stared in utter amazement. Half stunned from his rough experience, the railroad-boy scarcely knew whether he was dead or alive. The cataract, thundering close at hand, was still below him; and ,how he had escaped from plunging over the giddy brink was a question that mystified the youth not a little. At this moment the moon reappeared, shin- ing with increased brilliancy; and, thanks to her friendly rays, Harry was enabled to gain a faint idea of his surroundings. Before him stretched the foam-flecked waters of Mad River; scarcely fifty feet beyond, a long dark line, surrounded by flying masses of spray, marked the spot where the flood took its terrible plunge. Oa either side, a jagged rock rose abruptly from out the water. The space between was extremely narrow, so much so as to prevent the passage of the log, which, having struck one of the bowlders with sufficient force to divert it from its original course, was sucked into the narrow opening, and thus became tightly wedged. An omnipotent hand had guided the, craft straizht upon this rock—the only barrier be- tween the youth and death. Had thelog passed this point, nothing could have saved the rail- road-boy. Taankful for his marvelous escape, Headlight Harry set his wits to work to devise some means of extricating himself from his unpleas- ant predicament; for, half suYocxted by the spray, and bruised from the log constantly beating against the rocks, his position was far from comfortable, Besides, the turbulent waters, angry at being cheated of their prey, surged about the timber, threatening to tear it from its anchorage, and send it to continue its interrupted voyage. The thought stimulated Harry to renewed strength and determination. Summoning all his power, the lad strained at the bonds which held his arms in a hempen vise. Joy! The stubborn thongs, so long immovable, now parted with a snap. During the tinfe that the log was thumping agaiust the rock, a sharp, knife-like projection, constantly striking the cord, had been uncon- sciously performing the work that the boy’s muscle failed to accomplish; until the rope was nearly severed, and it only needed his effort to complete the work of liberation. The delighted youth’s first act, after assuming a sitting posture, was to vigorously rub his be- numbed arms to restore the circulation, after which, with the help of the jack-knife he always carried, it was but the work of a moment to liberate his feet. Free once more, Headlight Harry leaped from the log and climbed laboriously to the top of the rock nearest the shore. But when this point was reached a brief glance told the boy that es- cape was not, even now, an absolute cer- tainty, Angry waters surrounded him on every hand. The river at this point was extremely narrow and the channel was upon one side of the stream ; so the distance from the rock to the nearest shore was slight—an active man could have leaped it. However, to the railroad-boy, bruised and sore and chilled to the bone, with no foothold save a wet and slippery ledge, it was an under- taking fraught with great danger. But Headlight Harry was impatient to re- turn to Richville to aid Grace Garland, whom he knew to be in deadly danger. Fearful that he would be too late to frustrate Dave Darke’s scheme, the brave boy determined to risk the leap without delay. Pausing for a moment to take breath, Harry * poised upon the slippery ledge, carefully meas- uring the distance with his eye; then, concen- trating all his strength, he shot like an arrow far out over the raging torrent! In his exhausted condition the distance was too great for the boy to cover. Narrowly miss- ing the coveted shore, he descended into the boiling water with a sullen splash; but as he fell, one hand stretched forth in a last despair ing effort, and one upon a projecting spur of rock, clung to it with a grip of steel. With superhuman strength the railroad-boy raised himself, inch by inch, until he was free frow: the sweeping current, then crawled labo- riously up the slippery bank. Safe atlast! But the effort was too much for the gallant boy. Exhausted nature could do no i a more! Headlight Harry’s brain reeled, and pitching forward he fell heavily to the earth, lying unconscious in the mellow moonlight! CHAPTER VIII, ON THE TRAIL, WHEN Headlight Harry at length recovered his senses, the night was far advanced. Quick- ly recalling the incidents of that eventful night, the boy struggled to his feet, regretful that so much valuable time had been lost. Perhaps, even now, the dark deed was accomplished, and Grace Garland in the toils of her enemies, Hoping against hope that he would yet arrive in time, the lad hurried from the spot. Covered with cuts and bruises, stiff, sore, and benumbed with cold, every step caused the poor boy pain; but, ignoring his own suffering, he pressed bravely on. It was fully three miles to Richville, follow- ing the devious course of Mad River; but Har- ry, knowing every square foot of the country, adopted a ‘* bee-line ” across fields and meadows, making the distance much shorter. On through the darkness hastened the bold railroad-boy! In his excited condition, min- utes seemed like hours; tnough in reality, it was an incredibly short time, when in the distance he saw the lights of Richville gleaming. As Headlight Harry dashed across a field, in the direction of the Garland residence, he was startled by the rapid report of fire-arms, while lights appeared at the mansion, and excited voices reached his ears. “My God! I’m too late! The fiends are al- ready at work!” gasped the boy, divining the truth instantly. Dashing madly ahead, Headlight Harry strained every nerve to reach the scene of com- bat. When he arrived upon the spot, the en- counter was over; the mounted party were in hot pursuit of the fleeing bandits, while the moonlight revealed Black Bart, accompanied by two companions, hurrying in the opposite direction, with Grace Garland clasped in his arms, One glance at the flying outlaws, another at the waiting locomotive, and Harry compre- hended the bold design of the bandit chief, In- stantly he darted in pursuit, hoping to prevent the audacious escape, It was impossible to overtake the fugitives, indeed, it was lucky for Harry that they were unaware of his presence, for in his excitement he overlooked the fact that he was alone and unarmed, and had he been discovered, Black Bart’s sure shots would have made quick work of the reckless boy. Others than Harry were hurrying in that di- rection, but the raiJroad-boy was first upon the spot, rushing up just as the outlaw captain sprung to the throttle. Realizing it was too late to prevent the és- cape, Headlight Harry, acting upon a ready impulse, and determined to follow the fleeing abductors, made a desperate leap for the engine as it glided past him. So, when the stolen locomotive shot down the line like a fiery meteor, it carried an extra pas- senger in the person of Headlight Harry, who clung desperately to the\rear of the tender! The youth’s recklessness nearly cost him his life, for at this moment a crowd of citizens rushed up. They caught sight of the clinging form, and, mistaking it for one of the marau- ders, made it the target for a choice volley of pistol-shots. Bullets whizzed viciously about the head of the railroad-boy, but, fortunately, not one of them reached its intended mark,an the next moment the engine was out of sight of the bel- ligerent Richvillians. Over the rails like lightning sped the stolen engine, The Night Express had the “right of way,” and as the outlaws were only a few min- utes in advance of the train’s time, they could ee calculate on a clear track. Black Bart 8 at the lever, and managed the machine like a veteran—indeed, the notorious bandithad once been an engineer on that very road, and a good one, too, until he abandoned the position for the more lucrative pursuit of train-robbing. Headlight Harry’s position was a trying one, He sat astride of the iron bumper, clinging to the chain which hung from the tender, and which was attached to the coupling-pin. Perch- ed in this uncomfortable poarey, t Fine | held on desperately, the breath neariy jol from bs body by the swift motion of the locomo- tive. : If the chain broke, nothing could save him from being precipitated to death upon the track below. Harry resolved to gain a safer position, eS though at the risk of discovery. With some difficulty he reached the top of the tender, and crouched behind the wood-pile, (for on this road wood was used for fuel), from which position he was able to obtain a good view of the cab and its occupants, The three outlaws were attentively scanning the track ahead, unaware of the presence of an enemy. Grace Garland lay passive upon the floor, not yet fully possessed of consciousness, and at the sight of the poor girl, Headlight Harry could hardly resist the impulse which prompted him to throw himself upon her cap- tors, tooth and nail. Luckily, the lad’s discretion conquered his temper. Reckless as the youth had been, to follow the outlaws, alone and unaided, yet there was method in his madness. It was his intention to discover where Black Bart carried his cap- tive, and then call his friends to the rescue. Making himself as comfortable as circum- stances wceuld permit, Harry patiently waited for the wild ride to terminate. Smith’s Siding, the next station, was soon reached. The opera- tor, doubtless awakened from a nap, rushed be- wilderedly out upon the platform ; bat before he could rub his sleepy eyes open, the engine flashed by like the wind. Madly they rushed on their wild career; the big wheels spun like lightning, while the whole machine shook and trembled, as it tore wildly around the sharp curves, threatening at times to leave the ‘‘ iron” entirely; Black Bart had pulled the throttle wide open, and drove the Sr. aie as if a legion of fiends were close behind im, Suddenly the outlaw captain shut off steam and reversed the lever. e was about to stop the engine, Headlight Harry was on the alert, and quick- ly retreated to his old position on the bumper. The speed of the locomotive slackened gradual- ly, and just before it stopped, the boy released na hg and dropped lightly and safely to the rack, Swiftly he darted to one side, and, lurking in the shadows, watched the movements of the three marauders. Black Barts men quickly left the engine, bearing the captive girl between them, while the captain deliberately restarted the machine, then swung briskly off and rejoined his fol- lowers. Away went the locomotive, left to its own idance, gaining increased s at every revo- ution of its huge wheels. hat would be the end of its wild career? Perchance to jump the track; or worse, to collide with some human- freighted train, and send scores of precious lives iato eternity! Little cared Black Bart! With a fiendish chuckle he watched the lone engine roll around a bend out of sight, then turned his attention to the work before him, At this point the railroad crossed a narrow stream, whose deep, still waters flowed into Mad River, some distance below,’ To the bank of this creek Black Bart hurriedly led the way. A brief search among the rushes brought to view a long, light boat, into which the outlaws clambered. Meanwhile, Headlight Harry was not to be baffled. It was no easy task to follow the ban- dits, for already the gray light of morning had appeared in the eastern skies, and objects were fast becoming visible. However, creeping like a very sleuth-hound, the boysucceeded in reach- ing the water’s edge without detection, just as the men in tbe boat pushed off from the shore, and beaded the craft up-stream. And now’a new difficulty arose, How could he follow the boat fast enough to keep pace with the sturdy strokes of the outlaws, and yet re- main undiscovered? However, the cunning spy quickly solved this problem, Headlight Harry could swim like a fish, so, dropeiva noiselessly beneath the water, he shot swiftly after the receding boat. So precisely did he calculate, that when at length he came to the surface, it was to find himself at the very stern of the craft. : Grasping the boat with one hand, the lad swam easily in the wake, ready to dive again in case of discovery. Indeed, there was little ner. of the latter, for trees and bushes grew thickly upon the bank, their branches forming an impenetrable archway Overhead, and objects in the creek were well-nigh invisible, Propelling the boat up-stream with long, werful strokes, the outlaws procsener for per- aps half a mile, Then suddenly they turned the boat’s prow toward the shore. Perceiving they were about to land, the spy released his hold and dropped beneath the sur- ; SS See | 9 a a a eet ew erates et tr np iin = ll il
