Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 714) (1891 03 31)
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‘ AN XK WO Qs IY X SS {Nat Cia Semel HUI FOU Ta Vata it Mh ult sl lal | 1 lal | | | hem! | inl «| inl <a Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., at Second Class Mail Rates. Copyright 1891, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, March 31, 1891. No. 7174. 3. B Cents. WOLXXVIII, ( “he Mystery of the Mountain League, A Strange Story of Southwest Colorado, BY WILLIAM G. PATTEN, AUTHOR OF ‘DISMAL DAVE’S DANDY PARD,” ““CAPTAIN MYSTERY,” ‘!OLD BOMBSHELL,” ETO., ETC., ETC. CHAPTER I. THE MYSTERIOUS MOUNTAIN PROPHET. A few years after the close of the Civil Wara party of emigrants pusbed far down into South- western Colorado and made a final halt in a == == lovely valley, through which flowed one of the ————— EE —— ok - aime 6 tributaries of theSan Juan River. There, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE THE HUNTED GIRL TOLD HER STORY, AND BOTH OLD MISERY amid the mountain wilds, they discovered a AND HIS DOG LISTENED WITH INTEREST
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—€ 2 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. beautiful and fertile country, which was well adapted for grazing and agriculture, Indeed, the little valley in which they decided to settle was so piccuresque and beautiful that Ethna Lakeman gave it the name of ** Eden Vale,” and the entire party accepted the title. The emigrauts were nearly all Southern people who, when the war was ended, found their for- tunes vanished and their future prospects look- ing decidedlv uninviting and gloomy. Believ- ing that the South was irreparably ruined, they had seized the first opportunity that, with their | limited means, enabled them to move from the war-blackeued land. Major Hugh Lakeman, whose daughter bad named the vaJley where they finaily balted, bad been an officer in the Southern army: and was the instigator of the emigration scheme, in which he was joined by many of bis friends and neighbors. His wife and only child accompanied him, together with a oung negro called ** Skibo,” who had begged on is knees not to be left behind by ‘‘ Missy Efna.” ’ Ethna Lakeman was a beautiful and accom- plished girl of eighteen who had the dark hair and liquid-black eyes of a Southern maid to- gether with the pink cheeks and ripe red lips that made her a picture fair to look upon. Her perfect contour of figure would have delighted the eye of an artist, and her every move and ose were natural and graceful, Like most Bases girls of that time, she was an accom- plished horsewoman, and her persistent riding had done much to add to her natural grace and good looks, She bad a musical voice which was usually regulated to a low pitch, but when she wished she could utter a clear and ringing shout that would reach a,remarkable distance. She was not afraid of firearms and could handle rifle or revolver with a fair degree of skill. She was idolized by her parents and admired and loved by all wbo knew her, There was another girl with the emigrants who was a little younger than Ethna, a little less re- fined and a little wilder. She was accompany- ing her father into the wilds, her mother having been dead for many years, which probably ac- counted for her hoydenish ways. But, although all of Maggie Renan’s acts could not have been called ladylike, still there was a certain in- fectious jollity about them all that served better than an apology and kept her from being of- fensive at any time. Indeed, so merry-hearted was the sprightly little creature that the people of the party caNed her “Merry Maggie,” a name which seemed quite appropriate, Magyie could ride a horse as well as Ethna, and could climb a tree a great deal better. During thé long march toward the setting sun the two girls were almost constantly together, and, despite Maggie’s wild ways, Ethna became atly attached to the gay-spirited maid, And Teevip laugbingly asserted that Etbna was ** just boss,” But Ethna was discerning enough to see that her little friend was the possessor of a fiery temper when it was oncs aroused. The emigrants were extremely fortunate in reaching Eden Vale without any trouble of a serious nature befalling them, and they set about building cabins there in the heart of the towering mountains, all being light-hearted and cheerful. The sounds of the ax, hammer and saw, mn pre with the merry voices of tae women and children and the songs of the laboring men, resounded through the once \ valley and must have startled the grim old mountains so accustomed to silence and solitude, The white- topped wagons, which had served the emigrants as homes for many a dreary day, were drawn up in asquare close beside the rippling river, for they must still be used until the cabins were completed, The horses and the horned cattle that had survived the long march—not a few had died—were grazing in the valley, which was guarded above and below to prevent them from wandering away, 5 Major Lakeman took care that the settlement was laid out in a regular manner, and, though nearly all of the first settlers built their cabins on a single street, other streets and ‘‘ avenues” were planned and staked off. By general though unspoken consent the major was looked upon as the chief magnate of Eden Vale, and all matters of importance requiring a decision were referred to bim, Although he wielded a singular in- fluence over all who associated or had dealings with him, Major Hugh was not the least in- clined to be important or self-conceited in bis manner; instead, he was one of those free-and- easy persons who had a smile and cheerful word forall. It was said that, with his men, in the army, he had been very popular, yet that his ee superior officers had not liked him overmuch. . Lakeman, unlike her daughter, did not enjoy very good health, but it was hoped that i the change of climate would be to her ad- vantage. She stood the journey very well. The cabins drew rapidly to completion and soon the settlers were able to move into them one by one. Then the white tops were removed trom the wagons and the place began to assume the appearance of a promising young town, One day Skibo, the young negro, came rush- ing up to the major, appearing both excited and frightened, Ina faltering manner he declared that he had seen a strange man with a long white beard who was regarding the camp irom an overhanging mountain crag, The stranger had stood there for several minutesand then sudden- ly disappeared. After questioning the timid darky concerning the strange person whom be claimed to have seen, the magnate of Eden Vale concluded that he bad seen notbing at all, but that his imagination had conjured up a figure on the crag, Major fim, however, was to learn that Skibo had really seen all that he claimed. The very next day after this occurrence a ragged, wild-eyed and apparently balf-sturved man wandered into Eden Vale, Thisnew-comer, a Spaniard, gave his name as Jose Costillo, and told a story that aroused the settlers’ sympathies so that they sheltered and fed him, little dream- ing how the treacherous scoundrel would repay them for their kindness. He said that with two companions, he had been prospecting amid the mountains to the westward, One night they had beenattacked by a strange band of men who were dressed in black and his comrades had been slain, he alone escaping in the darkness. In the morning be had returned and buried his friends, first finding a slip of paper pinned on the breast of each, The crumpled bits of paper he pro- duced, and Major Lakeman saw that there was writing upon both slips. The words were the same on both pieces and formed one terrible warning sentence, apparently written in blood, “Woe to those who trespass on the territory sacred to the Mystic League !” Strange words! The major asked Costillo if he knew anything of the ‘‘Mystic League,” whereupon the Spaniard swore roundly in his own language, ‘* Know it!” he exclaimed. ‘The devil’s own league is known well in all the country far down toward the line of Old Mexico. They ‘are strange, fierce men, no one knows for what purpose banded, They move like the wind and as silently as spirits. Beware of them, senor, for they leave death behind them wher- ever they go.’ ; ** Are they outlaws?” asked the major. “So some say, sendér,” was the reply. “Tf know not, but Ido know that they are to be dreaded and feared. They killed my comrades, and I think myself fortunate toescape. Beware of them.” For a time the dark-eyed Spaniard stopped at Eden Vale. He fouud bricwde, although there were a few who put little confidence in his story. Rufus Renan, Maggie’s father, was one of the doubters, and he did not hesitate to express his opinion in language not easily misunderstood. ‘That Spaniard’s er snake, shore’s ye’:’ born, sah,” nodded the old man, who had been a plan- tation overseer in his younger days, and had ac- quired many of the quaint expressions, of the slaves, ‘* Can’t fool this coon ’bout that? f don’ believe er word of his yarn, Whoever heard tole of er Spaniard goin’ inter er dangerous country to hunt fo’ gold! All bosb, sab, all bosh! I can see treachery ‘an’ deceit in them brack eyes—yes I can! That rascal can’t be trusted. Look out for him!” Rory in the end it proved that Rufus was right. Shortly after the cabins were all completed one of the men found some gold-bearing quartz in the vicinity of the valley, which came near proving a very unlucky strike, just then, for many were seized with the “gold fever” and a few went to prospecting for placers. ajor Lakeman realized that this was a bad thing for them to do just at that time, for the summer was almost gone and the autumn might be followed by a severe winter during which the snow would block them in from the rest of the world. He knew nothing of the winter season in that region, but believed that it was good policy to be pre- pared for the worst, : The major lost no time in having a talk with the men and urging them to let gold-bunting alone for that season and make preparations for the winter, Nota few saw the wisdom of bis words and heeded them. They all knew that they had no facilities for working a quartz mine, and placer hunting was very precarious and un- certain work. Gold would not provide them with food if they were shut in by snow fora =e —— long time, so they went about laying in out provisions as they could secure which, add forg the supply they bad brougbt with them,, “ carry them safely through the dreary men) one come, tou _ But there was trouble of an unexpected n; = “* in stcre ior Eden Vale, the One night soon after the sun had crep the cown behind the western mountains, a str T figure appeared in the little settlement the parently an aged man, for bis hair and |, miv were long and almost snowy-white, But, ¥ still ever the stranger’s age, he did not shuw it i He figure or bis gait. He walked guite erect, out his shoulders thrown back asa youny man © see! bave done, and he had nostaff toassist; “ He wes strangely attired ina robe formé¢ hea the skins of animals, which was worn | suc the furry side outward. His head was T covered, and his whole appearance was sud hin one’s fancy might lead him to believe resen} he some of the prophets of early Bible times. | mo As soon as Skibo, the darky, saw the sing chc man, he drew back, crying: wa ‘** FU’ goodness sakes! dat’s de berry same Sk son dis coon saw on de mo’nt’in lookin’ do} ‘ de cabins—it am sbuah!” kn Near tbe center of the little settlement the ror known halted and, lifting one hand above brs head, cried in a clear voice: fo’ ‘* Hearken unto me, ye menfrom therising, La Gather nigh and listen to my words, for I sy git naught but the truth and lam here togive ‘ warning.” 0 When nearly all of the settlers had-~ha ny within hearing distance, the men at the fr ‘ the women a little back and the children be! bl: them all, he spoke again: ae “Ye have comeinto the wilderness tofindho tri but you shall find trouble and distress, You be beset with enemies who will barass ye ws make your life oneof constant trials. Bewaz ) the red-men who shall come up from beyond apr river, for they claim that all this land belovg in them; but, more than all else, beware the te ar ble band of red-handed demons who call th bi selves the Mystic Leagueof theSanJuan! T be are beings with white faces and black hea ay Beware, beware!” of ‘He's crazy!” exclaimed Rufus Renan,i tt low tone. F “Without a doubt,” admitted Major Le s man, ; : al Once more the mad prophet went on: it ‘*T have come to watch over ye. On yon mountain cragI shall kindle a fire that s}_ m burn by day and by night. While you can p its smoke or light you may know thatI amné a1 But I cannot keep away the trouble which m y come, Ican only warn ye that ye may be} f red. Woe! woe! woe!” v He lifted bis hands above his head and utte o a wailing cry which was answered in a start! manner, ere was a harsh, blood-curd] pn shriek that chilled the blood inthe veins of brave settlers, then a buge black bird sw § down from the heights and remained poiseda the head of the mad prophet. It was them e singular bird ever seen in that region, being e¢ large as the mighty condor of South Amel ¢ and in very many respects like thatmonsterb t of But the Settlers were startled ¢ oa ama t seeing where the head of the b ¢ should have been what appeared tobe the hi of an animal with Gleaming; fiery eyes! ] At the sight of this singular winged creat! Jose Costillo gasped out something’in Span 1 and sunk face downward on the ground, evide ly overpowered with terror. , é Wittout another word, the strange whi headed old man turned and walked swif - away, the black bird circling above his he . and occasionally giving utterance to its bar. rasping shriek, And in silent awe, not unmix with fear, the settlers watched the singular pi till man and bird had disappeared. That night far up on the apparently un¢ proachable mountain crag @ red light twink] and gleamed like a bright star. CHAPTER II, THE SERPENT IN EDEN, Nrepiess to say, the appearance of t strange old man and still stranger bird creat great excitement in Eden Vale, When the u canny pair bad disappeared the terrified Spa iard sat up and looked around, stil] mutteri) in bis native language. Some of the men ne at band were excitedly discussing the stran} appearance and the singular and ominous wor which they had heard, but for a time Costil paid no attention to them, Finally their wor caught his ears and he listened, A mome? later he sprung up and approached them, cryir
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‘ one of the men. Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. out something in Spanish, apparently having forgotten that they could not understand him, ‘* What are you trying to get off?” demanded ‘“* How do you expect a fellow to understand such gibberish!” ‘** Diabolo !” cried Jose, ‘*The devil bird— the Winged Demon! He lives on the blood of the newly dead! Oh, the fiend!” The Spaniard’s words were startling to say | the least. It was plain that he was not sham- ming when he appeared frightened, for he was still trembling and his face was white witb fear. | He seemed very much in earnest when he cried out that the black bird which they had lately » seen lived on the blood of the newly dead. ** A vampire!” exclaimed one of themen, who heard Costillo’s declaration. ‘I have heard of such critters.” They gathered around Jose and questioned him, but the fellow spoiled the impression that he had made by declaring that the Winged De- mon, as he called the bird, could talk when it chose to do so, and that it spoke English. This was so preposterous that the entire party except Skibo ridiculed the idea, “By gollum!” chattered the darky, whose knees were still trembling from his recent ter ror. “‘I don’ doubt hit. If dat critter had er brack bird’s body an’ de head ob er big cat, w’v fo’ cawn’t he toke, dat am de quesum, Fo’ “e Lawd’s sakes, I jes’ want ter go back to ole Vir- inny! ou he nigger an’ the Spaniard will meck er ood team ter hitch tergether!” declared Rufus nan, in disgust. *Oaramba!” breathed Costillo, darting a black look toward the bold speaker, Then aloud: **'You will learn that Jose Costillo speaks the truth.” With this the dark-fated man turned and walked deliberately away. That night the visitation of the mad prophet and the strange bird with the head of an an- imal was thoroughly discussed in Eden Vale, and scores of wonderful, blocd-chilling stories of birds and beasts that sucked the blood of human beings were told, filling the children, who Jay awake in their rude beds to listen, with visions of horror, which haunted them all the night in their dreams, Through the little settlement passed the report that there was a light on the mountain-side, and before they slept, every man and woman took a long, wondering look at 1 ° The following ‘day was bright and sunny, as most of the ‘days that had preceded it since the party had stopped in the valley. The morning pes seemed to dispel the cloud of geome which had settled over the place the night be- fore, and the men went gen! about their work, although they did not banish all thoughts of their weird visitors of the previous night, In the early morning sunshine Ethna Lake- man wandered down the little river till she had almost passed beyond sight of the settlement. She aad ep with bowed head, taking little heed of the glorious beauties of nature which were on every side of her, for her thoughts bad wander- ed back along the trail over which the emi- grants had come, Before her mind’s eye was the frank, open face of a manly- ppearing youth who had traveled with them for three days, and at parting had promised to meet her again. While advancing in this manner she heard a footfall, and glanced quickly up to see a square-shouldered young fellow standing before her, rifle in hand. ** Ah, Dick!” she cried, recoiling a step and smiling faintly, “‘ how you startled me!” bi | beg yer pardon, Miss Ethna,” said the youth, lifting his hat with rude courtesy, ‘I didn’t mean ter skeer ye, fer Inever clapped eyes onter ye tell jest er minute afore ye looked up. I didn’t know ye wuz comin’ out this way, but I’m glad ye come.” Ethna pretended not to hear the young man’s last words, for she feared that he was attempt- ing to approach a subject that was distasteful to her. She knew very little of Richard Bowen, who had been picked up by the train while it was crossing the great plains, but she did know that the young man, who was rather good-look- ing, although illiterate, had formed an affection for her and had attempted to declare it once, Only her skill at turning the subject had saved her from listening to his declaration of love and giving him an answer that would have been unpleasant for the bold young suitor to hear, 3ince that time she had avoided him whenever ‘he could, but now she had unexpectedly come ‘pon him and they were quite alone, She felt ertain that he would make another attempt to ‘all her of his misplaced affection if she gave im an opportunity. SS **Oh, you did not frighten me to speak of, Mr. Bowen,” she said, quickly. ‘** Mister Bowen!” he repeated, looking a trifle burt. ‘‘Why won’t you call me Dick, Miss Ethna, Thet’s good ernuff fer me an’ I like ita deal better than ther other way. I hain’t no mister, ’specially ter you.” ** Dick seems almost too familiar on so short acquaintance,” smiled the gir], * On short acquaintance?” repeated the youth. Why, it seems ez if I bad known you alwus, I don’t know why, but ther fu’st time I saw you I felt like we wuz acquainted. I alwus wuz afeerd of gals tell I saw you, but there was suthing.’bout your ways an’ your face thet made me feel like I’d knowed you fer years. You hain’t like other girls. I reckon I’m bold, but I’m goin’ ter tell ye now thet I love you, Ethna.” The declaration was made so suddenly that the girl bad not tbe opportunity to interrupt bim. She flashed a startled look into his face and saw that bis broad breast was rising and falling tu- multuously and his face was very white, mak- ing it evident that he had fairly forced ths hurried words from his lips, probably fearing that his courage would fail him. At that mo- ment she fancied that be looked almost bhand- some, ‘**Don’t speak yet, Ethna!” he quickly entreat- ed, probably anticipating what she would say. “ Jest hear all I have ter say, please. I know that what I hev done may seem bold, but I e’u’dnt help it cause it seemed thet I must tell ye. I know what you'll think; I know you'll say thet I’m ignorent an’ ’way below ye, so thet ye can’t hevennythin’ ter do with me, I don’t purtend ter be ez good ez you—I’d lick ther fel- er thet did! No man kin ever be your equal, butso fur ez book learnin’ goes, I kin git thet, an’ef you'll jest give me er leetle encourage- mint, I'll promise ye thet you'll hev no cause ter be ’shamed of Dick Bowen fer er husban’. I'll study night an’ day—I’ll do ennything fer you— Id die fer ye!” It is impossible to tell how much pain the rough fellow’s words gave the one to whom they were addressed, for at that moment she believed them to come direct from the heart, He had not approached her, but there was something in his attitude that made every word seem very im- ressive. His head was uncovered, his left and holding his hat at his side, Ethna dropped her eyes to the ground and hes- itated, for she knew not how to reply so as to hurt her strange suitor’s feelings as little as pos- sible, Her hesitation seemed to give Dick new courage and hope, for he went on eagerly: ““] know I may seem rather rough, Ethna, but I am not the worst feller in ther world, You might—” But the girl threw up her bands with a des- perate gesture of warning. “Stop, Dick!” she cried, her face showing how deeply she was moved. ‘‘Do not allow oir to build any false hopes that can never realized.” She never forgot the look that came over his face. He understood her meaning in an instant, and recoiled with a little gasp of 2 teatheg inyoluntarily dropping his hat and extending an appealing hand, ‘Don’t say it—don’t /” he entreated, hoarsely. “T know I hev been er fool, but I thought thet you wuz different than other girls—I thought perhaps you c’u’d read my heart an’— an’— He faltered and stopped, then with a sudden effort, he seemed to throw off the weakness which had assailed him and straighten to his full _beight, throwing back his broad shoulders, “Td orter knowed it,” he said, bitterly. ‘*Reckon I did know it, but still I wuz fool enough ter hope. Well, this is ther end of m castle-buildin’, I wish I’d never seen you!” wit a fierceness that startled her. ‘**T am so sorry!” she said, faintly. scarcely knowing what words she uttered. ‘ I am sure you cannot blame me, I did not encourage you, for there is—there is—another— “What!” he almost shouted. ‘Ab-a! I un- derstand it now! Why didn’t I see afore! It’s thet long-haired young feller as wuz with ther train er day or two, An’ who is he? He called bisself Mountain Frank, an’ tole er pretty yarn, but Tl bet he’s some adventurer. You know less of him than of me, yet you admit thet you love him! He kin talk mighty smooth, an’ fer thet reason he has stepped atween us. Curse him!” and in his rage and excitement the young fellow dropped his rifle and smote his clinched fists together. Ethna’s feelings suddenly underwent a re- markable change and her cheeks. flamed scarlet, ‘Look here, Dick Bowen!” she cried, taking a step toward the angry fellow, one band out- stretched,” you have presumed altogether too far. What right have you tospeak of Mountain Frank in that manner? What right have you to infer that I care more for Mountain Frank than for any other young man? What right have you to curse him? I was sorry for you when I found that you had made the mistake which your words indicated and I pitied you, but if you are not careful, I shall hate you.” Before be said anything further the youth who had met with such a bitter disappointment stooped and picked up his rifle. He regarded her beautiful face, now flushed with anger, for several seconds, a light of admiration and long- ing in his eyes, then he said, steadily: ‘Ido not ask for your pity, and I hope that Mountain Frank act may never meet, Good- b r ” yf whirled swiftly and walked rapidly away down the river. Before she could recover suf- ficiently to call to him he had passed from sight. A moment later several shrill cries for help came from the point beyond which Dick Bowen had disappeared. Evidently some one was in terror and distress, and Ethna recognized the voice as that of her friend, Maggie Renan. Ut- tering a little exclamation the major’s daughter darted swiftly forward. Ina moment asurpris- ing scene met her gaze. Dick Bowen was shaking Costillo, the Spaniard, till the dark-faced wretch’s teeth rattled, while Merry Maggie was standing near by laughing, clapping her hands and crying: ‘Stir him up, Dick! That will set bis blood to circulating! I think the nasty black-faced baboon will learn better than to hug me again in that way and try to kiss me when there is a bet- ter man around. Ha! ha! ha! Look at hiseyes, for goodness’ sake! You can hang your hat on ’em, Dick.” ' Jose was swearing in Spanish and pleading in English in the same breath, appearing badly frightened, sayy Bowen was not hurting the fellow very much, but was giving him such a shaking that it seemed a wonder Jose remained in his clothes. Possibly Dick was glad of an op- portunity to relieve his feelings in some way. “There, Dick,” said Maggie, as soon as she could speak from laughing after the unlucky Costillo had uttered a string of broken Spanish oaths, ‘‘ that will do and I am much obliged for your kindness in giving this gentleman a taste of your muscle, Now, Mister Car-r-r-ramba, I ad- vise you to skip, slide, get out before I getat you and puta corresponding fresco around one or two of taose black eyes of yours,” The downfallen wretch lost no time in taking the ‘ hint,” but, as he moved away, he shook his fist toward the youth and the girl and muttered several savage threats in his own language. It was plain he would not soon forget the humilia- tion and rough treatment he had received, and from that hour Dick Bowen had a deadly ene- my. Dick now saw Etbna approaching, Instantly he picked up his rifle and, saying afew low, hasty words to the girl whom he had befriended, once more hastened away down the river, ‘*Ob, Ethna!” cried the little romp, as soon as the major’s daughter was near enough, burrying forward to meet her. ‘‘ Did you see the fun? It was great! That sneaking Spaniard tried to kiss me, He came upon me walking here all alone and the first thing I knew I was in his arms, Then you bet I did fetch a squawk that must have sounded like an old hen who was afraid her chickens would gethurt, Next thing I knew Dick had him, and the wey he did shake that Greaser must have made the last mentioned rson wish he never had been born, It was jolly, and I do think that Dick Bowen is the boss feller, don’t you?” Ethna managed to avoid answering this ques- tion Ly asking where Dick had gone. Maggie replied that he bad gone out on a hunt and said that he might not return for several days, A few minutes later the girls turned their faces to- ward Eden Vale. As they walked along Maggie’s tongue ran in- cessantly, but her companion was moody and silent. The merry lass was warm in her praises of Dick and his gallant action, and Etbna could not help thinking what a pity it was that the young man had not fallen in love with Maggie, who, it was plainly evident, was very much at- tracted by the singular youth. Maggie thought it strange that Ethna was so silent and tried to rally her, but the attempt was @ failure. Finally the settlement was reached and they parted. As the major’s daughter walked homeward she noticed a stranger who was putting a large tent at one side of the collection of cab
