Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 676) (1890 07 08)
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Sor JI ie | ae SF mm tt W \ eX WS b EIA OTN WOR, WS TQ, URE, - ———— = ras Ss K OE > OSes EP ee pia, “h5' ~ 1 (ee j mA ee fe NS ae TT ee tL VT i VV Vl il il Va lS su yp A ir \N Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1890, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, July 8, 1890, \ NY tii . ial Lal Ln | Dic | 4 — f" C4 $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 676. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. Vol. XXVI, The Tussle at the Big Bonanza. A Romance of the San Juan Silver Region. BY LIEUTENANT A. K, SIMS, AUTHOR OF ‘‘WARBLING WILLIAM,” ‘“ JOLLY JEREMIAH,” THE ‘‘TEXAS TOM- CAT” NOVELS, ETO, CHAPTER I. THE LONE WATCHER, ON the rounded crest of Tower Mountain, to which the reluctant snows of winter still clung, a man lay sprawled at full length, apparently heedless of the biting wind which piped and shrieked along the bowlders. Below him and to Nn southward nestled Baker’s Park, an emerald in SAM SENT ON
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2 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. acold and stony setting, and beyond that rose the cloven head of Sultan Mountain, a pinna- cled buttress of the azure distance. The scenery was wild, grand, and typical of the higher Rockies, mountains being piled against moun- tains in bewildering confusion, bastioned and terraced, with splintered peaks and abrupt es- carpments, The rugged grandeur of the scenery, the silver and flame of the snow-clad and sun-kissed heights, the masses of brilliant color mottling and penciling the precipitous canyon walls, evi- dently held little attraction for the lonely watcher. The snow had been scraped from the flat rock on which he lay, and the cold and un- even surface rendered warm and soft by a gaudy Navajo blanket, Ever and anon he lifted a field-glass to his eyes and swept the ledgy entrances to the east and south, Inacleft of rock nearat hand was a rude structure of bowlders and poles, with a blanket stretched over its partially thatched roof. Into this he skurried at intervals, and warmed him- self over the low and smokeless fire which burned in its center. Every day for more than a month he had as- cended to the mountain-top from the cozy warmth of the clustering log cabins in the shelt- ered gulch below and had ranged the snowy fields with that far-reaching glass, At first these as- cents were for the purpose of watching for and warning against the threatened raids of their unfriendly Indian neighbors; now they were made with the design of heralding the approach of the long-expected burro train from far Pueblo. Like the daring Baker, for whom the gem-like park was named, Sam Holcomb had, the previ- ous autumn, led a little band of adventurous spirits into the fastnesses of Silver San Juan, ‘he winter which followed had been of unusual severity, the mountain savages were trouble- some, the snows so deep they could only move about on snow-shoes, and game soscarce they caine near perishing. But for Holcomb’s strong will and iron hand they would have degenerated . into asenseless and selfish mob doomed to cer- tain death. As it was, he had to take on himself all the responsibilities of their desperate situa- * tion; for which, like the ignorant and narrow- minded men they were, they had only calumnies and reproaches, " This cold and cruel watch on the mountain-top had been rendered absolutely necessary by the eculiar circumstances which surrounded them. to such besotted wretches had the recently -- courageous miners been travsformed by the ter- oh < rors of the famine, that they could scarcely lift a band in their own behalf. Hence Holcomb had assumed this task, along with all the others which events had laid on his shoulders; and its assumption had conferred upon him the title of “Signal Sam.” “It begins to look as if they are right and I am wrong!” he muttered, as he crawled into the shelter of thé shapeless hut, when he had ended his last survey. ‘‘ And yet it can’t be! The terrible snow is the cause of the delay.” He rubbed his stinging fingers and stared moodily into the fire, “They are an ungrateful lotof dogs! I ought to have left them to their fate, long ago; to the tender mercies of the Indians and the ava- lanches! *Twould have served ’em right! no! there’s ore in these mountains! nd we'll get it out, too—if that burro train ever gets here!” / For a half-hour hé sat there, listlessly feedin the fire at intervals with dry twigs, thoughtfu and otherwise silent. Then, with an effort, he shook off the deepandeus spell that held him, snatched up the glass and again hurried out. He had no sooner placed it to his oyun Sean he gave a low exclamation of delight. The groups of ants on the ledges of the distant divide were resolved into toiling burrosand trudging people, The burro-train was in sight! : r His firs: exclamation gave way toa series of yells that made the snowy rangesecho, Then, with wild enthusiasm, he rushed into the hut, piled wood and damp bark on the glowing coals; and while the dense smoke was gathering pant raced back to the rock to take another look. 3 ‘ Yes, the train was there! It was no phantas- magoria conjured by overheated fancy. And, sure of this, he climbed to the top of the rocky wall of the structure, swung loose one end of the blanket roof and allowed a great cloud of smoke to ascend. Then, by alternately replacing and removing it, so as to collect thesmoke into pose or balls, he sent on high the preconeerted s b hari was to notify the men below that the rain had been sighted. ; \ This done, he kicked the brands asunder, slip- But. ped his feet into the straps of his web snow- shoes, and hastened down the mountain at a break-neck speed. When the gulch was gained he found the men erazy with the exuberance of their joy, They wept and sung and cried; and crowding about him as the sailors crowded about Columbus at the first indication of land, they begged his pardon for their folly, cowardice and suicidal weakness, in tones pitiful in their brokenness, Then, when the course and location of the train had been made known, they dashed so mad- ly in that direction that Signal Sam found much difficulty in keeping pace with their eager en- thusiasm, Of most of them, however, their strength did not equal their desire; and when the ledges were gained and the train reached, Signal Sam led advance, The leader of this train, which had made its way over the almost impassable mountain wall in spite of the great depth of the snow, was a man famous in the early days of Colorado mining—being none other than Major John Glenwood, a man who had developed a dozen mineral regions since the days when he had first washed gold dust from the auriferous placers of California. The meeting between him and Signal Sam was more than cordial; it was the meeting of men who trusted and believed in each other as few men trust and believe, ** Now, allow me to present my daughter!” said the major, withdrawing bis crushed hand when he had returned the effusive greetings of all. ‘*Mr, Holcomb, my daughter Grace, who, tired of a Denver boarding-school, wants to see a little natural life, as she expresses it!” Signal Sam had been painfully aware that two pairs of bright eyes were watching his every movement, The owners of the eyes were perched high on the backs of burros and almost hidden by mountains of wraps, transforming whatever grace of outline they possessed into shapeless masses of wools and furs. Venturing now to lift his gaze, he acknow- ledged the introduction; and, a moment later, was presented to the other young woman, Miss Peggy Shields, the servant-friend and compan- ion of the major’s comely daughter. The hideous wraps could not sereen Miss Glenwood’s beauty; which, while not of the highest and most lovely type, approached the angelic in the eyes of men long deprived of the society and influence of women, And Signal Sam found it so dazzling that he was loth to turn from her and again engage in conversation with the major. Beauty is said to be onlysk in deep; andif Miss Glenwood had no other claim to the reader’s attention, she could well be dismissed with a passing word. But beyond her comeliness, beautifying and dominating it, was a beauty of soul and a purity of mind, which, in every age and in cities as in mining-camps, has been wo- man’s chief glory and crowning charm, That she had many traits which seemingly belie this statement, and which will be observed in the progress of this story, is only Pe betes that she was after all only a woman, and not that impossi- 9 creature so often depicted in the pages of fic- on. Miss Peggy Shields was a tilted nosed, Irish girl, with a vivid complexion, a vivacious tongue and an exuberance of spirits that defies delineation. She was likewise warm-hearted, loyal to friends and bitter as death to foes or those who offended her. Toward her, many ad- miring glances were turned, to the inexpressible distress of a young man of the burro train who considered her his especial property. ‘We've had a terrible time,” said the major, walking in advance with Signal Sam as the united parties turned down the mountain slope. ‘* Ts been fearful.weather, and we barely miss- ed b peg caught twice ia snow-slides. If I’d had an idea of what a time we were to havein prised through I’d have left Grace in Denver, assure you!” Sam dared not put it in words, but he felt grateful for the fact that coming events are un- knowable, and that Miss Glenwood had been permitted to make one of the party. Mingled with this was a depressing and contradictory self-depreciation which told him that, whether she was here in Silver San Juan, or surrounded by the femininity of a boarding-school, she was and must be far above and beyond his hopes and aspi tions. ; _ Yes,” continued Glenwood, his thoughts on the hardships of the long journey, ‘‘it will take an abundance of good ore to pay us forit. You wrote me ei had struck it rich. Has it turned out equal to your expectations?” This led to alow rehearsal of the troubles of the bitter winter, to which the major gave a close and attentive ear. “The scoundrels!” he growled, when the re- citalcametoanend, ‘Ihave met men of their stamp too often. They are all right as long as they have plenty to eat and the finds are rich, but if anything goes wrong they are as ungrate- ful and treacherous as Apaches. Well, they’ll toe the mark now, or we'll know the reason why. LDve gota good lot of men in this train— men who'll stay with us and stand no non- sense.” Then they descended into the gulch, and the wearisome journey was at an end. CHAPTER II. BALDOR, THE PIGMY. A PISTOL-SHOT, followed by an imitation In- dian war-whoop, resounded along the narrow street, and Major Glenwood, who was sitting in the office room of his comfortable log house, frowned deeply and muttered a low impreca- tion. ‘“‘That’s Dean!” he said, to Signal Sam, who was seated near him.) ‘1 don’t know what to do with the fellow.” Sam smiled mysteriously, as a reply; and, rising, the two approached the window and looked out upon the street. “Yes, it’s Dean!” the major growled, hold- ing aside the curtain, for of course the window contained no glass, ‘And he’s with that de- testable gambler!” Great changes had taken place in the six weeks that had elapsed since the advent of the burro train; changesin some respects for the better and in many for the worseg The location of the town, if town it may be called, had been transferred to the edge of the valley, and the increase in the number and the better appear- ance of the buildings was something wonderful. The camp had likewise taken on a name, and was known as Silverton, though it should not be confounded with the,Silverton of to-day, which arose some time later, in the grassy val- ley called Baker’s Park, The coming of Glenwood’s party had not only been a powerful stimulus, but the addition of his force to that already within the gulch, had so augmented the working capacity of the camp, that the marvelous results already accomplished seemed but a prophecy of the season’s achieve- ments, : A gold mine of considerable richness had been discovered in Arastra Gulch, a few miles away, and was now being developed by a constructed arastra which, worked by the little stream, was of sufficient capacity to crush the gold-bearin quartz. Almost at the same time valuable an romising silver leads had been located, the ame of which, getting abroad in some manner, had drawn a heterogeneous crowd from the four ends of the earth. 3 : Thus the: major’s visions of a little Eden in that far-away spot had been dissipated, for the place became at once as wild as the unwieldy, vicious element could make it. Among these unwelcome new-comers was Kid Adair, a Denver gambler, who brought a burro train over the steeps, loaded with fiery liquor and all the devices known to men of his kidney; and who immediately established the ‘ Gold Placer,” a saloon and gambling hell of the worst type. “T don’t know what to do with him!” Glen- wood repeated, speaking of the man he had called Dean. ‘I suppose, though, I’ll have to discharge him.” With sorrowing eyes he gazed on the scene re- vealed by the pulling aside of the curtain! A tall, handsome man, with shapely white hands, scrupulously neat dress, high silk hat, and that indefinable air which everywhere stamps the sport and gambler, was walking slowly up the street, chafferin nonsense with a lank, awkward fellow whose hilarity found vent in frequent yells and skyward pistol-shots, ‘ Glenwood was bitterly opposed to the gambli fraternity, and hated the whisky element with an honest ardor that found frequent expression in scornful and stinging words. The result had been to bring upon him all the enmity and ma- levolence of the classes he sostrenuously bi pw —Signal Sam receiving an equal share of their execrations for the simple reason that he was al-, ways the major’s stanc friend and ally, * Adair does that ane to vex me!” declared Glenwood, turning away from the window, ‘‘ He knows Dean’s weakness; and, believing the fel- low to be a sort of ward of mine, gets him drunk and parades ttn along the street in that kind of style. , the only result will be that Dean : get his walking papers; then if he cares to | | i
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Signal Sam, the Lookont Scout. $8 herd with that crowd, be can do so to his bears’t content, But he can’t doit longer, as an em- ployee of mine.” ‘*Don’t be hard on him!” peer Sam urged, with that same odd smile. ‘‘ He’s true as steel— that ’'m certain of. To be candid, major, I had a talk with him not long ago, and he’s keeping his eyes on Adair for our especial benefit.” ‘Wh? and the major started. ‘‘For our especiai benefit!” Sam repeated. ++ He’s—-” He ceased abruptly, and hurrying from the room soon returned, dragging a diminutive speci- men of humanity by the gold-braided collar of its scarlet cloak. ‘*'W hat were you doing out there?” he demand- ed, jamming the queer figure into the depths of a big chair, ‘‘ Speak up, now, or it will be the worse for you,” ' There was a look of mingled fear and codl as- surance on the odd, childish-old face that looked up into his, The form was that of a boy, judg- ing alone by size and stature; but the pigmy was rather a man than a boy. His face was wrinkled and seamed, yet with a kind of boyish freshness in its color that belied the other indi- cations of age. Aud, as for bis person, it was dwarfish, with a misshapen and disfiguring lump at the back which the folds of the scarlet cloak could not conceal; and his limbs were short and ludicrously bowed. ‘* Now, what were you doing there, Baldor?” Sam again demanded, glowering into the wrin- kled face. ‘* Nothing, sir!” came the mumbled reply. ‘* A likely yarn! Now, look you, you crafty little wretch! [found you out there in the niche of the bluff overhanging the eaves of this house; and you were peering into this room and trying to hear what we were saying! Is it not so? > An unintelligible reply, mingled with ex- asperating chuckles, was again mumbled. ‘Who sent you here?” Glenwood asked, in tones less stern, ‘*Sent myself. I’m of age, I am!” with a defiant toss of the shaggy head. ‘* You mean you came at Adair’s orders?” Sam interjected! “Sent myself, peated. ‘And what did you come for?’ Glenwood continued. “ Rock lichens. There’s lots of ’em up there, I was looking for them when he bagged me.” Signal Sam was amazed at the dwartf’s audacity and ready wit. He knew Baldor had. climbed to the roof for the sole purpose of hearing what they had to say while Adair was peeing with the howling miner, and he believed he bad done so at the gambler’s request. Perhaps the latter ae to gain some valuable bit of information to be evoked by the incident. Or he may only have an idle curiosity to gratify. But, what- ever the motive, he was sure Adair had sent the dwarf. Baldor, as he sat there, curled up like a com- fortable kitten, and with his keen eyes on the alert, looked more like a fun-loving monkey than anything else; and, Sam was certain, had never presented a more comical appearance in his bay antics in the glittering rooms of the Gold acer, : The jauntily dressed and scarlet cloaked fun- maker of the gambling hells seemed to enjoy the confusion and annoyance his discovery had created, It may bave been only seeming, for he may have come on a niission and had that mission thwarted. But, neither Signal Sam nor the keen-eyed major could read the misshapen evigma perched so nonchalantly before them, **Come!” Sam exclaimed, loth to give up the attempt. ‘‘What’s twenty words of truth worth from your lips?’ and he jingled a handful of coin in his pockets, ‘‘ Name the price, say the words, and the money is yours.” “A dollar a word!” was the quick reply. “*Can’t afford to talk for less, Get more than that sometimes, over at Adair’s, That is, when BS sing out just right and have the cards to back me, ; “All right; a dollar a word for twenty words. But I won’t pay for lies, you understand, Now, be nn you here? Wasit Adair?” es , I’m of age, I am!” Baldor re- “ Keep a count, Mr. Glenwood. That’s one. dollar.” “ y , be oe, he sent you to spy on us? ‘Put it down, Mr, Glenwood. Two dollars,” | ‘* What did he send you for, then?” “To give you an invitation to attend the Pla- cer P. to-night, There’s going to be a bi dance, A fly time! A blow-out, with ocesns 0 ‘ fun; and he wouldn’t miss having you come for a fortune. ‘Kept track of all that, Glenwood? I'll bet you haven’t!” Then he cocked his head on one side in an ex- asperating manner, and proceeded to count up the number of words he had given expression to, ‘* Thirty-seven, as I’m a truth-teller! And the other two make thirty-nine! I ought to have squeezed in one more and made it an even forty. That kind of business pays better than a faro bank.” He thrust his tongue into his cheek and a hand into a pocket, and drew out two neatly-printed invitations, one of which he gave to Glenwood and the other to Sam. ‘‘There you are, gents. You'll see that your names are writ there, and that this ain’t no fake of mine, Mr, Adair sent them and they’re gen- uine,” “But hold on, Whatam I doing? I ought to have made you ask me about all of that, and got good dollars for my information. Maybe you wouldn’t mind asking anyhow, just to keep up the play. Gentlemen, the ball’s a-rolling! Gentlemen! the wheel’s a-going round! Time’s money, gentlemen! Make your bets!” And, with a ludicrous imitation of the dealers’ cries, he subsided into a series of chuckles. “*T think he’s got you, Sam!” Gleenwood de- clared. ‘This looks genuine, and I believe he’s told the truth. Adair has sent these to irritate us, Fp, 3 we wouldn’t accept them.” **Y don’t know about that. I think I shall.” With this astonishing statement, be slipped a twenty dollar gold-piece into the dwarf’s hands, and the latter, with a flirt of his scarlet cloak, glided from the room with reptilian stealth, CHAPTER III. THE PLACER CARNIVAL THE Placer Palace was only a log affair, in spite of its high- ee | name, but it was larger than any other building in Silverton, and its appointments were really palatial when the toil and cost of getting them there is considered: Heavy billiard tables had been brought piece- meal across the wild slopes on the backs of burros, and everything in the place represented the lavish outlay of money, Of course Kid Adair did not go to all this ex- pense without an almost certain knowledge that every dollar spent would return to him a thou- sand-fold. The Placer Palace became the lead- ing resort of the entire region, and the fortunes that were won and lost over its tables were often great. - Brawls, too, were not infrequent, and the crack of the pistol of the ruined gamester had abundant company in the skirmish-like reports that, now and then, rolled through the halls and corridors. : Standing in a nook of the main room, which contained the bar and the billiard-tables, Signal Sam looked over the throng which wae gath- ering, and endeavored to ask himself why he had come. It was the nightof the ‘‘ blow-out ” mentioned by Billy Baldor, the suspected messenger, and the rooms of the big, rambling structure were already crowded. Liquors flowed like water in a June freshet; the calls of the dealers in the other apartments floated distinctly above the monotonous hum; the click of billiard balls sounded close at hand, while the heat and effluvia were simply stifling. At the further end of the long room a rude latform had been erected and garlanded with ughs, and on this platform three or four crack-voiced and bedizened cyprians were sing- ing and dancing for the delectation of the mixed throng. “Tt’s the devil’s own den!” Sam muttered, disgusted with the sights, sounds, and odors that assailed him, ‘I believe Pll go home. There can’t any good come of my remaining here!” At that moment the scarlet cloak of Baldor came into view. 3 ‘The little imp was rigged out most fantasti- cally, and had been making merry for a group of gay young fellows at the opposite side of the room. He was a keen-witted, sharp-tongued buffoon, and as a fun-maker had few equals. Hence Kid Adair valued his services highly, for many met came to the Placer to witness the antics and laugh at the jests of the dwarf, who were afterward induced to squander their money on liquors and games, , you are here!” poking at Signal Sam with a short wand he carried in his character of the Placer Palace clown. ‘I feared you wouldn’t have the courage! And you'll stay to the carnival? It won’t pe long, now. You would look well in a —you would, by my faith! Say the word, and I'll have a costume ordered for you. What shall it be? A gay lothario? A knightly chevalier with a sword that won’t cut and a scarlet cloak like this? Or, if you’d rather, and a damsel and a balcony can be procured, you might your try hand at an impersonation of the sighing Romeo. Come, which shall it be?” ‘* Neither!” said Sam, who did not altogether relish the dwarf’s bantering tone. ‘I think I shall go home,” ‘‘Oh!” with an uplifting of the painted eye- brows. ‘‘Sated so soon! That’s too bad. If you'd mix a little, just a little, with the com- pany, you’d quickly get over that. You’re too much like a stranger in a strange land. If you won’t mask, stay till the unmasking and you may see something to surprise you.” With this injunbtion Baldor hurried away leaving Signal Sam in a strangely puzzled mood. ‘What did the fellow mean by that last?’ he qoeeione. “Tt bad a ring of truth about it, The little scamp mystifies and annoys me, and excites my curiosity at the same time, Can he have meant what he said?” While pondering this, the announcement of the commencement of the carnival was made, “Tl stay!” Sam avowed, as the sweeping flourish cf the violins came to him. ‘‘ Baldor has lied to mie, no doubt, but Pll see the thing out anyway.” j Five minutes later he found himself alone, the anxious throng having hurried away to don their costumes. But the room was quickly filled again with lords and ladies, knights and dominoes, kings and courtiers, priests and nuns, sailors and miners, Malay pirates, Chinamen, and a mingling of people of all time and every nationality and occupation. The costumes were mostly cheap affairs of tinsel and calico, but the effect under the brilliant light was dazzling. ‘You ought to get behind the bar!” squeaked Baldor, hurrying by in the guise of a fairy prince; and Sam, glancing about, saw that he and the bartenders were the only ones undis- guised. “*T do look a little out of place, and conspicu- ous,” he averred, edging nearer the railing. ‘*What’s the scamp up to? He seems to have me under his special protection to-night!” There came no answer to this, and as the dancers whirled away, he forgot the singular circumstance in watching their evolutions and in listening to the voice of the cailer and the music of the instruments, It was verging on morning and the dancers were becoming tired, when a black domino stop- egy whirling evolutions in front of Signal am, and, in a voice thickened by frequent po- tations, growled. “Well, now, what do you want with me? I’ve had enough of your insolence for one night!” Signal Sam started. The voice, in spite-of its thickened utterance, was entirely familiar. It was the voice of ‘‘ Lucky George” Bruce, the foreman of a promising mine, and an aspirant for the hand of Grace Glenwood. What sur- prised Sam almost to stupefaction was the be- lief he had previously entertained that George did not drink, and was,in fact as much o gage to the saloons and gambling hells as nieaioel flush or anger arose to Signal Sam’s face at the insolent ‘words, The thought occurred to him that, as they were in a sense rivals, Bruce, made irritable and incautious by liquor, was seeking to draw him into a fight. “I don’t know that 1 understand you,” he made answer. ene Pen do; you understand me well enough! reckon you'll say you hayen’t been sending me insulting messages all evening?” “Yes, I'll say that; for 1 haven't.” ** And that you didn’t send for me just now?” “Tl say that, too!” “Tknew you would! Well, you’re a white- livered puppy, and have been spying on me be carry tales to Miss Glenwood, ‘So, take at! | He flung out his hand and struck the unof- fending man a resounding blow in the face. The next instant he had measured bis full length on the floor, for Signal Sam, made bare by the blow, had promptly knocked him own. He arose, panting and furious, and attempted to draw a weapon, but was seized by a party: of maskers and promptly disarmed. JS “No fighting in here, gentlemen!” cried Kid Adair, bustling forward. ‘ [f you have any lit- tle dispute to settle walk into the street. There’s too big a crowd in here to-night to have bullets flying promiscuously about.”