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‘face; when he rose again, he wassafeamong the rushes on the opposite side of the stream. The craftshot swiftly toward the shore, and, with its occupants, disappeared from view. Whither had it vanished so mysteriously? For several minutes Harry waited, his eyes glued on the spot where the outlaws disappear- ed; then,as the boat failed to materialize, he resolutely crossed the stream. Once there, he beheld a curious sight. Great wreaths and festoons of vines hung from the branches, like myriad serpents, Thickly interlaced, they reached to the water’s edge, forming a complete curtain for some dis- tance along the shore. The young trailer cautiously parted this natural curtain, and theg the mystery of the boat’s disappearance was’reyealed. The craft was drawn up on the bank, but its occupants had vanished; whither, was indicated by the narrow, rugged path leading from the water’s edge. Bor a moment Headlight Harry hesitated. Hie surmised that the secret trail led to the stronghold of the Black Brotherhood. Most lads would have sought assistance before venturing further; but the railroad-boy resolved to press on alone, and locate the whereabouts of the ban- dits beyond the possibility of a mistake, Carefully replacing the vines, the trailer ad- vanced stealthily along the secret path, not without fear, for at any moment a lurking ban- dit might perforate him with a bullet. The trail was a narrow, winding one, and as- cended gradually, being lifted with overhanging bushes, and strewn with loose rocky fragments. Harry was compelled to use the utmost caution, lest a chance misstep should betray him. Ashe advanced, the path grew more precipitate, and the lad judged that he was climbing the side of a mountain. At last a gleam of daylight appeared ahead, warning the trailer that the end of the path was near. Forsaking the trail, Harry entered the bushes, continuing his way until the thicket merged into an extensive clearing. Pausing at the edge of the thicket, Harry cautiously parted the bushes, and looked out in- to the clearing—gazed in surprise and wonder, for he saw before him the secret stronghold of Black Bart’s Brotherhood! CHAPTER IX. ‘*TREED.” A MINIATURE plateau, level as a floor, formed the tip-top of the mountaim. Three sides ended abruptly at the verge of a towering cliff, steep and inaccessible; while upon the remaining side, the narrow path afore-mentioned descend- ed to the river, and formed the only means of ap- proach, The mountain-top was heavily wood- ed; but the industrious outlaws had cleared away # space in the center, and erected a num- ber of rude huts. This was the stronghold of the Brotherhood, long and vainly sought for by the authorities, No one dreamed of looking for Black Bart’ at the tip-top of Mad Mountain; and, indeed, the discovery would have been of little value, for the position was well-nigh impregnable. Ap- roached from only one direction, a few reso- ute, well-armed men upon the summit could hold an army atbay. From his elevated hid- ing-place, the bandit chief could, with a glass, look into the very streets of Richville, a dozen miles away. The plateau at this moment presented a lively spectacle. A number of horses were tethered at one end of the clearing, though it must have been difficult to get them up the path. Over a dozen rough, burly fellows, members of the Black Brotherhood, were scattered about, loung- ing in various attitudes, proceeding to enjoy themselves after a hard night’s labor. The re- doubtable captain stood in the door of his cabin, stroking his fierce mustache in evident satisfaction. Crouching in his covert, Harry looked inter- estedly upon the picturesque scene. He could see nothing of Grace Garland; but there was a hut near the edge of the clearing, somewhat isolated from the others, and: on the grass in front of it was stretched a solitary outlaw, evi- dently on guard, His presence led the spy to believe that this particular cabin held the maiden of whom he was in search. The audacious lad determined to make sure of this,and also make Grace aware of his presence. Cautiously he changed his position, until he - was directly behind the hut, which was hard] a dozen yards from where he was conceal This change of base brought the cabin between him and the outlaws; and Harry saw with -hood clean outer their boots. The Lightning Express Detective. 9 satisfaction that he could approach, withoat much fear of discovery. With desperate courage Headlight Harry crept across the intervening space. The hut was a rickety structure, much less substantially built than the others. ‘Tt consisted of a frame-work of eure with rude walls of bark and old canvas, hastily patched together. Reaching the rear of the shanty, the youth peered cagerty through a convenient orifice in the leaky wall. A brief glance told him that he had not guessed incorrectly, for the hut con- tained Black Bart’s captive. In one corner was a rude couch of bearskins, and upon this reclined Grace Garland, weeping violently. At sight of the lovely girl Harry’s heart gave a thrill of pleasure, ‘*Grace!—Miss Grace!” he whispered, softly. At the sound of a familiar voice pronouncing her name the captive started up in astonish- ment. ‘* Hist! Don’t make a noise!” warned the lad, softly. ‘It’s I, Harry Hilton, an’ I’ve come to save you.” Drawing a keen-edged jack-knife from his pocket Headlight Harry went to work upon the canvas wall. It took but a short time to make an opening large enough to admit his slender body, and then he crawled noiselessly inside and clasped the hand of the delighted maiden. ‘*T’m so glad to see you, Harry!” she ex- claimed, half-smiling through her tears, ‘‘ But how came you here?” ‘*Reckon my legs brought me, ’cept when I was riding,” answered the boy, quaintly. ‘‘ But, I say, Miss Grace, this is a deuced pickle you’ve got into, eh?” ‘*T am frightened nearly to death, though as yet no indignity has been offered me. I sup- pose this outrage has been committed to obtain money, for the wretches know my father is wealthy, and would gladly pay any sum for my ransom.” Headlight Harry shook his head decidedly. ‘* Not by a jugful!” he declared, ‘‘I pen {$e to know the ins an’ outs of this scheme, an’ kin tell you you’re clear off the track, Miss Grace, you owe your present position to one of your would-be-if-he-could-be fellers— Dave Darke, the bank cashier, who is a member of this out- law band,” And the railroad boy proceeded to tell how he had chanced to overhear the plot and briefly outlined his adventures while attempting to prevent the abduction. Grace Garland listened in undisguised horror. Much as she disliked the cashier, she had not believed him capable of such an atrocious out- rage. The boy’s revelation multiplied the ter- rors of her situation a thousand-fold. ‘Harry, no time is to be lost,” exclaimed: the girl, excitedly. ‘‘ Unless help comes soon I am doomed to a horrible fate, and you are the one on whom [ rely for assistance.’ ‘€ An’ betcher life I’m with you, through thick an’ thin, Miss Grace.” “You must leave me at once, Harry. If these rough men discover you, everything is lest, Hurry back to Richville, and apprise my friends of my danger. I know they will come at once to my rescue,” ** An’ especially one that I knows of—Ralph Renwood, eh? bet Ralph’s boiler is bu’stin’ with grief ’bout this time; an’ro engine on the line "ll bring him here quick ¢nou rh, when he knows where you are, “Tm going,Grace! The mornin’ mail is soon due, an’ I'll flag ’em at the bridge with this,” displaying a huge red handkerchief. ‘‘Tkey’ll oe me home in a couple o’ shakes, an’ then Il find Ralph, an’ we'll get up a gang that'll come down here an’swipe the Black Brother- Expect to see all Richville here in a few hours. Don’t get down- hearted, miss. Now, good-by!” Pressing the girl’s Sand, Headlight Harry turned to depart, only to recoil with a sharp cry of lismay. At that moment the door of the hut flew opek, and on the threshold stood the outlaw sen- ine For some reason or other, the guard had be- come suspicious that all was not well, and so ap- upon the scene justin time to block the escape of the railroad-boy. For an instant the two glared at each other in mutual surprise; then the outlaw moved for- ward, his hand seeking a revolver, Quick as he was, Headlight Harry was quicker! Uttering a yell that would have done credit to a Comanche warrior, he leaped swiftly forward, and drove his head full against the outlaw’s stomach, With a grunt of pain the fellow collapsed, the breath driven from his body by theterrific blow. The boy, also, was upset by the shock, and rolled over and over upon the ground, Hurriedly scrambling to his feet, the lad dashed away, just as the entire party, hearing the disturbance, rushed upon the scene. ‘ ‘A spy! After him, boys!” yelled Black art. With a defiant shout, Headlight Harry darted into the thicket. He was cut off from the path, and now found himself where, probably, the foot of man had never trod before; but the lad cared not for this,so long as he escaped the clutches of the Brotherhood. Recklessly he plunged down the rugged mountain-side, tearing through the dense thick- ets, overleaping fallen trees and massive bowl- ders that every where strewed the way. Half-way down the hill, Harry suddenly checked his headlong flight, pausing at the verge of a giddy precipice, over which it was certain death to leap. His retreat cut off, the lad stood like a stag at bay. He could hear the outlaws crasbing through the bushes in hot pursuit. Wildly he glared about him for some means of escape. Close at hand stood what had once been a mighty oak, but now all that remained was about twenty feet of the trunk, <A huge cavity at the base showed thatit was hollow. As Harry’s gaze fell upon the tree, he saw a possible way of escape. Hurriedly he scrambled into the hollow trunk, just as the party of out- laws arrived upon the spot, From his place of concealment, the lad could hear the voices of his enemies, as they paused at the brink of the precipice. They were evident- ly discussing the probability of his falling over the cliff, and he fervently hoped they would come to that conclusion and go away. Several minutes passed, andthen Harry could hear the ruffians gathering around the tree, Had they suspected the truth? Hoping against hope, the lad waited breathlessly. Suddenly prey was thrust against the opening, and a bright light flashed in the eyes of the fugitive. Then followed the crackling of flames, and an instant later a puff of smoke as- cended, The outlaws had suspected that the hollow tree contained their foe, and with devilish in- genuity had collected and set fire to a quantity of damp leaves and other material, intending to smoke out the ‘‘ treed ” fugitive, Headlight Harry viewed this proceeding with unutterable disgust. His situation was becom- ing uncomfortable. e burning leaves created a dense smoke, which poured up into the boy’s face, threatening to suffocate him. The tree being hollow to the top, Harry, by digging his knees and shoulders into the sides of the trunk, managed to work himself gradually upward, until his head was on a level with the top; but the change of position afforded no re- lief, for the smoke steadily increased in volume, In dense, black wreaths, it curled about the unfortunate lad, entering his mouth and nose and making breathing difficult. Choking an sputtering, he stood it as long as it was endur- able. To remain there meant ti death from suffocation, so, with considerable reluc- tance, Headlight Harry poked his head above the tree-top, and looked down upon— A circle of outlaws, grimly surrounding the tree, each with a leveled weapon covering the head of the railroad-boy ! The appearance of the latter was the signal for an outburst of merriment. Scratched and bleeding, with torn clothes, and face smoked until it resembled that of an Ethiop, Headlight Harry presented a ludicrous spectacle. **Oh, ho! Wentin a white man, an’ cum out acoon! How d’ye think ye feel, young man?’ sung out a burly bandit, while olher remarks, more or less sarcastic, assailed the crestfallen Spy. Harry vouchsafed no reply to the badinage. His situation was not calculated to place him in a jocular mood, **Come down off’n your perch, my gay black- bird, or we'll give you some leaden pills to mas- ticate,” then came the stern command, and the boy had no alternative but to obey. ° The moment he reached the ground, he was pounced upon and made prisoner, after which the party returned triumphant to the strong- hold, Black Bart was impatiently awaiting the re- sult of the chase. At first he did not recognize the dirty, smoke-begrimed features of. the rail- road boy; but when he did, it was to start back with a cry of undisguised amazement,