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~ > 4 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. This person had ridden into the camp a shor time before, leading two heavily-ladened pack- mules. Without asking any: one’s permission, he made himself quite at home and began to erect his tent. He was not disturbed, although some of the settlers felt inclined to ask him if he was not making himself a little too free. By noon the stranger bad bis tent all up and ready for business. The settlers wondered very much what his business could be, for there was much about ais baggage that seemed strange to them and he had erected one or two tables with- in the tent. ‘‘Mebbe he’s goin’ ter start er restaurant,” laughed Rufus Renan. ‘I dunuo what else he’s goin’ ter do,” “Perhaps we had better ask him,” observed one who was standing near. ‘* No,” said the ex-overseer, shaking his head. ** Let him alone an’ we'll find out, or this coon’s mighty mistaken.” hey did find out and they were heartily sur- prised. That afternoon the stranger literally covered the side of his tent with a canvas on which was painted in glowing colors an an- nouncement that told the entire camp that a gambling den had suddenly appeared in, their midst, The Serpent bad entered Eden! CHAPTER III. THE SERPENT STRIKES. THE canvas on the side of the gambler's tent asserted that nothing but an honest game would be played and that any man stood an even enance of making a fortune in an hour. The sign was skillfully worded and painted and was craftily designed toinsnare any one who be- lieved that he was a favorite with the Goddess of Fortune. At the bottom was printed: ‘“‘SouarE Sam, Proprietor.” It- seemed strange that the gambler should have come to Edeu Vale, which was not a mining- camp, making it improbable that the settlers had either gold or valuables of which they could be plucked. It was also strange that the un- welcome visitor had known anything about the newly established settlement far down in the wilds of the mountainous San Juan country: and if he had known nothing about it, how came he there? ‘* Bet er dollah the report has got out that there’s er new minin’-town here!” exclaimed Rufus Renan. “If that’s so, jes’ keep yer eyes open fo’ er rush.” In no other way couid the appearance of the gambler be accounted for satisfactorily. Wben Major Lakeman learned the new- comer’s business he appeared both troubled and angry for a short time, then his face cleared and he said with an air of relief: “Tt is not at all probable that any of the men will have anything to do with the rascal, and when he finds that there is no business here he will have to goaway. I thick he will find this a very poor place to carry on his robbery busi- mess under a scarcely less milder name, But to make everything sure, I will warn every one to keep away from bis tent.” But trouble that the major little dreamed of was to follow the appearance of the “Canvas Palace,” as Square Sam called nis tent. Human- ity the world over has a strange love for gambling, although in some people the desire may be held in check or quite extinguished, But it is a brave man who can deliberately re- fuse to make a large sum of money on the turn of a card when it seems there is scarcely a possi- bility of bis losing muck, Major Lakeman was careful to warn all of the men of Eden Vale to beware of the gambler, but he was quite mistaken when he felt confident that the warning would keep them all from the Canvas Palace. Late that afternoon the Mad Mountain Proph- et, as the people of the valley now called the strange old man of the mountains, was seen ap- ching the collection of cabins. As before, e walked without a ff and with uncovered head. As soon as he had entered the settlement he n crying: “Woe! woe! Beware of the Mystic League of the San Juan!” This cry reached the ears of Square Sam, who was within his tent, and for a few moments the gambler stood as if turned to stone, a look of amazement on his face. Then, snarling out a _ fierce imprecation, he leaped toward the opening _ in the tent, bis right hand grasping a revolver, came the cry: Beware of the Mystic League, for already they bave a spy in your midst!” ‘ a eee ee LS ssnestssnestsestnsensnstesseneesenseeenstesstessse ———————— the gambler’s eyes fell upou the strange’ figure that was passing the tent and moving away toward the mountain from the side of which a blue wreath of smoke was curling sky- ward. In an instant Square Sam’s face became white as‘the purest marbie and he reeled back as if struck a beavy blow onthe forehead. A gasping cry came from bis lips and the revolver dropped from his nerveless fingers. It was several moments before the gamester regained his composure, When he did, he leaped toward the opening of the tent and looked out, The old man was some distance away, walkivg steadily onward, ‘*Great Judas!” gasped Square Sam, ‘‘ Will nothing kill that devit?” The Prophet did not pause or look back. Wheeling, with a second imprecation, the wan- dering gambler grasped a loaded rifle which was near at hand, and, cocking it, knelt in the open- ing of the tent and brought it to his shoulder, with the muzzle poip straight toward the back of the retreating hermit. Deliberately the man with the rifle took a careful aim, ving dn with the deadly determination of putting a bul- let through the white-haired individual, ** Now, curse you, die/” he hissed, with vin- dictiveness indescribable, but, just as he was about to press the trigger the huye black bird with the head of an animal came sweeping down toward the Mad Prophet and uttered an ear-split- ting shriek just above the uncovered head, “The Winged Demon!” _Square Sam gave utterance to the exclama- tion as he allowed the rifle to sink without being discharged, If possible, the gambler seemed more shaken than when he had first seen the old man passing his tent, He trembled in every limb and there was a look of absolute terror on his face, At the sight of the bird, Jose Costillo had evinced bué little more fear than did the murderous-minded card sharp. With a strange fascination Sam kept his eyes on the circling bird, and all the while his lips kept moving, but he uttered nota sound, Sud- denly he started up and once more lifted the rifle, but after trying to hold it steady for several seconds, he lowered it again with a mingled oath and groan, ‘‘Tt’s no use! I am so shaken that I cannot hold the gun steady tosave me. I could touch neither man nor bird, and so once more they both escape me, That black vampire is worse than the man, I would give my right hand to see the monster lying dead at my feet! But it seems to be of immortality, for every attempt to kill it has proven a failure. I have almost come to believe that it is in truth a demon, and that no morta! man can destroy it.” Of course the settlers were startled by the Mad Prophet’s assertion that there wus a spy of the Mystic League’s in their midst, but it must be confessed they looked upon the strange old man as quite insane, and did not put much con- fidence in bis warning. That night at dusk the gambler sat in front of his tent and sung several songs, accompanying himself with a banjo, He was a fine singer, and while his lively tunes madé the echoes ring, and caused the blood to dance in the veins of those who were listening, his pathetic ones were so finely rendered that they brought tears to the eyes of nearly all who heard them, It did not seem possible that the man who could sing so touchingly of home could be a wandering sport, possibly without a home in all the wide world, The gambler’s singing did just what he in- tended for it to do—it mduced some of the set- tlers to come over to his tent. Then he invited them in, and soon the place was brilliantly lighted, while sounds of voices and sounds of mirth came from the tent, Which was very com- fortably arranged, Av hour Jater word reached Major Lakeman that some of the men were gambling in Square Sam’s tent, At first be could scarcely believe his informant, for he bad felt sure that every one would beed bis warning. But the man was sure that be was right, and, with an air of deter- mination, the major arose, quietly announcing that he was going to investigate, ‘* Oh, father! do be careful and not get into trouble!” cried Ethna, witb her band on arm. “Trouble, child!” laughed the major. “‘ Why should 1 get into trouble?” “The stranger may be a wicked and desperate man.” “ Bthna is right, Hugh,” said Mrs. Lakeman, from her easy-chair. “I am sure that gambler is a dangerous map. Do be careful and not get into trouble!” i “* Dangerous or not,” declared the magnate of Eien Vale, ‘‘ he shal! discover that he cannot bring bis canvas dive into this place and prac- tice his genteel method of robbery. The men of Me » Pee ene this town do not want him here, and to-morr he shall move.” The major was a very determined man, slc * to anger, but when he was once aroused, he hai a way of carrying everything before him, © Bidding his wife and daughter not to worry about bim, as he would soon return, he left the cabin and walked rapidly toward the gambler’s tent, from which now came an cccasional shout or burst of laughter, He did not pause an in- stant, but, walking straight up to the front of the tent, he drew aside the flap and stepped quickly in. The sight which greeted his eyes ig ie what was occurring. here were cards and money on the tat around which sat four men, including Squa Sam. But, there were two black bottles on t table, as well ascards and money, Apparent the gambler was doing his best to get the lit’ party in a hilarious condition, knowing th | then they could be easily fleeced. The men looked up in a guilty manner wh the major entered, and the owner of the te arose to his feet, saying blandly: ** Ah! another to join our little party, the gentlemen do not seem inclined to do an thing else, we are having a little game of dri poker, Come in and havea hand, sir.” . Without heeding the smooth speaker, 1 major turned to the men who were being into the sharp’s trap, saying reproachfully: ‘Friends, I warned you against this, W didn’t you heed what I said?” The confused men seemed incapable of rey ing, but Square Sam instantly understood situation, and cried: “Tf you have come here to interfere wit). quiet and harmless game, I give you warn . that you will get into trouble. Perhaps you | not know me, sir?” ‘“*On the contrary,” said the major, gaziny 14 the gambler in sudden surprise, “‘I know » very well, for now I recognize you as Duw i Midas, the coward and deserter” The gambler aves great start of amazen i) dé Ss and peered keenly into the bold speaker’s f. i bai he ne shouted: agit Oe 4 * And now you, Major Hugh Lak el You are the man who aided in Sondech ts 7 to be shot likeadog! ThusI square acco. {1.4 Then he flung up his hand, whichhelda 91- | * ver. A sbarp, whip-like report rung out, 4d, }- with a low groan, Major Lakeman fell heavily | - to the ground! * CHAPTER IV. ; THREE TREASURE-HUNTERS. ! Vig NiGHT had settled over the mountainous reyion — known as the San Juan country. ’ In the depths of a wild and picturesque canyon *| two men had camped, They were evid tly — miners, and there was a great difference in, eir ages, one being at least forty-five and the o ser not more than twenty or twenty-one, The name of the older man was lke Shack ey, : and be was a veteran of the mountains and plains, kaving +pent nearly twenty years of his | life in searching for a fortune amid the mines of the West. He bad the grizzled, weather-beaten appearance of one who bas been much exposed to all kinds of weather, and was at least six feet ~ tall. He was thoroughly armed. with the most — improved weapons, ry Despite his age, Ralph Perry, as the younger . man was known, had seen much of wild life in the West, having worked on a cattle-ranci: for two years and roughed it in the mountains two years more. He was a rather pleasant-apj -ar- | » ng young fellow, and iY was plain that he was careful of his personal appearance in an aston- ishing degree for one 1m his situation, Like Sbackley, be was thoroughly armed, - The camp-fire which the two men hed boilt revealed the fact that there, were four horse: i: » the background, two of which bad provat | ” been used as pack-animals, Certain implon > in the vicinity of the fire seemed to indica re \ ja: “ the two campers were miners Who Were prohab|\ on a prospecting trip. There was a large bun dle distr, appeared to be a canvas ye aid there were other bundles of provisions om things which would naturally be needed on « long trip into a wild country. As they bad not pitched the tent, it was plain that their presen: | * camp was but a temporary one. They wou! probably move on again in the morning, ‘a With their weapons near at hand, the ty. « 4 venturers were reclining on the ground '» 4 light of the pete _ pongien, 4 , a supper and discussing the situation, © . dently 4 had not the least idea that any one ot but themselves was in the immediatey . «., fi ‘* Waal, lad,” said Long Ike, as the eray rf
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+ Ax - \ 6 % \ obs “Seturn he wan ~eose = oy sizable lift? Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. RT OS rarer gr TE ES TR ES 2 TT SS a LS A TT SE niiner was sometimes called, ‘‘ we’re gittin’ er- Jong, eb?” ** But we have not seen a sign of the ruins of which Rollins told us,” asserted the younger man, who was gazing into the fire in a some- what gloomy manner, er “Ho! ho!” chuckled Ike, ‘‘Hain’t gittin’ SJomesick be ye, lad?” , “ Hardly tuat!” replied Ralph, with a flush; for you know I have no home. But you know _\ow sure you were that you could go direct to “She ruins with the aid of the dying man’s direc- tions and the rude map which he gave us, yet we haye failed to find them.” ‘¢ You’re in too muca of er hurry, boy,” nod- ded the old miner, looking grave. ‘‘ I made cal’- } utions on er long trip, fer I wuzu’t sure that I c'a’d go straight ter ther ruins of which hé-tole us. They are down hyer_in this kentry sum- whar, I am sure of thet. Rollins didn’t lie.” **T hope not, for if he did, we are on a wild goose chase.” A ,. “He didn’t, lad, he didn’t! "Member he wuz tin’.” ’"“ T know that. I cannot conceive any object the would have in sending us astray after we had +endered him such a service. But for us, the ‘hed devils would have had his scalp, and they ‘would have had it in less than five minutes.” ‘Right ye are. We happened erlong at ther Jas’ second, but not soon ernuff ter save ther “pore feller’s life. He had got his las’ sickness yan’ wuz fightin’ off. ther imps of sin while he wuz dvin’. I reckon he was clean grit, all - Ahrough.” “* * Yes, be was plucky, and I took him for a an who woul: scorn to tell a lie under ordi- ; ary circumstances, much more when he knew ““Simself to be mortally wounded.” _» *‘ He didn’t lie, Ralph, boy, fer he had no ob- ‘jee’? im down’ so, Although we kem erlong too jate ter save his life, we wuz in time ter keep ‘sis skelp frum bein’ tooken by ther Utes. In ted ter do suthin fer us. He said 5 hat be bad no ‘lations in all ther worl’ that he ’ Sared er fiddlestring fer. He knew tbat he ‘*s?u’dn’t live ter ever come back byer an’ git ther sreasure, so he tole us all erbout it an’ guv us 4 nak map. Thar warn’t no crookedness ’bout ” a et, : ; »« “T trust you are right, Ike, If you are, and “‘ve ever find the ruins on the flat top of the ofty mountain, our fortunes are made.” “" “Ef we fine ther treasure. You know Rol- ‘tins said it wuz in an ole wall. I’ve got all ther erections hyer,” tapping his forehead with one * “ng forefinger. *** Yes, | remember all that he said about whe.e ~*was hidden, But, what if someone has found “before us?” _ & Long Ike shook his head. > ‘ °Tain’t likely,” ‘‘ And still 1f may have neneracts If the sutlaws who were dlagaieed as Indians did not know that the party had fouad the treasure and - bad it in their possession, why did they attack them and destroy them all with the exception of “Rollins, who escaped by the skin of his teeth, as it were” ‘ ‘ ‘Did you ever bear of ther Mystic League of "he San Juan, lad?” &1 "No, never.” “" «Waal, J hev. It is er gang of bloodthirsty s guile part criminals from ther States, part out- aw Mexicans an’ part Injuns, [t is said thet they murder people jest fer ther fun of killin’, an’ never-yet has one of ther devils been cap- tered, Jest w’en they are in a tight corner they will vanish ez ef they wuz sperits, an’ I reckou thet’s why it’s called ther Mystic League. reckon thet thet wuz ther party as wiped out ther emigrant gang what Rollins berlonged ter.” “T do not know about that, of course; but it seems strange thut after the party took refuge in the ruins on top of the mountain and fought so _'desperately—Rollins said they must have killed ‘five or six of the desperadoes—it does seem ! %strange that the outlaws should have persisted in the fight simply for the sake of butchering the defenders of the ruins. I cavnot help thinkin that they knew something about the treasure pe | that explains why they were so determined. If they did know anything about it, it is probable that they would raze the ruins but they would find the treasure.” The old miner laughed, _‘ Reckon they'd hev quite er job ter raise ther -Tuins ef they be whut I think they are. Ef they are ennything like ther old ruins of er Moqui village thet I once saw, it u’d take ther Old Boy hisself ter raise ’em. They wuz built of stone on ther top of er big flat-topped mountain or mesa, aise em! Waal, I reckon it’u’d be quite er a Tt_was now Ralph’s turn to laugh. *“*You misunderstood my meaning, Ike,” he hastened tosay. ‘‘By raze I-meant razee—to tear down—destroy.” ‘** Waal, why didn’t ye'say whut ye meant?” drawled Ike, good-naturedly. ‘‘ This sayin’ one thing an’ meanin’ another is mighty bad business sometimes.” For afew moments the two fortune-hunters were silent, gazing musingly into the flaring fire, Finally, the young man asked: ** Did Rollins say how the treasure their possession?” ‘* Nop, he didn’t hev er chance afore he got so low he c’u’dn’t talk. He did say thet it wuz all in pure nuggets an’ dust. Itis— Hark!” \ . came into ** Oh. Cherokee Bill wuz a very good man, So lovin’ an’ gentle an’ kind! He gafiied to ther hoss of Big Knife Dan Aw lett ther owner far behind. He loved thet hoss in a tender way, An’ so he allus kept it nigh; They caught him with ther beast one day An’ hung poor William up to dry.” The canyon echoed with the song. Some one was approaching, roaring out the words as loud- ly as a pair of healthy lungs would sie mak- ing much more noise than music, he treasure- hunters grasped their weapons and started to their feet, ‘* Helo down thar by ther fire!” The stranger had seen them and had probably caught sight of their hasty movements, Before they could answer his hail be cried again: “Don’t be in er hurry ’bout shootin’, comin’, ban’s up an’ empty.” A few seconds later the singer walked into the circle of light made by the fire. He was a rather ce customer, witb a bearded face and a crooked nose that bad apparently been broken at some past time, He was holding his empty bands above his head, and, as he ap- proached the fire, he stumbled and fell to the ground, nearly landing in the flames, Ina mo- ment Long Ike decided tbat the unknown was considerably the worse for liquor. ‘Whoa, there!” grunted the fallen individual as he sat up and stared around with a silly grin on bis ugly face, ‘‘ Why in thunder didn’t ye tell er feller zat stun wuz there? Never mine; I had ter git down shum way,” he added, speak- ing thickly. ‘““Who are you?” demanded Long Ike, who could not refrain from smiling at the stranger's mishap: “Me? Oh, I’sh Santa Fe Sim. I’sh all right, don’t you mine ’bout me. Shet down, gentle- men, an’ have somethin’.” With this generous invitation Santa Fe Sim, as the intoxicated individual had called bimself, pa poet a flat quart bottle which was about 1alf full of liquor, This he extended toward Long as, with, the invitation to ‘‘ Drink hearty, pard, But Shackley shook bis head. ‘‘I’m much obleeged, stranger, but I seldom tetch it,” And although Santa Fe Sim urged them and seemed angry at their refusals, neither of the two men would taste of the stuff in the bottle. * Ob, well, thet’s all right!” asserted the new- comer, after he had taken a long pull at the bottle, ‘“P'r’aps you think I hain’t higb- toned ’nuff fer ye ter drink wish, I want you ter un’stan’ I’sh er rich man, I ish, I hain’t no outlaw neither, I’m shut of thet kind of bishi- ness, fer thar can’t no boss kick Santa Fe Sim. “I'm a solid old brick, I’m a hard crowd ter kick, I’m arusher, I’m a growler, I’m a crusher, I’m a howler, Whoopedoo!"” I’m And after singing this improvision, the man from Santa Fe took another drink, It was plain that be would soon be too drunk to sing or talk, ** Yesh, shir,” asserted the man with the bot- tle, wiping bis lips with the back of his hand and staring into the fire with owlish gravity, ‘‘T’m boun’ ter be a rich man. I know whar there’s er heap of yeller, I do, and it’s hid on ther top of er bigh mountian. Hoop! I heerd ther bosh shay they never foun’ it, but he wash goin’ back ter look fer it, Dero him! He kick- ed Santa Fe Sim, an’ you bets yer life he don’ git ther treasure! J’m goin’ ter git thar fu’st.” Long Ike and Ralph exchanged startled glances, Could it be that the drunken fellow was speaking of the very treasure that they were in search of in that wild region? Some- thing told them that he was. “What are yousayin’, pard?” asked “*T didn’t jest ketch yer meanin’.” ‘*Ob ye didn’ jesh kesh mer meanin’, hey?” Shackley, repeated the fellow, speaking thicker than be- fore and darting a suspicious glance at the veteran miner. ‘‘ Wal, I don’t chaw my cud twiset. Reckon you’d like ter git yer han’s on that treasure, eh? Wal, ye won't, I’sh goin’ ter tell ye tbat, I know my bishness ef I bash bin drinkin’, Can’t pump Shanta Fe Sim, pard.” Then be took another drink and deliberately « lay down beside the fire, mumbling thickly: **Goo’ ni’, pards. Don’ bozer ’bout me. I’sh all ri’, Goo’ ni’,” Two minutes later he was snoring lustily. * Waal, Pll be hanged!” drawled Long Ike, as he arose and stood over the inebriated stranger. ‘* What do you think of it?” asked Ralph. “*T think thet this galoot’s on ther same trail tket we are,” was the reply. ‘‘ He come mighty nigh givin’ ther hull thing erway. I caught , ernough ter tell thet he has belonged ter some kind of a gang as wuz goin’ ter hunt fer ther treasure,” ** Outlaws do you think?” ‘*P’r’aps, This may be some trick,” The two moved away a short distance, but re- mained where they could watch the man by the fire. Then they discussed the situation in low tones, finally deciding that it would be best for them to guard the camp that night. Shackley decided to take the first half of the watch, and soon Ralph was sleeping soundly while the old miner sat on a large rock industriously chew- ing tobacco and watching the dancing fire. His rifle was near at hand, ready for use. Long Ike found a comfortable chance to Jean back and before Ipng he sunk into a delightful drowse. In a short time he was sleeping soundly. Just how long he slept or what awoke him the miner never knew, but suddenly he found him- self standing on his feet and gazing toward the fire. Then he made a startling discovery. Santa Fe Sim was gone! CHAPTER V. OLD MISERY AND SOLOMON, LonG Ike Shackley was amazed at the discov- ery that their visitor was nowhere to be seen. He had no means:of telling how long he had slept, but he did not believe it was very long. At the same time he knew that if Santa Fe Sim had been one-half as drunk as be pretended to be when he lay down by the.fire be would not have awakened for several hours. Ike instantly de- cided that be had been tricked and he realized that they might be in deadly danger at that mo- ment, ‘*T will ’rouse ther lad an’ we'll slope, too, mighty sudden,” arely had the miner formed this determina- tion when the clear, whip-like crack of a rifle at a considerable distance came to bis ears fol- lowed the next instant by a faint cry of mortal agony. a What was that?” asked ape in a low tone, starting up and grasping his rifle, which he had kept close at hand. “Ther Ole Nick hes bruck loose!” hissed Shackley, springing forward and giving the re- maining brands of the fire a kick which sent therm flying, in more than a dozen directions. ** We must skip right peert, lad!” Tu an instant the young man was on his feet, seeming to grasp the situation with remarkable swiftness, “Now fer ther hosses,” came in a. hoarse whisper from the long miner’s lips. Their motions were rapid, but every” move counted, They first saw that their saddle-horses were ready for service; then they made the pack- avimals ready, All this could not be done in a minute, but it was done in an incredibly short space of time, Ike had beensurprised to find all of the animals in their places, but a second thought bad told him that the crafty man from Santa Fe had not touched them for fear of arous-_ ing the sleepers. He probably counted on get-° ting back before the guard awoke and discover- ed his absence, and Ike was in great fear lest be shuuld return befcre they could get away. Not that the old miner was afraid of any one man, but be knew well enough that Santa Fe Sim would not be aloné when he returned. ‘* Where is our visitor?” Ralph could not refrain from asking the ques- tion, but his companion orly replied: ** You tell!” That was enough, Young Perry understood it as well as if Ike had e orate manner. He also new that the ve was silently cursing bimself for bis stupidity in ‘ ; : being duped in such a way and falling asleep Sandner for the skilleal persopator ot é drunken man to leave the camp, ee .¢ | ' lained ina moreelab- :