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Ce Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. Signal Sam, trembling with anger and humil- iation, said not a word, but inwardly cursed himself for venturing near the place. ** Tt’s all right!” cried Bruce, whose brain had been cleared somewhat by that knock-down blow. ‘I had a little too much on board, that’s all. LI insulted the gentleman, and he knocked me down. That evens things, and I’m willing to cry quits.” As he said it he extended his band, which Sam grasped warmly; and while their heads were thus close together ‘‘ Lucky George” whis- pered: ** Baldor lied to me, I suppose. You andI can’t fight each other. It would be said we were fighting over the young lady, and that would settle us both with the Glenwoods,” Then he turned away and was soon lost in the crowd; and Sam, with brain whirling and mystified, walked slowly homeward in the crisp morning air. CHAPTER IV. PEGGY’S OPINIONS. ** You’vE heered o’ the throuble?” said P Shields, giving her nose a still further tilt ward. ‘Och, those men do be fools, sure!” ** All except Jack Dean!” ““And he do bea bigger than anny o’ thin! *T was at the ball last night, Miss Grace. Av ye won’t ax me, thin I’ll tell annyhow.” With this consoling declaration Miss Shields stopped short, and showed no disposition to pro- ceed further until questioned. ‘“* Well, what were you going to say?” Miss Glenwood queried, her curiosity thus aroused. ‘You spoke of trouble! What about it?” ‘*So, ye aren’t dafe, thin! ’Pon me word, I thought ye wor; an’ that it worn’t anny use to go on wearin’ me lungs out, Yis; they wor throuble at the ball last night; and they do be sayin’ it wor betune Mr. Holcomb and Mr. Lucky George; and that the cause av it all pa wor a young lady wid which I’m well ac- quainted.” Grace flushed, **Tell me about it!” she appealed, layin a white hand on the Irish girl’s shoulder. ‘* What did you hear?” “T didn’t hear so much, Miss Grace; but I essed a d’ale;—an’ the heft o’ me guessin’ is this: Mr. Sam wor at the Placer last night—” “Are you sure, Peggy? I thought he never went there!” “That aren’t part o’ me guessin’. He wor there, or else Jack do be a bigger liar than I ever believed he could be. He wor there, as I say; though what he wor there for I don't know. Jack said he niver put on a mask, nor took part in the dance, and that he kem away as sober as a mine-boss. “The rest av what I’m tellin’ you do be Le guessin’. A felly dressed in black and wid a mask on insulted him, and he knocked the fell down, as anny dacint mon would, an’ for whic Tm gloryin’. Who the felly wor nobody samed to know. But I say, and Jack says, he wor Lucky George; an’, bein’ drunk, he said some- thing concernin’ of ye which Mr. Sam didn’t loike, and down he went.” “But Mr. Bruce doesn’t drink!” Grace pro- tested. ** As ye loike about that. I’ve towld ye what I think, an’ ye ken figger it out as ye pl’ase.” Miss Glenwood seemed plunged in disagreeable thought, and Peggy sat staring at the far-away snow-clad mountains, and fiddlings with her apron-strings as if she had more to say when that had been digested, ‘“*T’ve some opinions 0’ me own, Miss Grace!” breaking a silence that was becoming unbear- able, ‘‘This ain’t nayther the ind nor the be- ginnin’ ay throuble. Kid Adair is at the bot- tom av the pot, a-pokin’ the fires, loike the divil’s own that heis. And that sly little divil av a Baldor is a-helpin’ him,” Grace raised her head and stared wonderingly at her companion. ** Ye moight settle the throuble, miss, av ye’d give one or the other his walkin’-papers. But, t ye won’t. And Jack he do be sayin’ the same, “ Why, if what bg say is correct, and they’re silly enough to fight about—I[ mean if they’re _ silly enough to act that way, I don’t see that I _ eando anything!” and the flush with which this -_-was said showed the coquettish heart which lay beneath, ‘I’m inclined to think, too, Peggy, i a that you're altogether mistaken in your judg- ment, I’ve been assured that _ mear the Placer P George never goes * As you will, miss!” with an alarming tilt of the freckled nose. ‘I worn’t m’anin’ to sp’ake a about the fight, though, It’s worse nor that I’m thinkin’ on. I say, an’ Jack he do be sayin’ the same, that Kid Adair isstrikin’ daper than ken be sane on the surface. He’s a-strikin’ at these min, and t’rough thim at yer father an’ yer own silf. He’s a long-headed, schamin’ chap, an’ the toime ’1] come whin ye'll bel’ave what I say an’ what Jack says.” ‘‘Oh, you’re always dragging in Jack’s opinions!” Miss Glenwood declared, scarcely knowing what reply to return to Peggy’s re- markable statement. ‘‘ Perhaps Adair is strik- ing at you, through Jack. I believe you stated that he was at the ball.” ‘¢ Against me will, he wor, miss. But, he kep’ away from the liquor and wint about wid his eyes open.” ‘* And so did Holcomb.” ‘‘Thrue for ye. He did that! He’s a thruer mon anny day than is that Lucky George; and ay yt take me advice, which Heaven knows is well mint, ye’d send him thravelin’, that ye would,” ‘* Which? with a little laugh, that was nota at all heartfelt. ‘Lucky George! You know who I m’ane, I'd pack him off, that I would.” ** Really, Posey, I must say that I don’t un- derstand anything you’re saying!” Grace de- clared, the feeble smile fading into sober serious- ness. ‘‘ You speak of danger. What danger can there be?” The Irish girl's face lightened. ““T may be wrong and Jack may be wrong, miss. Sure, we can’t always be right, ye know! But we’ve been a-talking av it over, an’ our opinions is there’s trouble ahead.” When speaking slowly and deliberately Peggy almost dropped her brogue, which was of a pecu- liar kind owing to her long stay in the mining regions. “Mr, Glenwood an’ Sam have insulted the gamblers, as it wor, by their inmity, ye know; and thim villains will do annything to get aven. They got both av yer swatehearts into their den last night, an’ would have had both av thim howlin’, fightin’ drunk av they could. Aven as it wor, there was trouble; which, Jack says, kem nigh bein’ serious. ‘* They'll have thim fellys fightin’ yet, and it'll be said you wor the cause. Signal Sam is a mon among min. Give the other felly the go-by for gittin’ drunk last night. ‘¢ But, as I said an’ as Jack says, ye won’t do that. ** Mebbe, though, ye’ll say to yer father what Jack said tome, ’T'wor this: ‘** Pegey,’ says he, ‘have Miss Grace say to her father that I’m knowin’ to the fact that Kid Adair is settin’ on foot a scheme to drive both him and Signal Sam out av the country!’ “That's what Jack said, Miss Grace; and I'll stake me life, if he do git drunk sometimes, that ee said ithe knowed what he wor talkin’ abou CHAPTER V. A GALLANT ACT. GRACE GLENWOOD was more troubled by Peggy’s statements than she gave indications of being. She was nettled, humiliated and cha- grined by the encounter in the Placer Palace be- tween men who were regarded by the public as suitors for her hand. The result would be that, until the next sensation, her name would be bandied about by rough minersin the dens of vice which so thickly abounded. Her face burned as she though of it. She had not especially encouraged attentions from either of the men. Like many another pretty girl similarly circumstanced she had been flattered by their admiration, She felt sure that was alll * And now! And now!” She crouched in the low arm-chair and gave way toa flood of silent tears, when Peggy had left the room, Her anger burnt fiercest against Signal Sam. Peggy had said there could be no doubt as to his identity, for he had remained unmasked throug h- out the evening. ‘‘Tt was more the act of a gentleman, though!” she whispered, with a sudden mental rebound. ‘He didn’t sulk behind a disguise and try to evade the consequences of his act. I wonder what George said to him?” i Then she went over in imagination the scene which Peggy’s words had conjured A The fantastically-arrayed maskers; the blaze of lamps; the suffocating clouds of tobacco smoke; the drunken rabble, riper and jeering. In the midst, wey pore Sam and the black domino, pares to be Lucky George Bruce, exchanging WS. ** And about me!” she thought, cowering still lower. ‘‘ About me!” After a little she arose, donned heavier cloth- ing, and went out into the chill morning air, The snow banners were flying from the moun- tain peaks, but along the upland slopes and in the sheltered crevices early wild flowers were growing. She had a basket on her arm; and one seeing her emerge would bave thought her bent on one of her customary rambles. She was agile of foot and lithe of limb, and it did not take her long to scale the rocky wall shutting in the gulch where the town nestled; but when the sheltered homes of the wild flowers were gained, she paid no heed to them, Her pulses were bounding with an energy not wholly due to the exercise, as she flung herself down he, ore a bluffy wall, where the scream- ing wind could not reach her, and gave herself up to reflection, ‘‘Pve a good mind to improve on Peggy’s ad- vice and give them both their walking papers. What are they to me, that I should be thus in- sulted? Nothing! Absolutely nothing!” The harshness of her tones almost startled her, She had, in the intensity of her feeling, fairly screamed the last exclamation, and now looked guiltily about to make sure no one had heard her. A venturesome, black-tailed deer was the only ae in sight; and it, rep from a wooded height, seemed comiserating her with its lus- trous, dark eyes. r " “T wonder I didn't frighten the heme: 3 out of the country!” and she laughed hysterical- ly, as she scrambled to her feet and burried on up the slope. How long and how far she wandered she scarcely knew, but the suv was above the tallest spurs of the range when she halted and looked about her. “My! I’m two miles from home, and near the Eureka Mine!” she ejaculated ; and reddened as she recalled the fact that Lucky George was the superintendent of the Eureka. “‘T hope he hasn’t seen me!” descending into the canyon at her feet, ‘‘I don’t know what he might think aboutit. It’s none of his business how much I wander around, but he might be fool enough to think that I strolled this way on purpose to see him. Men are such ego- tists!” She smiled scornfully as she cast a pebble into the torrent which foamed and churned against the rocks, after having cut its way through the heart of the mountain. Having thus given vent to her feelings, she sought'a comfortable seat on a projecting bowl- der and proceeded to devour the lunch she had been thoughtful enough to provide. As she sat there, diverting herself by watch- ing the racing current and studying the strati- fied and brilliantly colored canyon walls, she was aroused by an ominous, roaring and boom- ing, which sounded as if some mighty tempest of the primeval world had been suddenly launched on its destroying track. She rose quickly, with a startled air, and stared up and down the caged bo for some sign to inter- pret the meaning of the strange sound, The mountains were coldly silent as when she had last looked at them, the wind was stirring the aspen leaves on the nearer slopes, and the snow- capped peaks were still flaunting their white banners, “What can it be?” she questioned, wildly. ‘Surely not an earthquake!” Then she stood still, wild-éyed, and petrified by the sudden fear which had assailed her. A white line of foam had arisen in the canyon wall a half- mile away; and she knew by intuition that the powerful dam used by the Eureka Company to turn aside the stream for wait purposes had given way, and that she was in t had descended; but a loosened bowlder img ve} en She was aroused oe a ringivg shout, and knew is RVs Dakss
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— - |tened, and at its conclusion he Signal Sam, the Lookout ! mer of Thor—then, with the panting breath of her deliverer in her face, she swooned into utter unconsciousness. When she recovered she was lying on the rocky incline above, with Lucky George bend- ing over her and chafing her hands and wrists, A fleeting impression that a kiss had been im- priuted on her lips lingered with her as_ she arose to a sitting posture. The terrible flood had spent its force, but mementoes of its de- stroying progress were visible in the uprooted trees and the giant bowlders hurled from their beds far up the hights. A grateful look came to the young man’s face when he saw thatshe was only slightly injured. It was a handsome face, by the way, with firm lips shaded by a dark mustache, aquiline nose, and eyes of steel gray. But, except when he smiled, there were harsh and cruel lines in it, “You are unhurt?” he said, tenderly. ‘‘ There was blood on your lips, and I thought—” ‘*T fell,” she explained, wiping away the stains with her handkerchief, ‘It is nothing.” ‘“Tt’s lucky i saw you when I did!” he ex- claimed, assisting her toa seat. ‘If I had not, I could not have been jin time to aid you.” She shuddered asshe recalled the terrible dan- ger, and a look of sincere gratitude came into her face when she thought of the fearful risk the young man had taken in her behalf. “T can’t tell you how thankful I am, Mr, Bruce!” she said, lifting her shining eyes to his, ‘“*When Iam more myself perhaps I can. Oh, it was awful!” ** You exaggerate the peril!” hedeclared, ‘I saw you when you first came over the ridge, a half-hour ago; and when the dam gave way 1 knew you were in the canyon, and ran down here without stopping to.think of anything else. I reached you ahead of the water, and carried you up here. Tbat’s all there was of it!” ‘And in doing so placed your own life in imminent risk. know, Mr. Bruce, even if L wasn’t conscious the entire time. Had you re- mained in there five seconds more neither of us could have escaped,” “Twas a close scratch!” he acknowledged, _ reddening pleasurably. ‘‘I trust you will give me the credit of believing I would do it again, though, if it was necessary, Bn tient gee allow me to assistyou, we'll 0 on toward the town. The miners are hurry- ing this way, and [ can see that some of the ple are working up the slope from below. our father may be among the number, and I’m sure you don’t want to keep him in saspense,” She could not but admire his thoughtfulness. Permitting him to assist her to her feet, she ac cepted the proffered arm, for she was still wea and giddy; and together they slowly descended from the heights, rg soon met the foremost of those coming from Silverton. These stared at them curiously, asked a few questions as to the cause of the dam giving way and the amount of damage occa- sioned by the flood, and hurried on, f _*Tt will take a good deal of time and a con- siderable amount of money to put things to rights,” he said, as they walked onward, after the departure of the eager, questioners, ‘ But the mine is paying well and the owners can easily afford the outlaw. “If you had perished, though, in those awful waters, life would have beea worth little to me, ** Don’t!” she pleaded, thinking of the scene in the Placer Palace. ‘‘ At some other time I may feel like listening to you. But not now. At least, not on that subject. Iam not quite myself, you know. My nerves are strained, and my brain spins like a top.” : “* As you please!” he returned, with a disap- Pointed air. ‘‘I shall take advantage of your promise, though, and s my mind at some other time. You must know what I mean?” She gave him a reproachful glance, and he ‘uni turned the conversation into another channel. A little further down Mr. Glenwood was en- countered. He, was hastening on, quite out of breath, when Bruce saw and hailed bim, _“*So, you are safe!” he cried, filled with ex- uberant delight. ‘‘ You’ve no idea how alarmed Was about you. You were seen going in the irection of the canyon, and some way the im- iron came to me that you might have been it when the dam gaye way.” ' ‘I was,father,” she replied, with a subdued ; and then told, with womanly modesty, the |story of herrescue, : The tears came into Glenwood’s eyes as he lis- grasped Bruce’s that fully portrayed his with a warmth "Shand — not at all ina hurry. The latter, coloring under the encomiums | Scout. 5 He of the ‘thorny hand” laughed so convul- heaped on him by father and daughter, deftly | sively, and yet so lowly, that it seemed a score excused himself and hurried away, his mind filled with emotions of pleasure and gratifica- tion, The town,rung with his praises soon after, for the generous major took extreme delight in her- alding far and wide the story of the brave ex- ploit which had saved to him bis daughter. Signal Sam heard of it, as he was burrying to view the havoc created by the unpent torrent. ** He deserves his title,” he muttered. ‘* That kind of luck never comes in my way; and yet 1 would lay down my life for the girl should it be- come necessary, It was a brave act, and Lucky George deserves full credit. But, why couldn’t it have been me?” He strode on, with head bowed. “Yes; of course I’m glad he rescued her. Not for worlds would I have had her perish. But, why couldn’t some. one else have been near? Why was it George? I’m much afraid that ends my chances in the race—if I ever had any!” e laughed strangely, and shaking off the queer feeling that was taking possession of him, hurried on his way, anxious to reach the scene of desolation and find something else with which to occupy his thoughts. CHAPTER VI. JACK DEAN, THE ‘‘ HORNY HANDED,” WHILE brooding alone in his little room, the following night, Signal Sam was aroused by a light tap on the door. The tap was followed es the hays entrance of a man, a tall, sham- bling fellow hed in rough, miner grab, and with a big, slouched hat half concealing his broad, good-bumored face. ‘ ‘All alone, eh?’ he queried, in a high, treble voice that was wholly out of keeping with his appearance, ‘ That’s good!” He sunk into a vacant chair with a low laugh that sounded more like the squeaking of mice than anytbing else with which it may be com- red, and then stared and blinked at the belong- ings of the room and its occupant with an bad, owlish sort of gravity. And this singular person was Jack Dean, whose opinion Peggy Shields was so fond of quoting. Jack Dean, the ‘‘ Horny Handed,” as both ensmies and friends a5 Some termed bim, ‘* Horny Handed” because of the prominent part he had once taken in a strike in Denver—a strike so wide-spread and general that it seemed a labor upheaval, and of which Dean was the guid- ing and moving spirit. Phe face, as has been said, wasa broad and ood-humored one, without the vestige of a d,and with an upturning of the corners of the mouth seen in most people whose sense of the ludicrous is strong. But, there were lines of weakness in it, too, Lines fully justified by Dean’s fatal fondness for strong drink, the in- dulgence of which changed him at times into more brute than man. “Draw up to the fire,” urged Sam. ‘It must be chilly out to-night. Glad to see you, sure, old fellow. I’ve got a touch of the mopes I'm afraid. No news floating round this even- ing, I suppose?” _Though he asked the question in such an in- different, nonchalant tone, he was really con- sumed with anxious curiosity, for that Dean did not come without a pur he was certain, Dean yawned and hitched nearer the fire as if ‘‘Hain’t been round to the Placer; not this evening! Most o’ the news gin’ally gethers | round there, ye know. No use at all takin’a oer ef you go’bout the Placer onc’t in awhile. ou kin hear ever’thing that happens, there; and sometimes a good many things that don’t hap- pen. ‘Very true!” assented Sam, striving to con- ceal his impatience, ‘* But I was there yisterday evenin’ er ruther last night,” Dean continued, after another owl- ish survey. ‘*‘ Went over to talk "bout the flood and other happenin’s, Been tryin’ to keep m eyes open fer you an’ the major, as you said; an’I thought as how there might be sometbin’ interestin’ whispered, "Bout Lucky George and the gal, you understand, what he drug out o’ the canyon jistin time to keep her frum bein’ drowned er smashed by a big bowlder,” The eaking voice ceased and the speaker reclined azily in the chair as if expecting ques- tions or waiting to see what effect the communi- cation would have on his hearer. _“* Well, go on,” Sam urged, in a slightly ir- ritable tone, ‘‘Did you see or hear anything? Of course you did, or you wouldn’t be here, What was it? You put me on nettles the way you drawl out your piecemeal information.” ‘ ape te r¢ 5 Oils he “Vig Th Gem? | I'll have to tell that to Peggy. ot mice had been imprisoned in the adjoining closet, \ “* Gittin’ int’rested! Well, may I be dinged! Takes somethin’ kinned to a snowslide or a airthquake to wake you up. ** Yes; I seen somethin’ an’ I heerd somethin’, an’ that’s why I’m hyer. 1 lounged round a good deal, chattin’ with the boys an’ sich, till it was gittin’ purty tol’ble late. -All the while I’d been keepin’ my eyes on Kid Adair, and on that esky little red-cloaked Baldor, and I wasn’t ong in comin’ to ther conclusion that somethin’ more’n common was in the wind, ** Baldor’s allus a-flyin’ round, with his cloak floppin’ like the wings of a big, red bat; but yes- terday evenin’ he was most mortal busy, a-chin- pin’ this feller an’ that, an’ a-divin’ byer and there ’sif he was bewilched, Think’s I to my- self, I’]l watch the rascal. And I did, an’ what 1 diskivered I’m hyer to tell.” He squeaked out another series of chuckles, and again surveyed the room. **Hain’t no place ’bout hyer whur any cone could spy an’ listen, is they?’ he questioned, get- ting up and peering into the closet. ‘Not unless the listeners hide in that closet,” “No? Dinged if I want to publish this biz- ness, you understand. Sence you ketched Bla- dor a-spyin’ on you and the major that time, I’ve been kind o’ skeered.” “Well, twas this way,” sinking again into the chair and twisting his long neck into a knot in his efforts to look behind every article of fur- niture. ‘‘’Twas this way: After watchin’ Bal- dor a goodish spell, I see that all the fellers he’d been a-whisperin’ to was a-vanishin’, as you might say. I’d see him talkin’ to’um, and an- other minute when I looked they’d be gone, “That sort o’ curious circumstance set me to thinkin’ that a meetin’ was a-goin’ to be held some ’eres; an’ though I hadn’t any invite, I settled in my mind that I'd attend if I could find the meetin’-house. Finelly, by clost' watch- in’, | found out that all the fellers was a-goin’ up-stairs and into a certain room, and I set about seein’ if I couldn’t go in, too, er git nigh ‘ough to hear the talk, ‘7 was the little room lookin’ out toward the bills, and I'd been up there onc’t when soms heavy bettin’ was bein’ done on cards, and so knowed jist how it was located. They’sa hall runs along one side, and at the back the porch looks up at one winder, ‘“’T was kind o’ darkish, and I took the resk 0” climbin’ up onto that porch. Had a narrer shave frum doin’ of that, too! Hadn’t been up there but a little spell when a feller clumb out on that dinged little roof, an’ went peekin’ ’bout *sif to see if they was any one spyin’. He didn’t seem to think any one might be right there under the winder, an’so looked out into the yard and down below where the lights was a-shinin’, and all around purty near ’cept the plum, identical spot where I was a-layin’. } “Td ’a’ give half my int’rest in the next silver © mine I run acrost, to ’a’ been away from there, too, ’bout that time, "Twas intirely too dinged clost to be comfortable; an’ while I was a-layin’ there shakin’ like any blame aspen, the sweat rolled off o’ me ekal to the water in the canyon yisterday.” This was plainly a bit of hyperbole, but the manner in which it was uttered left no doubt of 2 Dleecan of the main details of the nar- rative, ‘Yes! Yes!” growled Signal Sam, anxious to get at the meat of the matter. ‘Go on. hind you hear? That’s what I’m curious to snow, ‘* Well, they held a meetin’,” Dean squeaked, with exasperating slowness, ‘ Didn’t much come of it, s’fur’s f could understand. I coulfn’t hear eyer’thing, for they talked most provokin’ low. But what I did hear showed that they’re dead ag’in’ you and the major, and that if they kin they’re a-goin’ to drive both o’ ye out o’ the country. “Tany rate, they’re a-goin’ to make the effort, and if they fail *twon’t be for lack of in’, -" nT Sing'larest thing *bout it, though,” he con- tinued, ‘is bat, Pm Negev been act that little a’fair fee ay, Lucky rge would ’a’ gone, _ too. That is, if they could have made aim y Him a-savin’ of the girl caused ’em to favor ~ him, as ye might say; and so they ‘lowed they’d — sh let bim stay. Can’t understand that, I can’t; though I’ve studied over it the endurin’ day.” Signal Sam also seemed to think this a very circumstance, and sat for some time in i plony deep thought. “I don’t know that we ought to suspect — i | F N 3 =~ J Met Nid ; se iF APTTC eee sy!
