Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 724) (1891 06 09)
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eee a re Scoccccceerecee ae | Entered as Second Class Mater as the New York, N. YY. "Fost 0 Office. ___ Copy nina 1891, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, No. . 724, ie PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, er Vol. XXVII. No. 98 ) WILLIAM STREET, NEW _YORK. — fi 7 7 peenee., L_/| VY, ) A * TA ESNY q WY ~ A \\\ TO OR, The Wipa-Qut at White Water BY WILLIAM G, PATTEN, AUTHOR OF “ VIOLET VANE” SERIES, ‘‘ DAISY DARE,” ‘‘OLD BOMBSHELL,” ‘t WILD VUL- MW AY HUT CAN,” ‘‘ THE DIAMOND SPORT,” ETC. \ SS y ART CHAPTER TI. THE RISE OF WHITE WATER CITY, THE rude cabin stood near the foot of the rapid where the mountain stream was churned into a white foam by the jagged rocks which here and there thrust their ugly, misshapen heads above the surface. It wasa strange and lonely spot for a home there, in that picturesque pocket—shut in, as it seemed, from the rest of vas : the world by the majestic mountains which THE DOOR SWUNG OPEN AND CAPTAIN MUTE STEPPED IN, HE CARRIED IN HIS ARMS towered on every hand, THE KIDNAPPED CHILD,
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The sun had dropped far down behind the western peaks and the dusky twilight of an early summer night was gathering in the moun- tain pocket. ; In the open cabin doorway stood a beautiful but rather sad-faced young woman, who was scarcely more thana girl, She was anxiously watching the narrow pass which served as the only entrance and exit to the lonely valley. ‘*f wonder why he does not come?” she mur- mured, the anxious look deepening in her blue eyes. ‘‘He should have been here by midday. T trust nothing bas bappened to him, If there has—if be never returns— Heavenly Father! what would become of me?” The terrible thought caused her face to turn white as snow, and she felt so faint and weak she was compelled to cling to the side of the door- way for support. The sbadows grew thicker and deeper amid the rocks; the only sound that broke the still- mess was the sullen and continuous roar of the rapids. How dreary and desolate it was! The utter solitude and loneliness of the place sunk like a heavy weight upon the woman’s heart, She felt as if she were entombed there—buried from all the world, ** Bat with him ican endure it!” she exclaimed. ** With him this place is home—this is our little Paradise! Oh, Frank, my husband! how I love you!—love you with my soul, my body, “a! en- tire being! You are everything to me! With you Lam happy, although I cannot forget your hands are stuined with his blood. If I could only banish that haunting memory! I have tried to forget, but itis impossible. But, wh should I think of that now of all times? It makes me shiver.” She drew back a little within the doorway, and added: ‘‘ Those shadows gathering so blackly away out there seem like evil demons. I dare not re- main bere longer. I will close the door and place a light in the window, so he will know I am expecting him,” She drew back into the cabin and fastened the door; then she lighted a lamp and placed it so its beams would shine froma small window into the darkness, With © nervous step, she paced the floor, pausing now and then to listen eager- ly, fearfully, her hands pressed to her breast to still the beating of her heart. As the moments passed, she became more and more re a gen ' The room was quite comfortably, though rudely furnished. Everywhere were the unde- finable indications of a woman’s touch and a woman’s presence. At ing the waiting woman heard a distant. sound, ith clasped hands, she listened. Through the dusk of evening came the hoof- beats of a horse. Nearer—nearer—nearer! — _ He is coming | he iscoming ! he is coming !” She almost shrieked the words in her joyous excitement. Through the dusk of evening came the musical hail of a manly voice. With a cry of delight, she burried forward and threw open : the doo ‘se r. “ Frank! Frank! Frank !” The borse was at the door, . The man leaped down and caught her in his arms, covering her face with kisses. ‘““Why, what is the matter, little wife?’ he asked. ‘‘ You are all atremble! What makes "you sbake so?” She only clung to him the cldser and hid her face on his breast, beginning to sob. He lifted her gently in his strong arms and carried her in to the cabin, “What is the matter, Ione?” he repeated. “ You are in a dreadful state, It is too bad for you to get worked up so now, Tell me the use,” “T did not know—I had— Ob, Frank! I feared something dreadful had happened to ou! ‘You were so late!” . Ts that it?” a stra look darkening his handsome face. ‘* Well, | bad cause to be late, I was followed.” ‘* Followed? she echoed, in a gasp. ‘Oh, Frank!” ‘Yes, I have been followed from Bowie Bar. I did my best to give my trailers the slip, but it was useless.” “* Who followed you? Why did they do so?” “Twas obliged to dispose of some of my dust and nuggets to obtain provisions. It was seen by some idle miners, and, very naturally, their curiosity was aroused, but their Sere failed to elicit any information from me. knew well enough they would follow me, and I did my best to lead them astray. That is why I did not reach home at midday. I have spent iled?” several good hours in trying to deceive them.” * And fa Violet Vane’s Vengeance. “4 Yes. ” She arose from the cbair where he had placed her and clasped both his hands. ‘* You, bave come back safe to me, my hus- band, and I am happy.” He smiled and drew her eclcse; but the smile was quickly replaced by a frown, ‘*T am afraid you do not understand just what it means for this pocket to be discovered,” he said. ‘* A rush is sure to follow, and almost be- fore you realize it, there will bea mining-town right here in our secluded retreat. You can imagine what kind of a place this quiet pocket will become.” ‘IT know. It is true I have hoped to live here for years, hidden from the rest of ‘the world; but, what is to be will be, If the men must come and build a town, let them come, J will not fear, for-you will protect me.” ‘* With my life!” he declared, gazing fondly into her blue eyes. Two months later. A wonderful change had taken place in the little mountain pocket. Instead of one cabin standing beside the roaring stream, there were nearly twenty buildings of various descriptions, and more were going up, the sounds of hammer and saw awaking hundreds of echoes. Besides these more substantial erections, there were nu- merous dirty canvas tents, From the rapic, the place had taken the name of White Water City. One of the buildings was a combined hotel and gaming saloon, and a stage line had been established, over which semi- weekly connections with Bowie Bar were made, It was a placer town, and most of the claims were located near the quiet water below the rapid, which still surged and roared and foamed over the grisly rocks. With pan and rocker and sluice, half a hundred men were trying to wash a fortune from the mud of the stream and its vicinity. The original discoverer of the place was known as Frank Stillman, and he held two claims, the extra one being by right of discov- ery. Tke miners knew he was married, but the fact that only one or two of their number had caught glimpses of his wife filled them with wonder and convinced them there was some mystery about the couple. One old fortune- seeker observed that Stillman was properly named, for he was a still man in truth. Those who had seen Stillman’s wife declared she was ‘“‘astunner,” which made those who had not been thus fortunate eager to get a glimpse. Buc Mrs. Stillman seemed determined to avoid observation, Everything did not move smootbly in White Water City, There were two factions, each hostile to the other. One was led a dark- faced desperado known a¢ Black Burk, and, as he openly avowed a special dislike for Frank Stillman, Stillman was looked upon as the leader of the other party. Burk had made one‘or two unsuccessful attempts to oust Stillman and bis friends from their claims and drive them from the pocket, and although the desperate man bad failed, he still growled and threatened, ter hev er regler hot ole time ‘We're goin it,” observed one of the with thet p’isen critter old men, soberly. ‘“ Either he an’ his gz hes got ter git out of this town ur ther honest men will hev ter—you bear me!” The old fellow was right. With increasing envy and uneasiness, Black Burk observed the influx of miners to White Water. He had planned a blow that should give himself and his pards the valuable property of the pocket, and he saw his stroke would be useless if be delayed longer, so he quietly mustered bis men, — » But the other faction had been quietly watch- ing the dark-faced rascal all the while, and be- fore he could quite gather his supporters for the grand coup, they were all amazed to receive notice that if they did not leave the valley witbin an hour they would be forcibly ejected or hung. Things culminated rapidly, and the result was somet like a battle, in which Black Burk and his men were worsted and driven out of White Water. But, as the desperado and his satellites retreated through the gap, Burk called down curses on the town ‘and declgred bis ene- mies had not seen the last of him, “*T will yet prove a scou shouted, turning to sbake his clinched hand at those who were watching his departure. ‘‘I am not the man to be run out of a town and never return! I promise you that you shall hear from Black Burk again.” And they did. os The citizens of White Water had met to elect to this place!” he. a ‘mayor and city government.” The meeting was held in the saloon of the Columbia Hotel, and the orators were just getting in their fine work at warming up the assembly when a red- headed miner known as Red Hot dashed in at the door and leaped upon the top of a deal- table. ‘* Feller-citizens of thish yere galori’us city of White Water!” be shouted, waving his arms after the manner of a rooster on a fence as he flaps bis wings preparatory tocrowing. ‘‘ Give me yer unadulterated disteution fer erbout one min- ute an’ I will declaim somethin’ thet’ll jest er- bout knock ye bald-headed with amazement. Three days ago there wuzan addition ter ther poppylashun of this yere city thet has bin kep’ er dark an’ silent secret tell jest erbout now,” Instantly the attention of the meeting was centered on the red-beaded man, ‘* What are you driving at?” demanded one, ** A secret?” cried another. ‘‘ W’at is it?” ‘** Spit it out!” ** Let it slide!” **-You hev our ears!” ‘“Excuse me!” grinned the red-head. ‘‘) hey plenty ‘nuff ears of my own, I hain’t settin’ up as no jackass. But, speakin’ of thet thar addi- tion to our poppylation, feller-citizens, it is—” He paused, impressively. ‘* W'at iu thunder is it?” demanded an impa- tient listener. ‘© 4 babby!” ‘* W-h-a-t ?” shouted fifty voices. “Tvs a babby!” repeated Red Hot, smiting his hands together in his excitement—‘ a gin- oowine leetle teenty squawkin’ babby, vr ’m er howlin’ liar!” What an excitement his words created! ‘* Where is it?’ came the cry. ‘*Tt?s over ter Stillman’s, b’gosh!” replied the man on the table, ‘‘ An’ he’s ther father of it! Y’ve jest seen it, an’—” But the crowd waited to hear no more. There was no motion to acjourn, but every man made a break for the door.” Out of the saloon they poured and made straight for Stillman’s cabin, The one who reached it first rapped lightly on the door. When Frank Stillman appeared, the fellow said: i ‘* Er-er-excuse me! We have called to see the —ah!—the—ahem !—-the babby !” Stillman looked at the crowd in consternation, then smiled, as he replied: ‘*T am sorry, parce, my house is too small to hold you all, sol cannot invite you in. But if you will pass the window yonder, you can have a look at the baby.” There was no hesitation. The men filed past the open window, beyond which, in an easy- | chair which could be made to serve as a bed, reclined the blushing mother, with the sleeping infant on her breast. ated one of those rough fellows removed his hat and spoke in a whisper, afraid of a the baby, Those in front lingered and stared till pushed along by the ea- ger ones behind, Around the corner, after tak- ing a look, the men slapped each other on the back, shook hands enthusiastically, and a few even bugged some particular friend. “Ther footure of White Water City is assur- ed!” asserted Judge Orson Whittles. “« Wuzn't it a picter!” “ An’ it’s mother—she’s a daisy /” ** An’ Stillman—he’s a trumph!” ** You bet!” : When all had taken a look, the men marched back together. , Stillman was still standing in the doorway, | smiling, The throng paused, and, removing his hat, Judge Whittles said: ** Mister Stillman, you are an honor ter this yere great city of White Water. We, her representative citizens, are proud of you and— and your“wife and—and—and the babby.” The crowd could restrain themselves no longer, Some one proposed three cheers; Red Hot led off, and, forgetting the sleeping infant, the men gave vent to their enthusiasm. When Stillman had thanked them, the judge observed: ‘‘ We are now goin’ back ter ther meetin’, an? I reckon ther boys ll find it an easy thing wer decide who shell be may’r of this yere city,’ They did. Frank Stillman was unavimously elected to the office, CHAPTER II. ; STUTTERING CHARLIE AND HAPPY HARRY, “Oh, Lam the real Charlic Ross! arents are mour my loss; MAR ey'll give enuff pelt aye ees! will hunt for myself; If not, I'll remain my own boss,” Tue singer was seated on a small bowlder, et ie ee eee a . . ‘ y \ ; ioe By Mix +
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Violet Vane’s Vengeance, idly punching the ground with a cane, His form was decidedly slender, and his clothes were a “snug fit.” The suit was plainly tailor-made, the figure being a “loud” check, He worea ‘flashy red tie, and eyeglasses hung dangling from a cord, His patent-leather shoes were slender and pointed at the toes, ‘¢ That's splendid!” cried a merry voice, ‘‘ Give us some more.” He looked around to see a pretty girlof six- teen standing a short distance away, regarding him with eyes that were brimming with laugh- ter. In a moment he was on his feet, hat in hand, bowing politely. ‘* B-b-b-beg p-p-p-pardon,” he stammered, ad- justing the eyeglasses, ‘What d-d-did you s-s-say ?” The girl showed her white teeth in a merry laugb, as she advanced fearlessly. / “T asked you to sing some more, You do sing delightfully, but you talk awfully funny.” 4 ‘*T-t-that’s so; I can s-s-sing, b-b-but I can’t : talk worth a cuc-cuc-cuc-continential.” it ‘““ What’s the matter? Do you stutter?” ‘ “Well, I d-d-don’t tut-tut-talk this way for aH fuf-fuf-fuf-fuf-fan,” he replied smiling. ee “That's too bad,” she declared, coming still closer and trying to look sober. ‘* You won’t miud because I la EA ott ee meg Pewee a 4 ye you were a gug-gug-girl.” | “*T am. : ** But Harry is a bub-bub-bub-boy’s name,” i **Not in my case,” and she put her hands be- Bs hind her and a tes her curly head as she showed : her teeth in a smile. ‘ That’s my name, and 5 I’m agirl. Dick says I am an all-wool-and-a- i yard-wide girl, too.’ “Who is D-d-d-dick?” i ‘‘He is my bub-bub-bub-brother, Oh, say! ; don’t you mind my mocking you! It’s such jolly fun! I wish I stuttered! “Tf you d-d-did, you would wish you d-d-d- f didn’t, Say, if people call you Harry, I reckon your nun-nun-name must be Harriet,” y ‘Oh, how did you guess that? That is right. } What is your name?” ° 4 **C-c-c-Charlie Ross; but almost everybody t) calls me S-s-stuttering Charlie.” i! “] have never seen you before, I do not reckon you have been in White Water a great while.” ‘*T came to-day.” ** Are you going to ar long?” **T don’t know. It will be just as I happen to f-f-feel.” **I hope you will stay,” said Harry, frankly. ** | like you.” ‘* Well, lam ¢-g-glad of that,” laughed Char- lie. ‘1 1-llike you. I suppose you 1-l-live with your fuf-fuf-folkes?” She shook her bead, "No. Dick and I live all alone in that little cabin over there.” ‘* W-w-what!” Charlie appeared astonished, The girl laughed at his amazement. ‘*T suppose D-d-dick is a big fellow?” he ob- served, ‘* He is two years younger than I.” ‘* W-w-what |” cried the stammerer again, “Tm giving it to you straight,” declared ‘ nae - a ee. “ How do you manage to g-g-geta living?” “Ob, we pick it up in various ways,” was her a evasive reply. ‘‘ The people here are good to us. Charlie regarded her closely, for it was plain she was concealing something from him, He i asked her to sit down on the bowlder, but she Pee declared she had rather stand. When he at- tempted to question her further about herself pos Ie and her brother, she skillfully turned the a conversation into anotherchannel. They talked ‘f ex for some time, then she declared she must return a 3 to the cabin. ‘*T would ask you to come and see us,” she Pitot. said, with the unformal freedom of one who .% 3 knows nothing of drawing-room etiquette, ony ‘*but, you see, Dick is not well and he has a a rfect dread of strangers, If you stay in “aa 7 hite Water, I may see you again.” oy es She danced lightly away toward the cabin, |. turning once or twice to wave ber hand to him, RAR _ He watched her till she bad Peay Ageia and g ___ there was a singular look upon his face. . a It was impossible to tell what thoughts were ye through his mind, for he uttered no word aloud save the single word: “ Found But, that was an expression of triumph, and there was a look of satisfaction on his face, He sat down on the bowlder and mused for a time, after which he rose and madehis way to the hotel. In bis room he wrote along letter, which was directed as follows: “MR. HORACE DANTON, No, 314 B—— Street, Philadelphia, Pa.” After this Charlie and Harry saw each other every day. He would wait patiently for hours to get a glimpse of her, but she always rewarded him by seeing him for a minute, at least. He often tried to get her to talk about herself and her brother, but in this his success was dis- couraging. Whenever he approached the sub- ject, the smile would fade from ber merry face aud something akin toa look of alarm would take its place. The men of White Water knew very little of the brother and sister. Every one liked the girl, but the boy was said to be a timid, pale- faced creature, with a strong inclination to con- sumption and an early grave. He was rarely seen outside the cabin. When they came to the pocket the waifs had enough money to purchase the little hut which served them asa home, The men of the camp had taken care they did not want for provisions, There was a story that once or twice on dark nights the form of a man had been seen to enter the cabin. Charlie endeavored to discover the person who had seen this, but no one seemed willing to assume the responsibility of the story. It was plaina mystery of some kind bung over the strange pair. Stuttering Charlie mind- ed not in the least the ridicule and rough jokes of the menof White Water. It seemed sure enough to every one that be had determined to solve the mystery. CHAPTER III. LIVING FOR VENGEANCE, FRANK STILLMAN made a popular mayor, even though he was absolutely fearless in his way of discharging the duties of his office. It is true he was not popular among a few of the toughest characters in White Water, but the number was small and none of them ventured to openly express their dislike of him. Had he been properly supported, Frank would have closed the saloons of the place to a certain extent, for, small though the town was, it had more than one saloon, But even Judge Whittles, who was one of the young mayor’s fastest friends, indulged freely in the glass that inebri- ates, and was against closing the liquor places, On the further side of the stream from the town, a narrow road of nature’s making led along the face of the perpendicular bluff that dropped down to the water’sedge. This road led upward till it finally reached the open mountain country some miles away. Tbe mayor pointed out this road to the citi- zens and: easily convinced them it would be of vast importance in entering and leaving the pocket if it could be easily reached. As it was, there was but one entrance to the pocket, and that was anything but a satisfactory one. ‘*But how are you ws ter git over thar?” asked Judge Orson Whittles. ‘“‘Tbis yere stream hain’t goin’ ter be swum hyer, an’ that’s facts. It’d be suicide ter try it, fer the water’d kerry a pusson down onter them thar rocks and them thar rocks would nacherlly chaw him up, hide, ha’r an’ boots. Pll ‘low I dunno of ary way of puttin’ that road ter use.” ‘Tt will be difficult,” admitted Frank; ‘* but it can be done.” * How?” ’ ** By building a bridge.” ‘By buildin’ a bridge!” echoed the judge. “Great Hannah! how are you goin’ ter git a bridge across hyer?” ‘Throw it across,” ** Danged if you hain’t gone plum’ c ! You may have quite a muskil, young man, but you can’t do that! That’d knock George Washbing- oa throwing feat higher’n ther g-handled rf “ But if the town will give me its support, I will guarantee to do it,” ‘*Blamed ef you shan’t hey ther support of ther town, even if you do want ter make a tar- nal fool of yourself! But, I can’t git it through my old noddle how you're goin’ ter work ther racket,” ‘*Do you see those rocks there that rise so nigh Boos the surface of the stream?” at Wail, their heads were above water duri the spring freshet. I will admit they did no rise very high above it then, but with slight ad- ditions, they will serve as supports for the bridge and will keep the structure above any flood that does not overflow the entire Mage “Um!” grunted the judge. ‘* Well, go ahead with your bridge-makin’, I'll stand ahind ye.” It did not prove to be a very difficult thing to obtain the support of the town, and in a short time the bridge ws being built under Frank’s di- rections. It turned out to be @ less difficult thing than he had expected and was a pro- nounced success, A small amount of work on the road made it a practical one for travel either afoot or mounted, and a still greater amount of work would have made it a fair stage- road. Bat, that was not necessary at that time, This piece of work gave the citizens of White Water still greater confidence in their new mayor, rank’s home life was of the most beautiful character. With his wife and child he was per- fectly happy, and since the birth of the little son the sad look had vanished from Ione’s face, The baby had given her something over which to occupy her mind and thus had aided her to for- get the unpleasant past. The child had been given its father’s name, and, with little Frank in ber arms, the happy mother watched for her busband’s home-coming at noon and night, He had come to always look for her at the door, where she and the baby would claim his kisses, Si nigbt he was filled with amazement and not a little alarm when he saw she was not wait- ing for him in her usual place. ‘What can it mean?’ he exclaimed, as he hurried forward. ‘‘ Can anything have hap- pened?” The door was standing opeb, and before he entered he heard the baby crying. ** Must be sick,” he thought. But he found the child lying unattended in its crib, Prone in the center of the floor, face downward, lay its mother! x ““My God—lIone!” he cried, leaping toward er. She did not stir—she lay like one who had sud- denly been stricken down by the hand of death! As he bent over her, he sawa slip of paper clasped in one white band, There was writing. on it! What did it mean? In a moment he bad read the words written upon the paper. They were: Philip Howard still lives—for vengeance !" After being driven out of White Water City, Black Burk was not heard from for some time. The citizens believed they had seen the last of him, despite his threat, and he was being swiftly forgotten. ut Burk was simply making iby salarrvieny to carry his threat into execution. e day he struck his first blow. Some miles out of White Water the regular stage was halted by a band of masked men and completely looted. When the leader of the masked robbers gave the stage- driver permission to go on, he also said: “You may tell the people of White Water in general and my dear friend Frank Stillman in particular that Black Burk is still alive and has not forgotten him, 1 propose to take toll on this road for some time to come, Good day.” What a sensation this created in White Water! With what breathless interest did the citizens listen to the tale as told by the stage-driver, Snappy Seth!” ‘* Hooray!” shouted one half-intoxicated fel- low, ‘ White Water’s bound ter be a howlin’ ole town now we’ve got a band of ginoowine road-agents!” Some one promptly knocked him down! One of the passengers pushed his way to the center of the crowd. His clothes were decidedly ragged and he had the aspect of a tramp, de- spite the battered silk bat of ancient style, which he wore tipped in a reckless manner rage the back of his head, a mass of wool-like hair curl- ing out around its base. His face was perfectly destitute ‘of beard, and his buge mouth was stretched in a grin that made his countenance resemble a full moon, In his buttonhole he wore an immense sunflower, Tm no Oscar Wilde,” he ‘asserted, as he reached # position beside the stage-driver; ‘‘ but I’m a lulu, bet yer socks! Iam called Old Sun- flower, gents, at yer sarvice,” removing his high hat and bowing. ‘I’m allus roun’ whar thar’s any fun or any fodder that needs eatin’ afore it spiiles, I’m a sport. Jest at present Pm a trifle down onter my luck; but wait a bit an’ you'll see me whoopin’ her round this yere camp in broadcloth fine feathers,