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PP et eet rn 884i EOde® aknHunae 10 ‘* Headlight Harry! Is it possible?’ he gasp- ed, scarcely able to credit the evidence of his senses, ‘*Tt’s me, ole hoss, what’s left of me,” retorted the youth, rather enjoying the captain’s dis- may. ‘* How did you escape from the river?” “ff any one asks yer, tell him yer don’t know. You ain’t the only smart feller on earth, I reckon.” ‘*Bah! You crow loudly, my young rooster; but this time I'll see that the job is done thor- oughly. Take bim away, men, until I decide how to dispose of him. Watch him well, for he’s a slippery rascal!” Headlicht arry groaned aloud as he was led away. What would becomeof poor Grace Gar- land, now? CHAPTER X, RENWOOD TAKES A HAND, INTENSE excitement reigned at Richville on the morning of Black Bart’s daring exploit. It took some time to discover the true meaning of the commotion; but when it was found that Grace Garland had been stolen from her home, public indignation knew no bounds. The dread news spread like wildfire, and soon every per- son in the village had gathered around the rail- road station. Among the first to reach the spot was Ralph Renwood, the dashing young engineer. Half- crazed with grief at the sorrowful intelligence, yet he was the coolest man in the crowd, every- thing considered. As soon as he could learn the particulars of the abduction, Ralph rushed to the telegraph-office, The engineer was a skillful operator, and im- mediately taking possession of the instrument, wired the next station for intelligence of the lost locomotive. Back came an answer from Smith’s Siding, saying the engine had passed there, with several persons aboard. Further inquiry elicited the response that the runaway had passed Benton, the next station beyond, empty. This showed that the abductors had abandon- ed the locomotive at some point between Smith’s Siding and Benton. Mindful of the company’s welfare, Ralph Renwood flashed along the line an order to stop the runaway if possible,and prevent any chance of collision. Soon came the welcome intelli- gence that the engine bad been side-tracked and itched at a point some twenty miles away, with no further damage than its own destruc- tion. No sooner did daylight dawn than a large y of resolute, well-armed citizens set out to unt for the beld marauders, No one had recog- nized any of the abductors; but all deviltry was promptly attributed to the dreaded Black Bro- therhood, and so the Richvillians rightly con- cluded that they were responsible for this latest outrage. It was generally supposed that Black Bart, desperate after his recent defeat, had stolen the railway magnate’s daughter, in hopes of obtaining a large ransom. Ralph Renwood accompanied the rescuing party. Considering the circumstances, no one could expect the grief-stricken engineer to goon duty; soa competent substitute was provided to run the Day Express. All day the party searched along the line, where it was supposed the outlaws left the en- gine with their captive. But Black Bart had covered bis tracks well, and not a sign could be discovered. Tired and discouraged, the party returned to Richville at nightfall, connyplobely baffled. The rescue of Grace Garland was as far away as ever. Gloomy and depressed in spirits, Ralph Ren- be paced moodily along the main street, alone. Just as he reached the block wherein the Rich- ville National Bank was located, the doorswung open and a man emerged from the building. As he stood upon the sh under a rig lamp- light, Ralph Renwood recognized the features of his unsuccessful rival in love—Dave Darke, There was nothing remarkable about his pres- ence there, being cashier of the insti‘ution, al- though it was long after bank hours; yet, some- ‘thing prompted the engineer, who was on the opposite side of the street, to pause in the shad- ows and watch his movements. Pausing upon the broad steps, the cashier looked cautiously up and down the street. The thoroughfare was deserted, Dropping the small valise which he carried, Darke drew from his pocket a sheet of paper, and proceeded to attach it to the door. This done, he picked up his bag and hurried away, The Lightning Express Detective. The young engineer looked after him interest- edly. OF don’t like the looks of that fellow,” he muttered. ‘‘In my opinion a greater rascal don’t remain unhung. The bank directors might have made a wiser choice, |’m thinking, when they appointed Dave Darke cashier.” Ralph quietly crossed the street, curious to learn what important announcement was trans- cribed upon the placard so conspicuously post- ed by the cashier. What he read filled him with unbounded as- tonishment. It was a sheet of foolscap paper, bearing upon its face the following, written in a bold, dashing hand: ‘“* RICHVILLE, Sept. 20, 1877. “To the citizens in general. and the officials of the First National Bank, in particular:—This is to notify you that, owing to unavoidable circum- stances, [am compelled to resign the cashiersnip of this institution to accept my old position as first assistant of the famous collecting agency known as Black Bart’s Brotherhood. As the annual examin- ation occurs to-morrow, [ will spare you the trouble hy the information that my accounts are short just $10,986.75. I have, also, just appropriated what funds are available, which will save you the trouble of counting the cash. For further particulars ap- ly at the headquarters of the Black Brotherhood. egretting that cruel Fate has torn me from your esteemed society, I remain, ** Yours, for wealth, ‘Dave Darks, Eer-Cashir.” Such was the audacious epistle that Ralph Renwood read over and over, hardly believing his own eyes. That Dave Darke wes an ex-outlaw, and had even now gone to rejoin the notorious Black Brotherhood, taking with him the entire bank’s fund—this startling announcement fairly dum- founded the engineer, who stood for some mo- ments staring at the flaunting placard. His first resolve was to alarm the authorities, and send a party in pursuit of the audacious robber, who could not be very far away. As Renwood turned to go, a street boy came running up. ‘* A letter for you, Ralph,” he said, familiar- ly; for all the town boys knew and admired the engineer. ‘+ A letter for me?” repeated the young man, in surprise. ‘‘ Who sent it, Johnnie?” ** Dave Darke, the cashier.” ‘* A letter from the outlaw! By Jove! the fellow seems to take a-sudden fancy to slinging ink. What farewell message can he have for me, I wonder?” Seizing the proffered missive, Ralph hastily broke the sea], and read these few taunting words; ‘* RICHVILLE, Sept, 20, 1877. “ RatpH Renwood, esfeemed r.val :— ‘Doubtless you are so deeply concerned for the welfare of your stolen affianced, Grace Garland, that any information regarding her whereabouts will be thankfully received. Therefore, I am pleased toinform you that she is at present safe at Black Bart’s stronghold, being carried thither at my own instigation. Being unable to win her hand by fair means, I am compelled to resor! to foul, believing that ‘ he who laughs last, lauehs best.’ When you receive this I shall be far away. hastening to aie my bonny bride to be. Ha, ha! Revenge is sweet! Hoping you will survive the shock, I am ** Your successful rival, ‘*DavE DARKE.” Furious with anger, Ralph Renwood hurled the insulting message from him. ** So he’s at the bottom of this infernal work!” he hissed. ‘*The scoundrel! [ll follow him to the furthermost ends of the earth!” The boy who brought the message was still standing a few steps away. ‘* Johnnie, when was the message given to you?” ‘* Not ten minutes ago, sir. The cashier rode up on horseback, and handed me the letter. He avemea quarter to carry it, and said I’d be ikelv to find you at the hotel. He seemed in a terrible hurry, and rede off at full speed,” ‘Tn which direction?” **Out upon the Benton road.” ‘* Thanks!” and Ralph, tossing the lad a coin, hastened down the street. The engineer was determined to pursue his enemy; and if he wished to overtake him, no time was to be lost, for the ex-cashier had al- ready quite a start. A livery-stable was close at hand, and Ralph, being well acquainted with the proprietor, soon had the best horse in the establishment at his disposal. Springing into the saddle, the young man spurred swiftly away. The Benton road was, for some distance, straight and free from intersections, and Ralph hoped to soon overtake the fleeing lieutenant. The engineer’s blood was boiling, as he spurred madly along the highway, up-bill and down, his keen eyes vainly piercing the darkness for some trace of his foe. Mile after mile was swiftly traversed, and still the fugitive appeared to be far in advance. Doubtless he anticipated pursuit, and was mak- ing the most of bis start. Suddenly, as Ralph Renwood dashed along, a bright light flashed in the gloom beyond, quick- ly followed by sharp report, and a bullet whizzed viciously by the young man’s head, | clipping a lock from his temple as it passed. Startled by the sudden shot, Ralph’s horse swerved suddenly to one side, aud the engineer, not expecting this movement, lost his balance, and fell heavily to the earth. Down the road galloped the frightened steed, leaving the young man, bruised and breathless, outstretched in the sand. As he fell,a dark form rushed out of the thicket and quickly approached. ‘* Lucky I suspected I was followed,” came the unmistakable voice of Dave Darke, ‘‘ I im- agine I have given the fellow his never-get- over. Whocan he be, I wonder?’ The cashier bent over to scrutinize the pros- trate form; -but Renwood, recovering from the fall, bounded to his feet, and grappled with the would-be assassin. Darke was Ralph’s superior in size; but rage and desperation endowed the young engineer with almost superhuman strength, and he at- tacked his foe with the fury of a tiger. Struggling fiercely; the two men reeled across the road, then fell heavily to the ground, locked in a firm embrace. Dave Darke was undermost, and lay like a log beneath his antagonist. In falling, bis head struck a fragment of rock with force enough to render him insensible. First assuring himself that Darke was not playing ’possum, Renwood arose and grimly contemplated his vanquished foe. ‘‘Cowardly assassin!” he hissed. ‘* To-mor- row’s sun shall find you behind bolts and bars, there to remain until a just law puts an end to your career of crime!” But the engineer laughed too soon! At that moment a number of dark forms rushed upon him, and bore him to the earth. In spite of his desperate resistance, he was soon bound hand and foot. Grim and silent, the new-comers gathered about their prisoner. All were masked and armed to the teeth; and Ralph Renwood’s heart sunk within him, for he knew he was in the power of the Black Brotherhood! CHAPTER Xi, IN THE TOILS, HAVING overpowered the luckless engineer, Black Bart’s marauders turned their attention to the fallen lieutenant, who was beginning to show signs of returning consciousness. Dave Darke was considerably the worse for wear,and labored under the impression that a rampant cyclone had struck him; but a good long pull frcm a comrade’s bottle had beneficial effects, and soon the ex-cashier was able to keep his feet. It was with a look of malignant hatred that he surveyed his helpless rival. “So you were following me, eh? How for- nate! I’m glad my shot missed; for now I shall have the pleasure of your company at the wed- ding ceremony, of which you sball be an inter- ested ‘witness. After that, I will endeavor to give the boys a little amusement, with your distinguished self for the chief attraction. Ha, ha!” Ralph Renwood’s face grew fairly livid with wrath, and he struggled like a demon to burst his bonds. ‘‘Biend!” he hissed. ‘‘ Lucky for you I am not free. I would kill you like a dog!” Dave Darke turned away with a taunting laugb. Coens boys! There’s no time to waste in dallying. Bring this fellow along; and mind you handle him gently. A rare bit of amuse- ment he'll afford, when we arrive at headquar- ters.” Away went the marauders, bearing the help- less engineer in their midst. After an hour of rapid journeying, the party reached the moun- tain stronghold, and received a cordial welcome from Black Bart and the members of the Bro- therhood then present. ; Fierce were the glances directed upon the cap- tive engineer. Ralph Renwood’s plucky defense of the train, at the time of the attempted rob- bery, was still fresh in their minds, and the knowledge that he was now in their power caused universal satisfaction. : Adee in ed BOd tmanNeHots seomw aaocomaey