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2 6 George,” he said at length, in a tone showing that he was still thinking the matter over. ** Ho’s been as dead against Kid Adair as either I or the major.” “* On’y seeming, ding it!” squealed the horny- handed. ‘I’ve said so a dozen times, and I say so ag’in.” “ But we’ve no proof,” Sam declared, deter- mined to be generous even in his thoughts of his rival. ‘‘We can’t back our opinions, and in life, asin the gaming-room, unbacked opinions don’t amount to much. To all seeming, he’s as straight as you or I.” Jack Dean chuckled a whistling disbelief, and then stared hard at the chinks of the wails. “Tet’s be fair,” Signal Sam went on. “If any man has cause to dislike the fellow I suppose it’s me; but I don’t want to judge him barshly or condemn him without proof. Whatelse did you hear?” ** Nothin’, cept that there’s to be another meetin’ to-night, when Adair’ll be ready with the plan for drivin’ you an’ the major out 0’ the country.” “To-night? Well, I'll be there to hear what the rascals have to say, or take mighty big risks in trying!” “Thought ye’d want to attend!” rising and _buttoning his heavy coat, ‘‘That’s why I come. And ye kin figger that I'll be a-layin’ round some’rs in the shadders, ready to help ye if ye git into any trouble.” ** I'd know that without your saying it,” Sam assured, pressing his hand warmly. ‘* You can always be depended on to do your part. If I had a few more trusty fellows like you, ’d have nothing to fear from any of their plotting.” And, pleased by the deserved compliment, Dean strode out into the night air, squeaking and chuckling in his ludicrously absurd way. CHAPTER VII. CLEVERLY TRAPPED. SiagNaL Sam sat for a long time in silence after Dean’s departure, He then arose, donned some heavy clothing, for the night was chill, and went into the street. The flaring lights of the stores and saloons transformed the night al- most into day. It was not yet midnight, and, as Silverton did not retire early, the streets were still thronged. Making his way among the jostling miners, he reached a point opposite the Placer Palace, and from the dense shadows of a side street noted all that occurred in front of the saloon. A faint bar of light played against the bald face of the cliff behind the building, issuing, he knew, from the room mentioned by Dean. ‘* Shouldn’t be surprised if some of the scamps are already there,” he muttered, working around to a point commanding the window, The maneuver was of little practical benefit. The window was curtained. The bar of light had come from a narrow opening near the bot- tom; but this was closed while he stood there wondering what he should do, “They don’t intend to give their snap away!” For a time he had serions thoughts of climb- ing to the roof of the porch, as Dean had done, But he abandoned this after a little reflection, and again made his way to the front. Mingling with the throng at the entrance, be boldly entered the bar-room, smoked a cigar with an acquaintance, and then strolled leis- urely about as dozens of others were doing, witb- out any apparent motive save idle curiosity, **Glad tu see you again!” asserted Baldor, ’ with a passing flirt of his cloak. *Can’t say that I return the compliment!” ‘Sam muttered, eying the dwarf uneasily. * You're altogether too spry and knowing.” He greatly feared Baldor might guess his mis- sion, and have steps taken to thwart it; so he | watched him with a keen alertness that per- mitted no motion of the latter to escape atten- tion. His careless strolling brought him at length to the passage opening on the stairway leading to ‘the upper floor; and, sure noone was heeding bim, he glided through this and made his way to the landing. Here a narrow hall ran the full length of the building, with doors opening into rooms on either side. The room where the plotters were to meet _ ‘was at the further end, and least easy of access. _It was extremlly perilous to remain in the pass- age, however, as the opening of a door might re- veal his presence, and if any one mounted the _ stairway he could scarcely hope to escape detec- ¢ tion. j ae ag ale his shoes, he hurried along the cor- _ Fidor until its further end was gained. He could a UR, - A ty th, r voices in murmured conversation in the srence apartment. Applying a key to the & Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. door of the room next it, he hastily entered, and | crouched near the wall with ears strained to catch every sound, There were only two men in the room and they were talking on a variety of topics baving no bearing on the question which so nearly inp- terested him. He had scarcely crouched tnere five minutes when he heard heavy footsteps ad- vancing along the hall, To hissurprise and con- sternation they stopped ‘in front of his door. With bated breath he heard a key turn ir the wards of the lock, and realized thatin another moment he would be discovered. Leapimg up be looked wildly about for some place in which he might bide until the unwel- come visitor had departed. Along the wall at the back of the room, for this room had no win- dow, wasasmall clothes-press or closet. Into this he darted, carrying his shoes in his hands, just as the door opened. So nearly simultaneous were the movements that for a moment he felt sure'he had been discovered, and held his revolver in readiness to resist an attack should such prove to be the case. The intruder merely scratched a match, how- ever, and applied it to a small hand lamp on the stand, ‘*Great peaks!” Signal Sam gasped, peering through a crevice as the sputtering match il- luminated the man’s face. ‘It’s Kid Adair, as I’m a living sinner! Now, what’s he up to?” The question needed no answer other than that furnished by Adair, who, with the air of a man at home, removed his coat, hung it on a peg against the wall, and donned another, “ Like the idiot I am I’ve blundered into bis room,” Sam muttered with a perturbed air. ‘““Ye gods, if he’d wanted to hang that in bere it would have placed me in close quarters! I hope there isn’t anything in here he’ll want for his evening toilet! There'll surely be a muss if there is.” Adair did not tarry long, going out soon after and into the adjoining room. In doing this, he turned the key in the door, a circumstance which Signal Sam thought little of at the time, as he had in his pocket a duplicate of it, “The boys will soon be around!” said Adair, greeting the occupants of the other room jocu- larly. ‘‘ Make yourselves at home till I come back.” Then, with a low laugh, he whispered some- thing to them, and went down-stairs. The others continued their talk after he had gone, but said nothing to interest the eavesdrop- per in the least. Thus five minutes passed away, at the end of which time Sam noticed a strong odor of smoke. Whence it came, or the cause, be could not de- termine, but so strong was it he felt sure it was in the building. Still, as the others continued to talk, and seemed not to notice it, he deemed it best to also remain quiet, ” A little later, however, he became sure the building was on fire, and was moving toward the door for the purpose of making some inves- tigation, when startled exclamations from the adjoining room showed that the odor had at Jast reached the talkers, who at once sent up a vig- orous alarm of fire, Throwing the door open, they dashed wildly along the corridor, shouting their alarm at every step, and in such stentorian tones as to leave no doubt the cries were heard and would soon be responded to, ‘* 'd better get out of here!’ Sam exclaimed, knowirg that an excited crowd would soon fill the ball and make it impossible to quit the room without detection, ‘‘This would be an ex- tremely awkward place to get caught in. He started in dismay as he applied his key to the lock. Adair,in retreating, had accidental- ly or intentionally left his key sticking in the opposite side, thus effectually preventing Signal Sain from inserting his. Had he a bent ' wire he might have thrust Adair’s key out; but he had nothing of the kind, and there was not time to make a search for something: that would answer the purpose, A wild tumult had arisen in the room below, men were hurrying excitedly about, and foot- steps could already be heard on the stairs, The smoke was increasing in pungency and density, showing that the fire, wherever it might be, was making rapid progress. Halting in bewilderment, he heard the flames crackling viciously in the apartment which had been deserted only a few minutes before; anda sickening sense of impending disgrace and disas- ter swept over bim, , He realized now that he was the victim of as cunningly laid trap as mo man had ever fallen into. Adair, on coming into the room had | — really discovered him as he whisked into the closet; had left the key in the lock to imprison him; had fired the adjoining apartment at the imminent risk of destroying the Placer; and all for the ; urpose of casting on Signal Sam the stigma of arson. It was well known that Signal Sam had no kindly feelings for the saloon or its proprietor, and the belief that he had attempted to burn the place would spread like wild-fire, and probably with very disastrous results, for above all things the people of Silverton hated and despised an in- cendiary, ““T must get out of here!” gasped the impriscon- ed man, with despairing wildness. Bat how? The question was not easy to answer. The door could not be unlocked; and, as it opened inward, it could not be readily hurled from its hinges. Quick as thought, he drew his clasp-knife, and attack the rusty screws which held the hinges in place. One of them was released, and he was turning to the other, when the footsteps he bad heard on the stairway entered the long hall. With a despairing cry he dropped the knife, and exerting all his strength pulled the lower por- tion of the door backward and with a mighty jerk wrenched it from its fastenings, Then, with eyes flaming fire, revolver drawn and breath coming het and fast, he sprung through the opening and faced the men in the corridor. ‘‘There he is! There’s the fire-bug!” they shouted, recoiling somewhat in their surprise at meeting the supposed incendiary. “Down with him!” commanded Adair, from the further end of the haJl. ‘ Don’t let him escape, whoever he is!” ‘The fire isin there!” said Sam, with a won- derful evenness 9nd calmness of voice. ‘‘ If Ihad started it 1 shouldn’t be in here. Look after it, first, or the building is bound to go, The walls are already hot, He moved out into the center of the passage, and pointed to the door indicated. His face was as pale as the face of the dead, his eyes glowed like coals, but nota tremor swept through bis frame, and so strangely calm andstern was his air that the men shrunk from him as they might have sbrunk from a spirit. “Take him!” screamed Adair, enraged at their hesitation. ‘*There’s the fire,” repeated Signal Sam, sternly. ‘* Kid Adair himself or some of his tools started it. Idid not. Touch me at your peril. For my acts I am ready to answer to the law.” And with an unflinching air he walked past the cowed fellows, straight down the hall till he came to Adair. ** You’re a har and ascoundrel!” he said, glar- ing into the gambler’seyes. ‘ And I amrespon- sible for my words, you understand, You'd better look after that fire, now, if you don't want your hell-hole to go up insmoke, As for me, you can find me below within ten minutes, if you want to press those charges.” Saying this, he backed by the astounded, en- raged and discomfited gambler, descended the stairway in the same manner, and left the ex- cited men to battle with the flames. CHAPTER VIII HOT WORDS, j _ Very few men had retained their usual calm when that wild alarm was sounded; but there were a few, and these stared curiously at Signal Sam as he stalked down the stairway and into the bar-room. “Tell Kid Adair that if be wishes to see me he can find me on the outside at any time within the next fifteen minutes,” he said to one of these, taking out his watch and noting the time. ' Then he strode on into the street without vouchsafing a word of explanation, Confused sounds and shouts came from the rooms above where the men were fighting the threatening flames, and a string of workers had been formed, along which byckets were passing by way of the porch with water to subdue the re, ‘*T shall not be overly sorry if the thing goes!” Sam mueed, grimly, pacing the while up and down the rough pavement. ‘“* The scoundrel fired it with his own hauds, and it would serve him right. It will not go, though, He was ready for it, and they'll subdue it oni Strange what risks a man will sometimes take to get in a blow at an enemy!” He was right in his guess that the fire would not prove serious, for almost at the same instant the fire-fighters came trooping down-stairs with the statement that the flames were out. __ Among them was Kid Adair; and Signa
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es SS S| oe im ek Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. Sam momentarily expected the gambler to ap- pear outside of the building in search of him. But nothing of the kind occurred, Adair had a few words with the man towhom Sam had given the message; and, calling some cronies about him, retreated to the further end of the room and became absorbed in conversation, “‘ He fears to meet me!” Sam gritted, witha low and disagreeable laugh, as he noticed the movement, ‘* His vindictive spirit will not let him rest, though, and_he’s shaping some other plan to get even4 Well, he can look out for himself! I’m determined tostand no fooling, That’s one thing certain.” Turning from this momentary survey of the interior of the saloon he found Dean at his elbow. ‘A high old time!” Dean squeaked, ‘‘ Tried to burn ye up, in there, eh?” ‘‘ Hither that, or to make itseem tkat I fired the building. Adair is up to something: else, I suppose, as that failed.” “I’ve been watching him!” the honest fellow assured, ‘“‘ He’s talkin’ ag’in’ ye like a steam ingine. Don’t jist know what he’s up to, though.” “1 told him I’d wait out here fifteen minutes,” suid Sam, again looking at his watch. ‘‘ The tine’s up long ago, and it’s plain he don’t intend to come out. I sha’n’t wait any Jonger. You'll stay around here, of course, If matters begin to look squally, you know where I[’m to be found. There'll be no meeting of the gang to-night; and if there should be it wouldn’t be possible, now, for me to get within hearing of it. So I’m going home!” **Too square a chap to fight these rascals!” _wheezed the horny-handed, as Sam disappeared in the gloom. “ As brave as a lion, but be won’t and couldn’t stoop to sich dirty sort uf work as they're a-stoopin’ to ever’ blessed miaute. You bet, Pll watch’um! An’ if they go to play off any 0’ their dirty work to-night, they’ll find ’at Signal Sam’s got one friend in the crowd, any- how!” Saying this, he turned into thesaloon; and, joining a group of acquaintances seemed oblivi- ous of everything save the jesting stream of talk they indulged in. But his eyes noted all that vas transpiring and bis ears drank in every sound emanating from the corner where Kid Adair and his friends had ensconced themselves. The result of their discussion was soon ap- parent, One of them moved carelessly toward the door, where he stood a2 moment, puffing lazily ata cigar. Having ascertained that Sig- nal Sam had grown tired of waiting and had departed he communicated the gratifying intel- ligence to Kid Adair. Whereupon that worthy mounted a chair and called for silence, “Gents,” he said, wiping bis mouth impress- ively with his silk handkerchief, ‘‘the time for action in this matter has come, It isa crime that we ought not and cannot afford to let. pass without action.” ‘¢ Time for me to git outo’ hyer, too!”’ muttered Dean, slipping unobserved among the throng at the entrance, ‘If Sam hain’t wanted at this identical minute, then he’ll never be wanted,” Nevertheless, having gained the outside, he could not resist the temptation to remain awhile and learn what Adair had to say; so he crouched in the thick shadows and strained his ears for the words that were falling from the gambler’s lips. Adair was hastily sketching the origin of the fire; but, not ready for the denouement, had so far mentioned no name, ’ But it came, even as Dean waited: “And this scoundrel—this incendiary—this fire-bug, who, through hatred and malice, fired the place! It is hardly necessary for me to tell ou who he is, You know him as well as 1 do, is name is Sam Holcomb, commonly called Signal Sam—as great a rascal as ever walked the earth!” ‘ “Which is a rotted lie, you villain!” Dean squeaked from his place of concealment, The denial was not uttered in a tone loud enough to reach any within the room, and Adair went on with his fierce denunciations of the ab- sent man. His words were greeted with loud yells by the gamblers and those who had most cause for enmity against the accused. If Sam _ had any friends in the angered crowd they main- tained a discreet and virtuous zilence. Dean, noting all that was occurring, set it down that he had none there, - “‘ Must dig out 0’ this!” in his queer, whistling voice, ‘‘ Hes making madmen and lunatics out o’ them fellers, ’Twon’t be a half an hour tell the whole b’ilin’ of ’um’Il be jist a-rompin’ and a-stavin’ to git at Sam. An’ if they do, while they’re in that notion an’ filled full of Kid : ac ' Adair’s p’izenest whisky, they’ll not be satisfied *less they fills him full o’ holes or strings him to the neardest tree.” With this thought as a stimulus, he stole from his hiding-place and sped swiftly toward Sam’s abode, The streets were now almost silent and de- serted. Some of the rivais of the Placer Palace were yet in full blast, but the lights had van- ished from the business houses and residences, Few were awake, except the excited and drunken horde at Adair’s; and it was, therefore, a time most favorable for the accomplishment of dark and evil deeds. ** Git up!” Dean wheezed, pounding vigorously on the door of Sam’s modest, bachelor residence, ‘*The devil is unchained, and his name is Kid Adair.” The summons was almost immediately re- sponded to, for Sam, giving over to moody thought, bad not retired. “Ts jist as Il say!” Dean cried, in answer to his hurried queries. ‘ They’re organizin’ ag’in’ ye, at the Placer; and I shouldn’t be s’prised to see ’em D’ilin’? down the street at any minute with pistols and ropes.” Holcomb turned back, strapped a belt of re- volvers to bis waist, and followed without an- other word. When they reached the saloon, Adair was still talking. “Stay behind, and don’t appear unless you see that it’s absolutely necessary. I don’t want them to know that you warned me. You can serve me better in the future if that is not known!” And with this injunction, he pushed his way through the doorway and boldly entered the bar-room, Adair turned pale as he saw him enter; but ys a collected his courage, and cried out, sharply: “There he is, now, gentlemen! We shall not have to go searching over the country for him,” ‘* Which you wouldn’t have to do at any time, No one knows that better than you, Kid Adair. I know what your charges are, and I brand them as the falsehoods of a detestable villain, If there was a spark of manhood or honor about you, you wouldn’t try to set the people of this town against me as you are doing. “But, of one thing rest assured. I don’t fear you nor your allies. When you say I started the fire, you lie!” With revolvers drawn for instant use he leaped to the top of a box near the entrance and asked for attention. Adair was turning white and red by turns, but, being at heart an arrant coward, cringed and hesitated before those drawn weapons, one of which seemed threatening bim. As for the men who had been but a moment before clamor- ous for the blood of Signal Sam, they huddled together, like sheep deprived of a leader, not knowing what to do, Taking advantage of this lull, Holcomb launched into a torrent-like speech, explanatory of the circumstances which had been urged as proof of his guilt, _ The murmurs of the gamblers soon grew into a roar, however, and he saw that deadly peril portended. Stil], he faced them and coolly went on with his explanations, waving se ready revolvers occasionally by way of em- phasis. Then, like the lashing of heavy surf, the roar increased to a howl, and the bravest of the gamblers pushed themselves toward him, Two went down under the strokes of his hurled revolvers, But the otbers came on, and what the result might have been cannot be known, for Jack Dean reached a long and muscular arm from the shadows of the doorway and drag- ged his fearless and pugnacious friend into the street, CHAPTER Ix. THE BIG BONANZA, “Scoot!” Dean squeaked. ‘ They’re a-comin’ fer ye like a nest of bald hornets! ’Tain’t no time fer argifyin’. You don’t want to, I know, but you've got to er go under, They’ve gotit in fur ye, this time, and no mistake,” _ Vexed as Sam was at this kind of treatment, and at the thought of retreating from the gam- bler’s minions, he realized that Dean had taken the only wise course out of the difficulty; and 80 permitted himself to be drawn back into the shadows and neg é from the dangerous vicinity. As they vanished, the maddened gamblers, with Adair at their head, streamed through the doorway like a living tide, and spread over the street in a hasty search, 7 Tits was gall and wormwood to Sam, but he followed Dean