Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 683) (1890 08 26)
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\y iy SAAN ie f\ WEA, NUR WR, \. ORR= Fo Hoty \\ ft! ae August 26, 1890, nek: a i a alia a a lt , at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1890, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, SL a ————————— —- ee } —— i y P e = ‘ : Gia No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Gants, Vol. XXVII OR, THE UNSEEN ENEMY. . Whe Romance of a Blind Cruise, BY JO PIERCE, AUTHOR oF “WRESTLING JACOB,” “‘GAMIN BOB,” ‘‘ JEFF FLICKER,” ‘* JACK-O'-LAN- TERN,” “TARTAR TIM,” ETC., ETO, CHAPTER I. THE FLAME FLARED UP BRIGHTLY, AND SOL REALIZED WITH UNEASINESS THAT F \ WAS LIKE A SIGNAL-LIGHT, bot
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aig | 2 Saltpeter Sol. Bre TEs et SS ee And, sure enough, the cry once more fell upon their ears, ‘“‘Help! help! We are drowning!” The scene was on that queen river of New York, the noble Hudson. Two boys stood upon a raft which was floating down with the current, and they peered into the darkness with eager anxiety. ‘*There they be!” cried he who had been called Sol. ‘*See! Thar’s a boat, bottom up, an’ some folks clingin’ toit. Ireckon they can’t swim, We must save them,” ‘* But we haven’t any boat!” ** Never mind; we kin fix that,” : act speaker caught uj along rope which lay in coil, ‘* Make one end o’ this fast!” he ordered: and then he seized the other end and sprung into the water. Ned caught his idea, and hastened to make the connection sure, **Saltpeter Sol is the boy to save them!” he murmured, } The object of this high praiso was swimming rapidly toward the overturned boat... He was almost as much at home in the’water as a fish, and the first part of the task he had undertaken was as nothing to him. He soon reached the boat, The cries had con- tinued, and seemed to indicate a great degree of alarm; and Soi’s liveliest sympathy became aroused when he saw that one of the pair—there were but two—was a woman, ‘** Brace up!” he sung out, cheerily. “* We'll hev you but o’ this in a jiffy, an’ you'll rather enjoy it when the racket is all over!” ‘* We shall perish!” wailed the man, ‘Nota bit on’t.” ** But we can’t hold on much longer.” ** You don’t need ter.” ‘‘ We're getting terribly weak, ain’t we, Eliza?” Ss ‘* Yes, weare, Jimmy,” the woman agreed. “You kin rest all you want ter, directly. See! we'll tow you in!” Saltpeter Sol deftly fitted a noose of the rope around the end of the boat, and then raised his voice and shouted: ‘*Pull, Ned! Pull strong an’ steady!” ** Ay, ay!” came back the answer, ‘*You’re all right,” continued the life-saver. **Hold yer courage fur the fraction of a second,” So saying he put his shoulder against the boat, and, swimming strongly, began to push the craft toward theraft. Ned had settled down, also, to his task, and their united efforts set the boat in motion according to Sol’s wishes, It floated lazily along, while the strangers, silent now, clung to it as before, The life-saver did not find his work easy, but his courage was good, and he persevered. All at once something happened which sur- prised him, A bright light flamed up on top of the boat, and, looking, he saw that the girl had set a newspaper on fire, Considering that she had been greatly alarmed only a moment before, this now seemed peculiar, but, as she had a com- fortable position, there was no reagon why she should not spare time to do it, if she wished. ‘* Your friend can see where we are, now,” he remarked, ** Jes’ so,” the aka Spee oe replied, briefly. The flame flared up brightly, and Sol realized with uneasiness that it was like a signal-light. {t would be visible from both shores, and might reach the eyes of others, Perhaps others would come to investigate. The boy could not help noticing, then, how calm the young woman was, It spoke well for her nerves if she had so soon recovered from severe fright, The transient light went out, and they were left in the fast-gathering night to struggle on. The matter was not prolonged. The boat and the raft drew near each other, and, when the touched; it was nota long task to transfer all to the latter. The young woman took Ned’s hand and went first; then both the boys gave the man a lift; Sol, himself, followed, and all were safely upon the raft, “ Jimmy,” as the man had been called, shook both Sol and Ned by the hand fervently. ay all blessings rest upon you!” he ex- claimed, tremulously. ‘“*My life may not be very precious to any one but myself, but this girl, Eliza, is very different. You have done a noble, heroic work, for which accept my warm- est thanks!” “And mine, too!” added Eliza, ‘Your mothers must be proud of such sublime sons, and I will de’ J with her for yous” é Sol and Pron. op aie. rather - rated anguage, buf they made allowance for the peril the couple had been in, an gene i Na EAE ection: aI a Ree) f “Don’t mention it,’ Sol cheerfully returned. ‘Tt is jest in our line o’ biz, fur we are fresh- water sailors, an’ we always ketch all the fish we kin, Glad ter have helped ye. But how’d it happen?” Both of the rescued persons had sunk down, seeming to be very much exhausted. ‘*T was rowing the boat,” Jimmy explained, “and I caught one oar on something which I did not see. The oar broke, I pitched over- board, and the boat upset.” ‘Kinder peculiar.” ** Unpleasant, too.” “Should say so. Wal, see hyar: we’re drift- in’ furder off all the time; reckon we had better land an’ put ye ashore.” ‘¢ Must we leave?” ** Must ye leave?” ‘* Yes,” “Don’t ye want ter?” ‘“To be frank, we are in hard luck. We be- long in New York City, We were up here on business, and short of funds. We hired this boat to cross the river and take the West Shore Railroad, after making sure we had money enough to buy tickets for Orangeburgh, where w. have friends. It was a close call, with only a (ew cents margin, and Eliza was again count- ing the money, to see if it was a go, when the Pet capsized. The result is, all our money is ost, **Oh! oh!” moaned Eliza. Ned looked at the alleged unfortunate pair sympathetically, but, if there had been light in- stead of darkness, a look would have been seen on Sol’s face, expressive of slight doubt. ‘*¢ Money all gone, eh?” he returned. ‘Ves; we are penniless, and among stran- gers, We can’t go anywhere On the cars, nor zan we buy lodgings for the night,” “They can stay here, Sol, can’t they?” asked generous Ned, There was only one answer for the second boy to make, and he madeit. He had not been favorably impressed by Jimmy and Eliza, but he was inclined to do waat was right, and he threw off his pee “Plenty of room,” he agreed. ‘Our raft ain’t so fast as an Express train, but we reckon it will get there just the same.” Jimmy looked about in wonder, ‘“‘ What kind of a craft is this?” he asked, ‘* A raft, as I said before,” ‘¢ Well, it’s a queer one!” He spoke with an air of surprise, and there was reason for it, Such a raft had rarely been seen on the Hudson River, and, perhaps, never in that decade. It was of good size, and buoy- ant enough so that the deck, so called, was gen- erally dry, though some water broke over it now and then, In the center was a box-like elevation, four feet above the general level, and upon this was piled what seemed to be merchandise, though, as all was covered over, it was not easy to tell what was there, ‘*Tt}gs our own invention!” announced Ned, proudly. ‘* For fun?” “ Not much!—for business, We're moving!” * Moving!” echoed Jimmy, blankly. ‘*Ves. You've heard how the ehchy settlers in Kentucky used to go down the Ohio River in flat-boats, to get to their new homes, of course,” “No: I never did,” Ned looked at Jimmy in astonishment, pity and disgust, He could not conceive how any one could be ignorant of an era in American history which, grim, bard and full of deadly peril as it was for those who participated, was full of ro- mance, interest and fascination to those of Ned’s day. The explanation was simple—Ned, havin been a reader, was intelligent, but Jimmy ha been an idle vagabond in a great city, and knew little outside of horse-racing, pugilistic matters, and the price of beer. “‘ Well,” Ned explained, after a pause, ‘‘ that was the only way the éarly settlers had, and they went downsthe river in flat-boats. Our poverty has led us to undertake a like way.” “ Jolly, ain’t it?” ‘Tt is,some. Are you rested?” Jimmy arose and shook himself. ‘Yes; but I’m wet,” **T wish we could give you and the young lady dry pclothes—especially her—but we haven’t an . Dm not much wet,” answered Eliza, ‘* You see, I was right on top of the. boat, and kept pretty dry.” The explanation did not seem to cover the whole ground, and account for the fact that, after being tip out of a boat, she certainly was quite dry, but it passed without comment, ae pa r ‘* Now, come into our cabin,” Ned directed. He led the way, and the rescued persons fol- lowed. Saltpeter Sol remained on deck, *“*T don’t more than half like them folks!” he muttered, looking after them, ‘I’ve seen such before, when I was livin’in New York. They b’long ter the lower sub-stratulum o’ life, That don’t make ’em any the wuss; I’m free ter say it, fur I sprung from jest the same stratulum, I reckon; but it strikes me they hev a sort o’ tough look, as ef they hev never tried ter rise from their stratulum, Hows’ever, I reckon it don’t matter; they’re welcome ter their ride.” The cabin of the novel craft, as seen by Jimmy and Eliza, proved to be a compartment six feet wide and twelve long. Its floor was two feet below the level of the deck, and it extended up- ward to the box-like elevation before mentioned. ‘Well, this is a great place!” Jimmy declared, “*Good enough to sleep in,” Ned agreed. **T should say so.” ** Did you make it?” asked Eliza. ** Sol and I did.” ‘Tf you will let us stay with you, we shall be very grateful.” ‘“Oh! that’s all right, "We are poor, and have no real accommodations, but you are welcome to ajl we have,” ‘¢ You're very good, and that’s a fact. By the way, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Jimmy Flocton, and-this is Eliza Burch.” And he swung his hand toward the young woman, ‘¢Glad to meet you. My messmate is Sol# Wayne, and Iam Ned Brampton, Now, I'll go on deck, and you can make yourselyes comfort- - able, here, and come up when you feel like it,” ** ‘Whe’ll be up afore a great while,” Ned left them, and then Jimmy turned to his companion and facetiously poked her in the ribs with his finger. 4 ‘* Hey! Lize, old lady, how’s this for high?” he asked, ‘* We're here.” ‘¢ [ should say so, and them precious kids don’t suspect a thing. The boodle is ours!” ‘Don’t count your chickens until they’re hatched, old man.” ‘Do you think we shall fail? J think not! The boodle is here, and we'll have it or break a leg. i Jimmy, don’t you do harm to them boys!” commanded Eliza, with spirit, ‘* Hoity-toity! What's struck you, old wo- man?” “They’re nice boys, and I won’t see them killed!” ‘‘ Bah!” retorted Flocton. ‘‘ Who said any- thing about doing them up? It won't be neces- sary. If it was—well, I ain’t no soft-hearted chicken, b’gosh!” CHAPTER IL, A SINGULAR ENTERPRISE, Tur raft had been built under peculiar cir- cumstances, Edwin Brampton had been an orphan ever since he was eight years old, and Thomas Lake had been his guardian, Property consisting of a house and a lumber-yard had been left to him, though the house was under mortgage. Lake had continued the lumber business until within a few months, wken he began to dispose of the stock and refused to buy more. He was a ‘‘ great man” in that country town on the oe per Hudson, and noone ever questioned his right to do as he pleased. This was unfortunate, for, one day, the sleepy town’speople awoke tothe fact that Lake had disappeared, after defrauding every one he could. He had borrowed money, forged notes, and taken other means of raising cash, and gone to parts unknown, Ned Brampton was the chief loser. When he came to figure up the assets, and get at the situ- ation, he found that he had nothing in the world except some household furniture and @ small quantity of lumber. Lake had taken what little money Ned had, and put a second mortgage on the house which covered it for its entire value. ; The youth was sixteen years old, intelligent and weil educated, and willing to work, but he no longer wished to work in the town. It had been the scene of too many disappointments, af- flictions and misfortunes, One day he met a friend, Sol Wayne, often called Saitpeter Sol, because he was wide-awake to an unusual degree, “He's got life, pluck and determination,” an old army officer had said of him, “and, these, like saltpeter, sulphur and charcoal, make an ex- plosive that tells in every battle.” Peri eA ¥ ) Dries ty Se it f Peas AY DC Soetale 3 a t Pe ie pats i : ia , if ,| fae: ae a Pee uk ls ey
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———. And from that day the lad was called Salt- peter Sol. He was a graduate of the Sixth Ward, in New York, His father had been lazy, and his mother none-too-well, and overworked by the care of a large family. Sol drifted into the care of a charitable institution on Paradise Park, better known as the Five Points, and, later was sent into the country. He was a brisk young fellow, honest and deserving, and nobody thought the Jess of him because he came from a charitable home. On this occasion he greeted Ned cheerfully, ‘Hullo, E. B.! You look aset you’d got an idee.” * T have,” Ned answered. * What is it!” * Dm going to leave this town!” ** You don’t say so.” “Ves, I wrote to an old friend of my father, who lives at Peekskill, asking if he could give me work, He wrote back that he would, and that I could come any time I saw fit.” ** So you’re off?” “*T don’t know. My parents’ household things are all here, and 1’m ordered to move them. want to take them to Peekskill, but I haven’t the money to pay the freight, or even my own fare.” *¢ Borrow !” ** Of whom?” *‘ Not o’ me, sartain, fur I ain’t got a dollar. But somebody ought ter lend.” ‘*To a penniless boy?” ‘* Why not write to the Peekskill man?” “No, Ican’task auy more of him; it’s enough that he should give me a job.” *“ Then what will ye do?” *“D’ve been thinking. There is some lumber still left in the yard. The question is, can I build a raft that will take both me and my oods down the river, free of expense?” “ B’jinks! that 7s an idee!” ‘¢ They used to do it in pioneer days,” added Ned, warming to his subject, ‘ Families going to settle in Kentucky used to float down the Ohio on flat-boats, They had terrible times with the Indians, but there are no Indians along the Hudson. Now, do you think I can make and use a raft as T have suggested?” The idea was only crude and vague then, but it grew. Saltpeter Sol entered into it eagerly, and he and Ned planned anew. It occurred to the former that the necessary money could be obtained by selling the lumber, instead of mak- ing it into a raft, but the scheme had become too fascinating to be cast away. They began to build the raft, dnd pushed the work remarkably. Much sooner than was to be expect it was finished, and lay by the river- bank, ready for the voyage. It was done with ingenuity. They had con- sidered all things likely to occur; had developed rare mechanical skill, and even the old boat- builder of the village was greatly surprised when he saw the result, The raft was likely to be a remarkable sailor, as rafts went, and very comfortable. Later, the goods were loaded, the most valua- ble going into the cabin, but the others being on the upper deck, properly covered. The time came when the start was made, They left the village and the shore, committed themselves to the current of the Hudson, and were off on their eventful Mek 8, ‘Well name it the Flyin’ ieht Saltpeter Sol declared, and the name was formally given, If the raft did not “ fly,” it did go better than any one would suppose. A steering apparatus which had been arranged, worked well, and there was no swinging about at hap-hazard. Everything indicated a peaceful, successful trip, but the first night brought an adventure, They made for the eastern bank, where the water was deep, and tied the Flying Fish to a rock. In the hours of darkness they were aroused by a prowler, who proved to be a man. Ned seized him, but, after a struggle in which both boys took part, the unknown escaped. ** A tramp,” was the voyagers’ decision, _ This was a comfortable and natural belief, but they were destined to change it before the voyage was over. From the time when they left the village they were the objects of a plot which brought danger in its track, and they were floating into the peril blindly. It was on the evening of the second day that Jimmy Flocton and Eliza Burch joined them. When Ned left the rescued pair in the cabin and went again on deck, he found that Sol bad lighted up the raft. This was accomplished by means Of a red lantern at either end, and a Saltpeter Sol. lain lantern which gave them more useful ight, af What are you looking at so sharply, Sol?” asked young Brampton. ‘* Hadn’t we better ‘ tie-up’ early to-night?” ce Yes.” ‘ ‘“‘Pve been thinkin’ that ef we kin keep away from shore we may save a good ’eal o’ trouble. I don’t want no more tramps pokin’ around over the Flyin’ Fish.” ste Nora? ** Then le’s pull up ag’in’ some island.” ** A capital idea.” ‘* 1m lookin’ fur one now.” ‘Do you know this part of the river?” “No,” “ Nor 1 yd ‘Never mind; we'll find the island, jest the same. How’s our guests?” ‘* Weary and grateful.” Saltpeter Sol hesitated for a moment, ‘“*Ef we had any vallybles here I wouldn’t trust them folks around,” “Tm not in love with them myself, but I guess they’re all right,” Ned replied. ‘*Pve seen the like o’ them before. Go down on the Bowery, in New York, and you'll see them any day. Jimmy is a tough from Tough- ville, in his looks, though he may not be vicious, really; an’ Eliza is a bird who runs a sbarp tongue, an’ wears clothes that fit her like a meal- bag on a lamp-post—l’ve seen lots o’ them dam- sels in New York, at times,” ‘*You certainly are not stuck on our guests, but they can do us no harm, even if they wanted ‘*Oh! I presume they’re all right.” Conversation ceased. They were passing a large village, and the lights looked beautiful enough, However, the amateur sailors were satisfied with their own quarters, and they gave attention to finding a safe ‘t camping-placé,” as Sol, with a weakness for terms suitable to their condition, gravely expressed it. In this they were successful after going about a mile further. A small island appeared, and they made for it at once. The steering-ap- paratus needed only a slight change, and they gradually approached land. The island was small, containing but little over an acre, but well fitted for their purpose. A part of it had a growth of bushes, and, in- stead of bsing wholly a mud-flat, it was high enough to present a slight bank, and make it safe to approach without running aground, The boys bad learned well how to marage it, and the Flying Fish was brought up to the bank with a remarkable degree of success, though it was due as much to luck as anything else. Ned caught sight of a rock, and ran to the stern. There a rope was all ready for him, with a noose in the loose end, and he cast it over the rock, The Flying Fish floated a trifle further; the rope tightened, and they were anchored as securely as they could wish. Just then Jimmy Flocton came out of the cabin. CHAPTER IIT. DANGER FOR THE NAVIGATORS, “Wat's this?? Jimmy demanded, ‘ Have we run aground?” **Only anchored for the night,” Sol answered. ‘“* What is that for?” ‘“* We want ter sleep, an’ we can’t do that an’ navigate.” ; ‘* Pll take that post.” ‘*Thank ye; but this is our reg’lar way.” ‘Ts this the bank?” ‘‘ No; only an island,” Jimmy looked disapprovingly at the land. ‘‘ We're losing time here,” he added. ‘¢ Wal, we’ve got the whole summer ahead on us.” “Tm in a hurry, boys, and I'll act as sailor if you'll let me. Just you go ter bed, and let me sail this gun-boat.” - , ‘Sorry ter refuse, but the Flyin’ Fish is an- Chored, an’ hyar we stop fur the aight?" Saltpeter Sol was annoyed by their passen- &er’s persistence, and he made this reply some- vi curtly. vimmy laughed. ; Suppose i ketch malaria off these flats?” «ce © aid’t troubled.” *: Have you quinine along?” , “Nary quin’!” I reckon we shall pull through,” Flocton continued, cheerfully; ‘and I don’t know as i am very sorry we are here. True, I’m in a hurry, but time won’t run away from us. What island is this?” ** Don’t know it’s:name?” ‘No village near, is there?” ** Don’t see any.” ‘« Have you landed, to look it over?” “ No,” ‘*T believe I will. I like to see what my sur- roundings be, and the island looks inviting.” Without waiting forareply Jimmy sprung ashore, and walked off at once, “‘Reckon we'd better app’int him admi- ral,” observed Sol, ungraciously. ‘‘He wants ter run the whole biz, anyhow.” ‘‘ We're not compelled to let him,” Ned an- swered. “T should remark not/” promptly returned the New York boy. ‘This is our man-o’-war, not his’n: an’ef he don’t like the cap’n, an’ the way things is run, he kin git out an’ walk, Jes? so, by N. Bonaparte!” “You don’t like Jimmy,” said Ned, laughing. “Do you?” “Not very much.” ‘““Ef [I had a dollar in my pocket I wouldn't trust the chap around, but we ain't got a thing that kin arouse his coopidity. Oh! I das’ say J. F. is all right, but I don’t like his style overly.” Jimmy had disappeared in the bushes. Not being particularly intarested in his explorations, the boys set about making preparations for the night. This task had just been completed when Eliza Burch came out of the cabin. ‘The night is dark,” she observed, looking around, ‘¢ Yes'm,” Ned agreed, ‘* Shall we have rain?” ** T don’t think so.” “Why, we're aground!” <¢ "Yeu," “ Why is this?” Eliza seemed to be as much interested as Jim- my, jhough, not armoyed.. Ned e lained the situation, She listened attentively, but in silence, When he was done she _ hesitatingly asked: ‘¢ Hadn’t you better cast off and float on?” “c Why?” ‘* T don’t like this place.” ‘“* Why not?” ‘“* We are close to the river-bank, and—are you sure—we shall—be safe?” Her hesitating speech was noticeable, but neither Ned nor Sol thought of placing any de- cided construction upon it, “ Why shouldn’t we be safe?” ‘¢ Lawless men might come from the shore.” “Oh! they won’t swim over to the island to get at us, and tramps—our only foes—bave no -oats, you know,” “* Yes, but—” A footstep sounded on the rocks of the island, Eliza turned quickly and saw Flocton returning. ‘s Probably you are right,” she added, hur- ridley. ‘Don’t mention what I said!—I was foolish and—nervous!” Jimmy leaped to the deck. ‘* A prime place!” he declared, ‘‘ The island is just’ the kind of a backer you need, and you are lucky to have found it, e shall rest here as snug as you please, and berid of the danger of being run down by a big boat in the dark- ness,” His change of base was’ radical, but Ned did not look upon this with suspicion, Both of the rescued persons had conducted themselves with a degree of cireumspection when near the young raftsmen, and, as the latter had not heard the secret conversation in the cabin, they had no good reason to be suspicious. Jimmy talked glibly for awhile, and then, going near to Eliza, pinched herarm, “ Softly!” he directed, ,“* I want to chin with you, Get apart from the kids.” He sauntered to the rear of the raft, and Eliza soon followed.. “The Old Nick helps his own!” Flocton de- clared. ‘““ What is it, now?” “The landing of the kids here has played right into our hands!” ‘ “ Why, when the job is done we sha’n’t have an atom of trouble in getting to shore, The isl- and is not cut off from land as they think. There is a sort of bar, where the water is not over two feet deep, anywhere, and, just where it is deep- est, there are rocks that stick up. You ‘can go away dry-footed, though you may get some mud on your dainty feet.” “Tm half sick of this job!” ve Why?” ‘* It’s a mean thing to trouble these boys!” ** Now, Lize, you come off! Don’t get on the sentimental lay, again.” “ Why should we prey on children?”