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firelight illuminated the scene, it was to find his friend, Headlight Harry, closely guarded. In mute astonishment, the two youths stared at one another, were too full for utterance. on the other for assistance, being of course ig- norant of one another’s whereabouts; but now the knowledge that both were in the power of their enemies, was enough to plunge them into the depths of despair. Dave Darke, too, came in fora share of sur- rise. With his own hand he had set Headlight arry adrift upon Mad River, and imagined him dashed to pieces upon the rocks of the De- vil’s Jump, Yet there stood the railroad-boy, much the worse for wear, but unmistakably in the flesh. The ex-cashier could not understand it, and superstitiously held aloof until Black Bart advanced and made the mystery clear. ‘“‘Well, if we keep ov, I shall have the whole of my friends at the wedding,” said the lieuten- ant, complacently. ‘‘Our doughty young voy- ager shall accompany his friend to the happy land, to-morrow. The morethe merrier, Ha, ha!” The prisoners were led away, under a strong guard; and then Black Bart called his men to- gether. The band gathered around the cap- tain, by whose side stood Dave Darke. Waving his hand for silence, Black Bart addressed the assemblage: ‘*Men, [ have to announce the return to our Brotherhood of our old comrade, Dark Dave, who, as first lieutenant of the band, formerly served long and well. I hereby appoint him to his old position, with authority second only to my own, and trust that the return of Lieu- tenant Darke wi!l bring increased prosperity to the Black Brotherhood.” Ringing cheers greeted this announcement, for Duve Darke was a universal favorite, However, there was one among them who failed to share the general satisfaction. A swarthy Mexican named Gaspard had been made lieutenant to succeed Darke, resigned ; and now the return of the latter relegated him to his former subordinate position, a proceeding that naturally failed to please the dark-skinned son of Mexico. But the Greaser knew better than to openly express his dissatisfaction. He simply scowled vindictively, and covertly shook his fist at his more popular successor, Lieutenant Darke soon separated himself from the group, and sought the captain of the Black Brotherhood. ‘* Well, are you satisfied now?’ demanded that worthy, grimly. ‘* Perfectly. Allow me to say, captain, that youare a jewel, Why, the town is astounded at your daring trick! The good citizens are rushing about like a lot of maddened hornets. But the fair maid--I suppose she 1s here?” ‘“*Safe in yonder cabin, anxious, I s’pose, to see you,” said Black Bart, sarcastically. ‘‘ By the way Dave, how did you leave our friends at Richville?” ‘“Under such circumstances that [ shall hard- ly venture there again, unless with the Black Brotherhood at my back.” ‘* Of course you drained the bank before leay- ing. How much did you get?” The eyes of the captain glittered avariciously as he spoke; however, the reply was far from encouraging. of OPE Woe 4 taper So answered Dave Darke. ‘‘ You see, the cash had dwindled con- siderably, owing to my previous demands upon it: so everything available amounted to but a couple of hundreds, excepting a quantity of sil- ver, too bulky to bring away.” Thus glibly lied the lieutenant of the Black Brotherhood. He did not deem it necessary to mention the gripsack, filled with fat bundles of eanbacks, rhich he had carefully hidden by Led roadside, soon after so hastily leaving Rich- e, **T think I'll stro]l over and call upon m handsome bride-to-be,” remarked the scoundrel, oan turning away from the disappointed cap- n “Fool! Did he think I would divide with him?” chuckled Dave Darke, to himself, ‘‘ Look out, Black Bart! You ere a shrewd genius, but LTimagine I can be a trifle sharper. It’sa dan- gerous scheme I’m planning, but, if successful, within a month J shall be commander of the Black Brotherhood!” Highly elated, the villain approached the hut which contained his hapless captive. Pushing open the door, he entered without, the least cere- mony my. An old lantern hung upon the wall, and its ai tailed tn tet Neither spoke; for their hearts | Each had relied | * As Renwood was led up to where the cheery | feeble 4c partially illuminated the rude in- terior. The outlaw could distinguish the form of Grace Garland, as she reclined upon the | couch of skins. The Lightning Express Detective. ‘\s the door opened, Grace sprung to her feet | and confronted the intruder. Recognizing the c' uelly-handsome features of the ex-cashier,she | shrunk back in dismay. ‘* Why, good-evening, Miss Garland!” saluted the lieutenant, doffing his hat with mock polite- ness. ‘‘l amsurprised to find you here. Is it to see me that you have ventured so far from home?” Grace Garland took a step forward, her eyes flashing, her breast throbbing with righteous indignation. *“*Stop, scoundrel!” she cried. ‘‘The very sound ot your voice is hatefultome. Why have you come here to torture me with your unwel- come presence? Go, I say!” The girl’s voice rung free and fearless; her frame trembled with passion; her eyes flashed fire. The otitlaw lieutenant fell back a step, sur- prised at the spirit of his prisoner. Instead of your own reflections for a time. Remember, to-morrow is our wedding day, and I hope you will conclude to be more reasonable. Now, dear, before I leave, give me one sweet little kiss from those warm, ripe lips!” So saying, the outlaw advanced triumphant- ly; but Grace Garland sprung back with a star- tled cry. Something flashed brightly in the dim light, and a glittering dagger, clutched in the girl’s uplifted hand, swiftly descended upon the out- law’s breast! Desperation nerved the maiden’s arm, and she struck swift and straight. Only the superior quickness of the lieutenant saved him from in- stant death. Too late to avoid the attack entirely, he man- aged to catch the descending blow upon his left forearm. Cursing with rage and pain, the ruf- | fianstaggered back, blood spurting froman ugly a meek, submissive girl, he found a veritable | tigress. ‘* What a little spitfire you are,” he exclaim- ed; ‘and so charming! I never saw you look so beautiful, my dear. done to merit your dire displeasure?” ‘* Hold! Perfidious wretch, I know your base scheme, through and through. Itis to you that I owe this indignity. It was you who caused me to be taken from home and friends, and brought to this loathsome place, Dave Darke, you are an unprincipled villain!” The outlaw laughed amusedly. ‘“You are very complimentary, my dear; I must confess I’m not an angel; yet, please don’t rub it on too thick. Yes, Gracie, it was I who had you brought here. You area regular Yankee at guessing.” ‘You shall pay dearly for this outrage. Powerful friends will soon come to my rescue. Then, Dave Darke, beware!” “*P’m not at all alarmed by your threats, my pretty angel,” said the outlaw, coolly. ‘*In this secluded spot, at the top of Mad Mountain, you are Bayon recon of your Richville friends, Only two of them know of your whereabouts; and they are both prisoners in the hands of the Black Brotherhood,” ‘* Two of my friends prisoners?” “That’s what Isaid. Particular friends, too, Ihelieve. One is the boy, Headlight Harry; the other—Ralph Renwood!”’ ‘**Ralph Renwood a prisoner? Merciful Hea- ven, what will become of me now?” Overcome by the terrible thought, Grace Gar- land staggered against the wall. The outlaw watched her exultantly. **T thought that would take you down a peg, my young vixen,” be chuckled. ‘‘ Your dear friends are close at hand, but in scarcely a fit condition to aid you; so you may as well aban- don all hopes of rescue, and resign yourself to the inevitable.” ** And what is that, scoundrel?” ‘* To become my wife. , I have long loved you madly, and swore to possess you for my own. Failing to do so by fair means, I was compelled to resort to foul, and the result is, you are now hopelessly in my power. To-morrow we shall be legally married; for we have among our number a regularly-ordained minister of the gospel, who long since forsook the path of the righteous for a more remunerative calling. Doubtless he hasn’t forgotten how to tie the knot in proper style. ‘* Your friends shall be interested witnesses of the ceremony, though I doubt if it affords them much pleasure. Then, when the guests have been sent on their way rejoicing, nothing remains for us but to enjoy a life of ease and leasure, Safe in our own quiet mountain ome, _What do you think of the prospect, dear? Is it not delightful?” “Very nicely planned, but not yet executed,” retorted Grace Garland, who had partially re- covered her composure, with a wonderful effort **Remember it takes two to makea bargain. Before I would become the wife of such a mur- derous, black-hearted scoundrel, I would take a with my own hand!” ave Darke heard these spirited words with an ominous scowl]. ‘Sorry you are so obstinate, Miss Spitfire, for it won’t do the least particle of good,” he exclaimed, confidently. ‘‘ A woman whoshould mind, and won’t mind, must be made to mind. I'll tame your rebellious spirit, my proud beauty. ‘* Now, however, I will go, and leave you to But, pray, what have I | | dagger falling from her nerveless grasp, ———$——— cut, ‘*Curse you, tigress!’ he hissed. ‘‘ You shall pay dearly for that blow. Vll cut your claws, my vixen!” and so saying the discomfited lieu- tenant rushed from the hut to dress his wounded arm, Grace Garland stood for a moment, blankly staring at the retreating form. Then her overstrained nerves gave way, and she fell upon the floor in a deep swoon, the bloody CHAPTER XII, A FRIEND IN NEED, DurtnG Dave Darke’s unsatisfactory inter- view with the prisoner, other events, equally as ; interesting, were transpiring within the outlaw stronghold. : Black Bart had adopted a unique method of securing his two captives—Ralph Renwood and Headlight Harry. As before stated, three sides of the plateau consisted of peer cliffs, shooting downward for hundreds of feet; and the captain’s quick brain conceived a novel plan, whereby he could keep his prisoners, and at the same time render a guard unnecessary, The two young men were placed back to back after which’a long, stout rope was produced an passed round and round their united bodies, un- til they were bound together even more closely than the Siamese twins. Then a short piece was attached, each end, to the cord around their breasts, which, when passed over their heads, formed a loop or yoke. To this was knotted the end of another long rope. When this contrivance was completed to the satisfaction of Black Bart, that individual or- dered the pinioned captives lowered over the brink of the precipice, after which the end of the rope was passed several times around an ad- jacent stump, and securely made fast, Satistied that no man, not possessed of super- natural power, could escape from such a pre- dicament, the bandits prepared for a night's rest, leaving the unfortunate prisoners to their own reflections. These were, to say the least, unpleasant. Their sition was not only novel, but hazardous. There they nung in space, perhaps a dozen feet below the top of the cliff. The suspending rope being attached to the yoke exactly above their heads, served 10 keep them balanced in an up- right position. elow them yawned a frightful chasm, a plunge into which meant instant death—death * from which they were separated only by asin- glerope! Possible it was that one of the knots might slip; and the thoughts of what would fol- low such a catastrophe caused the brave fellows to grow faint and sick with horror. t first they swung with a slow, oscillating motion, but this oratiallt decreased and left. them hanging a dead weight before the face of the cliff. Nothing but impenetrable darkness above and below; for the sky was overcast, and the low, sullen muttering of distant thunder foretold a coming storm. Pen cannot adequately describe the feelings that surged tumultuously through the breasts of the prisoners, hanging motionless *twixt earth and sky, fearful that, any moment, the thread-like support might part, and precipitate them down, down to a horrible death! But no such catastrophe occurred. Black Bart cared not to lose his prey in that manner; so un- usual care and skill had been exercised in pre- paring the cords. An hour passed slowly away, and yet the ropes held firm, , Powerless to move a muscle, the two friends hung from the cliff without a word. Talk would not improve their situation one iota; nor did either feel in a mood for speech. “Hist!” 7 sD