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Bona _ glide tae Oe * Se ee ee —— Violet Vane’s Vengeance, * But this hain’t presactly w’at I started in ter ossiferate. I jest kem in with ther stage. W’en ther gents o’ ther concealed phizogs axed me would I shell out, I turned my pockets wrong side to the weather with the greatest of pleasure. Thar wuzo’t a blamed thing in’em. You see ther gentle highwayinen did not make a for- chune offen me, Then perchance you will ask w’at in thunder an’ soft-soap is chawin’me. TU tell ye: My dignity’s insulted—I am mad—lI am so derned mad that my ha’r has took an extra cur! an’ threatens ter pull itself out by ther roots! I feel like singing ther ole college song w’at we uster sing at Yale. P’r’aps some o’ you fellers think I never went to college? I kin lick ther man as durst say so! Ther song I wuz speakin’ of ruus like this: “T feel like hel— I feel like hel— I feel like helping some poor sinning soul.” “Tt is a gem o’ ther fu’st watter, an’ don’t ye fergit it! At Yale we uster yowl it arter we hed bin licked at football or suthin’ o’ thet sort, “ But ter return ter our road-agents: If l only hed jest one little man hyer in this yere town, I’d take him an’ go out an’ clean out ther hull measly gang 0’ lan‘ pirates. Thet man’s name is Violet Vane, an’ he’s one o’ ther boys, an’ don’t ye fergiS thet, I don’t reckon he is roun’ this town, ishe? I’m kinder lookin’ fer bim.” Frank Stillman had been paying very little attention to the loud words of the tramp, but at the sound of Violet Vane’s name the mayor started ana turned very white, Whirling, he stared hard at the man who had called himself Old Sunflower, then he hastily left the group. ““T wonder if that old tramp will know me?” he muttered, as he walked slowly toward his home. ‘‘ Hesaw me when I had been connected with Captain Marvel, and if he recognizes me and blows, it will be gest sure to ruin me in this town. 1 almost believe luck is turning against me!” A desperate light filled his eyes and his lips were pressed tightly together. He had the air of a man nearly driven at bay. ““My beard may serve to disguise me from his eyes,” he said, ‘‘ But he must not see Tone, Poor girl! She has been in a terrible state ever since that infernal slip of paper fell into her hands! She is so nervous sbe fears to thave me leave her a moment; but I have to leave her at times, “That paper was a cowardly hoax, for I Know Violet Vane is dead. We met man to man, and he feli before my revolver with a bullet in his brain. It was his life or mine, but I did not wast to kil: him. He forced me into it, What could I do? But I do not like to think of that—I would to God 1 might for- get the five years of my life previous to com- ng to this pocket!” tis is not se pag Aad forget. ‘The citizens of hite Water were aroused to quite a high pitche ef excitement by Black Burk’s daring robbery, and a thousand plans were p and abandoned, but in the end a reward of five hundred dollars was offered for the capture of the road-agent chief. For two or three trips the stage was unmolest- ed, and some of the more foolish citizens were beginning to chuckle over the belief that Burk had been frightened away by the offer of are- ward, when the stage carfe in one night witha strange driver handling the ribbons. Snappy Seth sat beside the stranger, his coat-sleeve cut away above the elbow of his right arm, which was wrappel in blood-soaked cloths, The crowd that was uwaiting the arrival of the stage knew something bad happened, The strange driver whirled the ** hearse” to a’ standstill in front of the Columbia Hotel with a skill oneal Se that of Snappy himself. Then he leaped ligatly down and swung open the door for the pacesngers to alight. “Feller people of White Water,” cried the ‘wounded driver, standing up and waving his uninjured arm, ‘‘ Black Burk tried ter hold us mp ter-day, and he got sweetly left—” : His words were checked F ‘a cheer from the ie . ***Hooraw fer Snappy!” bellowed the red- theaded fellow known as Red Hot, “ He’s a royal Jim-dandy, an’ don’t ye fergit ter mark thet down!” “T can take very little of ther honor ter my- self,” asserted thedriver. ‘‘I done ther best J could—” ** We know ye did.” “Thet wuz well enough!” “Ter tell ther honest truth,” continued Ppy Seth, ‘*I never thought of tryin’ ter rough "Black Burk’s gang tell it wuz pro- posed ter me by ther gent as sot on ther seat be- side me, He said ef I’d handle ther ribbons, he’d do ther shootin’!” * Bully fer him!” ** He’s ther right kind!” “* W’en he said that an’ showed thet he meant business, I reckoned I'd try ther racket jest fer ther excitement o’ ther thing. He got out his guns an’ made shore they wuz in good workin’ order, In Echo Gap we kem onter ther hull gang of agents. Burk shouted fer us ter hold up. Then we commenced business, I let ther critters hey ther whip an’ howled fer all I wuz wu’th. Ther leetle stranger thar riz right up in meetin’ with a gun in each han’, an’ w’en he commenced ter shoot suthin’ begun ter drop, you bet your life! He picked off three or four of ther egents, an’ ther ole he’rse wuz jurapin’ an’ rockin’ ter kill all ther time, It wuz fun! ** Jestas we wuz breakin’ through ther line, I got a bit of lead in my arm thet completely knocked it out of duty. Then I thought we wuz done fer, But we wuzn’t! Thet leetle cuss jest caught ther ribbone an’ whip, an’ ther speed he got out of them animiles knocks my record clean out of sight, We got erway, but we never could ef it hadn’t bin fer him, He’s ther best manne all-round man I ever set eyes on—you hear me! The crowd cheered again mors heartily than before. The tastily-attired stranger, who wore a silk hat and a buttonhole bouquet of fresh violets, found himself the center of attention. The ragged tramp who called himself Old Sun- flower forced his way through the crowd. bhvee, bi. eye fell on the’ little man, he fairly yelled: “Blow me blind! May I be strangled to death with bug-juice ef it hain’t thet little Jo- dandy o’ creation, Violet Vane!” From the outside of the circle Frank Still- man staggered away, looking as if he had seen an apparition, “My God!” he gasped. ‘Is it, possible the dead has returned to life?” \ CHAPTER IV. STUTTERING CHARLIE SHOWS HIS STUFF, As Violet Vane entered the saloon of the Co- lumbia Hotel that evening the squeaking of a fiddle, shuffling of feet, coarse shouts of laugh- ter and an occasional pistol-shot fell on bis ot Spot it down, long-legs!? pot it down, long-legs “Shake them feet a little faster!” ‘* Stir up the dust, tenderfoot!” **Come, come; you are goin’ to sleep!” The cries came from the crowd gathered at the further end of the room, In the center of a wide circle Vane saw a slender and rather foppishly- dressed young man, who was dancing at a lively rate to the music of the old fiddle. A glance convinced the wearer of the violets that the dancer was a tenderfoot who had fallen into See that seemed to be leading him a fast e. It was Stuttering Charlie Ross, and he had the aspect of a person who would consider it good fortune if he were dead and buried ina comfortable manner. His eyeglasses were dangling and flopping at the end of the cord, and bis violent exertions had caused his cuffs to slide far down over his hands, He was perspir- ing from every pore, and there was a look of utter terror and despair on his face, For all of that, he was really doing some clever steps, and now and then thes tors would break forth in involuntary applause. Within the circle stood two short, stocky toughs of the most repulsive type, each holding a cocked revolver and now and then sending a bullet into the floor in the vicinity of Charlie’s flying feet. They appeared to be the ring-mas- ters of the occasion, and in fact, they were two of the most vicious men in White Water since the ejection of Black Burk and his gang. They were know as Stub Smith and Humpy Dick, the former having but the stub of a left hand and the latter being deformed by an unsightly hump between his shoulders. For all of their defor- mities, they were desperate fighters and greatly feared in the camp. ‘* S-s-s-say!” cried Charlie, relaxing his pace a bit; ‘‘ bain t von fellows got abub-bub-bub-about enough of this?” In reply, Stub Smith fired a bullet into the floor so close to the stammerer’s toes that he leaped three feet into the air, uttering a yell that made the spectators roar with merriment, “ Dud—dud—don’t do that !” he cried, ‘“‘ Then keep on shufflin’!” commanded Humpy ick. “ Bub—bub—bnt I’m tired,” protested Charlie. *“ Thet don’t make er derned bit of diff’runce ter us, Hoe in afore we shoot yer ears off!” The unfortunate fellow went at it again, A dark look settled on Violet Vane’s face, and he did not notice the approach of Old Sunflower avs that worthy toucbed him on the arm and said: “‘ Thinkin’ o’ takin’ er han’ in ther dance, lee- tle pard?” ‘*I was contemplating it,” replied Vane, “Ther tenderfut seems ter be in hot com- ‘Yes. Who are those villainous-looking wretches?” “Two o’ ther wu’st galoots in this yere town, ur folks do lie "bout ’em like sin. They are b—a—a—d men from ’Way Back, an’ they’re allus lookin’ fer a ruction.” ** Who is that boy?” ‘‘ Boy !—he ain’t no boy! I ‘low he looks like one, but he’s er derned sight older’n he seems, ur I don’t know merself w’en I looks in er mirror? He says his name is Charlie Ross, an’ he bites ther biggest part o’ his words inter erbout a dozen pieces. His jaws seem took with ther ague w’en he goes for ter talk.” “Well,” said Vane, quietly, advancing toward the group, ‘‘I believe I will chip into that game.” ** An’ by ther great jehocus! I'll stan’ ter yer back ter ther bitter eend, as I has did menny an’ menny a time afore this.” But before the little sport could take a hand something bappened—something unexpected and startling. In his dancing, Charlie had managed to work his way close to Stub Smitb. Then he began to cut some very queer figures, flinging his arms and legs about in the wildest manner, ‘* Look out, you blamed fool!” roared the squat rascal, retreating to avoid being hit. ‘If you bit me, Pil—” He never explained what be would do, for at that moment there was a spat as the dancer’s hand struck him fairly on the left jaw with such force that he was instantly knocked off bis feet and fell heavily to the floor, As be mgt ie to have bis tongue between his teeth at that mo- ment, he came very near biting it in two. A how! of fury came from the ruffian’s lips as he scrambled to his feet and made a rush for the stammerer, who was saying, as if in the greatest eae} a: ‘* B-b-b-beg pardon! Quite accidental, I as- sure you.” “*Derned if I don’t hev your skelp!” yelled Smith, dropping his revolver and drawing a knife, But, Charlie succeeded in evading the rush of the desperate man, and as Smith slid past, the dancer gave him a kick that fairly lifted his feet from the floor and caused him to land on his nose, * peeling” that organ in a shocking manner, ee squealed Old Sunflower, danc- ing with delight. “I'll bet a thousan’ dollars erg’in’a rusty ole-fasbioned cent ther galoot in ther checker-board suit kin lick ther packin’ outer t?other one! Who's takin’ ther bet? Trot out some o’ ther money men o’ this yere town thet durst risk a cent ag’in’ er thousan’ dollars!” But, Humpy Dick had decided to pitch in, With the greatest amazement, be witnessed the discomfiture of his pard, then he made a rush for the tenderfoot with whom they bad been baving so much sport, Charlie was looking for bim. “* Gug-gug-go ’way!” he cried. ‘If you dud- dud-don’t, I shall burt you.” Down on his hands be dropped, turning a prettv bandspring and planting bis feet near the pit of Humpy’s stomach, rounding the deformed rascal up as if he were suddenly attacked by a terrible spasm of the colic. Then Charlie came up smilingly, just in time to upset Stub Smith, as that unworthy was struggling to his feet in a dazed manner. The spectators were amazed, They had not dreamed the stuttering fop was made of such stuff, and they could scarcely believe the evi- dence of their eyes. Violet Vane held back and watched every move keenly, a look of satisfaction on his face. He instantly comprehended the stutterer was several degrees smarter than he appeared, “It bas b-b-been a long tut-tut-time since I have found it necessary to indud-dud-dulge in & scrapping match,” observed the “real Char- lie Ross,” citing on his bands in a business- like manner; “bub-bub-but I believe I enjoy it pretty near as well as I ever d-d-did.” “By zucks!” whooped Old Sunflower; * thet boy’s er oo. lar-lar!” Feb umpy ner in the attempt to breathe once more in a natural way. Finally he su in catching , P Le = 4 4 PT. . : Y Fee ae nee, P i {Toft 4 A wel, eal + atl ae DS is! Mtaeticae sy Wate S NZ a ick was wheezing in a painful man- —
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Violet Vane’s Vengeance, 5 bis breath in short gasps. Then he half- straightened up, snatching out a revolver to take a snap-shot at the cause of his discomfiture. The spectators dodged to avoid a misdirected bullet, and the sharp crack of a revolver sounded, fol- lowed instantly by a cry of pain! CHAPTER V, DENVER DAVE ‘‘ GETS LEFT.” ‘*Ow-wow-wow! Holy hornets an’ bed-bugs! Great sizzlin’ Christopher! Bvoo-woo! Chain lightnin’ an’ ’lectricity! Wow-wow!” Humpy Dick was dancing and howling, while he shook bis empty hand as if it had been burned. His revolver lay on the floor—undiacharged. Seg little sport, Violet Vane, had fired the shot! re He was on the lookout for foul play, and be- fore Humpy could work his weapon with the intention of dropping the stammerer, the sport had fired, It was asnap shot, for he had not a second to lose, but he had noticed there was a ‘break at the opposite side of the circle, and he knew his bullet would injure no one if he missed, But he did not miss, The lead flattened against the cylinder of Humpy Dick’s weapon, causing the deformed wretch to drop it as if ithad been red hot, and then dance and how! like an injured school- boy. The spectators looked on amazed, not un- derstanding what had happened, But the puffs of smoke rising above Violet Vane’s head told who had fired the shot. It seemed that the hunchback was hit, An uncertain murmur came from the crowd, . © Whoop-ee /” cried Old Sunflower, delightedly. “* Wat's ther matter with ye, hunchback: Been foolin’ with suthin’ warm, I reckon. Hand feels like ye had tooken bolt 0’ ther business eend © er hornet, Pl] bet a hoss. Hain’t it funny wen ye feel that way!” Humpy Dick answered by a string of curious anathemas, ** Oh, say!” snickered the irrepressible tramp. ** You'd best save up all them Bible words to use w’en ye say yer pra’rs, They hain’t propper ter use in a permisec’us congregathering like ¢ hess fired that shot?” howled the hunch- ack, ' ‘*IT did,” replied Vane, quietly, holding his revolver ready fur use in case he should sudden- ly need it again. ““ W’at ’d ve do it fer?” ‘* Because you were trying to shoot that fellow in the back.” ‘* W’at business wuz that ter you?” “The business of aman who is always de- termined tosee fair play. It would have served you right if [bad put a bullet through your ‘treacherous heart, but [ did not want the blood of such a contemptible wretcb on my hands.” “You shell pay fer it!” snarled Humpy. “T shall be pleased to square the account at apy time. My motto is: Fair play forever.” “ And a good motto it is,” observed a strange voice, as a black-bearded man forced his way to the center of the circle. ‘I alwaysstand by the man who stands by fair play. do not know just what the row is here, but you can count me in on the side that plays a white game,” he man was a stranger in town. He was neatly dressed, and a certain air about him sug- gested the sport. ‘*) am Denver Dave,” he explained, as he ob- served the looks of curiosity turned on him. _ “It may be possible some of you have heard of me? If not, it is not my fault, for I have been doing my level best to get my name up for the past three or four years. In Denver I am called the champion poker-player, and at the same —_ time I have the reputation of being the whitest sport in Colorado, That is because I have but one motto: fair play. Whenever I[ bear a man _ eailling for fair play, 1 can not resist the impulse : 4 ball to take a band in the Stantl y, Smith and Stuttering Charlie had disap game, That explains why Iam here.” MIR: Violet Vane eyed the man sharply, and _in- conceived a dislike for him. But, he said nothing, quietly awaiting the next move, ‘What is the trouble here, anyway?’ asked #Venver ve, _ At this moment it was noticed that Stub peared, Hampy Dick tad also picked up his revolver _ and was slinking away, plainly hoping to get off before be was observed departivg. “The trouble seems to be all over now,” re- plied Vane, calmly ejecting the empty sbell from | me nae and replacing it witha fresh car- tridge. ‘** Just my luck,” laughed the man from Den- ver, ‘‘I have a habit of being a bit too late. Now, I am looking fof excitement. I need some- thing to stir my blood, and I did hope I had made a ten-strike, I wonder if there is no way I can raise a breeze?” “You ought ter be able ter raise a breeze,” observed the sunflower tramp. ‘‘ You seem ter be quite a galoot fer blowin’.” This caused a titter of laughter, and brought a scowl! to the face of Denver Dave, ‘* Where is the individual who made that witty remark?” bedemanded, ‘‘I am willing to wager he bas a pair of long ears. {tis a sin- gular thing that one can always tell a jackass by bis braying.” **Ob, holy jebocus!” groaned Old Sunflower, a look of sadness chasing away his’ habitual grin, but leaving the merry twinkle in his eyes, ** Don’t I wish I hed kep’ my yawp quiet! I am squelcbed fer ther present, but I’m boun’ ter git square,” “If there is nothing else for excitement, I would like to scare up a little game of chip- chip,” said the man from Denver, turning from the tramp and looking sharply at Violet Vane, ‘From the cut of your jib, I should say you sowetimes handle the cards, partner?” ** Only on rare oceasions,” was the reply. **Then [ hope you will make this one of these occasions. [am always willing to play with a white man, and from your words which | heard Sage moments ago, I judge you claim to be that. ‘* But I have no taste for a game to-night,” Old Sunflower groaned. “Oh, try ther critter a whirl, Sweet Violets!” he implored. ‘* He wants it so thunderin’ bad, it’s your duty ter give it ter him an’ give it ter him fer all ye’re wu’th, “You kin wopse him, an’ I know it.” Dave scowled again. “Tf you do not shut down .on your jaw,” he said, ‘‘ you may wish you had left yourself out doors.” | “* An’ ef you go inter a game with Violets,” retorted the old vagabond, promptly, ‘ you will wish you hed left yerself in Denver. But ef you git left, it wil! be all right,” The man from Denver made an impatient gesture and again turned to Violet Vane. “Dare you play with me?’ be demanded, in an almost insulting manner.” A slight flush mounted to the little sport’s face. ‘*t Perhaps I may dare and still not wish to.” **Tf you do not play, I shall certainly think you do not dare,” , Vane consulted bis watch. ' **T can give you just an hour,” be said. The black-bearded gamester laughed grimly. ‘“* At the end of that time that pretty time- piece will be mine,” he asserted. The wearer of the violets simply smiled, and led the way to a deal-table. The men sat down opposite each otber, and the crowd gathered around, eager to witness what promised to be an interesting game. A fresh pack of cards was called for and brought on. i ji Is 7 to be draw?” asked Vane breaking open pack, , Denver Dave nodded. ‘With what limit?” “* Limit!” exclaimed the black beard, in ap- parent surprise. ‘* Do you want a limit?” fa never play without a limit,” was the calm reply. vy But what are you looking for—a boy’s game?” * You shall bave all the game you desire, I promise you that. But I hold that only people of unlimited wealth should play poker without a limit—and then they are foolish. This is simply my opinion, you understand. I do not ask or expect you to agree with me. But if you Play with me, the game will have a limit.” ‘* What kind of a limit do you want?” ‘*‘T am leaving that for you to say.” ‘* Will a thousand dollars do?” ‘Yes, or five thousand, I simply want a fig- ure of some sort,” Fve thousand was finally decided on. The deal fell to Vave,, Each man produced a roll of money that made the eyes of the spectators grow big, then the game began, Old Sunflower had taken a position where he could watch the moves of both men, On his homely face there was a look of expectant de- light. Evidently he anticipated sport. ‘For the first two or three hands neither of the men did much betting. “If you are going to own my watch in an hour, you will have to begin soon,” smiled Vane. ‘** I certainly shall not play more than an hour, and time has wings.” ‘*Oh, don’t you worry,” protested the man from Denver, with apparent confidence. ,‘‘ It will not take me long to make it warm for you when things get to running.” ‘* An’ ef you play crooked, ther Old Boy’ll make it warm fer you a short time afterwards,” grunted Old Sunflower. ‘I’m watchin’ both 0” you fellers, an’ I’ve got my han’ on er gun thet’s con putty derned nigh clean ter ther muz- zle, Denver Dave pretended not to hear the va- grant’s words, but there was an ugly gleam in his dark eyes. The game progressed. ‘** Ha, ba!” laughed the man with the black beard, as heraked in a large pot. ‘I am just beginning to sccop you now.” The little ayers smiled, “Tf you call that a scoop, your ideas must be limited,” be retorted, ‘ That is yours by rights, because you won it fairly. You are welcome to every dollar I possess if you can win it in the same way.” ** Well, I shall make a strong bid for it.” But of a sudden fortune seemed to desert the Denver man. Several very good pots were won by the little sport in velvet, causing Dave to grow] softly. “That bour is passing,” laughed Vane, ‘* There are but twenty minutes left of it,” ‘The man of the black beard made no reply, but Vane fancied he read a light of desperate de- termination in his eyes. ‘* Now,” thought the wearer of the violets, “he will try to woel me, if ever.” Still Vane seemed to grow eXceedingly care- less, for it appeared as if he paid very little at- tention to Denver Dave when that individual was dealing, But, in reality, he was watching closer than ever. The black-bearded gambler was indeed an ex- pert, for altbough he captured two aces from the ack, Old Sunflower did not detect the cheat. ut Violet Vane’s sharp eyes were not deceived. and from that moment the little sport watched the man from Denver ip an 5% manner, feeling sure he had him foul when he wished to expose the trick. The time came when Dave determined to make his great move, He skillfully ‘“‘stocked” the cards, and when Vane cut, he made the * pass,” thus bringing them into their original position and spoiling the effectiveness of the cut. Vane saw all this, but remained quiet. Then the man from Denver dealt, and four kings fell to the lit- tle sport. He took two aces himself, with the intention of bringing into use the two he had al- ready captured from the pack; but Vane watched him keenly. The Velvet Sport stood ‘ drew three cards, saying: “You must have a great band?” “T have,” replied Vane, quietly, allowing his eyes to fall from his opponent’s hands for a moment, That brief space of time was enough, Two of the useless cards in Dave’s hands changed places with the two aces, thus giving him a hand of four aces. Then thé betting began, and in less than two minutes it was so hot that the spectators at the backs of each of the players moved awey to be out of the line of flying bullets. Old Sunflower fairly danced with excitement as the pot grew larger and larger. ay Violet Vane threw his cards down on e did ‘**T will not rob you, man; the pot is mine.” “Oh, I think not!” declared Denver Dave, ex- ultingly, showing hig hand. ‘‘Four aces beat four kings any day.” ; But, as he reached out his band to draw in the pot, Violet Vane thrust a cocked revolver fairly against his forehead, crying sternly: ** Hands off, or I will scatter your brains!” The Denver man paled. ‘*What do you mean?” he snarled, won this money, and | call on the spectators to stand by me.” ; There was @ murmur from the crowd that Vane well understood. ‘ ‘¢- You should have the sang | if you had won it fairly,” he said; ‘‘but you did not, therefore itis mine.” , Do you dare insinuate I cheated?” furiously cried the black-bearded gamester, “That is just what I say.” ** Prove it!” ‘* An easy thing todo, I have seen the work- ing of a sleeve hold-out before now. You will pat,” while Dave table, exposing the four kings, saying as he 80: “T have ~
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Teer oa 6 Violet Vane’s Vengeance. either give up this money quietly or submit to have your sleeves searched. Denver Dave became still whiter, then fairly turned black in the face, ** Curse you!” he gritted. ‘*T believe cheating is consitlered a lynchable crime in White Water,” observed Violet Vane, calraly. Tbe baffled trickster sprung to his feet, ‘* Take the money!” he hissed, his face like a thunder-cloud. ‘I have enough more. But, let me tell you I am a man who never forgets! You shall pay for this with your life!” Then he turned and strode away. With a comical grin on his homely face, Old Sunflower called after the defeated gamester, in a drawling tone: **Oh, say! did you ever git left?” CHAPTER VI. THE STUTTERER AS A SHADOWER. SEIZING an opportunity when tbe attention of nearly every one was directed to Denver Dave, Stuttering Charlie quietly slipped out of the ring and left the saloon. He wished to thank Violet Vane for taking a hand at such an opportune moment, but for reasons best known to himself, he did not choose to doso then. He saw Stub Smith slinking away and followed in the squat ruffian’s footsteps. But when Charlie passed out of the door Smith had disappeared. He paused for a moment to look back, and saw Humpy Dick sneaking swift- ly toward the door, Not wishing another en- counter with the brute, he pirriat away in the darkness, At a safe distance, he paused and looked back in time to see the hunchback emerge from the saloon. Humpy Dick also paused to glare back through the open doorway; then he started off at a brisk pace, with the Stutterer on his trail. It would seem as if he had acted as a shadower before, for he crept along swiftly and with the caution of a cat, never for aninstant-losing sight of the figure he was following. Plainly Humpy Dick did not expect to be fol- lowed, for he did not look back after his glance into the saloon. As he rolled along with a gait which seemed tc say he had been to sea some time in his life, he literally growled in his vicious anger, his oaths being smothered now and then, as he sucked his still tingling fingers. The shadower grinned as he heard the hunch- back’s imprecations, Charlie seemed exceeding- ly pleased about something. But be did not follow Humpy a great ways, He decided he did not care to travel in the di- rection the deformed was going, so waving bis hand toward the discomfi an in an unseen farewell, be turned aside. It was plain Charlie had some object in view, for he walked: in a direct line toward a given point,. And that given point was the cottage occupied by the strange brother and sister known 7 hite Water as Tender Dick and Happy alry. Before long he approached the cabin, but slack- ened his pace and al 9 guardedly. There med to be no light within the little but. barlie did not advance to the door, but lay down on the ground beside a bowlder at least three rods from tbe cabin. Fixing himself in a comfortable position, he awaited developments. It seemed as if Charlie had settled down there for the night or was possessed of remarkAble pa- tience, for an hour slipped away and nothing oc- curred to relieve the monotony of his watch, Once or twice he stirred slightly, but it was only to change his position somewhat when he was Thirty minutes more passed, and the roar of the rapid was threatening to lull the watcher to sleep, when something aroused him—the sound of an approaching footstep. Instantly the ‘‘ real Charlit Ross” was all at- tention, his ears alert, and his eyes peering through the gloom. He saw an advancing figure. to the ground, he watched the man, for man it was. Straight up to the door of the cabin advanced the unknown. Then he raised his hand and rapped in a uliar manner, It is probable some one within asked who was there, for he said: ‘*It is I.” The door was opened quickly, and the voice of Happy Harry exclaimed: **Oh, Uncle Mat!” The man stepped in and the door was closed. ““Whew!” whistled Charlie, softly. But the stammerer said. not a word, but it was evident he was pleased at something—greatly pleased. Hugging close | his back against the bowlder, and continued to watch the door for a minute or two, As the man did not immediately come out, the shad- ower arose and cautiously approached the cabin, At the window Charlie paused and listened, but he took good care not to rise so he could be seen from within, The inmates of the but were still in the dark, and the spy knew it would not be a difficult thing for them to detect any one who should get too close to the window, He could faintly hear the murmur of voices, one being that of a man and the others chil- dren’s; but he could not understand what they were saying. This did not satisfy bim, so he tried to find a crevice, where their words would come to him more distinctly, Round the but he crept iu his search, listening at a dozen different points, but was finally forced to abandon the search as_ useless, hen he settled down to listen to the general murmur, The man seemed to be speaking harshly, though guardedly, and Harry was pleading with him. Only now and then would Dick put in a word, and when he did speak Charlie could searcely hear him, his voice was so low and fal- tering. The man remained in the cabin more than half an hour, and during that time the shadower crouched close to the wall, Finally the visitor took his departure, With still greater caution than he had used in following Humpy Dick, Charlie crept along after the mysterious visitor at the cabin. Tbe man carefully skirted the denser collec- tion of buts and made for a distant side of the or Close to the great wall that towered igh into the air, the unknown came upon two persons who seemed to be waiting for him, and the three held a long consultation. Eager to hear what they were saying, the shadower wormed his way along the ground, taking desperate chances of being discovered. But once more he was to meet with disappoint- ment, for the men spoke very low, and before he reached a position where he could bear more than an occasional word, they separated, two of them going in one direction and tke third in another. Charlie decided the third man was the one be wished to follow. led Charlie at aswift pace toward the upper end of the rapid in the stream, In an unfrequented spot beneath a tree a horse was hitched, The unknown unhitched the animal and sprung upon his back, The next mo- ment he was away, Charlie stood and listened to the clatter of hoofs as the animal crossed the bridge and struck the rock trail upon the further side of the stream, Gradually the sounds died out in the distance, and when tbey could no longer be heard, the shadower turned toward the hotel, with a muttered something that sounded sus- piciously like an anathema maranatha. * CHAPTER VII. BLACK WORK AT THE BRIDGE, VrIoLeT VANE and Frank Stillman stood face to face! Straight into each other’s eyes they glared, bitter hatred written on their features, **So it is you, is it?’ cried Vane, scornfully. ‘* Yes, it is I,” deavored to repress his excitement, see you have followed me bere, were dead.” ‘* And hoped so, too, I presume, Well, you were mistaken. I am very much alive.” , ‘*Much tomy regret. Why have you come here?” Vane made a haughty gesture. ‘*I. know of no reason why I should account for my acts to you.” ““{ know why you have come; But, curse put your vile plot iuto was the reply, as Stillman en- * And I I thought you you! you shall never execution!” Excitement was getting the best of Frank, $e ¥ou are talking strangely. What do you mean? “As if you did not know! No one but a coward would strike at a woman as you have / done!” ‘*- You speak in enigmas.” ‘**Do you dare say you do not understand what I mean?” ‘*T dare say I wish you would make your meaning plainer.” “‘'You understand it well enough, You have come here for ‘ vengeance,’ as you see fit to call it. There is but one course open tome. I must meet you as I did once before,” Vane laughed metallically, ** And if I refuse to meet you?” A cold and scornful smile remained on the face of the man in velvet. ‘ ‘*You did that once, You did your best to end my career when there was no danger to yourself, for I fired into the air.” ‘“‘ But we had met ina fair duel. How could I know you intended firing into the air?” “You did not, For your act then I feel no bitterness against you, hoped then your bul- let would end my life, and I now wish it bad!” For a few seconds Stillman was silenced; then he cried: ‘‘T do not want to take your life!—I do not want your blood on my hands! For God’s sake, go away from this pocket and never let me look on your face again!” 4 Once more that bitter smile! ‘“‘] go where fate may lead. It has led me here, and here I remain.” ** You refuse to go away?” ‘* Yes,” ‘* That leaves only one course open to “That is—?? * To kill you!” ‘*So you would become a common assassin?” “If you refuse to meet me in an honorable manner—yes.” ‘“ Well, go ahead with your work. I have courted death, but death bas proved shy, I have run all manner of risks, but something has preserved me until the present time, If you think it your duty to kill me, draw and do the deed ” ~ Stillman became white to the lips, “Tt would only be for my darling wife—for Ione!” he murmured. ‘For ber!” sneered Vane, ‘‘For the false and heartless one! She is—” ‘* Stop!” fairly snarled the Mayor of White Water, bis eyes flashing and his teeth gleaming like those of an enraged beast. ‘‘Do you dare say a word against her? She is pure and good as the angels! Wretch! you deserve to die! He tore out a revolver, drew back the hammer and thrust the muzzle almost against Violet Vane’s breast just over the heart. ‘““Say your prayers!” he hissed, shuking in every limb with the intensity of his excitement. “* In one minute you die!” Violet Vane calmly folded his arms, the scorn- ful smile still on his lips. There was no sign of fear—not the least tremor to indicate the man’s nerves were shaken, Silently he looked into Frank Stillman’s eyes. It was a terrible tableau. ‘ Swiftly the seconds sped. Stillman still shook with the emotion that had driven him to mad- ess, ‘* Say your prayers!” be repeated, Still t ) tiweltened man was silent—silent while standing on the very threshold of death, as it seemed. ‘ : But, the would-be slayer was suddenly over- come, His hand fell with the revolver, while he lifted the other and put it over his eyes, staggering back as if struck fairly in the face. “T can’t do it—now!” be gasped. “I must give you a chance,” “Task for nothing at your hands,” declared Vane; and it almost seemed that there was a touch of disappointment in his voice, ‘Still I shall give you till nightfall to leave White Water,” \ **T shall not go.” “‘Then—for her sake—I shall kill you!” * You will not bave the nerve.” ‘‘- You think so because I failed now; but, you do not know me, Iam desperate,” ‘““In the length of time you have given I can ruin you in White Water.’ 4“ How ” ’ ‘‘T can brand you as an outlaw.” ‘ But you cannot prove it,” ‘¢ Taaner - ‘‘ Well, go ahead—I defy you!” “T fancy you do not understand how much you are venturing by failing to complete your work now, You may never have another chance, for if I brand you as an outlaw, by night you may be expelled from White Water yourself and to-morrow I may be mayor in your stead.” ‘*T shall take my chances.” “But, that is not all, Your wife—” . ‘* Do not speak of her!” % It almost seems as if you have forgotten the ast, ‘ pm I have not—no, no, no! I understand what you mean, now. For ’s sake do not let ber see you! -] fear it would drive her mad!” ‘And do you ask a favor from me ?” ‘““T only ask that you will keep away from her to-day. Promise me that!” hohe | | The man apparently was in a hurry and he “1? I will not promise—?” 4 Again changing his position, he sat up with **T will shoot you down like a dog!” ¥ ; : X , : 4 ? \ oP i — wa ee . | ae ria fins anne ih ' ‘ . : J : z ‘. AIR ee re ORIOLE ct iY EAA OS ; ) : ; ; ae K le ; ey A ACRE EN . Ta at £ Re
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Violet Vane’s Vengeance. 7 “You must!” _“*T will give you my word she shall not see me ~ | to know who I am,” ; x oe “That is enough.” “EKnough—enough! My God! Think of all 2 she once was to me—before you came between us! Man, man! can you wonder I hate you?” re ““T have nothing to say, if you blame only me. She could not fail to obey the dictation of her heart.” ‘* Why should I not seek revenge?” cried Vane. ‘‘Tf you stood in my place you wonld know no b rest till * aad thirst for vengeance was sated. I did not follow you here, Heaven knows I hope- ‘ ed never to look on your face again! Heaven : knows I have prayed I might never see her again! But, fate flung me once again into your Whatever may result, fate alone is to ‘*Tt is useless for us to longer discuss these things. I have warned you; take heed, Do not dream for a moment I shall fail to keep my word. I have said I am a desperate man —God knows if I am on the verge of madness! But, [ will hesitate at no deed, no matter how red, to keep you from bringing one moment of misery to the one I love so truly! I beg you to leave this pocket before nightfall! It will keep me from becoming a murderer! Go, go, go With these words, Frank Stillman turned and walked swiftly away, leaving Violet Vane { to watch his retreating figure, a strange look . in his dark eyes. Several hours later Old Sunflower was sitting within a room at the Columbia Hotel, while with his hands clinched tightly behind his back, Violet Vane was pacing to and fro in the same apartment, There was a look of deepest sym- pathy on the face of the ragged tramp, but he pang silent, only glancing at Vane now and then. Finally the man in velvet paused and faced the vagrant, a bitter laugh breaking from his lips. - “What does it all amount to, anyway?” he exclaimed. ‘It is like the million of farces that are being enacted all over this miserable world to-day. What is man but a pinch of dust! What is life but a breath! What is love but mockery! Here, there, everywhere on the face of this old earth are human beings living, loving, hating, dying! And still time rolls serenely on, e are here to-day; to-morrow we are dead and forgotten. It makes ro differ- ence how much we may have loved or how much we may have suffered—we are gone, and the world rolls on the same. How insignificaut our miserable little lives seem when we compare them with infinity! How laughable seem all our loves and hatreds when we think of the millions of human beings who are loving and hating in exactly the same manner! It is all a wretched farce!” ‘“* Derned ef I don’t believe ye are goin’ plum’ daft, leetle pard!” gasped the sunflower Sains staring bard at Vane, ‘‘I never heerd ye talk thet thar way afore, Great holy jehocus! W’at’s got inter ye?” ““T have told you how the woman I loved proved false to me—I have told you ske is se. dag and happy.” a ; ‘* Well, [ have seen her,” ** Ts thet so?” __ “ Yes; I saw her with her baby in her arms, pear you understand what such a sight was to me *Derned ef I don’t b’lieve I kin! It must ’a’ made ye feel like squozin’ some galoot’s woozle,” “This morning I stood face to face with the man who robbed me of her.” “* Whar is he buried?” “ He is Frank Stillman, the Mayor of White Water.” “An ye didn’t kill him?” “ No.’ ‘‘ Dad-burned ef I kin understan’ w’at kinder ‘ stuff you are made of!” ‘‘TIf I killed him, I should bring a great : guet to the woman I once loved. Erastus, J - . still love that woman too well to wish to cause _hera moment of unhappiness !” Old Sunflower shook his head, muttering: “I'm derned ef I kin understan’ it!” ane began to pace the floor again, “Thave sought danger and faced death, but ’ the central supports of the bridge. the grim monster has refrained from putting his | Pet Le ee on me, I have been sacred from his touch, Of death I have not the least fear, but it comes not tome, Iam not a fool to take my own life, 80 Ireckon I am destined to live on a while - - longer. I would be satisfied, if I could only for- get. Perhaps the future may bring me forget- fulness. God knows I hope so!” Night! The day had passed, and still Violet Vane re- mained in White Water City. A man left the Columbia Hotel and walked away toward the bridge that spanned the stream. Another man, who happened to be passing the hotel, followed cautiously in the footsteps of the first. The one who came from the hotel did not know he was pursued, Straight onward he walked, never pausing for an instant or turning his head to look back. Like a shadow of ill-omen followed the pur- suer, The roar of the rapid sounded sullenly through the darkness. A night-bird uttered a sudden shriek as of terror as with a swish of wings, it swept into the gloom, The bridge was reached and the man walked slowly out upon it. Nearly midway, he balted and leaned upon the low rail, gazing down at the black water rushing swiftly dewn the shoot to be churned into foam by the rocks which rose below the bridge. Almost beneath him was a part of the jagged rock which served as one of He thought of what a certain desth a man would meet should he fall from the bridge and be carried down upon the sharp rocks by the water. A sudden premonition of danger shot through his head, and he would have started back. Too late! There was a red flash of fire in the darkness, followed by the sharp report of a revolver! With a snapping sound, the rail gave way be- neath the man on the bridge and he plunged downward, There was a splash—then silence. The stream - swept relentlessly on through the night. Back from the bridge crept a crouching figure that held a deadly weapon clutched in one hand, ‘That is the last of Violet Vane!” muttered a hoarse voice. CHAPTER VIII. THE RISE OF THE REGULATORS. Despite the reward offered for his capture, Black Burk continued his depredations. He plainly held White Water and her citizens in derision. One morning a paper was found tacked upon the door of the Columbia Hotel. Written on it in a strong, bold hand, was the following: ‘* DEFIANCE! * Certain citizens of White Water have been mak- ing some very foolish talk of late concerning Black Burk and his band of jolly toll-takers. All your foolish threats are known to me, and IT laugh at ! them. If the reward for my capture was $10.000 in- stead of $500, there would be none smart enough to secure it. I scorm you all and defy you. The most valuable claims in White Water belong to myself and my men, and as we have becn unjustly cheated out of them, we mean to have a round share of their proceeds. / _ “In conelusion, let me warn one particular person in White Water to step mighty softly. That person is Frank Stillman, the so-called ‘mayor.’ I havea rod in pickle for him, and some day he will get the | whole benefit of it. If I should take a notion, I might descend on the town some night and com- ang wipe it out. It will be well for my enemies bat I do not take a notion. “ Yours lovingly, ‘BLACK BURK, “© Champion Taz-Collector.”’ As may be imagined, this open and insultiag defiance aroused many of the citizens to a white heat, and it was declared something must be done immediately. The result was the appearance of a somewhat mysterious band of men who called themselves x: The Regulators” and were the openly avowed enemies of Black Burk and his gang of robbers, The leading spirit of tne Regulators was a man of mystery, even to the greater part of his fol- lowers, He rode a black horse, dressed in black from head to foot, and bis face was concealed by a black mask. But, bis chief peculiarity lay in the fact that he seldom spoke. It was known he could talk, for once or twice at critical moments he had given an order; but his habitual silence won for nim the.name of Captain Mute, Captain Mute did not have a conmanding fig- ure, though it was firm and supple and showed pbysical strength and endurance in every move- ment; but there was something magnetic and attractive about the man that gave him perfect control over the ‘rough fellows who pledged themselves to stand by him in wiping out Black Burk and his desperadoes. ' The Regulators soon showed a proclivity to | appear suddenly at the most unexpected mo- | ments and take charge of things in general. It | soon became plain that they were the rulers of White Water, for all of its mayor and “‘ city | government.” But, Stillman cared notbing for this so long as they did not interfere with his concerns, For some reason, he had not been in- vited to become one of the organization, but he believed they would be doing that section of the country a service if they broke up the band of robbers that had taken to plundering the coaches, One gies Staplawy an uncommonly quiet night in White Water two suspicious characters were found hanging to a tree with placards pinned to their breasts, saying they were road- agents, The Regulators had n at work, and cloths bound tightly over the mouths of the un- fortunate men explained why they had not aroused the camp by their cries, After that the “shady” characters of the town were prone to “lay mighty low.” Humpy Dick and Stub Smith cooled down in a remark- able manner and seemed constantly on the alert, as if ready to resist an attack. Black Burk was furious, He posted another notice on the door of the botel, saying he would surely avenge the death of his two confederates. Denver Dave read the notice and laughed. “‘That fellow talks pretty bold for the des- peradu he is,” he observed. ‘‘I should say he is a might bad man.” ‘You are right,” nodded the miner, Red Hot; ‘‘he is a p’izen cuss an’ hangin’s too good fer him. He oughter§be dragged ter death ahind a wild broncho,” | ‘* What fearful crime has be committed besides | robbery?” asked the man from Denver. ‘ Has he killed any one?’ ‘*Not yit; but he’s made threats, an’ he tried ter wipe ari out. But he’s ’sulted ther dig- nity of White Water City, an’ thet’s more’n a hangin’ ’fense, bet your boots!” Old Sunflower was here, there and every where, listening a little and talking a great deal, Two weeks had passed since the mysterious disappear- ance of Violet Vane, and the old vagrant insis- ted his ‘“‘leetle pard” had been dealt foully with. “ AllI want ister git on ther trail o’ ther cowardly skunk thet wiped him out,” the tramp declared. ‘* Look in me eye an’ behole gore— crimson gore! I ama very, very b-a-a-a-d man, an’ w’en I gits me war-paint on thar’s usually er ruction o’ some sort or tother. I’m yit goin’ ter took ther skelp o’ ther varmint thet downed Sweet Violets—you heur me !” One night the stage for White ‘Water was halted several miles from the pocket. Black Burk and his men blocked the trail, ‘““T have not a minute of time to waste,” de- clared: the chief of the road-agents; ‘‘ so cut all : foolishness now. There is a man on that hearse I want to see, Horace Danton will oblige me by / piling out here about as lively as he knows how. | passenger of middle age started violently, |“ Burk rode his horse along beside the stage and pointed a cocked revolver at the head of the sad-faced man, | Tt is ‘you I am after!” he cried, exultantly; ‘*so you had better get out as lively as you are | able. Iam in an almighty hurry just now, and if you are not on the ground in less than a min- ute, I'll put a bullet through your head.” ' “ But—but, sir—” stammered the passenger, ‘There are no ‘buts’ about it!” interrupted the desperado leader. ‘It is straight business fromthe shoulder. Get out or chew Jead!” With reluctance the man arose and descended from the stage. The moment he touched the ground, Burk cried: “Go on, driver!” But at this moment a cheer of twenty voices sent the echoes leaping from rock to rock of the canyon and a of mounted men burst into view, sweeping down on the road-agents like a cyclone. “The Regulators! the Regulators!” The dismayed desperadoes uttered the cry, and without waiting for word from their chief, whirled to fly. ; : A snarling curse came from Black Burk’s lips. For but an instant he hesitated, then he shouted: “You at least shall not escape me, Horace Danton! I am Rougal, your deadly foe of old, and now you die by my hand!” He threw out the hand that held the revolver and fired even as bis horse was wheeling. Down in a heap fell the sati-faced passenger. Black Burk followed bis men, turning in the On hearing the name, a rather sad-looking.
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—_—__ _ —_ —— - " : = " gan oh onl bm nate tne genie alenitnd ag ant te ite <a EO 8 - an a ee nee ee roruen 5 Violet Vane’s Vengeance. tt Se TF saddle to wave bis band derisively at the pur- suing Regulators. Mounted on bis magnificent black horse, Cap- tain Mute led the pursuers. He rode like a Cen- taur, the bridle-rein lying loose on the horse’s meck, In his hands the man beld a repeating- rifle, but he did not offer to use it until the stage was passed. Then be threw it up, and scarcely had the breech touched his shoulder when a puff of smoke leaped from the muzzle, and the sharp spang of the weapon echoed along the canyon, Down went one of the robbers’ horses, hurling its rider far over its head, at the deadly rifle spoke, and again a horse fell. Then the robbers disappeared beyond a bend in the canyon, and the Regulators were also soon lost to view. To the surprise of every one, the sad-faced passenger, whom all supposed fatally injured, arose to bis feet quite untouched. “T saw the man meant to shoot,” he ex- plained, ‘‘and so I dropped. I was just in time.” The road-agents who had been thrown from their horses were either stunned or killed, for they did not stir, However, no one paid any attention to them, and the stage was soon moy- ing onward toward White Water, as if nothing had happened. CHAPTER IX, DANTON IN DISGUISE, THE stage reached White Water without fur- ther molestation, and the driver, who held the ribbons in Snappy Seth’s place since the daring Jebu was injured, bad a thrilling tale to tell the people who were waiting its arrival. Horace Danton escaped into the hotel before the driver told how near he came to being a vic- tim of Black Burk’s revolver. Within the bar- room he examined the Register carefully, ap- parently searching for something. Finally be found what he was looking for. It read: “Charlie Ross, Room No. 3.” Two minutes later Danton was rapping at the door of Room No. 3. ‘** Cuc-cuc-cuc-come in,” called a voice, and the sad-faced man entered. : It was more than an hour later that two men left that room and passed out of the botel. One of them was Stuttering Charlie. The stam- merer’s companion appeared like a rather rough fellow, dressed in slouchy clothes and wearing a lop-brimmed hat, A bushy beard concealed bis face almost to the eyes. But about the man there was one ‘‘dead give-away.” His bands were white and shapely, quite unlike those of a _common laborer, which was plainly the charac- ter he ho to,be taken for. It was Horace Danton in disguise. “Tt is a fine day, J-j-jack,” observed Charlie, as they left the hotel steps. “A right peert sort uv er day,” growled Dantor, in reply, bis voice sounding hoarse and smothered in the depths of his buge false beard. -The shadow of a smile flitted across the stam- merer’s face. ‘*T will sbow you all round over the tut- tut-tut-town,” he said, ‘It is a b-b-b-boom- ing little place, and dud-dnd-don’t 7a forget that ‘‘T’ve beerd as how it wuz howlin” right erlong on ther high road uv prosperusness; but I want ter let you know it’s got ter keep wide erwake an’ pusbin’ ter ermount ter sbucks side uv Hackensock City, Hackensock’s boun’ ter, be a metropolis, want you ter distinctly understan’. I know, fer I've bin thar an’ lived thar, W’en Snap Shot Jack asseverates er thing you kin put it Cown as Guspel straight frum ther shoulder.” Charlie put his hand to bis mouth and coughed, in this manner met from laughing. **T guess you will let Hackensock City gug- gug-go to bluzes and settle down here when you sus-sus-see what kind of a place this is and what it is bound to b-b-be.” ln a short time they wandered away toward the place where Charlie was in tbe habit of meeting Happy Harry. Their actions were singular, for they separated some time before reaching the 1 Danton sitting down on the ound bebind a bowlder, so that he could not i by any one who should come from the cabin. Charlie proceeded to the spot where he usually met the strange girl and seated himself on a bowlder. It was not long before Harry appeared and espied him. He waved his handkerchief to her and she came dancing toward bim. ‘“*Oh, Charlie!’ she exclaimed —she had learned to call him that—‘t I have not seen you for two whole dayst Where have you been?” ‘* Bub-bub-business has kept me away,” he replied. ‘ Business!” she cried in amazement. ‘‘I did not know you had any business,” ** Well, I have.” ‘* What is it?” “I'm hunting for my fuf-fuf-father now,” he laughed. ‘‘ You sus-sus-sus-see he has offered a reward for mum-mum-my recovery and I am bound t-t-to scoop the boodle.” ‘‘Oh, what are you trying to chaff me for! I can see you are fibbing by the look in your eyes, You must think I am a reg’ler chump!” ‘“*T think you are a regular dud-dud—” ‘*Ob, that is worse still!’ laughed Harry. ‘** Td be most anything before I’d be a dud-dud!” ** Cuc-cuc-cuc—” ‘*That’s what a hen says when sbe cackles— cuc-cuc-cadaweut. It’s real mean of you to mock a poor ben, Charlie!” 5 Charlie rammed his cane into the ground in a vicious manner, while be cried, desperately : **Cuc-cuc-can’t you wait till | gig-gig-get a word out before you cut me off in t-t-that way? I meant to sus-sus-sus—” ‘* Oh, dear sus!” shouted Harry, in a veritable paroxysm of merriment. ‘*] meant to sus-sus-say I think you a regular dud-dud-daisy.” “Oh, that’s it! Well, I did think your tut-tut-tongue would not hold out to sus-sus-say it, Ob, Charlie! you: don’t know what a joliy fellow you are! Ifit were not for you, I would just die for the lack of amusement. I was blue as a whetstone before I saw you to-day.” ** What made you b-b-blue?” A cloud came over Harry’s merry face and she shook her curly head, sadly. * Dick is not well at all.” ‘* What is the mum-mum-matter with him?” ** He bas a dreadful bad cough.” **A cough? Why d-d-don’t you have a dud- dud-doctor?” ‘© Tt would cost so much; and you see, Uncle Mat—” Sho stopped in consternation, “You are mistaken,” asserted the stammer- er. ‘1 d-d-do not sus-sus-see Uncle Mat at all. Who is be?” **Ob, nobody—nobody at all!” declared Harry, looking frightened. “*T-¢-that won’t go down,” said Charlie, ‘*Why should you conceal everything from mum-mum-me! Am I n-n-not your friend?” ‘' Oh, I think so—I hope so! But I cannot tell —really I can’t!” “Why not?” ** He would be so angry!” she oa scarcely realizing what she wassaying. ‘‘He has made me promise not to tella word. Hehas made me promise not to— Gvod gracious!” gaspingly. ‘*T am saying things I ought not to!” Her face had lost all its sunniness, and she seemed ready to) burst into tears, Charlie was uneasy, but relentless, “Tf you won’t tell me about this Uncle Mat,” he said, ‘‘ why won’t you t-t-t-take me to the cabin ard let me sus-sus-see your brether?” ‘*No, no! You have promised not to come till IL said you might, You cannot come now,” ‘‘This seems very mysterious. I d-d-don’t kpow what to think of it.” ** Then don’t think of it at all.” “That is impossible,” ‘“Ob, dear!” wringing her hands, ‘I don’t know what todo!” ‘“* And I don’t know how t-t-to belp you do it.” Then their eyes met, and the next moment both were laughing. Harry had one of those peculiar natures that sometimes changed from grief to merriment in the twinkling of an eye. ; “Is your b-b-brother very sick?” asked Char- ie, “ He can sit up, but he coughs ’most all the time, and it sounds so hollow it makes me shiver.” Consumption!” was the thought that flashed through the stammerer’s mind. “Won’t you let me sus-sus-send the doctor?” he asked, ‘*No, no, no! Dick does not want to see a doctor. I baye somes medicine I am giving him. He will be better soon, I am sure,” But Charlie was not so sure, At this moment Horace Danton arose to his feet and approached the couple, Harry saw him almost instantly. ; ‘Oh, who is that ugly-looking’ man?” she asked, drawing a little closer to ber companion, Charlie laugbed. b ‘* He d-d-d-does look ugly, don’t he?” ** And see how he stares at me!” exclaimed Harry. ‘lam afraid of him.” . “T thought you were not afraid of the Old Bub-bub-bub-boy bimself.” But there was something about the appear- ance of Horace Danton that filled the usually fearless girl with alarm. He truly did look like a ruffian at a short distance, ‘‘T think I had better go now, Charlie,” she said, still keeping her eyes on the advancing man, ‘ He is coming here,” “*But I bope you will not gug-gug-go. I will prc tect you from injury.” “You, Charlie? Goodness! what would you amount to with such a ruffian as that? He could swallow you! Iam goingnow. Look out ‘for yourself,” ‘*“Oh, say!” cried Charlie, desperately. “I d-d-don’t want you to go! Please stay!” He caught her by the arm. ““T believe you are really frightened out of your wits,” she declared. ‘‘ But, I can’t sta and protect you, for ] have not my gun. I will run to the house and. get the revolver, and if that man burts you, I will come back and shoot him through the head,” She broke from him and ran toward the cot- tage, pausing to look back before she disappeared through the doorway, What she saw caused her some surprise. Both Charlie and the stranger were standing still, staring after her. * ] wonder who that man can be?” she mut- tered. ‘‘ Charlie does not seem afraid of him after all,” She entered the cabin and peered from the window. There she saw the two men meet and speak togetber earnestly for a few seconds, after which they walked away together, ‘* Now what does that mean?” she asked her- self, shaking her pretty head in Dea pientty- act exactly as if they knew each other well, ‘ Dick’s hollow cough sounded behind her, and his weak voice asked: ** Who is that you are speaking of, sister?” Sbe turned with a start, ‘*Oh, nobody in particular,” she replied, not thinking it best to explain everything tothe sick lad. ‘‘ How are you feeling now—better?” He shook his head, pressing his hands on his breast, ‘*Tt burts awfully when I cough bard,” be re- plied, in a pitiful manner, ‘‘ What do you sup- pose makes it hurt so, Harry?” ; CHAPTER X, OLD SUNFLOWER AND IONE. How Old Sunflower managed to get a living in White Water was something of a mystery. He had been ‘‘dead broke” when he arrived in the camp and had apparently remained so ever since, but for all of that, he lived and lost no flesb. His smile remained as quaint as ever and he was continually making talk he could not ** back up.” ; The shaggy-headed old fellow was something of a mystery, for no man could tell when he would fight and when he would run away. His courage was of the most uneven and unreason- able character, for at times be would be nearly frightened out of his wits at almost nothing at all—or would seem to be—while at otber times Satan bimself could not scare bim. His one great weakness was a love for liquor, but in White Water that was not considered a weakness unless a man got ‘‘ off bis feet” seven days out of the week, Nearly everybody drank if they could get the cash to pay for the poison, The exceptions were few and far between, hence Frank Stillman’s failure in attempting to close the saloons, ' Old Sunflower stood on the steps of the Co- lumbia Hotel and watched Stuttering Charlie and Horace Danton approach. The old fellow shook his head and grinned, as he softly mut- tered: ‘“Suthin’ derned sing’ler "bout thet checker- board chap, I'll “low. Blamed ef I kin jest size bim up! He acts likeer fresh frum Rain- water Crick, but ther way he knocked ther cor- ners offen Stub Smith an’ Hug ee wuz beaucherful ter witness, amen! m critters — hain’t tackled him since, but I reckon they’re ist layin’ low fer ther chance ter swipe bim fer eeps,” ; ‘As Charlie and his companion came forward, the stammerer asked, by way of keeping up the deception: ri ‘Well, what d-d-d-do you ,tbink of the pup- pup-pup-place, Jack?” j Ob, it'll do, it’ll do! But I’m stickin’ ter my ’riginal statement thet it can’t hold er candle ter Hackensock. Thet thar town’s boun’ ter be ther greatest howlin’ ole burgh in this yere part — of ther kentry, you hear meshout!” ~
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Violet Vane’s Vengreance, 9 ** Bub-bub-bub-but d-d-don’t you. think you will stop in White Water a while? Perhaps you may cuc-cuc-conclude to stay here after all when you have seen more of us,” . “Waal, I may lay roun’ er few days. [ hain’t gotany bit of business on my han’s jest erbout now, so it don’t make er derned bit of diffrunce whar Iam.” The sunflower tramp eyed the man keenly as he followed Charlie into the hotel. When they had disappeared, the vagabond winked know- ingly at empty space, *“Dad-blamed ef I bain’t onter thet critter with both feet!” he chuckled. ‘*’Spect I do look like er bloomin’ fool, but then I kin sometimes see er hoe! in a ladder. Ef them whiskers hain’t snide I don’t know beans from hen’s eggs!” He peered back through the open doorway and watched the two ascend the stairs, ‘Goin’ up ter ther room o’ ther feller thet bites his words up in sich er queer way. Yep, thar’s su’thin’ quare’bout him, He hain’t ther tenderfut he looks, an’ I know thet/ He's heur fer some puppose. I wonder w’at it is?” He was still wondering when Frank Stillman passed the hotel. The vagabond watched the mayor closely, a savage gleam in his eyes, *Singe your hide!” he half growled. “ You’re ther cause o’ it all! You played roots on my leetle pard, an’ I more’n hafe believe you know w’at’s become o” him,” Stillman’s appearance had changed remarka- bly. Since his meeting with Violet Vane a hag- gard look had settled on his handsome face and now and then a light of dread and fear flashed from his eyes. .He seemed like a man who was continually troubled by the memory of some fearful deed. Old Sunflower had noted the change, and be was quick to reason out what he more than believed was the cause of it, The Velvet Sport had disappeared in a most singular and unac- countable manner, and, knowing what had passed between the two men, the veteran tramp was more than half-inclined to believe Stillman had played some foul game on Vane—had mur- dered him, perhaps. ** Ef ther boy don’t show up afor3 long,” mut- tered Old Sunflower, gazing after Stillman’s re- treating figure, ** ’m jest goin’ ter straddle your neck. Ef you’ve downed bim, Pll down you—or bu’st!” When the mayor had disappeared, the tramp struck his hands together, exclaiming, softly: **T hev wanted ter see ther leetle gal fer some time, an’ now’s my chance, She shook ez white er boy asever drored breath, fer which I hev my ’pinion o’ her; but I’d jest like ter sot eyes ou her erg’in. She wuz ’tarnal putty, an’ thet’s right! ‘Sh wuz jest erbout ther peertest sort 0’ er piece o’ calicer I ever sot; my ole optical organs on, I wonder ef she’s faded out ary bit sence she wur merried? Vane said she looked puttyer’n ever, but his ‘pinion in sech er case ez this w’u’dn’t ermount ter shucks. I'll bet she’s all washed out.” He set out for Stillman’s cabin, and as he walked along, he continued to mutter: “Ob, I know she can’t Icok ser all-fired peert es she used ter! But Pil see ther babby, thet’ll be some satisfaction, fer I hain’t seen er right down ginoowine human babby fer derned nigh er hull lifetime o’ Sunda But ef she says ay thing ter me erbout Violets ”—savagely—‘‘ I'll tell her jest w’at I think o’ her an’ ther way she acted.” In a short time he approached the cabin. The door was standing open, and he paused outside to listen to a sweet voice crooning a soft cradle song. Forsome reason, the sound of that song affected the old man strangely. He began to tremble and seemed ready to burst into tears. Indeed the moisture gathered so thickly in his ' eyes he was obliged to wipe it away with his —! coat-sleeve, He was strongly tempted to re- treat without entering the cabin; but bya desperate effort, he masterea' his emotion and stepped into the doorway. lone gave a little exclamation as the ragged figure appeared, but Sunflower doffed bis hat, bowing politely and saying: * Yor hain’t got nary bit o’ reason ter be "feared o’ me, leetle one; 1 w’u’dn’t hurt ye fer ther bull o’ Kingdum Come.” At first the darkness of the room prevented him from seeing ber, as he had just come out of the bright sunlight, but any 9 e could see ber standing before him with her baby in her arms, t was a picture the old man never forgot. “* Who are you?” she asked, ' _ “Great Jebocus! It can’t be you've forgotten me, leetle gal? Jest tak ernother squint at this yere antiquated figger an’ see ef I don’t look natteral’s life an’ twice ez hombly.” i lone peered into his face, then started back, | would not have cost me a second thought; but clasping ber child closer and crying: “Mr. Wagg !” The appearance of the tramp brougbt back the memory of the old days—the days she longed to forget. Then this man had been one of Violet Vane’s most enthusiastic admirers! “ Mister Wagg!” repeated Old Sunflower— “not by er derned—excuse me!