doggedly, and they were soon at the bome of Major Glenwood, Arousing the major and acquainting him with what was occurring, Dean hastened away, and Sam accompanied Glenwood into the snug little parlor. . Glenwood was of the opinion that Adair’s force would visit the place soon, and it was, therefore, a great relief when Dean returned with a dozen stalwart miners at his heels—men who were in the major’s employ and friendly to his interest. “Tf we haf’ to fight, we'll do it in a way to be re-eclected !” Dean squeaked, rubbing his hands in gleeful anticipation. But, no fight occurred. Day was at hand. The sun was already gilding the splintered peaks, and would soon illuminate the valleys and canyons, and men with Kid Adair’s in- stincts are like beasts of prey in their fear and hatred of the light, . Discovering that Holcomb had taken refuge. at Major Glenwood’s, and knowing the major would not give him up without a fight, they dispersed, with the understanding that the mat- ter had not ended but would be renewed on the following night, or as soon as a favorabie oppor- tunity presented. The coming of day and the evaporation of the maddening brandy fumes placed things in a new light, however, and many who were wildest and fiercest in their support of Kid Adair withdrew from him their countenance, Sam had hosts of friends; and these, as soon as they understood what had, taken place, and were informed of Adair’s intentions, ranged themselves on his side, vowing that if worst came to worst, and Adair continued to push the watter, they would wipe out the Placer Palace and drive every gambler from the town. This may have bad more influence in quieting the belligerent element than anytbing else, for it reached Adair, as he sat in consultation with friends and adberents, and cast a shade of uneasiness and gloom over their subsequent deliberations, Before many hours had elapsed the little town became an armed camp and every man a walk- ing arsenal, But the day passed without an outbreak; and by nightfall affairs bad appar- ently resumed their normal condition, Signal Sam and Jack Dean managed to obtain some much-needed sleep that afternoon, and when night again settled upon the yeah they were seemingly as fresh and vigorous asiif the exciting scenes of the Placer Palace had been on, a fleeting dream, he fact could no longer be concealed from the gambling fraternity that Jack Dean was the friend and champion of Signal Sam, In truth, no further attempt was made to keep it a secret, Nevertheless, the sturdy miner, fearing not the face of clay, went boldly to the Placer at his customary hour. ‘He was greeted with a cloud of scowis, and matters made so uncomfortable for him that be retreated, after remaining determinedly at his post a full hour. Others of Sam’s friends, who were not likel to be suspected as spies, took up the the task dropped by the horny-handed, and the circle of friends which grouped about the major as about a leader, were kept fully posted regarding all that transpired. When the night was well advanced, and it be- came certain no movement was contemplated by Kid Adair, Holcomb, made restless and ner- | vous by the long strain on mind and body, strode out into the crisp air, and took his way © thoughtfully up the mountain-slope. It seemed a blessed relief to leave behind the turmoil and heart-ache and worry of the fren- zied town and get out into the pure air of heaven, blowing so coolly sweet across the rugged brow of the mountain. The peaceful in- fluence of the unchanging, starry expanse sunk into his soul like a divine benediction, and a | peace he had not felt for weary months per- meated Lis entire being. \ On that craggy slope, upheaved by the fires that sha the plastic globe, with the cool wind laving his fevered face and the arching skies whispering of the immutability of God,, how pitifully insignificant appeared the acts_ and passions that rend men and drive them to | madness and despair! h see aay With these thoughts impressing themselves on his awakened fanc he fell into a deep | sleep, from which he did not arouse till long after day. I : Py The peace and quiet of the place bad followed — him through his dreams; as he looked at the town beneath his feet, and thought of the per- |
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a be 8 plexities that awaited his return, a wish that he did not have to go back swept over him, In this frame of mind he loitered, strolling leisurely about, watching the occasional flight of abird, and tossing a piece of stone now and then, merely to see it bound from one projection to another until stopped by some bowlder or lost in the distance. Suddenly, as he picked up one of these de- tached pieces, which was somewhat larger than the others, he started, glanced at it inquisitively ; then broke it in two with another stone. Silver!” he exclaimed, panting from the ex- cess of his excitement, ‘*The richest ore I’ve seen in many a day!” Gone were the quiet fancies conjured by the night. Gone the placid calm so lately his, In its place ths fierce frenzy which seizes and mad- dens those who come suddenly and unexpectedly on indications of boundless wealth which may be had for the seeking, Itis the same feverish impulse that drives men to lonely delving on almost inaccessible mountain slopes, to lives of deprivation and isolation, and too frequently to untimely and miserable deaths. *There’s more where that came from!” he whispered hoarsely, his kindling eyes wander- ing wistfully up and down the slope. ‘* And if I can find it, my fortune is made.’ He arose to his feet, half staggering, so great was his nervous anxiety, and began a wild search for the vein from which he knew the specimen had come. He was an expert in this kind of work, and as soon as he could calm him- self sufficiently to think clearly, he began to make some headway. It was a long and wearisome task, tracing to the fountain lead that detached mass of mineral. It was done by scrutinizing and closely examin- ing every pebble and stone which appeared to be of kindred nature, and keeping to the track which was thus outlined up the mountain, for that they had comedown from greater heights was as certain as that the law of gravitation had been in force when they began their wanderings in those dim and distant ages when the mountains were upheaved from the sea. Fatigue, pain, everything was forgotten in that absorbing search; and the sun was sinking toward the western peaks when it ended. But, Sam had accomplished his purpose. The wonderful vein had been located; its finder could now call himself a rich man; and that famous mine, THE BiG BONANZA, was about to dazzle and blind a greedy world. CHAPTER X. SILVERY DREAMS. Sam Ho.comes’s bands trembled as he staked his claim and placed in position the regulation notice stating its metes and bounds, Like nearly all the mines in that region, it was what is known as a fissure vein, extending vertically into the mountain wall to unknown depths, and perbaps through it. The seam of silver-bearing rock was not wide, but it was richer in silver than any he had seen in many a day, and if Lo aed machinery could be had to work it, the yield would be marvelous. “Tt will be a big job to get even a small stamp-mill here!” he thought, making a guess at the ounces the ore would go to the ton if properly treated. ‘‘ It will bave to be a stamp-mill!” BY this he meant that the ore did not have a sufficient quantity of lead to make the smelting process advisable, and that it would have to be crushed, and the silver separated from the baser matter by quicksilver in amalgamating pans, “But we'll do it. There’s been as heavy - machinery brought over the mountains already, It will take a mint of money, though, and that’s what I haven’t got; and I’m not going to let any aag get a grip on the thing by loaning me money, if I can help it, Dll take in Glenwood as a partner. I don’t know how much cash he has, but whatever it is it will have to do. We can start rather humbly at first, and when the 9% work is well under way we can soon get all the : money we may need.” So roseate was the picture his fancy was iF - ~paiuti Pam tine successes of the future seemed P. +f ¥ Pi | . hed facts, and all herculean efforts polsee and teeming brain he ong and Pips omy slopes, | ease. out somewhere and added murder to the list of their crimes.” “Nothing of the kind!” with an attempt at **Come into the house, major; I want to speak to you on a matter of importance,” ‘*But you haven’t had anything to eat!” Glenwood protested. ‘* You look half sick, too.” “Tm all right, I assure you; and not in the least hungry.” And Signal Sam grasped the major’s hand and pushed him through the doorway. ‘Look at that!” he cried, hoarsely, extending a bitof the ore. ‘* What do you think of it? I know where there’s a mountain full of that; and it’s never been touched by drill or pick.” The major’s eyes expanded in gratified sur- prise. ‘‘Then youre the most fortunate man in the San Juan!” ho returned, quietly. *‘ A man with the backing of a mine like that need have no fear of Kid Adair!” he continued, a moment later. : Signal Sam’s face clouded, He had almost forgotten Adair’s existence, ‘*They’ve been making the most they could of our absence,” as he observed the perturbed ook. ‘*Have been trying to make people be- lieve you had left the country secretly ; and that that act was an acknowledgment of guilt.” **T'm a fool!” Sam declared. ‘‘I never once thought of that. I could have been at home five hours ago, as well as now.” ““And might have missed discovering that vein,” said the major. ‘‘ They haven’t accom- plished much, I think, though they’ve certainly tried hard enough, They've held secret meet- ings innumerable and endeavored to fire the town against you; but as luck would have it, we've been able to place spies at every meeting. So we have met them at every point; and they’ve not advanced much since yesterday. ‘*The hardest thing we had to fight was your unexplainable absence. Dean is a jewel, He told a lot of lies, I suspect; and thus managed to satisfy the doubters, If we’d had any earthly idea where you were we should have sent for ou.” ; . Signal Sam was overwhelmed with emotions of gratitude. While he was lolling on the moun- tain slopes, or feverishly hunting for the mar- velous fissure, those faithful friends had been sturdily fighting his battles and refuting the calumnies heaped on him, “ce I can never repay you!” he declared. ‘* Half of the mine is yours, if you will accept it.’ “Tut! Tut! You're crazy!” ‘Nota bit! If you won’t have it that way, then I'll make over a fourth of it to fourth to Jack Dean, Don’tsay ‘no, heard me out, ** You'll admit that Dean deserves somethin handsome for his fidelity and energy. Tha settles that point. If you don’t want to take your fourth as a gift, consider ita loan, Or, if you like that better, you can call it pur- chase money paid for a fourth interest in the Big Bonanza, for that’s what I’ve settled on for a name,” The major began a vigorous protest, but Sam poured out such a flood of words that the pro- test was almost unheard. Logic, eloquence, wit—all the resources at his command were brought to bear to break down and over-ride the major’s objections, The latter’s self-inter- est, and man’s natural love of wealth and the power it confers was likewise appealed to and all dished up in so plausible and tempting a way that one must hnve had more than Spartan resolution to resist. The major did not resist; and an hour later Dcan was called in, and the Big Bonanza Mining Company held its first meeting. ’ The next morning the trio visited the place where the fissure had been uncovered; staked additional claims for Dean and Glenwood, all of which were to be cons lidated into one miue; aud returned to the town to spread the news of the great discovery. ithin two hours therec fter, the slopes of the mountain were bristling with stakes and honey- combed with prospect-holes, every one of which, the fond dreamers anticipated, would quickly develop into another Bonanza. A little daily had been started in the town you and a till you’ve about a month previous, and in its issue of the following day it gave up its columns to a de- scription of the wonderful find; and to a eulogy of the company which had been organized to work it. “The dreams of Cortez, Pizarro and Coronado did not compass in their wildest flights the actual wealth which was yesterday revealed tothe astonished gaze of the people of Silverton,” ‘ declared the editor, in ecstatic rapture. J, | ay Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. = I be} “To be appreciated it must be seen. What the discovery means for Silverron we will not attempt to say. Prophecy lies prostrate in its contemplation; and the wings of fancy flutter helplessly in trying to picture it, Of one thing, however, we ure sure? The company, composed of such honorable men, such indefatigable rustlers, as Major Glenwood and the Hons. Samuel Holeomb and Jack Dean, will use every means to develop the rich lead. These gentle- men are well known to every man, Woman and child in Silverton, and are equally admired and respected, Therefore we rejoice in this, their great good fortune, knowing thatin enriching themselves they will be en- riching our city, and add to the glory of Colorado.” The sentences might have been a little smooth- er and the metaphors less mixed, but tho effect could not have been better.. Every word refer- ring to the Big Bonanza was read with avidity by the excited citizens; and the editor’s lauda- tions, together with the wealth now supposed to be theirs, caused them to be admired, envied and feared, and conferred on them a power and in- fluence wielded by few other men in the camp. Tradesmen fawned on them, speculators and money-lenders haunted their footsteps, those previously regarding themselves as their superi- ors became patronizingly gracious, and all join- ed in that respectful homage bestowed on suc- cessful men. As for Jack Dean, he became the object of much solicitation on the part of the gambling fraternity, who hoped to draw his money from him as fast as it was obtained, through his love of liquor and gaming. To the surprise of all, however, # avoided their entanglements and seductive blandish- ments, refusing to even celebrate his good for- tune in a bumper with old-time friends and cronies. He had given a solemn promise, on nanza Company, that he would avoid these things; and was manfully resolved to keep his romise. The trouble of the preceding days was appar- ently forgotten by the populace, which is, if possible, more fickle in mining-camps than else- where. Kid Adair and his allies became as mute as it was possible for such men to be; and whatever plans they had formulated were held in abeyance, And thus the roseate days sped; and the mem- bers of the Bonanza Company laid their plans and pushed their workmen into the heart of the mountain, . In these fissure veins it is customary to open a horizontal funnel beneath the lode: then drill and blast the quartz from above. From thence surface by means of tram cars. Signal Sam thought much of Grace Glenwood during those prosperous days. ' Being frequent- ly at her father’s residence, where matters of moment were discussed at rapidly recurring in- tervals, he had abundant opportunities for see- ing her and dwelling on the beauty of her fea- tures and the music of her voice, She greeted him always with a modest reserve, and Sam, being a timid man where ladies were concerned, knew not how to construe this atti- tude. Although he had visited her a number of times in a lover-like way, be had never ventured to speak of the subject that lay nearest his heart; and, since her rescue from the torrent b¥ Lucky George, he bad considered his chances hopeless and endeavored to wean his heart from its affection. He had not succeeded; and the turn of the tide in his favor caused new hope to spring u in his breast. Not that he supposed she Ti be influenced by mercenary motives! He never sullied his regard with such a thought. But the fact that he was now the equal, even the superior of her father in financial standing, gave him courage to press his suit. And soitcame about that, with her father’s with a sweet and womanly graciousness that speedily banished reserve and filled his mind with fond anticipations, CHAPTER XL “TWO AND TWO ARE THREE.” Dean?” Pe Shields retreated in some confusion, took ye behind phe kitchen table, and Rout? ished a sfick of flourisihis baton. ; “Well, then, I won’t!” Jack asserted in his squeaky voice, making a feint as around the table, and catching her as she ran, . “Why should I?” giving her a squeeze and a needn’t ask me, The idear!” yx Aa Re tH (: Ay 4 2 See et Ae ee Sem ee i ft Yc being admitted to membersbip in the Big Bo-, it drops into the tunnel, and is brought to the’ consent, he renewed his visits; and was received “ ARRAH, now! Will ye leave me alone, Jack — stove-wood as a marshal might “Of course I won’t let ye alone; an’ ye. pate a 2 ot et Ce = ne Bete? mee wey ot
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9 Peggy struggled and pouted, as ir duty bound, and then yielded herself to his emraces, “ Ye've got to kape the min ata distarse,” she had frequently and confidentially assed her mistress, and it may be she was practcing her theory on Jack, ““What was it I was sayin’?” whistsd Dean. “*T declare ye plum made me fergit! Women air sich pesky erftters—tarnally worriin’ the life Dinged if I hainia notion out of of a feller, to swear off comin’ hyer any more!” **Wusht you would,” and Peggy gave her nose one of those alarming and ciaracteristic ‘“*Deary me, I ory wusht ye fteam ingines tilts skyward. would, But I know you won't. couldn’t kape ye away !” ‘* Dinged if I b’lieve they coud, either!” and ‘* Jat what was it Dean gave her another hug. I was a-sayin? “Oh, yes! I reec’lect now I was a-sayin’ that Lucky George called onthe mistress, this evenin’, and a-askin’ ye if ve knowed how the two was gittin’ gee Ye dn’t, [ll be bound!" 0 “That I don’t! Jack Dean, to go p’aples bizness# ye think I’m a wi’asel, ell, thea I ain’t. ‘* Av he calls on her or don’t call on her, ain’t anny affair of mine, It do be nip and tuck, ny 9 I'm thinkin’, betune him and Mr, m “You're a worrit; that’s what ye air!” Dean squeaked, in his mouse-like tones, ‘* Every wo- man isa born worrit That’s what makes half the trouble in this world. And that’s what makes things so nighty uncertain with these other folks, Miss 4lenwood is a worrit!” With this phibsophical conclusion, Dean re- laxed his grasp «nd assisted her to a chair, “‘Tf women could on’y be sens’ble like men, now, what a world this’d be. Couldn’t be an- other ekal it, £ don’t suppose. But they jist can’t; and they ain’t no use talkin’ bout iter expectin’ ’em to, Ever’ time ye expect ’em to ye git left!” And he heaved a sigh that shook his massive frane. ‘Thank ye fer nothin’; not aven fer yer good Opinion av me sex!” retorted Miss Shields. *‘ Av wanen be sich worrits as ye say, why don’t ye goalong thin, and l’ave me alone?” ‘*Can’t!” declared Jack, folding his bands slemnly, ‘Ding it} don’t I wisht I could! — ‘But, I say, Peggy!” lowering his voice toa ‘confidential wheeze. ‘They ain’t any use oy you an’ me fightin’, We'd be jist boun’ to make up an’ be better friends inside o’ ten minutes, anyhow. I want ye to tell me somethin’ ’bout Lucky rs eedn’t pertend ye don’t know nothin’, fer 1 know ye do! Hain’t ever’thing goin’ right with that chap at this place, and I’m certain of it, : | TJ seen him come away from hyer, this even- in’, as said; and his face was that white and dead-like it made me shiver. They’s been a bu’st- up betwixt them two.” : : Peggy opened her eyes a little at this, but did not venture an expression, ““Men don’t look that white about the gills ‘less they’re mortal sick or have had some kind of a set down. It’s the same look I’ve seen on the faces o’ gamblers when they'd played their last dollar an’ lost, Not a purty look, Peggy, ner a pleasant ’un, I kin tell ye! ‘Do ye s’pose he axed her, thin?” Miss Shields questioned, with pardonable curiosity, * That’s jist what 1 s’pose. He asked her, this blessed evenin’. If he didn’t you kin take my head for a football.” — ‘‘ An’ a tinty, little wan it be, too!” she assert- ed, with playful roguishness, * Big enough to hold two or three 0’ sense, anyhow!” Dean retorted, more’n I kin say fer yourn, Peggy.” _ “But that ain’t veitber eA ner there! I thought ye might know somethin’ *bout that biz- nae) seein’ *t you’re around the house all the _ |time, ' ‘And I tould ye I don’t! Wid me it’s all | guess-work,” . “Goon an’ guess a little, then,” said Dean, he ‘“ imblefuls Which is Sipe deep le fe ie bet ye kin guess neare the mark than anybody. . Wel then, A he axed her the night, she mae do th 1¢!” was th k _ “Kin do that well myself!” was the squeakin epls “Of course the did, Otherwise rs woul’ looked that way.” _ “And she done that, Jack, ’cause she thinks _|more of Sam Holcomb’n she do av this feller. _ {Is yer hgh een. enough to understand that? If’t wor Sam as had axed her she wouldn’t threated him so. Put that in yer pipe, ye dull 4, “Sure of that, air ye, Peggy?” Dean quizzed, { ekin’ m’ pryin’ into other Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. with a sort of ecstatic delight, ‘** Ding! I wisht I dared say that to Sam,” ‘“* An’ why can’t ye say it, if ye want to?” “ Why—why—ye see it mightn’t turn out jist that-aways; andif he should make bold to speak right out to her andshe didn’t answer as ye think—w’” y, the ding fool’d go right out an’ put a bullet into himself, That’s all the sense he’s ot.” 4 “*Tf min could on’y be sensible like women!” cried Peggy, again tilting ber nose as she thus deftly turned the tables on him, ‘‘ Av they on’y could, what a worl’ this’d be, to be sure,” “Ding!” said Jack, ‘* You’re sharper’n a steel-trap! Ill haf’ to kiss ye ag’in fer that; I swear I will,” And he did, with a report that made the dishes rattle in the cup-board. “And you're cert’in‘t if Sam’d ask her a question like what we believe Lucky George did to-night, that she’d give him a diffrunt answer frum what she give Lim?’ when he had again slipped into the depths of his easy-chair, *‘ Think about it, Begey! Air ye sure?” ** An’ has Mr. Holcomb sint ye here to-night to ax thim questions? Av I thought he had I’ wouldn’t answer a wan.” ‘“ Well, he hain’t, then!” Dean protested. ‘If he knowed what I’ve been a-sayin’ this blessed evenin’ he’d put a ball through me the fu’st time we met. You don’t know Signal Sam, Peggy, or you wouldn’t ’a’ asked that.’ “IT didn’t know,” said Peggy, tossing her head. “ Min airall worrits and quare-crittered. And I oughtn’t to answer ye, I s’pose, but I will. I don’t know nothin’, You'll belave that, o’ coorse; ye’re allus belavin’ that, But ’ve me opinions, as anny woman has a right to,” Dean nodded bis head in ludicrous assent, ‘Of course!” : **And me guessin’ don’t amount to much, But I can put two an’ two thegither an’ make four out av thim, And what I make out is that the field’s open to Mr. Sam Holcomb, av he’s got sinse enough to walk into it.” Again Dean nodded. “%IBleeged to you. ’Deed I am! But I kin beat ye on yer ’rithmetic, Peggy. Two an’ two don’t allus make four, Not by a long shot they don’t. F’rinstance, to take cases we kinder on- derstand: Hyer’s you and me, That’s two. After awhile, when we git married, we'll on’y be one. And there’s Lucky George and Miss Grace. They’re two; an’, ’cordin’ to yer own showin’, they’ll allus remain two. So, in that instance, Peggy, two an’ two makes three!” And, with another kiss, he picked un his hat and stalked from the kitchen. CHAPTER XIL TUE TURN OF THE TIDE, BEFORE the tunnel had been pushed very far’ into the mountain, measures were taken for bringing over the divides the stamp-mill neces- sary to the successful working of the mine, The expense would be very considerable; and in order to obtain the necessary funds the major applied to a number of personal friends for small loans to eke out the deficit. As the hills were infested with road-agents, it was deemed advisable to dispatch a secret mes- seuger with the money, The mill was to be bought at Pueblo, where mills of the kind wanted were kept: the kind wanted being built in sections small enough for burro transporta- tion, Other men of Silverton d to send money to the same point for various articles, and it was arranged for the one messenger to carry all, However, after some thought and consulta- tion, it was decided to send two, so that there would be a better chance for defense in case of an attack, ' All the arrangements were perfected with such secrecy that it was not deemed possible the lans could be known outside of the little circle interested; and in the darkness preceding the gray of a perfect June morning, the messengers set out, mounted on a pair of the best burros procurable, Ten miles out from the town, while crawling around a ledge so narrow that it was impos- sible to turn on it, they were halted by two -Winchesters, the threatening brown muzzles of which were poked around a bend in the trail just ahead, “*Get down from there!” came the harsh com- mand, in tones which were evidently disguised, ‘* Get down, or we'll tumble you and the burros into the canyon!” The messengers had heen selected for their fighting grit as much as anything else, and were a consequently not at all the men to relish this sort of thing. ** Go to thunder!” the foremost yelled, whipping out a revolver and blazing away at the point where the Winchesters showed. ‘‘ We don’t git down ’‘less’n we’re knocked down!” The answer wasa pair of shots, seeming but one, that stretched the ‘burros, quivering and lifeless masses, on the dangerous ledge, from which it appeared certain they must tumble the next instant. Another shot killed the defiant messenger, whose companion, seeing that a further effort at defense meant death, threw up his bands and sung out Instily to the effect that he surren- dered, “It’s time you were thinking so!” cried the concealed marksman who had spoken before, stepping from behind the spur and lowering the hammer of his rifle. ‘* Just about another sec- ond and it would have been too late, Now, dump that money or we'll tumble you down there!” pointing into the black depths. The messenger was a sbrewd and quick-witted fellow, and as the road-agent talked he hearkened closely to the voice, There could be no doubt that it was disguised, he decided. ** Better toss him over, anyhow, hadn’t we?” the second road-agent questioned, with brutal harshness, as he joined bis comrade, The messenger started. This voice was likewise disguised, but the dis- guise was not so perfect as that of the first, In fact, he felt sure he had heard it before. There was a squeak in it that convinced him beyond all caviling that the man was Jack Dean; and as he surveyed the awkward form and noticed the shambling guit, his suspicions grew into certain- ties. : “Dump your valuables!” growled the other, angered by his silence and inaction, ‘‘If you don’t burry, we'll dump you!” ‘* This feller must be Signal Sam,” he thonght. “Him and Dean air allus together, lately. can’t make bis yoice out so plain, but it’s him, I know,” ‘* Dump him?” queried the second road-agent, swinging his revolver forward. “ Better, I think! Dead men don’t tell any tales,” ‘“No! No!” cried the messenger, with decisive promptness, ‘I'll shell out!” He drew a lJeathern wallet from his breast and tossed it on the rocks, ‘** They ain’t no argiment like a shooter,” grin- ned road-agent No. 2, whom the messenger had set down as Jack Dean,: ‘‘ I allus says they ain't; an’ they ain’t!” ““Can’t be a possible mistake!” thought the messenger, drinking in the tones. ‘‘Seems to mel c’u’d swear to that voice, An’if that’s Dean, t’other’s Sam Holcomb. Hain’t no two ways bout that. Now, what air they playin’ this kind of a game for?” The first road-agent was examining the wallet thrown down, and the other was standing with : weapon ready, fearful their prisoner might turn the tables on them. **Not a bad haul!” exclaimed the examiner, when he bad also gone through the wallet of the . dead man, ‘Don’t pick up that much of the yellow dust every day. Pity we had to down this chap! But he would bare it, and there wasn’t time to fool away in tall.” ‘* No,” said the other, with that queer squeak which reminded the listener so much of Dean, ** An’ he was too ding handy with that gun o’ his’n, ’Twas him er us, an’ so he got it.” **'Yes; he got it! We'll leave bim here for his friends to pick up. These burros cught to go : over the cliff. They’re heavy, though, and the j chaps that come after the body can attend to : that. We've got what we came for, and had better be going.” ! : He arose, thrust the heavy wallets into the ' pockets of his coat, and turned to his comrade, “Throw down yer weepon,” commanded the second road-agent, ‘‘Tossit this way. Ye kin UM git it after we’re gone. Ye might takeashot at us while we're a-skedaddlin’, ye know, an’ we don’t keer about takin’ resks.” The messenger did as commanded, and the road-agents backed up the ledge in the direction ‘ from which they had appeared. / ‘Poor Tom!” groaned the messenger, wken __ those unwelcome callers had taken themselves off. ‘*Nobody’d ’a’ dreamed a few minutes ago that you was to go over the divide so suddent. But in say for ye ye died game,” Cee Salk A great tear coursed down his check as he — OV atieM stood looking silently into the dead face. _ “And to think that ’twas done by some them as started you on thistrip, Devilsin human | form, them is!” | é elie: Then he began to question within himself wh ih Ay ie ,
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- doggedly. 10 Signal Sam and Jack Dean should do this crime, taking it for granted they were the guilty ones. ‘*On’y one reason,” he mutterec, his head bowed in thought. ‘‘On’y one reason; but hit’s as good as a dozen, ef they was all made to order.” He felt sure neither Signal Sam nor Jack Dean had any money of their own. That is, any considerable sum. The money forwarded to pay for the stamp mill and other machinery was furnished by the major; and the other money intrusted to the charge of the messengers belonged to various business men of the camp, With this as a premise, it was easy, so he imagined, to account for the part which had just been played by Dean and Holcomb. “ By holdin’ of us up they’re jist that many thousand ahead. It may stop bizness at the Bonanza fer a little-while, but what’s that when ou think of the haul they’ve made to-night? othin’ tall. Not a drop in the bucket! The major ‘ll rustle ’round and raise another pile in course o’ time, and then everything ‘ll go on ag’in as if nothin’ hadn’t happened, And Sam and Jack kin jist lay back and laugh fit to kill, and the people never suspicionin’ them, “ Wouldn’t never thought o’ them, myself, if I hadn’t rec’nized their voices. But that squeal o’ Dean’s is a dead give away. Seems to me I’d know it anywhere. “* An’, now, I must be gittin’ back! Law! I[ hate most p’izen bad to haf’ to kerry sich a bit o’ news. It’ll wake up tke sleepers, too, I’m thinkin’! There'll be a high old ruction, or I miss my guess,” With this reflection, he picked up the revolver he had tossed away at the command of the road- agent, gave a parting glance at his dead com- rade and the bodies of the slain burros, and took his backward way along the ledge in the direc- tion of Silverton. < It was past noon when he arrived there; and, fearing that Signal Sam and Jack Dean might have reached the place and would take the alarm if he was at all incautious, he sneaked in by way of some side alleys, going directly to the residence of the major. No more astounded man ever lived than was Major John Glenwood, when the messenger pre- sented himself and told hisstory. Nevertheless, he did not believe a word of the accusations, ‘* T knowed you wouldn't!” the messenger de- clared. ‘* But I felt it was my duty to tell you first of all.” “But you're not going to tell others?” Glen- wood gasped. *Hain’t 1? That shows ’at you don’t know me, Major Glenwood. Tell it? I on’y wisht’at Ihadatrumpet. I'd fairly make the hills ring with the story. I should haf? to hate myself the longest day I lived, if I didn’t tell it. That dead face a-layin’ on the ledge up there would ha’nt me forever. Tell it? Course Dll tell it!” In vain the major argued and entreated. The man was obdurate. He was fully convinced of the truth of the charge he proposed to make; and so confident that he bad marked out the true line of duty that nothing could shake him. And the worst of it was, Signal Sam and Jack Dean had gone into the mountains that ver morning on a deer-hunt. With the messenger’s almost positive assertions this gave matters a Yer Black look, lenwood at. last wrung from the man the promise of an hour’s delay; and dispatched runners into the bills in search of the absent men, The hour passed, and they did not return, ** Can’t wait any longer!” the messenger cried ‘?Tain't just to Tom. The coyotes may be tearin’ at him, now, And ’tain’t just to the other men that trusted their money with me. And, with this, he stalked determinedly from the house, The major followed; and when the man made his statement to the various persons who met and questioned him as to the cause of his return, the major putin a prompt denial on behalf of Sam and Dean and Nes that judgment be sus- nded until the facts could be more fully nown, 4 Bad news travels on the wings of the wind; and a haif-hour later, a maddened throng had a of the principal street and howled de- Be ce at the major and thréats against his en A party, under the guidance of the messenger, was organized for the purpose of visiting the ledge and bringing in the body of the slain man and the accouterments of the animals. _ On reaching the ledge they made a search of the neighborhood for evidence tending to show Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. who the guilty parties really were; and stumbled wholly by accident as it seemed on a handker- chief marked with Holcomb’s initials, and which was promptly identified as his. And when they returned to the town with the body, bringing also this vaitness of the guilt of the accused men, passion ran riot and murderous instincts sprung up into the hearts of the citi- zens. The major and the few who still believed with him used their utmost endeavors to allay the fierce fever that was turning the heads of even the best citizens, and transforming the unorgan- ized rabble into a horde of wild beasts. Almost every mining-camp has witnessed sim- ilar blind excitements. “They have even dis- graced old communities which boasted of wise, cool heads and sober judgment. Nothing is so unreasonable, so fanatical, so unbridled in its desire for blood as one of these mobs. ‘*God help them!” groaned Glenwood, think- ing of the men who were thus threatened. nie God help them, when they return! We can not! CHAPTER XIII. WOMAN’S WIT, As night came on the little knots of men at the street corners dispersed, But the saloons overflowed; and there was much wild talk among the vicious element which acknowledged the sway of Kid Adair and his gamblers, It seemed taken for granted that the accused had left the country, having in some way unex- plained obtained information that the murder and robbery had been traced home to them, Outside, a few men patrolled the passes and gorges, moving with a quiet, determined air that boded ill to Dean and Signal Sam should they fall into their bands. The night was dark and gloomy, with a sug- gestion of rain which developed occasionally into a misty, sticky fog. On the surrounding slopes and far up the mountain-sides points of light gleamed, now and then, like stars, or glowed like fiery, red eyes, showing where the various mines and finds were located that were being worked by night shifts. Then, the mist would shut down again and all would become as dark as concentrated gloom could make it. ‘*T can’t understand what keeps them away so long!” thought Glenwood, moving uneasily up aad down the narrow limits of his apart- ments. ‘‘ They must have gone further than they intended, They said they would return by sun- ‘down, at the latest,” He looked at the face of his watch almost in- cessantly, and was so nervous he could scarcely remain still an instant. Suddenly he turned toward the door. A light step had attracted his attention. The step was followed by a gentle tap; and the door being cautiously opened, Baldor, the dwarf, glided in, his fingers on his lips. The pigmy had discarded his scarlet cloak, and was arrayed in garments as sober as those affected by the most ordinary citizen, ‘* Hush!” he whispered, —s into a chair. * Turn down the light a little. It would be as much as my life is worth to be caught here, now.” The major stared at him strangely. He had never looked on Baldor with favor, regarding him as little more than the spy and tool of Kid Adair and bis ilk. “Turn down the light!” Baldor whispered, pe his hands impatiently. ‘I tejl you ees, ant to take any chances on being seen ere. So imperious was the gesture that the major mechanically obeyed. “Now what do you want?’ he questioned, turning on the diminutive intruder. ** Just this. They’ve got your friends; and unless we can do something pretty quick, it won’t be any use to do anything at all.” Glenwood started as if stung. ‘* T haven’t time to explain,” Baldor went on, noticing the look that was so full of the poison of distrust, ‘‘ You can believe me, though, with perfect safety. Every word I’m speaking is true, It isn’t Adair’s men tbat have them, Adair and his set don’t know anything about it. Who they are, [ can’t say; but that they mean mischief [ know.” He rattled on at breatbless speed, his tone and manner couvincing Glenwood that, however strange it seemed, he meant to befriend the im- iled men. ‘*We must gather a force and rescue them!” the major exclaimed, snatching a revolver from the table, “No!” and again Baldor gave that imperious gesture. ‘‘It’simpossible, To attempt it would ‘ they did not recognize, aroustthe town; and you ought to know, from — what jou saw this afternoon, that that will be suicida,” 7 ‘“‘In Yod’s name, what can we do, then?” groanecthe alarmed and unhappy major. ‘‘ We must do:.omething; and, as you said, at once, or it will betoo late.” He wrtg bis hands and paced the room like acaged ajmal. Before 3aldor could speak, the inner door opened, ati Grace presented herself, her face ashy white nd her form trembling, 6 fathe. saw at a glance that she had heard all. : ‘This is no place for you!” he said, in tones wholly at varance with those he commonly used in addressing jer, % ‘What suggestions had you to make?” she asked, ignoripg her father and directing her question to the dyarf. ‘** None!” cried 3aldor, hoarsely. ‘‘ Would to God I had; for sonething must be done, and that speedily! They were taking them toward the northern gorge,when I discovered them, I ran hereas fast [cqld. if we only had time! If we only had time!’ ‘Do nothing until} return!” the girl com- manded. Then, she darted throygh the door by which she had appeared, and wis heard scampering to- ward the kitchen. As for the major, he sat\s if turned to stone. What his daughter’s planswere, and what she meant by thus taking the afir out of his hands were, to him, inscrutable prdlems. She returned in a marvelouly short time, and with her came Peggy Shields, In their arms they carried sone singular look- ing bundles. “Now,” she said, her face flushing, as if the | . thought that she might be doing semething un- womanly had suddenly come to her, ‘* we are ready. I think, if it is not already tco late, that I have hit on a plan to rescue these men. If | you are vigor. The trust everything to my direc- tion, come with us; and I will explain as we hurry along.” ‘ And, in another minute, the entire party were 7” the street and hastening through the pitcay gloom. } Signal Sam and his companion had been sue- | cessful in their hunt; and this success explained the cause of their delay, In the wildest part of the mountain range they came on and killed a grizzly. The animal toppled over a ledge as he writhed and pawed the air in his death-agonies; and into the depths of the canyon where he ha fallen, the twain determined to go, for Sam was anxious to secure the skin. The ascent and descent of the canyon and the skinning of the brute consumed several hours of valuable time, and when they started on their return trip it was already growing late. Hence they did not reach the vicinity of Sil- verton until some time after dark, All unsuspicious of the black charges against them, they descended leisurely from the heights above the camp and took their way through one of the defiles leading to it. As they were about toemerge from the black mouth of the pass they found themselves surrounded by arme ynen, and realized they were prisoners. ‘ “ What’s the meaning of this?” Sam deman ed, not relishing such treatment. ‘Get out of the way and let us goon. We're neither mur derers nor road-agents, that we should be in- sulted in this Style.” ‘“‘Hain’t ye, though!” growled a voice which 1 ** Well, now, we've beer setting it down that you’re both o’ them!” themselves*eized by strong arms, their weapons removed, and their hands and feet bound, an in this condition they were ‘borne toward the wild gorge leading northward from the town. As they went along, the man who had first ad dressed them, and who was presumably the leader, descanted at, length on their supposed crime, and thus they learned what it was they were charged with. FP ‘“‘ A pretty fool you must believe me, to think I'd rob myself and kill my own messenger !” Sig nal Sam ted, with great bitterness, when he fully understood the accusations, ‘Not so much fool, likely, as scoundrel,” was the quiet reply of the leader. ‘‘ We calc’late we understand you purty well. So kickin’ won't do a mite o’ good. I low if ye’ve got any prayers, ye mou't as well be sayin’ them. The prisoners, brave as they were, could not repress a shudder at these ominous words. The gorge lay some distance to the north of Silverton, and, as their self-constituted judges and intended executioners insisted on carrying Before they could ‘protest further they found] '
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_ gloom would surre: quickened to a sense Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 4 them lest they should escape, the time consumed in traversing the route was considerable. It was increased, too, by the fact that a very round- about way was chosen to prevent any one in the town from discovering their movements and in- tentions, : But, tortuous as was the route, its end was reached at last, and the mob and its helpless captives Stood at length in the dense gloom of the gorge, with the dark, wet pines closing them in like the wings of death. Without a word the nooses were adjusted, and the trailing ends of the long ropes flung over some stout branches overhead. “Now, if ye’ve anything to say ye can say it,” the leader declared, with rough gracious- ‘ness, ‘SYou can have a couple o’ minutes apiece to talk in, if ye want’um. Not longer, fer we don’t propose to take any chances o’ some one comin’; and besides, we're a-drippin’ now with the fog.” The sentences were barely concluded when a weird, uncanny light poured through the gloom, showing everything in grisly, suggestive colors. The light seemed not of this earth, but came ap- parently out of the black sky above. At the same instant a bar of white played across tne bare face of the canyon wall, twenty feet or more above the beads of the awe-struck mob, There it quivered for one awful moment. Then, traced across it in letters of fire appeared, “THOU SHALT. NOT KILL! SAITH THE LORD.” A howl of fear arose from the lips of the su- perstitious men, who saw in this a condemna- tion of their contemplated deed of violence, And even as it arose on the frightened air, spectral lights shone and gleamed along the | upper end ‘of the dark gorge, sounds of music were heard, and two white-robed, angelic fig- ures, with misty, gauzy wings, appeared, chant- ing a rendition of the glad song heard by the lonely shepherds on the bleak, Judean hilis: “Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth! Good will to men!” The scared wretches could stand no more. With moans and shrieks of fright, they dropped Weapons and ropes and fled pell-mell down the gorge, never once stopping to look back, nor halting till the streets of the town were gained. CHAPTER XIV. PROVING AN ALIBI, Sianwat Sam and Jack Dean were as much astounded and bewildered by the startling ap- pearances as the Vigilantes; though Signal Sam did not share the superstitious feelings of the frightened mob, And Dean, unlettered and ignorant in a sense though he was, was per- suaded that harm could not come from be- ings who came so opportunely with that mes- Sage of peace on their lips. Scarcely had the frightened wretches disap- permis however, when the strange lights and eavenly sounds died away and the blackness of Jarkness descended with a force that could al- most be felt, While the two men stood thus, bewildered and hesitating amid the gloom, a small and active form stole to their side and with a few quick strokes severed their bonds, ‘ 2 ia a ger pe others were beard hurrying forward; and the well-known voice of <John Glenwood broke the silence: “Come, we haven’t a moment to lose! They rare free, are they Baldor? Then, let’s be travel- ing, Those scamps may get over their scare after they’ve run a little way, and conclude to return, Or they may tell the story to others who will not be so credulous.” The released men stood as if stupefied and dreaming. oe “Glenwood! Baldor!” exclaimed Signal Sam; oarsely, “ Not expecting us to work together in har- ness?” chuckled Baldor, compiehending the meaning of thespeaker. ‘“‘ It does seem strange! owll have to acknowledge, though, that we can pulladmirably well together, when we try!” “But the angels!” squeaked Dean, more puz- zled thanever, — A very simple trick, and easily explained, '6 must seek a place of greater security, first thing. Come! Those villains will take the back track _ few minutes, if they haven’t done so & rustling as of feminine drapery the ae but the all-concealing er none