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6 “ All reddy,” came softly from the tall man’s lips. ‘* We’ll lead ’em fer er piece an’ go ez still ez we kin. Come,” They started down the canyon away from the int from which had come the shot and the cry. hey moved as silently as they could, but the iron-shod hoofs of the horses made considerable noise. This fact seemed to trouble Shackley, for he swore softly beneath his breath once or twice, and when they had gone quite a distance, he gave the word to mount. Barely were they settled in the saddle when a chorus of voices, joined in a wild yell of baffled rage and disgust, came down the canyou. Long Ike chuckled. ‘““They hev reached ther spot whar we uster wuz,” he observed. ‘* An’ now they'll be comin’ this way, hotter’n bald-beaded ole he hornets, Let’s git.” And suiting the action to the word, they put spurs to the horses and galloped away with the pack-animals following close bebind. There Was no longer any need of moving silently, so “ity ventured to ask: *“* What do you make of it, Ike? From whom are we fleeing?” ““Tnjuns, lad, Injuns! dunno which, but I reckon it’s Navajoes, are ther most apt ter be in these parts,” ° ‘* Will we get away without a fight?” ** P’r’aps so, p’r’aps not, no tellin’. But I am oing ter say thet ther chances are thet we shall. ain’t likely they’ll ketch us arter we git out of ther canyon. Thar w’u’dn’t be no chance a tall fer them ter ketch us ef we didn’t hev no pack- annymiles.” ‘ “Do you think they are mounted?” ** Prob’ly, ef they are ’Paches,” Onward down the canyon dashed the two ad- venturers, Shackley leading the way. They Navajoes or ’Paches, I They were in imminent danger of being hurled from - their; horses, as the way was very rough and it was quite dark in the depths of the canyon _ where the moonlight did not penetrate, for the moon was shining faintly through the fleecy clouds which covered the sky. But Long Ike - seemed to have the eyes of an owl, for he picked out the smoothest road without the least hesita- tion, and fortunately no accident befell them. Thirty minutes later they turned into a nar- row side canyon that was literally as crooked as aram’s horn, Tbere they were forced to travel much more slowly, for it was much darker than in the main canyon. Stillthey did not pause, although Long Ike confessed that be bad not the least idea where the gorge would take them. ‘*] reckon it will come out somewhar,” he said; ‘an’ so, we'll take our chances. Most ennythin’s better nor runnin’ erg’in’ er gang of Beogr eenies red varmints sech er night ez this. There was no disputing the wisdom of his words, and so they kept on, hoping to come out all right somewhere, “Tt seems to me like this gorge or ravine has twisted till we are going back parallel with the one that we left,” observed the young treasure- hunter. **T callate you’re right, lad,” acknowledged the miner. ‘‘ We are goin’ back, but that’s all ther better,” ‘ Finally, they halted. § “Thar,” said Ike, ‘‘I’m thinkin’ that we're *bout oppersite ther place whar we camped an’ not more’n hafe er mile frum it ef we count ther _ distance right straight through ther solid wall of rock thet lays atween ther two canyons, This un’s ér leetle bigher than ther other an’ not meh so large, though thet wuzn’t so very ‘big. 1 cal’late this leads out somewhar afore long.” ~ Do you think of stopping here for the rest of the night?” “T dunno, Ther night hain’t more’n hafe | gone, thet is, not much more. We'll hey ter _ stop somewhar, though I don’t reckon we’ll buila enny fire. Ther winds thet sweep through _ these year reveens are ernuff ter cut ter ther - bone, but we'll hev ter wrop in our blankets an’ _ shiver it out. Better be hafe froze then be a jest whar yer skelp orter be, eh, “That is the way I look at it. We came ; mighty near losing our topknots.” Now ye’re shoutin’, I aidn’t snooze er great | while, fer ther fire badn’t burned clean out by envy means. I’m er thinkin’ thet ther gent | from paid Fe badn’t bin gone more’n no time _ afore I woke an’ diskivered it. wuz ban’ an Eor with ther red varmints Who wuz prob’ly : iy « n’ er short distance off waitin’ fer him ter | “*But what do you make of that shot and | ry? | grow], and the dog’s master cautioned them to \ **T dunno jest w’at ter make of it. If ’tadn’t been fer ther yell thet tole us thet er gang of red varmints Led foun’ our camp an’ wuz mighty dissipinted, I might ’a’ thort thet it wuz our visitor as had rua inter ther imps of sin an’ salted one. But ther yell tole me thet ther reds wuz s’pectin’ ter fine us right whar we wuz camped,” ** And too, our visitor did not have a rifle with bim,” ‘*Kirect. So it stan’s ter reason that some other gentleman interjuced ther red devils ter a lead pill,” ‘*He! he! he! Reckon I’m ther gentleman ye’re referrin’ ter, pard. I permitted Perforator ter run a tunnel in ther carcass o’ one o’ ther copper-complected skunks, and from yer tork I’m thinkin’ you must ’a’ beard his exclamitory interjeckulation o’ s’prise. He squealed right out in high G or thereabouts, an’ then he must ’a’ felt powerful tired, fer he laid down ter rest. Hello! Don’t shoot! Ez ther ’coon said ter Davy Crockett, ‘ I'll come down.’” Then a dark figure slid down over the sloping bank at their left, landing just in front of the horses, ‘* Hyer I be, pards, right side up an’ smilin’,” ‘*'Who are you?” demanded Ike. ““Ole Misery, at yer service, general tramp, vagabond, Injun-hater an’ football o’ Miss For- tune. P’r’aps you don’t know ther ancient dam- sel o’ which [ speak, but I do, havin’ bin inter- juced ter her at an early period o’ my earthly career from ther cradle ter ther Shinin’ Shore, She kicked me out o’ ther just-mentioned cradle, an’ hes bin kickin’ me ever since. Ez I’m over sixty year old, I’m pritty used ter her kickin’, an’ I reckon IJ kin stan’ it tell I am planted whar ther dais’es grow ef she kin. I’mer jolly bombly little ole rip, fer all o’ ther bad luck I’ve allus bad. Kem frum Mizzury; thet’s why I’m called Ole Misery. Now, who be you fellers?” F With a few words, Sbhackley explained that they were miners, and introduced bimself and his companion by their names. Old Misery, who in the darkness appeared to be a little round-shouldered old fellow, shook their hands warmly, declaring: “Tt duz me good ter git holt o’ ther fins o’ hones’ men once more, Most er feller kin see in this part o’ ther kentry’s red-skins or Greasers, an’ one’s bad ez ther other.” ‘* Hello!” exclaimed Ralph, suddenly cocking his rifle. ‘‘ What is that up there?” ‘*Hey! don’t shoot!” cried Old Misery, quick- ly. ‘‘Thet’s Solomon,” **Solomon who? Why doesn’t become down?” ‘*Solomon,” said the old man, speaking to the dimly discerned figure on the bank above, ‘‘ why don’t ye come down?” ** Bow-wow!” It was the low bark of a dog, and the next eee the animal came scrambling down the ank, : ‘*Gentlemen,” observed the Man from Mis- souri, ‘“‘this year’s Solomon, my cane, I call him Solomon because he’s so wise. e hates Injuns an’ Greasers ez bad ez I do, an’ he’s sisted me in sendin’ more’n one red varmint ter ther happy bubtin’-groun’s, Oh, he’s er great dawg!” With this brief encomium the old man turned from the dog and asked: ‘“ Which way wuz ye movin’, pards?” ‘ Any way ter git out of this vicinity,” was Long Ike’s reply. ‘All right; ef you'll foller me, I'll take ye out o’ this year reveen. Arter I drapped ther red varmint over in ther other canyon, an’ saw thet ther rest o’ his ‘lation did not lift ther hair o’ ther two pale-faces 0’ which er dirty white skunk o’ er renegade wuz tellin’ them, w’en I let Perforator whang, I an’ Solomon made our way over ther ridge atwixt ther gorges, fer I hev bin through this one an’ know ther lay o’ ther Jan’. I knew jest whar I c’u’d git from one to ther other.” ‘Then ye heerd er white man tellin’ ther reds thet thar wuz others nigh?” asked Ike, with in- terest, ‘Yep, Said thar w’u’dn’t be no trouble in liftin’ their hair.” ‘* Ther cursed whelp!” growled the prospector, ** Pq hke ter lay my han’s on him.” Then he told Old Misery how they had been deceived by the fellow who had pretended to be intoxicated, After this they moved on again, Old Misery and Solomon leading the way, Jt was not long before they reached the opening to the ravine where it debouched upon an open plain, which could be dimly seen in the hazy moonlight. Suddenly Solomon gave utterance to a low Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. a ——— listen. They did so, and plainly heard the ap- proaching thud of a horse’s hoofs, the animal apparently traveling at a gallop. ** Down, Solomon!” commanded the Man from Missouri. ‘‘ Lay back in ther shadders, pards!” And with these warnings he cocked the long rifle which he carried. Nearer and nearer came the galloping animal, till at length a horse and rider were dimly seen. Swiftly the figures came forward till they were opposite the spot where the two friends were croucbing in the shadows, then Ralph exclaim- ed, in amazement; “Great King! a girl!” The mvonlight breaking from bebind a thin cloud had showed him that it was a female figure on the back of the flying horse. As she turned her head to cast a lLok over her shoulder, they saw that she was white. At the same in- stant, Old Misery exclaimed, in a guarded tcne: ‘* Hyer comes another!” It was true. Some distance in the rear came another horse bearing a rider, who was evident- ly in pursuit of the flying girl. The second rider was a man, and as he urged his horse to the utmost of the animal’s capacity, he shouted: ‘“*Stop, senorita, stop! Escape you can not, My prisoner you must be. You will be killed you do not stop!” The flying female made no reply, but her hand rose and horse, and pursued and pursuer swept onward to be hidden by the hazy shadows which hung over the plain, : a CHAPTER VI. COSTELLO MAKES A DESPERATE MOVE. Cries of horror came from the thiee men who witnessed the gambler’s mad act as he delib- erately shot down Major Hugh Lakeman within the tent called the Canvas Palace. They were amazed and paralyzed by the swiftness with which the desperado had accomplished his terri- ble purpose, and by the magnitude of the sudden. tragedy which they had witnessed. For a few moments after the shot which had dropped the magnate of Eden Vale in a, heap ou the ground, a dead silence rested on all, the wit- nesses of the tragedy glaring at the man who, with a fiendish look of triumph on his fece, stood with his still smoking revolver grasped in bis hand, Then with a suddenuess such as had character- ized his last act, Square Sam threw up his re- volver once more and dashed the muzzle through the globe of a light that was swinging within reach of bis arm. At the same instant he kicked over another table on which sat a lamp, plunging the interior of the tent into darkness, But, that was not all the desperate wretch did. With a great surge he sent tha other table against the three men who had been gambling with him, and all were burled to the ground with the table on top of them. When they extricated themselves from the mass into which the murderous ganibler bad cast them and dashed out of the tent, they were just in time to see a dark figure vanish in the gloom between two of’ the cottages. It would be folly to fire toward the spot where the man was Jast seen, but one of the men drew a revol- ver and emptied every chamber in swift succes- sion, firing intothe air. As a result, they were soon surrounded by a group of excited people, who eagerly demanded to know the cause of the commotion, . Great was the rage and sorrow of the settlers when they learned what had taken place, and many were the maledictions sent after the van- ished villain. But, that was not all, Without the loss of any time, more than one-half of the men of Eden Vale began searching for the wretch. If caught, his punishment would be swiftand sure, Lights were brought, and some of the men en- tered the tent where the respected and unfortu- nate major was lying. Others, including many of the women, crowded forward to get a look at the body. | ae aie “This will be a terrible blow for bis wife, and r Miss Ethna,” said one of the men, bending over to examine the fallea man’s wound, At that moment a low moan came from the supposed dead man’s lips; he stirred a little, then suddenly sat up. ‘* What has happened ?” ell sharply on the haunch of her | It was the major himself who asked the ques- _ tion, and more than one uttered a fervent “Thank God!” as they saw that the wounded man was far from being dead. His’ wound, which was on the head, was quickly examined by one of the men who had had some experience, _ “> > ? ¢ i xy a K ¥ red Ph * Sip 4 4 - iia u w whee lee . 4 > ~ (me. T » > ty r j * ay 4 Pow
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r ¥ ! d 7 ; v ¥ yi ” / , - a \ Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. in such matters, and a great breath of relief came from nearly all who heard him when he declared that it was not necessarily serious. It was soon washed and dressed, and then the major insisted on walking home, which he did with assistance. The following morning the wounded man was reported to be as well as could be expected under the circumstances, and the man who had dressed his wound and who was called ‘‘ Dov” in the ! settlement asserted that he would come round allright if the wound did not affect his brain. This was great consolation for those who heard it, although they knew that the speaker had very little practical surgical science, ; As for Square Sam, be escaped on one of his own horses, leaving the other animals and the tent and fixtures. He never returned to-claim anything, and the parties of indignant men who searched for him for three days after his das- tardly attempt on the major’s life were forced to give up the hunt with the conclusion that be bad passed safely beyond their reach. The very day that the major ventured out of the house for the first time after his nearly fatal meeting with Duncan Midas, as he had called the gambler, Maggie Renan rode up to the cot- tage and asked for Ethna. She was informed that the one she sought had gone for a gallop down the river, mounted on her favorite pony, having left the cottage not more than thirty minutes before. ‘I will overtake her,” cried the light-hearted maiden, as she dashed away in the direction Ethna had taken, But Maggie was not in quite as good spirits as usual, Of course sbe would not have confessed that the unaccountable absence of Dick Bowen from the settlement had anything to do with her feelings, but—well, never mind. True it was that Dick had not been seen in Eden Vale since he met with such a disappointment beside the river and afterward gave Jose Costillo such a deserved shaking. But Maggie knew nothing of what had happened before Dick rescued her from the Spaniard, for Ethna had seen fit to keer it all from ber little friend. Despite the fact that the midday sun was pouring its rays down into the valley, there was sufficient breeze to make it delightful riding, and Maggie’s cheeks got a charming color as she dashed swiftly along, making her look unusually pretty. She rode on for some time, feeling sure that she must soon overtake her friend, and ut- tering an exclamation of disappointment when each new continuation of the valley came in sight and still Ethna was not to be seen. ut as Maggie rode onward she fell to think- ing of the absent Dick, and without knowing it, she allowed her horse to gradually settle into a pay She also began to express her thoughts aloud. : “T wonder where he can be—” ‘* Buenos dias, senorita. Do you speak of Jose?” She gave a start and exclamation of surprise and dismay. Directly in ber path, mounted on a tough little Indian pony, sat Costillo the Span- iard, an evil smile of triumph on his dark face, He had removed his sombrero and was bowing ina mocking manner. Maggie was forced to draw rein, for he was directly in her way. ‘““T am much pleased to see the beautiful senorita,” asserted the evil-appearing fellow, ‘* The surprise is very great.” vf ‘“* That’s a fact,” admitted Maggie, ‘ It is al- together too t, Lhbad a deal rather have seen the Old Nick himself,” Costillo showed his teeth. / ‘“ You are not complimentary, A point is to your tongue, But, words do not hurt Jose.” “ Tf they did I would hurl my whole vocabu- lary at you,” snapped the little spitfire. ‘ As it is, I will ask you to get out of my way and let me go on,” _ “You are in a hurry?” | “Yes,Iam, Will you get out of the way?” “You have too much baste,” laughed the Spaniard, as he grasped the bridle of her pony aud sprung from bis own animal, ‘“ You can go ov, but you shall go with Jose Costillo.” He sprang forward to seize her and she struck at bim witb her riding-whip, putting all of her strength into the blow, His band darted up and caught the descending whip, and although it must have hurt as it fell upon his band, he held fast and wrenched it from her grasp, laughing wes org ek F ‘* Little fire bird, but Costillo will tame her, ha! ba! She is mine!” Then he dragged her from the saddle, taking care that her pony was not frightened, and, despite her struggles and screams, the ruffian handled her almost as easily as he had been handled by Dick Bowen. Very deftly he tied her hands together and then swung her into the | saddle and fastened her there. He seemed to have had everything ready for the occasion, and Maggie could not help thinking that he bad been laying in wait for her. Perhaps Ethna had also fallen into the dastard’s hands! “You are there, little one,” said the Span- iard, regarding ber with considerable satisfac- tion. or Very beautiful you are, and you are all mine. Maggie’s face was white with rage. “You coward!” she said, in alow tone that was more intense than ashriek would have been. **'You shall pay for this, Dick Bowen will call you to an account,” **Diavolo Americano !” snarled Jose. yet kill him!” W hen he had arranged it so that he could lead the girl’s pony, be mounted his own animal and they started. Maggie felt that it was useless to say anything to tbe treacherous villain, yet she could not refrain from “ giviag bim a piece of her mind,” which she proceeded to do. (It pro- duced very little impression on the dark-faced wretch, who only smiled but made no reply. As soon as possible Costillo left the valley and struck into the mountains. It was plain that he had some fearof being seen, although it was not probable that they would come upon any one from Eden Vale unless it was Etbna, Maggie’s hands were confined by rawhide strips, and the plucky girl determined to gnaw them off when her captor was not looking. This she tried to do, but found that very little impression was made on the tough thongs. Still she persisted, but after a time the Spaniard halted and examined the lashings. He laughed motte he he saw the work of her teeth, and for all of her attempt to prevent him, he made her hands additionally secure,, and neither threats nor entreaties availed to induce him to loosen the cutting bonds or release her hands entirely. “The bird would like to fly away,” he smiled, in his hateful, evil way. ‘ Ob, no, sbe can not! She belongs to Jose,” “Dog!” cried Maggie. will escape punishment for this outrage? father Wil bare your life!’ ‘Not at all will he ever know what has be- come of you,” her captor declared coolly, ‘‘ He will no more see you at all.” But Maggie did not believe that, She was sure she would get clear of the Spaniard’s hands in some way. The afternoon passed and night was at hand. They had pushed far into the mountains, Suddenly Costillo gave a gasp of horror and drew in his pony with such force that the startled beast reared on its baunches, Directly iu their path not more than ten rods away lay the body of a dead man, and perched on the corpse was the huge black bird of the mountains—the Winged Demon! “The Black Vampire!” groaned the fear- stricken wretch, ‘See! he hasbeen sucking the blood of the dead !” The black bird saw them and lifted its beast- like head to glare at them a moment with a pair of fierce, fiery eyes that seemed to pierce them through and chain them motionless with borror. Then, uttering a barsh, snarling cry that chilled their blood, it spread its wings and rose from its ghastly banquet! “Do you think 2 y CHAPTER VII. EVENTS OF THE NIGHT, THE face of the Spaniard was as white as that of the dead man lying in their path, as he watch- ed the huge black bird fly slowly away, the lazy motion of its wide-spreading wings seeming to indicate that it was gorged to repletion by its draught of human blood. The frightened wretch did not lower his eyes till the black monster was lost in the dark shadows which were gathering over the mountains, - x Although Maggie was an unusually brave girl, she had been scarcely less terrified than was her captor at sight of the mysterious bird of the ‘mountains, for sbe had heard blood-chilling stories of the fear-inspiring creature with the wings of a South American condor and the seem- ing head of a puma, Since the monster's first appearance in Eden Vale circling above the head of the Mad Prophet of the Mountains numberless stories of the huge bird had found circulation among the settlers. It is true that Jose Costillo bad started many of the strange and improbable tales, and it is but reasonable to presume tkat the imagination of the settlers was responsible for many more, When the bird had disappeared the Spaniard \ ‘*f will | creature is to be feared more than [ can tell. drew a great breath of relief and turned to the girl, saying: ‘The saints have preserved us; the Demon of the Air is gone,” he exclaimed. “be saints!” laughed Maggie, regaining the use of her tongue. ‘‘Ha! ha! ha! That’s too good! Asif the saints would do such a wreteh as you a favor!” ‘* How can you laugh?” asked Jose, in wonder. “* Great peril we have b2en in. You are so strange!’ Maggie gave ber head a toss, “Stuff!” shesneered, ‘* Who is afraid of a big black bird! You are a coward, Costillo.” Jose shook his head, : ‘You are young, you do not know. nee t has the body and wings of a big bird, but carries the head of a beast and uses the voice of a man, W hetber it be bird, beast or man, or partof them all, no one can say. It flies through the air, it drinks the blood of the newly dead, it speaks like a person with the language of the Americano.” ‘Now that’s a little too steep!” asserted the unbelieving maiden. ‘‘ Do you mean to say that that big crow can talk?” ‘*Tt can; once I heard it,” Maggie gave a groan of incredulity. “Where did you learn to fib?’ she asked. “You are a finished expert in the art of prevari- cation, And the idea of the saints having any- thing to do with such an unblusbing liar—oh, my! ** You do not believe, senorita, but the truth I speak. Have you beard of the Mystic League? Yes? Well, tell yousomething I will, Once far away on the top of a high flat-topped mountain the League slay many people who bave taken refuge there, They were Americanos. From the body of one of the dead rose the Winged Demon, it never before being seen in all this country. From that time the bird follow the League while they be in this part of the country, and the ones who slew the people on the moun- tain die, die, die, and the Black Vampire suck their blood, Oh, terrible, terrible it was!” Something in the Spaniard’s words impressed the listener, despite her unbelief, for it did seem that he thought himself telling the truth, Al- most involuntarily, Maggie asked: / ‘What did the bird say when you heard it speak?” ‘* Ah, you begin to believe! I remember not what it said, | was too terrified. But many others beard it, and as they were filled with fear, the old man they were abcut to slay escaped from their hands—the same one who came to the valley and have bisfire on the mountain.” ‘It’s all bosh! You imagined that the crea- ture spoke, for it is plain that you was one. of the party who was about to ki/l the old ran and very naturally you ‘would feel guilty an fearful.” At this Jose seemed angry, and said that they would move on again. Maggie asked if he was not going to see what had happened to the dead rng lying in their path, but he shook his ead / “Touch him I will not. I know his face. He is one of the League that slew the people on the flat-topped mountain amid the ruins of the old pueblo. The Winged Demon has done its work at last. We will leave bim there.” Céstillo was careful to make quite a detour, so tbat he might pass the corpse as far away as possible, and then they rode on into the moun- tain wilds once more. : ¢ Night came down, but the Spauiard made no halt. On they went through the dark and dis- mal canyons with the frowning walls occasion- ally seen on either hand. The clatter of the animal’s iron-shod hoofs awoke a thousand echoes, which were at times quite startling \in their distinctness, making it scem that a troupe of horses were passing through the narrow gorges instead of two. Occasionally an icy aranghe would strike them, giving them a cold ebill. ' ‘ Finally Maggie, who was nearly exhausted and ready to sink, began to beg her captor to stop long enough for them to rest. This Costillo consented to do, and when a spot that suited him was reached, they halted, : It is impossible to imagine the relief of the girl when she was freed from the galling | rawhide straps that had confined her in one position for so long a time. At first her limbs were so numb that she could not stand, and Costillo uttered an exclamation of dismay when be saw her sink in a heap as soon as her feet touched the ground, He sprung to her side, ay i thinking that she was undeceived when she cried sharply: “Get out of the way! Don’t touch me!” _ . - ad fainted, but he = | i