—I mean not by a—a—big figger,. Thar hain’t no ‘mister’ hitched ter ther front o’ my name, beggin’ yer rdon. You used ter know me as rastus Vage: but now I sail under the cognomen 0’ Ole Sunflower, an’ ’m er dood by perfession. I’m right glad ter see ye!” Tone still drew back, ‘Do you come asa friend or an enemy?” she asked. Reg vagrant scowled a bit, but quickly re- ied: ** Er frien’, in course. I ain't got northin’ ag’in’ ye, leetle gal—thet is, northin’ thet’d cause me ter harm ye. Idid hope you’d be glad ter see me,” : ‘‘] am,” she said, laying the baby in the rude crib its father had made. ‘* You have fought for me in the past, and I bave not forgotten it.” She came forward and placed her small and in his. The old fellow actually blusbed and stammered, “Blame my eyes!” hecried, ‘ You’re han’- sumer then ye used ter wuz: I didn’t reckon on thet, You wuz er gal then an’ bed ther form o’ er gal: but you’ve jest blossomed out inter er reg’ler smashin’ woman. Ther bud wuzn’t no more’n er fair promise o’ ther flower.” It_was [one’s turn to blush, ‘* Why, Erastus!” she exclaimed; ‘‘I did not know you were poetical!” “Oh I hey lots o’ failin’s you never knew erbout, leetle gal.” “Well, sit down. Let me take your hat.” **Oh, no, no! Til jest putt this relic o’ Benja- min Franklin right byer on ther floor aside ther chair, You see it’s so blamed vallyble I don’t *low it out o’ my sight fer fear some one’d steal it. Its got dented er leetle, but then [ don’t mine thet. It hes er chee’ swell appearance, as ther feller said o’ ther boil.” ‘© T cannot see as you bave changed a bit,” ‘Oh, no; I am not subject to change, fer you see I’m dead'broke all ther time. Is thar any danger o’ ther house fallin’ on me ef I try ter make another bad joke like thet?” Tone laughed a littles ** The house is built quite solid.” ‘“ Well, I’m glad o’ thet. Blamed ef it don’t look cozy in hyer! This is er reg’ler leetle nest.” ‘*T try to make it as cozy as 1 can, but I have not many things to work with. It issome differ- ent from the old days away back in my Eastern os There I had everything a girl could ask or. “Then you hain’t jest satisfied?” came quickly. eagerly, f om old Sunflower’s lips, ’** Ob, yes I am!” she swiftly replied, more than satisfied—I am happy, happy! little home is better.than a mansion,” The man seemed disappointed. _ “But—I lowed Icould see er kinder sad look in yer eyes,” He was right; he did see a sad look there. But, her sadness was overwhelmed by the hap- piness of her present life-—-ber sadness was caused by on3 haunting memory of the past. She was somewhat nervous, too; for the effect of the shock given her by the note that stated Violet Vane lived for vengeance had not entirely worn away. Her husband had assured her many times it was a wretched hoax perpetrated by some dastardly coward, but still the feeling of dread would notentirely leave her. *“* Why should I be sad?” . ’ ‘Oh, I—I dunno,” he replied, not daring tell her his feeling that she had wronged Vane. ‘I thought perbap’ ye wuz.” She looked him straight in the eyes, and sum- moning her courage, said, not without a tremor: **T think I understand you, Erastus; but you are wrong. As a girl, I made a serious error; but my woman’s beart revealed it to me in time to prevent a fatal step, I do not deny that the man was worthy of my love or the love of any women living, but I did vot truly love him, I met another whom I did love with my heart and soul, TI could not help it; I tried to crush the passion out of my heart! but it gained the mastery and I became its slave. To-day I do not regret my bondage.” The man was silent, **T have no doubt you blame me,” she pur- sued; * but if you knew my feelings, you would pee on could not! Of course I bave suffered. If I had been a heartless creature my course Mo) “Tam This Pee eet ee - . = ; HH. alta Bintan th ess 1 ee ate ~ nu) \ ; : TN Wraniedr: Tal Wage ree tao wiht Sls Beet 2) Pee oe a l the knowledge of the pain I was giving a true heart was bitter indeed, But that was eclipsed by the knowledge of the terrible thing that fol- lowed,” ‘Wat wuz thet?” ‘Oh, do not ask me! How can I speak of it? I tried to forget it, and I almost thought I was partially succeeding till that dreadful note f into my hands!” : Sunflower was a trifle puzzled, so he once more remained silent. Again she looked bim fairly in the eyes,speaking slowly: ‘“* That note brought a doubt to m I have longed to know the truth. can aid me?” ‘* Ef I kin I will.” ‘* Do you know my husband and Philip Howard fought a duel?” “c Yep.” ¥ ne do you know Philip fell before Frank’s ? mind, and erbaps you ‘*Tve heerd so,” “Well, itis true. But since that time I have been given reasons to believe Philip was not killed. Can you tell me the truth?” “* Yap,” She sprung forward and caught bim by the arm, trembling in every limb with the intensity of her excitement. ‘*'You can—you can?” she almost shrieked, ‘*Then speak—speak! Was he killed?” “ Not by. er derned sight!” spluttered the tramp. ‘Fer Heaving’s sake don’t kerflop now!” She reeled back and fell on ber knees beside the crib, clasping the baby to her heart. “ Great God, I thank thee!” shecried. ‘‘ Now I can face what may come! I fearit not! My baby boy is not the son of a man who bas an- other’s blood upon his bands!” CHAPTER XI. THE TRAMP IN TROUBLE, But, Old Sunflower was not so sure of that, However, he did not care to express bis views just then, for he saw lone wasina state of intense excitement. Still kolding her baby close, and covering its face with kisses, sbe kept repeating: ‘*Thank God! thank God! thank God!” Tears of joy ran down ber cheeks, and despite himself, Old Sunflower could not keep the moisture out of his own eyes. He half-turned away, dasbing one huge hand across bis face in a manner that was little short of savage. “No, don’t go an’ be er derned slobberin’ idjiot!” he muttered to bimseld, ‘ W’u’dn’t it look nice fer you ter go ter snifflin’ like er big overgrowed booby! Fer Heaving’s sake, do dry up! ’ "The baby laughed and crowed, pounding its mother’s lips with its soft, chubby hands, ap- parently thinking every one was as bappy as it- self, ‘ Ione arose, with ber child in her arms, ‘*He may seek revenge on me, but I do not fear him!” she cried. ‘'The last vestige of a cloud over my life has been removed,” The vagabond choked down the huge lump in his throat and said: ‘You needn’t never fear thet ther lad will harm ye. He hain’t thet kind,” . Then she told him of the note threatening vengeance, y “Ther boyee never writ it!” shouted Sun- flower, inarage. ‘Some mis’ble cus-tomer is *sponsible fer thet trick!” “Frank said it was a hoax, but I feared—I feared! Still my fear of the man would not have been so great as my joy at knowing he really lived. You have brought mea great hap- piness to-day, Erastus.” “Wal, I’m glad on it, leetle woman,” ‘* Do you know where Philip is now?” Snnflower shcok his head, soberly, ‘* What makes you look that way?’ she asked, — starting forward. “* You look as if—as if—” +f Sif Pa lost er frien’? Waal, perhaps I hev. It is a solemncholly fac’ thet I don’t know whar Violets is, an’--an’—” . ** And what?” The tramp was greatly embarrassed, but final- ly he burst out: ' “Ter tell ther honest truth, leetle woman, In ‘feared he’s bin dealt foul with,” She caught her breath and turned pale. . ** What do you mean?” ‘* Pwo weeks ergo he wuz byer in this camp, an’—” “ Here ?” Sunflower nodded, * Right byer.” ; ‘‘Heavens! And Frank never told mea word about it!”
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Oh, tell me everything! face for an instant, Violet Vane’s Vengeance. A queer look flitted across the vagabond’s ce ‘That was a little after I received tnat note!” said Ione, ‘‘ But he never hed no han’ in thet,” put in the man, quickly. ‘‘ Don’t ye go fer ter git thet inter yer noddle,” ““ What brought him here?” “YT reckon it wuz er happenstance, same as it wuz with me.” ‘* Did he know I was here?” ‘* He diskivered it arter he got hyer.” “And he did not stay? What happened? You are so slow!” “*T can’t tell jest w’at happened, but I am satisfied he wuz played foul.” ** What makes you think so?” ‘* He hed no idea o’ leavin’ White Water, but he lef’? ther hotel one night an’ failed ter come back.” ‘* You are sure he did not go away of his own accord—did not leave White Water quietly for some reason?” ** Sart’in’.” ‘¢-You knew all his plans?” “ Ye 7? ‘* Have you found no clew to the cause of his sudden vanishing? Has he any enemy in this camp?” ** More’n one.” ** Then I fear you are right—I fear he has been treacherously dealt with, I will speak to Frank and he will leave no stone unturned but he will solve the mystery—for me.” Again that queer look crossed Old Sunflower’s face. The baby still laughed an1 crowed. 1t seemed to stretch out its arms to the ragged wanderer, and be timidly asked: | “May 1 jest tetch it, leetle woman? I'll be mighty easy.” ‘She came and laid it in his arms, ‘Oh, great jehocus!” he spluttered, holding the child as if afraid of breaking it. ‘‘ Oh, holy Jinks! Vll drop it! Good Lawd! 1’m shore ter drop it!” “Oh, no you will not,” she assured, some- thing like the shadow of a smile touching her “You need not be afraid of hurting it.” “Great gosh! hain’t ita bouncer! An’ it’s so soft an’ smooth like! Whoopee! jest looker them blue eyes! They’re jest like yourn, leetle woman,” The baby clutched one hand upon the old fel- low’s ragged collar and with the soft fist of the other hand struck him fairly on the nose. ‘Great hoppin’ cats!” cried Old Sunflower. ‘Jest looker thet! Uh, he’ll make a man as’ll take keer o’ hisself, bet yer socks! Thet’s right, leetle shaver! bit him erg’in right in ther same lace, Whoop! Give it to ther ole varmint, e desarves it! It’s er derned wonder his hombly mug don’t scare you ter death ur plum’ inter fits, at least.” For balf an hour the old man was amused and delighted by the pranks of the child. It was a singular thing that when its mother wanted to take it away it clung to Old Sunflower and plainly did not wish to leave him. The touch of the baby, the sounds of its queer crowing and gurgling filled the old fellow with a singular sensation of tenderness, Finally it fell asleep in his arms and be relinquishe’\ it to the mother. “God bless ther leetle shaver!” be said, bis _ voice sounding as soft as a woman’s for a mo- ment—‘‘ God bless him an’ keep him! He has est crep’ clean down inter ther middle o’ my ole eart. I hope thar may never ary bit o’ harm come ter him ur you, leetle woman.” Ione thanked him, and a few minutes later he took his leave, hates | toecallagain, Outside the cabin he capered laughed like a boy. ‘* Makes me feel ’most as young ez I used ter wuz ter see er leetle teenty-tonty kid like thet. An’ ter hoie it right in these yere ole arms— great jenocus! w’at er treat!” That night Old Sunflower made his way into the saloon of the Columbia Hotel at an early hour. As heentered his attention was attracted by the sound of a loud voice that was saying: *]t is plain enough Violet Vane is a coward, If he bad not been a sneak, he would have staid in White Water and faced me like a man. In- stead of that, he sneaked out to escape my ven- geance, He made «a big spread when he struck this camp, but that was all it amounted to. He proved to be acommon craven,” The tramp snarled out something that had the distinct flavor of an oath, and immediately push- ed bis way toward the point where the speaker 8 4 “Who's ther rotten, low-down, measly, shift- less cur as durst make sech talk "bout my leetle _ Denver, side-pard?” he roared, ‘‘ Let me git at him, an’ Tll knock all ther crooks an’ angles offen bis figger! Whar is he?” *“*Rigkt here! Throw up your bands, you brawling ragamuffin, or I will bore you!” lt was Denver Dave, and he held the drop! CHAPTER XII. STILL LIVING. “Up with your hands!” repeated the gambler, sternly, as Old Sunflower faced him. ‘You will eat lead if you are not lively about it!” ‘““Up they goes then,” and the tramp lifted them above his head. ‘‘ Under ther present circumstances I’m boun’ ter be mighty ’com- modatin’.” ** And it is well you areso, You will please be accommodating enough to swallow the -words you uttered a moment ago.” ‘* Wat words are ye referrin’ ter?” ‘* Those you repeated about me.” “Wat wuz they?” **You know what they were. your knees and ask my pardon.” a Vil be etarnally blowed ter Hel-ena ef I will! ‘*- You will be blowed there if you do not,” **Oh, go smother yerself! I don’t reckon you’re shootin’ fer ennythin’ o’ thet kind,” ** Well, I just am.” ‘* Ther boys’ll hang ye up ter dry ef ye do,” ‘*] will take my chances, Get down or eat lead!” A comical look of despair settled on the vagabond’s face, “You don’t really mean it, pard?” ina he- seeching tone—‘' you can’t mean it!” ‘*- You bet your life I do!” The tramp gazed beseechingly at the crowd, but no one seemed inclined to interfere, ** Hain’t I got er frien’ in this yere hull blamed town?” be whimpered. ‘If you have, they will know better than to take a hand in this affair,” said the man from “It would prove mighty unhealthy. This is a self-cocker I hold, and every time it spits out a chunk of lead something drops heavy, It is looking at you now, you loud-mouth raga- muffin, and it will lay you out in about thirteen seconds, if you do not go down on your knees and repeat a few words after me,” ““By jehocus!” cried Old Sunflower, *“ Tell ye wat lll do—Pll figbt ye fair an’ squar’ ef you'll guv me hafe er show.” ‘Do you think I would’ disgrace myself by fighting with such a creature as you? Well, I guess not!” ‘Dern ye! ye dassent /” ‘That is well enough for you to talk, You are hoping to catch me ata disadvantage, Get down !” Sunflower appealed to the crowd, ** Are you galoots goin’ ter see me knuckled like this ter this yere crook as don’t amount ter shucks? Hain’t none o’ yer got ther sand ter stan’ behin’ er reperesentative citizen o’ yer dad-blamed ole town? Oh, great holy poker! Ef I wuz in ther town o’ Red Hot, all I’d hey ter do’s jest open my mouth an’ let slide one leetle teenty-tonty yoop an’ bafe ther people in ther place’d jump ter back me up. Good Lawd! how hev the mighty fallen!” “And the ‘mighty’ will fall a mighty sight lower in about two shakes, if you do not get down on your marrow-bones. I am going to count five, and if you are uct on your knees when I say the final number, I swear I will pull trigger. One!” “Ob, come now!” protested the wearer of the sunflower. ‘‘ This hain’t no go, I thought you wuz ther critter as yooped fer fair play? Do you call this fair play? Ef you do, you are er derned sight bigger fool ’n [ took ye fer—an thet’s sayin’ erheap, I hain’t goin’ ter—” Get down on “Two !” ‘Say, hold on! I don’t believe you know bow ter countez high’s five. Don’t keer erdern ef ye do! So long’s I hev one single breathe in my ole*body Pll never git down on my shins fer ary livin’ mortal man, you hear me! I hain’t built—” * Three !” “P raps you think you kin skeer me, but I want ye ter ’stinctly understan’ thet, I’m ther bold man from Bad Bar, an’ I’m in ther habit 0’ makin’ up faces at ole death bisself. Now jest—” \ “Four!” “Wait —hole on! Don’t ye say thet other figger! Ef ye do— Please don't say it! Ob, Don’t I wish I was dead an’ (rr Old Sunflower’s courage suddenly deserted him. With a whoop of terror, he dropped on his knees, squawking: ** Hole on, pard—hole on! down!” “And it is fortunate for you,” declared the gambler, grimly. ‘‘ I was on the verge of touch- ing the trigger. In another second I should have fired, and your soul would have been on its way to Glory—or the other place,” ‘Waal, now I’ve tookena slump, w’at is it ye wants?” ; “T want you to repeat after me what I say. Repeat it word for word, or I will drill you. Are you ready?” ‘*Let her slide. Don’t keep me down byer long. Some stranger might come in an’ think { wuz prayin’!” ‘All right, now begin. I am a miserable sneak and acoward, Repeat it. bbe the graveness of a judge the old tramp said: : ‘You are er miser’ble sneak an’ er coward, Repeat it.” or a moment Denver Dave was too aston- ished to speak, then an ugly light flashed from his eyes, and his face became like a black cloud. “Look here,” he snarled, ‘‘I am not fooling with you! If you think I am, just you repeat that trick. If you do, I’ll be cursed if I do not scatter your brains! You will now repeat word for word what Isay. Are you ready?” * Let her drive.” ‘¢T am a miserable sneak and a coward,” Old Sunflower repeated it correctly. “T humbly ask your pardon for anything offensive I have said about you.” The tramp repeated the words, “You are a gentleman, and not a miserable, cowardly sneak like the dirty little runt who calls himself Violet Vane.” } But, with a yell, Old Sunflower leaped to his eet. “‘T kin stan’ most any blamed thing thet is on merself,” he shouted; ‘*but lll be blowed ef I will say thet ’bout my leetle pard! He's er white man as is too good ter wipe bis feet on sech er rotten varmint as you be! Now, shoot, dad-burn ye!” At this moment there was a commotion near the door, and a man mounted on a coai-black horse rode into the saloon, The horseman’s face was concealed by a mask, ** Captain Mute!” That was the name that passed from lip to lip. It was the mysterious Regulator chiet! Captain Mute’s eyes rau ey. over the faces’ of the assembled throng, as if he were looking for some one. It was a peculiar fact that more than one man crouched in his tracks, or turned away so his features could not be plainly seen. Deliberately the chief of the Regulators drew a knife from its place of concealment, Then, with a swift motion, be hurled it at the wall, where it struck point first, and remained quiver- ing, a sheet of paper fluttering from the haft, Jith a bow and a wave of the hand, the man of mystery rode from the room, and disappeared in the darkness, For a few moments vo one had paid any at- tention to Denver Dave and Old Sunflower, and when Captain Mute had disappeared it was found the gambler from Denver had vanished Don’t shoot! I’m also. ** Whoopee!” squealed the mountain vaga- bond, executing a wild dance of delight. ‘' Ther onery white-livered crittar didn’t durst stay an’: hev it out with me, even w’en he bed ther drop! He saw I hed riz right up on my ear, an’ so he slid fer a safer section o’ ther kentry. Oh, he’s er p’izen sneak, an’ don’t ye fergit thet!” ut the interest of nearly every one centered on the sheet of paper that ae ee from the baft of the knife Captain Mute had left in the wall. They crowded around it and found there was writing on the paper. One of ihe party read it aloud. It ran as follows: “ WARNING. © Tn the town of White Water are several men who ¢ are tnown to be friends of the outlaw Black Buck and who constantly keep him informed of evrything that havpens in the place, In disguise, Black Burk often visits this p'ace and mingles freely with the citizens. The Regulators now give warning to those fellow. who are in sympathy with Burk to get out of White Water immediately, unless they have a burn- ing desire to try the fit of a heme necktie. The Regulators have taken an oath to wipe out Black Burk’s gang of robbers, and they will keep it, If any remain in White Water after this, they will be liable to awake some morning and find themseives hanging from the limb of a tree. *(Signed,) THE ‘** Oh, driver!” - VJ REGULATORS.” /