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ie — = “The Lightning Express Detective. A warning cal] seemed to come from above. Was it real, or only a fancy? The prisoners strained their ears to listen. Again the call was sounded, followed by words clear and unmistakable, ‘* Hist! Below there! Are you asleep!” This question struck the prisoners as being entirely out of place, inasmuch as such a posi- tion could hardly be calculated to bring slum- ber. It was impossible to look up and see the speaker, but Ralph Renwood cautiously an- swered the call. ** Who is it?” he inquired. ‘*A friend!” came the soft response, ‘Be careful, and don’t speak loudly. We may be overheard.” The hopes of the rg ee rose high, ‘““You are in a bad fix,” continued the un- known. ** A fact of which we are very well aware.” ** And you wish to escape?” ‘*The question is entirely unnecessary,” an- swered Ralph, impatiently. “Tf I should help you to escape, what would the assistance be worth to you?” demanded the unknown, eagerly. ‘* Speaking for myself,I can only give you my heartfelt gratitude. However, only put me in away to escape with the girl in yonder cabin, and I assure you your time and labor will not be spent in vain. er people will richly re- ‘ward you.” This reply seemed to satisfy the man above, for an audible chuckle seemed to reach the ears of the engineer. **Good! 1 will help you all to escape,” came the reply. ** At once?” eagerly demanded Ralph. ** Wait till I see if the coast is clear, up your courage, for I will soon return,” A slight rustling above told the prisoners that their unknown benefactor had retreated. Who could he be? In mingled hope and doubt they anxiously waited. Ten minutes slowly passed, and then the low voice of the unknown was once more heard. ** Allis well. The bandits are soundly sleep- ing. However, there’s no time to lose, for they may awaken at any moment.” ** Please make haste,” urged Ralph Renwood, impatiently. ‘‘How are you going to get us up? Weare unable to help ourselves a particle, and I doubt your ability to raise our united weights.” ** Courage, sefior! Wait and see,” assured the aaa who immediately went to work with a will, To raise the two prisoners, hanging a dead weight upon the rope was a herculean task, and the man above panted and grunted laboriously, as he brought every nerve and sinew to bear up- on the tense cord. But he was a powerful fel- aad and slowly raised the captives, inch by ch. When sufficient slack had been obtained, he passed the rope around the stump, thus being enabled to pause and rest without losing any advantage. In this manner the work of liberation went on, very slowly and laboriously, for the un- known was compelled frequently to stop and rest. Fully an hour had elapsed when at feteth the heads of the impatient fagere- appeared above the edge of the cliff. Another’ long, -strong pull, and they lay like a log upon the grassy sward. A keen-edged knife, in the clever hand of the rescuer, soon severed the mani- fold bonds, and the railroad-men bounded Br, kd to their feet, free once more. uriously they regarded their benefactor, whose gigantic form was barely visible in the darkness. Keep @ ‘Tell me, my friend, to whom are we in- debted for this unexpected assistance?” inquired Ralph Renwood. **Call me Gaspard—a member of the Black Brotherhood, as you would no doubt know if you could see my face.” ** A member of the Brotherhood! Then why have you aided us?” ** Purely from selfish motives, and not from any love I bear for you,” explalned the Mexi- ean, with refreshing candor. ‘‘ Hatred for Dave Darke, who has usurped my authority, has caused me to adopt this method of getting square with him. Whatcould be better than to rob him of his prospective bride?” ‘* And what will become of you, when your work becomes known tothe Brotherhood? They wa tsiiey and bg Race i 2 spard snap s fingers contemptuously. **Bah! I’m willing to take the ihencen’ ¥ intend to take the money you promised me, and fixe far out of reach of the Black Brotherhood, — a - BN te 4 . iW Pe ee eee In my sunny Southern home,I can laugh at Dave Darke’s discomfiture,” ‘* Well, Gaspard, outlaw though you are, you are doing us a good turn to-night; and I pledge you my word it shall not be passed by unre- warded,” declared the engineer. ‘‘ Now let us make haste, for these fellows may waken at any moment,” ‘* Right, sefior. Every moment is precious,” assented the bandit traitor, glancing nervously about. ‘* The first thing necessary is to find the cap- tive girl,” went on Ralph Renwood, hurriedly. ‘*Do you know where she is confined?” ** Si, sefior!” **Ts she guarded?” ‘* Not at present. J was appointed sentinel: and you can see how faithfully I am serving,” answered the renegade, with a smile that bared his gleaming teeth, ** Then lead on.” Without further words, the trio crept stealthi- ly across the clearing. Silence, deep and un- broken, brooded over the mountain strenghold, the occupants of which were apparently wrap- pedin slumber. Nothing occurred to interrupt their progress, as Gaspard led the way straight to the door of Grace Garland’s prison. *“*T will enter alone. Wait for me outside,” commanded Renwood; and, carefully pushiug open the door, he peered anxiously within the room. Happily the captive was awake, and instantly recognized her lover. ** Ralph!” ** Grace!” Fairly sobbing with joy, the fair girl threw herself into his eager arms, ‘* Oh, Ralph, how came you here? They told me you were a prisoner.” ‘* Hush, darling! This is no time for explana- tions. Come with me without a word, for the slightest sound may betray us,” Clasping the frail form in his loving arms, Ralph Renwood hastened from the cabin, to where his companions were impatiently wait- ing. At this moment the storm, so long brewing, burst in all its fury. The rain descended in broad, driving sheets; thunder rolled and crashed with frightful reverberations, and vivid lightnin flashed, zigzag, through the murky skies. The very mountain-top seemed to tremble before the awful gale! Appalled at the violence of the storm, the fugitives paused for an instant, irresolute. However, fear of recapture urged them to brave the dangers of the tem ; Still, not a sound was heard from the outlaw band, as the little party crept stealthily across the open space. Reaching the path, they press- ed resolutely down the mountain-side, Gaspard, the ex-lieutenant, led the way, fre~ quently casting uneasy glances back, for the de- serter dreaded the wrath of the Brotherhood, when they discovered his treachery. Close be- hind followed the engineer, bearing Grace Gar- land in hisarms, while Headlight Harry brought up the rear. The roar of the tempest was deafening. Giant trees fell crashing on every hand, filling the air with dying debris ; but the fugitives pressed on, undaunted, ‘* Halt, there!” ; Above the bellow of the blast rung out the stern command, and as the fugitives paused, dismayed, a vivid flash lit up the scene, reveal- ing the somber forms of Black Bart’s Brother- hood, drawn up across the trail! Our friends were trapped! CHAPTER XIII. A TRAITOR’S DOOM. DUMFOUNDED, the luckless refugees stared at the Black Bretherhood, whom they had fondly hoped weresound asleep at thestronghold above —stared in blank amazement, scarcely able to credit their senses! Flight was impossible, for the outlaws sur- rounded them completely. They could only struggle with a desperation born of despair, as their formidable foes swooped down upon them like a pack of wolves. Gaspard, the bandit traitor, was the only one of the fugitives who possessed weapons; and the gang pounced onto him before he had a chance touse them. Fighting furiously, he was borne to the earth and pinioned ! a dozen sinewy arms, Ralph Renwood, too, hampered by the maiden in his arms, was knocked down and se- cured, ere he could strike a blow in defense. Headlight Harry, however, was more fortu- nate than his companions. The railroad-boy made a prompt and daring break for liberty, and with marvelous success. Writhing like an eel, he slipped through the cordon os outlaws, artfully evading the many hands outstretched to -eize him, and darted into the thicket. Several of the Brotherhood quickly dashed in pursuit, while the remainder at once returned to camp with their crestfallen prisoners, Ralph Renwood was in despair. Frustrated at the moment when escape seem- ed certain, it seemed, indeed, that fate had set her hand against the ill-starred prisoners. How- ever, nothing remained but to make the best of the situation. Reaching the camp, Grace and Ralph were both thrown into the hut which had before served as Grace Garland’s prison. Both were bound hand and foot, and securely guarded, Evidently the outlaws did not care to be bother- ed by another attempted escape. The remaining captive was taken to Black Bart’s own cabin, a commodious structure, cap- able of admitting the entire Brotherhood. Here ths band congregated, at the command of their chief, Gaspard was placed in the center of the room, securely bound, The wretch fully realized the enormity of his offense, and sat in moody silence at the feet of the outlaw captain, meeting with stoical indifference the fierce, vindictive glances of his whilom comrades, who gathered around in an eager, expectant group. Torches thrust into the wall cast a weird light upon the scene as Black Bart stepped forward and addressed his followers: ‘*Men, you are called together to pass judg- ment upon a traitor. For the first time in our history a member of the Brotherhood has proved false to his oath of allegiance. Here lies the guilty wretch—Gaspard, the traitor; a man whom we took into our band in the hour of ad- versity and protected like a brother. Trusted with all our secrets, promoted from the general ranks—yet, this is the way in which he pays his debt of gratitude! With your own eyes you have seen the prisoner leaving the camp in com- pany with our three captives. The reason for this treachery Lieutenant Darke will explain to you.” ” Dave Darke now stepped forward, his in- jured arm bandaged and a look upon his face lacker than a thunder-cloud, He briefly told how, unable to sleep from the pain caused by his wound, he had wandered aimlessly about the camp, and chancing upon the spot, unawares, had overheard every word of the conversation between Gaspard and the prisoners. He has- tened to apprise Black Bart of the danger, and a trap was quickly laid for the unsuspecting fugitives, with the result already known. “There’s not the slightest doubt of Gaspard’s guilt,” exclaimed Black Bart, when his crafty lieutenant had finished. ‘‘Our own eyes and ears cannot deceive us. Boys, what is the pen- alty prescribed for disloyalty to the Black Bro- therhood?” ** Death!” In a deep, solemn chorus came the answer from the lips of the outlaws, falling like a fune- ral-knell upon the ears of the wretched traitor, ‘¢'Yes, death,” iterated the captain, sternly. * As to the mode of destruction, it remains for me to decide, It is well! I have already thought of a novel and effectual way to usher’ our genial Gaspard into the happy land.” Black Bart immediately issued his instruc- tions, which the Brotherhood hastened to cet It was determined to dispose of the traitor with- out delay; and soon the entire party, excepting a few men left to guard the prisoners, left the mountain-top and proceeded down the secret trail. In their midst was borne Gaspard, sullen and silent, while Black Bart and Dave Darke accompanied the pends J Not a word was spoken as the Black Brother- hood proceeded on their mission of death, Reaching the bank of the creek, the long boat was launched and freighted and progress hur- riedly resumed. Long, powerful strokes pro- pelled the craftdown-stream, and soon the party arrived at the railroad bridge. Disembarking, they climbed the embankment and paused be- side the track. Two men now produced shovels and com- menced to dig a hole in the space between two sleepers, Industriously they delved, while their comrades looked complacently on, until the hole . had reached the depth of about five feet. Into this, a living grave, the luckless. traitor was placed in an upright position. after which the displaced earth was thrown loosely around him. When these arrangements were completed nothing could be seen of Gaspard save his head and neck,