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8 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. “ Ah!” came from his lips in a breath of relief, | “The beautiful senorita is all right.” | ** Yes the beau-u-tiful senorita is all right,” | mocked the girl, whose spirit was unbroken, | “And if she was all wrong, she would not want | you round her. Now I’ve got my hands free, you | just keep at a proper distance or I'll fetch you | a smash on your beau-u-tiful proboscis.” Ratser vigorous tatk for a young lady in Maggie’s position, Jose made no reply, but led the horses away a short distance to a spot where | they could obtain a scant amount of feed, first | giving them a drink froma basin hollowed in . the rock by a little stream of water that came | tumbling down over a perpendicular wall. | Maggie had arisen to her feet when he returned, | but he had felt sure that she would make no at- tempt to escape on foot into the darkness. Such an act would be the height of folly, as she would be sure to perish from hunger or be devoured by ) wild animals if she succeeded in getting away. At least, that was what Costillo told her. Once more it became evident that the Span- iard had provided for such a condition of things, | for be produced a small amount of hard-tack ! and jerked beef which he divided with his cap- tive. With a tin dipper he caught some water / from the falling stream, and they made quite a satisfactory meal under the circumstances. Costillo had builta small fire and its warmth was quite pleasant to the chilled girl. Fivally,;Maggie fell asleep close beside the fire, and, without awakening her, her captor tied his riata around one of ber ankles and made it fast to his own wrist. Hereasoned that if she awoke and found him sleeping, she would attempt to st2al away without noticing the band that held them together. If she didso, he would certainly be aroused. He was in the habit of rag 2m | by hittle brief ‘‘cat naps,” *and he felt confident that his captive could not escape during the short spaces of time that he was slumbering, Adding more fuel to the fire, he lay down and was soon dozing in a half-conscious way, from which he would occasionally rouse up quite /awake and put one or two sticks more of the dead wood that he had gathered, on the sinking flames. Tous the night wore on. The moon came up, but the sky was overcast by hazy clouds, The Spaniard chuckled, for he saw that his fair cap- tive was sleeping soundly, evidently quite ex- hausted. ‘*Need not fear for her!” was his thought, as he piled an unusual amount of wood upon the ‘fire and sunk back to obtain a more refreshIng nap. Bat just there was where he made a mistake, Nothing aroused him till be heard a sudden clat- ter of hoofs receding into the night ata swift pace.. He started up and looked toward the spot where Maggie had been sleeping. The girl was gone! What a string of Spanish execrations came from the deluded rascal’s lips as he dashed to- ward the spot where the horses had been! To his intense relief he found hisown pony where he had left it, though the girl’s was gone! As for Maggie, she had made a big mistake in not taking Costillo’s horse as well as her own, for then tte wretch would not have been able to fol- low her. But in her excitement and eagerness to escape she had not thought of that. Soon her late captor came in hot pursuit, cry- ‘ing for her to stop. She heeded him not save to urge her pony on the faster at imminent danger of getting it off its feet and being hurled headlong. It was a mad race away through the night. _ For nearly an bour the race continued be- _fore Maggie’s foam flecked animal carried her _ out of the gulches and ravines upon what seemed to be an open plain, but was in reality, j stl ht would bave shown, a large tract of bottom-land borderiag a river. har Glancing over her shoulder the fleeing girl saw | thut her hated foe was gaining, showing that _ the “ staying ” qualities of the tough little Indian Bory. which he bestrode were superior to those of her own animal, Several times he called for _ her to stop, but she still urged ber pony on, diy hoping to evade him ia some way. | _ At length, she turned into the shadows be- | _ iween two large hills, Her horse was breathing | agavily and she saw that it was nearly exhaust- 1c. But she would not give up yet. _- Suddenly the animal stumbled and she was | ‘nrlet over its head tostrike the ground and | Ay as still as if killed by the unexpected acci- | 4 elieved. of its burden, the animnal made Lat spurt and went tearing along through n — Ne athe’ dashed ‘past the silent figure on the a, ae the river. though that his hopes shaking. She feare from Eden Vale. settlenfent, and of the valley, while, in hot pursuit, | ground, which he failed to notice, and galloped on after the riderless horse, But, brave little Maggie was not killed. She was simply stunned, not a bone of her body being broken, as good fortune had it. How long she remained unconscious she could not tell, but finally she opened ber eyes and gazed around in the semi-darkness, As she did so, a gasp of fear came from her lips, for she dimly discerned the body of an animal that was slowly creeping through the gloom toward the spot where she Jay. She tried to cry out, but found that her tongue seemed paralyzed and she could not utter a sound, Nearer and nearer crept the animal, its gleam- ing eyes seeming to be fixed on her face. She could hear it snuff the air as if it had scented a tempting feast. Nearer, nearer, till she could feel its hot breath on her cheek. In another moment it would seize her! The thought seemed to loosen her tongue, and she hoarsely gasped: ** Get out, you beast!” The effect of her command was surprising. The animal squatted on its haunches, lifted its nose in the air, and sent a long, mournful howl quavering through the night, It was a dog! CHAPTER VIII. THE BIRD OF DARKNESS, LittLeE did Ethna Lakeman think how far she had rode from Eden Vale, her horse on and on, having turned from the river into the mountain ravines, for which reason sbe was not overtaken by Maggie Re- nan, who had expected to find her riding beside Ethna’s thoughts were of the gallant young fellow who had called himself Mountain Frank, and who had promised at parting that she should see him again, general destination of the train, and he bad de- lighted her by saying that he too was bound for the San Juan country, although he must first go to Denver on business, She wondered if it was not time for him to make his appearance in that: region, and if he should come then he know Fon where to find the emigrants? Al- little of the bright young ranger, she was plainly in love with him. As she rode along she also thought of the sin- gular disappearance of Dick settlement, and she was not a little troubled by the fact that be had not returned since the day had been so crushed, and he had given Costillo, the Spaniard, such a deserved that she had been too harsh with the uneducated youth, and blamed herself ina measure for his ‘self-enforced exile She knew well enough that her little friend Maggie was more than half in love with Dick, and she thought how much bet- ter it would have been for them all if the young man had vossessed similar feelings for the be- witching romp. With her mind occupied by such thoughts as these, she allowed her horse to turn whichever way he would, little heeding the fact tbat he was carrying her further and further from the deeper and deeper into the mountain passes. She bad never been Jost amid the mountains, and knew little of the terrors of such a position, Finally she looked up with a start and per- ceived for the first time that the afternoon was” well advanced, She at once decided that she must turo back toward home, and tbis she pro- ceeded to do as she supposed, The country was strange to her, but she believed that she could She little knew how far she had wandered from the river. An hour of steady riding followed and at the She had urged thna bad seen ve find her way back with little trouble. end of that time she was perplexed and alarmed, for still the country seemed strange and she had not come to the river. ‘**But I must reach it soon,” she muttered, looking around, come out all right.” But she was not sosure of that even then. She was bewildered and uncertain as to the points of the compass. She could not believe that she had come through the canyons and de- files that she was passing through, Everything looked strange around ber and gradually sbe felt that vague yet terribly unpleasant sensation that comes creeping over a person when they begin to understand that they are lost. At tke same time she was angry with herself to think that she should be so careless, It raortified her, and she resolved that if she reached Eden Vale be- fore dark not a soul should know of her unpleas- ant adventure, . But Ethna was destined not to see Eden Vale that night, When she was fully convinced that She had told him the re, how would Bowen from the **On, Dan, old fellow; we will | she was realiy lost, she gave Dan his head, hop-. ing that he would find his way back to the river. But as fortune had it, he turned in directly the opposite direction and carried the poer girl deeper and deeper into the mountain wilds. he sun had long ago disappeared behind the | western mountains and in the depths of the ra- vines the shadows were beginning to assemble and lurk in all manner of nocks and crannies like so many robbers or assassins, Etbna looked around in helpless dismay and a low ery came from her heart: ‘*God help me, I am lost! I shall have to pass the night in the mountains!” She did not dream of anything worse, for she felt that when she did not return to the settle- ment her father wovld organize a party of searchers and send them after ber. Of course they would find her, To make her triaJs still greater, Dan suddenly wentlame. Ethna was a practical horsewoman and well versed in most matters pertaining to horses, so she at once dismounted { see if she could discover ere it was too dark what made Dan limp. Stooping, she grasped bis right fore foot and told bim to lift it. Just then she heard aswishing sound over her head followed by a shrill shriek, and witha snort of terror Dan broke away and went plunging along the ravine unheeding her cries till he was swallowed up by the gloom. ' The huge black bird that Costillc called the Winged Demon was responsible for the horse’s fright. It had swept along less than twenty feet over their heads uttering its peculiar pierc- ing cry. With a feeling of indescribable de- spair Ethna saw her borse disappear and watch- ea the demon bird till that too bad vanished in the settling shadows. “Now Heaven help me!” she said, in a low, boarse tone. ‘Iam alone and afoot amid the mountains. What shall I do?” Finally, she decided to follow on after the horse, hoping — it had stopped not very far away. If she had known it, at that very mo- ment Maggie Renan was not far away, but was a captive in the bands of the villainous Span- jard. The monster bird, after arising from the corpse on which Maggie and her captor saw it perched, had ficwn directly along till it passed cver Ethna and her horse which it frightened with its cry. b ; Onward burried the pocr girl, vainly strain- ing her eyes to catch a glimpse of the form of her pet horse standing in the dusky gloom await- ing for ber to come up. Once or twice she was sure that she could see him, but when she start- ed forward at a run, she was disappointed to diseover that it was nothing but a buge bowl- der. Once she called his name, but the mock- ing echoes flung back the cry in a tantalizing way. At length she was ready to drop upon the ground in despair. n And that was just what she finally did. When she could go no further, she sunk down in the darkness and burst into tears. It was indeed a very distretsing situation for a girl of eighteen. After indulging in a ‘good long cry,” she knelt in the darkness and uttered a brief prayer to the All-wise Being who notes even the spar- row’s fal), Then, she crept to where a huge bowlder would shelter her from the cold blasts that swept through the cut, and after a time she fell asleep from pure exbaustion, \ For many hours she slept peacefully beside the great bowlder, dreaming pleasant things for all of her recent experiences and ber-position at that time, But, she was to awaken to a horror greater than the worst nightmare. Even in ber pleasant dreams she seemed to hear a horrible crcaking sound, but she was awakened by feeling a great weight settle on ‘her body. At first sbe knew not where she was and she lay quite still trying to think what bad happened, Scon she remembered it all. The beavy weight was still on ber body and in the darkness cr semi-gloom she could distinguish a huge black form above ber, A moment later she heard the tarsh, croaking sound that bad broken her dream, and it came from the crea- ture that bad settled upon ber! ‘e The girl’s borror was so great tbat she could not move a muscle, mal that had found ber there and would devour her? She felt that it must be, She strained her eyes to see if she could tell just what it was, and then'she'was aware of a o burning, coal-like orbs that seemed to be fastened upon ber own. 8 could not remove her y from the red balls of fire. They fascinated her as the eyes of a ser- pent fascinates the victim it is about to destroy, A terrible chilling borror held her spell-bound ' fuse that harsh croaking, low bu _ Tt was the bird of evil omen! What was it? Someani- — t so terrible, me +
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a. “a — =~ - a _ Old Misery, the M She had heard the stories of the Vampire which were rife at Eden Vale, and she had not a doubt but that it was waiting for her to die that is might suck her blood, What a horrible thought! : Then she uttered a wild cry. An echoing cry, evidently of amazement, came from the bird, and instantly its huge wings lifted it into the air, Shrieking like a fiend of the night it flew away, away tillits cries grew fainter and fainter and died out in the distance. Breathing a prayer cf gratitude, the girl arose and ran swiftly away. On, onshe hurried, to get as far from the terrible spot as possible, How the rest of that night passed she could never tell, but morning came at last, and with tears of joy Ethna greeted the blessed light of day. Stretching her hands toward the gold- eh east, she relieved her feelings with a long, ow cry. At that instant a low, fierce growl came to her ears, and, whirling swiftly, she gave a gasp of fear as she saw on a little eminencea large puma, or American lion, crouching asif about to spring upon her! CHAPTER IX. ' MOUNTAIN FRANK APPEARS, FRoM one danger to another! From one hor- rible position tc another in no way less terrible! It seemed that fate was against the fair girl and that her prayers were unavailing. One glance at the crouching beast with gleaming teeth and slow moving tail showed that it was about to make the fatal leap. Had Ethna escaped the dangers of the night to provide a morning feast for the mountain ion? For all of her peril, she did not lose her strength and sink to the ground in deadly fear, Instead of that, something seemed to chain her motionless with her dark eyes fixed full upon the gleaming orbs of the crouching beast. At times there is something marvelous in the effect of a steady, unflinching look directed at a wild beast, and at that moment Ethna Lakeman un- consciously saved her own life by that fixed stare, for the puma seemed to flinch a little and hesitate a moment. That moment was enough. Just as the beast was settling once more preparatory for the spring, the clear, ringing reports of two rifles fired almost simultaneously woke the morning , echoes. The puma gave av upward 2g and then came rolling down the slope to lie at the feet of its intended prey, kicking convul- sy and clawing the air in its dying throes, Ethna looked round in wonder to see from what source the shots had come, She saw two * young men running swiftly forward from oppo- site points, each carrying a rifle, One of them she recognized as Dick Bowen, and the otber— could it be—yes, it was the handsome young ranger, Mountain Frank! : e@ two youths came to ahalt a few feet apart, ee each other over the body of the dead cat. On Bowen’s face there was a look of mingled r ge and ,consternation, while Frank’s clear-cut features were lit up with a ‘smile. es “Well, pard,” said the young mountaineer, pleasantly, ‘‘ we were both after the same bird, and it appears that we spotted our game in the very nick of time.” But Dick’s only reply was a scowl. “ Prank—Dick!” The exclamation came from Ethna’s lips as she sprung forward witb a hand outstretched to each. Dick did not refuse the offered oye you here.” p >) “AndTam a to see you,” replied tie youth, frankly, holding fast to ber hand with an unconsciously warm and clinging grasp. “TI never dreamed of such fortune, How does it sag ho ; e ck nies fa had released ee see] hand and ste ck a pace to lean upon his rifle and wateh the two are gleaming eyes. Briefly the girl related what bad happened to her since midday of the previous day. Frank listened with interest and surprise. _ “You have had enough adventures to fill a small-sized book,” he asserted, when she had fin- ished, “Itis the most fortunate thing in the world that Mr. Bowen and I happened to sight that bruteas it was about to og If we ever 4 * 7 18 eat ! trying in the extreme, an from Misso | aia a job that we should be proud of, it was when we knocked that creature over. Here, Bowen, let’s shake across the corpse, but let’s be careful not to bave an Irish funeral, for if we | do, we shall wake him,” ore Dick did not offer to take the extended | hand. ‘*T don’t keer ter shake with you,” was his rough and pointed retort, ‘Jest you mind your business an’ Ill mind mine,” Atthis Frank was amazed. . He looked at the surly fellow in undisguised astonishment, as he asked: ‘* What do youmean, Dick? Surely we parted as friends,” **No we didn’t nutber{ 1 never saw ye “ernough ter become a friend ter ye; but,” he added, ‘* I hev seen all I ever want to of ye.” “Why, Dick!” exclaimed Etbna, flushing crimson with dismay. He turned upon her almost savagely. ‘* Ther time has come,” he.cried, ‘‘ fer you ter make er choice atween me an’ him, __[ don’t pur- tend ter hev his smooth tongue or his fine ways, but before Heaven I’m an Lones’ may, I won- der ef he kin say ez much? I am reddy ter do anythin’ fer you, Ethna—anytbin’ if it’s ter go through fire an’ brimstun! How much will he do fer you?’ Here we are standin’ face ter face. Choose atween us!” At that moment, as he stood with his fine head thrown back and his expressive eyes fixed upon the girl whom .be literally adored Dick Bowen was little short of handsome, There was a certain wilduess about bis manner that made it very impressive. Ethna was so confused and dumfounded that she could not utter a word, Her position was If possible, her face be- came still more crimson and sbe dared not meet the wondering gaze of the young mountaineer. Frank was not slow to understand how mat- ters stood, for it was only too plain to see that Bowen was a jealous lover. He also saw that Ethna was greatly confused, and he surmised the truth. But young Bowen did not give the maiden much time for a reply. ‘*] kin see!” he continued, hotly. ‘‘ Your face speaks as loud as words, You refused me oncet an’ I’m er fool ter give yeanother chance. I’m in ther way here an’so 1’ll go, but,” his voice breaking a little, ‘‘ef ye ever want er frien’, Miss Ethna, call on me, Ther time may ee e half turned as if to walk away, but paused to fling savgely over his shoulder: “Ez fer you, Mountain Frank, ez ye calls yerself, keep out of Dick Bowen’s path! I hope we may never meet ergain.” Tben he strode away, not even pausin looking back when Ethna called his name, short time he bad er! 6 anew “Poor Dick!” said Ethna, regretfully. Frank was at a loss§what to say, but he man- aged to stammer: ‘“‘T am very sorry that this unpleasant scene or na happened, Miss Lakeman, and—” “You are in no way to blame,” she interrupt- ed, ‘Please say nothing about it, and let’s for- get that it ever occurred. Now tell me how happens it that you are here, Frank?” He bad asked her to call him Frank when they first be- came acquainted, and indeed that seemed the only proper way of addressing him, as he had not told what his true name was, “You know that I promised to find you,” he replied, with a significant look that caused her to drop her eyes and blush again, ‘‘ Besides that, Ihave business in this part of the country. But, like yourself, I am in a very unpleasant situation. Etbna was not so sure that her situation was so very unpleasant just then, but she asked: ** How is that?” ; ‘‘ | have lost my horse, I foolishly drove him into a quicksand, and it was a miracle that I did not go down with the poor creature.” “'Then how shall we reach Eden Vale?” ‘Tt looks as if we should have to foot it. As for myself, I would not mind the tramp, but it looks as if it will be a severe one for you.” — “Oh, I can stand it!” declared the maiden, bravely. ‘‘I am not so weak as you may sup- pose, I have become hardened like a true pioneer since we started for the West.” ‘But the Joss of the horse is not the worst,” 9-1 pie Frank, with a look of seriousness on bis ace, ‘“* Not the worst?” she echoed, ‘‘Whatdo you seas? Comme, sir, don’t try to frighten me! peak out “ Well, then, to tell the truth, there is a band of marauding Navajoes in this vicinity. I have are there; beware of them! Beware, beware: uri, SS EE eT TEESE KS SS a | found that the mountains seem to fairly swarm witb red-skins,” “ Heaven will protect us.” ** Possibly, but I had much rather that the red wretches were hundreds of miles away. But you must be hungry, Miss Lakeman, I camped not more than a mile and a half from this spot last night, and had venison for supper and breakfast. I left enough beside the remains of my fire to make a square meal for a picnic party. If some animal bas not carried it away, - it must be there now, Hadn’t we better return to the fire, where youjcan satisfy your hunger with juicy steak?” As soon as he mentioned it, Ethna discovered that she was truly bungry, and she did not de- mur against following the course that he had proposed. Frank declared that he had no use for the skin of the mountain lion and could not stop to remove it, so the dead beast was left lying where it had breathed its last. To Ethna this mile and a half seemed the shortest she had ever traveled, and Frank was amazed when he discovered that they bad almost reached the spot where he camped the night be- fore. He had taken the maiden’s arm, for thus he could help her along much better than if she was clinging to bis. It is certain that while he was paige pleasantly with his delightful companion, Mountain Frank kept a very poor watch for red-skins, and had there been any in that vicinity the two would have fallen an easy prey. When they came in sight of the place where he bad camped, Frank halted with a low ex- clamation of amazement. His eyes fell upon four horses, two of which were pack-animals, eagerly cropping the grass of a green patch; and beside the camp-fire, which had been revived, squatted two men, who were calmly making a meal cff the venison that the young mountaineer had de- serted, ory CHAPTER X, A WARNING VOICE. GREAT was the alarm and ccnsternation in Eden Vale when both of the girls, Ethua and Maggie, failed to return at nightfall, What could bave happened? : That was the question that passed from mouth to mouth, and no one seemed to Le able to answer it, Butit was plain that something had happened, and time spent in useless speculation was time lost. Reasoning thus, Rutus Renan swiftly organized a party and set out down the river to search for the lost ones. Major Lake- man wanted to go, but bis wife coaxed kim to refrain, telling bim that the others could find the girls as well without his aid. But when the searchers came straggling in from midnight till long after, not one reported finding a trace of the missing maidens, ‘hen. there was consternation indeed in Eden Vale. Some of the men declared they kad been carried off by Indians and some were confident that they bad wandered away into the mountains and lost their way. Only one hinted of the Mystic League and he was silenced with the question as to what the League could want of the girls, But his words set others to thinking. It was not impossible that the girls bad fallen into the bands of the mysterious brotherhood and would be beld for ransom. It was decided to send out several squads of searchers in the morning, and the distressed major announced his intention of acco ny- ing one of the parties at any cost. There was not much sleep in the settlement that night, al- though some of the men who were to be with the searchers on the morrow were wise enough to obtain a little slumber, knowing that it would ** count” on the fcliowing day. With the first gray light of coming day the settlement was astir and the men were gather- ing for the search, It was decided that about one half of the men should remain at home to protect the place in case there were Indians in that vicinity and they should seize the opportu- nity to fell upon the place, The searchers were divided into squads under the direction of some particolar man, and there were four fquads. Major Lakeman was given charge of the largest squad, y Just as they were about to start, the Mad het was seen approaching. With some curiosity the men awaited bis coming. He _ halted in their midst and looked around in — solemn silence for several seconds, then he spoke in a solemn voice: 4 ““Are ye going out to seek for the lost ones? I see that yeare! You will find them faraway — toward the southwest, but vou will also find trouble—tronbleand death! The MysticTeague 4 ae Bibi Wi