of its secrets; and, of their peril, Signal Sam There was just beyond and Jack Dean turned about and plunged down the gorge under the guidance of the nimble- footed Baldor. When they emerged from it, their diminutive guide turned sharply to the left and pressed on over the bowlder-set way. At length he halted in a sort of cul de sac, which frowning cliffs completely walled in and shut off on the side toward the town, “Take a look around,” said Baldor, striking a match and letting its flame pierce the darkness for a moment, ‘* We’ll understand each other better.” The sputtering light, extinguished before it had time to wax into a steady blaze, revealed the tall form and firm face of Glenwood, the imp-like figure of the dwarf, and the familiar features of Grace Glenwood and Peggy Shields, The latter were appareled in ghostly white, and the wings sweeping backward from the should- ers like the pinions of kneeling cherubim showed them to be the angelic figures that had fright- ened and dispersed the mob. Peggy was smil- ing and dimpling with the pleasure of their exploit, but on the face of Miss Glenwood rested a conscious blush which gave to it a feverish and unnatural color. “Tam afraid our friend Baldor is somewhat reckless!” said the major, gravely. ‘* Very little explanation will be needed, after that. There is no chance, I suppose, that that light could have been seen from the town?” : ‘None at all,” Signal Sam assured, ‘‘ I know the place very well.” ‘* We'd better halt here, then, and lay some plan of action, “Tn the first place, though, I suppose you have a natural curiosity to know how we discovered that you had been taken, and how we accom- plished your release. Baldor, who has unexpect- edly shown himself truly a friend in time of need, gave us the information; and my daughter Sw sp the plan of rescue which has worked so well, ‘“*T think I have some idea of how it was done,” Sam asserted, in a voice full of strange thought- fulness an tender emotion. ‘‘ You took great risks and we owe our lives to you. But go on; I .am anxious for tke story.” **T knew you could guess, after what had been revealed by Baldor’s match. It was easily done; and, as it turned out, the risks were uowise great. Fortunately, everything wasready. At a Christmas exhibition in Denver, last year, those costumes were worn by Grace and Peggy. The rest was simply a manipulation of red and een fire; and the words were thrown on the ace of the canyon wall by means of a magic lantern which I had carried toa niche in the rocks above the gorge. Grace and Peggy were concealed in the upper part of the gorge; and at the prop2r moment set off more red fire, and appeared, singing, as you saw them. “It worked like a charm!” and the major rubbed his hands gleefully. ‘“‘ Yet, it’s only right to say, that it could not have been accom- plished without the aid of Baldor. He knew, seemingly by intuition, just the point the mob was making for and where it would stop, and we were thus able to gain the rocks before the scamps arrived and post ourselves in just the right places. Yes, gentlemen, you have much to thank him for.” ‘**And now what’s to be done?” the dwarf questioned, thus escaping the shower of thanks and congratulations that was commencing to rain on him, ‘‘We can’t stay here always, you know. And 1 ought to be back at the lacer this very minute,” The little party were huddling and shivering in the chilly mist, and the female portion of it now took the opportunity of removing the cum- bersome wings and concealing their white gar- ments beneath the heavy wraps they carried, Much low laughter and jesting were indulged in as memory recalled the scared faces of the Vigilantes, showing so ghastly under the unearth- ly glare; no one seeming more light-hearted and mirthful than Baldor. “Ay, what’s to be done?” Glenwood queried, echoing the words of the dwarf. “It isn’t a a pleasant place out here, especially for the girls. What I mean thongh, is, what isto be done in your case? They can return to the house, un- der ‘Baldor's guidance, But you two! Such a course would be suicidal for you!” ‘Explain the charges in full, and a way may be suggested,” said Sam. ‘‘ We don’t under- stand the affair fully, What caused the sus- picion that Dean and I did the robbing and kill- ing out on the mountain this morning? We were told that we were so charged. But, why?? ““The messenger that esca swears it was you. That’sall, And that is enough for these 11 men, and especially for your enemies, Baldor says Adair had nothing to do with and had no knowledge of the movements of that crowd awhile ago, I think he must be mistaken.” ‘* Not at all!” the dwarf declared. ‘‘I know what I’m talking about. I’m not saying, you understand, that Adair would be too good for anything of that kind, or that he wouldn't be gladofsuch an opportunity. But I know he had nothing to do with that and knew nothing of it. I’ve my ideas of who was at the head of tke gang, but I prefer to keep them to myself until the proof is stronger. As for the part ve played, all l ask is that you let the deed speak for itself and credit me with good intentions.. I’m not a saint; neither am I the little devil some people are fond of painting me.” ‘lm shore ye’re not; an’ 1 axes yer pardom fer what I’ve said of ye!” declared the warm hearted Peggy, pricked by the feeling that she bad done Baldor great injustice in her opinion of him. ‘* And the double crime was commited at about what time in the morning?” Signal Sam asked. ‘* Between nine and ten o'clock,” replied the major. “Good! Do you hear that, Dean? Where were we at that very time?” ““At the Spread Eagle Mine!” Dean replied. promptly. ‘* That’s just where we were, and we can prove it. You know, major, we’d been talking about the new vein that bad been struck at the Spread Eagle; and curiosity prompted Jack and me to visit the place this morning, as it lay in our way. And we were there at the very time this robbery and murder was committed. We didn’t leave there, in fact, till nearly noon; and I’m sure the peopse of the Spread Eagle will be glad to testify to it. ; “Tn that wase,” said the major, thoughtfully, ‘*the best plan will be for you to give yourselves up; and demand an examination the first thing in the morning. You can surrender just after daylight, and I'll see that reliable men are placed to guard the jail, so that there can be no treach- ery. I would advise you to surrender at once but that I:know the mob element is all-powerful to-night; and to do so would only be imperiling your lives.” The major’s advice seemed so excellent and his: reasoning so conclusive that Dean and Signal Sam decided to act on it, So they remained be- hind in the concealment of the pocket, while the others went on into the town. Glenwood immediately gathered a strong force of reliable men—men who were kuown to be friendly to the accused, and laid bef. :e them the plan he had hastily outlined. With the appearance of the sun came Signal Sam and Jack Dean. Silverton had, some weeks previous, instituted a sort of municipal govern- ment and elected a mayor, marshal and other officers for the proper administration of the code of laws which had been adopted. To the proper official, therefore, they went, and demanded that they be lodged in jail until such time as they could be given an examination, — Glenwood and his friends were present to see that there was no hitch in this important part of the programme; and before the enemies of the accused were aware that they had appeared, the ponderous doors of the strong log jail had closea on them, and the voluntary patrol began its self- imposed duty. As soon as the news got abroad there was much furious fuming and bustling about of angry men, and Kid Adair and his pals attempted to organize a force to storm and take the jail. This was a job, though, that very few of Adair’s fighting men cared to undertake. In the first place, Glenwood was known to be a- dangerous — man to encounter when once he was thoroughly aroused, and in addition the men he had gath- — ered as a patrol were as recklessly courageous and as quick with their revolvers as any men of the town. . The mayor granted the major’s request to give his friends an immediate hearing, and at nine o'clock the accused were brought into the hastily — extemporized court-room. Before that_time, however, the men of the Spread Eagle Mine had arrived, and their state- ments were beginning to have a moderating ef- fect on the excited crowd. Adair’s tools did all they could to counteract the influence of these men; but as the Spread Eagle ‘‘ boys,” as they were familiarly called, had good reputations for veracity, these ef-— forts could not be held up as shining examples of success, Seldom was a court-room so vacked. Almost the entire population was in the room or crowd- ing as near to it as possible in an effort to hear
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12 what might be said. All work was suspended, as if the occasion was some great holiday. The result might have been foretold. An alibi was clearly proved; and before the sun had reached the’ meridian, Signal Sam and Jack Dean walked from the court-room, free men. CHAPTER XV. SHADOWS OF ILL. Even though so signal a victory had been gained, the trio of friends could not feel at all safe. But whatever they felt they gave no signs of it. They knew that Kid Adair could not rest quietly under suck a blow. Defeated thus, he would take some new course and return again to the attack until one party or the other was overthrown. They were not prepared to fully believe “Baldor in his assertion that Adair had no hand - _ the darkness, leavin a been, and after a consultation with wood be decided that Adair ought in the attempt of the previous night, And as for the pigmy, himself, discuss the subject as they might, they could not fathom the motives governing his actions, What they feared most, at that juncture, was that Adair’s followers might be able to again inflame the passions of the populace, notwith- standing. the alibi that had been so clearly proven. The funeral of the slain messenger was to be held that afternoon, and init there might be opportunity for the accomplishment of their hellish designs. But the day passed without interruption; and at night a strong guard was stationed about 08 house occupied by Signal Sam and Jack ean, : The day following, arrangements were made to start another messenger over the mountains to Pueblo, and as before every effort was ex- erted to keep the matter a profound secret. All the ready money the major had, together with all he could borrow, bad been in tbe wal- lets of the men who had been robbed. But if they would work the Big Bonanza and wrench from it, the fortunes it held, proper machinery must be obtained. In this emergency, mortgage papers for exor- bitantly large amounts were executed by the Big Bonanza Company, pledging the mine for their payment; and with these the messenger set out. After his departure, the days passed very quietly; too quietly, in truth, to please Signal Sam and his friends, The powerful gambler element seemed.to have abandoned its enmity, and to be bent on pacification and tranquillity. It doesn’t mean any good, though, you may be sure!” Sam asserted, in a conversation with Glenwood. ‘' I’m always nervous when things get too awfully still this way. It makes me think of those dead, sleepy days we sometimes have before a tornado que down on us.” This feeling was not lessened by an occurrence of the evening. As Signal Sam was turnin homeward, having passed the day in the tunne of the mine, he caught the patter of light foot- steps behind him. Darkness had fallen, and re- cent events did not tend to make him trustful. So he turned quickly, with drawn and cocked weapon, and peered into the gloom. He was greeted by a light laugh, which, from the strange, gurg!ing sound, he knew came from the throat of the dwarf, “Going to throw balls? Not ata friend, you wouldn’t,” Baldor cackled, “I just want to speak to you a minute, that’s all.” ‘*There’s no one with you?” said Sam, advanc- ing toward bim and peering into the shadows, ‘No! .’Pon honor! ‘Pm wandering by moonlight alone ’—though I must say the moon- light’s somewhat hid by the clouds just now. I have a little message for you, if you care to re- ceive it,” . : Convinced there was no trap, Signal Sam Jowered his weapon and stepped to the side of the trail, “That's right! I was half-afraid you wouldn’t stop, times are so scary, and I didn’t care to try to cop? up. [haven’t much to say. It’s only this: Watch Kid Adair! He’s up to some- thing. Just what it is I don’t know and can’t find out. If I can learn anything more definite Pil try to let you know. He’s getting some scheme in shape for springing, and I thought it my duty to let you know it. Wish I could tell you more, Keep your eyes open. That’s all!” And with a bound the dwarf was off through Sam staring and wonder- and no wiser t before, Boe dwarf’s words tended, however, to make him even more uneasy than he had vious] cl “4 John Glen to be shad- owed, “TY have to do it, myself,” he concluded, Wa j hetyt = glitched occa turning the matter over and over again in his mind. ‘“There’s no one I can trust. Dean would try it, if [asked him, but since be has taken such a stand with the major and has shut off on the liquor, those scamps haven’t any use for him, and his movements would attract at- tention. There was a time when he’d have been just the man; but not now! “Yes; whatever is done I'll have to do me self. And I might as well set aboutit. f they’re really hatching a scheme against us as Baldor declared and as I believe, the sooner its character is discovered tke better. “Tf I go about it, though, I'll have to disguise. And there’s the rub; for I never tried anything of that kind in my life.” He took two or three days to fully settle on the line of work he should attempt; and then appeared at the Placer in the character of a loud-voiced and half-tipsy miner, drawn to that Eldorado by the wild rumors which had reached the outer world. ‘‘Jim Steele’s my name, you bet; from So- corro way,” he asserted, tugging at the half- chewed cigar which he held clumsily between his lips. ‘‘Come up hyer to make a stake. Bloomin’, flyin’ place you've got hyer. ‘Tis so. Country south of byer hain’t no good any more. Too many Mexicans a-workin’ fer jest no wages *¢ all down there, “Take a drink? No, thankes. The p’izen ye’ve got up this way seems to kinder upset me. Hain’t had but two drinks this blessed evenin’, an’ my cocoanut’s a-wobblin’ now, same’s if it was green an’ full o’ milk yit. “Yes, sir! Four weeks out from Socorro, come nex’ Wednesday. Turrible mountains! Turrible trails. Hain’t never seen worse. 1 reckon you folks don’t git any more mail than the law allows you. But you’ve got a nice town hyer. Turrible nice town, if it is a little out o’ the way an’Jonesome, Lonesome, sir! Why, lonesome hain’t nothin’, as [ve said a many a time, if on’y you’ra makin’ plenty o’ money, Money’s the root of all evil an’ the staff o’ life, as the Scripter says, an’ without it ever’thing is vanity. I allow ole Solomon knowed what he was a-talkin’ about when he said that. Yes, sir, ole Sol’s head were level as a billiard-table, *© An’ talkin’ of money ’minds me that I hain’t got any of that wexatin’ stuff. S’pose they hain’t any gen’elman byer as would like to grub- stake me, is they? *Iwouldn’t take much, ye know, as I’m one o’ the most ’conomical chaps that ever swung a drill. Kin live on’most nothin’, if the float’s promisin’.” No one seemed to desire to ‘‘ grub-stake” the loud-voiced talker, and after dilating further on his ability to live principally on hope and diaphanous air, he wandered toward another group of loungers, and there recommenced his philosophical disquisitions. In those talks and wanderings he visited every room and conversed with almost every man in the Placer, without his identity being once sus- ed. Little heed was paid to him, as men of his supposed stamp were arriving daily and making themselves disagreeably familiar. And they were all wanting to be “ grub-staked;” that is, wanting to have some man or men supply them with provisions while they prospected among the hills, the ones standing the expense to re- ceive a certain share or interest in the “ finds,” Some of the richest men in the mountains, and one or two who have been United States sen- ators, got their start on the road to great wealth by supplying ‘‘grub-stakes” to needy prospec- tors 1 But no one stood ready to thus form a part- nership with the man from Socorro; and, tired from his perambulations and hoarse from much talking, he seated himself in a cozy corner and was soon apparently sound asleep. : By seeming chance he had dropped into a chair not far from a table presided over by Kid Adair, Finally the gamesters, disgusted with steady losses, rose to go, and the chairs about the table dually filled with Adair’s friends and confi- ants, At this the man from Socorro began to snore and give other indications of heavy slumber. « Much chaffering of nonsense filled up the time for awhile. Then, there was a pause; and one of the gam- blers, heedless of the proximity of the snorer, remarked, sotto voce : Nee ‘Another messenger out on foul will make certain people open their eyes, eh?” Adair gave the speaker a warning look and | glanced at the sleeper. ‘“Remove that turning to the man whose 4 ee: Aen Ne Se Hl YF ery] aad ds Se ew a Ret, ork, 4 We ¢ Tk wa $7 Ng a Art Mace ea whe, ; wh: nei yy sd eA HEN ats Dis nee oe: Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. fellow, will you?” he cried, special duty was to! ( 3 o ; clear the house of drunken, noisy or unwelcome visitors, And Signal Sam, with curiosity roused to the highest pitch, was bundled from the apartment with as little ceremony as if he had been the veriest tramp. ' CHAPTER XVI. A KNOCK-DOWN BLOW, - NotHInG could have so vexed and disturbed the masquerader as to be thus trundled from the room just when he seemed on the point of mak- ing valuable discoveries. His brain was in a whirl as he crouched in the shadows and en- deavored to uncover what lay behind the gam- bler’s low words, Had the last messenger beeu robbed or murdered? He could not answer, “If there was only some way by which I could get within hearing distance!” struggling with the perplexities that beset bim, ‘ It’s next to impossible, though. I can’t get near them again, even if I had some other disguise at hand, which I haven’t. And as the room does not open at that point to the outside, there really isn’t any chance for me to get close to them. My! I’d give big money to hear what they’re saying, now. And it would be worth big money to me, too, I’ve no doubt.” For a long while he stood there, peering through the half-opened door, Hecould see the sports grouped about the table, with heads bowed to- gether in earnest conversation, and occasionally catch the ic a laugh that greeted some pleasing remark. ut he could hear nothing to give him the slightest inkling of the subject under discussion. ‘* Might as well give it up!” he said, with a sort of desperateness. ‘‘Ican do nothing further, to-night.” ; Then he slouched bis: hat well over his-eyes, and shambled from the place. He returned to the charge next night. But the gamblers were wary, and. he heard nothing. Night after night, in different. disguises, he re- turned again and again to the attack. But the effurts were barren of results; and he could only eat out his fiery heart with restless anxiety and impotent longings. The welcome news that the burro train had come in sight gave new direction to his thoughts, however, and served fora time to banish these shadows of ill. But they came back, when he received the unwelcome intelligence that the messenger had not returned with it. He had reached Pueblo, the statement ran; had delivered his order and procured the machinery wanted. He had also started on the return trip with the burro train, with the ap- parent intention of going through with it. Af. ter peas it a long distance, however, he had left it, saying he was tired of the San Juan country and had determined to seek greener fields and pastures new, “J don’t like the looks of it,” Glenwood de- clared, when talking the-matter oyer with Sig- nal Sam, that evening. ‘*‘ Everything seems to be all right, thougb, as far as I can discover. He must have visited the parties in Pueblo, turned the mortgages and letters over and exe- cuted his commission in a business-like way. The presence of the burro train with the zoods shows that. But there should have been letters from the Pueblo firm, bills or something to show _ the cost of the articles and of their transporta- tion and what our indebtedness is, ‘* He must have been given something of the — kind, and why he didn’t hand them to some one else when he concluded he didn’t want to come any further is what puzzles me.” owever, as the things ordered had arrived, and with them skilled workmen to set them up, repinings seemed wholly out of piace and useless; and the partners comprising the Big Bonanza Company turned their attention to the develop- ment of their property, knowing that the future would reveal whatever of mystery there was about the affair. Bills, notes and mortgages have an unpleasant habit of becoming due and | cee: and the ones they had given were not | i kely to prove exceptions to so general a rule, The tunnel beneath the vein of rich ore had been pushed far into the moantain, It was lo- cated at a point almost half-way to the summit, — as are the tunnels of many of the richest mines. in the Colorado ranges. In addition, a tram- way had been built to carry the ore to the — stamp-mill, which was to be erected near the — wn. 2 ie Thus it was not long before the mine was in complete working con ition, and the separation — of the silver front the worthless material was” begun. — vag ‘The mine was also an easy one to work, the sacoMReeocraoc op Ss oe Ch at aot, OS. dd bee ook, Eee Gee 4S ee. oe <3 \ oil ann ton a, a 7