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\ Saltpeter Sol. ‘Hawks ketch chickens, we?” ‘¢ We've never wanted for money, and there are men enough now who would pay you well to crack a crib, or do anything in your line. I’ve never refused to be a decoy for you, but this job goes against my grain.” * Rubbish !” ‘“‘The man who hired you to do this was a fiend, and we are no better.” “You fool!” Flocton muttered, savagely. * Call me what you will, but one thing you may as well understand—-if you do harm to these boys, I blow on you!” : ‘¢ You will?’ cried Jimmy, furiously. ‘¢ Yes, I will!” was the defiant answer. “Do it, and Pil—” “You'll what?” “Never mind; don’t let us quarrel, Lize. I know you’re a prize-package girl, and won’t do half as bad as you say.” “ And Isay 1 won’t have you injure the boys!” Eliza reiterated. ‘¢ Rest easy, old woman;I promise that I won’t do them up. The stuff,’ however, we must have. We get a boodle for nabbing it, and I ain’t the lad to let no chance slip. Miad that? But it won't be necessary to harm the kids; all is to be done on the sly. That’s orders, If there was to be a racket, would I have brought you? Not much! I told you, first off, that you were to come | along as a blind,, so they wouldn’t sus- t. **Tt’s mean to rob them.” “Say itagain! Great Scott! I think it’s fun. And they ain’t got a suspicion that there is a boodle on the raft!” Jimmy seemed to see a great joke in the fact, and be chuckled a long while over it, Eliza was silent. Knowing ‘of old that Flocton’s word was; valueless, she was by no means sure that the boys would not be harmed, but her confederate had talked her into silence. She stood looking off into the darknessin gloomy thought, She was Flocton’s wife, and, with him, she was treading a path of crime. Her better self was not wholly gone, and there were times when her conscience grew active, but Jimmy exercised great influence over her, and drew her along as he wished. org her steps were ever along the downward road, Flocton finally aroused her roughly, and they rejoined the young raftsmen, altpeter Sol was more than ever inclined to dislike the guests, and he bestowed no ceremony eee them, but Ned Brampton was more hospit- able. He suggested that all go into the cabin, and they went. A lamp was lighted, and they sat down. Jim- my seemed to feel called upon to say a good deal, and he said it. He talked like a race-horse, and told stories which he, himself, thought so funny that he laughed loud and long, at intervals, Ned smiled, too, in duty bound, but Sol was sulky and silent, and Eliza closed her eyes and feigned sleep. Sol studied her face thea and could not fail to see that she was dissatisfied and gloomy. This was not surprising, he thought, if she had to a Jimmy’s company, 89, though he thought a deal, he formed no definite opinions, everal attempts to draw him into conversa- tion failed, but, at last, he spoke abruptly; “ Time to turn in!” ‘Tis getting late,” Flocton agreed. ¢ Weill adjourn.” “All right; Lize and I will leave you here, a ondeck.” f “The young lady is to have the cabin,” Ned ee “and the rest of us will sleep on ec Why shouldn’t “y can’t agree to that!” Jimmy declared, hasti- y: ‘Why not?” * Lize and I won’t rob you of your quarters, She and [ will sleep on deck.” ** Tn the open air?” “Yes, You don’t mind it, do you, Lize?” ‘* No,” she replied, sullenly. * Then we'll do it.” “ Did it ever occur ter you that Ned Brampton an’ me are cap’n an’ first mate here?’ abruptly asked Saltpeter Sol. ' “ Why, of course you are, but—” **Then our word goes!” “Yes, but-—” ‘* You've heerd the programme. The gal is _ ter hev the cabin, an’ we three is ter sleep on deck, So Captain Ned B, has said, an’ what he says, go2s, We'll sleep ’cordin’ ter the bill o’ , or oe op pahexe an’ deat ase os whar we leep on the roof. K or Ret rae ‘owner was listening and looki: visible. | Thore was nothing coarse or vulgarly stubborn about Sol’s way of speaking, but it was full of quiet determination. Flocton’s face flushed with anger. CHAPTER IV. A GRAPPLE IN THE DARK. EVERYTHING pointed to an outbreak, but Jimmy, angry as he was, realized the need of caution and controlled his reckless tongue. *¢ Tt don’t seem right to drive you out of your quarters,” he remarked, pacifically. ‘* We're all right,” asserted Ned. ‘¢ Tize and I would be glad to take the deck.” ‘6 Wo couldn’t think of it.” ‘** An? we won’t!” added Sol, under his breath. ‘“‘ We yield to your way, of course,” returned Flocton, ungraciously. ‘‘ And I, for one, am ready to turn in,” All arose. Jimmy gave Eliza a warning, knowing glance, and then moved toward the cabin exit. He and the raftsmen went on deck, “ You will find a reccss among the goods, right there,” explained Ned, ‘‘and you'll get cover simply by dropping the canvas after you crawl in, ou’ll be free from all dew and raw winds,” ‘* Thank ye, os da Flocton tried to be jovial, and he lost no time in crawling into the recess named. Sol and Ned went to another, which was just like it, Little conversatiou passed between them as they settled down. Sol was not yet ready to forgive his friend for being so hospitable to those he did not like, and, though friendly, he did not encourage useless speecb. Ned was weary, and, having nothing upon his mind, he soon fell as‘eep. Sol noted the fact with satisfaction which was somewhat dimmed by a resolution he had made, He arose, moved his blankets to suit himself, and lay down near the opening of the recess, By moving the canvas which hung over the entrance a trifle he could gain view of a large part of the deck, and this he proceeded to do, He had determined to keep a watch through the night, and make sure that no harm came to themselves or the Flying Fish, ‘* That Jimmy Crook is a tough one, an’ don’t mean any good!” he murmured, to fortify his resolution, ‘* Pil bet my last year’s shoes he’s a sand-bagger when he’s at home on the Bowery an’ that his pictur’? shows up in the Ro ues! Gallery. He’s built jest that way. But he don’t want ter come no shines on this palace steamer, fur thar’sa chap at the foretop-gallant, main- mast cross-trees, on watch, an’ that same is §, Saltpeter, Esquire!” The worthy young raftsman was a trifle weak in his nautical phrases, but, having gone on a voyage, he was bound to talk as near like one bred to the salt, rolling waves as possible, It was easy to resolve to keep awake, but not so easy to do it. The situation was peaceful and quiet, and the barely-audible rippling of the water, and the gentle rocking of the raft, were like being recked in a cradle and sung to in strange measures. It had effect upon So). He kept awake bravely until an hour had passed, but the sleep lost on the previous night made it hard to resist Nature. The rippling cound of the water grew fainter; it seemed to be miles away, and then Sol Wayne slept. Two hours more passed. It was about mid- night. Allwas quiet on the raft; the night re- mained dark and clondy. Suddenly Sol awoke, At that time he did not know what caused it, but when, the next day, @ mouse was found on the raft, be understood his vague impression that some small object had run across his face. His nerves were good, and. he did: not start. He improved the chance to look out again, however. He could see the canvas that hung over the recess where Jimmy Flocton had gone to sleep; it hung without motion. ‘¢ Wonder ef J, F. is in thar?” mused the rafts- man. “I’ve fell asleep at the main-mast cross- trees topgallant sails, fur which I ought ter be court-martialed. Wonder what Stowaway J. Flock has been doin’, meanwhile? I'd like ter peek inter his bunk!” The canvas stirred in front of Jimmy’s “bunk,” yet there was not much wind stirring. One corner of the curtain was pushed aside, and a white face became visible in the darkness. “Cap'n Kidd is reconnoiterin’!” thought the ‘master of the Flying Fish, in sudden excite- ment, The face remained stationary, as though its i . Sol followed mple, but took care not to make himsel. his exa ’ f | temporized wea to Flocton’s b ou A long pause ensued, and then Flocktom — Ore erawled out of the recess. He used the utmost the care, and not a sound betrayed his movements; if Sol bad not been on the watch, he would not E have heard him at all, 1, blo The skulker’s gaze was upon the boys’ quar- my ters, and he crept that way. Sol released the wa small corner of the curtain which he beld, and. Fe: prepared to feign sleep, He ex;ected Flocton ‘ to look inside, but the latter, after reaching the ele curtain, stopped again. ; Evidently he intended to satisfy himself by means of his ears, not by his eyes. 2 After awhile the raftsman heard him turn { away, and then Sol again looked out. He saw sti Jimmy climbing upon the cargo, } we It now became clear that the passenger had th some secret scheme afoot, and young Wayne was resolved to watch him. This he could not th do from his present position, so he crept out fo boldly but quietly. ri Jimmy was among Ned’s furniture, turning } over the various articles, peering under the A covering here and there, and acting like any- Pot thing but an honest man, } bon ‘““The measly scamp!” muttered Sol; “I age knowed he was no good froni the first, an’ now i b I reckon he’s a thief. Shall I jump on him? Bh oeew No; I'll wait a bit, an’ see w’ot he finds.” ; This decision was all right, at first, but it did yar not remain so, The man, failing to find what E he wanted, began to disarrange the carefully- ; laden cargo in a way which aroused Sol’s anger (af afresh. If Flocton was allowed to go on he would make several hours’ work for them. ‘ The raftsman sprung to the top of the cargo. wae -C ‘Drop it!” be commanded. ne V Jimmy started up, and, so startled washe,he =— t obeyed the figurative order literally and did a drop an article he chanced to have inhis hand. He gazed at the raftsman in bewildered dismay, “You'd better hire out as a ’longshoreman!” Sol sarcastically added. “Eh? ‘“* What yer doin’ there!” > ‘‘ T was—I was hunting fora knife I dropped,” gh stammered Flocton, Vas “Yes, you was! Tell that ter the marinesf ne I’ve had my eye on you, old chap, an’—” ae ‘¢ )}] fix things all right.” as “No, ye won't; you’ve poked enough in that cargo. it alone!” “Can't I get my knife?” “Rubbish! You ain’t lost no knife. I’vehad an eye on ye ever sence you crawled out 0’ yer den. Isee how you skulked, an’ come to listen © at my curtain, an’ tried ter be sosly. Yourea — thief! that’s what you be!” ‘¢ You're a liar!” cried Flocton, hotly. Ro ag eee ee - ae oe» _ ~ L 4 ~ sh the first, an? hev watched you. I knowed yord try miscbief ter-night; I set out ter ketchye, an’ I hey!” ; Jimmy was silent, He looked hard at Salt- peter Sol, as_if considering the chances of the _ situation. Hesaw himself badly placed; he had mr come aboard the raft by means of a prearranged _ . scheme, and with a fixed purpose, He had been baffled in his attempt to carry out the plot secretly, and it was plain that he must now give it up or rely upon other than secret measures. ® There was too much at stake, from bis point __ of view, to yield without an effort, andhe made new and sudden move. * Without any warning he sprung upon the boy ¥ raftsman, : ; iy Sol had been expecting this,and was ready for it. He had taken along a wooden club, well fitted for offense or defense, This he had kept ia concealed, but ready for use, and, when the ruf- fian made bis attack, the raftsman, without giv- ¢ ing way a foot, aimed a swinging blow at his vi enemy. | tog ty: If fis aim had been perfect his execution ’ but the ex ire i” would have brought mpeey victor. n only gave a glaneing x= Te blow >) eeeee a
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Si ve CT Saltpeter Sol. 5 He dropped . to his knees under its force, but: was not disabled, More than that he fell close to Sol, and at once flung his arms around the young hero’s waist. ‘** Curse you !” he hissed; ‘* Tl drown you in the river! ‘* Ketch yer game, first!” retorted Sol. He tried to break away, following up his first blow with others as he did so; but cunning Jim- my had his head under the boy’s arm, where it _ was safe, He dragged Sol toward the edge of the raft. ‘Down you go, ter feed the fish!” he ex- claimed, in hot anger, CHAPTER V. THE THREAT OF AN ENEMY. SALTPETER Sou struggled in vain. He was strong, but he had neither the strength nor weight toresist successfully one so much older than he. Despite all he could do he was forced toward the edge of the upper deck and, too proud to call for help, he seemed about to be flung into the river, Jimmy’s purpose was frustrated, however. Almost at the last moment he was seized by an- other pair of hands, and pulled hack so vigor- ously that he fell over a protuberance of the eargo, As he went down his hold on Sol was broken. Both leaped up quickly, but the one was out of the other’s reach, The ruffian looked to see who had interfered, an grew pale with anger as he saw that it was iza. ‘* You she-devil!” he hissed. Not a word did she answer. “* How dare you?” he added, hoarsely. **T wouldn’t see you hurt him!” the girl de- clared, while the resolution in her voice did not wholly hide a hopeless, despairing element therein, ‘* Who was going to hurt him?” ‘‘T saw what I saw.” ‘6 You may see more!” Flocton blustered. * Flush!” she exclaimed, ‘* Hush, isit? You dry up, Lize, or I’ll make short work of you /” ** Kill me, if you will; I don’t care.” “But I do,” interrupted Sol. ‘‘* Mister Robert Kidd, pirate, ain’t goin’ ter kick up no more rumpus on this man-o’-war. He’s had his day, an’ his sun has set, I’ve had my opinion o’ him from the first, an’ I know, now, that ’twasright. Sech snakes as you, Pirate Kidd, ain’t wanted hyar—you kin skip!” ‘“* Are you my boss?” retorted Flocton, ‘1m boss o’ this raft.” ‘** You can’t bulldoze me,” ** Nobody wants ter, but your room is better nor your company. Skip!” **1)ll go when I get ready!” “ Jimmy,” said unfortunate Eliza, persuasive- ly, “‘let us leave here.” ‘¢ You traitress!” shouted Flocton, *‘ how dare ' you speak to me?” **We will talk on shore.” The ruffian stood in sullen anger and irresolu- tion, What was he to dof His gaze wandered along the canvas-covered cargo. Somewhere there was an article he coveted, and he was tempted to secare it at all hazards, It was money in his pocket—strangely enough, more money than Ned Brampton would have supposed the whole cargo worth. If Flocton could take the article to the mysterious man who had hired him to make the attempt he would be well paid, Ned came on deck, awakened by the noise of quarreling, and wondering what it was all about; but that did not influence their enemy. He felt capable of disposing of both Ned-ana Sol, aud was tempted to do it. ; f hard pressed he had a revolver in his pocket —he shrunk a little at the thought. Evil ag he was he had never yet taken human life, and he hesitated to do it—hesitated, but not because his conscience rebelled, Like a good many others ofhis kind, he feared the law he had often violated. : It was Eliza who broke the long silence, **Come!” she urged, persuasively, taking his arm, He shook off her hold roughly. *‘ Let me alone!” he snarled. tke “If you will go ashore with me I will—” Don’t you think o’ goin’, miss!” protested Sol. “You ain’t safe with this critter. You're of a different stri pe, ef you do keep bad company, You stay here with us—” ** She won’t stay!” almost shouted Flocton. ‘‘ She will, ef she wants ter!” **Look here, my seven-by-nine bantam, who are you to dictate tome? “You hush up or Vl punch your head! When I say ‘Go!’ to this gal, she goes; when I say ‘Come!’ she comes, And don’t you forget it!” ** And don’t you forgit that Ned an’ 1 are boss here!” retorted the undismayed raftsman, ‘ Ef she wants tostay, sheshall. Iudviseherto, As for you,” and here Sol’s voice changed to one of sarcasm,” when I say ‘Go!’ you take a skip;an’ when I say ‘Come!’"—wal, when I do say it, you kin take me ter a horse-pittle fur clams an’ ijjits” ‘*Don’t you be too fly!” Flocton cautioned. ‘11 go ashore as you say, but it may be I shall turn up again. Don’t think you seen the last of me! It may bea week, or a month, or a year, but you Shall pay the debt you owe me. I came here peaceably, molesting nobody, and you’ve jumped on me—” ** Rats!” was Sol’s inelegant, but expressive reply. K And you'll hear from me ag’in!” With this sullen conclusion Jimmy turned, to his ally. ‘*Come!” he said, curtly. He turned and stalked away, Sol looked at Eliza, ready. to take her part if necessary, and on slight invitation, but she did not look at him, She followed Flocton, As she passed Sol, however, she spoke three words in a low voice: ‘* Watch every night !” And then she flitted past him, They left the raft and took tothe island, Even then, Sol, who felt for her deeply, was tempted to call her back, and press the offer of shelter, upon her, but it was so clear that she was deter- mined to follow Jimmy with the dog-like ohedi- ence before evidenced that he controlled the im- pulse, ‘‘ What in the world is it, Sol?” Ned asked, in deep wonder, “ That snake tried to rob us.” ** He did?” ‘You bet!” ‘** But what haye we got that he should want?” ‘We'll speak o’ that later, Jest now, I’m goin’ ter see that they really go. Thar’s adry road ter the river-bank, but they may not see fit to take it. Wait until I come back.” He leaped from the boat. Flocton and Eliza had disappeared in the darkness, but, after cross- ing the island, he saw them going along the nar- row track to theshore. He Isd, and she followed with the same dog-like docility. ‘¢ Wish I knew she’d be safe!” muttered Sol. “That scamp is mad clear through over his failure, an’ be must blame it good ’eal onter her. I hope he won’t do her any harm!” It wasaserious thought, and the fear could not be ridiculed. Flocton was evil and cruel enough for anything, and Eliza had incurred bis or ag anger. he raftsman went back to Ned after watch- ing the couple out of sight. “‘Our live cargo is gone,” he observed. *““Why, Sol? I’m all ina maze,” Ned con- fessed. ** Lucky you ain’t worse!” “ Are they as bad as you say?” ‘** Worse! But set down an’ hear the story.” He told it all in plain, concise terms, referring first to his suspicions against Flocton, and then to his espionage and the result, Ned was bewildered. ‘Why, it looks like a regular plot!” ‘* So it was, I make no doubt,’ ** But why should they doit? What have we here to tempt them?” ‘Don’t know, unless Jimmy Pirate Kidd wanted ter run off with the sofa, or a chair.” ** Perhaps it was thought we might have valu- ables.” ; “The critter seemed ter hunt for somethin’ he did not find.” Ned shook his head, ‘* T can’t see what it was,” ‘“‘ Now, messmate, I hev an idee that Pirate J. Kidd was the very same chap, lookin’ ter bea tramp, who tackled us last night.” *S No!” ms T'll bet cash on it.” ‘ . Then he is desperately in earnest.’ } es’ so; an’ you know he said we hadn’t seen the last o’ him, -Now, whatever the racket is,we hey got ter” be expectin’ trouble all the way down the river, When we least expect it he an’, mebbe, his heelers, may jump. onter us, an’ the ways an’ the means no man kin tell. How d’ye like the outlook? We ain’t got any wea- pons, but we must always be on the watch to see an' meet danger!” Ned look at bis friend in momentary dismay, but be was of a brave nature, and Sol’s own coolness soon Communicated itself to him, It was hard to understand why any one should mean them harm, or covet any of the simple effects Ned was rafting down the river so hum- bly, but, let the cause be what it might, it was not their way to yield tamely. They resolved to stand up for their rights, * They went to work and rearranged the por- tions of the cargo which Flocton had meddled with. Then they considered whether to go to sleep. It looked dangerous, but they could not act as navigators and keep awake night and day. The discussidn ended with Sol taking a trip across the island to the mainland. He failed to find any signs of their enemy, and they decided to lie down and take the risk. Before turning in it was noticed that the clouds were growing heavier, making the night very dark, and giving indications of a coming day of rain. ‘hey retired to the cabin, lay down and were soon asleep, Once more they were destined to be aroused, and that, too, rudely. Hours had passed when there was a sudcen shock, and they awoke with the impression that the raft had been ground to pieces, They sprung to their feet in alarm. CHAPTER VI. RUN DOWN AT NIGHT, ‘* Wh’RE sinking!” Ned exclaimed, ‘* What should sink us?” ‘* Maybe, it’s Flocton, again!” “ Then let him look out!” ; The raftsmen were rushing for the cabin exit as they spoke, and as Saltpeter Sol uttered the last word he tore the door open. As he did soa scream of terror arose outside; ** Help! help!” ‘* Another trick by Jim Kidd!” muttered Sol. ** T don’t think so, Come on!” Ned left the cabin and boldly sprung up on the upper deck, Then the cause of the disturbance became evident ata glance. By the side of the raft lay a yacht, and its position in the water showed that it had met with trouble, It was not bard to surmise that it had run into the raft in the darkness, for the latter’s red light at the stern had gone out. Several persons were to be seen on its deck and the sight of two more in the water told another plain story, Sol leaped into the river, swum to the side of ' the others, and found them to be a man and a woman, “ Give me a lift!” requested the former, weak- ly a Sol spo heartiness, and proceeded to render all the aid he could, The woman was lifted back upon the yacht, and the rescuers followed, ‘‘ We're sinking!” called out a voice. ‘“Can’t something be done?’ another person asked, ‘‘ Mo, Don’t you see how the yacht has gone down?” ** Can’t we run her into shallow water?” ‘Tt can’t be deep here, and I think we had better look out for ourselves.” “Then clamber onto the raft,” Sol let them do all the talking, Blameless as he was, he felt guilty that the Flying Fish should have been in their way to do such damage, and “ Ay; y ” ke with what he considered sailor ‘could not command his voice to tender the hos- itality of the raft, There was a general rush owever, for the more substantia! craft, and all were soon aboard the Flying Fish. ‘* What in the world have we here?” demanded one of the previous speakers, Sol rallied. ; * We've got a raft,” was his practical reply. ‘* Tt has sunk us.” ‘I’m sorry, sir, but we ain't nowhar nigh the middle o’ the river.” “Investigation will probably prove you blameless, Being in baste I insisted upon my men going forward in this pitch darkness, T won't say they were careless, just now, Let us grapple with one fact, only; we are wrecked!” “The yacht may not be badly injured, Mr. Fordrest,” reminded one of his companions. “Certainly, a hole is stove in her.” “ Tt may be slight.” ; “Time will tell. As for ny trip ta New York Icannot get there on time, and I may as well give it up cheerfully, Let us see just how we are situated. Who has charge of this raft?” «6 Cap’n Ned an’ me!” Sol Wayne pointed to his friend, while For- drest looked in surprise. “You don’t mean tosay that you two boys, are in charge, do you?” ‘+ Wal, considerin’ that we are the only human JN,
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Saltpeter Sol. bein’s of the outfit—the crew, I mean—one of us must be the cap’n.” ** Are you out for business or pleasure?” ** Business, ev’ry time. This byar craft is the raft-o’-war, Flyin’ Fish, a merchant ship o’ the Independent Line, bound fur Peekskill, Ned Brampton and §. Wayne, cap’ns, crew and cooks, all in one,” ** An imposing array, surely.” “Tn brief,” put in Ned, ‘‘ we, being poor, are rafting our worldly effects down the river asa means of saving money. We tied up at the island to-night, and thought we were so far out of the channel that we would not do harm to any one,” ‘** Don’t reproach yourselves, boys,” Fordrest genially answered. ‘‘ All was due to Inck and the darkness, and the chief blame rests with me, ‘Let the Dancing Dervish fly!’ was the order I gave Twombly, captain of my craft: and he obeyed. The Dancing Dervish won’t dance any more just now, but] can bear the loss. In the mcrning we will see just what the damage is. No; I don’t blame you, and how can I? I’m told that one of you assisted in saving my daughter, Caslina, when she recklessly tumbled over- board,” ** Tt was Sol!” Ned explained, hastily. Young Sol, I thank you heartily,” Fordrest declared, ‘' Let that suffice for now, but Ill speak of it again to-morrow.” ** That's all right, sir.” ‘We'll make it all right. Now, I know where we are; it is several miles to the nearest station on the Central, and there would be a long wait for a train, probably. is there a chance for us tosleep here?” ‘¢ Plenty of it,” Ned answered quickly. “Then I will ask you to accommodate me, my daughter and her maid.” *¢ We shall be glad to, sir.” “Captain Twombly, take a look at the Dan- cing Dervish, and see if you can arrive at an estimate of the damage she has sustained.” The sailor hastened to obey, while Sol, seeing that the rescued girl, or Caslina Fordrest, as her name seemed to be, was shivering, suggested that she retire to the Flying Fish’s cabin and make herself as comfortable as possible, This aroused. Caslina’s father, who hastened to apologize to his daughter for forgetting her com- fort. Learning that no female apparel was to be had aboard the raft, he sent a man to the Danc- ing Dervish to see if any of Caslina’s garments, there, remained dry. It was found, after wading in water, that what was needed, having been hung up, was free from any sprinkling of river moisture, and, equipped with these, Caslina and her maid, Anna Joy, re- tired to the cabin of the raft. Fordrest and Twombly consulted again, and it was decided to send the latter, and allof the sailors except one, on to New York to bring up another boat which Fordrest owned, with capable workmen, who could put the Dancing Dervish to rights again. This programme was carried out; the captain and crew went shoreward by way of the island, and the sole tenants of the Flying Fish became Sol, Ned, Fordrest, his daughter and her maid, and a sailor named Jim Nixon. All these persons gathered in the cabin except Nixon, who declined to enter, averring that it ‘was not his place. Edmund Fordrest proved to be a friendly, jovial man, and, despite their previous ill luck in acting the part of Samaritans, both the young raftsmen made him welcome, acted the part of courteous hosts, and did all they could to help him, They were positive that kindness to him would not be misplaced, asin Jimmy Flocton’s case, Caslina was an interesting young lady of twenty, who hada fair share of. beauty. Dia- monds glistened in her ears, and all things went to indicate that the Fordrests were well supplied with worldly goods and means, ? Edmund was still curious in regard to the raft and its owners, and Ned gavea full history of the case, omitting nothing except what concern- ed their late lawless guests, Of them and the double attack on the raft he said nothing, Mr. Fordrest became a hearty sympathizer. He saw that the idea of the raft was born of boy- ish love for novelty, romance and adventure rather than what was practical, but he admired the ingenuity with which it had been carried out thus far. ‘ “Pll see you on your way again,” he promised, ‘and you shall lose nothing by harboring us.” ** Don’t mention it!” Ned requested, * Are you sure your craft is all right?” “T think it is.” ** Tt ought to stand a collision,” __ * Seemed as ef twas going all ter smash when the kerlision came,” Sol admitted, ‘‘an’ I ain’t sure we be all right. Can’t be much hurt, though.” ‘lf injured, Pll see you made right, all blame for the accident,” All finally lay down. and secured a little sleep, but the night was about over. When Sol awoke he saw thesun first of all, shining from a clear sky: a very gratifying change from the clouds which bad lately pre- vailed. The whole party was soon astir, and prepara- tions were made for breakfast, Jim Nixon, in the mean while, looked to the Dancing Dervish, and found that, though helpless in her present condition, she could be repaired without much trouble or expense, She still lay, in shallow water by the side of the raft. After breakfast attention was given to the Flying Fish, and it proved that the latter was in- jured far more than had been thought. The collision had been just right to cause damage, and the steering apparatus was broken, and the end of the raft so disarranged that a part of the cargo was in danger, ** Here’s a big job!’ Sol confessed. ‘“‘Have you tools to fix it?” Fordrest asked, anxiously. “ce Yes,” 4 : Then you can count on Nixon and me to elp.’ * © But it may take all day. . ‘* Never mind. I’m bound to wait for my re- lief boat, somewhere around here, and why not make myself useful? Bring out your hammers, and other tools, and we'll turn to and fix the Flying Fish fit for wing-work again!” I take ” CHAPTER VII. FOUND IN THE CABIN. THE work began. Fordrest showed some skill as a carpenter, but Jim Nixon was useless, Being a sailor and nothing more, he could not even drive a nail accurately, and he was allowed for some time to sit in idleness, Later, use was found for him. It was found that much of the cargo must be shifted to get at the injury, and here Jim came in useful. He moved the goods uncomplaining- ly, some having to be carried to the island. Noon found the repairs only half completed. ‘’We sha’n’t get in motion tcr-day,” Sol admitted, while they were eating dinner. ‘¢ Well, there’s another day coming,” Ned answered. ‘¢ Yes; ef it don’t giti belated.” ‘Have patience, boys, and you'll be all right, One might lie here a weak and not mind it; the place is-pleasant, peaceful and safe.” So decided Fordrest, but the raftsmen were not wholly of his opinion. They remembered Flocton and Eliza, and wondered where those strange persons were. Jimmy had left with threats upon his lips. Would he carry them out? Was hestill near? Washe watching them from ambush? Would he, when night came, again reinforced, perhaps, by men as evil as himself, make another attack? Such possibilities were not pleasant to dwell upon, and the navigators would haye been more leased if the Flying Fish had been hourly drift- ing nearer her destination. As the party arose after eating, Caslina chanced to disarrange tue piece of carpeting which lay loosely upon the floor, and _ this brought to light something which she first look- ed at in surprise, and then bent and picked up, “ A bracelet!” Fordrest observed, ‘I did not know, young men, that you carried jewelry.” ‘Tt don’t belong to me,” replied Ned. ‘¢ Nor ter me—hardly !” Sol added. ‘‘Didn’t you drop "it, miss?’ Ned continued, addressing Caslina, The latter did not answer; she was looking at tke bracelet with strange intentness, and it was to be seen that her color changed, Fordrest noticed that it was but a cheap affair, and he jovially asked: “Do you claim it, Cassie?” “Father,” she cried, ‘‘did you ever see tis bracelet?” Fribts INO«” “But you have. Look at it carefully!” ‘* Don’t expect me to recognize such a vanity and empty trifle.” ‘‘Wather, it was Sarah Stoltz’s!” ‘‘ What?’ cried Fordrest, sharply. ‘‘Tyveseen Sarah wear it many a time,” He snatched the bracelet away, and regarded it with dilated eyes. > ** Useless!” be finally commented; ‘‘I never could remember such things. But, child, you t witlys » oF ed Ty ike be \ J abhi} I cs PY Pe ae Me, beh S Pati PL SAME HOT ANG ED a surely are mistaken. How could her bracelet come here?” Caslina turned a doubtful gaze upon Ned and Saltpeter Sol. ‘* Perhaps remarked. ‘¢ Hf it was here afore you, I should say ’twas left by one Eliza Burch, ter wit, namely,” Sol replied. ** Who is she?” ‘** Now you’ve got me!” ‘*Boy, if Caslina is right, we must know all about this matter!” declared Fordrest, with stern emphasis very unlike his late kindness, ‘““Hev we refused any infermation? Mebbe you tiaink we’ve got somethin’ ter conceal?” “Pardon me, my young friend; I meant no harm, But pray tell me all!” ‘* We've had other passengers sence we set sail in this man-o’-war; a male an’ a female; an’ the male was a ’tarnal snake with p’izon on top all around his fangs. He smote me, an’ we had it hip an’ thigh, on’ all the rest o’ the j’ints an’ muscles; but we driv him out o’ the sanctum, an’ now he’s cornspicuous by his absence as *twere,”” **T don’t understand,” Sol was bracing himself for another effort, but Ned Brampton came into the case and took the burden of explanation upon himself. He told the story well, and both Fordrest and his daughter listened with rapt attention. Several times they interrupted with questions; and mani- festly, they grew more excited as the story went on. ‘* Describe this Eliza!” ordered Fordrest, as Ned paused. The youth managed to give a fairly good de- scription. “By my life! tioner declared. ‘‘ How else should the bracelet be here?” asked Caslina, quickly. “True, true.” ‘* Father, after our long hunting we have, at last, almost encountered her!” ‘* Why didn’t we arrive sooner?” ‘¢ But the man—who can he be?” “‘T don’t know, but of this rest assured: Eliza Burch and Sarah Stoltzare one and the same person.” ‘* And she has escaped us!” ‘No, no! Weare on her trail, and she shall be hunted down. [ll go to the nearest village, and telegraph our detective in New York, ‘Tt seems she is still in evil work.” “Why not? One like her would do anything.” The speaker’s gaze wandered, and then rested upon Sol. He sighed and added: ‘“Of course you are wondering at our strange talk, and I will explain what it means, Nearly a year ago a servant-girl who gave the name of Sarah Stoltz entered our home, having been en- gaged to care for my two-year-old grandson, Joseph Fordrest, only child of my deceased son, Joseph, senior, She was a guid pm girl, but, to be brief, she stole my grandson and dis- appeared. Since then I have bunted far and wide, had many detectives on the track, and spent thousands of dollars to find the child, but you have given us the first clew, The descrip- tion of the girl, together with the bracelet, makes me almost positive that it was Sarah who came here,” “ She’s got a partner worse than her, fur while she was right downcast, now an’ then, Flocton was as flippy as you please,” ‘* Sarah was often downcast and gloomy at our house,” added Caslina, “Very likely, this Flocton was then, as now, her evil genius, and led her to steal Joseph,” sug- gested Mr. Fordrest, “They must be captured, father.” “True, true; I'll go and telegraph, immedi- ately. Boys, I'll leave Nixon to help you, but L must be excused.” ‘ Sartain, sartain!” Sol agreed, heartily, Fordrest acted upon his plan and departed at once; then, when the excitement had worn off somewhat, the raftsmen and Nixon resumed work. All the afternoon it went on, By five o’clock the Flying Fish was in as good condition as ever and ready for progress, but the rearranging of the cargo took up so much time that, when it was done, it was decided not to start until the next morning. Fordrest bad returned, and, as. there was no sign of Captain Twombly, the former was unwilling to leave the place. Again night fell. The little party were far from being Ccon- tented, and Fordrest was no longer the jovial companion he had been. His troubles had been brought back afresh, and he and Caslina were in these boys can explain,” she I believe it was she ” the ques-
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ee a thoughtful, nervous mood, Nixon gave most of his time to smoking, and Sol and Ned were left to amuse themselves as best they could. ‘* Wonder ef we’re ter hev a fracas ter-night?” Sol asked, meditatively. ‘Probably not,” Ned returned. “How about the last two?” ‘* This ought to be ‘three times and out.’” “Tt may be—fur us. Tell ye what, [ hope I ain’t a coward, but I don’t forgit the way Jimmy Pirate Kidd looked an’ acted. He said he’d see us ag’in, an’ 1 tell ye he’s bad all the way through!” " ““ We've got force enough to fix him, now.” ‘“* Yes; ef he comes alone.” **T won’t oppose your idea, Sol, for I feel a bit uneasy, but I hope when he gets away he will think we ain’t worth noticing.” “You forgit the mysterious somethin’ he tried ter find.” ‘¢ Can that have been the bracelet?” “Great Scott! no; Eliza wa’n’t up on top the cargo; the bracelet couldn’t ’a’ slipped through the canvas ef she had been; an’, besides, Jimmy Pirate’s way showed he was huntin’ fur some bigger article.” What could it have been?” “Give it up!” : e And Pve got nothing valuable, to tempt any one, Don’t puzzle yer brains, my frien’, fur it won’t do no good,” Sol declared, Ve We hev run up ag’in’a mystery with three rows o’ teeth, claws an inch long, hoofs like gunboats, an’ wings like a circus-tent; but we can’t grapple with it. Leave it ter time, an’ Jimmy Outlaw may step around an’ enlighten us!” It was time to retire, and this matter was duly considered, No guard would have been set, owing to their numbers, had not Fordrest hada hope that Sarah Stoltz would put her head into a noose; but, as it was, Nixon was left on duty to watch. The others retired and were soon asleep. An hour later Nixon, weary and none too zealous, followed their example and went to the land of Nod. The raft was unguarded. CHAPTER VIII. THE THIRD ATTACK. A GRATING among the pebbles on the island; & shaking of the bushes; a head raised above the rocks furtively; a pair ‘of. unfriendly eyes bent upon the raft. A spy was there, and he boded no good to the raftsmen. ' After a long look he turned and seemed to whisper to some one, and then left his covert. On his hands and knees he crept toward the Flying Fish, using great caution. Although so prudent he felt sure that sleep had claimed every one there, and his eyes glist- ened with mixed, but unworthy, feelings. A little further and he came to a sudden omg © had discovered Nixon, The sailor reclined in such a position that, while his form was easy to be seen, his face was in no degree visible, he skulker eyed him for some time, looked the other parts of the raft over, and then turned and crept back as he had c ome. Within the bushes he encountered two other men. f ¥ * All hunk!” was his expressive comment. They’re sound asleep. : ‘No chance ter fight, then,” grumbled a fecond man. A ‘“‘ Perhaps they will accommodate you,” ‘* Hope so.” “ Jones is never happy except when fightin’,” ‘* He don’t want to kick up a row here,” 11) lick the man who makes a row!” de. clared Jones. : “ Be still, now! I have discovered one of the kids on deck, fast asleep, The other is probably in the cabin. Be that as it may, our course is plain; we go there, pounce on the youngsters, ush their gurgle, aud tie them up. No use of hurting them, I dare say—and I’ve promised not to. Then we search the cargo for a certain thing T want—” d we get a ‘ tenner,’ each, whether you find hea article or not?” x) promised; so I'll do. “Good! For the blessed ‘sawbucks’ we would foller you down ter the grit an’ gravel o’ the tiver-bed. Tead on, Jimmy; lead on!” Hush! Not so loud!” ‘Then show us the way.” The leader turneq eee three left the bushes; they advanced toward the raft, Nixon slept on. No human eye saw the skulkers, Saltpeter Sol. They reached the Flying Fish and crept upon the lower ceck. Fixing their gaze upon Nixon, they crawled toward him. Perhaps they made more noise than they thought they. did, for the sailor suddenly stirred and lifted his head from the side of the upper deck, against which he leaned. The prowlers dropped down and lay like things without life. Nixon yawned, but, sublimely unconscious of danger, did not look around. He tdok a pipe from his pocket and, finding it half-filled, lighted it with- out a suspicion that if he had chancad to thrust out his feet he might have struck either one of three men. : ; They lay beside his knees like sleeping dogs, screened by the darkness and his carelessness, ‘This keepin’ watch is tough!” commented Nixon, speaking aloud. ‘I wouldn’t go ter sleep fur the world, but I must say a night- watchman deserves extra pay—especially ef he’s vigilant. Especially ef he is vigilant!” re- peated the disciple of faithfulness, with em- phasis. ‘Some folks would sleep on watch, but T won't! No, I won’t! Why won’t 1? Because I won’t—won’t—won’t—” His voice stopped. His head sunk low again, and only the faint drawing of the pipe told that he was awake, And, really, be was two-thirds asleep. The prowlers were not disposed to wait longer. The guard must be aroused sooner or later; the sooner, the better, Jimmy arose and suddenly seized Nixon by the throat, bore him over back and planted his knee on the fallen man’s breast. ‘* Be still, or yow’re a dead man!” he growled. The sailor remained quiet, but more because he was utterly amazed than for any other reason, He was not clear-headed, yet, and could not realize the full extent of the situation. Jimmy’s helpers knew what was expected of them, and Nixon’s hands and feet were quickly bound. When a gag had been added, the sailor was helpless. ‘*‘ Leave him here!” whispered the leader. ‘‘T don’t know who he can be, but probably he’s some man they’ve hired as a guard; there can’t be any more outsiders. Now, I reckon we'll find the kids in the cabin, Follow me!” He led the way with the readiness of one ac- customed to the place, and then paused at the door of the cabin. All was dark there, but he could hear the sound of regular breathing. Turning, he nodded to his men, madea gesture to enjoin silence, and next slowly descended the steps. fter some hesitation he located the position of two sleepers and placed bis men properly; then the prowlers pounced upon their prey. Jimmy had been sure that they were Sol and Ned, and the result astonished him, First of all a shrill scream arose in a feminine voice, and then a deep masculine roar—sounds which, plainly, were never produced by boyish throats and lungs. : ‘Ho! robbers, robbers!’ shouted Edmund Fordrest. ‘‘ Help, here, help!” This time it was the interlopers’ turn to he dumfounded; they had looked only for weak boys, and a full-grown man and a screaming woman were not in theirline. Surprise put them off their guard, and, ina moment more, Ford- rest was upon his feet and showering lusty blows upon them. } The cabin became a mixture of menagerie and Babel, cries in every key mingling with the sound of blows and struggling, ; . As svon as the prowlers realized the situation they evinced a desire to escape, not knowing how much of a force they had to confront, but Fordrest clung to one of their number, the others fell over each other in their eagerness to leave, and then, to cap the climax of their woes when they did reach the door, they met Sol anc Ned. \ ¢ : The raftsmen had been sleeping outside, but, being aroused, were ready to aid their guests. They attacked the interlopers, and the fight Waxed warm, 3 ow it would have ended is uncertain had not Caslina fled from the cabin in alarm and, almost falling over Nixon, realized the situation and set him free, Then the sailor, stirred to the depths with wrath by his treatment, hurried to join his friends. His strong arms made a vast differ- ence, and turned the tide of battle. Finally, one of the outlaws succeeded in getting out of the cabin and, running to the edge of the raft, plunged into the river and swam toward the western bank, About the same time a lig} t flashed up in the cabin. Caslina, having recovered her courage, i yf had returned there and attended to this import- ant matter. A singular scéne was revealed. Two of the intruders were prisoners. Nixon had taker one unaided; he had his man flat on his face and stomach; and Nixon sitting astride of his back, held him down, The second captive was quite as securely held; Fordrest, Sol and Ned each had hold of him. Nixon laughed aloud, ‘¢ Here’s yer nice fat calves, all ready fur market! Here’s veal, all dressed but tannin’ it, an’ a rod o’ correction wal laid on, forty less one, will do the tannin’, Shiver my timbers!” Fordrest turned their prisoner over, “ Jimmy Flocton!” Sol eried. *“ What?’ demanded Fordrest. ‘¢ He’s the man we tol’ ye about.” A look of joy came to Fordrest’s face, ‘“By my life!” he murmured, “luck has changed!” ** Let me go!” growled Flocton. ‘Yes; we will not!” Sol retorted. “You young cur! how dare you touch me?” ‘** Shall [ ketch the itch?’ demanded the rafts- man, readily. “Let me go, 1 say, or T’I]—” ‘* Silence, dog!” Fordrest interrupted. ** And who be you?” “Your master!” ‘No man is my master,” Jimmy raved, ‘‘and Pll do mischief to ye if you don’t let me go! By what right am I thus pounced upon?” ‘By what right do ye sneak in here?” cried Sol. ** None of your business, boy!” “1 ]l make it my biz, aged sir!” “Enough of idle talk,” interrupted Fordrest, ‘¢ Know you, men, that you are prisoners. You might as well protest against the reign of day and night as to argue with us, Taken ip the act of violence, we shall hold you by the right of might, Caslina!” “ Sir ” “ Bring my revolver!” The girl obeyed. Despite the last notification both Jimmy and his partner in iniquity failed to accept the situa- tion meekly, They rayed, threatened and plead- ed, but all in vain, Now that Fordrest knew who Flocton was, he would not have released him under any condition. Eager to learn the fate of his kidnapped grandson, he was impa- tient to question the supposed ally of Sarah Stoltz. So, in defiance of their anger, the two rufflans were securely bound, ‘* Now for business!” Fordrest added, CHAPTER IX. OFF ON A DANGEROUS TRIP. THE prisoners were propped up in one corner, An examination had shown that no damage had been done, and no signs of other men were to be seen. It was correctly inferred, therefore, that Jimmy’s fresh attack had been repelled with great success, and bis plans put to defiance and ruin, He was a very angry-looking man as he faced his captors. From his point of view he had cause to be. Three times he had tried to accom- plish a certain purpose, and, every time, signal failure had been his only reward, As a result, his anger burned warmer and warmer, and his malevolent hatred-of Sol and Ned had no bounds, ‘* What’s your name?” asked. ‘ ‘* Find out, if you can!” growled the prisoner, “You have claimed the name of Jimmy Flocton. Is it your real name?” ‘“*That’s my business,” P , “Gently! You will lose nothing by being ue with me,” , - ‘Pve got nothing to say. “Do via know a ote named Sarah Stoltz?” Jimmy’s eyes opened widely, betraying surprise, but the tell-tale signs were soon gone. f “No,” he replied sulkily. “You know very Well thatshe is Eliza Burch.” “Do I? Who speaks for me anyhow?” ‘Bo calm, sir! You will see that you are now in difficulty. You haye overstepped the law enough so that you are sure of a term in prison if we press the charge, This we certainly shall do unless you alter your course, but you can gain complete liberty by complying with our wishes. Will you admit that Eliza Burch and Sarah Stoltz are the same person?” “T never heard of Sarah Stoltz in my life!” the risoner declared, ‘* And never heard of a boy named Joseph Pordnery being stolen by her on Fordrest abruptly &: sé
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from Caslina and hele it up. “ How abcut this?” » ‘Never seen it before!” ‘* Bliza lost it here.” ‘*Can’t say.” ‘This clew,” pursued Fordrest, with growing vigor, ‘‘connects Eliza positively with Sarah Stoltz. Now, as you are her ally, you must know what her movements have been in the past. I am the grandfather of young Juseph, and it was in my family that Sarah came to work. I am willing to compromise the case, and, if you will tell me where my grandson is, I will drop all prosecutions against you. Restore the boy, and you shall go free!” There was a cunning gleam in Flocton’s eyes, “You make aright fair offer,” he answered, insincerity visible in every feature and word, “but I can’t tell what I don’t know, I never heard of Sarah Stoltz, and don’t know of any kidnapped boy named Joseph—or any other kidnapped boy.” ; Fordrest was silent for several moments, Jiaimy dil not tell his fiction well; instead of removing the belief against him, he strengthened it. The old gentleman grew surer of the supposi- tion that he was on the right track, “Pll give you time totbink it over,” he finally said, ‘‘Tosuch a man as you I should say that liberty must possess more attractions than prison- life. Youare not todoubt my word, for I never break it, Do what I haveasked, and I will keep my promise. Now, I'll let you alone until mora: ing. Think it over, and [ believe that you will change your mind,” ““Do you?” ae Yes,” “Then you'll get left!” There was insolence and bitter animosity in Flocton’s manner, Saltpeter Sol went to Mr, Fordrest’s side and whispered: ‘* Pris’ner No, 'Two has a greedy twinkle in his optikel eyes, I b’lieyve he knows more or less, an’ would peach ef he had achance; but ef you give him a chance, be sure that it ain’t done when Jimmy Pirate Kidd is around ter glower onter him,” Fordrest saw the wisdom of this advice, and was shrewd enough not to betray by word or look the plan thus outlined, ‘‘T am not in favor of taking them to the vil- lage to-night,” he observed, speaking for Floc- ton’s ears. ‘We had better keep them here, and attend to the rest to-morrow, _ We'll take them outside, By the way, I judge we had bet- ter keep them apart, so they cannot meddle with each other’s bonds. Nixon, you and | will trun- dle Flocton out.” Sol saw that the old gentleman had a project, and let him carry it out, Jimmy was taken to the rear of the raft and bound tothe timbers, Nixon was left asa guard, and then Fordrest returned to the cabin. He confronted the second prisoner at once. ‘* What is a name, my man?” **Tom Hill, sir,” was the quick reply. ** You’ve been in bad company, to-night.” ** Youre right, sir.” ** Do you kuow its a State’s Prison offense?” Yes, sir; but I hope you'll show me mercy,” was the eager response, ** Do you deserve it?” ** Mebbe I can,” ** How?” ** You asked Flocton some questions,” “T did, Can you answer them?” “*T b’lieve I can.” “Do it,” continued Fordrest, quickly, and I will make you a free man.” ** Do you promise that?” ‘‘T promise that if you can give me informa- tion which will lead to the recovery of my Srengeon I will set you at liberty. oak. more han that; if you are disposed to lead an honest life, I will put you in the way of doing it.” “Pm afeerd thar’s nogoodin me. ’maman of ill luck, sir.” ‘* We'll beat out the ill luck.” “I wish it could be so, but I’m not hopeful, But was yer grandson a little feller with blue eyes an’ a big bead ©’ curlin’ yarler hair?” “The same; the same!” “Then you kin bet Jimmy has him, He’s in | oueree of an Oo? woman named Mother Hooper, who lives a few miles up the river; but she looks ter Jimmy an’ Lize for her orders, an’ they gives ber the pay. I don’t ‘know whether it tomes direct out 0’ their pockets, an’ Mother Hooper don’t; but they pays ber. An’ they’ve been ter her house, an’ Lize is there now, or was, when we left,” : ** You came direct from her house” The previous speaker turned, took the bracelet “ce Yes,” ; ‘* Lead us there, then, and all my promises shall be kept, my man!” ‘PI do it, sir!” There was much of promise in Tom Hill’s manner, He looked frankly and earnestly at the questioner, and even Sol Wayne was inclined to believe all he said, as the raftsman admitted when Fordrest consulted him, It was decided that the trip to Mother Hoop- er’s house should begmade at once. that the team in which he and his. allies came was stil] waiting, unless it had been stolen; and this was not likely, for the escaped man had swum away toward the west, and the team was in the bushes on the east shore, Sol was made happy by an invitation to ac- company Fordrest and Hill, and the three left the Flying Fish, after repeated cautions to Nixon and Ned. It was not hard to reach the mainland, and Hill then led the way to where the team had been ‘left. It was there still—a two-seated car- riage, with a pair of fine horses attached, It was brought to the road, Hill took the driver’s position, and away they went at a rapid pace, Tae ride was one of almost utter silence, Saltpeter Sol could imagine, faintly, the con- dition of Mr. Fordrest’s mind, beset as the latter was with hopes, doubts and fears, and the youth refrained from disturbing him, As for Sol, he was led to look with wonder upon the results of the rafting scheme, When he and Ned started out they had expected a trip enlivened only by the novelty of their strange venture, but the results had been very different and unexpected, Adventures had multiplied, and the rafts- man was young enough to enjoy tho excite- ment thoroughly. But on the latest undertaking he looked very seriously; with Fordrest’s hap- piness at stake, it was not to be regarded as a mere piece of enjoyment. ‘‘We're almost there,” announced Hill, at last. Fordrest aroused with a start, ‘‘ Whom shall we meet?” he asked. “ Well, we ought ter meet nobody but Mother Hooper, but she may hev some o’ her rounders thar,” ‘** Ts she a lawless woman?” ** A reg’lar out-an’-outer,” ‘ And other men may be there, eh?’ “There's a tough gang around here, an’, though it ain’t no home fur them, they often drop in on Mother Hooper, She keeps whisky on the sly, an’ sells ter the boys, Sometimes, sev’ral on ’em come there in a bunch an’ stay awhile, drinkin’ an’ smokin’, but it’s so late in the night that the coast cugbht ter be clear, I hope it will,” Hill slowly added, ** Would these mon oppose us, if there?” ‘¢ They would set onter us like wolves, ef the ol’ woman told them to,” “Then, if they are there, we may expect trouble,” ‘““[’m afeerd so. The ol woman won’t give up the boy peaceful: we’ve got ter fight fur him, anybow, Ef her gang is there, it’ll be a desp’rit tussle, you bet!” CHAPTER X, THE VULTURES OF THE OLD HOUSE. Tuts statement revealed a state of affairs upon which Fordrest had not counted, ‘* Have you a revolver, Hill?” he asked. ** Yes,” the man replied. “So have I. Now, we two could make quite a stand, if it comes toa fight. The question is, will you help me?” “* Gladly !” ‘*T think I can trust you.” ‘*You can, sir; you can, I ama miserable wretch who has sunk low because 0’ ill luck an’ his own weakness. I hate myself for it, but them: is the facts. Your kindness has zive me a grain o’ manhood back, an’ I'l fight my best for you!” ‘*Thank you, my man; thank you. Tl trust you implicitly.” The house was reached, It was a large, ram- bling affair, old-fashioned, weather-beaten and dilapidated. The team was left far enough back so that the noise of wheels would not be heard, and then the three adventurers approached. Nolight was visible, and slumber seemed to have claime whoever was there, but Hill confidently ex- plained: **A knock will bring Mother Hooper to the door, She sleeps nigh there, 80 she won’t miss an order fur whisky, let the boys come when- ever they may,” Hill stated . ing response, *Goonand rap! She will admit you, won’t she?” ' sé Yes,” ‘*The boy and I will keep alittle back, and be ready to follow you in.” This pie was put in execution, and Tom knocked heavily on the door. Saltpeter Sol was ina state of suspense and excitement. There was a charm about the ven- ture, though he devoutly hoped there would be no fighting. He was not armed in any way, and no one appeared to think it necessary that he should be, but he picked up a stout stick about two feet long, and concealed it under his coat, If he was going into a skirmish, he did not want to be helpless. Three times Hill knocked, and then there was a stir inside. A slide in a panel of the door was opened. ‘Who's there?” asked a wheezy, female voice. Tom Hill.” ‘* What d’ye want!” ei eal an’ terbacco, with a chance fur a ight.” ‘* Where’s Jimmy an’ Cale?” ‘*Gone over to Snow’s,”” Mother Hooper appeared to be satisfied, and she opened the door. Hillentered, and Fordrest followed close after him. When the old woman saw the second man she made a movement to close the door, but he stopped it with his foot, ‘¢ Who be you?” she demanded, suspiciously, ‘¢ A friend o’ mine,” explained Hill. ‘But is hea friend 0’ mine ?” was the quick retort. ‘“Tve come to give you a chance to make money, madam,” Fordrest stated, persuasively. Mother Hooper’s face, dimly visible, did not bear evidence that she was convinced, but, as he was already inside the door, she,was shrewd enough to make the best of the situation. ‘* Come in!” she directed, ill-naturedly. She turned, struck a match and lighted a kero- senelamp, A large, dirty kitchen was revealed. The old woman was the only strange occupant, and she was a curiosity in ber way. She was bony and muscular; her gray hair was a mat- ted forest; her dress, reaching only half-way be- low her knees, was shapeless, ragged and soiled, Moreover, her breath smelled of whisky and onions, and, mingled with an unpleasant odor from the kitchen, made a whole which was ob- noxious to an extreme, : Her deep-sunken eyes were turned upon Mr, Fordrest with unabated suspicion. ‘¢ What is it?” ske asked, curtly. “Do you want to earn twenty dollars?” ‘* Yes, ef [ can honestly!” Sol could hardly repress a smile. ‘*'Y ou shall see,” Fordrest proceeded. have, as a boarder here, a young boy—” *“T have?” Anger, fresh suspicion and _ hostility flashed into the woman’s evil eyes, and the words were as sharp as the thrust of a sword, **No, I have not /” she added, with emphasis. ‘“‘T ain’t got no boarders, an’ no boy is here, Boys! Pah! I hate ’em! Noisy, sassy med- dlers!” Y She turned her gaze upon Sol at this point, a Yau. if tolet him know that he came in under the. same head, but the raftsman bore the charge pbilusophically. ; ‘“*T have the word of Hill, here, that the boy is in yonder house,” persisted Fordrest, Mother Hooper shook a bony fist near Tom's — face. ‘“You unmitigated liar!’ she cried. ‘‘ You upconsciousable thief! You phenomigal scoun- drel! You— ‘*How about drest. ‘** Counterfeit!” she snapped. “Tt is good, and I’ll pay you well—” *“No you won't!” ‘** About the boy—” . ‘¢ There ain’t no boy here, an’ ain’t been. all a lie of that perfidulous wretch there!” “Til give you a good sum, cash, to come to terms, can’t you be induced to listen to reason—” ‘*No; I won’t listen! You’re a malevodent scoundrel, an’s do you get out o’ my house, Start!” “This talk has gone far enough!” declared the old gentleman, sternly. ‘‘ Now, hear me/ The boy is here as I have said, and, if you don’t produce him, 1 will bave you arrested! : ‘* Aha! so you threaten me?” my money?” interrupted For- It’s. “‘T do; and what I threaten shall be done. _ Shall we arrest you, or — Take you notice, not “Td like to see you!” was the scornful, sneer- “What! you arrest me? Why, \ ‘ If I pay more than the other parties,