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Black Bart viewed the proceedings impatient- ly. ** Make haste, boys!” he urged. ‘“‘The Night Express is due.” ven as he spoke the shrill whistle of an ap- proaching locomotive fell upon their ears. With blanched face and trembling lips, the doomed traitor heard the ominous sound; real- ized his imminent peril—knew that in a brief space, a cruel blow from the rushing iron horse would sever his bead from his body ! Until now, the Mexicab, with wonderful for- titude, had borne the ordeal calmly and silent- ly: but when death stared him fairly in the face, his bull-dog courage vanished, and he beg- ged piteously for mercy. In vain! As well might he have appealed to the very rocksaround, Stern and unrelenting, the Black Brotherhood stood grimly beside the track, eager for the consummation of their ven- eance, ‘* Mercy!” laughed Black Bart, heartlessly, in response to the victim’s piteous appeal. ‘‘Such mercy as you would have shown us, had you es- caped. You would haye betrayed our secret camp, and brought the minions of the law upon us; and yet you dare ask for mercy! Ha, fal You ask invain! Die, treacherous dog, as a traitor shouid!” Black Bart coldly turned away, just as the leaming headlight of the approaching train shed brightly round a curve. Facing the train, Gaspard could see the flam- ing eye as it bore down upon him hke a meteor, Wildly he shrieked for help, but the combined sounds of the train and tempest drowned his feeble cries. lt wasa fearful scene! The whirling, snort- ing, fire-breathing engine, plunging madly over the echoing rails; the doomed outlaw, shrieking for “ral the compassionless Brotherhood, standing like statues in the drenching rain, while the lightning flashed and the thunder roll- ed in the murky heavens—all went toform a picture weird and hideous to look upon, Down the steep grade flashed the Night Ex- ress, as it eager to destroy the luckless human in its resistless course, Suddenly Gaspard’s head was seen to droop. An all-merciful power had bereft him of his senses, and spared him the consciousness of the awful end. Nearer, nearer grew the iron horse, till, with a hideous scream, it flashed upon the fatal spot. For an instant the gleaming headlight revealed the sickening tacle of a blood ppping hu- man head a Me through the air! Then the train vanished in the distance, and over the scene reigned a silence broken only by the mut- tering of the storm. The Black Brotherhood were avenged. CHAPTER XIV. DOWN TO DEATH, AWAay through the eo thicket, like a startled fawn, sped Headlight Harry, when good luck and prompt action enabled him to es- cape the clutches of the Black Brotherhood. The crashing of heavy feet through the dense undergrowth, warned him that he was hotly pursued; however, the te railroad-boy felt equal to the occasion, ary as a fox, he turned, twisted and doubled, in the effort to throw his enemies off the scent. Aided by the impenetrable darkness, Harry was eminently successful; for soon all sounds of his pursuers ceased, and the lad felt assured that the outlaws had abandoned the chase in disgust. Satisfied that there was no immediate dan- ger, the youth paused to regain his breath, and consider the situation. : Many boys, after such a series of thrilling ad- ventures, would have instantly sought a place _ of safety, thankful to escape with their bees: but Headlight Harry was not constructed upon these selfi_h principles. He had no intention of abandoning his less fortunate friends to their fate, without: one more supreme effort in their behalf. So, after a brief rest, the courageous lad again com- menced to ascend the mountain-side, Proceeding with the utmost caution, he soon reached the edge of the outlaws’ stronghold, just in time to witness the departure therefrom of the Black Brotherhood, including Black Bart, Dave Darke and the unfortunate traitor, Gas- rd. The presence of the latter told he meaning of this midnight procession, and the con could not resist a feeling of pity for the doomed bandit, “T wouldn't five a straw for that galoot’s dances; but, a Ralph and Grace are unquestionably the same, what’s his loss is my Kove in the camp, and, judging from the size The Lightning Express Detective. of yonder turn-out, there can’t be more than two or three men left to guard them. Jingo! 1 got here jest in time.” Thus reasoned the railroad-boy, as he crouch- ed in the bushes, and eagerly watched the move- ments of the departing outlaws, Waiting only until the party had passed out of sight and hear- ing, he stole stealthily out into the clearing, t was still dark; yet a lightning-flash might betray him; so it was with tne utmostcare that he crept from point to point. Nota sign of life was to be seen—not a sound heard save the steadily down-pouring rain; but the keen eye of the spy soon perceived a tiny light gleaming through a chink in the wall of an adjacent cabin, : Stealthily approaching, Headlight Harry peered eagerly through the interstice into the interior of the hut. His curiosity was reward- ed; for a glance told him that this particular shanty held the only remaining occupants of the stronghold. Grace Garland and the young enginesr lay in one corner, both securely bound, while near the door sat their guards—two burly ruffians, who squatted leisurely upon the floor, secure from the storm without, and coolly manipulated a greasy pack of cards, apparently oblivious of all else around them. Such was the scene upon which the daring spy looked eagerly. Anxious to rescue his friends, yet the railroad-boy hesitated. Two stalwart bandits, armed to the teeth, stood between him and the accomplishment of his purpose; and he was but a mere lad, alone and unarmed, But Headlight Harry realized the danger of delay, and acted upon the first idea that occur- red to his fertile brain, Gaining a position in front of the closed door of the hut, the daring youth dashed forward with the yell of a Coman- che brave. Like an avalanche, he rushed against the door, which was rudely hung and swung inward. The outlaws were sitting close to the door, which yielded before the spy’s impetuous rush, andswungagainst the fellows’ backs with a force that sent them sprawling upon the floor. This was exactly what Harry had anticipat- ed. The very audacity of his trick insured success, One of the outlaws lay like a log where he fell; he had struck his head against the wall, and the blow bereft bim of his senses, Quick as a flash, Headlight Harry snatched a revolver from the belt of the prostrate sentinel, and turned it upon the other ruffian, who was just scrambling to his feet. Bang! The weapon exploded with a report that sounded like a cannon in the narrow con- fines of the room; but the ball missed its mark, and the outlaw dashed madly out into the dark- ness, with the triumphant railroad-boy close at his heels. In his terror, the bandit ran straight toward the ge pened: ner did he discover his mistake until it was too late. One long, agonized screech arose, as the luckless wretch fell over the giddy: brink, and plunged madly down to death, Then all was still. With a shudder, Headlight Harry retraced his way tothecabin. To liberate his surprised and delighted friends was but the work of a moment, No time was lost in leaving the stronghold. Fearful lest the absent Brotherhood should re- turnin time to cut off their retreat, the fugi- tives pressed hurriedly down the mountain- path. As they neared the water, a warning ex- clamation from Headlight Harry, who was in advance, brought them to a halt, The outlaws were returning. Our friends could hear the sound of the boat’s keel, as it grated upon the sandy shore, Leay- ing the path, the fugitives crouched in the thicket, fairly holding their breath in suspense, as the bandits came up from the creek, and filed leisurely past within arm’s-length. When the last man had receded from view, the trio emerged from their concealment and hurried down totheshore. The boat was speed- ily launched; Grace was assisted to a seat; then the young fellows took their places, and the voyage began. scarcely had they rowed a hundred yards, when a chorus of fierce shouts from the direc- tion of the outlaw camp, warned them that their escape had been discovered. The unwelcome sound inspired the oarsmen with renewed ogy et Madly they plied the oars, for, indeed, their lives depended upon their efforts, The light craft shot over the wa- ter like an arrow. Well they knew that escape was by no means certain, The Black Brotherhood were in swift 7 13 pursuit, with a good prospect of overtaking the fugitives, when the end of the water route was reached; for then, hampered as they were by the helpless girl, rapid flight was impossible. Under cover of darkness, it would have been a. comparatively easy matter to evade their pur- suers; but now the night was spent, and day was quickly dawning. The thunder and light- ning had ceased, but the rain still poured in a * steady stream, with no prospect of abatement. ‘*Pve got an idea!” panted Headlight Harry, as he plied his oar like a veteran. ‘‘ You know there’s a car-house ’bout half a mile above the bridge; an’ onless the outlaws have plundered it, there’s a bran-new hand-car waitin’ there forus. If we kin get the car ahead of them, why the rest’ll be easy. Wekin ride home im state, and thumb our noses at Black Bart's: Brotherhood!” ‘*You’re right, Harry! I never thought of that,” agreed Ralph Renwood, enthusiastically. ‘*Row for your hfe, Harry! We'll outwit the demons yet!” Their superhuman efforts soon brought the boat to the bridge. The young engineer, clasp- ing Grace Garland in his arms, scrambled up the bank and sped up the track at the top of his speed, while Headlight Harry bounded lightly on before. As they fled, the distant splash of paddles reached their ears, telling that the outlaws had procured another boat and were racing down- stream in hot pursuit. Along the line sped the fugitives, until at last the longed-for goal was in sight, The car-house was one of various structures placed at in- tervals along the road,and containing a hand- car and numerous tools and implements for the use of the section-men. The door of the house was fastened, but Ralph possessed & key that would fit the lock, and the contents of the building were quickly at their dis posal. Luckily, the car was there unharmed, and the youths lost no timein placing it upom the track. The belt was adjusted, while Grace seated her- self upon the platform; then Ralph and Harry took their places, and the machine moved slow ly over the glittering rails, just as the pursuin,s outlaws dashed into view, shouting vocifer- ously. ‘A defiant shout answered them, as the fugi- tives bent every energy to the task, and the car: flew faster and faster, gaining fresh impetus at. every revolution of the whirling cranks. Not daring to fire lest they should hit the girl, Black Bart’s men had no alternative but. to abandon the chase, and a turn of the road soon hid the car and its occupants from the dis-- comfited outlaws’ sight. When asafe distance had been placed between. them and their foes, the engineer and his com-- panion ceased turning and sought a much-need- ed rest from their terrible exertions, It is need— _ to say that the fugitives were jubilant over their marvelous escape. They were now on the way to Richville, and a ride of but a few miles would land them safe at home. At least, so they expected; but subsequent events proved that the wild adventure was not yet ended, Leisurely propelling the hand-car, the party had placed about three miles between them and the spot where they had left the outlaws, when. suddenly the practiced ear of the engineer caught a familiar sound, ‘“There’s a train behind us, coming like the wind,” he announced, excitedly. ‘‘ What can it mean?” ‘*There’s no train due,” declared the well- posted railroad-boy, emphatically, ‘‘ The near- est due is the Eastern Freight, an’ [reckon we're ‘most half an hour ahea: of her time.” ‘*Certainly we are. I don’t understand why they are so much ahead of time. Can it be pos~ sible that—” The engineer’s interrogation remained unfin— ished, for just then a locomotive tore swiftly round a curve. The track at this point was nearly straight for a considerable distance, so when the ‘' wildcat’ engine rushed into sight the hand-car was fully a quarter of a mile away. Te wees of the distance, Headlight Harry’s. keen eyes immediately recognized the tall form at the engineer’s post. It was Black Bart, Chief of the Mountain Brotherhood! The cab and tender swarmed with the mem- bers of that lawless band. A single glance convinced the fugitives of the truth. Black Bart, with devilish cunning, hak stopped and captured the freight train, cut. loose the engine and started in chase of the run aways.