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signa sam, the Lookout out, > ore being of a quality which rendered the sepa- ration of the silver not at all difficult and com- paratively inexpensive, To all appearances glorious days were now dawning, and the road to wealth opened as al- luringly as a well-traveled and beautiful high- way, along which one may walk and drink in the sweetness of earth and sky without thought of molestation or a dream of peril. Since tbat terrible period, so fraught with danger and filled with excitement and deadly menace, the manner of the people had likewise changed—changed as radically as had the brightening fortunes of the members of the Big Bonanza Company. True, the time had not been long passed since these same men many of them, had howled and screame like wild beasts for the blood of the men on whom they now smiled and fawned; but time, that sluggard in dull, monotonous places, moved with the nimblest of feet in the wild mining-campz of the Rockies, when the nights are full of hope and the gorgeous days full of procaine, A month sometimes contains more of life and achievement than does a year elsewhere, And thus it came about that the Big Bonanza and the men who controlled its destinies once more assumed a leading and prominent part in the affairs of Silverton. The change seemed to have its effect on Kid Adair and his satellites as on the other citizens of the place. They did not indeed venture on familiarity or friendship; but they seemed to have dropped all open enmity and become con- tennt to let the Big Bonanza men go their ways in peace. Signal Sam and the major were very willing to have it so, for the truce was very enjoyable and they were entirely too' busy with their own affairs to heed the doings of the gambling | element, “If they'll let us alone, we'll do the same by them,” Sam‘had more than once observed. ‘I don’t like them, and they know it; andif I could have my way they wouldn’t remain in the town twenty-four hours, But if the miners are fools enough to want to spend their money at the gambling tables and at the bar, I suppose there’s no way of stoppin them; and if there was a pi we couldn’t afford to try it, now.” _ The major and Dean thought the same; and in this self-satisfied le the pleasant days of summer drifted over their heada: Life held a t deal of sunshine for Sam at that time, He was, as faras mining and wealth went, in a fair way to realize the dream of his life. Congenial and profitable occupation is the basis and essence of true happiness; and this he had. And above all, prized higher than the precious metal daily blasted from the bowels of the mountain, was the belief that he had gained a place in the affections of the major’s beautiful daughter, odest by nature, and made somewhat diffi- dent by the lifc he had so long led, be had never yet ventured to put the great question to the test; but the ay of love are keen, and close Omen S had led him to hopes the highest and ur But little was seen of Baldor during that period. He was seldom on the streets, except in the daytime, and then the men of the Big Bo- nhanza were busy in the stamp-mill or in the mine. He held no communication with them, and had not spoken to Signal Sam since utter- ing that last warning, I'm interested in the little scamp!” Signal | Sam confessed, whenever Baldor was mentioned. “He did us a ye good turn once, and [ll never forget it, e hadn’t a particle of claim on him, and yet he took great risks to save Dean and me. I'd like to know why he did it, but I suppose I never shall. I'll aid hina to the extent of my ability, though, if it is ever in my power, “And me the same,” said Dean, heartily. “Td resk my neck fer the little thief,” Three months had elapsed since starting the messenger over the mountains to Pueblo and the day of payment for the stamp-mill an other machinery and supplies was close at hand, The Big Bonanza Company was straining every nerve to «aoe in condition to redeem its paper and so maintain its credit in mining circles, he coming of a little missive through the post- office at this time filled them, however, with consternation and dismay. There was constant communication with the outer world, now, by means of the burro-trains, and they had written to the Pueblo firm, asking for the amount of their bill and making some in- quiries concerning the acts of their messenger and the papers he had turned over. The letter was from the head of the firm, and ran thus: ‘* My Dear Strs:— ‘*Your favor of a recent date at hand. In repl would say that I do not wholly comprehend the drift of your questions. No papers of any kind were de- livered fo us, except a letter, inwhich you named the articles you wanted. Our acquaintance with the head of your firm, Major John Glenwood, was such that no papers were necessary. We simply charged you on our books with the material and machinery supplied, and sent by your messenger a bill for the same. We accorded you the same treat- ment that we are accustomed to extend to our old- est and most reliable customers, viz: A credit of ninety days or ten per cent. off for cash. No cash accompanied your order, and we gave you ninety days in which tomake payment, Find herewith a duplicate of the bill first sent. “Very truly yours, Glenwood read this over and over again, his face ashy pale and his eyes staring. ‘““What in the name of all that’s wonderful does it mean?” he asked, turning upon his part- ners. ‘*I don’t understand it. lf they didn’t get the papers what became of them?” He was answered by the opening of the door and the entrance of Kid Adair and the sheriff of the newly-organized county. ‘*Gentlemen, good-morning! Ve meet you!” and Adair gave one of his oiliest smiles and one of his profoundest bows, ‘* A matter of a little business will explain my intru- sion. He glanced at the officer, and the latter took a folded paper from bis pocket and extended it to Glenwood, ‘* A notice of foreclosure,” he explained. ‘ Mr, Adair holds certain mortgages, as that will ex- plain. They are due and—” He stopped, confusedly, and looked at Adair. ‘“Yes,” said the latter, coming to the rescue, ‘Mortgages given to Stanton & Company, of Pueblo, They came into my hands in a perfect- ly honorable way and for value received. They are due, as you must know, I need the money and as I felt sure you could not pay all of it down, I thought it best not to waste time but be- gin proceedings at once.” He halted and again glanced at the sheriff, ‘*Ahem, yes!” and the official cleared his throat, ‘*There is another document. I almost forgot it.” his was a notice of an action brought to sto the working of. the mine, Adair alleging that it was being worked in a way to destroy the value of his mortgages. ** What will you do, gentlemen?” the gambler questioned, with cool effrontery. ‘* Will you surrender the mine or pay the money? If neither, I re have to push these cases to immediate trial. ” happy to CHAPTER XVII. RELENTLESS ADAIR, Sam Howcoms glared at the smiling villain as if he wished he might take him by the throat and choke the life out of him. _ Do? cried Glenwood. ‘‘ We shall do noth- ing. The mortgages given to Stanton & Company are not payable for two days; but if they were payable this minute we should still do nothing but defy you, for we're certain you never obtained possession in a legal manner, I have @ letter, just received this morning, in which Stanton & Company declare that no mortgages were given them. So if there is a transfer indorsed on them it is forged, and we'll hold you responsible for that forgery. I begin to understand, now, why our messenger never re- turned. He feared to!” He leaned back in his office chair, while he strove to regain breath, and looked Adair over with a cool scorn that was very tryivg to the gambler’s temper, eee ‘“‘Very well,” said the latter, rg, ba spite of his efforts at self control. ‘‘ I think I’m pre- pared for a fight, if you are.” With this, he backed through the doorway, the officer doing the same, after he had made a note on the papers of service of process and tossed them on the table. “Now, what does that mean?’ Sam asked, when the men had departed. ‘That we’re in for a fight, my dear fellow. Simply that and nothing more.” ** As if that wasn’t enough, after all the fight- ing we’ve had this summer!” Sam growled, “I suppose there can be no doubt that Adair has those mo’ ” ‘* None in the world, I think. That messenger played traitor! But, getting control of the mortgages isn’t getting control of the mine, as Adair will discover before he gets through.” “Certainly not. But I’d feel better if_the new officers were of a different class. You know, we were having all we cared to attend to when that election came off and the gamblers had things pretty much their own way. The fellow they put in as judge don’t know any more law than a burro might, and he'll twist everything against us and in favor of Adair. Fa in my opinion, is where the great danger ies. “T hadn’t thought of that,” returned the ma- jor, concern showing in his face. ‘‘ And it will take a good six weeks to hear from the Pueblo men! If we had one of the firm here to testify in our behalf we could snap our fingers at Adair. The deposition of one of them would do as well, But we haven't either, and before we can get > Adair will have time to annoy us a great eal, “And besides,” he continued, after a Jong pause in which he was evidently turning the matter carefully over in his mind, “‘ there is that threatened injunction, That’s the worst of all, for if they stop us from working the mine we cannot get money with which to meet this bill of Stanton’s, and that might be the utter ruin of our credit.” “Give me time to think it over,” Sam re- quested, ‘It’s my opinion we'll have to resort to stern measures. There is no other way to deal with these bounds, If we seem to succumb to them in the least they’ll take ever acvagrene of it and parade it around as an evidence of our weakness, Besides, I can’t believe we'll ever get justice from that judge. You saw how the sheriff acted. The judge is more under their thumbs even than he is, He left the room and walked slowly toward the atamp-mill, From what he knew of Aduir’s character he was convinced that the gambler would not allow the grass to grow under his feet: in his efforts to annoy, subjugate and humiliate the men he so much hated and feared. When his stroke fell it would be like lightning out of a clear sky. He found his worst forebodings more than realized when he reached the mill, A little knot: of excited workmen were gathered in the yard. Among them stood Jack Dean, his squeaky voice filled with a sort of impotent rage. “Ding! But I’m glad you’ve come?” he wheezed, stretching outhis hand toSam,. ‘ The sheriff’s locked the shebang up, and I ‘low frum the looks o’ things he’s gittin’ realy to go up to the mine and do the same there,” ‘“* And he had papers authorizing him to do that?’ Sain questioned, his manner equally wrathy, “T s’pose so, He had some kind. He showed ’um to me, but I wasn’t seholard enough to make them out.” “Ts hein there, now?’ and Sam nodded his head toward the building, while the bewildered. workmen crowded about with confused queries. ‘‘ Yes, Him and that blast blasted gambler.” “Then come with me!” addressing the work- men this time. “Slip around the bluff here, so he won’t see you, and we'll make a run for the mine. Dean, you go and tell Glenwood what: has happened, and ask him to gather all the men and arms hecan and come tothe mine right “rar I havea’t time to explain, now.” With acomprehending glance, Dean darted off on his mission, and Sam Holcomb, piloting the miners by the circuitous route around the rear of the buildiags and back of the bluff, led them at a lively gait up the slope. As they neared the tunnel they heard a blast;, and a mass of ore tumbled from the quartz vein. above almost into the tunnel’s mouth, “That's all right,” said Sam, hurrying in be- fore the dust and debris had ceased falling» ‘* Now call down all the miners and tear away the lumber we used in bracing that weak place the other day and bring it here. We'll want it to make a barricade. Neither Kid Adair nor that sheriff will get in here unless they first drive us out.” The men, although they did not at all under- stand the merits of the controversy, hurried willingly off to do his bidding, showing their con- fidence ‘in him by this act. He had been.uni- tormly kind to the men in his employ, and now that he was in trouble they seemed anxious to aid him, “My!” he cried, as he stood alone in the: mouth of the tunnel, peering along the down- ward slope to catch sight of Adair and the sheriff, ‘‘if we’re to be cooped up in here any Jength of time we'll need food and water. There’s no tel ing what may be ahead.” Then he shouted to the nearest workman: “Slip out and make your way to town in a roundabout way, will you? And tell the major
Page 14
- * é that the chances are we may have to stay in here several days, in which case we'll nesd water and something to eat. Watch that you don’t miss him, for he may be on the way here already.” The man tipped his hat and moved toward the entrance. In another moment he was gone; and Sam could see him hurrying down the slope, avoiding the beaten trail and using all speed. “Tf Adair will only give us an hour’s time, T'll defy him to do his worst!” with a curling of the quivering and enpanded nostrils. ‘* He thinks he’s got us, no doubt, but if 'm not mis- taken ip my calculations he’ll find himself woe- fully left.” The miners had gathered from all quarters and work on the barricade was commenced. They evidently understood that time was pre- cious for they lost none in curious questions and speculations, but worked like men who realize that defeat or victory may hang on a single minute. There were only ten of them, all told; but well armed and sheltered by the barricade, they could hold a regiment at bay. Most of them had revolvers, for the western miner as a rule puts a high value on that weapon, and a dozen years ago few of them worked or played without big six-shooters belted to their waists, In addition to this force Sam momentarily expected the coming of Glenwood with a little company armed with Wincbesters, While the men worked, he climbed into a crevice at the tunnel’s mouth, from which point he could oversee and direct the work, and at the same time gain a view of the slopes of the moun- tain on the side next the town. The timber used in the barricade was princi- ' pally composed of pieces large and heavy enough to turn a bullet, The barricade was made V- shaped, so that it could not be easily broken down, and placed to command a view of every approach. Small openings were left to serve as loop bile and points of outlook and let in the light. Nevertheless, when the work was done, they found the tunnel very dark, because of the obstructed rays of the sun. f ‘¢ We won't need light,” Sam assured, as he climbed from his perch and surveyed the work with a smile of satisfaction. ‘‘Just so we have enough to see to shoot, should shooting become necessary, which I hope may not be the case, We'll throw some lead, though, before we let that Adair crowd gain possession. I think the Jaw will uphold us, when the true inwardness of “this attempt is shown up, as it will be if I live. I hardly think Adair can get any men to try to storm this place, when they see how well we’re fortified, Perhaps he’ll even back down, him- self, when he sees we're fixed to receive him.” He again climbed to the niche, but had no sooner done so than he leaped down again, ‘shouting: ‘* Here comes Glenwood and Dean, with some burros. They’re ge aes ap Soe tro Hurrah!” And he hurried down the slope, to discover as he drew near that Glenwood was also accom- ee by his daughter and by Miss Peggy hields. CHAPTER XVIII. TREACHERY. GLENWOOD had six men with him, in addition to Jack Dean, who, when there was need for valorous action, was himself a host. ‘ Three burros were weighted with water-casks slung on either side of saddles which in their general appearance resembled saw-bucks. The others carried a miscellaneous assortment of cooking utensils, bedding and supplies. As for _ the men, they bore their arms and as many can- ‘teens of water as they could stagger under, “T knew what we’d need, as soon as Jack Dean told me what had occurred at the stamp- mill, I had all these nearly ready when your runner arrived from here, But, we mustn’t stoo to talk, A party left the town just after we did, and they have been gaining on us ever since we struck the slope. They'll be here in less than _ five minutes.” Having made this breathless communication, the major gave orders toagain advance, Sam Tan on ahead, and when the weary party reached the mouth of the tunnel, a portion i the barricade had been removed to admit em. Once inside, the defenses were again strength ened, and a close lookout kept through the loop- holes for the appearance of Kid Adair and his allies. - 7 don’t understand how it could have been _ done, but that rascally sheriff must have had that injunction order in his pocket when he game to the office with those other papers,” said he Le Pepe Se ee ~ ia NM ‘ : 7 heli* at dey e a ol ee oil Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. the major, taking his eye from one of the aper- tures and speaking to Signal Sam who stood close beside him. ‘‘Such an unheard of course of procedure was never known.” ‘““As I told you, the judge don’t know any- thing about law,” Sam made answer. ‘ Adair doubtless made him think that was the proper thing to do, and the injunction order was is- sued. Whatever Adair says is law, is Jaw to him, you may depend on that. And the sheriff isn’t any better. He’s got more sense than the judge, but he’s a greater villuin, and will do anything to please his master, Kid Adair.” The conversation was interrupted by the ad- vent of the sheriff and his posse, for such the crowd he had gathered evidently was. They halted at a respectable distance, when they be- held the barricade, and after a whispered con- sultation between the officer and Adair, the former advanced and bawled: : ** Hello, the mine!” **What do you want?” Glenwood asked. For reply the man drew out a legal-looking document, and proceeded to read it in a very loud voice. When he had concluded he remained with the paper held in his hands, and stared at the bar- ricade as if he expected some sort of.a state- ment from those within the tunnel. But as none was made, he came a little closer and shouted: **Hain’t got anything tosay toit? Then, in the name of the law, I order you to give up the mine.” ** You won’t find any authority in that instru- ment to support such a demand,” returned Glen- wood, speaking so that all of Adair’s men could hear bim, ‘‘ You’d better read it again, for your own benefit. It simply commands us to stop working the mine. Well, you can inform your master, Kid Adair, that work in the mine_ has stopped. And if you don’t believe it, you can come in and see for yourself. But you'll have to leave your men out there, You can fully ascertain that the command of the honor- able court has been obeyed without bringing any one with you.” The man seemed nonplused, and stared again at the instrument to see if Glenwood had proper- ly interpreted its meaning. Adair’s allies, hud- dling on the stony slppe beyond, appeared like- wise uneasy, moving restlessly and anxiously about, or engaging in spirited conversation. ** Read it over!” shouted the major. ‘* You'll find it just as I say.” ‘Slipped the cinches a little in that!” Signal Sam commenced, admiring the major’s shrewd comprehension and quick insight, ‘* You gave *em that straight from the shoulder, major, and it has rattled them bad,” Glenwood smiled. **I’m not a lawyer; but, from the reading of that order, I think we’re fully complying with its demands. The sheriff has a right, no doubt, to come in here and see that we're obeying it; and I suppose he would also have the right to stay here all the time and see that it is not vio- lated. He can do so, if he wants to, but there’s nothing there, so far as I could-make out, au- thorizing him to bring a mob in here for the i of taking possession of the property. f there was any sense or justice in that judge we could give bond to account strictly end hon- estly for the output of the mine, and go on with the work. That’s my opinion; but there’s no use to look to him for fair treatment.” The sheriff, not knowing what to do, had re- treated, and was now conferring in whispers with Kid Adair. He came back soon, and repeated his demand, finishing it with this extra official information: “Tf you don’t come out o’ there, and deliver the mine over to us, we'll jus’ camp here on the hillside till you’re starved ont.” “There you have it,” said Signal Sam, “I knew it was bound to come.” Glenwood was about to reply to the officer’s extraordinary order, when Jack Dean applied his lips to one of the apertures, and squeaked: “Starve, and be dinged! We've got grub and water enough to last a month, and plenty guns an’ am’nition. If ye don’t believe it, jist per- ceed to crowd usa little, will ye?” “Good for you!” laughed ‘Lucky George” Bruce, who, much to Sam’s disgust, had been with the party brought up by the major. “A bit of that kind of talk will make them think twice before they go further.” Jack Dean winced. Praise from ‘ Lucky George” was not best" palatable to him, The sheriff retreated, after receiving Dean’s broadside, and the force on the hillside disposed itself as if to begin a regular siege. An hour passed, and as there were no signs of ‘ a hostile demonstration, the party withir pro- ceeded to arrange the tunnel with a view to comfort should the siege be protracted. Cur- tains of blankets upheld by ropes separated a section of it into rooms, and although the apartments thus formed were dark, the gloom mattered little so long as the supply of candles held out, At intervals members of the sheriff’s force were seen passing to and from the town, but no one ventured near the barricade, ‘“*Tt may be they are waiting for darkness to aid them,” said Signal Sam, in some perturba- tion. ‘We will have to prepare to receive them, should that be the case.” If there was one thing that annoyed him more than another during those hours of ceaseless vigil, it was that ‘‘ Lucky George” haunted the ladies continually. Sam could hear him chat- tering nonsense to them whenever he left the barricade and came near what had been face- tiously termed the “ parlor,” and it irritated him beyond measure. Could he have seen the white and ghastly look which came to Bruce’s face, after a stolen and almost forced interview with Grace, he would have felt commiseration for his would-be rival, rather than anger. But, Sam did not see this, and the fact that Grace seemed to tolerate the man he could not help detesting was like gall and wormwood in his cup of bitterness. As night came on, Holcomb and those who act- ed as sentinels with him were relieved, and their places taken by a squad’ under the command of Jack Dean. / Sam, worn by the day’s excitement, retired early to get what rest and sleep he could, fearful he might be awakened at any moment with the alarming information that an attack had com- menced, or was intended. Fora long time his troubled thoughts kept him awake, but he drop- ped into a half slumber about midnight. From this he was aroused by a gentle shake, and the whispered words: ** Keep still !” f The gloom was intense, except at a point near the barricade, where two or three dim candles | were sputtering and smoking. Yet, in spite of the darkness, he 1ecognized by the voice the one whe had aroused him, It was the pigmy, Bal- dor! |, “What is it?” Sam asked, sitting bolt up- right. {learned awhile ago that ‘Lucky George’ was one of hese party. I knew that meant deviltry, so [I slipped up here, There are a couple of boards loose at the bottom of the bar- ricade, and it was no trouble for me to crawl through and pass the guards, who are half asleep because of the stillness, ““* Lucky George’ is out there, now, talking to Adair and the sheriff.” ‘* The deuce!” exclaimed Signal Sam, leaping to his feet. " ‘“ No, it’s ‘Lucky George’!” declared Baldor, with a characteristic chuckle, ‘‘ And if I’m not mistaken, he’s making arrangements to lead Adair’s party in here by the way I came. CHAPTER XIX. CONCLUSION. Tue words seemed prophetic. A ery of con- fusion and alarm arose near the barricade. Jack Dean’s squeaky voice was heard above the uproar, commanding resistance, and it was fol- lowed by a volley of pistol-shots that sounded deadly enough in the confined space to have done execution, ‘* Hurrah for Dean!” screamed Baldor, jump- ing up and down in his childish way and clap- ing his pudgy little hands. ‘ Hurrah for ean! e’s as hard to catch napping as a weasel,” Sam did not stay to listen to these encomiums | on his friend, but drew his weapons and leaped away like a flash, and soon his lion-like roar was heard near the barricade, The men sleeping in the other apartments were also tumbling out now; andas they dashed past the dancing and red-coated figure of the dwarf, made visible by the tearing away of the front curtains, they rubbed their eyes in a be- wildered way and muttered strange words of as- tonishment, é The din at the barricade grew into sounds of horrible conflict, showing that the combat had assumed the form of a hand-to-hand en- counter... An occasional bullet from the out- side however, hurtled past, striking the tunnel walls with a vicious ‘‘spat,” and one coming uncomfortably near to the ears of the dwar he ducked his bead and crouched and cowered inan angle ina most comical way, _“ Better stay back!” he yelled, as he saw Miss