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|. horse nearer he added: f @ pe lowering his rifle, 10 His words impressed them strangely and for a time not a man spoke, Finally, one ventured to ask: “Are they in the hands of the Mystic League?” * Not now, not now, But, who can tell what fate will befall them? They are beset with dan- gers on every hand. The red-men from the south are there, but they are not to be feared as the vile whites who wear black cloths over their faces.” “Tell us, ole man,” said Rufus Renan, ‘ shell we fine our chillun unharmed?” *“*God knows!” was the sober reply, as the strange man turned his face toward the heavens. ** He holdeth us all in the hollow of His hand, Trust in Him.” Not one who heard the Mad Prophet speak who did not feel that there was something in his words. Perhaps the man was not so mad as they had thought him. **Go!” cried the Prophet, pointing toward the southwest. ‘*‘Do not delay! They are there, and perhaps they are calling for their parents and friends at this moment. Heed my warning and look out for the terrible League.’ Then he waved his hand ina parting salute and turned back toward the mountain on the side of which still burned the fire that he had kindled, the blue smoke curling lazily up into the clear morning air. The men did not wait to watch him depart, but rode away on their mission. The entire party struck down the river, but the squads began to branch off into the moun- tains at intervals till at last Major Lakeman’s party did so. It happened that his party took the very course followed by Ethna when she left | the river. They had ridden less than hour after turning their backs upon the river, looking sharply for any trace of the missing ones and finding a hoof- print here and there, when they werestartled by suddenly coming in full view of a man who was sitting astride a broncho and regarding them over the barrel of a leveled Winchester. * Hold up a little,pards,” commanded the stran- er, who was mounted on a broncho and dressed fikea cowboy.. He worea hunting-shirt, deerskin legyins, a wide-brimmed sombrero with a car- tridge belt for a band, and serviceable high boots with spurs., His face was covered with a fullreddish beard. Taken altogether, he was a tough-appearing customer. The little party halted promptly as they saw that they were covered by the stranger’s weapon, _and Major Lakeman called: “Hello! Who are you and what do you want?” ; “T reckon Jam in the situation t’ ask ques- tions,” laughed the cowboy; ‘‘ but I don’t mind auswerin’ yourn. I’m Cowboy Jack, jest up from New Mexico. _ Heard there is a settlement over here a ways an’am makin’ tracks for it. Now who a.e you?” “‘Tam Major Hugh Lakeman, and these are my friends from the settlement that you have just named. If you are an honest man, we are friends.” “That settles it,” declared Cowboy Jack, “J didn’t know ut you wuz mountain outlaws when you popped out inter view, an’ that trash an’ yourn truly don’t mix fer shucks. But, I see now that you look like honest men.” _ “Yes, and we are searcbing for two girls who strayed from the settlement last night. My daughter was one of them,” The cowboy started and then after.a moment’s pause he slapped his thigh. “*T knowed it!” cried he, Then, as he urged his ** T’ve seen ’em!” “What?” exclaimed the major, in great excitement, ‘‘Seen them? When—where?” “* When did they disappear?” ‘They rode away from the settlement yester- day noon and have not been seen since.” “* Now I am sart‘in Isaw ’em last night jest as dusk. A party of Navajoes had ’em, an’ they wuz puttin’ fer the southwest, I knew Ic’u’dn’t git _ ther gals away alone, so [ struck fer the settle- ment I had heerd of over yont’ githelp. It’s lucky I run onter you fellers,” This piece of information greatly excited the major. He questioned the cowboy closely about _ the girls and that worthy gave a very accurate : ion of Ethna but asserted that he had | not noticed the cther girl cluse enough to | describe her. He also said that be could lead _ them straight to the spot where the red-skins had apse him as he lay in concealment the night ‘before and there they could take up the trail and “follow till the girls were rescued and the Indians ished, This delighted the entire party, ana an was immediately sent to find the other squads of searchers and notify them to join the major’s party. Then, with Cowboy Jack lead- ing, they pushed on to the southwest as rapidly as the nature of the ground would permit. ‘It'll be pretty late in ther afternoon before we strike the critter’s trail,” said Juck, ‘‘ Are you fellers provided with grub fer er long trip?” ‘** Our knapsacks are filled,” was the reply. “That'll hev t? do with whut game we can shoot. This may turn out t’ bea mighty long run, but I’m a-hopin’ that we’ll round ther crit- ters up mighty suddin like.” Jack forced a halt at noon, although many of the men were opposed to it, The cowboy argued that they did not want to kill their horses and themselves. If they could stand it, it was best to give ths animals a short breathing and feed- ing spell. hile the men were eating their dinners the strange black bird of the mountains flew shriek- ing over their heads, Cowboy Jack dropped the food he was about to eat and shrunk back, a haunted look in his eyes as he gasped: “The Vampire!” With feelings of awe the entire party watched the strange creature till it disappeared in the hazy distance, amid the mountain peaks which seemed trying to pierce the sky. Then Major Lakeman turned to their new guide, saying: “Then you too have heued of this Winged Demon? What do you know of it?” “Enough—too much!” burst from the lips which were hidden by the bushy beard. Then the cowboy seemed to be trying to gain control of his shaken nerves as he continued: ‘‘ ’m afraid we shell ke onlucky, fer tbe shadder of that critter fell upon us, Wherever the demon bird is seen there disaster and death will be, The Injuns believe that it can speak like a human bein’, but I don’t know bout that. Any- how, the sight of it is a bad omen.” Wher the party moved forward once more there was a noticeable gloom hanging over all. The sight of the mysterious bird and the words of the cowboy had not been without effect. Onward they plunged deep into the mountain wilds, Slowly theafternoon woreaway. Fivnal- ly the major asked the guide if they had not reached the spot where he saw the red-skins and their captives, then Jack confessed that he had missed the place in some way. ‘*Tt’s all the work of that cussid bird!” he de- ‘“*T never made sutch a blunder befere in ee life. But we'll find the place before ark, However, they did not. Night came and they were forced to camp without striking the tral of the savages of which the cowboy bad told them, It was a bitter blow for Major Lake- elared. man. Barely had they settled for the night and built their fires when a startling thing occurred. A’ hollow, lifeless voice, which seemed to sound in the air above their heads, was plainly heard tocry: ‘* You are on forbidden ground! Beware of the Mystic League of the San Juan !” CHAPTER XI. 4 MAGGIE AND OLD MISERY. Ir is impossible to describe Maggie Renan’s relief when she discovered that the animal which had crept upon ber in such an alarming manner wasadog, She experienced such a revulsion of feelings that the strange spell which had held her motionless was broken, and she sat up with a little cry of joy. As she made this move the great dog frisked round her in a joyful manner, seeming to be greatly meee “Nice dog!” said Maggie, hand and patting. ‘‘I declare I never did see such a fine dog! ready to like any dog just now.” At this the dog once more settled on its haunches, elevated its nose and sent a mournful how] quavering through the darkness, ‘*T wonder what makes him do that?” queried the girl, aloud. ‘ Perbaps he is lost, like me? Perhaps his master is some mean man who has deserted him? I almost know that his master is some mean old wretch.” ‘“Thankee, miss, fer yer good ‘pinion 0’ me, Guess ye hain’t fur out o’ ther way, by Joe! I’m mean ernough the good Lawd knows, an’ lm homblier then ’riginal sin, It’s er right good thing thet it’s dark, fer one square look at me w’u’d be pretty apt ter skeer ther kinks right out o’ yer frizzes, He! he! be!” Chuckling in a queer way, a little old man suddenly appeared close at hand, at sight of whom the tog uttered a ‘“*boof” of delight and frisked about more than before. gave a little cry of surprise, and asked: ‘* Who are you?” poe out her could hug you! Fact is, I am Maggie Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. ‘“*Me? Iam er wreck o’ bygone days—an On- lucky ole waif set adrift on ther sea o’ disaster by ther cruel han’ o’ Miss Fortune, P’r’aps you hev never met ther last mentioned feemale 0’ ther ole maid gender? She’s er holy terror, an’ it wuz her finger-nails thet left ther marks on my face thet makes it hombly enough ter give ther sun an’ moon er shock every time I look at ern an’ knock an ordinary common star clean out 0’ sight at er glance, Oh, I’m er daisy—in ther dark.” “But, what is your name?” questioned the puz- zled girl, who laughed despite herself at the comical manner of the queer old fellow, ‘‘Name? Wal, most people call me Ole Misery, an’ I reckon thet’s good ernough, I had another name oncet, but it wuz so blamed long ergo thet I’ve jest erbout fergot it. This byer purp as hes jest been exhibitin’ some o’ his musi- cal ability is my dawg Solomon, He is er bright leetle purp, but I swan! be hain’t much hand- sumer then his master. He knows more nor most human critters though. But fer him I reckon I w’u’dn’t ’a’ foun’ you, fer he smelled ye out, By this time the girl had concluded that the man waAs some harmless old fellow of whom she need have no fear. It was quite probable that he would prove a friend to her, in her need. So she said: ‘*T am in trouble, sir, and hope you can help me out,” ‘Hope I kin,” nodded the man. “I’m allus reddy ter help ther leddies. 1 thought ez how ye wuz in trouble w’enI saw ye go streakin’ past with thet galoot in hot pursuit, so Solomon an’ I struck out ter see ef we c’u’dn’t do suthin’ fer ye, though I didn’t more nor hafe ’spect ter see yeerg’in. Reckon = got shut o’ ther chap as wuz arter ye, though I dunno how ye done it. As quickly as possible the bunted girl told her story and both Old Misery and his dog listened with interest. When she had finished, ke cb-. served: “Thet wuz er lucky fall fer you, fer ef you'd stuck ter ther hoss, he’d shorely captered ye, As it wuz, he went whoopin’ cff in er wild chase arter ther annymile. He! he! won’t he be hill- roarin’ mad w’en he ketches ther critter an’ finds ther rider gone! Please excuse me while I snicker er few as I think o’ it.” And the old fellow laughed again in his odd way. q But, the Spaniard will be returning soon if he overtakes my pony,” said Maggie, appre- hensively, now rising to her feet, as if ready for another flight. ‘*T wish he w’u’d,” declared the border vaga- bond. ‘I'd jest like ther fun o’ interjucin’ lim ter er, small-sized yearthquake. Et ’twasn’t thet I left some frien’s waitin’ fer me an’ tole ’em thet I'd be back soon, we’d stop right byer an’ see Mr. Greaser w’en he kem back; but I’ve bin gone so long ncw thet I fear ther fellers wat are waitin’ will light out, thinkin’ I hev deserted ’em. Reckon we’d best be trudgin’,.” To this Maggie made nq objections and soon they were moving from the spot, the dog fol- lowing at his master’s heels. Old Misery was in a jolly mood and kept up a running fire of cranky sayings and jokes which made the girl laugh now and tben and soon restored her spirits till she was almost as light-hearted as ever. ‘‘Tel] ye w’at,” said the old fellow, with pre- tended gravity, ‘* we’d make a bill-roarin’ team- an’ ef P sume so blamed old an’ scraggy an’ wrinkled an’ bombly enough ter break er plate- glass mirror, ’'d ex ye ter hitch in double har- ness with me, But my hopes 0’ ever capterin’ ther heart 0’ a beaucherful damsel like you be—” ‘‘ There, there, you old flatterer!” laughed the ia “How do you know that I am beautiful? ou are piling it on a little too thick.” ‘“*T kin seein ther dark like an owl; besides, it hain’t so very dark. But I don’t want ye ter think thet you are goin’ ter bev ther fun 0’ re-_ fusin’ ter hitch with me, fer ye bain’t. Thar hev jest thirteen feemale wimmen from sixteen ter sixty had thet privilege, an’ I bev shut off at thet number. Don’t let it break yer heart, Maggie, but I am not on ther mattrymorial market,” — “Well, if you get me back to Eden Vale all rigbt I will give youa hug, anyway.” ** Rash girl! you know not what you promise! Wait till you see the full light o’ day shine on this ragged-edged countenance o’ mine, then you will regret thet you ever made such a promise!” And with such chaff they burried on till the reached the place where Old Misery had left Sbackley and Perry with instructions to wait till he returned; but the fortune-bunters had —
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el 4 y XX els "1% Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. ri disappeared, A close search failed to uncover a trace of them, “Wal,” remarked Misery, grimly, ‘‘ they hev lit out, thet’s shore. Idunno jest why, but it may be thet thar are red-skins round, Ther mountains are full o’ ’em.” ** What shall we do?” **Thar hain’t but one thing ter do ez I kin see. I will take you ter my band-out down by ther river, then I'll come back an’ see ef I kin find ennythin’ o’ these fellers, Ter-morrer we'll start fer ther settlement,” Half an hour later Old Misery was guiding a canoe down the river, the frail bark holding be- sides himself Maggie and the dog Solomon. The old man had suddenly become very moody and disinclined to talk, while he watched both shores keenly. His fair companion said nothing, for she saw that he was troubled about something, Finally the river wound its way between two perpendicular bluffs which rose straight from the water’s edge on either hand. Misery held the canoe close under the shadow—or deeper darkness, for there was no shadow—of one of these bluffs and they glided silently onward, ** Now stoop er leetle.” _As the words fell from the borderman’s lips he gave the paddle a twist that whirled the cance and sent it straight toward one of the bluffs, Maggie stooped, and a moment later they swept through a mass of vines which trailed to the very water’sedge. Then a darkness that was so dense that it could almost be felt closed around them, Still the old man sent the canoe forward, but slowly and cautiously. a there was a slight shock, and Old Misery said: “Here we are, little woman. Welcome to Misery Hall—perbaps I should say Misery Hole, fer this iser hole in ther ground. Jest wait er jiff’ an’ I will help ye out.” In a short time he assisted her to step from the canoe and she found that she could stand up erect on solid ground, Solomon sprung out of the canoe of his own accord as if quite familiar witb the place. ‘ ‘© What kind of a place is this?’ asked Maggie. “Tt isa cave,” was thereply, ‘I willlighta match and give you a chance to look round, though it hain’t prudent to have a light here ter- night, Copper-skius are too thick an’ they might catch er glimp’ o’ it, then ther Ole Boy’d be ter pay an’ no pitch hot,” ! He struck a match and held it above his head, As it barst into a bright flame she saw that they were ina small cave with the canoe rock- ing in the.water at their feet. There was very little “‘ furniture” in the place, a couch of dress- ed skins being the most important article. The trailing vines quite concealed the entrance. “ Now, miss,” said the old man, as the match died out, “ you kin make yerself quite at home byer while I am out lookin’ arter them chaps as vanished so sudden like.” **But I shall be afraid to stay here alone in the dark,” ** You sha’n’t stay alone; Solomon shall stay with ye, an’ he’s better’n two common men, [ won't be gone long, an’ even ther Winged Demon hisself can’t find ye hyer.” “The Winged Demon!” exclaimed Maggie, ‘*What do you know of that horrible crea- ture?” “ T know haydoogins an’ scads, I hey seen ther geatle, dark-complected bird once or twice.” “The dreadful thing! I dozen Indians,” ‘Wal, ye needn’t fear it a tall, fer it won’t hurt ye. Ther Winged Demon, as itis called, is ther friend o’ all hones’ folks, but ther deadly foe o’ ther Mystic League o’ ther San Juan. T don’t know whut ther critter is, but I do know thet he got me out o’ er bad scrape once w’en ther reds wuz about ter burn me ter ther stake. It circled above them screecbin’ till they thonght ther Great Sperrit was angry an’. they let me go. Vveswore by ther big bird ever since an’ w'u'd like a chance ter shake han’s with it, No, Maggie, don’t you be fraid o’ ther Demon. It won’t hurt ye,” ** But it is such a horrible looking monster,” ‘“Spect thet’s wat yell say 0’ me w’en ye bey er chance ter squint at my phiz, Ther bird ain’t hafe ser bad ez it looks, but it is strong ez er horses I reckon it c’u’d kerry you in its claws without much trouble.” ‘Well, I don’t care to have it try,” declared the gil, decisively, _ “TI s’pose not. Wal,I must be goiu’. You kin lay down on the hides: thar an’ git er nap, fer you must be tired, Keep Solomon right clost to ye an’ ye needn’t be skeered, I won't be away longer than I kin help,” u” fear it more thana eet J < | i The plucky girl consented, and, after telling the dog to remain with her, the old man step- te into the canoe and shoved it out from eneath the trailing vines into the open river. Then Maggie knew that she was alone with the | dog, But, barely had Old Misery left thecave when | there came a sudden chorus of triumphant yells followed by the rattling shots of a revolver and | sounds of a fierce battle, Old Misery was in trouble! As these sounds came to his ears, Solomon started up with a fierce growl and Maggie could see the animal’s eyes gleam in the darkness as he listened to the tumult without. Apparently he was eager to take a hand, Suddenly a shrill, piercing whistle was heard, and without a moment’s hesitation the great dog plunged into the water and went swim- ming and puffing out of the cave, leaving the girl quite alone in the stygian darkness of the place. CHAPTER XII. FORTUNE BLUCTUATES, SrrTIne alone in the dense darkness of the strange cave which could only be entered from the fiver, Maggie Renan listened with bated breath to the sounds of battle which came to her ears through the opening concealed by the hanging vines. were yells, blows and shots, and she heard Old Misery crying: “Reg’ler leetle jubilee, hain’t it, you copper- skinned skunks! Wuz layin’ fer ther ole man, wuz ye? Wal, take thet, an’ thet, an’ tell us how ye like t. Sail right in an’ swaller yer bitters. This year’s er reg’ler hillroarin’ ole time, by Joe! Jest take keer 0’ them pimps in th r watter, Solomon, ole purp! Thet’s ther correc’ caper! Chaw er hunk outer ther back o’ thet howlin’ varmint’s neck! He, he, he! Wat a large-sized time!” All this was punctuated with shots, howls, and various exclamations. Gradually the sounds reced- ed, growing more and more indistinct, as if the com- batants were floating down the river. Maggie listen- ed with hushed heart till the last indication of the unequal conflict had died out in the distance, then she sunk back on the skins with a hysterical laugh that startled herself. “What a queer old fellow he is,” she said, in a low tone, thinking of Old Misery. ‘ I hope he whip- ped the Indians, and something makes me feel sure that he did. If he di What if id not—”’ She stopped short with a little shudder. the old ranger bad been killed? How would she es- cape from the cave, for she had no boat or canoe, and the cave could only be entered and left by the river. The thought of swimming out was simply ridiculous, “It must be that he has escaped,” she said, once more speaking aloud. *I wish he had left the dog with me, as it is terribly lonely here.” But Maggie was weary and needed sleep, and it was not long before she was unconscious of her situation, Her slumber was dreamless and refresb- ig. The adventures of the night were not ended, for the sleeping girl was aroused by a slight sound. At quite still starin gradually recalic into the blank darkness, she her recent startling adventures and her presest unpleasant position. But what had aroused her? She listened closely, and plainly heard the soft dip of a paddle within the cave. In aninstant shefelt sure that Old Misery had return- ed, and she sat up, calling to him. There was a brief silence, followed by a low grunt of satis- faction. it was not the old borderman! Heavens!” though’ the frightened girl. ‘‘Can it be that Costillo has followed me here? The wretch! I will never become his onptive again!” A moment later she felt an iron hand grasp her arm. An involuntary scream broke from the terri- fied girl’s lips, and she began to struggle desperately with her unseen assailant. A great horror seized her, and indeed her position was one to unnerve the bravest girl, Seized in the black darkness of an un- derground cave by a person whom she had not, and could not, see, and who had net uttered a word! Again and again Maggie’s wild shieks rung in piere- ing ‘wails through the narrow vault, and she strug- gled with all her strength But it was useless. Her captor handled her as if she had been a child. She felt herself lifted from her feet and placed in a craft of some kind, bh the person who had seized her also stepped in, holding her quite fast all the while. Then the canoe began to move, and soon they passed out thr ugh the hanging vines, .and were on the open river. Then by the faint and misty light Maggie saw that ber new captors were two hideously -painted Indians! : Heading the canoe down the stream, the red-sk'n wh» handled the paddle sent it swiftly along with the current, The unfortunate maiden relinquished her pay est Side and sunk in the bottom of the craft, uite exhausted by what she had passed through, ortune seemed against her. l . he now began to feel that Old Misery had been killed. The savages tad seen him leave the cave, and thus had discovered where the entrances was. If the old man was dead, there seemed to be little hop? that she would ever be rescued from the In- dians True, her father and the men of Eden Vale would search for her, but it was — that they 4, ‘ There | first she new not where she was, but as she lay | would never learn her fate. But the brave little | maid did not give up all hope, Fortune might turn in her favor. | The Indians scarcely spoke a word as they drifted | down the river. Once or twice they spoke in their | owh language, but of course Maggie could not un- | derstand that, and so she did not know what they | were saying. Finally they reached a place where the steep bluff at one side disappeared for a short ‘distance, to rise again further down, There the red-skin with the paddle turned the canoe to the shore, and soon Maggie and her captors had landed. The canoe was then concealed, and the three moved | back a short distance from the river and halted, the - Indians compelling their captive to be seated on the ground, while they also sat down themselves. Morning was .at hand, and aready above the mountain-peaks the eastern sky was getting a pink- ish tint. Maggie wondered why her captors had halted, but they sat in stoical silence, net even speaking or grunting. She finally concluded that they were waiting to be joined by others. If this: was true, they were disappointed, for no one came. Morning dawned bright and beautiful, but the | fair captive had no interest in the beauties of nature which surrounded her. Her only thoughts were of her terrible position and possible escape. She would have felt much better if she had been sure that Old Misery still lived. Finally, with grunts of evident disgust, the Indians | arose and prepared to move. They had waited un- | tiltheir own, as wellas Maggie’s patience was ex- | hausted. The morning hours were passing swiftly. Apparently fearing that she might aempy to escape, the brutal red-men tied the girl’s hands be- | hind her, although she did not submit to such treat- | ment without protesting and struggling a little. | You are two nasty old. things!” she flashed, as | she finally ceased struggling and allowed them to tie / her. “I wish I were a man and smart enough, I would give you both a licking! Oh, don’t I wish Dick Bowen was here! He would shake you out. worse than he did the Spanish gentleman.” But, neither of her captors seemed to understand her words, and she ceased to rave when she found ( that she was talking to ears which might as well be deaf as faras the effect of her hot sentences was concerned. When they had made her hands secure they foreed. her to march along with one of the Indians in front and one close behind her. In this manner they traveled for at least an hour, Suddenly the report of a rifle rung clear and sharp upon the morning air and the red-skin in front threw up his arms with a loud sbriek and fell heavily to the ground. For a moment Maggie and the other | Indian stocd spellbound by the sudden tragedy which they had witnessed. Then once more the rifle of the unseen slayer spoke and t! « second red sunk in his tracks. ‘ Maggie locked toward the point where a puff of ) blue smoke was curling up from the top of a large bowluer scme distance to the right and saw a young man rise into view, holding in his hands the rifle that had done the deadly work. She gave a great cry of surprise and delight, for she recognized her rescuer as Dick Bowen. ‘ In a few moments the young man was at her side, saying excitedly: ‘ ‘Miss Maggie, canit be that this is really you! I am clean beat, fer I hadn't an idee thet,you wuz anywhar but in Eden Vale. Let me set fyer“han’s free while you tell me how you kem in sech a scrape.”’ 3 “Ob, Dick!” cried the overjoyed girl between | Janghter and tears. “Iam so glad to see you!” ‘*T sh’u’d think ye w’u’d be, Miss Maggie,” replied the youth, ‘I sh’u‘d think ye w’u'd be glad ter see ; most enny one.”’ | “But Iam gladdest ofall to see you,’ * asserted the awe maiden. ‘Oh, Dick! Iycould hug you for is!’ And then, as he released ber hands, she not_only hugged bim but she kissed tim also, much to Dick’s amazement. The next mcment her face flushed ; crimson and she burst into tears, making young Bowen feel confuse} end distressed. “Don’t, Maggie!’ he exclaimed—“ don’t cry! I can’t bear ter see youcry! What hev I done thet you sh’u’d do so?” But Maggie could not. rene and before Dick knew what Le was doing. be be er in his arms eying to ecmfort her, while her head lay against his shoulder and she gaye relief to her overtaxed nerves in a flood of tears. As well as he could, the rough fellow . soothed her, all the wlile asking what the matter was and how it happened that she came to be in the pcwer of the Indians. Finally she managed to sob: oe won't think noth—nothing of it, will” ou, Dick?” Sh Of course not,” he replied. Maggie?” , ‘You won't think I was told to—to kiss you? If you only knew hew glad J was to see you” er words fave him a poe as he thcught how happy he would have been if only the other had been as glad tosee him, but he swiftly rep'ied: __ “Of course I won't think ye bold, httle one. I ' know you must be pritty nigh. tickled ter death ter | see enny one, But do tell a feller al) about it. | Then Maggie dried her tears with marvelous ness and proceeded to give him a graphic account of her adventures since leaving Eden Vale, to all of | which Dick listened with unassumed interest, He expressed his surprise that she could have passed through so much and not be completel, unnerved. * But you see Iam not, Dick,”’ she declared, with a merry smilie that was like a burst of sunsbine after _ a brief shower. “I am all ri.ht now that zou have © come, for I fee) safe now.” “What d’yer mean,