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14 for a moment the two young fellows stood as if petrified, so unexpected was the sight of the bandits. Then they threw themselves upon the crank- handles and sent the car flying down the line. Round went their arms like lightning, while the wheels of the machine hummed merrily along the glistening rails. But of what avail was human muscle against the power of steam? The snorting, leaping iron horse bore down upon them like the wind. 104 DEADWoOop Dick’s Device. By Ed. L. Wheeler, 5¢ 105 Oup Ruse, THE Hunter. By Capt. H. Holmes . 5e 106 OLD Frosty, THE GUIDE, 107 One-Evep Sm. By J. L. Bowen 108 DArtnG Davy. By Harry St. George..... ....§ 109 DEApwoon Dick as Detective. By Wheeler 5¢ 110 THe BLAcK STEED OF THE PRAtRIES, By Bowen 5¢ 111 Tue Seé-Devin. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.. 5e 112 Tae Map Hunter. By Burton Saxe ......... 5e 113 Jack Hoyts. By Edward L. Wheeler.. wi be 114 THe Buack ScHoonerR. By Roger Starbuck... 5¢ 115 THe Map Miner. By G. Waldo Browne...... 5c 116 Tae Hussar Captain. By Col. P. Ingraham. 5e 117 Grur-Epaep Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler... 5¢ 118 Witu Somers, THe Boy Derective. By Morris,. 5¢ 119 Mustana Sam. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr......... 5¢ 120 THe BRANDED Hanp._ By Frank Dumont..... 5¢ 121 Cinnamon Carp. By Edward L. Wheeler...... 5¢ 122 Par Harpy, THE Boss Boy. By Chas. Morris, 5¢ 123 Krowa CHARLEY. By T.C. Harbaugh 124 Tippy, THE TEXAN. 125 Bonanza BILL, Miner, 126 Prcayunge PETE, r 127 Wirp-Fire. By Frank Dumont......... i230 128 Tae Youne PrRivATEEP By Harry Cavendish. 5¢ 129 Deapwoop Dick’sDous.e, By ©, L. Wheeler, 130 Detective Dick. By Charles Morris.. ... . 5e 131 Tue Gotpen Hanp. By George W. Browne.. 5¢ 132 Tae Hunrep Hunter. By Edward §. Ellis... Be 133 Boss Bos, By Edward L. Wheeler 5e 134 Sure-Snor Seru.. By Oll Coomes............. Be 135 Caprain Paut. By C. D. Clark 136 Niegut-Hawk Kir. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr..... 5e 137 Tue Hetputess HAnp. By Capt. Mayne Reid. 5e 138 Bronpe Brut. By Edward L, Wheeler....... 139 Juper Lyncs, Jr. By T. C. Harbaugh....... 140 Biue Buazes. By Frank Dumont. 141 Sonrp Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. By Wheeler. 142 Hanpsome Harry. By Charles Morris....... 143 Scar-Face Saut. By Oll Coomes... ......... 144 Dauyry Lance, THE Boy Sport. By Badger. 145 Caprain Ferret. By Edward L. Wheeler... 146 Srpver Star. By Oll Coomes.......... -..... 147 Wi. Witprire. By Charles Morris........... 148 SHarp Sam. By J, Alexander Patten,... .. . 149 A Game or GoLp. By Edward L. Wheeler... 150 LANCE AND Lasso. By Capt. F. Whittaker, . . 151 PanrHer Pact. B — E, Badger, Jr.... orris o ° ee 155 Gop TriccerR. By T.C. Harbaugh.... .. 156 Deapwoop Dick oF DgEapwoop. By Wheeler. 157 Mixe Merry. By Charles Morris HER 158 Fancy FRANK oF CoLtorapo. By Buffalo Bill.. 159 Tue Lost Caprarn. By Fred. Whittaker..... 160 Tue Buack Grant. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... 161 New York Nett. By Edward L. Wheeler 162 WiLL WILDFIRE IN THE Woops. By C. Morris. 163 LirtLe Texas. By Oll Coomes.. ...- -- 165 Bruty BaacaGr, THe RamRoap Boy. Morris.. 166 Hickory Harry. By Harry St. George....... 167 Asa Scorr, By Edward Willett.. a 168 DrapLy Dasn. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr..... 169 Tornado Tom. By T. C. Harbaugh.... .. .. 170\A Trump Carp. by Charles Morris........... 171 Enony Dan. By Frank Dumont... 172 Taunpernott Tom. By Harry St. George.... 173 Danpy Rock's RrvaL. By Geo. W. Browne.. 174 Bon Rocxerr. By Charles Morris. 175 Caprars Anizona, By Philip 8. Warne..... 4 176 Tae Boy Runaway. By Lieut. H. D. Perry.. 177 Nonny Nick or Nevapa. By E. L. Wheeler.. 178 Otp Sorrrary. By Oll Coomes. ._......... 179 Bos Rockert, THE BANK RUNNER. By Morris. 180 Tue SEA TraiteR. Lieut. H. D. Perry, U.S,N. 181 Witp Frank or Montana. By E. L. Wheeler, 182 Lirrue Hurricane. By Oll Coomes......2+++ 183 Tue Hippen Hanpv. By Chas. Morris...... re 184 Toe Boy TrarLers. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... 185 Bvr. Eve. By Frank Dumont 186 Coo. DesmonD. By Col. Delle Sara....+-+.+ A new issue every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by al Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mafl on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS Publishers 98 William street, New York. beeenece STISTSTLTTLSTT SKS SS ISSSS TSS SSL LTTE SSS SSS ESTES
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SSS eee ‘ * BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME+[_ IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. = BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, 6T Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 275 Captatn Arizona; or, Petent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; cr, The Mountain Vempires. 888 A Tough Boy; or, The Dwart’s Revenge. 868 Little Teornadet or, The Outcasts of the Glen. 178 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. LJ8 Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap. 401 Little Shoo-F ly ; or, A Race fora Ranch, 408 Little Leather- Aiccsben or, Old Jumbo’s Curse. 431 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood. 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the olines. 480 Three Jolly Pards. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. S27 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue, 647 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down, 656 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. : 574 Old Weasel-tep, the Man with the Dogs. 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 699 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. $18 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy, €85 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout, 648 Happy Harry’s Big Find. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daugnter. 48 Diek Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters ; or, The Land of the Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise to the Open Polar Sea. 200 The Boy Bedoutnse; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, The Round the World ae dn rT es alk 65 The Tiger Tamer} or, The ue of the Jungle. Ss1 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, a . 895 California Joe’s War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN 8AM (Major Sam. 8. Mall.) 284 Old Rocky's **Boyeess; or, Benito, the Young Horse Breaker. 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Rarge. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taon; or, Giant George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. - 818 per whose Ser wares or, The Tarantula of Taos, B27 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. 882 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. 844 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. B49 Wild Wolf ;_or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch fenders: or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory, 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger, 875 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reda; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Dalsy from Denver, 427 The Three Trallera; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo. . 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy, 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Type Detectives or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. 811 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, B22 tres the ‘Detectives or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist: or, The Montana Vigilantes. BY J, ©. COWDRICK, B60 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice ; or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 606 Redlight Ral 9. the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boedle. 524 The Engineer Detective, 686 Broadway Billy’s *‘ Difikilty.” 6548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 671 art ane ae Young Engineer, ma 9 e mney Spy} or, Broadway Billy’s Sarprise-Party. S52 The Boy Pinkerton. 7 ety 605 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Incing. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 628 Broadway liy’s Dead Act. 649 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. BY JO PIERCE. B97 Bob o’ the Bowery ; or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The awyer’s Shadow; or, Luke’s Legney, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil. 609 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective, 616 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerte, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 588 Wreatling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, BAL Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, 51 Nick Nettle, the Ly Shadow. 59 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective, 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detecthys 577 Pavement Pete, the Secret Sifter, 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer, 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee; the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex.-8cout, 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dog-Out Pards. B46 Rapler Raphael: or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, B91 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies, 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King, 406 The Mad Man-Hunter; or, The Mystery of Golden Gulch. 605 Powell’s Pard3 or, The One-Armed Giant, BY WM. @, PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sports or, The Double Pace » Bed Rock. 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. £1 Palsy Dare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire: 619 The. Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Dowdle @rip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet § 641 Dismal Dave's Dandy Pard BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, BA The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 70 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. TY Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 8 Joe Buck of Angels and His Bey Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Trapa ia Gotham, S New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Feucdling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hali-Breed Detective, 518 Cool Colorado in New York, BY GEORGE WALDO BROW NE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread Rider; or, The Texan Duelist, 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel, 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom, 181 The Golden Hand; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue, 164 Dandy Reock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Kock’s Rival; or, The tiaunted Maid of Tacs BY CAP1. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffles’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot he West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffles’s Pet; or, Ir The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenborn in the Woods. 81 Lightning Jo ‘error of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram ; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Vid Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Lige; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp. 2838 The Scalp King; or, The Human Thaunderpolt, BY ROGER STARBUCK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk. the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon: or, Lost Among the Floes. 848 Fire-HMeels; or, Of Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Iforn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Light-house. 870 Breaker Ken, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER,. 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank}; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea; or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game, BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. BY ©. DUNNING CLARE, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE C, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59s Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 Aner ener Detective’s Fotl; or, Double Curve Dan’s onuble Play. 616 The Ocean Detective; or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear. BY OAPT., ALFRED B. TAYLOR U. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker, 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 562 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest BY JONN J. MARSHALL, 40 Roving Ben. A Story ofa Young American. 97 The Outlaw Brothers¢ or, The Captive of the Harpes. BY NARRY ST. GEORGE, 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; or, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 59 Old Hickery$ or, Pandy Ellis’s > 108 During Davy 3 or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Harry 3 or, The Tra »per- Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince, 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartetto, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Youny Champion Wrestier, 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Yung Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche AIHf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 10 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. @: rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunters or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Tra ras or, The Mountain Monster, 288 Indian Joe; or, Re White Spirit of the Hills. BY FRANK DUMONT. ‘ 120 The Branded Hand; or, The Man of Mystery, 127 Wild-Fire, the Boss of the Road. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rotky Bar. 171 Ebony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eye; o- The Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY OAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp, 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE NEMYNG, 89 Taland Jim: or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Markaway in New York, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, 78 Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. +] The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil's Island, 18 e Teieions Hands or, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-seeker Guide; or, The Lost Mountain, BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jacky or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat 65 Hurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-ltawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 161 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Resene. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Deadly Daxsh; or, Fighting Fire w@ Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers ; or, Dainty Lance op the War-Path 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasksa, 211 Crooked Cale, the Ca of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide $55 The King ot the Woods: or Daniel toone’s Last Tre 419 Kit Fox. the Border Boy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Bey Trailer. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop. BY JACK FARRAGUT, 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8S. N. 6 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay 0 The Sea Trailer: or, A Vew Well Kept. 2 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point BY HARRY IAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack: or, The Scourge of the Mines, 829 Red-Skin Tomy; or, The Demon’s Trail. $42 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL, A, F. NOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Desth Cangas: 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactue Burr, the Man trom Hard Lack, 5387 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \eteran Detective. 