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H - Violet Vane’s Vengeance. Hs Tue stage-driver looked around in a startled manner, more than half-expecting Black Burk and his men to appear. ‘* Hold up a minute an’ I’ll be with ye,” The cry came from above, and the driver saw a map swinging himself down the almost un- scalable side of the canyon, There was but one, and the Jehu did not fancy he could be thinking of robbing the coach, so he drew rein, : Several heads were thrust from the stage win- dows, and excited voices asked what tbe matter was. There was more than one exclamation of relief when they were assured the coach had not been held up by robbers. In a few minutes the man reached the level of the stage-trail and came toward the coach, He was slightly below medium height, and his face was almost entirely concealed by bushy whisk- ers. “Wal, w’at d’yer want?” growled the driver, as the stranger advanced. “T want you to take a message to White Water for me,” was the reply. ‘ Will you do it”? ‘* For a consideration.” “That isall I ask. I will pay you well for your ‘trouble. Here it is, and here is your pay.” He swung himself up and passed a strange- looking envelope to the driver, thrusting a coin into his band at the same time,\ The envelope was made of crimson paper with the shadowy outlines of a skull and cross-bones drawn in black upon it. It was addressed to Frank Still- man. “Take care that Stillman receives that,” en- joined the bewhiskered man, ‘It is of the greatest importance,” * All right.” 4 The stranger dropped to the ground and the coach rolled on agein. The driver performed his commission faith- fully, for he placed the strange missive in the mayor’s hands himself, Stillman looked at it curiously, then tore it open, He drew fortha crimson sheet of paper. His face blanched as he glanced at it, and he staggered back a step, uttering a hollow groan. Upon the paper these words were written: “Tam stili living. Vioter VANE.” CHAPTER XIII. HARRY TELLS SOME SECRETS, Snap SHot Jack disappeared from) White Water, for Horace Danton did not care to as- sume that disguise after the first day of his ap- pearance in the pocket camp. Still he did not assume his true name. At the hotel he regis- tered as Daniel Harmon, being assigned to the room with Charlie Ross, at the request of the stammerer. JH Danton was inclined to keep well within the room by day, as if he feared an unpleasant amar ig some one, which was true. He was in White Water for a purpose, and it would ruin bis plans, in all probability, if he were too Id. But at night Horace Danton did not remain in the hotel. With Stuttering Charlie for a com- panion, he watched the cabin of the strange children, Both men were armed to the teeth and seemed ready for desperate work; but their night watches were fruitless at first. No one approached the little bin which the waifs called their home. Danton became nefvous and excited. “My God!” he cried. ‘This suspense is driving me mad! Why doesn’t that miserable devil come? If only the children knew the truth, but it would not do to tellthem, That would ruin all, He must come soon!” After the second night of fruitless watching, Charlie resolved to see Harry again. For that purpose, he wandered out to their accustomed place of meeting. But the cabin seemed strangely deserted. Harry did not appear as usual, and Charlie was beginniog to wonder if the children were really thers when he heard a light step bebind him, He sprung up and turned quickly to find him- self face to face with Harry, As he arose before ber, the girl uttered an ¢x- clamation of surp ise not unmingled with fear, and started back. P “Why, bullo, Harry!” exclaimed Charlie. “T was watching fuf-fuf-for you,” She did not reply at once, and he saw there was a strange look on her pretty face—in her eyes was e light of fear. “Why what’s the mum-mum-mum-matter?” asked the stammerer. ‘ You actually appear afraid of m-m-me.” ; “Ob, I did not know you were there!” replied 4 > something. ‘‘ What Harry, by way of saying do not want to see made you come here? 1 ’ “Well, I'll be banged!” Evidently Charlie was too astonished to stammer, Harry turned very red and hung her head con- fusedly. “* Don’t want tosee mum-mum-me?” he echoed. ‘* What is the meaning of that?” . Oh, I cannot explain! I must go to the cabin,’ But he step into her path. ‘* Hold on, Harry. I must,understand t-t-this.” She looked at him appealingly, then glanced round in a nervous manner as if to ascertain if they were observed, ‘* Please do not stop me, Mr, Ross!” she en- treated, ‘* Mister Ross!” he cried, in amazement, ‘*Tf he should see me talking with you—” ‘* Who is * be?” ‘Oh, I cannot tell—I dare not!” ‘* Harry, you ought toknow Iam yourt-t-true friend,” said Charlie, reproachfully. She looked him square in the face, crying: “T only wish I did know for sure!” ‘*T swear it!” he said, solemnly, meeting her gaze. ‘‘I would sacrifice my life to save you from harm!” In her excitement she did not notice there was no sign of an impediment in bis speech, ‘*T believe you!” she said, quickiy. ‘‘ But, oh, Charlie! we must not be seen here! I cannot stop to explain. I must go to the cabin!” But he was not willing to have her depart without an explanation. “Cannot you m-m-m-meet me epbe Bibb where we will not be seen?” he asked. She glanced round quickly, and then replied: ‘*Do you see those trees down there where the river plunges into the canyon?” “ Yes ? s Well, come there in an hour and I will meet u.” Then she darted past.bim and ran away to- ward the cottage. barlie watched her till she disappeared, then he muttered: “The rascal has tumbled.” An hour later the young man and the girl met beneath the shadow of the trees where they were not liable to be observed, ‘‘N-n-n-now, Harry,” said the stammerer, ‘you must explain what the meaning of this is, I d-d-don’t understand it at all.” ‘Oh, Charlie! you must not ask me that!” ‘“* Why not? Am | n-n-not your friend?” ‘* { suppose so.” ‘* Well, why won’t you trust me in this?” ‘*T promised not to tell.” ** Oh-ho!” He did not coax her: but suddenly she cried: ‘“*T must. tell—I will tell! It has been all I could do to keep ita secret. I have wanted to tell you lots of times, but did not dare. Now he says I must not speak to you. I could not make him believe you were my friend, but [am sure you are.” ** You are right.” ‘* It’s my Uncle Mat,” continued Harry, lower- ing her voice and drawing close to her compan- ion, ‘‘ He brought us here, and he has given us money and things since then. He is not our real uncle, but mamma wanted us to call him that. He hastaken care of us since mamma died. He sometimes comes to see us nights, but yesterday he came in the day, and he told me you were one of our enemies.” “Well, he lied like bub-bub-bub-blazes!” spluttered Charlie, 4 ‘‘He said you werea friend. of my father, who is bad, wicked man, He said you had been senthere to find us and carry us back to our father.” ‘* What makes you think your fuf-fuf-fatber is a bad man?” ‘Oa, he really and truly is!) Mamma had to run away from him and keep in hiding till she was taken sick and died. Uuocle Mat was so good to her, and be promised ber be would take care of Dick andI, He has kept his promise well, though he does seem a bit cross to Dick at times and brother is afraid of bim.” “What makes bim visit you in the n-n-n-night? Why doesn’t he see you in the daytime?” ‘““He did yesterday, but be was disguised, He says some of the men in this camp are his enemies, and he does not care to have trouble with them. ** Oh, t-t-that’s it!” ‘‘Yes, He is a queer man, Sometimes he will bave lots and lots of money, then again be will not bave a cent, But be is a real good man the most of the time, He says my fatherisa wicked villain,” Charlie coughed violently and rammed his cane into the ground in a savage manner. ‘* Why, look out! you will break it!” cried the girl, ‘* What makes you do that?” ‘* T was thinking I wished it was a sword and the ground was your une-— Cuc-cuc-cuc-con- found it all! what am I saying!” Harry started back and gazed at him in kor- or. ‘“'T-t-that was a slip of the tongue,” he ex- plained. ‘‘ You know [ can’t control this dud- dud-dud-darned tongue of mine! It will make some bad breaks.” Harry could not repress a smile at this, “That is so,” she acknowledged. ‘Do you know where your uncle is n-n-now?” asked the stammerer. “e No. ” ‘* Where does he stay days?” **T do not know that.” ‘* T)-d-d-don’t he tell you about himself?” ‘* Not very often.” ‘* He’s a queer k-k-kind of an uncle,” ‘* But you know he is not our truly uncle.” ‘* Well, he takes a pile of interest in you for a fellow who isn’t a b-b-bit of relation. Does he t-t-tel] you what your fuf-fuf-father will do with you if he fuf-fuf-finds you?” ‘‘No; but we know father isa bad man, and we do not want him to find us.” ** Do you remember your fuf-fuf-father?” ** Ob, yes, very well!” ‘Did he sus-sus-seem to be a bad man, as you remember him?” “No,” she replied, slowly. ‘* I remember him as very kind and gentle, but he was bad to mamma,” “* How do you know that?” ** Ob, she told me he was, and Uncle Mat has told me so many times. That was why she ran away from him,” “1m!” grunted Charlie, ‘*‘ How is Dick?” “Oh, I do not think he is any better. His cough is terrible, and the medicine does not seem to do it a bit of good,” ‘“*That’s b-b-bad. You say your uncle gives you bo medicine for him to t-t-t-lake?” ** 1s he a dud-cdud-doctor?” “ No.” ‘* Then bow in t-t-thunder does he know what kind of medicine to give fuf-fuf-for a cough?” That was a question Harry could not answer. They talked for a considervble time longer, then the girl declared sbe must return to the cabin, Charlie took ber hand before they parted, and gave it a pressure that brought a flush of warin blood to her face. As he watched her hurry away, he said, without the least fal- tering in his speech; ‘* The cursed black-hearted villain is about at the end of his rope! I hope he will get his just deserts,” CHAPTER XIV, THE UNMASKING OF A DESPERATE VILLAIN, WITHIN the room of the hotel, Charlie told Danton of all that had passed between himself andthe girl, The sad-faced man listened eager- ly, now and then giving vent to a muttered ex- clamation as the narrator related Low the girl — had expressed the firm belief that her father was a very wicked man, Strangely enough, Charlie did not stutter at all in telling the story, which revealed the fact that the impediment in his speech was assumed for a purpose, ‘* Charlie,” cried Danton, when the story was finished, ‘* you have done better than the best professional detectives. When you first wanted to take hold of the case I had no faith in you. Indeed, I had but little faith in any one—I had nearly lost hope. Nothing but failure.had met me for years, and I had employed some of the best ferrets in the country—” * Several of whom were unprincipled rascals,” “That is true, without doubt. I had spent the larger portion of a comfortable fortune in trying to learn the fate of my wite and children, and I was ready to take my own hfe in despair, By chance you learned of my case and offered your services, You were an amateur—a green- horn, It is little wonder | bad not confidence in you when so many professionals bad failed.” “It is possible some of them failed in their minds,” ** What do you mean?” Pe “TI believe*some of them truly struck the trail of your missing wife and children,” “Some of them—two at Jeast—claimed they were hot on the scent.” ‘And then—?” ‘ “And then they suddenly found they were mistuxen,”
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12 Charlie laughed. ; , ‘Money did that,” he declared. ‘You were paying them by the day, The longer they were in your employ the more they obtained. They actually did strike the trail of your enemy, your wifeand yourchildren. That I feel certain of. They ran tbemdown, Then a large sum of money was placed in their hands if they would betray you. You were betrayed, and the ras- ' cally detectives still remained ia your employ, eating up your money. There are any amount of such bogus officers in the business, and for ‘that reason it has fallen into disrepute in a measure with those who know the tricks of the profession, Asarule, the average detective is not nearly so well paid as the public in general supposes, and a large sum of bribe-money easily ‘tempts him from the straight path of honesty.’ *T believe you are right, I know it is the best thing’ that ever happened to me that I | Violet Vane’s Vengeance. “There is one thing of which you do not dream,” declared the amateur detective. ** What is that?” ‘“*Have you thought it rs Rougal is try- augite put one of your children out of the way?” anton turned white, and with two strides reached Charlie’s side, catching him by the shoulder, ‘*In God’s name, what do you mean?” he gasped, boarsely. **T have told you of Dick’s cough.” Yes, yes!” ~ “Tt seems as if the child bad consumption, if I can judge from what his sister says.” * Well?” ‘* This is a country to cure consumption in its first stages, but not to breed it.” ** And you think—” **Rougal is giving him bad medicine,” “ Ha y? ‘trusted you, You have won yourreward ina| ‘And I think that medicine is slowly carry- noble manner.” ‘*- You forget that Mat Rougal is xot yet my ‘prisoner,” “No, Ido not forget. He soon shall be.” You are right. We will lay for him till he is in our power. His crooked career shall come to a termination.” ‘*Tt bas been crooked, indeed! The man never forgave me because I would not shield him in his first crime and thus become an accessory, That was when we were scarcely more than boys and working in the same bank. In after years, when I was married, we met again. He seemed pl to see me, and as he shook my hand warmly, he declared I had saved him from a life of crime, He seemed truly grateful, and I little dreamed ' the base treachery and thirst for revenge that still remained in his black heart, Oh, the miser- able devil!” For several moments he was silent, his emo- tions quite overcoming him. Finally, he went on once more: **T introduced him to my fauily, and he be- came a frequent visitor at the house. He made much of little Harriet and Baby Dick. My wife jiked him—liked bim because he was my friend. { did not tell her of the past. Without my dreaming of the truth, the serpent began bis work. ‘* How that man succeeded in poisoning my wife’s mind against me without my becoming aware of it I do not know, but succeed he did. He worked silently even while he shook me warmly by the band and smiled in my face, He led me on and on from little thing to little thing, step by step, till at last he succeeded in placing me before my wife’s eyes in a position that seemed to prove my guilt. Still I was in- nocent, The wine I bad swallowed had robbed ’ me of my senses, a 9 ‘¢ When I became myself once more I found my wife and children gone, Jennie had left a note—a few burriedly-written cruel words. She said she knew all—had seen what made her very soul revolt against me, I would never see her again, and, as she could not thiuk of leaving her ehildren, she had taken them with her. She would rather they would dit than fall into my bands. Shealso intimated she had a true friend who would stand by her to the end. * You cannot imagine ap feelings—it would ‘be an utter impossibility for me to describe them, I discovered Rougal had vanished—then 1 knew the truth. She had fled with him—he had worked my ruin. Nota doubt of this was leftin my mind, for he had left a note behind saying he was revenged and sneering at me for my blindness. Then I became like a madman,” Once more Danton paused while he excitedly paced the floor of the little room, his hands clinched behind him and his face betraying the emotions whica rocked bis soul, ““T at once put detectives at work, giving them every clew oor he went on. ‘At the same time I set about obtaining the evidence that would clear me in the eyes of my wife when she was restored to me, In this I succeed- ed, but I was destined never to look upon her face again, She is dead, and her death lies at the door of that black-hearted wretch! He basely deceived her—ruined her life and mine! But you have found my children, and, at least, I will have the comfort of their company in my old 7. ‘*But Rougal, that infernal dastard!—never will I be satisfied till I know he has been fitly punished. He tried to end his work of ven- geance by taking my life, but he failed. My turn comes next! , There was an intensity of hatred about the man’s words that made Charlie shiver, Danton had been bitterly wronged, and his very soul thirsted for vengeance. . Ce ee ee seen Oe ee Be es ee ee ee a SS ee eee ee eee eee 2 un Se. boy off.” anton staggered back. ‘*Great God!” he cried. ‘‘I believe you are right!” **T feel sure I am. He wants the boy cff his hands, Dick must be quite an incumbrance to him, With only Harry, be can more easily elude pursuit, arry is pretty, and he means to keep her. For what purpose I cannot say— but I think I know,” Horace Danton trembled from head to feet. ‘“*{ must go to my ebildren at once!” he cried. *“‘T can stay away no longer! Do not ask me! That devil is poisoning my little Dick!” ‘“Now that would be the very worst thing you can do! Just keep quiet a few hours longer and we may have Rougal in our clutches; but if you go to the children now, he will take the alarm and we shall not be able to get our hands on hita,.” ‘*But he is poisoning littie Dick! Heavens alive! do you think I can remain quiet while that is going on?” ' “Only for a ehort time longer. If we do not get our hands on our man to-night, I will con- sent to your seeing them and we will take Dick’s * medicine ’ from him.” But, it wasa long time before Charlie could succeed in convincing the excited father that was the best course to pursue, In the early part of that evening Danton en- tered the saloon of the Columbia, Already was Charlie, with several trusty companions, in- cluding Old Sunflower and Red ,Hot, watching the cabin of the waifs. Denver Dave was in the saloon, and, as usual, he had a large crowd around bim, while Le was freely expressing bis raind in a lond tone of voice, **] am more than half-inclined to believe these so-called Regulators are in with Black Burk and his gang,” he declared. ‘* What makes you think so?” asked a listener. ‘* Well, I have my reasons,” nodded the gam- bler; ‘‘and good reasons they are too, They are wooling this camp in great shupe.” ** Now looker hyer, man,” said Judge Whittles pressing his way forward and confronting Dave, “Tt will not_be healthy to insinnowait ary ets erg’in’ this yere camp as yecan’t back up. reckon we are ez sharp as most people as comes from Denver, b’gosb!” — “That’s all right,” laughed the black-whisk- ered man, waving one hand ina careless ges- ture. “ They are playing a mighty shrewd ggme, and would be liable to deceive anybody.” ‘Then how is it you bev sech a blamed heap of wisdom thet you tumble ter it?” Dave scowled a bit. **Ob, I manage to catch on toa om many things. I have no absolute proof [ am right, but still [ am pretty certain 1 am.” , ‘* Waal,” drawled the judge, ‘if ye hain’t got no abdserlute proof, I ‘low ye’d best shet up.” **You are an old man,” said Dave, slowly; “but if you were not, I would make you swallow those words,” ** Why didn’t you make Violet Vane swallow his words when he called you a eheat?” cried some one on the outside of the circle, The man from Denver wheeled toward the peaker, _ “Tf the man who made that remark will step in here I will agree to knock the angles off bis ae pl he said, 0 one stirred, “Tf thought so,” sneered the bler. “A coward, as was the fellow who called himself Violet Vane. Where is the little sport in velvet now—” ‘“* He is here!” The circle parted at one side, and Violet Vane himself strode forward and confronted the boaster from Denver! ~ Dave staggered as if struck in the face, turn- ing white as a sheet, as he gasped: ‘* Gods! the dead alive!” ‘*Not by considerable,” said Vane, calmly. es have never been dead yet, to my know- edge. ‘But I saw you-—I saw you fall into the water. It swept you down to—” ‘* Ah-a!” shouted the little sport, in amaze- ment. ‘‘It was you who fired that dastardl shot! I thought it was another. But, the bul- let did not touch me. The rail broke beneath my weight and I fell into the water. By good fortune, my clothes caught on a jagged point of the rock which supports the bridge, and I was saved from being carried down to death, Now Iam here. And now—you have it |” With a single stride forward, he sent out his right fist, the hard knuckles striking Dave fairly between the eyes and knocking him down. In some way the man’s beard caught in the button on Violet Vane’s cvuat-sleeve, and when Dave fell the whiskers were jerked from his face. They were false! As the gambler struggled to his feet, Horace Danton cried: ‘*Great heavens—Mat- Rougal!” But another name fell in a shout of astonish- ment from the lips of the many spectators: * Black Burk!’ CHAPTER XV. ‘“THE VENGEANCE OF VIOLET VANE!” THE amazement of every one was so great that the crafty desperado was enabled to make a break for liberty before a hand was raised to detain him, ; Straight toward the crowd between bimself and the door leaped the unmasked villain, giving utterance to a savage yell, Involuntarily tbe men fell back before that wild figure that now brandished a glistering knife in his right band. Once or twice he struck, and the bright blade was dimmed by a dark stain. Then he broke through the circle, “Stop him! Stop him!” Horace Danton blocked the doorway, a re- volver in his hand, ‘Stop, Mat Rougal!” he shouted, lifting the weapon. ‘ Halt, or I fire!” ‘The desperado snarled out an oath and burled his knife at the man be had so ning wronged, Fortunately, he missed his aim, ith a side- long leap he reached the window. The next moment there was a crash of breaking glass he leaped through it, carrying away sash and all. Several bullets followed him out into the darkness, but be was untouched. When tke men rushed forth from the saloon to search for him, be had disappeared. A sharp bunt was in- stantly inaugurated, butit was useless, The man had vanished as if the earth had opened and swallowed him. ’ And Violet Vane was also missing. No one rembered seeing him after the unmasked des- perado leaped through the window, Among the man-hunters Horace Danton was the most eager and excited. He bad fired at Rougal as the villain crashed through the win- dow, but it seemed as if Satan guarded his own. Danton was loth to give up the search as useless, but he was compelled to do so, After quiet had been restored, he crept down toward the cabin of the waifs, where he knew Charlie Ross and his companions were on the watch. They bad heard the shots and cries, and when he told them what had occurred there was excitement, indeed, ; Old Sunflower was the most excited of any one. “Did ye say my ketle pard Sweet Violets wur thar, an’ knocked ther critter down?” he whispered, hoarsely. ‘‘ Ob, holy Christopher! Then thet leetle cuss hain’t dead a tall! Oh, squint-eyes Betsey! Ob, great Jehocus! Oh, howlin’ hallelujah! Git out o’ ther way an’ let me kick a hoel in ther darkness! Some throw me down an’ putt a board over my mout afore I yoop right out loud in meetin’! Oh, Smotherin’ Moses!” It was with the greatest difficulty the old fel- low restrained the exuberance of his spirits enough to keep from arousing the echoes of the~ ket with several yells that would have puta \locomotive whistle to blush. After a time the party settled down to watch and wait once more, It was a tinesome task and before long the miner Red Hot was sound asleep, stretched on his back with bis arms out- spread; but when he began to snore, they were forced to arouse him, — — * ——_— ne