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strange fierceness he cried: - Thar saa’n’t no one lay harm's han’ on you, Mag- gie ‘less they do it over my dead body!” ; Then he led herfrom the spot so that she should not see the dead bodies of her recent captors, ani after they had walked a piece, they sat duwn to- ether and were soon discussing the situation. Dick eclared that he would see that Maggie was taken back to her home in safety, but he said that it was along distance and they really needed horses to make the journey. But the brave little maiden as- serted that she was quite able to walk. They were so busy talking that they did not see Then Maggie started up with a scream, crying: “Oh, Dick, Dick! look there! Jose Costillo!’’ little Spaniard. His companion appeared to be a mountain ruffian of the lowest type. With an exclamation, young feet and attempted to lift his rifle, but a revolver in ‘the hand of Costilio’s companion checked him. while | the man said sternly: “Ef yetry it, younker, I'll let daylight through ye shore’s my name’s Dead Shot Don!” ‘Hat ha! ha!’ laughed Jose, who also held a re- 'wolver. “The fair senorita and the Americano / Diabolo! Square this will make us!” Then he threw up his hand before Dick could use his rifle, and with the report of the revolver, the youth fell to the ground without uttering even a groan! : CHAPTER XIII. THE WORK OF THE MYSTIC LEAGUE. “Pi be hanged!”’ Mountain Frank gave utterance to the exclama- tion, and, although he spoke in a low tone, one ot the men by the fire looked up with a start and per- ceived the youth and the maiden. *“ We are detected,” said the young mountaineer, as he half-lifted his rifle so that he would be ready to use it instantly if necessary. The man who had looked up spoke quickly to his companion, who dropped the piece of juicy steak which he was eating and wheeled half-round with his hand on his rifle. For several moments the two parties inspected each other critically * They look like miners,” said Frauk, “and their faces are those of honest men if my ability to read character is worth anything. The best thing we can do now is to go boldly forward and take our chances, I think one of those pack-animals carries a complete mining outfit.” Ethna trusted everything to her gallant companion and they slowly advanced toward the men by the fire, Frank calling heartily: * Hello, pards. You seem to have strayed into my kitchen and are making yourselves quite at home, which is perfectly proper. The hospitality of the place is open to honest men,”’ “No trouble “bout them,” said the older of the men by the fire, who was the veteran prospector, ike Shackley. ler an’ er gal.” ‘““They do not look very formidable,” admitted — erry, who of course was Shackley’s compan- on. “All right, younker,” returned Ike,» lifting his voice a trifle. ‘‘ Reckon we are hones’, but you can’t *most always sometimes tel) "bout sech things by ther look of er man. Ef we are intrudin’ on your yon we beg yer pardon. We are not on ther ump.’ * No intrusion at all,” laughed Frank, as he con- tinued to approach with Ethna at his side. * Any: paing I have is free as water to those who are in need of it, supposing of course that they need it wre than I do.” 4 ‘ 4 aal,”’ drawled the old miner, *‘ you kin putt us on ther needy list in some respects. We wuz mighty hongry w’en we happened erlong an’ saw this good venison left here ter sp’ile, an’ so we lit on it. We ened ther former owner had slid out fer good aw & ane That is what I had,” admitted Frank, “ but cir- cumstances alter c1s-s, and things took a turn; so 1 am back again, andif thers is any meat left after ‘you have satisfied the cravings of the inner man, [ think I can make use of it.” _As the youth and maiden came up, the two trea- -sure-seekers arose to their feet and both removed _ their wide-brimmed hats to Ethna, who returned the salute with a well-bre1 little courtesy. * We are prospectin’ round here,” explained the older man. “My name’s Ike Shackley, an’ this _ yere’s Ralph Perry, my pard. We claim ter be white men.” _** And this young coe, apap all said Mountain Frank, “is Miss Ethna Lakeman, daughter of Major _ Lakeman of Eden Vale, a new settiement a sbort is nce to the east,”’ — Once Dae the hats were lifted and salutes ex- changed. Then the youth added: “As for myself, 1 am Mountain Frank, hunter, - miner, scout, or anything that comes to hand.”’ oe aa oe glad ter meet you, Mountain Frank,” gue ceclared, as he grasped the young man's ‘hand and shook it warmly. “You hev got ther | orl ht look about ye, an’ I reckon are er lad ter tie _ _ Ralph also shook hands with Frank, then followed explanations. The young mountaineer first told w Ethna came to be there and explained bow he lost. his horse in a quicksand. Shackley and ry expressed th ir sympathy for Miss Lakeman, “Ralph was quick to offer his horse to fill the the one she had lost, Then Ike told his gitseem that they were simply pros. two horsemen til the latter were close at hand. | One of the horsemen was indeed the evil-faced | owen leaped to his | “ They are nothin’ but er young fel- | | their adventures of the previous night, although he did not acknowledge that they had improved the oppo.tunity to get clear of Old Misery when he went with his dog in what they considered a » fruitiess pursuit of the figures which had passed as they all lay concealed by the shadows at the mouth of the gorge. “T know Old Misery well,”’ asserted Mountain Frank, when Long Ike had finished his story. *‘* He is square as a brick and a friend td be proud of, The old fellow is a little cranky, but one does not mind his odd ways afteratime. I would give con- | siderable to meet him to-day.” When ail was explained to every one’s satisfaction, more of the venison was broiled over the giowing coals and the two fortune-seekers finished their in- terrup ed meal. Ethna also ata heartily, the tender | steak being washed down by liberal draughts of cool | water from Ralph Perry’s canteen, which he had filled at a bubbling spring close by, | Wheathe hunger of all was satisfied, they began discussing the situation and laying plans, It was | finally decided that they should make the first half day’s journey together, although it would take | Shackley and Perry considerably out of the course they had intended to pursue. But it would bring Ethna very near to Eden Vale, and possibly the miners might visit the sestlement before th: y con- tinued on their way. Anyhow, E.hna should be pro- vided with a horse till she reached the place, for Mountain,Frank agreed to return the anima! to its owner. Finally preparations were made to move and the maiden was given Perry’s horse, the young man de- claring that he could walk as well as not and it would be an agre able change from riding. They started, Shackley and Ethna in advance with tbe i eg ge following, and the two young men ringing up the rear. In this manner 7, had proecseded about thirty minutes when Long Ike reined in his horse with a sudden exclamation and the girl gave a low cry of horror, for direc:ly in their path lay the dead body of a man! In a moment the old miner leaped from his horse and was bending over the age Then a smothered exclamation of amazement broke from bis lips, as he wheeled towa:d Perry, eryinz: ‘“‘ santa Fe Sim, or I’m a liar!” He was right; the dead man was the treacherous visitor of the night before! He Jay on his back with a bullet in his brain and his sightless eyes staring straight up at the smiling bluesky. On his breast was pinned a paper. As his eye fell on this, Moun- tain Frank quickly detached it and read aloud: * Thus perish all traitors to the Mystie L«ague !”” “Ther work of them devils!’ cried Long Ike, “Yes, the work of the most dastardly gang of cut- | / | ’ | / throats that ever cursed the Southwest!” added Frank, whose face had suddenly become very white. “ But the day of retribution is coming for the mur- derers of women and children. The hand of every / honest man is turned against them.” * This is the man whoentered our camp last night and pretended to be drunk ez er b’iled owel,”’ ex- plained Shackley. ‘I reckon_he won't never t = work thet racket erg’in. He has passed in chips.”’ A short consultation was held. and they decided to bury the body, for if the man had bcen a treach- erous desperado, bis skin was white and they could not bear to think of leaving him there to become food for wolves and vultures. Shackley and Perry secured a pick and spade from ther cutfit, and de- | clined all help from Frank, pring the young man | ride on a short distance with Ethna,.so that she might not have the unpleasant sight of the dead man constantly before her till he was placed in his last resting-place, Slowly the youth and the maiden moved on, Frank walking by the side of Ethna’s horse, and seeming quite downcast and moody. Noticing this, his com- nepe attempted to rally him with pleasant words, ut she was startled by thc look which she saw on his face as he lifted it with a faint attempt to smile. “Miss Ethna,” he said, in a low tone, “the sight of that dead man, together with the words written on the paper which we found pinned to his breast, has aroused unpleasant memories within me— memories which I never hope to banish. This ac- cursed League musi be blotted from the face of the earth!’ There was a fierceness to hia final words which startled her again. He went on after an instant’s ause: mS I did not tell you why I came down into this part of the country—that is, my original reason for com- ing. Lam ona mission of vengeance, and thet mis- sion is to destroy the band of murderous wretches | known as the Mystic League of the San Juan! This | will seem strange to you, but a few words will ex- plai- all. Idonotlike’to say much about it. The next year, after the close of the war, my father. mother, sister and myself came to this part of the country with a small party of emigrants who were seeking new homes. Just how it happened I do not know, but the emigrants discovered a buried treasure | of immens: value; but in some way this League of villains learned that the treasure had been found, and soon the emigrants were pursued by the out- laws, They took refuge in some old pueble ruins on the top of, a high, flat-top mountain, but, dis- guised as Indians, the murderous oe followed them there, and after a desperate battle the emi- grants were all butchered, I alone by hid- | ing amid the ruins. My father, mother and sister | were killed, but I do not think the miscreants found the treasure which was hidden amid the ruins, Now you understand why I hate the so-called Mystic Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. He felt a sudden leap of his heart, and with a pecting for placers, but not forgetting to relate League I shall never rest till they are wiped out of existence to the last man.” As I'rank finished his brief explanation. they halt-— ed in front of a dark opening in the wall or side of the gorge. which looked like the mouth of a cave. ‘We will stop here till Shackley and Perry come up,” decided the young avenger. By hnadid not question him about the massacre on the top of the flat-topped mountain, for he had said that the subject was painful to him, but in her eyes he sawa look of sympathy which was more expres- sive than words. ; They did not have long to wait, for suddenly Shackley and Perry came dashin” round a bend in the gorge, both mounted on the former’s horse with the pack-animals galloping close behind, *Injuns!”? shouted the old miner the moment he came in sight of Mountain Frank and the girl. “‘Ther varmints are comin’ thick ez flies in June!” As if to add emphasis to his words, a wild, savage yell echoed along the gorge! CHAPTER XIV. FROM DARKNESS UNTO LIGHT. In a moment Mountain Frank fully understood the situation, and even as hé unslung his rifle he glanced swiftly around to see if there was 4 good place in the vicinity to stand off the red-skins. At the very first his eyes fel! upon the mouth of the cave close by, about one half of which was blocked by a great bowlder which would afford excellent protection for any one who should attempt to defend the place, and in a clear, cool manner which did not betray a trace of excitement he said swiftly to his fair com- panion: ‘**Run into the cave, Ethna, and trust tous. We will beat off the red devils,” She hesitated a moment, then did as instructed, feeling that he knew what was best Beside the teat bowlder she paused and looked back to see fountain Frank coolly resting his rifle over the sad- die of the horse which she had been riding, while a large party of mounted Indians burst into view. Mountain Frank's rifle woke the echoes of the gorge the moment the red-skins appeared, and with the echoes was mingled the death shri: k of a savage, as he threw up his arms and toppled from his pony. ‘Into the cave there!” shouted the young moun- taineer, pointing toward the entrance. ‘‘ We can beat’ em off there.” Both Shackley and Perry understood, and as they made for the open mouth of the cave. Frank fired again, bringing down a pony and sending the rider scurrying to the nearest rocks as a place of refuge from the death-dealing lead. : The effect of the two shots threw the Indians into some confusion, but at the first they had disap- eared behind their ponies where it was impossible o hit them es by the rarest chance. From their actiors Frank decided that they were Apaches, the most warlike and treacherous of a)l the races in the great Southwest, and the most perfect horsemen on the face of the globe. Past the youth dashed the two treasure-seekers to fling themselves from the horse at the very mouth of the cave. As Perry led the animals into the opening. which was sufficiently large, Shackley wheeled, rifle in hand and, dropping on one knee, fired a single shot that dropped another pony. Then, as the rider of that pony was darting swiftly for the nearest shelter crouching low, Mountain Frank dropped him easily. **Good boy!” cried Long Ike, with a grim laugh. Page has done the work for the present. See! they are getting out of range. He was right? The discarfited Indians were ¢éo- ing their best to get beyond the reach of the death- dealing rifles, having heen greatly surprised by the unexpected reception. Frank promptly improved pe opportunity to get into the cave with the last orse. ‘There!’ he laughed, as he saw Ethna watching him with admiring eyes; ‘‘I think we have given tt ose gentlemen a shock that they will not very soon forget. taen that we have seen the last of them.’ , “Tast of ’em,” echoed the old miner. ‘ Waal, I guess not! They will be red hot fer our skelps now.” The horses were led back a short distance and concealed behind a projecting point of rocks so that they would not be hit, by any of the bullets, Barely had this been done when the report of a rifle out- side was followed by a low cry from Ethna as she staggered back a step. Ina moment Frank was by her side crying. anxiously: . * Are you hurt?” \ “No,” she answered, with a faint smile; ** but that bullet passed so close to my cheek that I felt Frank turned white, and Shackley said: ; “Better take ther young leddy k whar thar won't be so much danger. She may get hit here.” The advice was good and Frank quickly con- ducted her back into the cave. Just beyond where the horses were concealed the youth noticed a great stone whiclt peetned to hang suspended in the top of the arch-like Epes but threatened to fall at any moment. He shuddered as they passed be- neath it and hurried on till was it no longer over their heads, He could not hel peeing ¥ at a terrible thing it would have been if the great rock had fallen | the wind from it,” while they were beneath it In the semi darkness © beyond the used, and Frank said: a You will Lom be afraid here, will you, Etbna?” ‘““No,” she replied, as she looked back toward the mouth of the cave where Long Ike and Raiph could pe pean crouching behind the bowlder and peering ort ‘ “I can see you all out there, so it will not be so We can hold them at bay here, for I do not ©
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7 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. 13 : very bad, though it is fearfully dark in there,” she added, casting her eyes into the blackness beyond and giving a jittie shiver. Again Frank glanced toward the big stone hang- | ing in the top of the arch, and thought of the possi- | bility of it falling and sbutting the fair girl in the blackness of the cave, The thought sent a shudder over him; but in another instant he was saying to himself: * Nonsense! it is foolish to think of sucha thing! Probably the stone has hung there for ages and is as solid as the mountain itself.” At that instant Ralph Perry was seen to bring his rifle to his shoulder and take a swift aim. The next moment he fired, and the report of the rifle filled the place with a roar that was fairly deafening. But that was followed by a sound that was both ominous and terrifying, and with a groan, the whole as tain seemed to settle. An instant later the yout and the maiden found themselves standing in a darkness that was indescribable. -. ; ' For at least thirty seconds they stood quite still, unable to understand what h happened; then Ethna grasped her companion’s arm, and asked ia a whisper that sounded strangely hollow and muf- fled: “ What—whatisit, Frank?” * Great God!” aned the youth. “The big : | stone has fallen and we are buried alive!” } For some time the knowled:e of their awful situ- | ation held them chained and motionless, then in the utter blackness of the place they crept closer to- ether, and Frank’s arm encircled the waist of the utiful girl who had been suiut into the heart of | the mountain with him. Even then not a word was | spoken, but at that moment, although they could | not see the faintest outline of each other's face it | seemed that an instant understanding was establish- ed between them. As they stood there they could still hear a low crawling movement of the ground as if it was still settling slowly. It was asound that sent the blood to their hearts, for it told them that the entrance was being closed still more firmly. Fearing that another mass of earth might fall, and they be crush- ed beneath it, Frank drew _his companion still further back ioto the cave. He was none too soon, for once more there came a rushing roar and they were almost stifled by a mass of dust which whirled around them, telling that the second fall had been much | r than the first When the dust had partially settled and the creepy. sliding sound nad almost ceased, Frank felt in one of his pockets and produced a metallic match- case, from which he drew forth and lighted a match. The tiny, spluttering blaze showed the youth some- thing that almost caused his heart to cease beating. The roof of the oa had fallen iu to within a short distance of them, and the great mass of earth was piled to their very feet! When the match burned out and fell to the — a tiny spark of fire that quickly vanished, ank once more pi his arm around Ethna’s waist and said in a strange, hoarse tone: ‘* We had better go still furtber in; there may be another fall.” She did not speak, but allowed him to conduct ber tbrough the dreadful darkness. Finally they halted, and she said, faintly. “T must sit down a moment, Frank; I am so weak.” In another moment he had struck a match, and the light disclosed a small bowlder close at hand. Etbna seated herself on this, and the las* flickering a of the dying match fell upon the faces of wo very pale, despairing-avpearing young people. When they were in darkness again, the young man threw himself onthe ground close beside the stone upon which Ethna was sitting, and her arm stole around his neck, wrile she asked, hesitatingly : s APP think we can ever dig our way out, n “Such a om impossible,” he replied. “There are tons of earth between us and the place where we entered the cave." ** But perhaps our friends can dig iu to us, for they have picks and spades.” “That, too, isim force a passage through that mass of earth, we should he dead from starvation, Besides that, they may have been crushed beneath tae falling mass, although I hope not, as they were quite near the entrance.”’ - “: Then must we die here in the awful darkness?” . “God only knows,” he replicd; “but I hope not. ': ty possible that there is another entrance to this ‘ and if we are fortunate, we can escape by it. Do 1 . Pew courage, Ethna, for while there is life re | . t ‘ oe we only had a light; this darkness is so vible. ‘I have the matches, but we must save them to eid us in finding our way to the other opening, if 2ere is another. Every match is precious now.” frank, do you pray? ‘be asked the question seriously, and the young an lelt his face get a sudden flush as he replied: ‘ Yo, Ethna, but if I did I should feel as mueh like now as ever in al] my life. , ‘oon the girl knelt in the underground darkness ut uttered a brief, aicaple Orv ep for deliverance— ~oyer that seemed to si — into the heart of hes « , When she finished, hé uttered Frank.” she said. ‘Let's and see if we can find our way out.” groping their way ithe passage, keeping his left hand «eas st the dank wall and clinging to Ethns’s with vis right, They could move but stowly at best, for ; ible. Long before they could a * Amen,’ ? they knew not what pitfalls might lay in their path, | Every foot of the ground was passed cautiously over, Frank occasionally lighting a match that they might take a look around. For a long time they moved along the winding passage—how long they | eculd not tell, but it seemed hours. They seldom ) spoke, and when they did their voices sounded | hollow and ghost-like., | Finally, the passage seemed to branch off sudden- ly to the left and they paused while Frank struck another maich. The Vide showed them that the | passage had Jed them to a chamber of whose extent they could only surmise, for the lighted match was | unable to penetrate the darkness beyond a few feet. For some minutes they stuod discussing the situa- tion, and finally Frank decided that there was but one cour Je to pursue, ‘ ‘* There are probably other passages leading from | this chamber,” he said; *‘ and we will trust that one of them will take us to the outer world. But. for fear that we might make the round of the chamber | and finally choose this passage, I will mark it so that we can tell when we come to it.”’ Lighting another match, he picked up a stone from the rock-strewn cavern floor and with it marked a cross on the soft, crumbly wall close be- side the entrance of the passage by which they had reached the chamber. Then they moved forward once more, clinging to each other’s band, while Frank kept his left hand touching the wall as they moved along. It was terrible to grope their way along through the darkness which was so derse that it could al- mos’ be felt, but they bad no means of procuring a torch and the little stock of matches must be treasu ed as if every one were solid gold. Then the possibility of falling into some deep abyss was some- thing which filled them with horror when ihey thought of it. It is unnecessary to fully describe their wander- | ings through the many pussages of the great cavern, : | but they staggered on and on, trying passage after pa sage and failing to find their way out to the cpen air. At length they finally found themselves in the great chamber once more, aud with a groan of de- spair the young man sunk down “ What is it, Frank?’ asked Ethna, as she knelt beside him. But he did not speak. ‘“Tknow what it is,” said the brave girl, witha tremor in her veice. ‘* Wben we first made the cir- cuit of the chamber that we are now in you counted We have tried Am I not This great every passage which led from it. them all and failed to find our way out. right?” “ Yes,”? he confessed, “ you are right. cave will be our tomb, I fear.” She did not burst into tears or make any other expected expressions of emotion, but she li his head into her lap, s»ying ip a singular tone: “My poor Frank!” He started up ay if stung by an adder. She could not see the expression cn his face, but in a voice hoarse with emotion he exclaimed: * Godin heaven! that Il should ever hear stch words from the a of one in the position that ywu now are! Oh, Ethnx! do you net think of yourself, so ee beautiful! To die such a terrible death! s there a God that can see—” ‘Hush, Frank!""and ber cold hand pressed his lips. In an instant he caught it and covered it with kisses, saying hoarsely: : “Oh, Ethna, Etbna! weuld that I could save you by sacrificing, my own life a dozen times! I would willingly do it! You know nothing of my bright dreams of happiness—dare I breathe it tow? with you, my dailnu! Dreams that all end in the infer- ao darkness of this horrible place! in f ” There was an intensity in the last words which he uttered that was terrible to hear Suddenly he clasped her in his arms as if he felt that he was soon to lose something that be prized more than his own life, and with his lips close to her ear, he whispered: “Ethna, | love you—I have loved you ever since the moment we first met! At first I dared nct dream that you would ever be anything to me, but when we parted at the time I started for Denver, your words filled my heart with hope. Since then my mind has been filled with dreams—glorious, heavenly dreams of a life with you! / But still I was not sure that it was not allfolly I know not yet whether there was a chance of my | dreams ever coming true. Now that we are face to face with certain death, 1 must know if you love me. * Frank, Llove you!” _ The next moment their lips met in one long, cling- ing kiss of etre youthful love. ‘We will die together, darling,” he whispered. ‘*In death we will not be be or tae | | Oh—my~ “ No, dear Frank,”’ replied the brave, true-hearted pirl, “ we will never be separated again.” For a long time they sat there telling each other of their love happy even as they faced a terrible lingering death, the horrors of which cannot be im- agined. At length, being so tired that rest and sleep were absolute necessities, Ethna lay down be- side her lover. her head resting on his arm. Then she whispered faintly; “Kiss me once more, dear Frank. There, now I will sieep, trusting all with God.” ; Frank was also nearly exnautsed from exertion and hunger, for many hours had passed since the were entombed in the cave. ani after a time he fell | asleep. Thus side by side they slept npon the dank floor of the great cave. and in their dreams they ee on wancer from Sent sed o a i a of the ave e blessed sun and open air—passed From darkness unto light. ; | They gave a yell of delight at his sudden appear- | But the old man was not slowin his movements, CHAPTER XV. IN THE POWER OF THE STRANGE LEAGUE. — WHEN Old Misery left Maggie. Kenan in the little cave and swept out upon the open river he was amazed to find himself confronted by Indians im three canoes who were apparently looking for him. ance und drove their canoes swiftly toward him. and with a revolver in each hand he opened on his | many foes. “Pm right here, big ez life,’’ he gritted. With remarkable rapidity he sent two warriors over into the water and one of the canoes upset. Then, forgetting that he had left the dog to guard the girt, he gave the usual signal by which he called Solo- mon, thinking that the faithful fellow would take care of the Indians in the water. And Solomon was soon on hand attending strictly to business. It was asevere battle, for the old man was greatly outnumbered, but, strange to say, the red-skins seemed determined to take bim alive. But, they had caught a Tartar. i Gradually the canoes drifted down the stream till finally the one in which Old Misery was doing his level best to beat off his foes was capsized. The old ranger, however, was an excellent swimwer, and. with a long dive he made for a place where a bank seemed to jut out over the wat+r. He came up un- der the projecting bank and found it a s« cure place for concealment. Out up: n the river ke could see the surviving In- dians vainly k oking for him to rise to the surface, and he chuckied to himself when he thought how he had fooled them, Fr some time the red-skins th died around oe here and there over the surface cf the river, but it is needless to tell the reader that they were not gladdened ty the sight of the floating body of the pale-face foe whom they so heartily hated. Finally, they paddled away down the river. When they were gone Old Misery swam down the stream, keeping close to the ;erpendicular bluff, where every litt!e while he found a chance to cling aud rest. In this way be finally reached a place where he could leave the river. “Wal,” observed the queer old fellow, as he wrung the wat r out of his clothes, “‘the wuz pretty warm while it lasted, but it wound up with a rayther cook duckin’. I got erway from ther cusses anyhow, but w’at became of Sulomen’ I don't believe ther ole urp went under but I can’t imagine whar he is- Val, he allus turns up all right.” And with this thought for consclation, the old ranger started off up the river. He had lost his rifle, but he knew that there was another in the cave and sv he wis not troubled very much on that ac- ecunt. But the loss of the dog did worry him a lit- tle, and as he moved along he whistled softly now and then in a peculiar manner. In tie end he was overjoyed when Solomon came kounding to bis side, drippirg with weter ard giving utterance to a low bark of delight. “He! be! ole purp,” ctuckled the Men from Mis~- souri; “we played it onter ther red varmints thef time, didn’t we? Ob, we are two Keen ole tykes as. hey sprouted all o’ our wisdom tooths. It’s me ¢r scrimmage thet we’ve bin in an’ come out right side up, an’ still we’re doin’ business at ther same cle stand.” The veteran knew where there was anc ther canoe, but it was a long distance up the river. , He decided to visit the spot where he had pe ted vith Shackley and Perry. and see if he could find anything of them, then he would hunt up the canoe and return to the cave This plan he followed faithfully, and it was some hous after daybreak that he found himself floating down the river with Solomon sitting in the bow of the canoe. “We hain’t made er tloomin’ success o’ findin® them felers, ole purp,” said the old man, aloud.” “T reckon they've slid fer gcod an’ all. Now, we will bave ter git ther gal back ter her home in some way.” but a surprise awaited him at the cave, for Mag-° gie was gone! When be made this discovery, the ola ranger was fairiy furious. ; conather der: ed copper-skins hev got her!” he cried. Thar is work ahead fer you an’ me, Sclomon.” The big dog growled an assent. “TI wuz er Gerned fool fer callin’ ther purp.”’ mut- tered the veteran, as he secured the rifle in the cave and loaded it; “ but fer ther time I clean fergot ther gal. Wal, sech things wi// happen on this year'mun- cane spear,” Once more the old man and the dog left the cave, Misery feeling determined to find and-rescue the girl if she were alive, pide Night was settling cver the mountains cece more — when the ranger and his dog sightedaa large p of mounted men in a vall:y below them. Thioug the dusky shadows the old man watched them for a time, till at length the darkness’ shut them-from his sat (Reon the stir that it created may be Recbeniny v that Maggie had failed to return to tle ie could? see treachery in his black eyes Jest " aie | ” {a Hrie. ~ aal,” came slowly from Cowboy Jack ites ‘Foe tis fel sinner’s story's true, them gals whut I - saW with ther red pimps e’u’dn’t ’a’ bin ther ones w’et ye’re lookin’ fer.” i é mimeo ks | “Do you rise’ ter 'sinooate thet I’m lyin! a . _
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_ charge of the 14 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri. —— it?” flashed the little old berd- rman, as he suddenly faced the conte: Secing that there was trouble brewing, Major Lakeman promptly stepped between the two angry , men, saying quickly: ‘Slow and easy, friends! Everything looks plain enoughtome. Cowboy Jack did not describe Mag- gie at all, but he did describe my daugbter. There are two girs missing, and without a doubt he saw one of them. Whotbe white girl with her was it is impossible to say now: but, as Maggie has also fallen | into the hands of the rea fiends, we are on the right track.” His words were sensible, and with a few excep- * tions all were inclined to think that he had hit upon the truth. Harmony was restored, and the party sat down to discuss the situation, and make plans for the coming day. Old Misery had a plan which he promptly laid before the men from Eden Vale, but for some reason Cowboy Jack had suddenly be- come strangely silent. \ ith his head throbbing in an unpleasant man- ner. Major Lakeman arose and strolled away with- out being noticed so preoccupied were the others of | theparty. The major did not intend to go far, but hs mind was so filled with sad thoughts that he strayed on and on till till the sound of voices had died out in the night behind him. Finally, he looked up with a slight start, no:icing for the first time how fur he had wandered. He wheeled and looked back, but a point of rocky land shut out the camp-fire, His mind was filled with thoughts of his lost child, and suddenly lifting his hands above his head, he cried in anguish: “My God! I fear I shall see her never again !”’ And through the darkness came a hoarse echo from fhe rocky walls on either hand—a reply that sent the blood in icy currents to his heart: ** Never again!” The next instant there came a swishing sound in the air, somethig closed round the major’s body and | he was jerked violently to the ground, Then several dark forms leaped out of the surrounding sh: dows and hurled themselves upon him with crushing force. But he was naturally 4 strong man and he struggled desperately, despite the fact that he had been taken at such an advantage. He attempted to ery out, but anal Dee closed over his lips, and a hoarse voic? hissed in his ear: ‘* Be sile tor uie! You are in the power of the Mys- tic Le:gue !” late CHAPTER XVI. A DESPERATE GIRL’S MAD ACT. Far down in Southwestern Colorado stands a flat- | topped mountain, sometimes incorrectly called a me-a, upon which are the ruins of an old pueblo or Indian village. The village was built much after the style of the Moqui villages situated on the loft, table-lands of Northern Arizona. The outer walls seem blank and inaccessible, and the houses are of stone, sometimes three or even four stories high, and surround an interior court common to the vil lage. The wall which had once—long years beforo the ravages of time showed upon it—been continuous on the outer side, is really the side of the houses op- site the inner court, Within the village the ouses are builtin terraces, each story being set back upon the other. At the time of which we write it was evident that the village had been deserted for generations, for at _ one side a breach had been made in the outer wall, and everywhere the hand of time had left its marks. The hand of man wis also apparent in some cf the work of destroyal. Away back in the vanished — the place was probably attacked by a power- ul enemy and finally taken, afte> which the inhabi- tants were without doubt mercilessly destroyed. At that time the work of ruin was commenced, and ph times since then the hand of man has helped t along. : It was there upon that flat-topped mountain that a party of settlers took refuge amid the ruins, and attempted to beat off a desperate band of outlaws, but were finally overpowered and slaughtered. It was there that the strange brotherhood known as “The Mystic League of the San Juan” had their headquarters while they were “operating” in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. It was there that they had vainly searched for the trea: ure that was supposed to have been in the pos- session of the settlers who had met their doom amid the ruins, and to this search may be account- ed the fact that many of the — walls had been partially torn down. But the hiding-place of the coveted treasure still remained a secret. Jose Costillo belonged to the Mystic League, and after shooting Dick Bowen, carried his recovered captive to the stronghold of the band. is companion, Dead Shot Don, also belonged to the brotherhood. There was but one way of making the ascent to the top of the mountain, and that was steep and difficult for a great part of the way and easily defended. Had not the ammunition of the settlers given out when ee were attacked by the outlaws, they could have held them at bay with ease. “When the old ruins were reached, M amazed to find another 1 there who was about her own age and was like her a captive in the hands of the outlaws. Costillo delivered his prize into the rl, whom he called Nellie, and gie followed her through a gap in the lower wall of one of the houses, and then up aladder till the fourth story was reached. VNellie’s private room was there, and Maggie guve a little cry of ‘wonder when she saw it. for it was neatly arranged aggie wes and as comfortably furnished as many rooms in the ‘Indeed, by the dim light which came through the | | | escared, the chief of the outlaws having teken a | huge black bird with the head of an animal—”’ ry two narrow apertures which served as windows, it appeared really cozy and inviting. There were curtains tastily draped at just the proper places, mats on the floor, chairs of the picturesquely rustic kind, an odd little table covered by a bright cloth on which lay a Spanish guitar, tastily worked beaced decorations were to be seen here and there, and through a slight opening in some hanging curtains the astonished girl caught a glimpse of a snowy white bed. * Why—why!’’ was all she could say, as she s‘ood looking around in helpless amazement. “No doubt you are astonished,” said Nellie, in a singularly low and sad voice. ‘‘Of ccurse youcould not expect to find anything of the kind here, but I arranged this room in my spare moments, which are many, for, like yourself, Iam an unwilling cap- tive among these terriblemen. Some of the men helped me make the furniture. You are tu shate this room with me, so you are perfectly free to. do, as you like while here,” Maggie was so tired that she could searcely stand, and when her pleasant companion placed a chair fcr her, she sunk into it with a sigh of relief. ‘* And so you are a captive in the hands of these miserable wretches?” she questioned. ‘‘How long have you been here?” ‘‘Thave been a captive more than three years now, but have not been here all the time. My fa- ther’ mother, brother and myself were with a party of emigrants who were all murdered on this very mountain by the band who now holds me prisoner. For a time after the massacre—from which I alcne fancy to spare me--the band remained here, having their headquarters amid these ruins. But. aftera time, they all became very much frightened by a “The Winged Demon!” “That is what they call it,” said Nellie, ‘‘ The bird kept hanging round this mountain ard one by one the men who had taken a hard in the murder of the party on the mountain were fcund dead, and often the terrible bird would be seen upon the body. The superstitious rufflans believe that it isa vampire that sucks human bloud, and when every attempt to killLit proved a failure, they grew fright- ened and fled into New Mexico, taking me with them. They have been working in New Mexico and Arizona till a few months ago when they returned to this place. But they will not stay here much longer, for this so-called demon bird is still here and the at have been dying fast since they came back. They fitmly believe that the bird is indeed a demon and cannot be killed, and they also think that it pr ys on only those who had a hand in the terrible tragedy on the mountain,” “Tt is retribution!” cried Maggie. ‘TI have scen the bird many times and at first was afraid of it but Iam not now, for I do not believe that it will harm honest people.” Then Maggie told her new-found friend all about herself and the settlement of Eden Vale, and for- getting to speak of the dastardly murder cf Dick Bowen, by the Spaniard Jose Costillo. “IT know all about him,” declared Nellie, with a shudder. ‘‘ He is the lieutenant of the League and avery wicked man. He is in charge now, for the captain is away.” “YT wish I had a pistol,” flashed Maggie. ‘‘He killed poor Dick, and I would not hesitate to shoot the assassin like a dog!” “Hush!” said her ccmpanion, warnirgly, A light footstep sounded clcese at hand; then a dark-faced Mexican woman appeared and asked in Spanish if anything was wanted, Nellie ordered water for a bath, and food and drink. This was soon brought, and when Maggie had washed and‘ eaten she felt much better, Nellie now made her lie down on the comfortable bed and have a long nap, from which she firally awoke feeling much re- freshed. “It is sunset now,” said Nellie, when she discoy- ered that her fellow-captive was awake. ‘‘ Don’t you wish to go out and takea look from the top of the wall? It is grand,” Maggie was eager to go, and soon they were upon the high wall which e mpcsed the outer side of the village. AJl around them were the grand old moun- tains, whose peaks were lighted by the golden glory of a perfect sunset. The girls could not see the sun itself, which had dropped behind a lofty peak that reared its high head abc ve its companions, but the gorgeous colors which tinged the clouds that hung around the summit were magnificent and fascin- ating. Far below lay the canyons and defiles which were partially obscured by the dusky haze which was slowly Praga con Here and there the glimpse of some winding stream or river could be caught, but nearly everywhere the shadows obscured them to a dim indistinctness which blended everything into a pleasant harmony. Maggie glanced over the wall toward the valley below, but drew back with a shudder. 4 “*T would like to fall down there,” she declared. ‘‘But many times I have been tempted to hurl my- self from this wall,” asserted the girl, who bad so long been a captive in the hands of the outlaws, ‘* Had not the men treated me with saa ga respect and courtesy, I should have done so long ago; but I still hope to escape, some time.”* che “And Tam sure you will,” was the sympathizing response. ‘ My friends will search for me—”’ * But find you they will not, my beautiful.” Both girls whirled quickly at the sound of tho voice. Jose Costillo stood before them, on the wall! Removing his handsome sombrero, he saluted them in a very effusive manner. “Sure I am that you are pleased to see me,’’ he smiled, showing his regular, gleaming teeth, i a : Py came to take a Icok at the fair senorita who shall be my bride—the brave Meggie.”’ ‘Your wife!’’. cried the spi ited girl, in scorn. ‘*Dastard! Murderer! Sooner than have you la your vile hands upon me again, I would hurl ayaeit from this wall!”’ *The little one speaks very bold,’ sneered Cos- tillo; ‘“‘but, she knows not what she says. This night she shall become mine!” ‘*Stand back! ’ almost shrieked Maggie, throwing out one hand as if to ward him off. ‘‘As there is a God above, I will spring from this wall if you ap- proach another step!” _ The Spaniard helted with a smothered oath, for he saw that she was in deadly earnest. He was at out to speak again when from directly overhead came a shriek that sent the blood in icy torrents to his cow- ardly heart and caused him to crouch and cower with sudden terror. Then the dreaded huge black bird sailed slowly along and settled slowly 2bove Maggie Renan’s head, The excited girl never knew what impulse directed her, but she made a sudden clutch at the legs of the bird and grasped them with both hands, ’ A moment later Nellie and the horrified Spaniard saw the mad maiden dragged from the wall, and the shrieking monster seemed to drcp likea shot down, down, down, with Maggie clinging desperately to its legs! The two who were left on the wall gazed in speechless horror till the mysterious bird of the mountains and its omnaing burden were swallowed up by the dusky shadows fer, far below. CHAPTER XVII. THE WINGED DEMON SPEAKS! WHEN the chief of the MysticLeague returned to his retreat amid the ruins on the peli 9d fs mountain he brought a beptive with him, and that captive was Major Hugh Lakeman. The unfortunate magnate of Eden Vale was thrust into a dungeon-like rcom which had been in magiy for just such a use, and there for a time he was left to his thoughts, bitter enough it must be confessed. He knew not how many hours was confined in the dark hole, 1 was thrust into the place, and judging by that he thought that at least twenty-four hours must have elapsed. At len th the heavy door of the prison chamber swung slowly openand another prisonerwas thrust in to keep the majorcompany. By this time Lakeman’s eyes had become accustomed to the gloom and he was able to examine his fellow in misfortune, al- though not in avery satisfactory manner. How- ever, he fancied that there was something familiar about his appearance, and when he obtained a nearer view of the uncovered head and long flowing beard he recognized the man. It was the Mad Prophet of the Mountains! “Well, my friend,” said the major, ‘‘it seems that you are in trouble, as wellas myself,” “Who speaks?” demanded the strange old man, trying to peer through the gloom. “The darkness is so deep here that I cannot see.” The major soon explained who he was and how he came there, after which the Prophet said: “ Ah, yes I saw you in their hands and I followed them. They discovered me hiding near the trail that descends the mountain and they made mea prisoner. They have good cause to fear end hate me, for I am their bitterest enemy. I have sworn to destroy this fiendish League, and a just Gcd will not let me die till tre work is finished.” “Then they have done you some great wrong?” “Wrong!” cried the hermit, with one clinched hand uplifted, his eyes fairly glowing in the dark- ness. ‘They did me @ wrong which can only be atoned for by the blcod of the murderous devils! On this very mountain and amid these ruins the destroyed all that I held dear in this world! But have haunted them like a Nemesis. To escape me they fled southward; but I knew they would return, and I waited. They did return, and once more have they felt the hand of the avenger! Theend is near!” The oid man hed worked himself up to a great pitch of excitement, but, suddenly, he stopped, and bent his head as ning. From far, far away faintly echoing through fhe stone corridors came the sound of a sad, sweet voice in song: “ Ah, the fair summer days of my childhood! ITremember them new like a dream; Iremember the hills and the wildweod, And the old bridge spanning the stream. When the meadows were fregrart with flowers, And the days were sunny and fair, Oft o’er them I wandered for hours, Light-hearted and free frem all care. ‘Oh, the days that are vanished forever— The sweet sunny days of the past! They wil come again back to us never They were happy—too hap y ' ‘*To me then a summer was Swee And lorger than many are now Each year as it passes seems fle It comes and it vanisbes—how The June-time may come with it és, And summer in sweetness be bh Yet each year as it pesses diselc; No joys like those vanished anc ©»... “Oh, the days that are vanished forever he sweet sunny days cf the past They will come again back to us nev They were happy—tco happy to last!’ For a few moments after the song was man stood ia a listening attitude as ‘f cheer more; then, with a long deep b assed while he ende “7 | said solemnly: ated ban <2) fl? Ook : ‘ TVET L DY Cae MeL Te Pe er Three times food , 4 / Fis ® ” + ?_ t s ®
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Old Misery, the Man from Misso uri, “T have heard the voice of anangel! It is the old song that Lused to sing in the dead and vanished years. She knew it too, but she is dead: yet as there is a God in heaven, that was her voice!’ Then, with a wild, inarticulate cry, he threw him- self against the bare stone walls an1 began to beat them with his clinched fists. Major Lakeman saw that it was the act of one whose brain was deranged and he quicsly dragged the man from the wall. Vith a moaning cry that was pitiful to hear, the sobbing like a child. No words that his feilow prisoner could say comforted him in the least. After long hours a heavy trampling of feet sound- ed outside the cell: the heavy door swung open, and the light of several flaring torches revealed six armed men attired in robes of somber black. “The hour of judgment has come,”’ said one of the men, speaking in a deep and solemn tone, “Prisoners of the Mystic League, come forth and meet your doom!” To the major’s surprise, the Mad Prophet arose from the floor and walked from the dungeon with a steady, unfaltering tread. Knowing that it was use- less to hold back, Lakeman_followed, feeling that he was going to execution. The black-robed figures silently escorted them along & covered passage till the open court in the center of the village was reached. 3 It was night, but the interior of the great court was lighted b a host of flaring torches which cast a red and fitful light over the group of dark-robed forms gathered in a square near the center of the walled space. In the midst of the square stood something that caused a chill of horror to thrill the major’s frame. It was a rudely constructed gallows. of the — the Prophet walking with boldly up- lifted head and flashing eyes, one of the men in robes stepped forward and spoke: “The brothers of the Mystic League have pro- nounced your doom, rope, and thus two of our enemies will be re- moved from our our path forever, Your moments are numbered! In less than three minutes you will be swinging from that beam!” Then he stepped quickly to Major Lakeman's side and hissed savagely in the ear of the helpless man whose hands had been confined behind him: My hour hag come at last! Do you know me?” ‘“‘ Yee,” replied the undaunted man, speaking in a loud voice. “‘I know you well, Duncan Midas, double-dyed villain and murderer!” * And I know you alll’: asserted the Mad Prophet, in tones that riveted the attention of every one. * Among you stand the last remnant of the mur- derous band who slew the emigrants that took refuge on this mountain; but not one of them shall escape! You are in funeral robes and your end is near—even at the door! You may destroy me, but above you at this minute hovers a Eee that you cannot destroy—an avenger that will live to drink the blood of the last of the Mystic League! Listen to the words of the Bird Avenger!” A shriek that fairly made the old ruins ring with its appalling sound came out of the darkness above when the strange old man ceased speaking. Then, as the men looked up in terror, they saw a huge black form with outspread wingsslowly and vaguely appear in the gloom and gradually settle lower and lower. Another shriek; then a croaking, blood-chilling voice came down from the shadowy Sere of the black bird hovering over them, and plainly they heard the fearful words: ** Murderers, you are dcomed—doomed, doomed |” CHAPTER XVIII. THE BLOOD ATONEMENT, WITH moans of terror the cowardly cut-throats crouched in their tracks, but the chief of the League, suddenly snatching out a revolver, fired at the huge bird hovering above them. As if that shot had been a signal for which they « were waiting. @ band of men swarmed out of the covered passage into the open court, and, with a wild cheer, epened on the fear-stricken mass of dark-robed figures. **Pump it ter ther varmints o’ sin!’ shouted the voice of Old Misery, followed by the crack of his rifle. ‘Give ’em @ bill-roarin” ole warmin’! At ther pesky critters, Solomon)!’ With a roar, the dog shot forward into the fight. “ Surrender!’ rung Out the elear yoice of a young man whom the flaring torches revealed to be no one else than the youngranger, Mountain Frank, ‘“ You cannot eseapo—surren ee : “‘Never!”" snarled the chief, as he di d his revolver. ‘I will die first—ah !