620 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of toe tamn’> 688 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector. BY FREDERICK DEWEY. 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Pards, BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards, 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 4 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City 601 Happy Hans, the Dutch Vidocg. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hoveuien, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; ¢r, Black Ivan’s Great Combine 646 Cowbey Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters, By Capt: Mayne Reid ax Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels, By Dean >w 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderfal Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven MA cy 22 t fen Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crnsoe, By Juaz wis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By S. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Queen ofthe Arena. By Frank i nn. 88 Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 =e Boy Rises; or, The Underground Camp. By Archie C, Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. Hee dk, thatmatinoredl Rack, oe; The Mons Masel b e awe rl; or, ad sentry Prof gore Th ee eer RI Old Rube, the Hunter; or e Crow Capti 105 Old Rube; the ; aptive, By Captain 112 The Mad Munter; or, The Cave of Death. Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan; or, The Young Champion. By George erson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. By G. L, Atken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; »r, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D, Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Cliff, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Liew tenant Alired Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honos. By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover}; or, The Brother's Re venge. By Nee capa Dae By ALP 865 Baltimore Ben the ac ve. i 874 Gold-Dust Tom; or, Ben’s Double Match. By George Moree. 876 California Joe’s First Trail, By Colone) Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 418 Biily Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship. By John S Warner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinelblea, Bp Henrv J. Thomas. ‘ S28 Wizard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Holt, 582 The Cowboy Duke. . By Edwin Brooke Forrest. BS2 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druld. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret., By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 1 A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Lib is for sale by all newsdealers, cuba por eupy , or soot Oy matt ce tecenpd or be conta ceane BEADLE AND APAMRS, Publishers, 98 William Street, Rew Yer:
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. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela, 1, Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick's Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffalo Ben 85 Wilda Ivan, the Boy Clande Duval. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oli, < 57 Deadwood Dick's Eagles; or, The Paris of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity June, the Heroine. 77 Deadwood Dick’s Last Act; or, Corduroy Cuarlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood; or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Riv ls of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Wards or, The Black Hil!’s Jezebel. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. 217 Captain Crack-Shot, the Girl Brigand, 221 Sugar-Coated Sam; or, The Black Gown. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romunce of Rough< and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide ; or, The Spirnt of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick's Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick's Deal; or, [he Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- ings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta Deadwood Dick’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick's Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Care,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chaiggd Hand, 3 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr’a, 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Racket at Claim 10. Deadwood Dick, dr’a. Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Dog Detective. Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Deadwood; or, Moll Mystery. Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Compact Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Inheritance. Deadwood Dick’s Diggings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop, Deadwood Dick’« Deliverance, 5 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. Deadwood Dick’s Three. Deadwood Dick's Danger Ducks, Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. Peadwood Dick Jr. in Texas, Deadwood Dick, Ir. the Wild West Vidoeq. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mcttle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadetphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, dr. Afloat. 5S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver, 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney island. 606 Dendwood Dick Jr's Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. In Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. tn Cincinaatl, 624 Deadwood Dick. Jr. in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’« Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr. After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Buffalo, 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Chase Across the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr, Among the Smugglers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Insurance Case, 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr. ia Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Defiance; or, Nickel-Plate Ned. Full Hand, Bie Round-Up. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old avpionane} or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludasoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. 92 Ganadn Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch- _ + or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 18 Jack Moyle _the Young Speculator. 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. ‘ 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 88 Lows Bol} the King of Bootblacka, AL Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, rank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator, 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sterra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista, 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joc, the Voy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll , the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 285 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’« Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Siri Miner: or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, gee Little Qu!ck-Shot; 6r, The Dead Face of Daggeraville. ‘B84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miver. B89 Bangeree Kit’s Racket, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize, B78 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jir'« Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yrcka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detectivo, 426 Sam Slabaldes, the Beggav-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkler, Ste re DAA ae « a . 7 a - See Sree? = ge ee Blue hi Pe aS a Oi J ¥. CN TY ~— 7 BEADLE’S* ALF-DIME* | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7 The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship 3 or, The Rival Lieutenanta, 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Mussar Captuin ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit; or, Reais, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 216 Bison BAll, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimaon Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ¢ or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned, 276 Merle Monte’s Cruises or, “ The Gold Ship ” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pir Bride. 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge, 287 Hilly Blue-Eyesa, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 804 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Buy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler's Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Bey Kover}; or, The Fiagless Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. Isodor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal League, The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta, The Wild Yachtsamans or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise, Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. The Sea Raider. The Ocean Firefly 3 or, A Middy’s Vergeance, Haphazard Harry 3 or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, Wizard Will: or, The Boy Fertet of New York. Wizard Will's Street Scouta. 2 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster, Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagahond Pard. Ferrets Afloats or, Wizard Wil)'s Last Case. Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger. Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, Buck Taylor, King ot the Cowboys. The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat, The Hunted Midshipman, The Outlawed Middy. Buekskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. Brothers In Buckskin. The Buckski» Rowers, The Bue skin Rovers, Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio, Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lalitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIL, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Cird King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenecer. Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover. The Young Texan Detective. The Vagabond of the Mines, The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders. he Hercules Iighwayman. Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hen. Wm, F, Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 ileadly-Eye, the Daksown Seu xt. 68 Border Robin Hood ¢ or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 18 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 22 Vhil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 26 Pieayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 80 Detective Dick; or, The Here in Rags. Handsome Harry, the Boothlack Detective, Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Black Beas, Wi)! Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. Will Wildfire in the Woods, age, the Railroad Boy. A Trump Card; or, Wl! Wildfire Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. The Hidden Mand ; or, Wil) Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett's Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Biack Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bil) 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. 805 Dashaway, of Dakotas or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote) 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 tho Times, 879 Larry, the Levellers or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger,: or, The Entrapped Caehier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Joily 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 t 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 Arkananst or, The Wolf In the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the .‘sisy Detectives, PRDRANASTATES ADS HOUCAIONS 4 a ~] ~ < as uy eek op SRT Fue + as wd eed ae 5 ah i f ae No Double Numbers. BY OLL COOMES. 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide, 81 Keen-Knife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, the Young Ren ,er Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Runger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 184 Sure Shot eth, the Boy Rifleman. 148 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Noniad, 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Rauger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ¢ or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. B84 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. A117 Webfoot Mone, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Ginnt of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckakin, tue Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedtoot Fred or, Old Polar Saul, 468 Tamarac _‘Tom, the Big WAL ry Boy. A7B Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. BY T. 0. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy o 16, 87 The Hidden Lodges or The Little Hunter. 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Toe Forest Captains, 64 Dand ack or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trali, 128 K er, the Sports or, The Girl Avenger 169 Tornado Tomy} «r, Injun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw or, The Queen of Fate’s Revonge. 20T Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Dottin Bullet 3 or, Little Topknot’s Crusade. 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolic, tne King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Cochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipac, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Parday or, The Terror of Take-Notico. 886 Big Benson: or, The Queen of the La:so. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thundertolt’s Secret. B56 Coal sam nee Parts or The Terrible Six, BE6 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, | 886 Captain Cutlass scr, The Breeaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob: or, The Twin Champlone of Blne Blases. 411 The tken L.asaos or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flaen, the New York Fox, 445 The City Vampires; or, Red Relfe's Pizeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow ; or, Felix Fox's Hunt, ATT The Exceislor Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. : 502 Branded Ben, the Night ferret. 512 Dodcer Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Doubles or, The Rival Boy Detectives. 558 Dodcer Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 810 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. 626 The Champion Pards. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantum, the Boy Beagle, 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 4 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective. A. F. Holt 674 The Wizard Saflor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. By C Prentiss Ingraham. 675 Broadway Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francise: Finest. By J. C. Cowdrick. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout; or, The Tussle at the B Ponunzn, By Lieut. A. K. Sima. Ch in Dan’a Second Trafl; or, The Baffled Bla ag Hawks Pate. Bt Joseph E. Badger, Jr. ood r’s., Discovery; or, Found a Fortun “ Be Tivand Bets Riady Joly 38. 679 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance; or, Old Kit Bandy in Arad! By Oll Coom s. Ready July 29. ¥ 680 The Sea Shadowert or, The Freebooter’s Legecy- » F Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready August 5, A New Insue Every Tuesday. The Malf- Dime Library {e for sale by all newsdeslers, fi cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six centa each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yor!