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’ and given up his plan for vengeance. “Dern it, man!” whispered Old Sunflower. “Do ye want ter start an avvylanche thet’ll come down ther mountain’ thar an’ burry us? Jest let up on thet attempt ter mock er thunder- storm, an’ see ef ye can’t keep yerself awake,” It was past midnight when the watchers saw two dark forms creeping cautiously toward the cabin, “Thar they be!” whispered Red Hot, ex- citedly. ** Are you awake?” asked Old Sunflower, cau- tiously. ‘It’s er derned wonder ye be.” ‘All ready, men,” came in a guarded tone from Charlie Ross, ‘Remember my instruc- tious. Lay low till I give the signal.” Slowly and silently the two figures approached the cabin, It was too dark for the watchers to make out their forms distinctly, but their as- pect proclaimed they were on evil work intent. Once or twice they halted and gazed round ina searching manner, but Charlie Ross and his companions hugged the ground closely, remain- ing undetected. The two men advanced to the cabin door and rapped in a peculiar manner, ‘That is the signal which Mat Rougal gives when he visits Harry and Dick,” whispered Charlie. Before long the door was opened cautiously, then the two men hurled themselves against it and burst into the cabin. There were several smothered shrieks of terror, then Charlie said in a low, firm tone: Now to work! Follow “All ready, boys! me!” Straight for the cabin he dashed, At the door one of the men suddenly shot open the slide of a dark-lantern, and threw the light into the room, revealing four figures. The boy and girl were struggling in the gras of the tw6 ruffians, Humpy Dick and Stu Smith! “This is not just the game we were looking for,” cried Charlie; ‘“ but we will make it fast just the same, Gaffle on to them, boys!” But, the squat desperadoes objected to the “ gaffling” process. Releasing the children, they made a desperate break for liberty. Old Sunflower seized one and Red Hot grasped the other. ‘¢ Hole on byer, don’t be in sech an all-fired rush!” cried the sunflower tramp, ‘‘ We want ter see ye a bit.” “That's er fac’,” agreed Red Hot. ‘‘ We're a_s’prise party roun’ givin’ away presents. We've got er beaucherful pair o’ neckties fer you two critters,” “Curse you!” snarled Humpy Dick, snatch- , ry | out a knife and lifting it above his head. ‘ake that!” But, the blade did not touch the red-headed miuver, With a lightning-like movement, Char- lie Ross caugkt the fellow's wrist and wrenched the weapon frem his hand. Tten the deformed wretch was thrown te the floor and securely bound with cords breught for that purpose, Meantime the others had secured Stub Smith in a similar manner, “ Waal,” drawled the sunflower tramp, “‘ we’ve caught game anyhow, ef ’tain’t jest w’at we wuz lookin’ fer.” Horace Danton came to Charlie's side. ‘“ We must tell them the truth now,” he said, his voice unsteady with emotion, ‘It would be useless to concealanything further, Rougal will ‘*T believe these men are his tools, sent here to do work of his planning,” the amateur detective replied. ‘I think it will not doany good to keep the truth from Harry and Dick, but I think you had better let me tell them, When they fully understand it, you can come forward.” Danton consented to this, and Charlie ap- proached Harry, who was trying to quiet her almost hysterica] brother, alf an bour later the children knew the truth. _ not fall into our'trap after this,” The crimson letter containing the declaration that Violet. Vane still lived dealt a terrible blow to Frank Stillman. Not that he bad thought the man dead, but he bad un to entertain the hope that Vane bad left White Water for good " There was that about toe letter which told him the Velvet Sport still remained in the vicinity and still held to his hatred for the nan who had won the affec- tions of the woman he had loved, “Tf he harms her—” he hissed. “ But he will not; he will strike at me, Well, Ido not fear him. I can defend myself; but let him keep his hands off my wife and child. If he touches rv I will have the last drop of his heart's ood On the night of the unmasking of Black Burk Violet Vane’s Vengeance, in the saloon of the Columbia Hotel he was away from home and did not return till quite late. As soon as possible, he hurried home. As he approached the cabin, he noticed how dark and deserted it seemed and a chill struek to his heart as he thought of the home-coming when he had found bis wife unconscious on the floor with that slip of paper in her hands, Hurrying to the cabin, he opened the door. It yielded readily under bis hand. A feeling of horror seized upon him, for when he was away in the evening his wife was in the habit of keeping the door fastened and only opening it when she was sure her husband asked admittance, The moment he entered a peculiar odor struck his nostrils, He lighted a match, anda cry of horror came from his lips as he saw the sight revealed, . The baby’s crib was empty, and iu the easy chair beside it reclined his wife, with a chloro- form-saturated hankerchief over her mouth and nostrils, Pinned upon her breast was a sheet of crimson paper, on which were written these words: ‘“*T leave you your wife; but I take your child, This is the vengeance of Violet Vane !” - CHAPTER XVI, DOOMED TO DIE. FRANK STILLMAN was nearly driven mad by the terrible discovery he had made, He tore the paper into fragments and then rusbed around the room, raving like one who had lost his reason, Suddenly be dashed out into the night with the desperate intention of following the kidnappers of the child. But tbe darkness brought him to bis senses, and he stood outside Se trembling in every limb as if shaken by a chill. * Oh, my G@-d!” The words came from his ae in a despairing groan, then he staggered back into the house, baving remembered bis wife. He snatched the handkerchief from her face and made desperate efforts to arouse her, She was white as the dead, and for some time he was tempted to believe she was dead, indeed. ‘Tf that devil has killed her—Great God!—if he has, I will yet find him and inflict on him the tortures of the damned! No quick and easy death shall be his!” But, Ione was not dead. However, it wasa long time before she became conscious, and then it was nearly an hour before she could tell what had bappened. Even then she was so hysteri- cal that she could only make it plain she bad been overpowered by several masked men. She knew nothing of the crimson sheet of paper that had been left ov her breust, and Pranks was careful not to tell her about it. At first she could not consent to his leaving her for a moment, but when he made her under- stand it was for the baby’s sake and that he would not be long gone, she consented. But little could be doue that night. The kid- nappers, without doubt, were miles away amid the mountains, and it would be impossible to fol- low them in the darkness, But would it not be = as impossible when daylight came? The thought was maddening. The indignation of the citizens was aroused to the 5 pitch by’ the outrage, and when Frank learned that Violet Vane had boldly ap- peared in White Water that very evening, bis fury was boundless. ‘I did not think the man was such a dastard!” he cried. ‘‘ Hanging is a thousand times too good for him!” It was well Old Sunflower was not present to hear those words, for he would have defended bis “leetle pard” at any cost. When the old tramp heard, some hours later, what bad hap- pened, he stoutly declared Violet Vane had no hand in the black work. The story of the attempted kidnapping of Harry and Dick was soon given the circulation of the camp, and the two pieces of black work aroused the indignation of the miners to a ter- rible pitcb. Stub Smith and Humpy Dick stood in great danger of being unceremoniously lynched. Indeed, that woul! bave been their fate but for the appearance of Captain Mute and soffie of his Regulators. Leaving bis men to guard the two ruffians, the Regulator chief held a brief consultation with Judge Whittles and some of the most in- fluential men of the camp, during which he laid before them the outlines of a scheme for entrap- ping Black Burk and his gang. The men were ‘ jedged th all trusty, and having p em to secrec he took his departure, * Till daylight several of the Regulators stood 13 guard over the prisoners, but it was more to pro- tect them from being lynched than to keep them from escaping. With the break of day the Regulators disappeared, leaving the unlucky desperadoes to the care of the citizens of White ater. But Black Burk had been at work during the night. Jn the morning the following notice was fuund posted in a conspicuous place: “TAKE NOTICE, “T have dallied with the people of White Water too long; now J mean business. I was unjustly driven from the camp in the first piso, and having found I cannot rule the place, I have resolved to ruin it. There is but one way it can avoid nS fury. If Stub Smith and Humpy Dick are hanged, Iwill wipe White Water from existence! If they are released and allowed to depart from the pocket, I will withhold my wrath indefinitely. This is no vain threat, as you will find to your sorrow if youdo not release the two men whom you hold prisoners. I have the power to carry my word into execution. * Yours lovingly, Buack Burk.” This was like a fire-brand to the already aroused flame of indignation. ‘*Shell we knuckle down ter thet ens. critter?’ howled Red Hot, his fiery hair stand- ing out allover his head like porcupine-quills, ‘*Ef we do, we’d orter climb up a tree some- whar an’ pull the tree up by ther roots, Now is ther time ter show our patriotism! This is ther day of our redemption!” ‘* Amen, so mote it be!” nodded Old Sun- flower, solemnly. ‘‘ I lowed I saw blood on ther moon las’ night. It’s boun’ ter run in rivers afore menny more hours.” ‘‘Wangh!” grunted Red Hot. ‘' You must hey seen outer yer ears! Thar wuzn’t er derned peep of er moon las’ night.” ‘How in thunder do you know thet? You wuz asleep an’ snorin’ ther bigger part o’ ther time, ‘*1t wuz ther smell of your breath thet putt me ter sleep. It’s wuss’n chloryform,” ‘‘Derned ef I'd say a word ef I wuzin your lace! DPve bin gittin’ up a fuddle offen your reath fer ther las’ hour. I hain’t tooken er drink fer two days, but by jehocus! I’m blowed: ef I kin walk straight now!’ Two hours later the tramp and the red-headed miner were wandering around, locked arm im arm, hilariously ‘‘ elevated.” The people of White Water did very little labor that day. Atan early hour, Frank Still- man got together a ty of men and left the egy on a sort of blind hunt for his kidnapped child, Meantime, Horace Danton and Charlie Ross had been doing what they could to reconcile Harry and Dick to the change affairs had taken. Very naturally, the children shrunk from their father at first for they had been taught to be- lieve him a very bad man; but after hours of tiresome talk and explanations, they began to look on him more favorably. But it was a dif- ficult thing indeed for Harry to believe ber uncle was nothing but a common robber and desperado—a man on whose head there was & rice. ‘He was so kind to me,” she murmured again and again. * You did not understand his kindness, Harry,” declared Charlie, who had abandoned his stam- mering speech, “Did not understand it? What do you mean?” They were alone together; Horace Dantcn was talking with little Dick. “Harry,” and the young man tock her bands. and jooked into her eyes till they fell before his admiring gaze, ‘‘ you are a beautiful girl.” “There, there, Charlie!” she protested; but he: continued; © yt ““This man Rougal isin truth no relative of yours, but I fancy be has an eye for beauty.” The girl became crimson and stammered some unintelligible words, ‘* Perhaps he meant tu make you his wife whem you became older,” Charlie suggested. ‘* Oh, no, no!” ‘* But you have told me he was kinder to you ! than to your brother,” a“ e ” ; ‘* Tam almost certain he had some such a design, and while I despise the man as a Villain, 1 can not help admiring his good taste.” ‘4 The girl was silent with her head bowed and her golden curls hiding ber blushing face. His arm stole round her waist and he drew her closer. ‘* Harry!” he whi Still she was silent, but he felt her trembling in his arms, ; ‘Harry, I love you!”
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i a no er Oe Violet Vane’s Vengeance. Something like an electric thrill ran over her a3! but still her lips were sealed. ‘In aiding your father to find you,” he con- tinued, speaking softly, ‘‘I bave lost my heart. I love you, and I hope by and by to make you my own dear little wife. Will you make me happy by becoming my wife, little sunshine?” She made an attempt to speak, but failed. He lifted her blushing face and kissed her fairly on the lips. With a cry of dismay, she broke from him and ran out of the cabin, He fol- lowed, and found ber crying and laughing at the same time, ‘*Oh, Charlie!” she exclaimed; ‘“‘ how funny it would have been if you had stuttered when you said that!” ‘What mum-mum-mum-makes you think sus- sus-so?” When he continned to urge for her reply, she said, in a frank manner that was charming: “T like you, Charlie, oh, I can’t tell how much! It is more than I ever liked any one before, ex- cept my mother—and it is different from that. I am sure it must be love. You may ask papa about it.” And so Charlie was made happy. The amateur detective was on hand at the trial of the two would-be kidnappers, which be- gan at two o’clock in the afternoon, Judge Whit- tles sitting on the case, Charlie conducted the prosecution, while an impecunious lawyer de- fended the prisoners, Nearly the entire in- habitants of the town were present. The trial was conducted in the original style peculiar to such affairs in some of the new min- ing-camps of the wild regions of Colorado, and would have proved highly amusing to a spec- tator who was used to seeing such things carried out in the proper manner, Some difficulty was found in selecting a jury, for as fast as any one was mentioned the lawyer for the defense objected to them on the ground that they were prejudiced. At length the judge became exhausted, and roared: ** Thar, thet will do! If you keep on object- in’ thar won’t be any jury, fer I will ‘low ther hull town’s prejudiced. If you open your mouth to objec’ ag’in, I'll add a load of lead to ther cargo of law you think you hev in your fool head!” And, with a heavy thump, he laid a revolver on the box in front of bim, No further objections were raised, and things went on swimmingly. One of the witnesyes for the prosecution proved to be in a pitiable state of intoxication, a fact that was not discovered till he was called on tu tell his story. It was the miner Red Hot. ‘* Whash ’d I shee?” be repeated, when he was questioned. ‘*I shaw—Ii shaw feller wearin’ shunflower in hish busshonhole. He grashped ther gal an’ tries ter kerry her off, but he wash drunk—yesh, sbir, he wash drunk, I grabbed him by ther collarsh an’ flopped him onter hish back, an’—” “Great Jehocus!” roared Old Sunflower, ris- ing. ‘1 objec’ ter this yere piece o’ evvydence! Blamed ef thet red-headed individual hain’t bin drinkin’! It’s too bad, but hisevvydence w’u’do’t °a’ bin much gvod, anyway, fer he wuz asleep most 0’ ther time last night.” Red Hot was led from the room to cool off, and the trial proceeded. It occupied nearly three hours, and then, without leaving the room, the jury rendered a verdict of “ guilty;in the first degree.” Then the judge arose and‘ solemnly pronounced sentence of death on the unfortunate ruffians! He concluded by stating the hanging would occur two hours after sun- set. No sign of the Regulators had been seen in ‘White Water during the day, but, suddenly, ‘two or three of them appe and took charge of the prisoners, Then active preparations were made for the hanging. The tree upon which the two victims of Regu- lator justice had met their fate was selected as a gallows and a buge heap of wood and brush was piled near it, showing the citizens intended to have the light of a bonfire, But beneath all the »preparations there was a purpose not apparent to the casual observer. It was expected Black Burk would attempt to rescue the doomed ruf- fians, and arrangements were quietly made for his reception. The hour for the execution arrived, and with it Frank Stillman and his companions returned to White Water, unsuccessful and disheartened. The bonfire was started; the prisoners were led out. As they stood beneath the tree with the ropes around their necks, Old Sunflower dashed up, yelling: ‘ ** Hyer comes Black Burk an his hellyons ker- whoopin’! Whoopee! Git reddy ter guv ’em -chain-shot an’ canister!” - CHAPTER XVII, THE WIPE-OUT. THE vagabond spoke the trutbh—Black Burk and his men were coming. But they were ex- ted, and in a moment the men of White ater were running for the shelter of the dark- ness, weapons in hand, With yells like a pack of wild animals, the robbers charged through the town and into the light of the big fire. They were firing right and left, and evidently thought they had fright- ened the citizens nearly out of their wits by tbe wey they ran. ut they were destined to meet with a great surprise, As they dashed through the circle of firelight, some of the citizens opened fire on them and two saddles were emptied. Then Stub Smith and Humpy Dick were caught up by their com- rades, and the entire band plunged into the darkness again. The clatter of hoofs and a rousing cheer came from down the street. “The Regulators—they are coming!” cried one of the road-agents, ‘“* Let them come,” ‘When they get here, we will be gone, bridge.” Then came the shock that filled them with terror and dismay. The bridge was gone ! ** Trapped!” shouted half a score of voices. From back in tbe town came a wild yell that chilled the blood of the insnared bandits, The bridge had been cut away for that very purpose! There was now but one way of es- caping from the pocket, and that passage was guarded by the bated Regulators, ‘A million curses!” snarled Black Burk. **We must cut our way out of here! Fight like devils, for you know your fate if you fall prisoners in their hands! Come on!” Wheeling his horse, heled them back at a mad charge. Where the light of the bonfire exposed them a volley was poured into them that sent down men and horses, But they kept on till met by the Regulators, Then ensued a brief but savage battle. The tricked outlaws were forced to wheel and fly once more. Bet, whence could they fly? ‘* Whoop-ee /” squealed the sunflower tramp. ‘*They’re routed, ther hull derned gang! Come on, pards, an’ see ’em jump ther river.” In truth some of the unfortuuate wretches bad conceived the desperate resolve of making an attempt to cross the stream in some manner. That seemed their only hope, for they surely could not break through the ranks of the Regu- lators, Captain Mute led a portion of his men in close pursuit of the doomed outlaws, The urfortu- nate wretches took their chances by springing into the strexm; but men and horses were swept away into the blackness of the night—down, down upon the jagged rocks of death! Even the triumphant shout of the sunflower tramp was silenced as the Jast doomed wretch was carried into the darkness by the seething water, bis yell of defiance and hatred sounding like the wailing cry of a lost soul. *“*By jehocus!” muttered Old Sunflower, ‘“*Thet’s ther last o’ them! They’re gone, man an’ critter. Never a blamed one will come out o’ ther water alive.” . “You are right,” grimly agreed Judge Orson Whittles, ‘‘Ther wipe-out is eomplete, an’ ther bull thing wuz ther plannin’ of Captain Mute.” On his black horse close at hand sat the Regu- lator chief, staring straight into the darkness where the last of the outlaws had vanished. Silent and grim he remained. If he heard the words of those around him, he made no sign, For five minutes he remained thus, then by a touch of the rein, he whirled his black horse and galloped away. Among the others, Frank Stillman had fought savagely. The excitement and relentlessness of the struggle seemed to relieve his feelings in a measure. But, when it was all over, he stag- red away, sick at heart. “Oh Go. !” he groaned. “ To have nit with such maddening ill-luck! It will kill Ione! Poor, poor girl! She must be nearly dead now! The terror of being alone while such a terrible tight was taking place may have quite overcome her. And when I return without our baby— our little Frank—that will quite crush the life out of her body.” hen he came in sight of his cottage home he laughed Black Burk. To the ‘saw there was a light in the window; but in- stead of cheering him, it almost seemed as if the bright rays struck like a knife to bis heart. “She is watching for me,” he groaned— “watching and hoping! And when I return with my arms empty, all her hope will be crushed to earth. Heaven above! how can I face my poor wife!” His courage quite deserted him for a time and he stood outside the cabin, dreading to enter. At length he rapped on the door, Ione’s voice demanded who was there. “*It is Frank,” be replied, but bis voice was so hoarse and unnatural! that he was startled. The door was quickly opened and be stepped in. The eyes of husband and wife met, ‘* Frank!” she gasped. He held out hisempty arms. Words could not have sag so much, She swayed and put out her hands blindly. He caught her and car- ried her to the easy-chair, ‘Tell me all about your search,” she said, faintly, after a time. There was not much to tell, but he was a long time telling a little. Suddenly there was the sound of a _ horse’s hoofs at the door, then another sound that brought husband and wife to their feet as if elec- trified. An infant’s wail! The door swung open and Captain Mute step- ne rg In his arms he carried the kidnapped child! With a shriek of joy the mother flew to the mysterious chief of the Regulators and caught her baby in her arms, covering its face with kisses, With two strides, Stillman was at the side of the masked man and had caught him by the arm, ** Where did you find it?” he cried,, “Tn the hands of Black Burk!” was the reply. ‘* He was the wretch who stolc your child,” Frank recoiled in amazement. **'You—you must be mistaken!” he gasped. “Tt was Violet Vane. 1t was thus he sought te be revenged upon me,” ' “Tt is you who are mistaken,” replied the Regulator, firmly. ‘‘I know Violet Vane bad no hand in this work,” ‘But he left a note saying he had taken our child, which was his vengeance,” i “ Sey note lied. It was all the work of Black urk, ‘*How do you know this? You seem cer- tain.” iT I am,” ‘“Whom have we to thank for the restora- pik y our little one? Will you,not reveal your ace The Regulator lifted his hand and removed the sable mask. ith a ery of amazemett, Frank Stillman reeled backward, “You!” ke gasped, hoarsely—“‘ you /” ‘“« Philip!” shrieked Ione. : ‘Captain Mute,” the Regulator, was Violet Vane himself! _ “Yes, I,” said Vane, calmly. “I bave de- stroyed your most bitter enemy and restored your child to yourarms, Thisis my vengeance! Farewell!” With a wave of his hand, he sprung out through the open doorway and disappeared in the darkness. A moment later the hoofbeats of a horse sounded through the night, becoming fainter aud fainter till they died out in the dis- tance. As Judge Whittles bad said, the wipe-ovt was complete. The relentless water and jagged rocks finished the work of extermination, and never again was White Water | troubled by Black Burk and bis desperado band. And thus Horace Danton’s bitter enemy met a tragic death. Harry and Dick soon came to know and Jove their father for the noble and kind-hearted parent he truly was. When little Dick ceased to take Rovgal’s ‘‘ medicine” his cough began to become less troublesome, and in time he grew to be a strong and héalthy Jad, Harry finally married ‘‘ the rea] Charlie Ross,” and lie made ber a devoted husband. But he did not turn out to be a great detective; he went - into a very different business, He said he was afraid he would spoil the record he had made on his first case. With the destruction of the road-agents there ceased to be necessity for the Regulators in White Water, and the organization was known To many the identity of Captain no more, Mute remained a mystery. Violet Vane left White Water cn the night of the wipe-out, never to return. unflower soon followed his example. THE END.