Page 15
iY, . Fleaded the pam 64 a iona sam, the Lookout Scout, D Glenwood and Peggy steal from their room, drawn by the terrible fears that assailed them, ** Better stay back. Everything’s going all right in front. We're bound to whip them,” he scream of a pistol ball emphasized his in- junction, and they beat a hasty retreat. The fight was over in ten minutes, But it had heen a hot one while it lasted. ‘ Lucky George’ had endeavored to lead Adair’s party to the in- side, thinking the defenders could be surprised and taken while they slept. Jack Dean was a very light sleeper, however, and while he had negligently allowed himself to doze at his post, and had not discovered Bruce’s exit nor the stealthy entrance of the dwarf, he was instantly aroused when Adair’s men began to scramble through, Glenwood’s men were overwhelmingly vic- torious, Bruce, who, as the guide of the as- saulting party, had crawled through the open- ing first, was knocked senseless and captured at the very onset of the fight. Adair and some of his principal men were slain, and a num- ber of the others severely wounded. Seeing they could not carry their point they had beaten a hasty retreat, and were now scat- tered over the mountain slope, making all ex- pedition to the town. Witb a white and fear-stricken face, ‘Lucky George’—whose title seemed now a sarcastic ‘misnomer—was dragged, bound and _helpless, from the entrance, and cast down rather rough- ly on the tunnel floor, “Kill him!” cried some of the men, enraged beyond endurance, ‘“‘ Kill the sneak! He’s the cause of all this. There wouldn’t have been any fight, and not a man killed, but for him.” ‘No! No!” he pleaded, his voice taking on a piteous whine. ‘‘I was driven to it. Really, gentlemen, I ain’t fit to die.” “‘ And you ain’t fit to live!” screamed Baldor, kicking viciously at the air. ft ‘‘Hush! We'll alarm the ladies!” cautioned Sam, The caution came too late. Miss Glenwood, knowing from the comparative quiet that now reigned, that the worst was over, had already ventured forth, **Oh, don’t let them kill me, Miss Glenwood!” wretch, turning his fright- ened glances on t young woman. ‘“What did you mean by saying you were driven to it?’ Glenwood demanded, paying no heed to his entreaties, _‘‘ Speak up, if you expect us to have any mercy.” Thus cornered, and feeling that his life would pay the penalty if he were untruthful, Bruce made a confession that must have humiliated him to the dust: He had been one of Adair’s gamblers before coming to that section, and had expected to fol- low bis nefariouscalling in Silverton. But, fall- ing inlove with Glenwood’s beautiful daughter, he had disguised his hawk-like instincts under the mask of a gentleman, and had attempted to win her forhis own. Failing, he had sought re- venge, Being a frequent visitor to the house, he had, by prying and eavesdropping, learned when the messengers would start for Pueblo, With a com- panion, who had since left the vicinity, he had stopped them on the narrow ledge, shot one and taken the contents of their wallets, and attempt- ed to throw the suspicion of the dastardly crime on Signal Samand Jack Dean. He it was, too, who had led the little band which attempted to compass their death by aanging, that black ht in the northern gorge, he last messenger he iad bribed to turn the mortgages over to him, and to take, instead, a letter which he bad prepared for ‘the purpose, The pecrsenivee he had placed in the fants: of Kid Adair, knowing that the gambler would stop at nothing to annoy and vex the men he so much ha Adair, who had become heavily involved and had borrowed beyond all hopes of ever repaying, was secretly preparing to leave the country, and was thus more easily induced to undertake any underhanded. work that might injure Glenwood and Holcomb, believing that when he had done his worst he could vanish and leave the harassed men to gnash their teeth in impotent wrath. The papers which the judge had issued against the Big Bonanza Company were clearly i sea but Adair cared nothing for that so long as they served his pur: . Bruce, however, true to no one, would have turned against the gambler, at the last, if the marriage proposal he had made to Grace that very evening, in the tunnel, had not been reject-— Glenwood | ed with sco He had accompanied for the purpose of betraying him; and after that, had, J udas like, ont Lie worst, When the confession was made, Grace pleaded for the release of the humiliated and crushed villain, who, she could but remember, bad once risked his life to save hers, His life was spared; but he was destined to pass many years of it be- hind gloomy prison walls. The seeming anomalous actions of the dwarf, Baldor, are easily explained, He had never liked his position and the associations at the Placer Palace: had an antipathy for George Bruce, whose history he knew only too well; and had conceived a genuine attachment for Signal Sam. Hence, when the critical time came, the good in him triumphed over the evil; and, rising above the selfishness of the life-he had led, he proved himself a hero, His reward was neither small nor slow in coming. He had talent and education, and the position of private secretary to Major Glenwood gave them scope and usefulness. Some of the defenders of the tunnel had been injured in the fight, but their hurts were not so serious as to prevent their presence at the wed- dings which took place soon after, and which united Signal Sam Holcomb and Grace Glen- wood, Jack Dean and Peggy Shields. 1 The thick-headed judge, made conscious of the errors of his ways, recalled the remarkable documents he had issued at Adair’s solicitation, aml work was recommenced at the mine and stamp-mill; and so rich and plentiful was the yield that independent fortunes have since blessed the owners of TH Bia BONANZA, THE END, Beadle's Half-Dime Library. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER. 15 The Sea-Cat ; or, The Witch of Darien. ; 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Daughter. 48 Dick 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. 200 The Boy Bedoutins; or, The Brotiers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. 249 Milo Romer, the Animal King; or, Round the World. 265 The Tiger Tamer ; or, The League of the Jungle, 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider, 895 California Joe’s War Trall. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8. Nall.) 284 Old Rocky's ‘* Boyees; or, Benito, tne Horse-Breaker. 246 Glant George; or, The Mngt of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge, 807 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-w Boop Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. 827 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, 882 Frio Fred; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust, $44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. ried a olf Os Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 57 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory, 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. ba 875 Chiota, the Creek} or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. 892 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat ; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 42 he Thee em Totes or bia italy a th Ram e ree Tratlers; or, ocky on the 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the favek. pee 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant. BY MAJOR E. L. ST. VRAIN 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. ! $38 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” B59 Durango Dave; ts Young Champion Wrestler. 871 Kinebolt Chris, the Yung Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, ¢ sae Hidden, arse er. he ones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. 30 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 2x ‘xne Frontier Angel. - 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter}; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W, CARSON, 278 The Three ent 288 Indian Joe; or, 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 0’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar, 1 “bony Dan; or, The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eye; or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande. BY CAPT, 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 HEMYNG. Bi The Gaptain of the Chui or he Rival Ai he Os ° e =_or. va. 101 Jack Havkaway in N ow York. — BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dick: or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The Helpless Hand; or, Backwoods Retribution, ! 289 The Go “seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountain, era; or, The Mountain Monater, 1@ White Spirit of the Hills. a - BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat, 65 Wurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam 3; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-lMawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy, 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Traltlers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca W olf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. 885 Old Double Fist; or, ‘The Strange Guide 855 The King ot the Woods: or Danii Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. ' 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy 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 FARRAGOT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 5..N. ‘ 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkanaaw Jack; or, The Scourge of the Mines. 829 Red-Skin Tom; or, The Demon’s 1 rail. 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL, A. F. MOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, | 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck, 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierr# Shadow. A 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective. 620 Little Li htning’s League; or, The Mystery ofthe Island. 688 Plucky Baul, 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 Bowle Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards. 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar” Man. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactusy the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 8 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules, 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchanusen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 [llustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor, His Seven Voyages. 22 Li! Sea Serpent; br, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, 8. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Ca 4 Ss. W. pinged 86 The Boy Clown; or, The Arena Queen. By F 8. Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout, By Texas Siak. « 51 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By A.C. Irons, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississipp, By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Ifood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- ga y Prof. Gildersleeve. " é 105 0 ube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Capta’ Hamilton Holmes. d if val 112 The Mad Hunter; or, The Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan}; or, The Young Champion. By George epson. 128 The Toung 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 Yirk Boy. ByG. L, Aiken, 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D, Warren. | 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Clif, By Captain Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor, By Maior Mickey Free. 7 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren _ the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Dust Tom; i 's Dgubla Match. By @. H, Morse. B76 Californian Joe’s First Trail, By Colonel Thomas 418 Bille Hombchell, the Cl Climber. By F.8. Win ane mer, . 8. . 425 The Black Ship. By John S Warmer. ~t Comanche Dick and His Three Invinctbles. By ee Wicked. Ares the Dendy Beort.. By Arto ¥ y iz, -Army, the Dan ort. By ur F, Hi B82 The Cowboy Duke. By kdwin Brooke Forar” 552 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. E yi to . 682 The Dead Detective’s is aap By Gerald Carlton A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt ot pA Bon onth. my BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. By Juan # ‘ ‘
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EADLE’S* H ALF- | )IME*[ IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. hr conarced Pick in Pia mises, Buffalo Ben & Wila Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Mines. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omalia Oll, 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine, 10 ey pea es hee Ral or, Corduroy Charlie. 0 ead woo ckin Leadville. pe og weed peeks ag ted be The Double Cross Sign. eadwo ck as 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 Dreams; or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’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 Geold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, gen peatwses 2ore nbd “— Spirit of Swamp Lake. eadw rk’s Dea ra B09 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- nga. 851 hendweed Diek Sentenced; om The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds. 421 Deadwood Dick in New Yorks or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwoed Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Deflance; or, Nickel-Plate Ned, 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Dog Detective. 481 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Deadwood; or, Moll Mystery. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Compact 496 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Inheritance. 500 Deadwood Dick's Miggings 3 or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop, 508 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick’s Three. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducka, 584 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr. the Wild West Vidocg. 549 Deadwood Dick on Mis Mottle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadeiphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick Jr’s Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada. 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 Acroas the Continent. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Among the Smugglers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Inaurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’ or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsee, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Kobi r, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 W atch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 481 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BAll, 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 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sain’s Seven} or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joc, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 25 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 201 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. £08 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, $25 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, B84 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yroka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaldes, the Beggar-Boy Detective. A484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ? The Flying Vankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggter. The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. The Hussar Captain ; or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 4 Gold Plume; or, The Kid-Glove Sport, : 16 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman utineerj; 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 Cruise; or,“ The Gold Ship ” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pear!, the Pirate's Bride. 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. R87 Lilly Blue-Eyea, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. 04 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double, 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail. 877 Bonodel, the Buy Rovers or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Conspirator ; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloud’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harrys or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Wiil’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. A487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman. 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buc. skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Ria 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lalitte’*s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders. 644 The Hercules Highwayman., 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’« Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’« Bonanza, 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman, BY BUFFALO BILL (ilon. Wm. F. Cody) 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom 8 yt or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Gatnown Scozt. 68 Border Robin Hood: or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper® Trust, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Hardy; the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 WILl Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 52 Black Ress, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 7 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 2 Will Wildfire in the Woods, 5 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 0 A Trump Card ; or, Wil! Wildfire Wine and Loses, 4 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 9 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 88 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed; or, Bob Kochett’s Fight for Lafe, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King, 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 242 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 Watcr-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored, 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective, Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective $s or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of tho Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger,; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyers the Reporter Detective, 482 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper. 686 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansasy or, The Wolf in the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. wee eee NANINIAaSH 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 Seeret Foe. $Y Bela ware Dick, the Young ee = Spy. awk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger, 88 Rollo, the Boy Kanger. 184 Sure Shot eth, the Boy Rifleman. 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete ; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dash Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson De tective; or, The Little Ranger, 248 The Diaguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 272 Minkekin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero, 409 Hercules; or, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckakin, tne Young Prairie Centaun 457 Wingedfoot Fred}; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Ly Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemis, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Klundering Baaill, 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. C. HARBAUGH. 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of "76. 87 The Midden Lodge}; or. The Little Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat} or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dand ack or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Tralite 82 Kit Warefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 28 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. e Lynch, ¢r.t or. The Boy Vigilante, Tr er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avenger. fajen Jack From Red Core, 886 Captain Cut 896 Rough Rob 411 The Silken Lasso 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Red Rolfe’s Pizeon. 461 One Against Fifty} or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spottes 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 521 Dedger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows. 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. BAS Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectrves, B58 Dodeer 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. 610 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 Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadowen LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective. By A. F. t olt. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 675 Broadway Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. By J. C. Cowdrick. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout; or, The Tussle at the Big Ponanza, By Lieut, A. K. Sims. 677 Chincapin Dan’s Second Trafl; or, The Baffled Black Hawk’s Fate, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s., Discovery; ° Found a Fortune By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready July 22, 679 Dauntless Dan, the Freelanzes oF, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia. By Ol] Coom.s, Ready July 29- 680 The Sea Shadowert a The Freebooter’s Legeey. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready August 5, A New Iasne Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library ‘1 for aale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.