* pemarge He fell in his tracks, and that was the end of re- sistance. The rest of the band, with a few ex- ceptions threw down their weapons and cried for quarter. Perhaps half a dozen escaped through a breach in the wall; e few were slain, Many were wounded, and the rest were.taken prisoners. The work was accomplished with a quickness and _ease that quite astonished the men from Eden Vale, with whom were the treasure-seekers, Shackley and Perry, Old Misery and his dog, and the young ranger, Mountain ‘Frank Aided by Solomon, Old Misery had trailed the oaee of Major Lakeman directly to the flat- topped Mountain. and when the League assembled to witness the execution, it was not a difficult t , to overpower the two men who were detailed to guard the trail Then the outlaw-hunters made \ their way cautiousiy into the ruins. and arrived just in ume to Save the lives of the major and the : bic ae — - € prisoners were quickly divested of the cowl- 7 ‘ike hoods which concealed their faces, and @ mix- ly ; eu ae i* = ‘ ‘ Ede ts j ‘ RY ya i : r »phet sunk to the floor and lay there for an hour | hen the prisoners had been escorted to the foot | Your are both to die by the | ruffians was revealed. When the hoods were re- moved from the dead, Jose Costillo. the villainous Spaniard, was found among them. He had perpe- trated his last piece of treachery and crime. same time saying: Mountain Frank hastened to relieve the majar of | | the bonds which held his hands bebind /him, at the | ture of half-breed Mexicans, Indians and border | girl b “Major Lakeman, we meet again, and it is ry | | | | pleasure to inform you that your daughter is, with- | out doubt, safe in Eden Vale by this time. We had | the misfortune to be entombed together in a great cavern, but while we slept from exbaustion, after | ed that there was a passage which we had not tried. Wher she awoke we searched for the passage of her dream and found it. It did lead us to the open air, and by rare good fortune we came upon the party of searchers, two of whom turned back to escort your daughter to the settlement.”’ “Thank God!"’ came joyously from the ex-officer’s lips, as he warmly clasped Frank’s hand. When tbe wounded chief of the League was ex- amined, it was found that he was dying. He imme- diately called for Major Lakeman, and when the magnate of Eden Vale stood looking down at him, he said: ‘**{ failed in securing my revenge, major. As you pad yeig's Iam Dunean Midas, who as Square Sam made a boteh of the attempt to take your life. I went to your settlement, not for the purpose of run- ning a gaming-den, but to discover if. the place was worth plundering. 1 was amazed when I recognized you. But after that I played a little trick which you have not yet penetrated, for I am the Cowboy | Jack whom you have been trusting as a guide. It was my plan to get my claws on you, in some way, | but I did not dream that you would walk so blindly | into the hands of my men who were watching for a chance to scoop you in. In the excitement which ensued, when it was discovered that you were miss- ing, I slippe@ away and joined my men, who were | waiting for me. It was all successfully done, but Fate has turned against me at jast. My minutes are numbered.” Then he turned his eyes on the Mad Prophet, who was standing near with his arms folded over his breast as he gazed sternly down at the dying man, “Old man,” said the vanquished chief of the dreaded League, *‘you have been one of my most bitter enemies. Three times have I tried to kill you and failed every time. You have shown that you hated me with an undying hatred. Who are you?” “Tam the only survivor of the party that your cut throats murdered on this very mountain,”* was the reply. ‘‘ I escaped as by a miracle, and I swore to hunt your League till it existed no longer. Ro- land Marline has kept bis oath, and the murder of his family and his friends is atoned for in blood !’’ ‘Roland Marline!” almost shouted Mountain Frank, springing forward and gazing wildly into the | strange man’s face. ‘‘ Are you Roland Marline?” “Tam,” was the reply, as the mysterious man of the mountain gave a great start of su’ prise. “Then you are my fathr!”’ was the amazing de ' elaration, and the youth caught the Prophet’s hands | ina warm clasp. ‘‘I also escaped by hiding amid the ruins, I am Frank Marline.” As the old man stood in speechless amazement | With the son whom he supposed dead clinging to his hands, there came a joyous cry and a fish figure darted forward, panting with hysterical delight. * Father—Frank |” vainly trying to find our way out, Miss Ethna dream- t { ’ ! It was Nellie, who had so long been the captive of the League! The joy of that reunion must be left to the imagi- nation. The eyes of many of the witnesses were dimmed with tears. When the old man was con- vinced that he was not dreaming, he clasped his | children in bis arms and turning his streaming eyes toward heaven, cried aloud: “ Great God,[ thank Thee! Now I have something to live for!” Meanwhile Rufus Renan had knelt by the side of the dying chief and demanded to know where his daughter was; but Midas knew not. He could only ; tell the anxious parent the story that Costillo had repeated to him. When he heard it Renan gave a groan and said: “Wo shall find her bones at the foot of the moun- tain fer suah! She prob’ly fell an’ was dashed to pieces on the rocks.” i It was not long before the chief of the shattered Soon after his death a por- to start for Eden aving the captured told the others not d overtake the party | } / | League breathed his last. tion of the rescuers were read Vale. Some remained behind, outlaws in their charge. ba to wait for them, as they wou before long. : At the foot of the mountain search was made for traces of r t the h friiteae! poor Maggie Renan, bu e hunt proved “I shall never see the little one no mo’! groan- ed the anguish-shaken parent. ‘That bird or | some wild animal hes kerried her off!” While they were searching they were joined by the men who had been left in charge of the captured outlaws. but there were no prisoners with them | then! Nota question was asked, but all knew that the Mystic League would scourge the country no more. The blood atonement bad been enforced! Morning found the men still searching for the lost girl, but they were finally compelled to abandon th unt, although they were ob to almost force Renan to turn his face toward Eden Vale. But a joyous surprise was in store for the unhappy man. They had not traveled more than five miles from the flat-topped mountain before they were hailed by &@ young man who appeared on an eminence, with a Mf hisside. What a shout of joy went up from the throats of all who recognized the two as Dick Bowen and Maggie herself! Dick Bowen had not been killed by the cowardly shot of the treacherous Spaniard, but had been merely stunned by the suot, and brave little Maggie had been carried in safety to the valley by the huge bird! Fate had brought the two togetrer. Great was the rejoicing in Eden Vale when all the missing ones had returned. Roland Marline, who suddenly appeared as sene as any one, with bis son and daughter were honored guests at Major Lake- man’s. Old Misery—whose true name was Oliver Dowd—became a guest at Renan’s humble home, and when Maggie not only hugged but also kissed him “for old times,” he stammered and actually blushed as he requested Solomon to look the other way a few moments, ut, the old man could nct remain in one place & eat while, and soon, with his dog and Ike Shack- ey for companions, he started out into the moun- tains once more, Shackley having taken the old borderman in as a treasure-seeking partner in the place of Ralph Perry, who, for some reason, had de- cided to remain in Eden Vale a while : But, the treasure that was supposed to be hidden amid the ruins on the flat-topped mountain was never found, One day, while Frank Marline and Ethna were strolling tcgether. they unexpectedly came upon Meggie and Dick Bowen. For some reason Dick's companion looked unusually happy just then, but it was all explained when the ycung man stepped for- ward, lifting bis hat to Ethna and holding out his hand to Frank, as he said: * Frank, will you shake with er feller as has acted like er blamed fool toward ye, an’ don’t deserve ter be spoken to, nokow?” rt bf course I will, Richard!” exclaimed Frank, as he clasped the proffered hand in a hearty grasp. * Besides that, I don’t know as “deme : ‘** Yes, I did!” put in Dick, quickly. ‘‘I was blind, but I gct my peepers open. Miss Lakeman, kin you fergive me fer ther way Lacted toward you?” __ ‘Forgive you, Dick?—I have nothing to forgive you for. I hold no hardness; here’s my hand.” ‘**T thought I was in love with ye,’’ explained the young man, with evident confusion; ‘* but [ reckon hev found ther one I was in love with all ther time. Here she is, an’ we are goin’ ter git hitched pretty soon.” : “There!” cried Maggie, blushing furiously; “you kave let the cat right out of the big, Dick!’ ‘Never mind,” laughed Frank; “it was bound to get out sooner or later. Ethna and I have also decided to link our lives, and perhaps we may agree upon a double wedding!” As Frank and ‘Ethna were returning tothe cabin they espied Nellie and Ralph Perry sitting in a leasant nook beside the river. The yoons mab was olding the maiden’s hand, while he talked earnestly to her in a low tone. ‘Cupid is slaughtering hearts by the wholesale!’ Jaughed Frank, as they passed on without letting Ralph or Nellie know that they were seen. “I must look after that young fellow. If be is the right sort, and Nellie loves him, I don’t mind baving him for a brother-in-law.” “The Winged Demon?” repeated Roland Mar line, whose aspect had changed to that of a.happ man since he found bis children living. “ Wal, really, with the exception of its head, there is nothing very mysterious about the bird. I imagine tbat it is one of the great Condor species of South America, and was probably sbunned by its kind on account of its defcrmity, for a deformity I call that bead, rothing else. When you get close toit, it does not look so very much like the head of an animal, Its head when closely examined has more the ap- pearance of the head of a strange bird than an ani- mal. I imagine that it came to this countr from South America. For some reason it took a liking to me, and I readily tamed it. Just how I succeeded, I cannot tell, for there are some things which I do not seem to remember bee yh * Did it suck the blood of dead people? Oh, no! It liked raw flesh, but it could not suck blood, and’ therefore was not a vampire. Just how that belief originated I cannot tell. I managed it so that the outlaws believed that the creature was a Nemesis forthem. The very sight of it filled some of the cowardly crew with the most abject fear, but itis really wonderful how it escaped beirg killed when they fired on it so many times. However, I fear! that the chief wounded it when he fired as it hung over my head in the ope court of the ruined pucblo. “ How did it talk? Well—ha! ha! J did the talk. ing for it. You see I am a skilled ventriloquist. That explains the strange accomplishment o the mysterious bird.” Yes, itexplained everything; but there were some who could scarcely believe the explanation. It did seem that the black bird had been a Nem for the Mystic League, for, with the destroyal of the League, the creature disappeared, never to be seen again in the Southwest. Miether or vot it was hit by the bullet from the revolver of Duncan Midas and died from the effect of the wound was never known, and the disappearance of the ‘‘ Winged Demon” is an unsolved mystery. : When the rich mineral discoveries at Silverton and Del Norte were heralded to the world, the citi- zens of Eden Vale were lured from their homes by a golden bait, Nothing save a few rotten and desert- ed cabins now shows where the settlement in the beautiful valley once stood. Le SS
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ae a es 7 BEADLE'’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels. 2 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Butfal Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in His« Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o., The wantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Ol). 5&7 Deadwoed Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards ot Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Ualamity é ‘ne, the Heroine, 277 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 Deadwood Dick's Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick's Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams; or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, 217 Deadwood Dick’s Bead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood PDick’s Divide; 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 Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats. 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Caze,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood D Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Big Round-Up. Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. J Dog Detective. prt Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Deadwood, 4 Jr.’s, Compact. 496 Deadw Jr.’s, Inheritance, 500 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks ‘ 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 539 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoce 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Mis Mettle. 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Bosten. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia, Bie Deadwoed Dick, Jr., in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. 5S4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island. 606 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’», Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatti. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. +4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 6 Deadwood Dick, Jdr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’a, Lusurunce Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Minea, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango or, * Gathered In.” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Discovery; or, Found « Fortune. 684 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Beb Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 53 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 Pheto reps Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearange, a Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull's , 96 Watch-Eyes or, Arabs und Angels of a Great City, 118 Jack Moyle the Young Specdlator. | 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detectivo, 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boas Kob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solld Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detctive. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. ; rank, the Buckskin Bravo, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter. 226 Snoozer. the Bey Sharp: or, The Arab Detective. 286 Apolio BIUll, the Trai! Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Ghidiater. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Perret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Seeret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Saas’ Pard; or. The Auget ot Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam's Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patt): or. The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’« Victory. 255 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or, Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. The Road Queen. 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Zirl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport, 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Qufck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket. 848 Masuatian Mike, the Bowery Blood, B58 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. B68 Vreka Jim. the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. B72 Yreka Jim’s Prize. B78 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret Of Slab City. BS2 Cool Kit. the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ren; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 40€ Wrinkles, the Nicht-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 8 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. Sealekin Sam, the Sparkier. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccan.er; or. The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk 3 or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants. won ‘ 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugyier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captiuin ¢; or, ‘lle Hermit ot Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 204 Gold Plume ; or, Buffilu Bill, the Pony Express Rider. Bison Bill, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butfalo Bill’s Pluck. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cowboy's Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy big n. 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, ‘The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman M utineer ; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure. 26 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Crutse; or, * The Gold Ship” Chase, 2850 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. 804 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. B77 Bonodel, the Buoy Rover; or, The Flagiess Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WiLI, the Boy Phantom. 898 Seawall, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Iaodor, the Young Conspirator ; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Clouu’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee, 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Seca Raider, 441 The 9cean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Iaphazard porry 3 or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferre: of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts, 462 The Born Gulde; or, The Saiior Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster, 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Ferrets Afloat: or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. AST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger, 495 Arizona Joe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylory King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ¢ or, The Shark and the Sea Cht 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 5620 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 530 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Bue skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio. 545 Licutenant Lee, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BU, the Prairie Shadower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Curd King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, ‘Ihe False Detective 586 The Bucksk'm 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 Kio Raiders, 644 The Hereules Highway man. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Biliy’« Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Bueccancer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower? or. The Freed: oter’a Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flay; or, The Tarnished Name. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Searlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas. TOR Blue Jacket BI or, The Rei Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket 707 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern's Last Trai), BY BUFFAL* BILL (ion, Wm, F. Cody). 8 Kanaase King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom yt or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Fer ut, 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil Hardy, the Boas Bey. 126 Picayune Votes or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick: or, The Here in Bags. 142 Mandsome Harry, the Boothlack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Besa, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire tn the Woods. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Cardy; or, Wil! Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Box; or, The Smuggiers, 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 Netective. 220 Tom Tanner} or, The Black Sheep of the Flock, 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 255 Shadow Sam, the Messenver Boy. 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Voung Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’« Joby or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-HWound: or, The Young Thorougnored. 805 Dashaway. of Dakotas or. A Western Lad in Quaker City. 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Bov Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, 858 The Reporter-Detective~ or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard. ROT Wide-Awake Joe? or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Luarrv, the Levelery or. The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 422 The Lost Finger: or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Fiver, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond, 4846 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge ¢ or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, aot A fld “io 5 age te a oota, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, bAG The Secret service Roy 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. 647 Rob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives, 709 The Carbstone Detectives or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, ee ee and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, 1 128 189 155 169 188 198 207 215 281 241 255 267 279 294 802 816 826 886 845 B56 866 886 896 4i1 418 425 486 145 461 470 cas 499 502 512 521 528 588 548 558 5638 573 582 594 610 626 687 645 658 671 685 ToL 718 714 715 716 T17 718 719 BY J, C. COWDRICK, Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery, Shasta, the Gold King or, For Seven Years Dead. The Detective’s Apprentice ; or, A Boy Without a Ni Cibuta John; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. Disco Dan, the Daisy Dade Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, Redlight Ralph, the Prince ot the Road, Broadway Billy’s Boodle, The Engineer Detective. Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diffikilty,.” Mart, the Night Express Detective. Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer, The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Pa The Boy Pinkerton. 5 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inn 5 Fighting me thd y the Chief of Chained Cyclone, Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. Barebr ¢ Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, Typewriter Tilly, the Merc hant’s Ward, Moonlight Morgan, the *‘ Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bar Broadway Billy Abroad. Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Fir Broadway Billy In Clover. Broadway Billy in Texas. Broadway Billy’s Brand. Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH, % Nick o’ the Night; or, Th» Boy Spy of ’76. The Hidden Lodge; or The Litt) Hunter, Nightinget Sopond | or, Tne Forest Captains, Dandy Jack or, The Outiaws of the Oregon Teais. Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. Midnight Jack ¢ or, The boy Trapper. Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. Judge Lynch, Jr.: or, The Bey Vigilante. Gold Tr eger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. Ned Temple, the Border Boy. Arkansaw 3 or, The Quen of Fate’s Revenge. Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crusade, Placky Phil; or. Tkosa, the Re 1 Jezebel. Ball Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. Captain Apoll , tne King-Pin of Bowie. The Buckskin Detective. Old Winch 3 or, The Huckskin Desperadoes. Dynamilte Dan; or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, The Ten Pardas; or, The Terror of Take-Notice. Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso, Pitileas Matt; or, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret, Cool Sam and Pard; or The Terrible Sis Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. Captain Cutlass; or, he Byceaneer’s Gi! Fo Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions of Bive iar. The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranc! Kobin Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter, Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. Phil Flash, the New York Fox. The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Plo One Against Fifty ; or, The Last Man o/ The Boy Shadow}; or, Zelix Fox’s Hunt The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washing! or. Spores Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. Dodger Diek, the Wharf-Spy Detective, Dodger Dick's Best Dodge. Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows, Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. Dodger Dick’s Double}; or, The Rival Soy sctiven, & Dodger Bick’s Desperate Case, Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidocq, The Two Shadows. Dodger Dick’s Prop. Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Shy The Champion Pards, 2 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. Kit, the Pavement Sharp. Rilly Bantam, the Boy Beagle. Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shudowi Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. LATEST AND NEW I£*1) 20 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Laris Prentiss ‘Tugraham, Old Misery, the Man from Missourl; or, Mountain League. By Wm. G. Patten, Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Fe Cormorants, By T. C, Harbaugh. Teadwood Dick, Jr.’e, Still unt. Round in San Francisco. By Edward L. Wheel Moxoulto Jack, the Hustler Gamin; or, Me Gra-d Catch. By Jo Pierce. Ready April 21. Light-Heart Tute’s Last Trall; or, The Gold Cra, Secrit. | y Joseph BE. Badger, Jr. . Ready April 28, Pawnee Bill’« Pledge} or, The Cowhoy Kidnapper. Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Ready May 5. A New Iesue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of arx cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yor