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* [| IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY OLL COOMES, 5& Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 27 Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knife, tie Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 58 The Border Kings or, The Secret Foe. 71 Delaware Dick, fhe Young Ranger Spy. 74 Hawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Roy Ranger. | 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 146 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 158 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Texas, the Young Mustanger, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit ih ow 152 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Prospect Pete; or, Tle Young Outlaw Hunters. 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disgulsed Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger, 260 DPare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. : 272 Minkekin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. : 409 Rercules; »r, Dick, the Boy Ranger. Al? Webfoot Moxe, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sum, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone, 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarxe Tom, the Big Trapper Boy, 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic, AS2 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer, 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance, or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia, BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8. Hall.) 284 Old Rocky # ** Boyees; or, Benito, tne Horse-Breaker 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Rango, 275 Arizona Jack { or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of feos) or, Giant George’s Revenge, 80? The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. 818 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo}; or, The Tarantula of Taos, S27 Oreeping Bat, the Caddo} or, The Red and White Pards, 882 Frio Fred: or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. B44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front, B57 The Ranch Raiders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger, 875 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Randera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. * 892 Romeo aud the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch. 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Dalay from Denver. 427 The Three Tratlera; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Bluff Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona, 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, 684 Cache Carl, the Chico Giart BY PHILIP 8. WARNE. 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Uaptatn Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game. 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Deapard, the Duelist; cr, The Mountain Vempires, 888 A Tough Boy; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. BIZ Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. 888 Little Oh-my or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shee Ely or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Tae thee Tivnushent or, Old Jumbo’s Curse, 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy = or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 tUappy Harry’s Big Find. 664 Oheeky Charley, the Special. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy, 199 Feathkerwelght the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartzville. R11 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp. 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortioniat: or, The Montana Vigilantes, BY JO PIERCE, 897 Rob o’ the Bowery: or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob's Boom, 452 Natapae Bob, the Street-Boy Detective, 460 The Lawyers Shadow 3 or, Luke’s Legacy. az Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 4 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Points Phil, 509 Jack Jagiwrera, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tims or. Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. Pe ej Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward, S41 Jeff Fitcker. the Stable Boy Detective. S51 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ren, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 5 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter. 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. &OR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlen Hummer. 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. €49 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger: or, Scooping a Sltppery Set. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. G38 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator. 694 &ypley Jim, the Only One of His Kind 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective. BY J. W. OSRON. 469 The Rival Glants of N 498 Cactus Burr, the Man fom! fe: Lack. 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. Bee Br dei cr: uy ti e ning’s 68 Plneks fon te tree. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79% Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. % New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hal/-Breed Detective, 5618 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Drend Rider; or, The Texan Duelist. 99 The Tiger of Taos; or, Dandy Rock’s Angel. 115 The Mad Miner; or, Dandy Rock’s Doom. 181 The Golden Mand; or, Dandy Rock to the Reseue, 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rival; or, The tiaunted Maid of Taos. BY CAPT. J. F. ©. ADAMS, 84 Oregon Sol; or, Nick Whiffies’s Boy Spy. 46 Glass-Eye, the Great Shot of the West. 54 Ned Hazel, the Boy Trapper. 56 Nick Whitfles’s Pet; or, In The Valley of Death. 60 The White Indian; or, The Scovt of the Yellowstone, 70 Old Zip’s Cabin; or, The Greenhorn in the Woods. 81 detesea late Jo, the Terror of the Prairie, 85 Buck Buckram ;¢ or, Bess, the Female Trapper, 247 Old Grizziy and His Pets; or, The Wild Huntre 251 Light-house Lige: or, Osceola, the Firebrand. 2 The Lost Huntera; or, The Underground Camp. 288 The Scalp King: or, The Human Thundervolt, RY ROGER STARBUOR. 25 The Boy Captain; or, The Pirate’s Daughter. 114 The Black Schooner; or, Jib Junk. the Old Tar.- 259 The Golden Harpoon; or, Lost Among the Floes. 848 Fire-Meela; or, Old Skinflint, the Death-Shadow, 854 Hig Horn Ike, the Hill Tramp; or, The Odd Pards, 8S6L The Phantom Licht-house, 870 Breaker Len, the Reef-Runner. BY WILLIAY R EYSTER, ° 190 Dandy Parke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Franky; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY C. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY GEORGE C. JENKS. 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknewn, 492 Git Thar Owncy’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 5St Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59S Flute, the Singer Detective. 608 The Pitcher Detective’s« Fol; or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detectives: or. The Last Cruise ofthe Black Boar, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U.S. A 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide, BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 7° ad Seer ae dgovy | 3 or, Five in One, $1 Dats) ware the Sport from Denver. 6ST Old tombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Spon. 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard, 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 66% Violet Vane’s victory, 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 692 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. 705 Violet Vane’s Vow; or, The Cratty Detective’s Craft. BY MAJOR E. L. 8T. VRAIN. 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 838 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Young Chamyion Wrestler, 871 inghelt Ohria, the Young Hard-Shel! Detective, 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountain Mail-Line. BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS, 6 BUl Biddon, Crepe. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. 10 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 21 ‘rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trey ray or, The Mountsin Monster. 288 Indian Joe; or, The White Spirit of the Hills. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso, 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp, 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HEMYNG. 89 Island Jim; or, The Pet of the ruaiie. 91 The Captain of the Club; or. The Rival Athletes. 101 Jack Narkaway in New York. BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cont, 806 Neck-Tie Ned: or, The Dug-Out Pards. Rapler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard: or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter: or, The Golden Gulch Mystery. 505 Powell’« Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. BY CAPTAIN FRED. WWITTAKER, Fr, mocerrg A King; or, Round the World. e , Leag ungle. $81 Tlack Nick, Sete tte) on 95 California Joe's War Trail. Roa BY JOSEPH E, BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent; or, ie Outlaw’s Retreat. 65 Hurricane Will; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard. 119 Mustang Sam ; or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-tiawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 1651 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Klack Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire witb Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The Barranca W olf; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse-Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fiat; or, ‘The Strange Guide y 855 The King of the Wooda: ‘or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trall, 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chincapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 677 Chineapin Dan’s Second Trall. 688 Chincapin Dan’s Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, 708 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Tweive Avengers, 66 Single Mand; or, A Life fora Life, 72 Mad Tom Western, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop, BY JACK FARRAGOUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. Il, D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Tratler: or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY COL, A, F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon. 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Littie Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods, B28 The Dandy sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator, 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective, 691 Headlight HMarry’s Haul. BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. {TS Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. S87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The lMelpless liands or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guldet? or, The Lost Mountain. "BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shote. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective. ; 542 The Canyon Pards, BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Pards. 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar’”” Man. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 6S8 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and wards or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocg. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiahy the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy. the Gypay Spy. the Bronctio Buster. ercules, | 699 Straple Sim, 712 The Mesmerist Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, { 4 The Wild-Horse Munters. By Capt. Mayne Reia and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 I! lustrations,) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 [tee Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan | wis. : | 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees. By 8S. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen, By F 8, Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rives; or, The Unde nd Camp. By A.C. Irons, | 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The booters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col, Hazeltine. , 98 Robin Hood, the Untlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. ‘ 112 The Mad Hunter; or, !heCave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Tippy, the Texans or, The Young Champion. By George eraon. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. f : 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. - 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy. By @. L. Aiken. 266 Killb’ar. the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s ked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Chf, By Captain Comstock. ‘ 817 Peacock Pete. the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy's Fight for Life and Honos, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 lied Ralph, the River Rover; or, The Brother’s Re- venge. By Ned Buotline,” £65 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris, 874 Gold-Dust Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match. G H. Morse. 876 Callfornia Jee’s First Trail, By Colone) Thomas Hoyer Monstery, 418 Billy Rombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F.S. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship, By John S Warner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinetblea, By Henry J. Thomas. U 582 The Cowboy Duke, By Edwin Brooke Forrest. 552 Artel the Athlete, By David Druid. x) 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Netective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton A New issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘s for sale by ail newadealers, five eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMB, Pu 98 William Street, New York, | /
Page 16
BEADLE'S«H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. Dick, the Prince of the Road. Diek’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal, Ben Dick in His Castle. Dick’s Bonanza; or, The . wantom Miner, Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. Dick on Deck; or. Calamity é ine, the Heroine. Dick’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. Dick in Leadville. Dick’s Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. Dick as Detective. Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Heme Base; or, Blonde Bill. Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road. Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. Dick’s Doom ; or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. Dick’s Dead Deal. Dick’s Death-Plant. Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tonghs, Dick’s Divide ; or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. Dick’s Death Trail. Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. Dick Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta, Dick’s Claim. Dick in Dead City. Dick’s Diamonds, Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” Dick’s Dust}; or, The Chained Hand. Dick, Jr. Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. Dick, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10. Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective. Dick. Jr., in Deadw ood. Jr.’s, Compact. Jr.’s, Inheritance, dr.’s, Diggings. Jr.’s, Deliverance. Jr.'s, Protegee. yd eree Dect : ra, Danger Ducka. Jr.’*) Death Hunt. Jr., in Texas, 544 Deadwood Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Mis Mettle, 554 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Dead d Dick, Jr., in Boston, Deadwoed Dick, Jr., in Philadefphia. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deeree. Deadweod Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, Deadweed Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Ne Man's Land. 686 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., After the Queer. $45 Deadwood Mick; Jr.'s, Chase Acr ead wo ek, dr.’s, Chase Acress the Continent 654 Deadweod Dick, Jr., Ameng the Smugglers. 660 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’s, Inaurance Case. Deadweod Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Deadwoed Dick, Jr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Deadwoed Pick, Jr.’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune. 684 Deadweed Dick, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadweed Pick, Jr.'s, Drep. 764 Deadweed Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadweod Dick, Jr., in San Francisce, 716 Deadwoed Bick, Jr.’s, Still Hant. T22 Deadweoed Diek, Jr.'s, Dominoes. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler, 26 Cloven Moef, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woelf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old pvnlenaney or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludaeoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn BIIl; or, The Red Rifle Team 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 18 Jaek Hoyle the Young Speculator, 17 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 21 Cinnamon Chip», the Girl Sport. 25 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 88 Bossa Kob the King of Boothlacks, 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 1 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 7 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 1 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, 9 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The bia pei on Hanter. 226 Snoozer, the Buy Sharp: or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BI, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Giadiator. 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 253 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel o! Big Vista. 2558 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol: or. The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll , the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 285 Denver Doll's 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 Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Wickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 880 Little Qufck-Shot 12% The Dead Face of Daggeraville, B84 Kangaroe Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 78 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 82 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Vreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Bens or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 804 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. a6 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 1 Deadwood 20 Deadwood 28 Deadwood 85 Deadwood 42 Deadwood 49 Deadwood 57 Deadwood 73 Deadwood 77 Deadwood 100 Deadwood 104 Deadwood 109 Deadwood 129 Deadwood 188 Deadweod 149 Deadwood 156 Deadwood 195 Deadwood 201 Deadwood 205 Deadwood 217 Deadwood 221 Deadweod 282 Gold-Duat 268 Deadwood 268 Deadweod 809 Deadwood B21 Deadweod 847 Deadwood 851 Deadwood 862 Deadwood 405 Deadwood 410 Deadwood 421 Deadwood 480 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 448 Deadwood 458 Deadwood 459 Deadwood 465 Deadwood 471 Deadwood 476 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwooa Deadweod & Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood ee DNS 2 at at et = Sam Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy tive, 484 Jim Beek and Pal, Private ves, 3 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 7? The Flying Yankee}; or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht, 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The 2 pman’s Legacy. 116 The Hussar Captam 3 or, The Hermit of Hell Gate, 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Danghter. 204 Gold Plame; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider. 216 Bisen Bll, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butfalo Bill’s Pluck, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer, 229 Orimson Kate; or, The Cowboy’s Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. & Merle, the Middy ; or, The Freelance Heir. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating F eather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Crulse; or, “ The Gold Ship ” Chase, 250 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marauder; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 287 Lilly 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. The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, Bonodel, the Buy Revery; or, The Flagless Schooner, The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. Warpath WII, the Boy Phantoui. 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant. 402 Isodor, the Young Consptrator; or, The Fatal League, 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. The Wild Yachtaman; or, The War-Cloud’s Cruise. Dunean Dare, the Boy Refugee. A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. The Sea Ralder. 441 The Ocean Firefly; or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 446 Haphazard Harry; or, Tne Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard WitiIl: or. Tike Boy Ferre: of New York. 454 Wizard WIIl’« Street Scouts 462 The Born Gulde?: or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. Floras or, Wizard Will's Vagabond Pard, Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case, 87 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kancer 495 Arizona dee the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys 508 The Royal Middy 3 or, The Shark and the Ses Ca 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 511 The Outlawed Middy. 520 Buckskin BIL, the Comanche Shadow, 525 Brothers in Buékskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Buc skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lalitte’« Legacy: or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen. 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, tiie Youxg 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 Hercules Highwayman. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy's Man Hunt. 662 Batterfly Billy’ Bonanza. 668 The Buecancer Mid«hipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Royer. 679 The Sea Shadower: or. The Freevroter’s Legacy. 686 Orlanda, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern. the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Scarlet Sembrero; or, The Sharp from Texas. 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket Tet The Red 487 BY BUFFAL# BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody) 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Witecs Secut. 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 Wardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune ete ; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick ; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 4147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Reaa, Wil) Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. 165 Billy B age, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Card; or, Wil! Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 The Widden Hands or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Bov; cr, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Reckett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life, 206 Dark Pant, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. 220 Tom Tanner}; or, The Biack Sheep of the Flock, 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago, 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored,. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City. $24 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Leveler; or. The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invinetble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 ily Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 501 Hees athe Treg rr T for the Sh: oota, the Rey Fireman or, Too Sharp the Sharper, b86 The Secret Service Roy Detective, 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 7 Tom Bruce of Arkanaaa: or, The Wolf in the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Reb and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Ourbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. Sombrere Rangers; or, Redforn’s Last Trail . BY J, 0. COWDRICK, 860 Stiren- een the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, Cibuta Jonkn; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, Broadway Billy’s Boodle. The Engineer Detective. Broadway Billy’s ‘ Diflikilty.” Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer. 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William 0’ Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. Barebsek Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, ? Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. Moonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Baz, « Broadway Billy Abroad. Broadway Billy’s Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, Broadway Billy in Clover. Broadway Billy in Texas. Broadway Biily’« Brand. Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. BY T. ©. HARBAUGH, Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 76. The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl: Hunter. 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trati. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch, Jr. or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw ; or, The Queen ot Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullets; or, Little Tovknot’s Crasade. 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Rill Bravo: or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apolic, tne King-Pin of Bowie. 267 The Kuckekin Petective, 279 Old Winch or, The Buckskin Desperadoos, 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopn. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bally, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona. 826 The Ten Parda; or, The Terror of Take-Notive. 886 Ri¢e Benson; or, The Queen of the Lacao, 845 Pitilesa Matt; ov, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret. 856 Cool Sam and Par’; o> The Terrible Six. B66 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlasa; or, he B ccaneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob} or, The I win Champlons of Blue Blazes. 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Fla«h, the New Yerk Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar. 470 The Boy Shadow: or, Felix Fox's Hunt. 477 The Exceisior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Bight, the One-Eyed Sport, 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret.” 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dedge. prt Fox and Falcon, _ fa boot Shadews. Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 hosuer Dick’s Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodcer Dick’« Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Diek. the Boy Vidoeq. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, 626 The Champion Pardes. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. * 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beacle. 4 671 Jersey Jed, the Roy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Huah, the Bov Musician Detective. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen, By Col, Prentise Ingraham. Old Misery, the Man from Missouri; or, The Mystery of the Mountain League. By Wm. G. Patten. Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret; or, Caging the Cormorants, By T. C. Harbangh. Deadwood Pick, Jr.'s, Still Hunts or, The Second Round in San Francisco, By Edward L. Wheeler. 717 Mosauito Jack, the Hustler Gamin; or, Moveon Mike’s Grand Catch, By Jo Pierce. 718 Light-Heart Lute’« Last Trail; or, The Gold Crater’s Secret. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. Pawnee Bill’« Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Broadway Billy’« Full Wand; or, The Gamin Detec- tive’s Double Snap at Santa Fe. By J. C, Cowdrick. Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pase. By Will Lisenbee. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes: or, The Rival Camps of the Northern Border. By Edward L. Wheeler, 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone; or, The Border Bengle’s Secret Mission. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 724 Violet Vane’a Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out at White Water. By William G, Patten. 725 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 726 Dennia Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid; or, The Covers and Blinds of Gotham. By Jo Pierce, 28 718 714 715 716 722 Ready June 25. 27 Neadlight Harry’s Stren; or, Mad Madge, the Outlaw Queen. By Col. A. F. Holt. Ready June 30. 728 Peadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Diaguiser or, Ivan, the Man of Iron, By Edward L, Wheeler. Ready July 1. A New Issue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library !s for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of srx cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.