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you ‘poor, insignificant critter, you ain’t a flea vite alongside o’ me!” & _ “Idle talk will do you no good, We are go- ing to search this house—” **'Where’s your warrant?” * We don’t need any. When any person de- scends to infamy equal to yours, she forfeits all ; claim to forbearance, {am going to search this | house!” Mother Hooper shook like a leaf; she flung out her long arms; her face twitched and con- tracted, Fordrest thought that she was going to have a fit, but it wasaspasm of rage, only, He had never before seen such a depraved, Flecate-like woman. . Slowly she turned her eyes upon Hill. ‘** Be you with his nibs in this?” she asked, ‘* Yes,” replied Hill, uneasily, “Then you'll get your medicine!” One of the wretched woman’s hands had been kept partially behind her. It now came out ia- to view, revealing in its grasp an iron bar, and she sprung toward Hill with the weapon up- lifted for a blow. : Fordrest was taken by surprise and could not move soon enough to help his ally, but poor Hill knew Mother Hooper’s way so well of old that he was on his guard. Not daring to face her, he dodged alertly and ran across the room, but she pursued and gained on him at every step. His life was in danger, for he made no motion to draw his revolver, but aid was not lacking. Bewildered as Saltpeter was, he realized that something must be done, He took the measure that first occurred to him, and thrust out his foot in the old woman’s path. She stumbled over it, and fell to the floor with force that made the rickety old house shake, Then ber reign was over. Fordrest seized her, Hil! came to bis assistance, and she struggled in vain. One thing she could do, and did: she screamed with that ungovernable rage that seemed so natural to her, “That rope, boy!” gasped Hill, ‘Give it here, quick |” The rope hung ona peg. Sol flung it to Hili, and the latter unceremoniously bound Mother Hooper’s hands and feet. He breathed a sigh of relief when it was done, ‘‘T was afeered some o’ the men was here, an’ would pounce on us,” heconfessed, ‘* but it seems they ain’t. Thank heavens fur that!” “Ob! you traitor!” hissed the woman, ‘‘ you ain’t out o’ this yet. My lads will hev you, an’, when they git you, you will git done up!” Fordrgst ignored her and her threats. “ Stand guard, Hill,” he directed, ‘‘and Vil search the house.’ “Go up-stairs, sir,” Hill advised. ‘* There’s nothin’ below.” Fordrest lighted a second lamp, and then, catching Sol’s wishful gaze, nodded permission ~ to the raftsman to accompany him, This Sol did eagerly. The old gentleman led the way with the lamp in one hand and a revolver in the other. ‘Reaching the head of the stairs they saw a ghostly, unfinished, rambling room before them, with boxes and barrels stowed in various places; but several doors opened off of it, and light shin- ing from under one of them gave a clew. 4 The searcher was not in a moderate mood, ") “and he opens the door without ceremony. When he had done so he was a little abashed. | Only one person was in the place, and that was | a woman who reclined on the bed, She was -_ elothed in a way which suggested that she might | be a descendant of the Joseph who had a coat of | Many colors, for her dress had been patched in |. various shades, though very ragged at that, She put out her hand imploringly, © Don’t kill me!” she gasped. “Kill you! I have no intention of doing so; | Testeasy, Where is the boy? -| The woman shrunk back. : -) Oh! I dare not tell you!” she exclaimed, -\ “Indeed I dare not!” rs “a an: A 8 { me a CHAPTER XI. SOL GOES INTO DANGER. | _ “Terr me, for I will protect you,” declared | Fordrest, ie = But I dare not!” the woman reiterated, mad % NVhy not?” - {My sister would kill me!” “ Who is she?” “Mrs, Hooper,” _ “Ts it possible” : there was wonderment in Fordrest’s voice, _ for there was little resemblance between the _ two women. This one was an invalid, wasted with sickness, but, despite her rags, neat and clean, Her face, too, was far from hard and cruel; perhaps she had been refined by suffer- ing, as metals are refined, Fordrest rallied and assumed a strategic course, ‘*Do you know the boy’s name?” he asked. “Tt is Josepb, I don’t know his last name—” She stopped short, ** What more?” Fordrest asked. ““T can tell no more; Ihave told too much already. My sister would kill me if she knew I had betrayed his name,” ** At least, tell me what room heisin, I am going to search the house, anyway, and you can do no harm by expediting the work.” **'You have missed him!” she exclaimed, ‘* Missed him?” f*Yes,” “How? Where?” ** While you talked below with Mrs. Hcoper —fought with her, I judge!” the speaker added, with a sigh—‘‘the boy was taken away hur- riedly.” ‘“*By whom?” ’ “Ross Brown and a girl named Eliza.” “That woman, again! May her sins recoil upon ber own bead!” ‘*Don’t blame her, sir! She helped Brown take the boy away, but it was because sbe dared not do otherwise; she was in fear of her life. Oh! don’t blame Eliza too much—” ‘* She stole my grandson!” ‘*T know she did, but you don’t know how she was situated; she is a most unfortunate girl, She has been in evil company, and has been led on to do things she loathed. She was Jimmy’s wife, and she yielded obedience. Since lve known her I’ve talked with her, and she is eager to leave her life of wrong-doing, even if it costs her her life. She went. with Ross Brown, but it was with tears and imploring words, and menaced by bis revolver, I believe she would have faced death only that she knew Brown would take the boy, anyway, and she wanted to be with him, to protect him.” ‘* Where did they go?” “*T don’t know. Brown must have been fear- ful of an attack, for he was ready to go ona moment’s notice, and he hustled the boy and Eliza away as soon as the noise began,” at Away from the house?” ° Yes,’ ‘© Who is here now?” ‘*Only Mrs, Hooper and I.” ““Thank you very kindly for your informa- tion, madam; I may be able to reward you, some time.” Fordrest, followed by Sol, abruptly left the room, While remembering that there was a chance that he might be deceived, he was of ne opinion that the sick woman had told the truth, If this was so it was a severe blow; he had had his grandson almost in his grasp, and had lost him. He wondered at his blindness in neglecting to set a guard outside the house, ‘“We will search the house, and them pur- sue,” he said, to Saltpeter Sol, in a concentrated voice, \ ** Come on!” The raftsman was in a state of eagerness, and as much interested as if the affair had been his own. He opened the next door, but the room had no tenant, Noone was found anywhere on the second floor. They descended to the kitchen, and found Hill watching Mother Hooper wearily. The old women turned a questioning, &)xXlous gaze upon Fordrest’s face, and then, reading it well, burst into a mocking lauzh. ; 6s eo you ae now, old times rock?” she sneered, , Fordrest ignored her, but motioned to Hill, and the trio went tothe next room, “Ts the woman up-stairs reliable?” the old gentleman asked, 4 * Prob’ly so; Pm»pretty sure so; but she’s too sick ter be questioned,” Hill responded. . ‘“Trideed! Then excitement must have given her suddea, fictitious strength, for Pve talked with her. Se says the boy has been taken away by Eliza and ‘a man named Ross Brown, “ And a big knave he is, sir.”. a suey a just fled in haste. Where would they be likely to go? Think carefully! ‘ To Brown's house, no doubt.’ hen we will go there. First, let us search the lower half of the house.” his was done, but no one was found; then, after scouting a little to make sure that th kidnappers were not lurking near, Fordrest, Hill an‘ Sol re-entered the carriage and started for Brown’s, The chase was fascinating to the raftsman, “ce Saltpeter Sol, /saw him bend fora moment and snatch up an but he delicately forbore making any com- “a ments whick would seem trivial He knew , that his leader was greatly affected, as was natural, Hope and fear struggled together, and the lat- ler was aided by the painful vexation of having been so near victory only to have everything lost by an oversight. Brown’s house was only a short distance away. When they arrived they found it un- Joan lighted and silent, but this was not surprisin 5 Sol was sent to the rear, with directions to watc ae | for attempted escapes there, and then Fordrest proceeded to the door, Sol, from his post, heard the knocking plainly a and, finally, the opening of the door. a Then came a lull; whatever was said, the i, voices were too low to be audible at the rear of aa the house. The raftsman had taken his position by a tree so that no prying eyes from the house would . rest upon his figure. Back of him was an ex- ae tension wood which, however it might be in the ; daytime, was dark and gloomy now. His at- ; tention was soon called to it particularly, . ae). There was a crackling of dry sticks as if un- der the pressure of feet, and he turned his head, i It might mean something; it might mean noth- ; ing. A man could have caused it; so coulda cow, a horse or a sheep. But Solsoon decided that it was not caused by a domesticated animal. me Out from the shadow of the wood came a bi- ~ “ene man figure, It advanced with long, yet light Virgo steps, until he could see that it wasa man. The ee 1 stranger Came up within thirty feet of the rafts- aa man, but saw nothing of him, His gaze was ae fixed upon the house intently. “4 ‘‘T reckon the coast is clear, but I won’t be ae reckless,” he muttered, and then went on as be- a fore, fs "% A suspicion flashed upon Saltpeter Sol. Was ; this man Ross Brown, returning to his home} tk If so, where was little Joseph?—where, unless he ie had been left in the wood? h Shee - This suspicion was too attractive not to be Wee investigated, and he resolved to run the risk of leaving his post. This he did, and was soon macs > among the trees, re: Once there, the darkness discouraged him a sg good deal, The lost Joseph was only three years old, and a dozen boys of that age might have been near him and yet invisible. He decided to act boldly, and did so, *‘ Joseph!” he called, in a low voice, i There was no answer; all remained silent. Bek, ** Joseph!” + He spoke louder this time, but without result. ees He took a few steps, and then paused in irreso- ‘a lution. Perbaps he was ryining his leader’s chances of success by deserting the post where — he had been placed. ots A “Tl give it a last try,” he thought, and then go back, Joseph Fordrest !” The busbes crackled off toward his left, and then a half-stifled ery sounded; a child’s cry for a ol ran in that direction, ; ‘* Where be you?” he demanded, excitedly, He was trying to locate the exact spot of the a cry, as he paused again, a tall, massive figure — ce «i: rose near him, and then the raftsmanreceived @ = | blow which felled him to the ground. ' CHAPTER XII. SOL HANGS ON STUBBORNLY. * Lay there, meddlin’ fool!” uttered a voice, in hoarse anger; and then he who had‘dealt Salt- peter Sol the blow turned away. The raftsman was flonnsaetiie op the ground, He bad been struck with aclub, and the force of the stroke half-stunned him, He tried to rise, but seemed to have lost certain necessary powers, a OF He could move, but not regain his feet, He heard and saw bis assailant making off; object which, obviously, was a child; and then, once mors, came a boy’s frightened ery, It spurred Sol into new activity. Hemanaged to regain his feet, but reeled dizzily and would have fallen only for the support of atree. He saw the unknown still in retreat, and forced himself to pursue, but his head was not yet clear; he staggered as he went, f His feet splashed in a brook, and he hada uy creditable idea. He bent, dipped his head in the % water and arose refreshed. His mind was clearer, and the dizziness gone. All sounds had not died away, and he began to pursue With vigor. He knew he was gaining, but when he paused to listen, later nothing was
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10 to be heard. The pursued had been shrewd enough to hide, and wait for Sol to lose him, When the latter realized this he adopted tho plan of beating up the bushes, but without success. He could uot find or hear the unknown, and it became evident that the latter had used due care and made his escape, An’ I’m all the cause of it!” muttered Sol unjustly reproaching himself, ‘,Why didn’t I o fur help at once?—but that’d only given him Setter chance toescape. Anyhow, Ill go, now!” He hurried away and tramped on until an uneasy feeling came over him, ‘““Why, lve gone more than fur enough ter get back! Where’s the house? Have I gone wrong?” Soit seemed, and helooked upand around in a vain attempt to discover the points of com- pass. He was completely lost. Annoyed by this continued i!l luck he shifted his course to what seemed right, and then resuuied his pro- Tess, Tl luck still attended him, and he was about to give up in despair when the woods suddenly ‘faded away before him, he came out into open land, ani saw a wide sheet of water before him. He wason the bank of the Hudson. ‘Wal, this isa p’izon shame!” he lamented. ** Here I’ve not only lost myself ter my allies, but I’ve had a clew ter young Joseph an’ not been able ter hold it. This ’ere night must be ruled by a malev’lent planet, fur it's full o’ triberla- tion. "Tis, by sixty! Wal, w’ot bel goin’ terdo now? I’ve got the lay o’ land an’ kin start back ter Brown's, but w’ot good would itdo? The sarcus is all over thers, ar’ ef I went back I might find em gone—or I might git lost ag’in. Shall [ go back, or not?” While considering this point he was looking out over the river. Dark as the wood had been, it was fairly light upon the stream. Thus it was that, while he stood in irresaqlu- tion, he heard the sound of oars and looked for the cause with some hope of success. ‘*Tt’s comin’ down the river; mebbe 1 kin git a ride down ter the Flyin’ Fish—” He stopped speaking as the boat appeared to his view. It was several fathoms from shore, but was being rowed in a slow, halting way, as if the oarsman was not familiar with his task. **Only one man in it; so thar’s plenty o’ room fur me, Hullo! what’s that? B’jinks? I b’lieve that ’tis a boy!” Freshly excited, the raftsman kept his gaze upon the slight figure he had discovered in the boat, and the suspicion grew upon him that he was looking at the lost Joseph. What was to be done abort it? If he called out, and the two proved to be Joseph and his captor, the former would make prompt efforts to get out of the way. “ Bjinks! [ll swim for them!” To think was to act, in this case, and Sol cast off his coat and shoes and plunged into the water. lt has been stated before that he was ** almost as much at home as a fish ” in the liquid element, and he started with strong, steady strokes, Not yet was the boat fully abreast of him, and they would lack but little of meeting at a com- mon point. Then, unless the stranger was a better oarsman than he seemed, Sol believed that be could run him down. On came the boat, it’s impeller showing no suspicion, e and Sol gradually neared each other, and, asthe boat passed by, the swimmer pursued rapidly, gaining with each stroke, e could see the smaller voyager well enough to make out that he was a small boy, and his hopes increased, So did the vigor of his strokes, and he gained until, at last, he fang up one hand and laid hold of the stern of the boat. For the first time he began to think with pru- dence. He could vault into the craft, if left alone, but what good wouldit dohim? He could not compete with the man in a struggle, and would put his own life in jeopardy without help- ing the boy. e hung on and meditated, and, the longer he hung, the more he felt inclined to believe he had found his proper position. Hecould keep it for a long time, half-supporting himself by clinging to the boat, and, when the oarsman landed, would be ready to follow him further. This plan he proceeded to carry out. There was perfect silence in the camp. The man rowed on in an erratic course, now and then missing the water entirely as he madea stroke, or dipping an oar so deep that he swung the bvat around greatly—in brief, rowinz so like a novice that a weight greater than Sol’s might have hung at the stern and he been none the wiser, Saltmeter Sol. As for the young passenger, he said nothing, but, clinging fast to the seat, appeared to be a good deal alarmed by the water around him, Sol kept his place as silently as the others. The further they went the more cause he had for hope, for they would bring up ultimately, if they kept on, at the place where the raft was. The hope was proved fruitless. The boatman began to hesitate and scan the bank; then, at last, he turned and rowed toward it. Just at that point it wasa barren stretch of land, but Sol hailed the change, Finally, the stranger landed and drew up the boat so that it could not drift away. Then, without a word, he picked his small companion up in his arms and walked away. Sol followed as near,as he dared. “This little chap is Joseph!” he decided. ‘I kin see the curlin’ hair his granddad tol’ about, an’ I don’t see as there kin be any mistake. He’s awful still, but [suspect this snake has skeered him inter obliviousness.” Grimly the raftsman pursued, and, as he went, he kept a sharp watch for some one to whom he could appeal for help. Their course was such that there was a faint hope of their running upon Fordrest and Hill, as the two lat- ter returned to the raft. On went Sol and his game, their way being across a marshy tract of land. The pursuer thought that he was using all possible care, but the man finally proved that he was equally on the alert. Suddenly he turned and came back rapidly. Sol obeyed his first impulse and dropped down, hoping that the tall grass would hide him. He was disappointed; the man stopped beside bim and roughly ordered: “Get up!” **1’m comfor’ble here,” murmured Sol “* Get up, I say!” The raftsman reluctantly obeyed. ‘What are you doin?” added the stranger. “Takin? a nap.” **-You’re a liar! Why do you foller me?” “*T was goin’ this way.” So I see, but why were you doggin’ me?” ‘*Mister,” responded Sol, rallying, ‘you labor under a most p’izon misapprehension; you do, by sixty! I’ve been out tryin’ ter lure the finny denizens o’ the aquemous realm ter engulf a curved bit o’ metal in their gullets, In other words, I’ve been fishin’—” ** Rubbish! Why did you spy upon me?” * Now, mister—’ ** Answer!” shouted the man. ** Say, who is tellin’ my story, anyhow?” The stranger made a rush to seize the cour- ageous raftsman. The latter leaped backward nimbly, and would have escaped bad not his foot caught in the grass, He fell, and the man seized him, ‘¢ Run, Joseph, run!” cried Sol; seeing that the small boy had been set at liberty; but, if his di- rection "was comprehended, its object was too much dazed to obey. “Tl fix you!” pursued Sol’s enemy; and, though the latter struggled desperately, he was soon overcome, Then the victor, with singular skill, twisted the marsh-grass into ropes and bound the rafts- man’s hands and feet, and finished the work by thrusting more of it into his victim’s mouth as a gag. ** See what you’ve brought yerself to!” taunt- ed the unknown, ‘‘ Here you are, bound fast and unable to yell for help; an’ as nobody comes out on this marsh, the chances be that you will starve ter death here, Serve ye right fur meddlin’!” CHAPTER XIII, LEFT TO HIS FATE, Son tried to speak, but only made a wordless gurgling. ¢ ‘© T hope you'll enjoy yerself!” his enemy added. The raftsman would have given a good deal for the power of speech then. ‘** Still, there may not be much fun in it,” con- tinued the man, kicking his prisoner slightly. * Sol silently vowed to make ‘‘ fun” for his per- secutor, if he ever had a chance, ‘*'You will live quite awhile, ef the marsh grass don’t get on fire,” went on the stranger. ** Of course a spark from a locomotive may fire it, in which case you would go up in smoke in short order, like well-cured bacon, Ef there is no fire, you will last some time. Did you have a good supper? I dope so, fur it will make a difference, later. As 1 said, nobody ever comes out here, an’ ef the ravens don’t feed you, you'll prob’ly be quite hungry before you starve!” This kind of talk did the man a good deal of —— good, and he chuckled gleefully over what he considered his wit. He tried to think of more to say, but, failing, finally announced that he would leave. He picked up the boy and walked away in the darkness, Once more Sol was left alone, and left in a most wretched state of mind, He reproached himself unjustly. He thought that he ought to =~ have succeeded better, when the wonder was | that he had done so well. He could not hope to | equal a powerless man in strength, and his per- ; serverance had been remarkable, Nevertheless, in spite of bis good work, he was menaced with utter defeat. Joseph and his captor were receding, and there was nobody to oppose the kidnapper. Sol, however, did not take his defeat passively. Nogsooner was the abductor out of sight than he began to struggle, hoping to break his bonds of marsh grass. It was tough and pliable, but there was hope of disarranging it, he thought. If the raftsman had been writhing in the marsh fire of which his enemy spoke he would not have twisted about much more than he did in the moments following his first opportunity. Bringing all his strength to bear, he fought the bonds zealously, indifferent to the pain caused | his wrists. For some time it looked as if he was doomed to fail, but, after the lapse of many precious seconds, the thongs slipped suddenly. One more wrench and his hands were loose, He tore the gag from his mouth. He drew his knife and cut the bonds on hig ankles, He was free, at last! Springing to his feet, he looked in the direc tion the kidnapper had gone. As he had expected, the man had disappeared. ‘Now, fur arace!” muttered the indefatiga- ble raftsman; and he started on a run as rapid as the grass would.allow. The marsh was but narrow, and he soon reached a road, The question then became, which way had the object of pursuit gone? A broad, muddy ditch lay between the road and the grass-land, and Sol bent low and began to search for footprints. He was soon success- apg found where his enemy had taken to the road. As the latter had come across the field ina diagonal direction, it was only fair to presume that he intended to keep on toward the south, and Soldrew a long breath and sped on down me road as fast as his young legs would carry im. Looking eagerly for the pursued, he ran with- out any further attempt at method, There was a whistle and a roar behind him, and then a railroad train passed, but he did not heed it, Just ahead, however, was a village, and he saw the train stop. Seized with sudden fear, he made every effort to reach the station before the train left, but in vain; he saw the conductor signal, and the train began to move, At that moment a man who carried a boy in his arms ran out of the station and leaped upon the last of the moving cars, Sol recognized both man and boy. “Stop the train!” he tried to shout, but, robbed of breath by his hard run, it was only a wheezy call. He reached the platform, but the train was several yards away and gaining faster than he could go, He sunk upon a -trunk, panting, and the station-agent looked at bim curiously. ‘* Missed it, didn’t ye?” he made comment, Sol did not heed him, ‘Ts there a telegraph-office here?” he asked, “ No !? The raftsman was silent, but, just then a car- riage rolled. along, and was about to pass the station when he caught sight of its occupants. They were Mr, Fordrest and Tom Hill. He sprung toward them. i *¢ Hold up!” he eried, huskily. “ Why, it’s Sol!” exclaimed Fordrest, ‘* He’s gone!” added the boy, excitedly ‘© Who is gone pe ‘¢ Joseph!’ “What?” ‘* He's been took away on that train!” ‘* How do you know?” ‘¢ ve seen him; I tried to stop ’em, but I was too late.” : ‘* Are you sure it was my grandson?” ‘“‘Sartain sure!” *¢ Tell me what has happened.” It wasa good deal to tell and make a short story of it, but Sol succeeded remarkably well. It was a narrative cf stirring adventure, too,
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and a slightly skeptical expression appeared on Hill’s face, as was natural; but Fordrest did not think ot entertaining doubt. ** Very likely the man was Ross Brown,” he agreed, ‘* Wedid not find that person at his house. Most likely, too, the other feilow whom you saw near Brown’s was some ally of the lat- ter’s, sent to reconnoiter; but when you first appeared, Brown became alarmed and ryn away, ou say there is no telegraph office here?” ** There ain’t none.” “Then we must ride to where there is,” *Tt’s only three miles down,” volunteered the Station-master. “We will go at once,” " i saying, Fordrest looked thoughtfully at * Are you particular about going? ‘he added. **Not unless I kin do some good,” confessed Sol, wearily. ‘Then I would like to have you go back to the raft. I feel sure that, by morning, Captain Twombly and his men will be on hand to raise the Dancing Dervish.” ** They ought ter be,” | cc Hence, it is my wish that he and Nixon, with other men, if required, take the fresh boat, my daughter and her maid, i ln lk ed Flocton, and proceed to New ork, leaving a force here to repair the Dervish. Understand?” S68, Site “Then we'll carry you down to the point nearest the raft. Enter the carriage!” A few moments later they were rolling south- ward at a high rate of speed. - With more time on his hands Fordrest could not but regard Sol’s work and devotion with ad- miration, and he did not hesitate to put it in words. ““When this affair is settled, my boy, you may be sure that I shall reward you. Such ef- forts as yours should not be repaid with mere words, nor shall they be. Just now I can think only of my grandson, and must give all my en- ergies and time to rescuing him, Poor child! what a world of trouble he has found this!” ‘“* He will come out all right, you bet!” Sol de- clared. **T hope so.” ‘*T ain’t got an artom o’ doubt.” ““Your courage is noble, and I will not let mine fall below the example set. But here we are at the one opposite the raft,” Hill halted the horses, and the raftsman sprung out. A moment more and his friends were receding. He watched them until they disappeared in the darkness, and then turned and walked to- ward the raft. He wanted no more violent exercise that night, CHAPTER XIV. WHAT A HUNGRY MAN DID, ON reaching the Flying Fish, Sal found Nixon pacing the deck, He was the only person visible. “* Where’s our messmates?” asked the rafts- man, ‘Miss Caslina an’ her sarvint-maid is in the eabin, an’ Ned Brampton an’ Jimmy Flocton is sleepin’ on deck, Nixon answered, “Ned an’ J im Pirate Kidd ain’t bunkin’ ter- gether, be they? : ‘ “J thought my feller-sailer had better jedg- ment,” Nixon took another turn across the deck, and Sol observed with some surprise that he did not inquire about Fordrest, or Fordrest’s grandson, ixon appeared to be in ill-humor, Suddenly he stopped in front of the Vestirigis squared himself away like an athlete about to engage in battle, and asked a question in a deep voice; “DoT look likearascal”” i “Do you? No! Do you feel like one? **T feel mean.” * About what?” “ve been insulted.” ie did it” octon! ; “Great Scott! you don’t mind that, do ye” “Some things kin be passed by, explained Mr. Nixon, with fresh warmth, but thar is a imit ter human endurance. I expect folks ter think me homely, an’ wantin’ in brains; an’ I don’t mind bein’ suspected o? rascality by decent folks; but when a 'tarnal skunk takes me fur a feller vulture, it’s excrutiatin’ tough ; _ “MY gentle frien’,” quoth Sol, “whence is this ebullition in yer honest mind?” 1 comes 0 yer Pirate Flocton.” “Oh! What's mmy been up ter, now?" “Tried ter bribe me ter turn traitor!” \ ——— Saltpeter Sol. “Oh! did he? S’pose he showed the cash, wharwith ter pay yer?” ** He said we could colleck our pay as we went erlong. Said thar was a treasure right on this raft, among your goods, Solomon, that would pay us both right smart, an’ he offered me first half, an’ then two-thirds, an’ then three-thirds —the whole on’t, [ mean—ter libertize him!” This statement did not surprise Sol, but, while he would have laughed down the storyjof treasure had it come sooner, it now only added perplexity to the mystery developed by Floc- ton’s strange attempt to get something out of their cargo. What was it? Was Jimmy wholly in error, or was there really something of value in the cargo, unknown to them? ‘*Tt?s p’izon queer!” he commented. “‘T laughed the perposal ter scorn,” added honest Nixon, with dignity, ‘tan’ shall now in- sist on appearin’ ag’in’ James at his trial!” ‘* We'll all be thar, you bet!” ‘‘ Has he called yowa rascal, and other things?” ‘* Ef thar’s an approbrilus word in the lan- guage he ain’t leveled at me, I’d like ter hear it!” Nixon drew a sigh of relief, “Tm glad [ ain’t alone in the racket,” he re- plied, Sol found himself fast growing sleepy, and he did not fight off the friendly enticer, He lay down and slept soundly until morning, When he awoke he found the sun mounting up the sky, aud the sound of voices made him think that Fordrest and Hill had returned, Such was not the case, but Captain Twombly was there with the relief-boat from New York, anda force of men to repair the Dancing Der- vish, There was no sign of the missing men. When Sol had given the message to Twombly, it was decided that the relief-boat should start for New York without delay, taking Caslina and her maid, as Fordrest had suggested, with Jimmy Flocton as a prisoner, Seeing that about all the actors in the recent events were to leave, Sol and Ned consulted as to their own future. The Flying Fish was ready for use, and, as they could gain nothing by lingering, ic was decided that they, too, should start for their destination. Before doing this, the boys went on shore again and looked for signs of Fordrest. They found none, Returning, they arrived just in time to see Twombly and his party depart, and, as the re- lief-boat went speeding down the river, the rafts- men got their own craft under way and left the the scene of so many exciting events. Only the working on the Dancing Dervish remained, and the shore of the island did not appear natural as the Flying Fish receded, The raftsmen looked back half-regretfully. Pt lone navigators again Sol,” observed ed, ** Correck!” ‘* Wonder if we’llever see any of that party again?” ‘“* Mr. Fordrest said we should,” **He may forget it.” **T don’t consider him bound ter give us the reward he promised, an’ ain’t speakin’ o’ that; but I guess he’sa man ter keep his word, so expect him ter show up at Peekskill, some time, an’ give usa frien’ly grip 0’ the hand. Jee- whiz! wouldn’t I like ter know_how he’s comin’ on, huntin’ fur leetle Joseph! I’m almost sorry that I’m all done with the case.” “* Perhaps you're not.” “What! don’t expect us ter be engaged as detectives, do ye?” “We ran upon them by chance, before; we may do so again.” ‘ : ‘OTain’t likely,” Sol returned, shaking his aot “Wal, le’s attend ter navigation, Cap’n Ned,” This was done, but the trip no longer possessed the fascination that it did in its first stages. It was tume work to float down the river after the recent experiences, and they felt that the end of their venture could come none too quick. Thus passed the forenoon, and two hours of the afternoon, : At that period a sail-boat with a single visible occupant appeared ahead of them. He had the wind in his favor, and came toward them gal- lantly, but, when near enough to speak, he a don th ullo, ther -o you fixed on things ter eat?” ’ Se How are y 4 es ¥ fe ont hungry,” Sol returned. ‘< Ther’s a fish right under yer boat.” ‘*IT want somethin’ else, Iain't got 1, ut be Setipatedinmaiptenseeaeetaeesonaeeonenosnananasnereeneecnsoneaseencneduenanegecnenenaieasasouacedsasunsupsiansmasesemessssearamenetaonmanseemennneneneeeeeeteesaoneaeenspsanabepsihstschse annie aiaa ata ne I’ve got the money ter pay for it; an’ I’d like ter leave a dollar with you for the means of a good, square meal, Kin we trade?” Sol turned to Ned, “What do you say?” “We can’t refuse him, Even if he had no money, we couldn’t afford to let him go hungry. Poor folks should give to the poor.” ‘“‘Guess you’re right. Messmate,” to the stranger, ‘‘ef you kin board us, you kin hev the ” ‘Good! I’m comin?!” The speaker proved himself a good sailor, and soon placed his boat alongside the raft. He then sprung upon the latter, ard proceeded to” secure his own craft, ‘‘T forgot my lunch,” he explained, ‘an’, be- ing aman o’ prodijious appetite, I thought Pd got ter eat my boots ter keep happy, until I saw you. ‘Sorry you're so hard up.” ““Be you? Then lead the way ter the pan- try!” The stranger seemed to be q jovial sort of man, and, although he had a hard-looking face, the boys did not suspect that any harm lurked be- hind his fair request, The raft was drifting all right, and while Ned went to the cabin Sol fol- lowed to the door, A moment later he looked back to the boat, and was just in time to see a startling change. In the boat lay considerable rubbish, and among other things there was a piece of canvas. And Sol was just in time to see this canvas quiver as if with life; then it was flung aside and aman emerged from under it. He leaped lightly to the raft, and Sol was dumfounded to see his old enemy, Jimmy Floc- ton, there, at liberty and full of triumph, It was hard to credit his own eyesight, for Jimmy had been taken away by Captain Twom- bly asa prisoner, but the arch enemy soon gave proof that he was a creature of reality. He came down upon the raftsmen with a bully- ing manner. “ve got you, this time!” he boasted. Sol found no words with which to answer, ‘¢T told you all the while you were stacking up against the wrong rooster, and it may be you are beginning to believe it. You haven’t got half a dozen men to back you up, now.” “T reckon I’m able ter back up myself!” Salt- peter Sol retorted. “Ob, you’re game; [ll allow that, but it’s just what lias got you into trouble. Boys should be seen, not heard; and you’ve been poking your nose into my business a good deal. Curse you! you shall repent it yet!” His air of triumph changed to one of deadly enmity, and Sol half expected an immediate attack. Nevertheless, he did not shrink with fear, ‘*T ll thank you ter get off my raft!” he de- clared, “Oh! you will?” seV on Oth ‘‘ Well, L sha’n’t go. This little job has been carefully, though suddénly, planned, and you are in for the war, You can’t order us around, and | doubt if you ever tell tales on us.” There was marked significance in the insinua- tion. “Tie a stone ter the little varmints, an’ drop ’em inter the river,” suggested Jimmy’s ally. “Not much; they might escape somehow, No; our policy is to fix them so they will never be able to blow on us!” CHAPTER XV. A FAMILIAR VOICE STRANGELY HEARD, Sou and Ned could not be blind to the mean- ing of these speeches, Even if past.events had not given them a elew to the scant mercy they might expect from Jimmy Flocton, the evil looks of the men, and their words, would have told a plain story. ‘ ‘As Flocton had said, it was not policy to let them testify agence him, and there was only one sure way 0 preventing it, It involved the perpetration of a monstrous crime. : ; “Say what ye will,” stubbornly argued Flocton’s ally, ‘* there ain’t no surer way than mine. When ye bind-a feller, tie a stone to him, an’ drop him in the river, how is he goin’ to git out an’ peach?” Saltpeter Sol rallied, ** You chaps are havin’ quite an amoosin’ time, ain’t ye?” he retorted, his voice far steadier than was to be expected. ‘Now, don’t you think ou kin intimidate us; we ain’t built that way. fore than this, we order you off from our raft!” ‘**Oh! you do, eh?” ~~“
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13 “cc T do,” * You—do?” ‘* Say, be you a parrot, or what’s yer species? Should say ye was half-wolf, half-porker, an’ three quarters dog, by the way ye yelp. Come down ter hoss-sense! I know you, Mr. J. Flocton, an’ don’t know no good of you. We don’t want you on ourraft. Skip!” ‘Now you’ve freed youre mind, I'll free mine,” steadily asserted Jimmy. ‘‘ You know me; perhaps you don’t know my friend. He’s Cole Jones, the fellow who escaped and swum the river, the night your gang captured me.” ‘*Can’t say I’m honored by knowin’ him,” ‘‘He’s with me now, body and boots; and we're here to pay off old debts. I owe you more than I ean tell of ilJ-will, and the hour of reckon- ey Pap come!” 6 advanced upon Sol, and Jones did the same in respect to Ned Sol caught up a club. ** Keep off!” he ordered. Jimmy did not obey; he sprung to close quar- ters, and, though he received a severe blow, seiz- ed upon the rattsman. It was another thing to conquer him, The struggle seemed very unequal, but Sol was thoroughly aroused, and he fought as he had never done before, Twice he tripped Flocton, but could not hold him; and several times he had writhed away from the seemingly unbreakable holds Jimmy gained upon him; but in the end, the out- laws were successful. Both the young navigators were bound, and the Flying Fish was in the hands of the enemy. The latter drew their boat up on the deck, and proceeded to do away with any tell-tale signs that might arouse the suspicions of chance ob- servers. The boys were carried inside the cabin, ‘Now for the treasure!” exclaimed Flocton, as they went out. And they scrambled up to the upper deck. ‘* Ned, I hope they’ll show us the ‘ treasure!’” Sol muttered, ‘* What are we to do?” ‘* Don’t see as we kin do anything.” ** Looks that way !” * Are your bonds tight?” “Tight! They cut hke knives!” **So do mine. I can’t possibly get out of them. Sol, we can’t expect help, so what are we going todo? Are we doomed?” ** Never say die, messmate! I don’t b’lieve we was born ter be wound up by sech p’izon snakes, like as ef we was clocks, Nary time! We'll beat ’em out, yet!” This cheerful view of the case was very much like Sol, but Ned Brampton knew that it was not based upon sound reasoning. The chances were very much against honest persons taking more than careless notice of the raft, and that ie? Ha to be the prisoners’ one hope. The captors had the will to do any deed of darkness, , Flocton and Jones were heard outside the cabin, Perhaps they thought their voices were not audible inside, but, if so, they were mis- oe The raftsmen could hear all that was said. . “Ts an innocent-looking thing,” Jones re- marked. ‘*That’s what the kids think.” ‘* Seems strange that it should be worth so much money. Didn’t your boss play a game on ye, when he hired yer?” ** Not much!” Jimmy asserted. ‘‘ Every dol- lar ’m to getis put up with a mutual friend, and even if any hoss gets left on this racket, I get my money just the same.” ‘*Ts this concern worth nothing to the kids?” ** Well, I should say so; it’s worth as much to Ned Brampton as to my boss,” “* How much, d’ye s’pose?” ** Ten thousand dollars, maybe!” Ned’s eyes opened wide with astonishment, ‘* Whew! that’s a pile o’ money!” commented Jones, in surprise almost equal to Ned’s, ‘‘ Be you sure it ain’t worth anything to us?” oe Yes.” ‘These boys are fools ter have handled ten énousand dollars, having it under their noses every day, an’ not suspect the fact.” The speakers moved further away, and no more was audible to the prisoners, but they would have given a good deal to know what the object of conversation was. They could not believe that Flocton was talking at Jones’s ex- pense, for he had made strenuous efforts to get the article, There must be cause for it, but what bad they on the raft that was of value? Having started everything into the desired channel, Flocton aud Jones kept the raft on its way in a systematic fashion, and would have Saltpeter Sol. passed for honest navigators with any one ex- cept those who knew that the Flying Fish be- longed to other persons. For along while they did not come near Sol and Ned, and the latter were left in uncertainty as to what the future had in store for them, Ned was, quite certain that Flocton would keep bis threat and kill them, while Sol was more hopeful, and regarded the threats as an effort to terrify them. Despite this alleged view cf the case, neither he por Ned could feel at ease. Flocton was evil enough to keep his word in this case, and it was only a question of whether he would run the — of making himself a candidate for tke gal- ows, One more conversation was overheard which threw light on the situation. The conspirators sat down near their former position and talked freely. ‘‘ Where d’ye s’pose old man Fordrest is now?” asked Jones, “Rushing around hap-hazard,” Jimmy an- swered, ‘* He never will see bis precious grand- son again.” ‘¢ Luck favored Brown, didn’t it? Now, ef he hadn’t known that repairs were bein’ made on the railroad, an’ that the train would hev to slack up, he wouldn’t ’a’ dared to take it, an’ the boy, Sol,.might hev run him down, That was lucky fact the first, Second, was when he jumped off the train with the kid at the place o’ repairs, Third, was when Fordrest sent his telegram to hev the train searched, an’ lo! Brown had already gone, Fourth, Fordrest lost all trace, an’ young Joe is still in Brown’s hands.” “I’m going to take chargeof him, and deliver him to my boss,” asserted Jimmy. ‘ I’ve made a pretty penny out of the kid, but the hue and cry has got to be too hot for comfort.” ‘Tl bet he will get nabbed yet.” ‘‘ fis hope lies in the fact that nobody sus- pects him,” ‘*It’s queer that he should hire you, a year ago, ter kidnap the boy, an’ now hire you ter steal this stuff from the raft, an’ the two jobs be a branch o’ the same game,” * Hush! not so loud!” ‘‘ The kids might hear you,” He arose, came to the cabin-door and looked in, There was nothing to betray the fact that Sol and Ned had heard him, ‘* Well, how do you like it?” he sneered, ‘* Boss,” Sol coolly answered. “Enjoy it while you can. We'll make port about dark, and then your case will be disposed of, He sauntered away, leaving the prisoners in new perplexity. In what way did an attempt torob them of a mysterious something connect with the abduction of Mr, Fordrest’s grandson, a year before? The riddle was too deep to be solved, The raft drifted on until the sun set and night began to fall. The manner of the river-pirates then changed, and they acted as if they were approaching their destination. Such was the fact, for, soon after it became fully dark, they headed for the east bank. Nearing it, the Flying Fish was run intoa sort of bay, which was well concealed by an island and a cape which lay at just the right point. After this, the raft was no longer visible from the river. The prisoners knew that something unusual was occurring, and listening attentively, heard and felt the raft brought up to land. Then followed the sound of voices, as if the landing bad been made among waiting friends. ‘* Kin they hev put into a village?” asked Sol. ‘They wouldn't be so reckless,” “*Should shy not; but them other folks—” ** Hark, Sol!” ‘© What is it?” ‘** I know that voice!” ** Who is it?” “Thomas Lake’s! Yes; as sure as you.live, it’s that of my guardian, who ran away with my money!” cautioned Flocton. CHAPTER XVI. THE CRISIS. Nep was in a state of sudden excitement, and listened eagerly for audible words outside, but some one there had become cautious. The con- versation was continued in a voice so low that noming was to be overheard. ‘ Finally, even the murmur of voices ceased, and nothing showed that any One except them-, selves remained on the Flying Fish. “Kin it be,? Sol asked, thougbtfully, “that | do your ex-zuardeen is at the bottom of all this mischief?” ‘Why should he be?’ Ned returned. ‘‘ Who else would be likely ter know there was vallorbles in the cargo you thought almost worthless?” ‘‘There’s something in that.” ‘““Bf the voice you heerd was reelly Thomas Lake’s, you kin put it down fur a fack that he’s in the racket.” ““f thought he must have gone to Canada, after robbing me.” ‘‘ Did you mention his name ter Fordrest!” ‘‘T am not sure, but I think not.” ‘“ Wal, here we be, in Jimmy Pirate Kidd’s own lair, an’ I don’t see what’s ter save us, Ef he says ‘* Walk the plank!’ off we go in old-time pirate style. Ef he sees fit ter sink us, with a stone tied to us, ez was pleasantly suggested, I don’t see ez we kin do any more than ter be re- conciled ter being mermaids, I presoom we might amoose ourselves fur awhile by equintin’ inter a lookin’-glass an’ ccmbin’ our auburn tresses with a corral comb, ’cordin’ ter mermaids’ fashion; but I’ve an idee it would get p’izon monotonous, arter awhile,” Another half-hour elapsed without sounds outside, and then what little light entered the cabin by the door wassuddenly shut out as some one appeared there, The person seemed to hesitate, but the boys remained silent. “Is any one here?” finally asked a low, tremulous voice, and it was plainly that of a woman, ** We're here!” Sol admitted. The woman sprung down the steps. ‘“‘ Speak your names!” she directed, hurriedly, F Ned Brampton and Sol Wayne.” ‘* Thank Heaven! you still live!” “Say!” cried Sol, in sudden excitement, 00 you Eliza Burch?” “Hush! not so loud! Where are you? Let m2 cut your bonds. It may cost me dear, but I will not see you killed!” The Jast words were in a soliloquizing way, as if she spoke only to herself, but her hands were at Sol’s wrists, already. 4 ‘“By George! you’re a trump, Eliza!” he de- clared. There was no answer, but she used a knife so skillfully that both were soon free, ‘*T hope I can get you away,” she then said, ‘¢ and there is no time to be lost. Follow me!” She flitted out of the cabin, and they fol- lowed, The deck had no other occupant, She sprung to the land, led the way up a bank, and paused in the shadow of some trees. Sol looked further and saw a light, ‘¢ That’s a house, ain’t it?” “Yes, but, of all places, you must not go there. Do you know that your very lives are in danger?” j ‘* We ought ter.” ‘* Your enemies are thero!” ** Kliza, you’ve tooken a big resk for us, but we ain’t ungrateful. We'll be yer friends, for- ever,” ‘*T could not see you murdered.” ‘Did they really mean to?” “‘ They are talking it over, but I do not doubt what the result will be, But you must foil them; you must flee, at once. See! That is the direc- tion for you ter take.” ** But what o’ yourself” ‘“‘Never mind me.” “Ido mind you! When they find us gone they'll know who did it, fur they’re suspicious on ye already; an’ theyll do ye mischief.” ‘They can do no more than kill me!” the girl replied, with the calmness of despair, ‘But they ain’t goin’ ter do that!” Sol de- clared, sturdily. ‘‘We know you hev gota good heart, Eliza, an’ we'll stick by them who sticks by us,” ‘‘T am Jimmy’s wife.” ; “That don’t alter it; go with us, and git among honest folks, who'll help ye. Come!” “No! You go at once; I have other work to ‘** What?” ; ‘Ty yonder house is a boy who is held a pris- oner, and I fear for him, I am going to take him and flee, They will soon be on my track, but I hope to put him in the hands of some kon- est persou—I pray that I may find an officer of law—before my enemies overtake me.” «Ts the boy little Joe Fordrest?” pete: a ‘“‘Then count us in fur the move ter save him, Don’t tell us ter go, fur we can’t do it now. We'll all hang tergether, Eliza; and ]’ll bet we'll win the game!” : Eliza protested. She did uot see how any one
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could help her, and was unwilling that Sol and Ned should run any risks. She arged them to consider their own safety only, and get away as soon as possible. This they refused to do, and she finally ielded, She said that, besides two women and oseph, the occupants of the house were Jimmy, Cale Jones, Ross Brown and a gentlemanly- looking man to whom all looked for orders, Of course, this was Thomas Lake. ; Having arrived at a decision, no time was ie lost, They moved toward the house “48 a cir- : cuitous route, taking great pains not to be seen, a When opposite one of the windows Eliza Wy Pa Tot me see whether the men are all here,” a she directed. ‘‘ Wait a moment!” | ' She went to the window. The lower sash was raised, and the curtain pulled allof the way down. She moved it sufficiently to get a view, and saw Flocton, Jones, Brown, and Lake seat- ed at a table. They had just finished supper, and were drinking liquor in high spirits, ** Fill up well, lads,” Lake was saying. ‘* We have disagreeable work ahead of us to-night, and we can get fresh courage from every drink we take.” “ We haven’t settled how many we wipe out, yet,” suggested Brown, ‘Oh! the three boys will be enough; we don’t want to disgrace ourselves,” ii say, add Eiiza!” growled Flocton, with a scowl. *‘I tell you there is mischief in that wo- man. She never was a willing helper, and was iven to whimpering over her work; and the seven devils are in her lately. I suspect her; I suspect that she’s going to give me the dead shake, I tell you, our safety demands that we ____ sacrifice Eliza. Living, she may betray us; i Ag I ae ’ =? dead, she will be harmless!” ma A cold chill crept over Eliza, and her head ss grew ‘dizzy. If she had been freezing in bitter + ~—-weatber, and numbed of body and brain, the De (a Os effect could not have been greater. __ “She's your wife, Jim,” Lake replied, ‘* and es eo _Isuppose you have a right to say, but she ought | tohaveachance, Let this decide it!” De Ans He took a coin from his pocket. ey ie ‘**Say when it’s in the air!” be directed, and ee gt ey oy Se up. mis _ * Heads!” cried Jimmy, | hae The coin fell. rp __ *Bully!? added the ruffian; * I’ve won, Now, _ | keep you still, Lake, and let me have my way.” 7 Bo “Twit” | | _ Eliza turned from the window, sick at heart. | his cool, careless way of bartering her life | — away wasastepininfamy which words could | —__ put poorly describe, but, severe as the blow was, ' | «jt strengthened her resolution; she saw that she had moved none to soon, ae * Follow me!” she directed, as she rejoined Sol and Ned, and they passed to the rear of the ogee Se. ‘ at Now,” Bliza added, “I will go and get the poy. Remain here, and be sure and do nothing to cause trouble.” Shc entered the house, Sol and Ned were ina highly expectant state that was not free from nervousness, All depend- ed upon Eliza, and they were useless for the time, Riven if Joseph had been outside, they did not ~_ know in which direction to flee with him, ) ' “Ducky we've got Eliza fur a helper,” Sol declared. . we if “T hopeshe won't be caught. ae ee Don't mention sae belief ord aa hair rise up “od Gangs, Uf 7° oes & ed, our name is Dennis u Several minutes passed, and abe boys grew Eareneys tai d they feared sh absence was suspicious, a0 y ‘eared she had met with, trouble Still they waited; still she remained absent. : When oranges ceased to be a virtue, Sol agai ilence: ¥ ve Sitigee here Nod, we've got ter de somethin’ !” ** What can we do?” “ ‘“‘Pll gointer the wigwam. __,, ath S =n youre isd; don’t do a 2 sf - must. 6 won’t gain consciences by neglectin’ Eliza an’ pe gp oot guess that Juck will stan’ by me wi! rD P up-stairs. I'll try it, anyhow. “ Wait a little louger,” urged Ned. A ro let esi moesen it in motion? they ma, n motion, now. ~ “Ned it's no. use; duty demands me ter _ makea break. I'm off!” aay ae va Mam aie door and oo em pore sage _ him go wi my emotion. He and J cae himself, but, less reckless he knew that gre: danger lay inside, vs serps ulone, One minut y yt J te—two Saltpeter Sol. —three. Where was Sol? great start. A loud ery had sounded from the house, Suddenly he gavea CHAPTER XVII. FRIENDS AND FOES MEE? THE cry was one of pain or alarm, or both, and it was that of a woman, Ned heard other sounds immefliately after that; heavy footsteps and loud voices, and it became evident that the dreaded catastrophe had come, Ned did not hesitate as to his partin the affair, Saltpeter Sol was there, and he would not desert his friend. He opened the door and entered the house. There was a noise up-stairs as if two or more persons were struggling, and he went up two steps atatime. Reaching the top, he saw an open door, and, in the room beyond, Sol and Eliza were contesting with Cale Jones. Ned sprung to the rescue and neatly tripped the ruffian, and the two fell upon the fellow so heavily that he was stunned. This was easily seen as they arose. Eliza darted into the next room, and came out with Joseph in her arms, The imperiled party turned to retreat, but as they did so, Lake, Flocton and Brown rushed into the room, Jimmy broke into a Joud laugh, ** Nabbed in the act, by Judas!” he cried, He turned upon Eliza with a dangerous look. “You traitress!” he hissed, ‘‘ you have sealed your own fate! Upon them, Brown, and knock them over like ten-pins!” ‘* Down with them!” Lake added. The men moved forward, and utter destruc- tion seemed to confront Eliza and her young friends, but help, little expected, was at hand. A loud shout arose behind the would-be assail- ants: ** Halt! you scoundrels! peril!” And Edmund Fordrest stood in the room with Hiil and several other men at his back, ** Arrest these villains!” he added, pointing to Flocton and his gang. The latter were taken wholly by surprise, and the nerve of one deserted him at this crisis; Lake did not make a movement, but stood like one stupefied, Flocton and Brown rushed for- ward to fight their way through, but the odds were against them; they were overpowered and bound, Thea Fordrest caught Joseph in bis arms, : Saved! saved!” ha cried, joyfully. Saltpeter Sol gravely shook Ned’s hand, Messmate, I guess we’re pooty near O, K., all hunk, right side up with care, an’ / pluri- bus !” he asserted. _Fordrest turned to address the boys, but the sight of Eliza’s wan face attracted his attention. ** My girl," he said, “1 think I am right in believing you with us in this?” “‘She’s a baked brick, an’ no discount,” Sol asserted, ‘She saved Ned an’ me, an’ was tryin’ ter do the same fur Joseph.” ‘I suspected as much, Young woman, you shall never regret having been on the side of jus- Stony I will be your igend and protector, and aid you to lead an konest life. “I don’t deserve it,” murmured Eliza, righ stole your grandson—” ‘Were you not led on _ ** Yes, but that does not excuse me. “T have been told that, since he was lost, you have been his protector. However much I re- gret the past, £ ait not so harsh as to be unable to forgive one who repents.” The girl bursted into tears. | ‘* T deserve nothing,” she reiterated, " ‘« She was good to me, and I like her,” deposed young Joseph. . Piste ‘* Enough!” cried Fordrest, happily. After that testimony, there is but one thing to do, You are forgiven; you shall be saved, _ Once mors he turned, caught sight of Thomas Ake, Started and exclaimed: , Andrew Morse!” Lake was speechless, So it is you!” uttered the previous speaker, in amazement, * Now, I know to whom all our troubles are due, and ‘the cause thereof. Not content with robbing my poor son, 2nd trying to put him in the hands of caer, your malignanc we cpt you further, Scoundrel! I see all, n ‘He hired me to have the boy, Joseph, stolen!” interrupted Jimmy Flocton, eager, as cornered kaaves usually are, to shift the burden of blame from his own shoulders. _ “And yor, villain that you were, had an un- fortunate girl do your work! I want no confes- Touch them at your sion from you, for you are to be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Sheriff, please take your prisoners below. We want to see what is there.” This direction was obeyed, and all were soon in the kitchen, On arriving there Ned saw, with some sur- prise, an old valise upon a chair which had a once been his father’s, and which had been va part of the Flying Fish’s cargo, He was re- | : garding it with an inquiry in his mind when Eliza came to his side. “That has been the cause of all the attacks on \ you,” she explained, gen ‘But why? Of what value is it” ‘*‘Tt contained papers very valuable to Lake, or Andrew Morse, or whatever his name is, au They were there; he dared not go for them; he 7 again hired Jimmy, but you had started q on the raft before Jimmy reached your home. Determined to have them, be disguised himself Peet as a tramp, one night, and attacked you on the Pe raft, He failed. af “Then he got me to help him, thinking the 7 presence of @ Woman would keep you from sus- pecting him. Ouralleged upset in the boat was all planned, and, according to orders, I burned & newspaper aS soon as it was sure you were to nf take us in, to notify Brown, who was watching am on shore,” om ‘¢ A few words from me are necessary,” put : in Mr. Fordrest, ‘‘ Lake, under the name of Andrew Morse, went into business with my son, The firm failed at the end of a year, owmg 4 many, and having defrauded many, It was q ately, proved that my son—since deceased—was, we innocent, but the blame was put where it bes if longed, - ‘Morse had disappeared, and has thus far escaped justice, but his day is over. e stole a me great deal of money from the firm, but why he a took my grandson is not clear to me.” — é ve “Tt was to get money from you, sir,” Eliza a explained, ‘‘ but :you searched so closely that he 4 has never dared apply.” ' ‘Well, well, there is sunlight ahead, and I ny owe it all to you and these brave boys, Sol and att Ned. Rest assured that I will not forget the Sn debt!” be “a M4 The mystery of tho valise was solved. Under 4 the lining Lake had put papers by which he a hoped to get money in the future. When he a left bis home, after defrauding Ned, he took what he thought was the valise, buf a resem- blance deceived him, and he took the wrong one, q Valuable the papers might have been, if he bad lel had chance to use them, but Flocton and his. a allies had an exaggerated view of their value, oa As it was, Lake never used them, a At his trial it was shown that he had long: ae lived a double life, as well as an evil one, an oe he received a long term in prison. Some of his x companions there are well known to the reader, ‘ae for they include Brown, Jones, Mother Hooper a and Flocton, all of whom wenf there to stay a long time, but death cut Jimmy’s sentence short.. on Tom Hill having done so nobly, was put in rh the way of living an honest life, which he did, ea!) faithfully, , a It was impossible to make Eliza take a place Am in the Fordrest family, but a good situation was oe obtained for her by the old gentleman, and he at insists on looking to her welfare even now, ee She is honest, prosperous, and far from un- happy. ( Mother Hooper’s sister, the invalid, was also Fake, cared for satisfactorily. 4 v4 The Fordrest family remains united and happy. Joseph is now almost a man in years and so his grandfather is prouder of him if possible, than of Caslina, _ P Vi The family often gocruising in the resurrected Me Dancing Dervish, whereof Twombly is captain _ | and Nixon wate, but the Flying Fish rever 5 made a second voyage. | It was broken up at the point where Flocton landed it, and sold for a what it would bring. £ Sol and Ned stepped suddenly from poverty ; to what they considered affluence, Mt Fordrest took them in charge, and, as he had fn more mouey than he knew how to spend, he ae showered it upon them, Declaring that he saw ae inthem the material for successful business men, he gave them an education in books and in busi- nem and wa cone =e i i when they were Old enough for real work, they were well fitted for it, vit | They are in business now, as partners, and: in the midst of their prosperity they often speak of the days when they navigated the raft and con- tested with the kidnappers, | THE END, Tere Nt 7 . _ ; Rate ry ria, >
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i ti titi ii LO Oe cell te te iiaaniel ee SEM ee ee eee ees S aa Je beat ree ae gee wens eee OS AMERIC AN STORY PAPER. SUR soci: a sate 6 S'S SO 6A6"> O70 "S'S ' 6 .0'- 8.6 90 9 0:5 0° 9"9 O'S a Nel eel el Nl Nc Nel Nl tl le eet Sis OY 6 OVS Or S06 6"O-e | Always Pure! The Best Weekly Pe agi) Wetalare cer eet a imoros| thay st Published i in America! Always Original! = Its Corps of Contributors Unrivaled! == a eet Almost all of whom write exclusively for its publishers—embrace the following popular authors: SS Col, Prentiss Ingraham, Col. B. Z. C. Judson (Ned Buntline), O11 Coomes, Albert W. Aiken, Hon. Wm. F. Cody (Buffalo Bil), Ckarles Morris, ma Joseph E. Badger, Jr.. Major Dangerfield Burr, Philip 8S. Warne, ae Major Sam 8. Hall (Buckskin Sam), eo Kdward Willett, Capt. Fred Whittaker, Edward L. Wheeler, J. ©. Cowdrick, Wm, R. Eyster, T. C0. Harbaugh, Eben E. Rexford, Wm. H. Manning, Frank Triplett, A. F. Holt, H. H. Johnson, Wm. S. Gidley, K. F. Mill, Henri Montcalm, Al. W. Crowell, Jo Pierce, H, S. Keller, Weldon J. Cobb, e qe to > Best P T0gy IN ALL THE ss Tne INTERESTING AND ATTRACTIVE FIELDS OF Border, Interior, and Wild West Romaace— Adventure, Exploration, and Sport—- Life on the Great Plains— Life op the Ranches— Life in the Mines— Life in the Wilderness— City Life Character, Courts and Ways— Detective and ‘Shadow’ Revelations— Stories of the Great Deep, ete. = Published at the Following Rates : = | Hence, each and every number overflows with the most interesting and exciting matter, while in its several SPECIaX, _ ding to the Z. Bor Four Months - - - *= 7° * * $1.00 DEPARTMENTS answering all the needs, and ad Blt PO ras ON a LT .. egaete Cy viata ree general interest and usefulness of, the strictly popular 4f//| {i 00 DB! DE ies re for GOO ALN OS : journal, To" BANNER WuxxEx.y is the paper’ . , i th Single Sopemne i-*' yer) Sno =) te BON others for good reading and entertainment. yy : SOLD BY ALL NEWSDEALERS, ASA; J nae tees esses eseseess ese esees eee ssssesesessessset esse estas teste eee : Sa a ; se wiuiaw st. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, NEW YORK.
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4 BY PHILIP 8. WARNE, Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Kattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Caprain Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. Dexpard, the Duellat; oz, The Mountain Vompires. A ‘Yough Boy 3 or, The Dwartf’s Revenge. Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen, * Littic Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, Little Shoo-KF Ly 3 or, A Race fora Ranch, Little Leather-Breeches 3 or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, Little Aly Sing or, The Curse of Blood, Colorado Kate. A Tale of the lines. 480 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Purds to the Rescue, 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Cld Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 598 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton 3 Légacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-C oat Scout, 648 Happy Harry’s Big Find, 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special, 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 Be oulns; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance, 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine, 49 Milo Romer, the Animal King; ory Round the World. 65 The Tiger Tamer ; or, The League of the Jungle. B81 Black ick, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trail. BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Nall.) 284 Old Roeky’s ** Boyees; or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker. 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack; or, Giant George’s Pard. 97 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. 07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 18 Ker-w yo Ker-whoo}; or, The Tarantula of Taos, 27 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards. B82 Frio Fred}; or, The Tonkaway’s Trust, B44 The Fighting Trio}; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. B49 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. BST The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. B64 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger. B75 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. 414 The Dalsy from Denver. 427 The Three Tratlers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo. 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giant BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Aaa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alt’; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282°The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp, > Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. Bil The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 2 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 0 Clip the Contortionist: or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY J, ©. COWDRIOCK, 860 Silver-M } Mystery. B6Y Shasta, the hold Hine, Pas th Seven Years Dead. rH Othe ectiye’s A Prentice; or, wars reas a Name. mS ohn} or, -Hot Times at Ante Bar. ane Tandy Sam, the Street ? wren 4 « the Daisy Dude. 490 Broadway Billy, the " 506 Redlight Ralph, the hi eas, 514 Broadway Billy's Boodle. Bb Bhs nate cg sie ‘4 . 548 Mart, the Might Stee i ah 657 Broadway Billy’s Death Racket. 571 Avr lahinnes ae Young Engineer. e ; a4 The Boy Pinkerton.” Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. G05 by pacer Srarey eae The Boy Detoctive’s Big Inning. , hained Cyclone, 628 Broadway Billy’s Dend Act, 640 Barebs ek Rete. . Sentaur of the Circle, BAP Lspevaiter iN, the Stans Wok G59 Moontighy Billy Abroad," Ma» of Ante Bar. BY JO PIERCE, > the Bowery or, The Prince of Mulbe ats The Vagabond Lig mentee ior, Bowary falberty Street the Street- wi : 460 ie ee eh Shadow; or, Luke’s Le : 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. Kacy, Young Ferryman Detective, 509 ' e Butcher Boy Detective, eens ey oc, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 588 Jack-o-Lantern, the U €O8 Wide-Awake Bert, the Stree 614 Whistling hocos: the Detective’s Ald. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver- BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout. 806 Neck.1Ty 4 Out Pards. 846 eppicr ; al $3 or Dlg fly -ordsmen of Zacatecas, ae y Rockies. B98 Kid-Glove Bie oe aney ot tee ithe Gold King. pas Mad Man-Hunter ; or, The Golden Gulch Mystery. 505 owell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY HARRY 8ST. GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Ranger. ! “ Rat tin Pe oy at The Nighihaw is 5 Kentucky. r, Pandy Ellia’s Scalp. 108 La Re ls af, The Trail of the Border Wolf. 1 3 or, The T: Brigade’s Spy. 472 Thunderbolt Tom $ or, the V BiLHerder, . BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 1 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 6 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 9 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Buoy Pard,. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 ‘Taos ‘Ted, tae Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective, 515 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 ‘Ehe Dread Ridery or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Tuos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner}; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Mandy; or, Dandy Rock to the Reseue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The Haunted Mald of Taos, BY CAPT. J. F, ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol}; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West, 564 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whiffies’s Pets; or, Ir Tha Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scout of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods, 81 Lightning Jo, the Terror of the Prairie. 85 Buck Buckram ; or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizzly and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntress, 251 Light-house Lige}; or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 257 The Lost Hunters; or, The Underground Camp, 238 The Scalp King ; or, The Human Thunderbolt. BY ROGER STARBUOK. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Jank, the Old Tar. 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floea. 848 Fire-Meels; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow. 854 Big Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp}; or, The Odd Pards, 861 The Phantom Lijht-house. , 870 Breaker Ben, the Reef-Runner, BY WILLIANM '. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke}; or, The Tigers 6f High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY COLONEL DELLE SARA, 108 The Lion of the Sea3 or, The Vailed Lady. 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler’s Big Game, BY JAMES L. BOWEN 107 One-Eyed Sim; or, The Abandoned Forest Home. 110 The Black Steed of the Prairies, A Story of Texas. BY ©. DUNNING CLARK. 185 Captain Pauly or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains, 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shoreef. BY GEORGE ©, JENKS, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor, 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. DYS Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detective; or, The Last Cruise ofthe Black Bear, BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR JU. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Pilly, the Boy Bullwhacker, 194 Buffalo BUls Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. LY CHARLES E. LASALLE, 50 Burt Bunker, the Trapper. 62 The White Butfalo. A Tale of the Northwest BY JOIN J. MARSHALL. 40 Roving Ben. A Story of a Young American, 97 The Outlaw Brothers; or, The Captive of the Harper, BY WM. G PATTEN, 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain mystery 5 or, Five in One. B81 Daley ware the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spor. 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective, 66% Violet Vane’s Victory. BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. $01 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 8 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Young Champion Wrestler. 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective, 880 Avalanche AIf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 30 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 21 ‘xne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Munted Hunter}; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Muge Munter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers The Mounts 3 or, The Mountain Monster, 288 Indian Joe; or, Wes White Spirit of the Hills, 190 Th BY FRANK DUMONT. ¢ Branded Hand}; or, The Man of Mystery. yt § ¥ 4-Fire, the Boss of the Road. get 1 neue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rosky Bar., 185 Evil Dan 3 or, The Rival Leagues. ©% or, The Vultures of the Rio Grande, 256 You By CAPT. MARK WILTON. ne Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso. 270 Bliz 3 or, 986 Josh, the Hey wenderfuots “x BY BRACEBRIDGE NHEMYN@. 91 The Gap prt Pet of the Family. acs 101 Jack Markaway in New Yorke BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 4 mine Dicks or, The Yellow Chief’s Vengeance. 87 The Land Pirates: or, The League of Devil's Island, 187 The Helpless Han 3 or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide: or, The Los} Mountain, i! Ly z BEADLE'’S« H ALF? DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Vellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 8 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, Te Outlaw’s Retreat, 5 Wurricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, Mustang Sam ¢ or, The King of the Plains. Night-ltaw k Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. The Black Glant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers ; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path, 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks, 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City, 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Riders or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide 855 The King ot the Wooda: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trail, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Tratler. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers, 66 Single Hand; or, A Life for a Life. 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger, 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete's Scoop, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea orestenss 0s, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway ; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Traller; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Oaptain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY HARRY HAZARD. 828 Arkansaw Jack}; or, The Scourge of the’Mines, B29 Red-Skin romh or, The Demon’s Trail, 842 The Mountain Devil; or, Yellow Jack, the Outlaw, BY COL, A. F. HOLT. 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 Glants of Nowhar’. A498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Lack, bB7? Old Buckeye, tho Sierra Shadow. 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-Shots. ATS Tangemund, the Desert Detective. 542 The Canyon Parda. BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowle Kid, 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, Ki 621 Truthful James, the ‘ Pecoollar’ Man, BY LIEUT, A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactua, the Chaparral Cock, 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 689 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 601 Ha py Mana, the Dutch Vidoeq. 611 Bilan 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. O57 W arbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Munters, By Capt, Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Orusoe, (27 Illustrations.) : 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan vewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By 8S, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen, By F 8. Finn, BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. | By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Rives: or, The Underground Camp, By A.C. Irons, 95 The Rival Rovers; or, Tho Freebooters of the Missiasippt, By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Cabaner Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- i. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Ru e, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. “ d Hantery; or, "he Cave of Death, By Burton Saxe, 2 The Mote Texan; or, The Young Champion, By George 128 wine wounds Privateer}; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp son Mail 227 Dusky Darrell ae sa The Green Ranger of the Yel- . By Edwar . 1 vorgus Fearnaught the Now York Boy. By G. L. Alken. Cr 366 Killb ar, the one! or, Davy Crockett’ cooked Trail. ‘J By En - The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- ) tenant A 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris, d-Dust Toms or, Ben’s Doubla Match. By G. H, Moree, ore California Joe’s First Trail, By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery. tilly Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop, at Hie Black Shi “4 By John 8 Warner, re 484 Comanche Dick and Mis Three Invincibles, By Honrvd. omas, 1 W izard-Arm, the Dandy Sport. By Arthur F. Hol pet Tne Cowboy Duke, by kawin Brooke Forrest, BS2 Ariel the Athlete. By David Druid, BSS Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton, 682 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton A New Issue Every Tuesday, The Half-Dime Library !s for sale by all eontas per copy, or sent by mai! on receipt o: alx Sve Le Treg apa i: BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, A 98 William Street, New York,
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—: beer a a ne ——— eee —— _% heal BEADLE’S* ] ALF- DIME* IBRARY. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Dispuise; or, Buffalo Ben. 85 Wilda Ivan, the Boy Claude Duval, 2 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity Jane, the Heroine. ZT Deadwood Dick’s Last Act; or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville, 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 138 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 8 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 Dendwood Dick’s Dream; 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 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide 3 or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Rainy Days in the Dig- inga. B51 feadwood Dick Sentenced}; or, The Terrible Vendetta. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick In Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonda, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. ‘ AAS Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Defiance; or, Nickel-Plate Ned, 458 Deadwood Bick, Jr's, Full Hand, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s. Big Round-Up. 465 Dendwood Dick, Jr’s. Racket at Claim 10, A771 Deadwood Dick, Jr's. Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. A76 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 Diggings ; or, Dr. Death-Grip’s Swoop, 5608 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 Vidocq, 549 Deadwood Dick on Ifis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Philadelphia, 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Afloat. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Denver, 690 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 Dendwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada. 680 Dendwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land. 686 Dendwood Dick, Jr. After the Queer, 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Buffalo. 648 Dendwood Dick, Jr’a. Chase Across the Continent, 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Among the Smugglers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Insurance Case, 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Durango} or, “ Gathered In.” 1 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, 68 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold. Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob: or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob's Reappearance. 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye 3 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. ; 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Oaptain Ferret, the New York Detective, 161, New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 17% Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, ISL 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 Billy the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista, 258 Sterra Saim’s Seven}; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 201 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B25 Kelley, Hickey & Co.,, the Detectives of Philadelphia. B80 Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka 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 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler, No Double Numbers, Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. ~ . 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Bucean er; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. 75 The Boy Duellst; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 02 Dick Dead-Eye, the 1 The Sen-Devil $ or, pACY, iy Ms o'} Z 16 The Ihussar Captain 3 or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 97 Little Grit ; or, Becla; the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume 3 or, The Kid-Glove Sport. 216 Bison BIll, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport 3 or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 245 Merle, the Middy ¢ or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer 3 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, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, 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 Kover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island, 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom. $98 Seawall, 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-Cloua’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 Uaphazard parry 3 or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WAI: or, The Boy Ferret of New York, 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Gulde; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, ; 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster, 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Wil)’s Last Case. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revoiver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe 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, 611 The Outinwed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 5830 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, ) 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte, 550 Lafitte’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 of the 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’s Man Hunt, 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccancer Midshipman, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hen. Wm. F. Cody), 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, ‘Ihe Pilot of the Prairie, 55. Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 WIII Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Petes 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 Bessa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 57 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 62 Will Wildfire in the Wooda, 65 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. TO A Tramp Cardy; or, Wil! Wildfire Wins and Loses, 74 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, 79 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 88 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge 8? Fred IMalyard, the Life Boat Bov; or, The Smugglers. 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy, 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail. 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoronghored. j 805 Dashaway, of Daketa; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, $24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe} or, A Goy of the Times 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods ot the Boulevard, 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective- 428 The Lost Finger}; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolf in the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator, 66% Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. eee a * == Sa ia ce apelinalll BY OLL COOMES, 5 Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew, 8 The Dumb Spy. Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Keen-Kuilfe, the Prince of the Prairies, Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. eH OIever mee ee | Mawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger.) ’ i Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 1 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. ; 1 Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, ) 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 4 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Wurricane, the Boy Captain, 1 202 Prospect Pete 3 or, The Young Outlaw Hunterte } 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’sa Castle. 228 Little \ ‘ildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 2838 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger, (i 248 The Disguised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Rangor, 4 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger, 72 Minkskin' Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon ; or, Ruinbolt, the Ranger, 884 Whip-hing 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 Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur, 457 Wingedtoot Fredy} or, Old Polar Saul, ; 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. fy. 5662 Blundering Baall, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance, 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance, “f 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. BY T. C. HARBAUGIE, * 8 A? 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr.3 or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Tr er, the Sport; or, The Girl Avengers 169 Tornado Tom} or, Injun Jack From Red Cores 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw; or, The Queen of Fate's Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, * 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Red Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, The Roughs of the Rockto 255 Captain Apoli:, me King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch}; or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards; or, The Terror o! Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Red Thunderbolt’s Secret. 856 Cool sam and Par’: or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 886 Captain Cutlass ¢ or, he Brceaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Laaso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Fellx 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 Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox's Hunt. a 47? The Exceisior Sport} or, The Washington Spotter, ' 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night verret. j 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Pick’s Best Dodge. lows 528 Fox and Falcons og as abe 88 Pick, the Doc et. Bas Dolece Dicks Pouble; or, The Rival Boy Detectives, } \ 558 Dodger Dick's Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq, 578 The Two Shadow me 5S2 Dodger Dick’s Drop. ‘ BOA 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 Shadower, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 678 Malph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective, By- P : ot, or - > Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. By Col, rentiss Ingraham. - , 675 Broadw ay Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francisco's, nest. By J, C. Cowdrick. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout; or, The Tussle at the Big Bonanza. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. iad Chincapin Dan's Second Reals or, The Baffled Black awk’s Fate. By Joseph E. Badger, “f- Heyes Se 678 Deadwood Dick, J r’s., Diacoverys or, Found s doriune, By Edward L. Wheeler. 679 The Sea Shadower} Col. Prentisa Ingraham. 680 Dauntless Dan, the By Ol] Coom s. a as * . 681 The Pitcher Detecttys ye aneones Teseeljiay Double Curve Dan's Deac ¢ Se et pee ade °oo Wild Vule the Lone-Ranger Rider, By Wm, G. Patten. is ~~ Enemy. By Jo Pierce. ; E Ae . 684 Deadwood Dicky Jr-'«, Darzles or) The Nemesis of | Jutmeg Bonanza. By + aba 685 pha gp the oF annsicine cn ye or, Breaking” area Sriler’s Web. By T. C. Harbangh. 686 Sanaa: the Ocean A bs Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. i . 687 Broadway, Bory jn Clovers or, The Ruction at Lake 688 Chincayht’ apts Htome Scretch s or, The Conspirqtore } Y %g Land. By Jos, adger, Jr, of No het! Sept mber 30, é : 7 689 BMY, tHe TPT ae K. Sane Oot oe MINT yea. vy -K. § x ; as Ready October 7. : A New Tasue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library ts for aale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 3 ¥8 William Street New York. ha The Freebeotir’s Legacy. By Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadfa,