Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 734) (1891 08 18)
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PS plafaliaatalalallalinl “2 - = Sen ‘ey & ut ‘Yn eee ane | (| Hellenic! elilen Man ellen nlp p asi i. I eet . Je Dm S | H Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office, _August 18, 1891. a $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY DEADIA AN D ADAM “ap ee Price: Lt Ay SERTI No. 734. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STR@KT) RAW YORK, “| wg 5 Cents. Vol, XXTX, cae \ : / iN | Z | Ns 4 , _ \ SSS i Y sit: He is / CY mt uf P “N) TA | Mite) | UY iat it} Waly Wy Wie UN: i et Nf Wilt Yj, = { ATS \\wall) Ne \\ \ \ \ \V NRO TTR Poss SSN DAN Hi | | 2 ‘ \ \\ GOA iq nih NCO NANA HTH AA il HiT) HHH OR, [-avonnd Surpe Cc The All-around Surprise. |) 7 Cy A Romance of the Rout at Red Rock Camp. | Hg : SSN Udy, | ip 7 Vi . \\') y \ " , y, YY Vp WW Pe, AS (ZA PY, \' ANN \y ; | if Ma : SS NS S) y ye C HATA HA TT yi HAN | | BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘“‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ETC. CHAPTER L RATHER ROUGH ON NUMBER TWO, Srcunpus Po stopped short with a gasp and rubbed his watery eyes. “ve got’em!” he screamed. ‘I’ve got ’em! Tve got ’ém! I thought I was proof ergainst ’em, but I’ve got ’em at last!” It was early morning at Red Rock Camp. Secundus Po, better known as ‘‘ Number Two,” DEADWOOD DICK STOOD SILENT AND SMILING. THE HERCULEAN FIRE-EATER GOT had just been over to the Hard Luck Saloon, and DOWN UPON HIS KNEES AND GROVELED BEFORE HIM!
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2 was on his way back to his cabin to get some- thing less important in the way of breakfast. He bad covered about half the distance from the saloon to his humble abode, when suddenly, right in bis path, reared up some five or six monstrous snakes of differjng kinds, each with a glittering collar around its neck, and these col- lars armed with pointed golden spikes! It was something well calculated to cbill the heart of any mortal, With heads up, mouths wide open and their forked tongues playing in and out hideously, and their spiked collars flashing in the sunlight, it was almost enough to paralyze the bravest man, at first blush. But, Secundus Po looked upon it, and not without good reason, as a manifestation of that form of delirium tremens vulgarly known as ‘‘ snakes in the boots,” Secundus was a hard drinker, The last thing ‘at night, and the first thing in the morning, with him, was a dose of his self-styled ‘‘ elixir of life.’ The ‘“leaven of death” would have been a far more fitting name, and especially for such vile stuff as was to be had at Red Rock. And it had been his boast, all along, that notb- ing that was ever made could make him see snakes. He was copper lined, he declared, and it could not have any baneful effect upon a stomach such as his. But, here be was, on this bright morning when he had least looked for it, suffering with ** snakes” of the worst sort! ‘“Whoop!” he screamed, as the largest of the monsters twined around his leg and began to climb up. Whoooop! Satan, call off yer imps— call’em off, Isay! Waughh!” as another went for his other leg and began to ascend, ‘I’ve got ’em! Dve got’em atlast, and no mistake, Vhoop! Yow—ow—woughh !” His screams of wild terror soon brought men out upon the street. ‘What in ther nick ails Number Two?” questioned one, ‘*He hollers that he’s got’em,” another re- sponded. ‘¢'Yas, an’ by darn he has, too!” exclaimed yet another, who was nearer to the scene. ‘‘ He’s got ’em, or J have!” ‘*What ther durnation be et, anyhow?” ques- tioned the first speaker, ‘* Looks like he’s in ther grasp of a ten-legged monster, from hyar.” “Et ar’ real snakes, that’s what et ar’!” cried the man nearest the unfortunate Secundus. “Come on, boyees, or ther infernal things will eat bim up. Look at ther varmints, will yer! This man started on a run, and others follow- ed his lead from every direction, every one eager to learn what was the trouble so early in the morning. Secundus Po was still screaming and yelling his loudest. More of the snakes were on him now, and the largest of them all had mounted to his shoulders, where, with one cold coil around his neck, it was looking him in the face with mouth wide open and tongue darting and quivering. : [ll never touch another drop—never, never, never!” the poor victim screamed, ‘Onl let me go this oncet, Mister Devil, an’’ you'll never have ’casion ter call fer me ergain! Don’t swoller me—don’t, dowt! Ill swear off right here an’ now, if you'll only let me go! Don’t put yer face so close! I can’t stand it—I can’t, I cat! Help! Help! Help! Oh! fer ther luy ©’ goodness, somebody come an’ take ’em off, Whoop! Oooo—” 5 And with that he went off into a series of shrieks that sets description in type at defiance, About that time the foremost came up to where he was, and stared at him with bulging eyes. Nothing like this had they ever seen be- fore, There was poor Number Two, fast in the em- brace of at least six huge snakes, each of which was armed with the collar of the golden spikes. They were around his legs, his arms and his neck, and he was powerless. The man was almost frightened to death, His hat was off, his dank red bair was on end, per- spiration was streaming down his face, and he was screaming to the full limit of his lung pow- er. It was clear that he believed he had been sent for and that he would have to go, Fis was the effect upon the others any the less striking. There they stood, ase staring and mouths agape, looking helplessly on while their comrade struggled vainly with his hideous foes. “Can't yer take ’em off?” he frantically ap- — ‘If yer can’t, I’m gone, that’s a sure hing. Oh! ga me, Mister JDevil, spare me this oncet, an’ I'll turn sky-pilot if yer wants 1 to, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. Such a promise as this, from such a man, caused some in the crowd to snicker, ‘* Et ain’t no laftin’ matter,” averred one. “I believe et ar’ ther devil an’ his imps come fer poor Po, Ive heerd tell o’ sich things.” ‘* er ther luv o’ goodness don’t let him take me!” the victim screamed, ‘*Git a Bible, if thar’s one in ther camp, an’ open et at him! Do a ny anything! Cam’t yer git ’em off? ‘*T opine they’s rale snakes,” one man ven- tured, ‘*T tells yer they hain’t!” disputed the super- stitious first speaker. ‘‘See ther spiked collars they bas got on, will yer? ‘Sides, who ever heerd tell o' sech snakes as them, in these parts? I tell yer it’s ther devil, an’ my opine is that it’s all up with Number Two.” Upon hearing this, Mr. Po yelled the louder. Never in its history had Red Rock Camp seen anything to equal this, The continued shouting and screaming had by this time brought out every man in the camp. And in the crowd were drinkers who looked upon the affair with every sort of emotion. Some with superstitious fear, others with abject horror and terror, otbers still with grim amuse- ment. Said one man: “Good- by, Number Two! below!” ‘““Yer has got ’em at last, has yer, old man?” from another. ‘‘ Ther devil seems to know his own,” And those all around the poor fellow volun- teered jests of that sort, but no one offered to de- liver him out of bis trouble. To tell the truth, not one there but was afraid, and not one would have reached out a hand to touch the hideous things for a hundred dollars, so it was in vain the victim called. ‘‘T wonder ef a feller could kill a snake, an’ not harm ther poor cuss?’ one man suggested, drawing his revolver. You is wanted . * Don’t you try et, anyhow,” another cau- tioned, ‘* You couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.” ** And don’t shoot, anyhow,” cried the indi- vidual who was so superstitious. ‘‘Ef yer do, ther king snake is likely ter bring a host of his imps an’ scoop ther hull camp.” he victim was getting desperate. The snakes had him helplessly fast in their embrace, and no less than three of them were waving their hor- rible heads before his face, though as yet none of them had offered to bite. His torture was get- ting to be unbearable. ‘Kill em!” he cried. ‘‘ Kill’em! Shoot ’em! —knife ’em! Do anything ter git me out of their power, I don’t keer what et ar’.” But that was just it. No one in the crowd knew what to do, and three or four minutes had now elapsed. Secundus Po was getting so weak that he could hardly stand, and was faint with his shouting. ‘Et ar’ plain thet somethin’ hev got ter be did,” finally declared one Hiram Hawkins. ‘Ther snakes ar’ real enough, boyees, no matter whar they comed from. e must tackle ’em with our knives, that’s all. We can’t see Number Two chawed up by ’em, an’ not try ter do anything,” Several agreed with him, and knives were drawn. ‘Ver is welcome ter do et, ef yer want to,” cried the superstitious man, ‘‘ but I wants no hand in et meself, b’gum!” Mr. Hawkins and his backers were advancing to the attack, and there would soon have been a lively fight, perhaps, but at that moment a woman’s voice checked them. ‘Stop, sirs! Stop, stop /” was the cry. There was a pause, and all looked around, to find running toward them a young and pretty err who had come into the camp on the previous night, “Hal” exclaimed Hiram Hawkins. ‘ This hyar explains et, fellers. These is what she bad in ther iron trunk!” ** Don’t, pray don’t kill my pets!” the girl cried, “They got out of the room, somehow, while I was asleep, Don’t harm them, and I will reseue the man all right.” ‘“‘Fer ther luv 0’ goodness do et,” cried Mr. Po. “Git ther cussed things off o’ me jest ez soon ez ye kin. I thort et was ther delirium Caeeahi, but I mought ’a’ knowed et couldn’t “ I reckons yer wouldn’t want ter have ’em any more tremenjus, would yer?” inquired Hawkins. | ‘Then ain’t et ther devil an’ bis gang?” queried the superstitious man, who now turned back. “No more’n you is,” assured Hawkins. regain his composure. On the previous evening this young woman had come into the camp by the stage from the west. She had with her an iron trunk, large and moderately Roane in which she said she had some pet animals, There were holes in the trunk to admit air, but these were so arranged tbat nothing could be seen inside, She had not given any explanation further, and no one bad for a moment suspected that the “animals” were snakes. The trunk had been carried to her room in the hotel—the ‘‘ Red Rock Roost,” and little had been thought about it afterward. She had registered as ‘* Mile, Laure,” As she spoke, now, she advanced toward Se- cundus, holding out her arms and speaking to the snakes, and immediately their heads were turned toward her. She stepped nearer, and gradually they un- folded themselve from around the innocent vic- tim of an unintended joke, twining their way over ber arms to her neck and shoulders, where finally they all nestled. ‘‘Fortunately they have not harmed you, sir,” she then spoke pleasantly to the trembling Po. ‘If you will pardon me, I will say that it must have been the smell of whisky about you that drew them to you. It is something they are exceedingly fond of, and that no doubt saved your life. They are deadly, except two.” ‘* Wer ther luv o’ goodness don’t let ’em git out ergain,” the victim begged. ‘ Et ar’ hard on ther narves, an’ I’m tellin’ ye. I thort it was snakes in ther boots, though ef I hed thort et over calmly—which I couldn’t—I would ’a’ knowed that was onpossible, fer snakes in ther boots is never goin’ ter trouble me, Reckon I'll have ter go an’ take another dose o’ elixir.” And off in the direction of the Hard Lack be started, mopping his face and trying hard to Never had he had a wo1se scare, And the young woman, after some further words of explanation to the crowd, returned to the hotel, carrying her ‘‘ pets ” with her, It was then that the crowd broke intoa laugh, and enjoyed to the full the rare joke. CHAPTER: II. ‘ ONLY A PASSENGER, BUT— THE afternoon stage for Red Rock Camp was “humping” along toward its destination at apn unusual gait, It was unusual in more respects than one. First, it was doing more than common in the way of speed, and then it was veering in and out occasionally, in a very erratic manner. And the cause of it all was discoverable in the fact that the driver, one Mohammed Bijukes, had a little more of the Indian’s “ fire-water” aboard than he could conveniently absorb, with- out permitting it to go to his brain in the usual way; and that ‘little more” was doing its work for him. There were several passengers aboard, two of whom were women, Two or three times these women had become frightened, when the stage had run along for the space of arod or so on two wheels, in rounding ebrupt curves, and some protest had been made, Finally it was evident that the driver was getting too reckless for the safety of the old hearse, and the passengers it carried, and one man inside put in a more than usually strong protest. Poking his head out at the top of the door, he called out: ‘** Hello, driver!” _**Wull, hello!” was the response, “You seem to forget that you have ladies aboard.” 3 ““Fergit nothin’!” was the retort. ‘I know what I’m doin’, ‘You're only a passenger this trip so you keep still.” “ But [ must protest,” the man urged. “ You are likely to upset us, and this is a trail that needs careful driving, if 1am any judge, You want to use more care, and see that you do it.” ‘“Wull, durn your imperdence!” the driver shouted, leaning over and looking back, at the same time drawing rather bard on one line. “Say, who is drivin’ this hyar old hack, you or me? Ef it’s me, I want ter do et, an’ no help is wanted from passengers.” At that instant a hub scraped along the rocky wall that bordered one side of the trail just here, the effect of the tight line. , With oaths the driver wheeled in his seat, muttering something about passengers having too much to say about what didn’t concern” them, and he gave a jerk on the other line. This had the effect to veer the stage over to that side, where it came within six inches of toppling over the edge and plunging down into
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—— a deep gulch—rather fissure—which bounded the narrow trail on that side. It was a close call, and the wonder was that it did not result seri- ously, The women screamed, and the man within ut- tered an imprecation, ** Comes o’ durn passengers tryin’ ter run ther hearse!” growled the driver, jerking and saw- ing at the reins to excuse himself from the fault, ‘* Passengers what don’t know ernough ter be passengers an’ nothin’ else, orter stay ter home, ray When Mohammed Bijukes wants help ter drive, then he'll give up stage-drivin’ an’ go ter drivin’ hogs ter swill.” Having got the horses in the middle of the trail once more, he managed to keep them there for a time, and it is at this interval that we, so to say, get aboard. The horses had by this time become excited, and were quite irritable, smarting as they were under too frequent applications of the black- snake, and it would require but little to madden them. If anything, the trail continued to grow worse instead of better, and the women inside began to grow more and more nervous, thougb just now everything was worl:ing fairly well, it being on a ea stretch bounded by two walls where it could hardly be otherwise. Suddenly, and without any reason, so far as could be discovered, the driver applied his whip with full vigor, and with wild snorts the horses sprung into a run. At this the man inside, the one who had pro- tested before, rose with a grim expression of face that spoke of firm resolve. With a word of encouragement to the women, he opened the upper half of the door and reached out, It'was done quietly, and gradually, his hands having laid hold upon the rail on top, he drew himself out of the stage, and finally his heels dis- appeared from the view of those within, There were already two on top besides the driver, One of these was a Chinaman, and the other a red-shirted miner, and both were clinging to the rail for dear life, pale and anxious, They eyed the new-comer from within with something of amazement, and the miner would have spoken had not a cautioning look warned bim to keep still. They were instinctively aware that something was going to happen. Once on top, the passenger from within looked around, taking in everything, and. evidently calculating chances. Ahead, and not a great distance ahead, either, the trail seemed suddenly to end. Tbere was a gap, and nothing beyond but a stretch of sky and distant hills, And whether the trail there turned to right or left, or went straight on at a rapid incline, could not be told, ut one thing wassure: Danger—death—was ahead there, unless another band got control of the reins," ‘We're goin’ around ther Giant’s Knuckle on a hell bender!” the driver was at that moment shouting, as he applied the whip, ‘ We're goin’ around on ther left hind wheel, with all ther others spinnin’ clear! I'll show ther tenderfoot passengers who's runnin’ this hyar hearse! Scar’ em clear out of their wits this hyar time, or my pame ain’t—” j He was suddenly interrupted, His words had given the daring passenger the cue as to the direction of the trail beyond the pass. 2 ‘ Reaching forward, this personage laid hands suddenly upon his shoulders, and with a single jerk, landed him on top on the flat of his back, It was the work of a second, and in that second was included the snapping of a pair of handcuffs upon his wrists. ‘*Hold him, you two!” the passenger directed the miner and the Chinaman. The order was sharp and stern, and the pair obeyed without thought or question. The driver struggled, in vain, but without waiting to see anything of that, the passenger from inside sprung to the box, thence to the pole, and was immediately upon the back of the near horse, — It was his only course, since now the reins were dragging, and the end of the pass was at and. With hands upon the check-reins he spoke com- mandingly yet soothingly to the animals, trying to stop their mad rush, but it looked as though his efforts would bein vain. Out through the gate of the pass they plunged, and it had to be quick and determined work to catch the direction of the trail and guide them. But, having the cue fromthe drunken driver's words, it was a degree easier, With determined grasp, with a strength that showed muscles of steel, and with constant sootb- ing and yet commanding words, the maddened horses were drawn to the left, and the stage went on two wheels for a considerable distance, almost threatening to go over, once or twice. But it settled down again, and then for a quar- ter of a mile there was a dead stretch of trail so narrow that it was hardly safe even at a walk, and on either side was a deep abyss. Down this trail the horses plunged, but now upder more contro], and it was not until some distance beyond it that they were checked and finally stopped. In the mean time the drunken driver had been overcome, and the miner was gagging him with the butt of a revolver to stop his shouting. ‘* By ther Harry, young pard,” the miner now cried, ‘‘ but I thort thet ’ar war a ride to ther death!” ‘*T had some thoughts that way myself,” was the smiling response, ‘‘and so it would have been, too, if we had left it to that -miserable wretch. He ought to be debarred from ever mounting the box again,” “Yer isright in sayin’ that. But, what is you goin’ ter do with him?” ** We'll keep him right where he is, and I will do the driving the rest of the way.” ‘But, yer don’t know ther trail, does yer?” “No; but 1 guess itis plain enough, and we'll let the horses take their own direction if we come to a fork,” While speaking, the younger man was gather- ing up the dusty lines and making sure that everything was all right, while he petted and caressed the trembling animals to inspire them with confidence again. Finally he mounted the box, and the stage moved on. “Shell I take this hyar gun eut of ther cuss’s mouth?” the miner asked, ** Yes, if he will keep bis bead shut. If he don’t, then you can clapitin again, We have had enough of his idiotic work.” The butt of the pistol was removed, and as soon as the ex-driver could clear his throat, for he had almost strangled while so uncomfortably gagged, he hastened to demand: : ‘Say, young feller, who be you, anyhow?” ‘** Oh, I’m only a passenger,” was the easy re- sponse, ‘* Waal, yer bas got gall enough fer a stage- load, that is all I have got ter say erbout ye.” “That is letting me off easy, Didn't know but you would be thirsting for my blood, seeing that I have dethroned you. bat were you thinking about, anyhow? You would have plunged off to certain death.” ‘*Haw! haw! Yer don’t know Moham Bijukes, oung feller. I could ’a’ tooken ther old cheese- OX around thar on one hind wheel, I’m a-tellin’ e. ‘Well, I didn’t feel like taking the risk, and, besides, ] know you couldn’t have done it, The horses were out of your control, It took all my muscle to keep them to the road,” ** Much muscle you’ve got!” in contempt. ** Well, we will not argue the case, my friend. I'll be driver for the rest of the way, if you pre. and you can play passenger, If you eep orderly it will be all right with you. If not, then you'll be gagged again.” In a way that proved he was no greenhorn tbe young man drove along, the horses under full control, and confidence restored among the passengers. And now, who and what was this passenger who had played so daring and impor- tant a role? There is something about him that is familiar. We look again, and more searchingly. He is a man of medium size, apparently about thirty years of age, good-looking, with piercing black eyes and graceful mustache— Surely we ought to know him. Ha! without disguise who could mistake him? It was the redoubtable Richard—our own Deadwood Dick, Jr, CHAPTER III. BIJUKES SEEKS SATISFACTION, Rep Rock Camp was enjoying a boom, With one mining company already planted there, another rich strike bad recently been made and another company was just beginning operations, eace and prosperity seemed to hover over the place, but all was not as peaceful as ap- on the surface. There was a rivalry between the two companies that was not pleas- ant. The old company, jealous of the new, was making its road as rough as possible. The mines were close together, and while there Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 3: had been no actual outbreak, it was not by any means unlikely that one might come at any time, When the stage rolled into the camp, on this afternoon, it found the usual crowd awaiting its arrival at the hotel, This crowd indicated to the new driver where to stop, and with a crack of the whip and a flourish he brought the old *‘ hearse” up in about the right spot, in true Jehu style, Before the stage had come anywhere near to a stop, however, the absence of the regular driver from the box was noticed, and com- ments were being freely made as to what had brought about the change, And who could the new driver be? His face had never been seen there before, “ Here we are, citizens!” Dick called out, as he threw down the ribbons. ‘‘ But whar’s Mobammed Bijukes?” was eager~ ‘ ly demanded, ‘*Oh, he’s a passenger this trip.” ** He ain’t dead!” ** Ner sick!” ‘Neither, my friends. He is simply suffering from too much jig-water, and we had to lay him out, that’s all.” ** But he ain’t laid out fer keeps, an’ ye kin bet yer life on’t!” the driver cried, now sitting up on top of the stage. “Kit ar’ my turn ter laugh now, me boyee.” This to Dick. “Very well, sir, laugh all you want to, if you have got anything to laugh about,” Dick invited, “If there’s anything that tickles you, go right abead and laugh just as loud and long as you want to.” ‘* But et won’t be no laffin’ matter fer you, me bhunkey, at ther same time.” “Tt won’t, eh? Well, let’s wait till the - sengers get out, and then we'll see about that. You stay where you are for the present.” And it looked as though Mr. Bijukes would have to, The door of the stage had opened, and the two women mentioned got out. One was a young woman of neat appearance, clad in a very ser- viceable flannel, The other was evidently much older, judging by ber movements. She was clad in black and her face was vailed, Looking about her with keen eye, the young woman took the elder by the arm and led her in the direction of the hotel, saying nothing to any- ody. After them came a portly, well dressed man, who, as soon as he set his foot on solid ground, exclaimed: “Thank the Lord!” “What fer, sir?’ queried the miner who had just got down from on top, ‘* What for! Why for bringing us here with whole necks, of course,” “Oh! Well, U kin voice ther same sentymint, stranger, but I must add to et, I say—Bless the Lord—and this byer young man!” **Oh, don’t count me in it,” protested Dick. ‘“*T was only a passenger, you know, and I sup- prey I was only the humble instrument anybow. can echo the same sentiment myself,” The passengers all out, and the mail and other things having been secured, it only remained to get the driver down from the top. And it was now that the crowd was becoming eager for a full explanation of the whole matter, and the miner took it upon himself to tell what had been done, not failing to give Dick all credit, ** An’ et war alla rank humbug game!” cried Mr, Bijukes. ‘Jest ez if I couldn’t managed ther old hearse. But, Pll take et out’n his hide, jest ez soon as I git down thar and git my hands free, an’ you see’f I don’t, I don’t “low no passenger ter bounce me off’n my'box, you bet!” “You had to allow it that time, anyhow, my friend,” remarked Dick. ‘Don’t yer call me yer friend!” was the cry. “I’m yer p’izen enemy, an’ don’t ye fergit it.” “Ob, well, a man is bound to have enemies, I suppose, But I don’t hold any grudge against you, so I'll get up there and free your hands and you can get down, Idon’t want any trouble with you, however,” ‘‘No, I opine not. Waal, you jest sot my hands free, an’ we'll see,” “ Allright, kere you are,” With that, Dick sprung up, and in a moment the handcuffs were off and out of wet. As soon as he had freed the man, Dick sprung ‘back to the ground to be ready for whatever was to net f The driver got his legs over the side with care, gk ames being well aware that they were not to trusted too far, and carefully let himself own, SS ee
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4 _ Deadwood Dick, Jr,’s, Double Deal. Once upon the ground, then he stretched him- self, and cried: ‘Now then, passenger, et ar’ you an’ me ter settle this hyar thing. You has done me a in- sult what nothin’ but a lickin’ will square, an’ that’s what I’ve got to have.” ‘* Well, that’s what you may get, if you insist upon it.” “i meant ter say that’s what I’ve got ter give ? **Oh, well, it don’t make any difference what you meant tosay. It is all the same in Dutch.” ‘¢ Well see whether et ar’ or not, You jest come hyar till I dub ye one on ther snoot, an see how that will set on yer stummick. Don’t ye run off, now, or et wull be ther wuss fer ye,” ‘¢ Oh, I’m not running, never fear,” said Dick, ** But I don’t want to fight with you now: you're drunk,” “ Drunk, be I?” ‘“ Drurk as a fiddler,” ‘¢ Waal, all ther more reason why I’m goin’ ter wollop ye. Ef I was sober I’d not be in half ther trim I’m in now, I’m fight all over, an’ et has got ter be worked off somehow, sure pop.” ‘You had better take care of your horses, and let it drop,” “ Skart, be ye” ** Hardly.” ‘Yer act so.” ‘“*m willing to have you think I am, rather than fight you.” ‘* Haven’t ther. least doubt erbout et, me honey. But yer has got ter fight. D’yer hear that? Yer has got ter fight. So peel yerself.” ‘Oh, that’s too much trouble,” carelessly. “Tf you must have it settled in that way, wade in, {’m willing to let you undeceive yourself, if you are so determined,” : Needless to say that the crowd was interested. Bijukes was known as something of a fighter, when sober, and this man did not appear equal to him in strength,.at a glance, But he was certainly not afraid. ** Waal, hyar I come,” Bijukes warned. With that he put up his big arms, with the fists doubled up like hams in appearance. ‘Come right along and have it over with,” Dick invited. ‘‘I don’t feel like standing here long, after that tiresome ride.” ‘* An’ yer will feel a heap less like et, in er- bout one minnit. Jest let me paste yer oncet on ther snoot, an’ you'll have a pet ter nurse all night, You kin bet ye will,” and then he sent in a blow, which, bowever, was brushed aside with all ease imaginable. Another blow followed, with the same effect. And so with every blow, though they came thick and fast. The crowd around began to see what manner of man this stranger was, now, and urged the enraged driver to exert himself a little and make one blow tell. But it was impossible, Dick did not offer to strike back; he simply kept the man from hitting him, And so it last- ed for several minutes, or, in fact, until the driver was out of breath and was forced to stop. ‘¢ Well, are you satisfied?” Dick demanded, ‘‘Naw!” was the snort, ‘‘I’m goin’ fer ye ergain in a minnit.” * It’s no use. You can’t fight, and never could, Besides, km are tired out now. You had better draw out,” ‘“* Nary a draw out, till I’m knocked out!” * All right, just as you please.” “Sarve him right ter paste him, mister,” some one suggested, Dick smiled in a grim way, and waited. Presently the fellow came for him again, with all the force and fury he could command; but he might as well have attacked a fort, single- handed, Deadwood Dick stood like a rock, and blow after blow was turned off with ready skill and grace, But finally, evidently tired of fooling with the fellow, Dick took him in hand. Knocking aside his flying arms, the detective caught his shoulder, whirled him around, laid hold upon him by his neck and waistband, and with so little effort that it seemed the easiest thing in the world, lifted him bodily and fired into him the open door of the stage. “There,” he said, closiog the door upon him, ‘drive him around to the stables and let him cool off. Maybe he will be in his right mind by to-morrow.” The crowd gavea cheer, and the stage was led away, with the driver within, bellowing like a bullwhacker. “Stranger, we don’t know who you is, but ou is ther king-pin o’ this hyar camp, an’ I’m ttin’ rocks on et!” It was one of the hilarious crowd who spoke. ; **Qh, no, I’m only a passenger,” smiled Dick, ‘*But, anybody could have dons the same with tbatdrunken Jehu. He will feel better in the morning. And now for supper and rest.” And so saying, he made his way out of the cheering crowd, and entered the hotel, where he ec as Peter M, Prichards, from Walla alla, CHAPTER IV, HIGH-STEPPER HIPE, In the mean time the two women who had come by the stage had registered, as had also the man who has been mentioned as portly and well dressed, The younger of the two women had entered the bar-room boldly, and made inquiries for lodging and board, and had registered for both. The name she set down was: ‘‘ Hannah Hawson, and daughter.” She let fall the explanation that she was the daughter, and that her mother was a widow. Further than that she offered nothing, simply saying they probably would remain several days. Sbe engaged the best room the humble hostelry afforded, and they immediately with- drew to it. The man, who registered afterward, set him- self down as Rupert Whitman, He had little to say of himself, further than that he was on the lookout for mining oppor- tunities, Deadwood Dick glanced at these names, after inseribing his own, but whether for informa- tion or out of idle curiosity would have been hard to tell. As he turned away from the bar he was con- fronted by Secundus Po, ‘‘ Most highly respected sir,” that individual began, with a bow and a scrape, ‘‘may I have the honor of shaking hands with you?” Deadwood Dick looked at him searchingly, and read him for what he was, His weak, watery eyes, his dank, alcoholic hair and beard, and his appearance, as a whole, told his story. He had recovered from his snake scare, and quite evidently had forgotten all about his re- solve to forswear strong drink, ‘* Upon what grounds do you claim the privi- lege?” Dick inquired, ‘*'You have done me the greatest favor imag- inable, sir.” **T am not aware of it, if I have, What was 1t?” ‘* First let me have the honor I crave, sir, the honor of grasping the hand that did the business for Mohammed Bijukes, and I will tell you my bat ‘* Well, here it is; shake it to your heart’s con- tent if it will be any satisfaction to you,” and Dick extended bis hand. Secundus seized it and pressed it warmly. “*This does me good!” he cried, ‘* This is the hand that tamed Bijukes, a thing I have been wantin’ ter see done fer a dog’s age, but which I hadn’t the muscle to do myself,” ‘““Then I take it that hai have no brotherly love for Mr. Bijukes,” observed Dick, reclaim- ing his hand. r “You have hit it right on the head, sir,” Mr, Po assured, He was a man who had, or had had, some ed- ucation, as his language proved, It was usual for him to talk in the naked and inelegant lingo of the Needs but now be was evidently straining a point, . ‘* And what is the story es promised to tell me?” asked Dick, humoring him, “Ah! you remind me ofit, Thank you. I am the son of a gentlemen and a scholar, sir. I am one of twins, the second born. At my ap- pearing my father exclaimed—Secundus! and 80 they named me, I am familiarly known as Number Two.” rts was smiling at theman’s account of him- self, ‘* But what has all this to do with your trou- ble with Mr. Bijukes?” he asked, ‘*Oh, it has nothing to do with that; that is, nothing in particular, Wanted to make myself known to you. My father being what I have told you, a gentleman and a scholar, accounts for my being what J am. It is one of those damnable freaks of nature for which there is no accounting. The son of a brilliant man is likely to turn out the reverse, ever time, Ever no- ticed it?” ‘*T believe I have; but that is rather rough on yourself,” “ “T know it, sir, know it. Had I my father’s brain and muscle, I would have wilted Mr. Bijukes with scathing reproach, and finished him off with a paralyzing lifter; but, unfortu- nately, I have neither. ‘I had to bear with his infamous outrage, and bide my time for the satisfaction you bave given me,” ‘*Well, I’m glad that I bave been of some service to you, my man. But, what was the wrong he did you? it must have been some- thing out of common, I should think; something for which forgiveness was impossible.” ‘Tt was as great a wrong as one man can co another,” was the assertion. ‘“Ruined your home, blasted your life, and all that.” ‘* Worse—far worse, sir!” ‘** Well, I fail to guess it, then.” ** Listen to my tale of woe. One fair day, when the air was sweet with the blooms of spring, the birds were chirping on the boughs, and all nature was—” : ** Never mind the trimmings,” Dick waived. *©On such a day, sir, I came ivto this camp. I was tired, foot-sore and utterly disheartened. I had not tasted the elixir of life in_four long days and nigbts, andI was strapped. But I came at a most opportune time,” ‘¢ How was that?” ; ‘“When I entered this room some noble soul had just invited the crowd up to indulge, and I counted myself in immediately. I wedged in, thrust out my appealing band, and a glass was put into it, a glass full to the brim with the real article. In happy anticipation I felt my soul smile within me.’ “Yes?” ‘* Yes, of a truth I did. But, disappointment awaited me. At my side stood that infamous scoundrel, Mohammed Bijukes. He had just drained a glass, and putting it down, what did he do but lift mine out of my grasp and drain that too. I was horrified, and the reaction pros- trated me. Had I been equal to the emergency, I would have massacred bim on thespot. Had I been my father, I would have annihilated the wretch then and there, Can you wonder that I was eager to grasp your hand?” ** Perhaps not,” said Dick, ‘* And the worst remains to be told,” the fel- low went on, ‘' That lost glass of the needful elixir bas never been replaced. I have been struggling along, one drink behind, ever since. Oh, sir, if you would only complete your Samari- tan’s mission! If you would only make good my loss, and put me abreast of the times. If you would only make me master of my record, in- stead of having myrecord master of me! If ou— ‘* Snakes!” sung out some one. “You promised ther devil you’d swear off,” reminded another, : ‘Why didn’t you mention that part of it first?” asked Dick. ‘‘ Step right up there, Mr. Po, and put another spike in your coffin if you want to, and I’)] ante for it.” ‘* May Heaven bless: ye!” cried the camp bum- mer. ‘‘May ther horn o’ plenty be ever turned in your direction, sir,” droppiug into bis easier mode of speech. ‘‘ May the headlight of pros- perity ever beam upon ye, an’ may—’ But Dick had tossed a coin to, the bartender and turned away. Just as he did so he ran plump against @ reat, giant bullwhacker of a fellow who had just come in, ‘* Why don’t yer look whar ye is goin?” the fellow demanded, in voice of thunder, ‘* Beg your pardon,” said Dick, ‘‘ Didn’t see you till the collision had come.” ‘* Wull, et war yer business ter see me,” ‘*T suppose so, but accidents will happen, you know. No harm done, I hope.” “Yas, but thar is harm done, an’ yer must beg my Nm fer it. I’m knowed byar as High-stepper Hipe,” ‘Well, Mr. High-stepper Hipe, Ihave already asked your pardon, but for the sake of peace will doit again. Consider it done, and no bones broken.” Dick had noticed that the driver of the stage, Mr. Bijukes, was right behind this High Stepper and anticipated trouble, “Yas,” cried Mr. Hipe, ‘‘ but thet ’ar don’t fill ther bill. Et ain’t ther way High-stepper Hipe ar’ used to, et ain’t. You will have ter take off yer hat an’ bend ther knee to me,” ‘‘ Tl] see you further first!” cried Dick, in evident disgust. ‘“*Yer mean ter say yer won't [do et? Thet yer won’t—” “You've got it as straight as a chalk mark,” assured Dick. ‘I had no intention of bucking against you, and it was your fault as much as mine. In fact, I believe you did it on purpose. Now what are you going to do about it?” ‘What be I goin’ ter do about et? Great cir- cumventin’ cyclones! Yer can’t never ’a’ heerd 0” me, me gentle bantam. Why, I’m ther baddest
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Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 5 manfrom Badtown,[am. Badtown ar’ on ther Bad Mounting, whar ther higher ye climb ther badder ic 2 My roost war right on ther summit. augh !” ‘I'd take you fora blower from Blowville,” remarked Dick. “Yer would, hey? I'll take that ’ar notion out of yer head, me gallus galoot. I’m a reg’lar old knock-em-stiff, I am; a thoroughbred rounder from ther top of ther stack, I’m ther baddest bad man what ever used a dagger fer a toothpick. An’ now ther best thing you kin do is ter git right down an’ chaw dirt in ther man- ner I have indycated, or I shell hev ter proceed ter mop up ther floor with yer. Off with yer hat now, an’ down onto yer leetle marrow- bones an’ up with yer leetle paws, an’ do ther perlite,” ** Have I really got to do that?” asked Dick, ‘* Bet yer life on’t!” sane if I don’t youfl wipe the floor with me ‘*Eixactly. You has it straight.” ** And you’ll muss me all up, as it were; jam my head down into my breadbasket, tie my arms and legs up in double bowknots, and other- wise maltreat me?” ‘*Yas; an’ a good deal wuss’n that, too. I’m a holy terror when I’m wound up, an’ I’m wound clear over ther hub this hyar time, Git right down, now, or else Pll castergute ye or cough up a lung!” , ‘* Well, if that is your determination, begin.” The invitation was so coolly spoken that it rather staggered the bullwhacker. From Dick’s Ag he had expected him to cower and obey im, ** Yer don’t mean et!” *¢ You will find out that I do.” ‘**Wull I? Great screechin’ old circumventin’ cyclones what devastated ther bloomin’ acres o’ old Job!* Cully, ’m a snortin’ smasher! I’m ther royal striped hyena from ther wilds, what kin eat a couple sich as you afore breakfast, an’ never interfere with me reg’lar meals, Yer don’t know me. Why, sonny, I’m a screamin’ old howler, wi’ double claws on both feet, an’ nat’ral spurs on me ankles! Yer can’t hold a candle to me fer badness, an' ye orter know et, I don’t want ter harm ye, so ter let ye off easy Pll give ye half a minute in which ter change yer mind.” ‘*You have heard my decision,” said Dick, grimly, ‘‘ so wade in.” ** Great old he hossfly on Jonah’s whale! Yer can’t be so foolish, me sov. Ye don’t never mean ter invite dire destruction in thet ar’ reckless way, an’—” ; ick was tired, after his eo journey by stage, and wanted his supper. ithout further ado he pitched into the blowing braggart, caught hold of him in very much the same manner as he had previously taken hold of Mr. Bijukes, and turning him over a couple times, and bumping his head on the bar, and wiping up the floor with him in a general way, he ran him to the dvor and fired him out, giving him a parting kick to help him aloupncit to the immense de- light of the huzzaing crowd, CHAPTER VY, NOT DOWN ON THE PLAY-BILLS, ‘‘ Dy afraid you’ve signed your death-warrant, young man,” i So spoke one man in the room, a?dressing him- self to Dick, as soon as he was to be heard for the ae of the crowd, ‘ a “Because High-stepper Hipe and Mohammed Bijukes are fast friends, and lam under the im- pression that High-stepper came in here to fix you a oi eect did to Bijukes,” 1¢ as plain as the nose on your ” assented Dick, Pere p i “And now you'll have both of them at you, like a pair of hungry dogs after a stray sheep,” ‘* Well, let them come, They may find me the toughest bit of mutton they ever tackled, before they get done with me, Iam not going to run away from them, that is a sure thing.” The man who had thus cautioned Richard was one Donald Mabey—a man of fifty years, sub- stantial in appearance, well clad ‘and of good presence and pleasing address, Manager of the Rock Mine, he was a person- age of some importance in the camp, and one whose word had considerable power in matters in general, though he was not the camp’s mayor. That important office was held by Hiram Haw- kins, to whom the reader already has been in- troduced, Secundus Po was pushing to the fore to greet Dick again, ‘‘ The greatest Roman of them all!” be cried, as he tried to engage Dick’s hand once more, ‘* It does me proud to take the liberty of shak- ing your hand again. You are a chief among chiefs, sir, and I would strain a point to drink another brimmer to your greatness. That was done fine!” ‘“That’s all right,” Dick hastil ‘How about supper, landlord? famished wolf. P could eat a—” But he was interrupted; the door was thrown suddenly open, and into the room sprung the two desperate ruffians who had met such signal defeat at Dick’s hands. And at him they rushed, straight, bellowing as ye came. ‘* What did I tell you?” hastily reminded Ma- bey. 4 The truth, I guess,” Dick quickly answered. The next instant he had to bandle bimeelf lively to break the force of the combined attack. His hands flew with the quickness of light, the arms of both hig assailants were brushed aside, and their rush was speedily checked. ‘* You are not satisfied yet, eh?” he cried. ‘* Nothin’ but yer gore will sattersfy us now,” cried the High-stepper. ‘* Well, then, wade in and take it,” Dick in- Ntg! ‘*T see you are bound to go for me, any- ow, ‘* Yer kin ruther bet on’t!” shouted the High- stepper. ‘* Yer got me foul ther other time, and yer done ther same ter Bijukes, an’ we is goin’ ter take et out of yer hide,” ‘* Well, then, begin and don’t waste any breath over it, Ud rather you would put it off till after supper, however, for then I would feel like doing you justice.” ‘** Put off nothin’! Go fer him, Bijukes, You tackle him that side an’ I’ll take keer o’ this. Now, at him!” ‘““You ought to do it, between you, surely,” Dick laughed, Then they were at it; and both rushed upon him at once, as before, but even more viciously. Dick made it lively for them, Their blows were brushed aside about as fast as they came, and it was impossible for them to hit him. _ And while they were still thus striking, parry- ing and maneuvering, the bell rung for supper. “ What's that, landlord?” Dick called out. ‘*'That’s ther supper bell,” was the reply. ‘*Ha! itis, eh? Well, I can’t miss my sup- per, boys!” “Yer won’t want any, when we gits done with ye,” the High-stepper started to say, but he was cut short, , Dick went for them with all the powers of the skilled athlete that he was, and over they went, first one and then the other, Bijukes went exploring, head-first, under a distant table, while the High-stepper tried to stand on his bead in a corner; and while both were trying to get themselves together, Dick ae out. ick had offered proof enough that they were no match for bim, and when they got upon their feet, they were hooted at till they were glad to retreat. “Ther darn skunk got skart, that’s what’s ther matter,” cried Bijukes, as they took their leave. ‘ He’s no good, an’ yer kin tell him s0, fer us,” ‘An’ yer kin add ther postscript that we ark done with him yet,” added the High- stepper, * Wasn’t it immense!” cried Mr, Po, ‘ Really, I'd like ter drink another to his health, an’ ’d, run ther risk o’ snakes ter do it.” But he was not given the opportunity, so had to satisfy himself upon what he had received. eadwood Dick repaired to his room to wash up ~ ig cool off, but in a little time was at the table. There were the widow Hannab Hawson and her daughter, the former wearing an immense pair of glasses. And opposite them sat the stranger, Rupert Whitman. Y That he had nothing in common with them, was plain. They seemed, and no doubt were, utter strangers to one another, And then there were Mile. Laure, the snake- charmer, and several others, in all of whom Dick took passing interest, That he was known to any of them. however, did not appear, The snake-charmer, by the way, had that morning, after the little incident of her escaped pets, announced that she was there for the pur- pose of giving an exhibition of her powers asa snake-charmer, and a little bargaining had se- cured to her the privilege of appearing in the Hard Luck Saloon, She had put up posters in the most frequented places about the camp, and when Deadwood Dick returned. am like a ventured out after supper he found that the com- ing exhibition was to be the event of the evening, e bad his eyes well about him as he ventured forth, for he did not know from what direction, or at what moment, might come another attack from his two foes; but he saw nothing of them, and following the trend of the crowd, soon found himself at the entrance to the Hard Luck. There the bar had been closed for the hour, and the proprietor was at the door to take the admittance fee of those who desired to enter. A notice was up announcing the price of ad- mission, which was not modest, and stating that reserved seats for ladies were to be had at double figures. Rather rough on the ladies, as Dick thought, Men were already putting up their little “ ante,” as it was called, and going in, and as time passed the crowd increased, Not only so, but a fever seemed to seize the camp to see this show or fail in the trying. And it was the same with the women as with the men. Presently, as the hour drew near, the Widow Hawson and her daughter came over from the hotel and passed in to the reserved seats, and soon after them came Donald Mabey with his richly dressed consort. ‘“Mrs, Mabey, commonly called the “ Queen of the Camp,” was a handsome woman of her years, but one whose beauty was of the bold type. She was respected, because her position demanded it, but that was all. The title that had been applied to her was of a mixture of re- spect and ridicule, She invariably appeared in rich attire, on every occasion, vulgarly so, and to that was due the sobriquet bestowed upon her, Deadwood Dick gave her a keen glance as she swept haugbtily past him and into the room. Finally he passed in, and took a seat where he might observe the audience as well as the per- formance, A rude stage had been constructed at the rear of the room, and on that was the iron trunk that bad excited curiosity on the previous even- ing. Its contents was no longer a mystery, and Mr, Secundus Po, who was on band, was made the butt of many jests and jibes concerning the role he had played that morning as a snake-charmer, By this time the house was packed about as full as it well could be. All the seats were oc- cupied, and about all the available standing room had been taken up, And now began an impatient hum of a plause for the performance to begin, increasing moment by moment. Deadwood Dick had looked over the crowd well, in order to locate his enemies, if there, and presently he sighted them, They were in a posi- tion where no danger could be looked for from them for the present. Louder and still louder was growing the noise, and at last it burst into a shout as the snake- charmer made her appearance, She appeared clad in close-fitting tights that had the appearance of bright steel armor. red sash was around her waist, and a red flower was attached to her breast. Beyond this there was nothing but the steely, scale-like glitter, and her appearance won an- other round of applause while she was bowing to her audience, Suddenly she turned to her iron trunk, threw = the lid, and out came the hideous snakes, glittering and flashing like her own bright gar- ments, and with their spiked collars looking like red-hot points of steel. F As sine freed them, she bowed again, and this time in the direction of the reserved seats, Suddenly, from that direction, came a woman’s scream, Deadwood Dick looked quickly, and saw Mrs. Mabey, the mine-manager’s wife, upon her feet, her bands covering her face, ! ‘“‘Take me away!” she cried. ‘“‘Take me away!” The girl on the stage stood looking at her in an attitude of keenest amazement, while fron another direction came another excited excla~ mation. The widow, Hannah Hawson, was leaning forward, gazing with staring eyes in the direc- tion of Mabey and bis frightened wife. Dead- wood Dick took note of everything, and quietly reflected upon it all, CHAPTER VI. THE HIGH-STEPPER’S CONTRACT. ALL this went to make a little break in the performance. ; The glittering reptiles were wriggling about on the stage, to the horror of all who sat im- mediately near,
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. - several bows in response to the applause sbe re- 6 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. The young woman heeded them not. Her eyes were fixed upon the woman who was show- ing such fear, and she was trembling with sup- pressed excitement. The snakes seemed for- gotten, And so with the woman in black, Hannah Hawson. She was now upon her feet, staring fixedly in the direction of the mine-manager’s wife, and there was an expression upon her face not easy to define. Her daughter re- mained calm, and appeared interested in all that took place. All this was of short duration, however. Mabey had sprung to the aid of his wife, and was supporting her. ‘*Make way to the door, if you please, boys,” he requested. ‘‘ Mrs. Mabey can’t stand the sight. Make way, please!” and with his wife or his arm, she with her hands still over her face, he moved in the direction of the door. “Fall back thar, boyees!” one of the ushers of the occasion called out. ‘‘Git a move on yer an’ make way fer ther Queen of ther Camp.” *“* Yas, make way for ther Queen, ’fore she has : “aad chimed in another, not so respect- ully. The crowd fell back, making enough room for them to pass out, and the girl on the stage watched them till they had disappeared before she paid auy attention to the snakes that were crawling around her feet. ‘* There’s more than snakes the matter here,” thought Deadwood Dick to himself. ‘‘I’d give something to know what it means.” The manager and his wife gone, the widow in black bad resumed her seat, and now the gir! on the stage gave attention to business, With another bow, she stooped, extended her arms toward the reptiles, speaking to them, and in a moment all were running toward her, eager to twine themselves upon her person. One after another they climbed to her neck and shoulders, till all six of them were safely there, when she rose straight, making a bow. 4s she did so the heads of the snakes were all erect, waving above and around her own, giv- ing her the appearancé of a hideous Medusa. It was a sight well calculated to turn the faint- hearted to stone, This was for some momeuts, while she made ceived, and then at a word all the snakes slipped away from her and dropped to the stage, where they curled themselves into six a8 ars coils, with heads up and spiked collars flashfng, These collars, by the way, as had been noticed, were flexible to a wonderful degree, so that they ie interfered with the movements of the rep- es Another bow, in the usual manner with such performers, and attention was again given to the snakes, The girl called a name, rather sharply, and one of them sprung at her, she catching it as it ae and twirling it around her waist, where it clung. Then another call was made, and another made a spring in like manner, being caught and disposed of the same as the first, and so on until the entire half dozen formed a living girdle about the girl’s slender waist. After bowing right and left, the girl again dismissed them with a word, when they slipped immediately to the floor as before, She then stooped and began a circular motion with her finger, pointing at the floor in doing so, and the snakes began to twirl around and around rapidly, drawing closer and closer to- opel until finally they were all rolled together a seeming ball, mppianee had been constant, but this brought forth a renewed outburst. Next, with a push of her foot, the performer separated them, and taking a little Pan pipe from her belt she began to play a simple air upon it, whereupon the snakes began to dance, that is, as nearly as the pretense could be made, Numerous other tricks were performed, con- suming something over an hour in all, when, fondling the snakes for a few moments, the girl returned four of them to the iron trunk, re- tainin g only two. These, however, were the largest of the lot. Allowing them to perch upon her shoulders, she addressed the audience: ** Ladies and gentlemen,” she spoke, ‘‘I have had the pleasure of showing you all the, tricks ayipess now. I hope I have pleased you. w now state that these two snakes are: — harmless, so far as poison is concerned anid have a proposition to offer.” This created renewed interest at once. ** What ar’ et?” one man called out, ~ , “It is this: I will give fifty dollars to the man who will come up on the stage here and overcome these two snakes in a fair fight.” ‘* Number Two is ther galoot ye want fer that business,” was the shout. ‘‘ He {has had some experience in ther line o’ snakes lately.” This raised a roar of laughter immediately. ‘“*I respectfully decline,” spoke up Mr, Po, modestly. ‘‘I had all the experience I want this morning. I don’t careforany more. I’m willing to let somebody else have a share of the glory that’s going around,” ‘* Let any one step up who thinks he can win the money,” spoke the charmer, ‘It is as fair an offer as I can make,” ‘* And what if he don’t win?’ demanded one man, ‘* Then he loses nothing, as he has nothing at stake. And I will be on hand to rescue him as soon ‘as he is downed.” “J think I’m ther galoot ter win thet ’ar stake,” suddenly spoke up High-stepper Hipe, getting upon his feet and lifting his arm. ‘I don’t reckon as I kin earn that sum o’ money in any easier way, miss,” “Very well, sir, step right up here,” the girl invited. ‘If you are willing to comply with the conditions, you shall have a fair chance to show what you can do,” A wild cheer greeted this, and the fellow was urged to make the trial, The crowd wanted to see the fun, and while some urged, others ban- tered and declared it was something the man would not dare to do, **T dassen’t do et, hey?’ the High -stepper cried, ‘I'll show yer about thet ’ar, me lads. I have tackled a dozen wuss snakes than them is, many’s ther time,” lying boastfully, ‘an I reckon I’m good fer these two, Hyuar I come, miss, so git’em ready fer ther slaughter, if yer wants ’em killed.” **Come right on, sir, come right on. But one of the conditions of the fight is that you are not to kill the snakes,” “*Oh, well, I don’t reckon that will be needed. I kin tie ’em in a knot or two, an’ let ’em go at ; that will be quite sufficient,” the gir] acquiesced, with a smile, So the High-stepper made his way ‘to the stage, while the crowd awaited in great excite- ment to see the fight, Deadwood Dick was looking on with a grim smile. It was his opinion that some rare fun was coming, and that the bully bullwhacker would be worsted by the snakes in a short time. ‘“Wull, hyar I is,” the fellow announced, when once upon the stage, ‘‘so let yer horned critters at me. Reckon I kin make ’em sick in one leetle round, an’ make’em hunt their hole in ther big box thar, Fling ’em this way, miss, till I make a necktie of ’em.” ; ‘But you have not heard the conditions fully, sir, ‘*Oh, no matter about them; I'll gree ter any- bar, oe ‘* Well, in the first place you must give up every weapon you happen to haye about your ** What fer?” in some surprise. “Because you might be tempted to use them, and I am not willing to take the risk.” “Use weapons! Me! And ontwosich snakes as them is! Waugh!” ** You must disarm, nevertheless, or it will be no fight and no fifty dollars. What do you say? vn, well, durn et, et can’t make no differ- ence, I don’t s’pose, so take my guns an’ knife. Them’s all I have got.” He surrendered his weapons as he spoke, and the girl laid them out of his reach at the rear of the stage, the crowd approving as she did so, “And now,” she further stipulated, ‘‘ you must remove your boots.” “* Wh—what !” the fellow gasped. “T say you must take off your boots,” “‘ What’s that fer? I wouldn’t keer ter tackle snakes wi’ no boots on,” ‘‘ And I wouldn’t have you step on one of my snakes with a boot like that for a hundred dollars.” ‘* But you are quite sure they ain’t p’izen?” in a good deal of anxiety. ‘Yer don’t want ter make no mistake on that ar p’int, b’gum!” ‘They are positively not. poisonous. Their bite would be as harmless as the bite of a cat, and maybe more so, You can safely take my word for that, sir. I would not deceive you.” $f Wull, ef I must I spose I must, so hyar Down he sat, and off came the great stogies, dropping to the floor with a force that almost jarred the windows. Now he was ready, and so he announced, pull- ing his belt a notch tighter and giving a hitch at bis sleeves. And he certainly looked equal to the emergency. ‘© Now, sir,” spoke the snake charmer, finally, ‘if you overcome these snakés, fairly, and the crowd shall judge, then the man atthe door will pay you fifty dollars, You hear that, Mr, Proprietor?” ‘“* Yes’m, I note et,” was the response, ‘‘And if the snakes overcome you,” to the High-sepper *“T will see to it that you are rescued before they can do you serious harm. When you give up, you will let us know it by pounding on the floor, Do you understand that?” ‘“Yas, I onderstand et. When I give up you’ll mebby hear me pound.” * Allright. And now look out for yourself, for here they come.” With that, she disengaged the snakes from her own person and threw them at their opponent, and the fight was begun immediately. High-stepper had no time to consider how he would conduct his side of the contest, for the snakes went right at business, and they were making for his neck before he was hardly aware of it. It wasa moment of excitement indeed for the crowd, CHAPTER VII. TELLS WHICH SIDE WON, Drapwoop Dick looked on with decided in- terest. It was something novel, even in his ex- perience, ‘* Well, what do you think about it, sir?” Dick looked around quickly to see who the speaker was to discover his fellow passenger of the stage, Mr. Rupert Whitman, at his side, “Tt is something new under the sun-at last,” Dick responded, witha smile, ‘“*‘ How do you think it is going to come out?” ‘*T think the man will win. See what a giant he is. If he gets hold of the snakes in the right place, he will make them sick. He must have a powerful grip, I should say.” ‘¢ Undoubtedly he has, butif the snakes get hold of him in the right place, they are going to make him sick. I am inclined to think the snakes are to have the best of it.” “ Why hud ‘¢ Well, the performer wouldn't invite defeat for them, nor would she stake fifty dollars unless she felt pretty safe in doing so,” “‘There’s reason in that, but still that fellow looks to be a tower of strength, and if [ were betting I would betonhim. Ha! seethat! Say, if you want to lay a small wager, to make it in- teresting, I'll see you.” B-.: One of the snakes had come within reach of the bullwhacker’s right hand, and witha power- ful jerk he oad cast it off. ‘* All right,” returned Dick, ‘‘ I’ve got a hun- dred dollars to back the snakes with, Is that too big?” ‘‘Not abit. I think the man is worth that much, Where shall we put the money?” ‘Oh, lat our word be our bond,if you are willing.” ‘‘ That satisfies me, sir.” And with that they gave all their attention to the stage, where things were getting lively. Mr. High-stepper Hipe had cast off one of the snakes, as said, and was tugging furiously at the other, which had twined around bis waist and was pinching him not a little. ‘‘Cuss yer, let go!” he cried, with another » tug. But His Snakeship had other intentions, evi- dently. Its head was coming around into play. ‘* Will yer let go!” the bullwhacker bellowed with another tug. ‘‘If ye don’t, by ther ’tarna Tllrip ye in two! Tl stretch ye till—Whoop! Yow-ow |” The head of the snake had come around and the jaws had fastened upon his arms with sting- ing force, y With his other hand the fellow made a grab for its neck, but quickly letting goof the arm the snake made a dart at the band andjgave that anip too. . z The High-stepper was stepping high now for a eter ‘¢ Cuss ther cussed things!” heroared. ‘ They is all p'izen quick, an’ that’s ther onvarnished fack. A feller can’t hold his grip onto ’em er tall. Come hyar, ye darn crawlin’ critter, till I— Woughff!” , a! this time the other snake was taking pest in the fight again, and winding up the bull- whacker’s leg, had planted its teeth in his thigh. High-stepper stepped a little higher than ever, now, Making a grab for both of the reptiles at
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a. aS Ge Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 7 once, he missed both, and they made a march of progress toward his neck, ‘*Corndemn ther ornery creepers!” the man ated, ‘‘but they is hard ter git at, an’ that 11 swar. Wouldn’t ’a’ believed et, b’gum. But, P’ll fix’em, blast ’em, If they gits hurt, miss, don’t ye blame me,” } ‘‘T guess they will take care of themselves,” the smiling girl responded. “Yer do, hey?’ the bullwhacker roared. ‘ How’s them fer high, then? Thar’s one of yer *tarnel crawlers— Yow-ow-ow !” Catching one of the snakes at just the right moment, he had succeeded in tearing it off and dashing it to the floor, and as he was speaking he planted his foot upon it to hold it there. But it did not work that way. ‘The snake’s head came around with a fierce blow, and its jaws closed upon the fellow’s ankle, causing the cry of commingled rage and paiv, And at the same time the other was not idle, It was getting interesting for High-stepper. Lifting his foot quickly, at the bite he got, that snake went for his leg as before, while the other was already twisting for his throat. The man tackled this one next, running one of his arms through its fold to get a better hold upon it, But, it was a fatal move, for im- mediately that arm was imprisoned, and he had only the other to fight with, ‘*May I be etarnally chawed!” he screamed. ‘*T wouldn’t’ believe et, if it wasn’t that it’s me meself what’s hyar a-doin’ et. Dast ther things! I know * kin do’em up, but may I ever be bam- boozled ef 1 kin git ther right holt of ’em., May I be most etarnally jing-dickered ef I don’t chaw ther heads off of ’em!” ‘ With his free arm he laid hold upon the neck of the second snake, and with a grip that prom- ised to choke the life out of it right speedily. But that was only one of the pair. The othor was getting in its fine work, so to say, at the time. Carrying the head of this snake around to his imprisoned hand, be made use of the free hand to begin another attack upon the other snake, Finding that its head was waving before his face, with every indication that it meant to strike, he made a hasty grab and succeeded in getting a hold upon the neck of that one. “Ha! now I has got yer!” he cried. ‘‘ Jest about a minute of this hyar pressure will settle ye, I’m thinkin’.” He applied all his strength, and choked the snakes till their jaws were agape, **That seems to settle it, I guess,” cried Mr. Whitman, excitedly. “T don’t know about that,” demurred Dick. “The tails of the snakes have a little life in them yet.” And this the gladiatorial bullwhacker was be- ginning to find out, too, while the young woman in the glittering costume stood by as smiling as ever. The snakes, both together, were lashing their tails furiously, and the bold Mr, Higb-stepper was getting some cuts in the face that made him bellow, But he still held on like grim death. Suddenly the tail of one of the serpents formed itself into a sort of spiral spring, and was twist- ed around the man’s throat in a twinkling. Almost immediately the other followed the ex- ample, and the High-stepper was in a bad fix. His eyes started from their sockets, his mouth flew open, and it looked as though the battle was about at an end, but the man meant to make one more desperate effort before he gave up. F Stretching his free arm with all the strength he could summon and the other too, he endeay- ored to pull the snakes apart, as he had threat- ened, and there was no doubt that he was mas- ter of the situation—if he could hold out, But the more he pinched and pulled, the tighter the snakes drew around bis own neck, Now he was getting black in the face, and was gasping desperately for breath. “ How about it?” asked Deadwood Dick, ** Jt looks dubious,” declared Mr. Whitman. And so it did, But, just then, another thought seemed to strike the High-stepper, He threw himself quickly to the floor, and as a Jast resort tried to break the necks of the snakes by pressing\their heads to the boards. But it was too late for that, His breath was one, and he knew that he must give up imme- liately or die, It was one or the other, so let- ting go, he began to beat a lively tattoo upon the boards with his heels. The girl had already stepped near, and now she utterred a call. The reptiles at once released their hold and moved to ber, when she lifted or hurriedly into the trunk and turned the e . It was some seconds before Mr. High-stepper was in condition to rise. And in the mean time the crowd was shout- ing itself hoarse, making all 1aanner of fun at im, Presently he was able to get breath, and still clawing at his throat, as if the pressure was still on, he sat up and glared around, ‘* Whar is ther darn things?” he demanded. * T have locked them up, sir,” the girl pleas- antly replied. “Locked ’em up, has yer? Wull, yer kin onlock Jem ergain, fer this hyar thing ain’t set- tled yet!” ‘*T beg your pardon, sir,” was the firm reply, “but jit is over, and you are whipped, whipped fairly an’ squarely.” ** Et ar’ a lie!” the bullwhacker bellowed furi- ously. ‘*No two snakes what ever crawled kin whip High-stepper Hipe, an’ I wants yer to enor it. That was only one round in ther bat- e. ‘“* It was the end of the fight,” the girl firmly announced, ‘‘The agreement was that if you gave up, you were to knock on the floor. and T leave it to the audience to say whether you did that or not. 1 think you did.” ‘*Tn course he did!” was the shout, * An’ knocked in a mighty hurry, too!” *““Thort he was tryin’ ter knock down ther house!” ‘“* You is whipped, High-stepper, an’ yer can’t git out of et!” These, and many more similar cries, were heard on every hand, but the blowing bull- whacker would not give in. ‘* Et war a darn rank misunderstandin’!” he bellowed. ‘TI was callin’ fer time, that was all. Turn them ar’ snakes out hyar, miss, an’ Vil fight ther hull bilin’ of ’em, p’izen ones an’ all!” “It would be sure death to you, sir, were I to open that trunk now,” was the girl’s response. “There is no use your blowing around, for everybody knows you were fairly whipped, and that ought to settle it. You fought well, I ad- mit, but—you didn’t get there,” “*But I’m goin’ ter git thar jest ther same!” the fellow persisted. ‘‘I’m goin’ ter chaw up every darn snake that’s in that box. Yer can’t work off no sich snide racket onto High-stepper Hipe, an’ don’t ye forget it. WhenI set out ter do a job up brown, by ther great old hokey- pokey, I does et! Come hyar, ye. ring-tail crawlers, till I chaw ye!” And with that he laid hold upon the iron trunk, jerked it up on end, turned it over, bumped it around, and all as though determined either to burst it open or churn the snakes to jelly inside of it. a CHAPTER VIII AN INTERVIEW IS SOUGHT. THis was clearly more than the girl had counted on. She did vot know how to deal with the fellow now, and her face was pale as she saw how roughly he was handling her trunk, And the crowd, too, was beginning to lose patience with the blustering blow-hard. It was all too plain that he bad been whipped, and fairly, too, and to see him going on this way made them tired, Nor did they hesitate about telling bim so. “Git out, yer durn fool!” cried one man, “‘ Yer was licked, an’ we all knows et, so what’s ther use of blowin’ so?” ; “Kick him off ther boards, miss,” put in another, ‘‘He ain’t got ther sense of a lame louse, an’ if he wants ter know who sez so, tell him it’s me/ Bounce him off 0’ thar.” Many other cries of like import were heard, but the High-stepper was paying no attention; he was bending all his energies upon that iron trunk. 3 ‘Won't somebody help me, to save my pets from being killed?’ the girl made appeal to the crowd. No one seemed anxious to brave the bull- whacker in bis rage. } “Will no one help me?” she cried again, ‘Isnt there a man in the house who will come to my assistance? My snakes will be killed!” Still all hesitated, and those who had been loudest in giving directions were the ones most conspicuous for their silence now. The trunk was being tumbled and battered around on the stage, and the suakes were un- doubtedly getting the worst sort of rough usage, Seeing that nobody near the stage was going to interfere, Deadwood Dick decided to take a hand in, ‘See here, you big duffer!” he called out. ‘“* You get off that stage, or I will have to come and bounce you off,” The girl looked quickly in Dick’s direction, with something of hope in her white face, The High-stepper, too, looked up to see who had spoken, for Dick’s words were loud, clear and ringing. ‘*Ts yer talkin’ ter me?” he demanded. “Yes, ’'m talking to you,” Dick retorted. “Get down from there and leave that trunk alone, or ’ll’make you doit, You know whetber I can do that or not, Do you hear me?” ‘““ Yas, I heers ye, but durn me ef I’m goin’ ter heed ye. Come right on, ef ye think yer kin do et. Dve got my dander up now, an’ I don’t keer fer a dozen like ye. Come right on, an’ ef I don't make ye think ther old ’arth hev slipped her ’centric, [’m a howlin’ liar.” With that he went on banging the trunk, much as before. Springing upon a table, Dick was immediately on another, and in less than three seconds came down upon the stage with a solid thump that made Mr, High-stepper pause in surprise, Dick bad him covered, ‘¢ Now, sir, you drop that trunk,” he ordered. The fellow let it come down with a vicious bang, and faced his enemy. ‘What right bas you got ter chip in hyer?” he demanded, ‘* What business has you got ter interfere?” ‘*Somebody had to,” answered Dick, coolly, ‘and I thought I could do it about as well as any one else, Now you heard what I said, but Pll repeat it. I want you to get down from here.” “ And if I don’t, what then?” \ «Then Dll fire you down, that’s all.” ‘‘ An’ yer might git fooled. But, see hyer: I ain’t got no quarrel wi’ you in this byar racket, so you git out an’ let me finish with ther snakes,” “That was finished, you fool. Everybody knows it was, and what’s the use of your kick- ing up such a fuss as this about it, Come now, off with you, or I'll bounce you double quick!” ‘*That’s ther moosic!” cheered the crowd. ** Knock ther dust out of him!” : ** But this hyarain’t no fair!” the bullwbacke rotested. ‘I wasn’t licked, an’ I ’bjeck to et. want ter git at them ‘ar snakes jest oncet more, an’ ef [ don’t—” ‘* See here,” cried Dick, ‘‘ do ae mean to in- sist that you were not whipped?” ‘*Sartain I does! Why ef I couldn’t wollop two sich sick-lookin’ eels as them is ’d—” “No matter about all that; do you really hanker to tackle them again?” “Do I! You jest trot ’em out hyar oncet more, an’ see me make er eel stew of ’em an’ eat et with me thumb, See ef I don’t—” ‘‘No* matter about that, either. the trunk and let them out.” The brave Mr. High-stepper’s jaw dropped, and he looked sickly in an instant. “ But, sir, they will surely kill him,” cried the girl. ‘‘Some of them are deadly poison, and—” ‘“‘No matter, let then out! Tet him have all the fight he wants for once, If they kill him it will be small loss,” Dick gave her a wink while speaking, and she took the cue, ‘* Well, he can’t blame me,” she cried, and sprung to the trunk as if with the intention of throwing open the lid. The braggart’s sickly look had quickly changed to one of deathly hue, and with a gasp he was down from the stage, had grabbed up his boots, and was making off, Dic oe back here, and get your fill!” called ick, “Pm in er hurry now,” was the answer, “Got ter see aman, Can’t fool away my time thar all night.” A . And at that the crowd went wild, hooting and yelling, and making it warm for the High- stepper generally, It was a grand wind-up to what had been a decidedly successful show, “That’s the way to serve fellows of that stamp,” Dick remarked, with a bow to the ex- hibitor, “If you ever run across another of his stripe, you will know how to deal with him, Why, he wouldn’t tackle those snakes again for a thousand dollars, And if he ever gives you any more trouble, shoot him,” “JT thank you, sir, for your timely help,” the girl returned. ‘*Only for you I do not know what I should havedove, I wasnever treated so in my life before. That is the first man who ever insisted that he wasn’t whipped, wheu it was so plain that he was. ou see, I never looked.for anything of that kind. Allow me to thank you again, which is all I can do,” ‘Don’t mention it,” said Dick. “If I can be of further use to you, let me know,” “Thank you; I will do so.” Miss, open = 0 = ~~ ae ae a —
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pacing Sea 8 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. With that, Dick sprung from the stage, anc amidst the cheering, went to the spot where he had left Mr, Whitman. ‘“ Well, sir, here’s your hundred,” said that gentleman, extending the money as he spoke, ‘“*Then you consider it a clear case, eh?” and Dick smiled. ‘*A clear case! He was beaten so badly he didn’t know it. I wish the girl had only let them out at him again,” *‘ She would, had she thought it safe. No, I don’t want your money, sir; put it back into your pocket.” ‘* The deuce, no!” ‘* Well, then, pass it over to the girl. The treat she gave us was worth it, I guess,” **That’s what T’ll do, and if you'll wait for me Td like to talk with you a little before we art.’ * All right, I'll wait.” Mr, Whitman pushed his way to the stage, where the girl, having said her last words to her audience, was about to retire. ‘One moment, miss,” he detained her. ‘‘ I had a wager staked against your snakes, and Jost it. I am to pay the money over to you, and at the same time thank you for your splendid exbibition, Here it is,” He tossed the crisp bills upon the stage at her feet, and with thanks she accepted the present, the crowd cheering. The girl quickly disappeared, two men carry- ing her trunk atter her out at a rear door, while the crowd rapidly passed out the front way, Deadwood Dick and Mr. Whitman left the saloon together. “Are you going right to the hotel?’ Whit- man asked, ‘* Such is my intention,” answered Dick. ‘* Then we will walk together. You see, sir,” in a lower tone, ‘‘I have something that I want to say to you, for I have taken a notion that you are just the man I need to help me in a certain direction.” ‘* What gives you that idea?” Dick inquired, ‘*Well, you are fearless and shrewd, as any one with half an eye could tell, and my opinion of you is that you are a detective,” “Ha! you don’t say! What put that notion into your head?” ‘Pll tell you, in brief. When you tackled tbat drunken driver you had a pair of handcuffs to put on him, They are not ordinary things for a man to carry around in his pockets. De- tectives have use for them.” ** Well, that is reasonable; but I might be able to tell you a different story. But, no matter, if you think I am able to serve you, tell me how.” ‘Mr, Prichards, you do not deny that you are a detective. Very well, I um willing to be- lieve you »ne. Whether you are or not, you are capable of aiding me, and I want your help.” ‘You are taking all the risk, sir, But, what is the trouble?’ ‘*We are here at the hotel now. Let’s goin and sit down, and if they have anything that is fit to drink we'll talk over our glasses.” ‘* Sorry to upset your plan,” said Dick, ‘‘ but I don’t drink, Tbat need not interfere, however. 1 am a smoker, and Ill enjoy a cigar while I hear your story. Here we are.” ‘So they passed in, and soon found desirable seats, CHAPTER IX. A PAGE FROM A MAN’S LIFE, “Tam a man traveling with a purpose,” Mr. Whitman abruptly began. ‘Nothing new or strange about that,” re- marked Dick, as the other seemed to pause to note the effect of bis words. ‘*f suppose not. A man traveling without a urpose would be a novelty. But I mean that if have an end in view, which .makes travel necessary. I feel that I can trust you, and I’m going to unfold myself to you.” ‘* But I do not invite you to doso,” said Dick, * And [ will add to that, if your purpose is nota strictly honest and honorable one, you need ex- pect no help from me, In that case you will not et it. Be 1 knew it!” Mr. Whitman cried, in suppress- ed tone, extending bis hand as he spoke and grasping Dick’s. “I knew it!” **-You knew what?” ‘*That I was not deceived in you.” “Then you took me for a rascal—” ** Well, no! On the contrary I took you to be a man of keen honor, and aur words prove it. And now for the story I have promised to unfold to you.” “Very well, I will hear it.” ee my name is not what I have given it to ‘* You can’t surprise me that way. The West is full of men who are not wearing their own names, You will have to strike harder than that to work up a surprise in me,” ‘*It appears so. But, no matter as to that. My real name, and I’m not ashamed to speak it, either, is Robert Whitney. I am from the East, but have been traveling around through tbis part of the West for a year orlonger. In truth, I have been playing the detective, but with poor success,” “ Yes?” ‘* Exactly. And I have come to the conclusion that it is about time for me to give up going it alone, and take in a good partner. I tried hard to get hold of a professional whom I heard of, but could not seem to light upon him, He was like a will-o’-the-wisp; here, there, gone.” ‘* Who was he?” ‘* A man who seems to have earned quite a reputation. They call him Deadwood Dick.” ‘*T have heard of him.” ‘Well, failing to ligbt upon him, I made up my mind to keep an eye open for the first likely man whom I met, and you are the one, I took to you at sight, and after | came to know what you are made of I concluded that you would just fill the bill. Now, I do not expect you to serve for nothing; I am able to pay you well.” **'You had better wait till you see whether I am good for anything, first,” reminded Dick. “Oh, well, Pll pay you something for your time anyhow,” **Then you insist upon taking me into your case with you, do you?” ** Yes; if you will come, I knowI am not making any mistake, I do not often mistake my ** Well, I will help you, to the extent of my poor ability, sir; but there must be some condi- tions named if I do,” ‘* What are they?” ‘* Well, I have come to this camp on business. I cannot engage to go away till that business is finished, no matter what comes.” ‘* All right; we'll have it so understood,” ** Nor can 1 bind myself to remain here, should that business suddenly call me away. I must be left free and independent. Outside of that, sir, I will do all I may be able to do to push your cause along.” “T agree to it all, what the case is,” Dick settled back in his chair, puffing away at his cigar, and was prepared to give attention. ‘*Some twenty years ago,” the narrator be- gan, ‘* Robert hitney—myself, you under- stand—married one Mabel Noble, if that was her real name, and it is doubtful whether it was or not, Robert Whitney was not so wise a man then as he is to-day, although he knew a great deal more. I was toosmart for my own good. sneered at the warnings of any pumber of wiser heads, and I married Mabel Noble, a variety actress with whom I had become acquainted, aud with whom I was beels over head and brain in the mire in love, I married her, and for a time all went reasonably well. But gradually I awakened to see the situation in its true light, The Whitney family was one of the best in our city. My marriage was considered a blight upon the escutcheon as it were, But the deed was done, and my immediate family, when they saw that I was determined to be true to my part of it, finally opened their doors to my wife, ‘Tt was then that I found that Mabel was out of place in refined society; a girl of pretty face and form, but one who could never hope to hold her own in a drawing-room. I was disappoint- ed, and could not help showing it, I suppose, but still, with the true Whitney grit I made up my mind to be true to my bargain, and if my wife could not shine in the circle to which she had the right, sbe could at lease shine in a cottage, and I would withdraw myself and share it with her. I am glad there was that much of the man about me, although I owe it not to myself, but to the Whitney blood. They were all men, sir, every One; except, of course, those who ese to be of the other sex, and they were adies, “ Well, I was not a great while in finding out some things which 1 had been altogether too smart to see before. Mabel bad not married me because she cared any more for me than for the dozen others who had danced attendance upon her when she was doing the light fantastic on the variety stage, but had surrendered her- self to me because with me would come wealth and station. And she had never thought but she could step right into society and become And now let me unfold “To begin with, let me surprise you by stat- ; oneof the belles, Poor girl! it wasa rude awaken- ing for her, and no mistake, But she is deserv- ing of no sympathy, for she might by this time have overcome all such obstacles of a temporary sort had she remained true to me, “She began to bewail her fate at first ys de- claring that she was not wanted in my mother’s house, that my mother and sisters were far too stuck up to treat her decently; when the truth was, they had tried their hardest to adapt them- selves to her, and to draw ‘her into some confi- dence in themselves. She was out of place, and she feltitas keenly asI did. But would have time remedied all that, asI said. The more she felt her unfitess for society, however, the more she turned her eyes back upon the t, and some few months after the birth of her child, a daughter, she suddenly left me, going off in rb ete with a young actor, and that was the last 1 heard of her for a long time.” Dick was getting interested. ‘* Well,” the man resumed, after a pause, ‘* my family and friends congratulated me, and to tell the truth I was not sorry, for my wife had palled on my hands, owing to her continued upbraidings and somewhat vulgar habits, which had cropped out since the marriage. And then, too, I bad a suspicion that she was giving more attention to that young actor than the pro- prieties warranted. I was not-sorry thatshe had taken herself off my hands, and acting under advices, I procured a divorce forthwith and that settled it. I was none the worse off, being a man, and it was jokingly passed over as a little of wild oats in the otherwise good grain, ‘* But that experience worked for me more ill than I reckoned on, for it imbittered me against womankind generally, and I never made a second attempt matrimonially, although no doubt a score of admirable matches were secret- ly considered in the family circle, matches in which I would play the leading role, and one or two I know were excellent; but one taste of the yoke was enough for me, and all my ardor in that direction had been dampened. ‘Of late years, however, the desire to know what became of my child has grown upon me, It is not pleasant to know that you have a daughter somewhere in the world, and never know anything abouther. I owe her something, and it is my duty to pay it. Itis for that lost child I am looking, sir, and in order to find her I had to begin to trace the mother.” ‘¢ Hal now I see,” exclaimed Deadwood Dick, *¢ And the trail has led you out to this wild land, eh?” J ‘“«- Yes; it led me here, and here I lost it. Not to this camp, do I mean, but to this section of the country. The trail is lost, and the search is almost aimless, but still I am held to this region held here as forcibly as | was drawn here, An now comes the point in the affair that brings the thing down to a focus: I have a suspicion that I have this night looked upon my daugh- ter! “Hal now you are coming at something, truly, Where was she? Whom do you sus- ct?” ‘T believe that litte snake-charmer is she?” “The deuce!” “It is just as I tell you. She looks very like what Mabel Noble was when I first knew her, and the suspicion is forced home to me that she is the missing child. Now, I want you to find out for me whether this supposition is true or false.” ‘* Why not try it yourself?” “That is just it; [ haven’t the confidence in myself to undertake it. I might make a mess of ; ? ‘Then you have seen this snake-charmer be- fore, and followed her here?” , “ Not so; never saw her in my life before to- night,” ‘Ha! then it seems you have picked up @ clew and a helper at about the same time. But how would you suggest proceeding? If this girl is the daughter of Mabel Noble—or, more direct- ly, your own daughter, do you suppose she knows her true name?” ‘‘Hard to tell. She may, and she may not. All owing to what adventures and circumstances came to the mother, T suppose.” ‘ uf Perhaps there’s the never-failing birth- mark—’ ‘Nothing of the sort, so far as I was ever aware of.” *« And you know of nothing that would start me upon the right track in regard to the mys- tery ? “Not a thing. But, hang it, man, you seem as full of ideas as an egg of meat, I believe you are a detective, in spite of your denials—but then you haven’t denied it, Go ahead and poke questions at me.”
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. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. “Well, to begin with, then, what was the name of that young actor with whom she ran off —the mother, I mean, of course?” ‘*His name? 1 remember it well enough, It was Warde Cushime.” ** What became of him?” ‘* Lost sight of him at San Francisco. There he and the dashing Mabel had a quarrel, and she ave him a cut with a knife and disappeared. Fre came near dying, but did not. Know noth- ing further about him,” ** She must have grown to be quite an amiable creature,” Dick commented, ‘‘ You were no doubt fortunate in getting free from her as easily as you did, But too many are around us now for further private talk. 1 will look into the affair and see what I can find out for you.” CHAPTER X. THE INNER WHEELS BEGINNING MOTION, Tue rest of that evening passed without fur- ther excitement. Dick’s enemies had evidently thought better of attacking him again, as they had loudly threatened to do. The redoubtable Richard retired at a reasona- ble hour, and having made sure that his door and windows were secure, gave himself up to the embrace of sleep. In the mean time, while he and the man Rupert Whitman were in conversution, there was an- other talk going on that is of as much impor- tance to the unfolding of our plot, and to which we must revert. It will be remembered that the two women, the widow Hannah Hawson and her daughter, bad been present at the exhibition in the Hard uck, They left the place together, after witnessing the last of the affair, in which Deadwood Dick had finally taken part, and had gone at once to their room in the hotel. There, suddenly, by a straightening of her stooping shoulders and the throwing off of her heavy bonnet, the widow seemed to become sev- eral years younger. ** At last!” she exclaimed, as she sat down. The daughter was cool, calm in every move- ment and word, She offered no reraark till she had secured the door and removed her hat and gloves. ‘Then you are quite sure?” she interrogated, as she too sat down, “Do you suppose I could be mistaken? sharply. ‘« It is one of the easiest things in the world.” ‘“Not in my case.” ‘¢ Then the man is positively—” ‘The man is Joel Banks, and no other. I would know him among a thousand,” ** But the woman—did you get a good look at her face?” **No; but there is no doubt as to who she is, It is the wretch who won my husband’s affec- tion from me, and wbo has caused me all this trouble and sorrow. She must not come in my way!” ‘** You must do nothing rash.” ? So cool, calm, that other’s tone. There was little of a daughter’s sympathy in its expres- sion. ‘*Rash! Would you call it rash to give her what she deserves? * You might defeat your own object. That must be the very first thing to be attended to, Don’t let that get out 0° your mind,” “That is so, that isso. 1 shall try not to.” “Well, now that we have your recognition to start upon, we must go at work to get the proof,” ‘*The proof! Heavens! Isn’t my word to be taken?” ¢ ‘We take it to begin upon, of course, Your mere assertion that this man is Joel Banks would avail nothing in a court, were he to deny it, You see we have only just made a begin- ‘And no telling how long it will take to get the proof,’ “Tt will not take long, depend upon it.” ** And while that is being cone—” “You must obey me as though I were your mother and you my child. Upon that may de- pend everything.” | ‘** Well, I suppose it must be so,” ** Positively.” **T had rather face them, and tear that woman’s eyes out,” : “No doubt about it; that is the natural in- stinct, But you must put that under the feet of Reason for the present.” **And I would like to read Joel Banks a lec- ture that he will not forget in a great burry,” ‘“No doubt, no doubt; but women’s lectures have little effect upon men, unless to harden them and defeat the very end in view, And in this case you have got to play a shrewd game in order to get his name affixed to that paper.” ‘Yes, yes, I must not forget that. I must be guided by you.” ‘‘And never fear but you will be guided aright. I think you had better remain in our room as much as possible, or temptation may be thrown in your way, and in your anger you may forget everything.” “No, no, do not think that, {f can control myself, I know I can.” ‘tT hardly know; your excitement to-night carried you upon your feet there in the hall.” “Yes, 1 must admit it; but you may trust Me, ‘Very well, And it may not take many days to get at the bottom of the matter in hand. Care must be taken not to let it become known who you are.” ‘*- You think harm would come of that?” ‘“‘Tt might mean death to you. Who can tell?” ‘* Not from Joel Banks!” ‘“Maybe not; but positively from the woman, did she suspect your business. I fancy she looks capable.” ** Well, well, you must guide and direct me, Susan,” ‘* Never fear but I will do my part, if you will only be directed and guided by me. Every- thing depends upon yourself,” ‘*T shall strive to be careful,” They talked on, but little was said that served to throw further light upon the matter. And while they were conversing, what of the young snake-charmer and hey hideous pets? Ve have more than passing interest with her. From the saloon she had gone directly to her room, the men carrying the iron trunk there and depositing it where she indicated, she paying them well for their service. And when they were gone, she turned the key in the lock and sat down with a weary air. ‘“‘ How tired I am of this life!” she sighed. ‘I have no patience with anything or anybody. Seems to,me I could willingly have witnessed the killing of that wretch by my fighting snakes,” And with the words there came a look upon her face, that was not pleasant to behold, ‘‘But [ would not allow that, of course,” she reflected, and her face softened to suit the better thought. It did not seem possible that so dark a look could remain permanent on a face so fair and young. And she was both, “ Still, this life is making me hate everything, Iam becoming bitter in even my best thoughts, and unless a helping band is soon put out to save me, no telling to what desperate doings [ shall turn, And am I responsible? People would say so, but there is a spirit of evil in me that, once freed, would ruleand ruin me. Even as it is, it requires all the power of my better nature to keep the demon chained,” Her thoughts were sad and earnest to a marked degree. Evidently ‘there was a story of her past that would not be without interest. Who and what was she? “Yes, yes,” she spoke half-aloud, ‘* once that devil part of me is let free, I am lost, But it shall not be freed, so long as I can fight against it and keep it down, and I can do that, unless— unless the fight is too long and hard, and it wears me out, Oh, if I could only come to the end of my purpose, find the person for whom I have been seeking these two years, and learn the truth, the future might open mys ged for me, and I might be lifted forever out of the dan- ger. But willit ever be? Ha! am I forgetting that scene of to-night?” There was a tap at the door. She rose immediately and opened it, and there was the proprietor of the saloon, ‘‘He spoke pleasantly, but did not state his business, Waited as though he expected to be invited in. / ‘You want to see me?” the girl questioned. ‘* Waal, yes,” he answered. “I am here to ante over yer bcodle, miss. An’ a snug sum et ar’, too,” ““T am glad of that. out your share, sir.” ‘“What do J want of a sheer? Et was sheer enough ter see you do ther snake act, an’ et ar’ worth more ter have a‘close look at ye in them ar trim tights. You is darn pooty, an—” ‘No, no, you cannot come in here,” the girl interrupted, as he advanced a step. ‘* You had better keep the money till morning, and I shall insist upon your taking pay for the use of the saloon, I will see you to-morrow.” l suppose you have taken 9 The man’s face took on a dark frown. ‘‘“Wull, ef yer is so darn p’tic’lar,” he cried, **T reckon I will take pay fer ther room, Here’s ther rest of et, in this hyar bag. I hasn’t count- ed et, but et ar’ all there, all but ther pay fer ther ball,” ‘Very well,” as she accepted the bag from him. ‘It is not necessary to count it, for I know I can take your word. I am greatly obliged, and will bid you good-night now,” She leisurely but firmly closed the door upon him, slipping the bolts into place. The next instant she was a fury, She hurled the bag of money into a corner, and that dark look came upon her face with more force than before, ‘* A curse upon such a life!” she hissed, ‘‘ My foes are legion, while my friends— But, I have no friends. Every man is my enemy, and— No, I will not say that now, That man who came to wy help to-night has promised to be- friend me, and there was something in his face that I know I can trust. What it was I do not know, but it was there. He has promised, and I must see him again, ‘But he is the only one. All others are my foes, and not one is to be trusted. ‘.nd it is just that for which my better nature is dying, dying as surely as this other nature, this demon, is gaining power, But I must—I will keep that down; I will keep it under subjection, or— I will take my life, I will not bave it to rule over me, for I know what that would mean, I have seen too much of it in my life. Yes, I must have a friend, and that man’s face bas told me that I may trust him, And I will, if oppor- tunity offers. ‘But that other, the one who prid me the wager he had lost—what am I to think of him? What was his motive? Was it really a wager lost, or was he telling it as a clever lie to further his ends? Time will prove that. But he looked like a gentleman—real gentleman, I mean; a man worthy to be called a man, But it is bard totell, Ah, me! Shall I ever be able to leave this life behind me? Will the end come—an end besides that of ruin and the grave? Will light ever dawn? Or must the end be suicide, to escape this demon that is—” A crash at a window, a splintering of glass, and some heavy object plunges into the room and rolls across the floor. CHAPTER XI, SEEKING A FRIEND. Most women would have screamed, but this girl did not. She did spring to her feet, however, naturally enough, giving a quick look in the direction of the window. Nothing was to be seen there save the broken pane, the little that was left of it, and her eyes next moved to the object that had been hurled in, and which had now come to a stop on the other side of the room, It needed but a glance to show what it was. A stone, and not a small one, around which was a piece of paper securely tied with a string. dl What can this mean?” the girl asked her- self, : She looked again at the window, now with more of fear in her face, as though she expected to see some person peering in, But nothing was there save the hole and the darkness beyond, and recalling that she was on te second floor, and that there was no support outside for any person to rest upon, she knew ei the stone had been thrown from the ground low, ; Tbe window was on the side of the hotel, near the rear, and under it was what may be termed a vacant lot, The ball ran through to the rear, rooms on both sides, and at the end of the ball was another window, ‘Thinking of this, the girl opened her door, passed out, and looked out from the hall window, L This commanded only a view of the rear, how- ever, and no one was to be seen from it, She had been afraid to look from her own window, for fear of danger to herself, Returning, she put out her light, another thought that had now come to her, By this means she was enabled to look out without danger of being seen. But no one was below. On the street a little further out were plenty of persons, and the light from across the street made objects beneath the window plainly visi- ble. Whoever had thrown the stone had gone, She d the curtain with more than usual care before lighting the lamp. It bad been drawn before, but perhaps not all the way, and the stone had torn it aside. ; The lamp lighted, she made haste to pick up 2 tight tincatsitnd dea arias
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10 the stone to see what explanation was to be had from it. It took her but a moment toremove the string and open the sheet of paper. On it was a message, in pencil, as follows; **To Muts. LAvRE:— “ There is danger at Red Rock for you. You had better go away at once. Tt will never do for you to remain here, for there is a plot against your life. You have enemies who would stop at nothing. Go at once, for they are not sure of .you yet, and away from here they would not fear you. The danger is here and here only. Be warned and depart. “Your UNKNOWN FRIEND.” The girl read hastily at first, then again more leisurely, and after that she fell to studying the missive with the air of a philosopher, ‘*‘ Here is something rather puzzling,” she said to herself. ‘‘Who is this who knows more about me than I know myself? So it would seem, from the tone of this, Why not have come and told me in person as a friend would? If I have an enemy, it looks as if the one who wrote this is the person. I do not know what to make of it. A plot against my life—I do not believe it! There is no reason why any one should want to put me out of the way, No; the reason is different from that, I am sure.” But it was too deep for hertograsp. It eluded her best efforts, even as it might have tried the efforts of a better trained mind. Still, she was not without reasoning process in her mode of thinking, and the question took shape under dif- fering heads, By whom had the message been sent? Why had it been sent? Why was she wanted to go away from Red Rock? ‘*T give it up,” she finally exclaimed. Folding the note carefully, she laid it aside for future reference. ‘Tt is more than I am able to understand alone, and I’m going to take ina pard, as the boys say. That young man who helped me tu-nigbt has promised to help me further, if I need him, and [ll take him at his word, Tl see him to- morrow. Seems to me there is going to some- thing come out of all this, or else why such a note and in such a manner? Somebody here is interested in me, either for good or evil, and I want to know who it is. And that man is the very person to find out, if f am any kind of a judge. But, ha! this brings me back to where was when the stone came in.” She stopped, reflecting. ‘‘ No; it was when I was interrupted by that villainous proprietor of the saloon,” she correct- ed, “But no. matter, I was thinking of the woman who made such an ado at the sight of the snakes in the saloon to-night. It was some- thing out of the usual, that is certain, Women who could not stand the sight, would know it well enough before entering the place, and would keep away. Was it the snakes, or was it— Good Heavens! Can it be possible? Old Inez said my mother would never fail to recognize me at sight, since I look so much like what she was. I wonder if it is possible? But, no, no/ I would not believeit! Such a woman as that! I do not like her face— No, no, I would not have itso.” She mused on, but for the most part in si- lence, Finally she changed her stage outfit for a own, and prepared to retire for tke night, but fore doing so, she took pains to fix up the win- dow that had been broken, and then opened the box containing her snakes, Out they came, the whole hideous six, and were soon writhing and twisting about over the floor at a lively rate, the girl stepping among them without the least fear, her bare feet fre- quently touching them, ““T have enemies, have I?’ she said half aloud. ** And there is a plot against my life, is there? Very well, plotters, if you want to pay me a night-time visit, come on, I think you will get a warmer reception than you are counting on. You will probably wish you hadn’t come.” She gave a light laugh, and in a few moments more the light was out and she was in bed, Little fear of snakes had she, evidently. On the following morning Deadwood Dick was astir bright and early, and was out to see what was going on around the camp. Rupert Whitman, too, wasup almost as early, and the two met on the hotel Serena! the Roost’s apology for the thing could be called by es aay of piazza; and there they had a further Paik, ers The stage took its departure from Red Rock uite early in the day, and breakfast at the oost was early accordingly. Dick and Whitman breakfasted together, and when they came out the stage was at the door and waiting, with Mobammed Bijukes on the box, now sober enough but looking con- siderably the worse for wear. “See hyar,” he sung out, at sight of Dick, ** be A$ goin’ off with me this trip?” “No; 1 bave no intention of going off with anybody just at present,” Dick replied. ‘*‘ Why do you ask that?” ‘Cause ef yer was,” Bijukes rejoined, “I was go’ ter dispute ther p’int with yer, that’s all. You will stay hyar till yer rots, afore ye kin ride out of ther camp with me.” ‘¢ We'll have to see about that when the time comes,” laughed Dick, ‘« Et ar’ all seen about now,” cried the driver. ‘* When I has passengers I want ter have pas- sengers, I don’t waut passengers what wants ter be drivers, an’ you hear me, It’s a wonder we got hyar alive yisterday, with all ther monkeyin’ you done, You hear what I’m say- in’,” ‘*{t was lucky there was ares aboard who could monkey you, anyhow,” Dick re- torted. Bijukes had more to say, but Dick gave little heed to him, and his last remark, as the stage moved out, was to the effect that he was not going away to stay, but was coming back again. So the stage set off, with about its regular quote of passengers, High-stepper Hipe was around, but he was not stepping quite so bigh as he had been, “Don’t yer fergit, Mohammy,” he called out, as the stage gave a lurch and rattled away up the street. ‘* Bet yer life on’t,” the driver called back. And then both the wortbies joined in a forced laugh, as if they had something particularly funny in mind, Deadwood Dick gave no attention to the High- stepper, and the latter took care to steer clear of Dick. He had been taken down several pegs, so to say, and had not yet begun to recover the lost ground, There was‘a second breakfast served an hour after the first, or ‘‘stage” breakfast, at the Roost, and some little time after that was over, the widow’s daughter, Susan Hawson, appeared on the piazza. Deadwood Dick was still there, smoking, and happened to be alone. “Good-morning, Miss Hawson,” he politely greeted. ‘How do you feel after your tiresome journey of yesterday?” “Ob, I feel all right, Mr, Prichards,” was the cheery response. ‘‘ And I see you are none no »vorse for it, if appearances are truth- u ‘‘Oh, I am as good as new,” Dick declared. He then inquired concerning her mother, “She is well, thank you, but somewhat ner- vous,” was the response. And then, speaking in lower tones, they turned away toward the end of the piazza, where they remained in ,conversa- tion for nearly half an hour. But whether that conversation was important or not could not have been guessed by an ob- server, for their manner was the same through- out, And when they parted it was about as they had met, with formal politeness, and nothing more, Appearances went to indicate tnat they were acquaintances of the hour, As soon as Susan disappeared, another form put in an appearance on the piazza. This was Mile, Laure, the snake-charmer, She was pretty, becomingly attired, and looked as if sbe might prove a charmer of something higher than snakes. ‘‘ Dick was quick to greet her, with all polite- ess, ‘* You are looking as fresh as the morning,” he complimented. Immediately her face clouded, and he was quick to see that he had made a mistake, even though he had spoken the truth. ‘‘ Flattery is not what I want, sir,” she said, and not without a tinge of bitterness in the tone, : I have been waiting long for a chance to speak 0 you.’ “T have spoken no flattery,” said Dick, seri- ously. ‘‘ But I see you are in no mood for any- thing but seriousness. Very well, I will be as serious as you can wish. Iam no flatterer, let me assure you.” ‘* We'll drop that, You told me last night that if you could be of further use to me, that I should let you know.” **T remember it,” Dick acknowledged. ‘I am ready to stand by what I said.” “And will you be a true friend to me? I haven’t a friend in the world. Your face makes me bold to speak thus,” ‘Tf you are in need of a friend,” said Dick, in all earnestness, ‘* just count on me,” Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. CHAPTER XII. « DICK’S TALK WITH MLLE, LAURE, Drapwoop Dick had noted one thing—that tears were in the girl’s eyes, ready to burst forth at the least bidding. It was evidently an effort for her to keep ‘them back, when he made the promise in tones of such earnestness that his meaning was not to be doubted for a moment. “T accept your offer, sir, gladly accept it,” she said, with lips quivering. ‘‘ May Heaven deal with you if you deceive me, for to be deceived would turn my heart to gall against all of my kind.” ‘‘Have no concern about that,” Dick re- assured. ‘If I prove false to a promise once made, may Heaven deal with me indeed. If I could refer you to those who know me best, you would have no fear of my playing you false. On my word of honor, I will befriend you in any way I can,” ‘*T believe you. Iam going to trust you. I bave reason to believe that I am in danger here.” ‘* And you want protection? I can promise you that. [sit that big coward who gave you the trouble last night? If it is—” ‘No, no, it isnot he, I would not fear him, I have a secret enemy, one of whom I have no knowledge, and yet one who may mean me the greatest harm.” ‘¢ This looks more serious.” * And so it is.” Tell me all about it. I can not be of much help to you, unless I know all the particulars.” ‘* 1 was aware of that, and I had made up my mind to take you in as a pard, as the men of the West say; that is, if you would allow me to do so, and now you have given your promise.” *¢ And my promise is my bond.” ' ‘Then I must tell you my story. But is this a good place to talk? ‘“« As good a place as any, if we are careful not to be overheard. Do not appear to be in too great earnestness.” ‘‘T will try not to. Ihave here a note which you ought to read. It was cast into my room last night, attached to a stone that broke a lass, va: Well, well, this does begin to look like busi- ness. It may be just as well for you not to hand me the note openly. Tell me what it had to say, and you can let me see it at another time.” The girl told all about it, as it is known to the reader, — : Deadwood Dick listened with much interest to the end. He could not grasp it in full yet, ‘Have you any suspicion that points to any person?” be inquired, ‘‘ No,” the answer; ‘and yet—” ** And yet what?” ‘You would not understand unless I told you my story first.” ‘Well, then, tell me your story first. And you may look upon me as your brotber for the time being.” ‘¢T am going to trust you fully.” Deadwood Dick was highly pleased with the progress he was making with the girl, for, as we know, it had been his intention to seek an inter- view with her, and try to find out something about her past. Here she bad come to him, seeking an inter- view witb him, and not only that, but help. It had played right into bis bands in the best possi- ble manner. But it was a case that was going to tax him, he feared, Not that the getting at the truth would be so hard, for that was likely to come of its own ac- cord, but he had now promised two persons, He had pledged himself to Mr, Whitney to find out about the girl, and had promised the gir] to befriend and protect her. : ‘“‘ The very first recollection I have,” the girl be- gan, ‘‘ was the terrible scare I received at being carried around a circus ring on the back of a horse, I was only a tot then, but I remember it well, and how I screamed, From that time it was a series of scares and whippings, and frights and beatings, untilat Jast, at the age of six, I was able to go around the ring standing on the shoulders of the woman who claimed to be my!mother.” ‘Claimed to be your mother?’ queried Dick. ““T say claimed, because I know she was not my mother,” ** Go on.” ‘‘ Well, from that time on for a few years, it was a constant scene of change. We were with the circus, and the ring was my daily torture, for I had a fear of horses that I never overcame. I could ride, and did ride because I had to, but it was with a constant fear that was positively torture tome. I was glad when it came toan ;
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Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 11 } end, And the end came with the death of the woman who had charge of me, ‘¢ At her death she gave me into the hands of an older woman who was with the show, and who was known as Spanish Inez. She wasa snake-charmer, and was called Inez the Witch. I was then about ten, and in another year I was billed as the child snake-charmer. I wasa won- der to the gaping country audiences, and I sup- pose if I had been swallowed by one of the monsters they would have taken it as part of the performance they had paid their money to see, This with a bitter attempt at humor. * Well, that is about the sum of my history. I was with the circus till three years ago, when old Inez died. And taking her snakes, I settled down in the city with a permanent museum, where I remained another year, And then I began this wandering life which has finally brought me here,” ‘¢ And then all this story is without definite purpose,” remarked Dick. ‘* Not so, sir. When she was dying, old Inez told me all she could about myself. It was she who told me that the rider had not been my mother at all, but that I was a child of a singer who had been with the show one season, and who, upon leaving, had given me to the eques- trienne at ber request. My mother, as she de- clared, was a lady, but I never believed that. The proof is all to the contrary. But there was one thing she told me, and that which made me whatlam to-day. She said that my mother boasted of a high marriage, and had had with her that which proved it, and with her dying breath the old woman.-told me to hunt the world over for my mother, and force her to tell me the secret of my parentage.” Dick was more than a little interested now. “But bad you anything to work upon?” he asked. ‘‘ How were you to know this woman when you found her?” **No! I had no clew whatever. My search has been an aimless one, almost. But that old woman’s dying words had been: ‘Have no fear about knowing your mother, if ever you fallin with her, She will know you at sight, for you are as much like what she was as one rose is like another.” ‘Ha! Then your suspicion is—? “T believe you guess it. That the woman who made sucha fuss atthe sight of me and my snakes last night, is the one for whom { am searching.” . “That is the thought that came to me, miss, I told myself last night, when I witnessed that little scene, that there was more to it than mere fright at the sight of the snakes,” **And'so I believed. I watched the woman closely, to get a look at her, but she kept her face too well covered,” ‘As I saw. And now what is your inten- tion?” “*) have now reached the point where I am not proceeding alone, and where your help will be most welcome. What would you direct me to do?” ** Do you know anything about this woman?” “Nothing; except that she is Mrs. Mabey, wife of the manager of the Rock Mine at this camp. F ‘“‘ Exactly, and that is all any of usknow. I mean, any one who isa stranger here, you see. Now it will be necessary to inquire into her history a little.” “And that is what Iam afraid todo, If she is indeed my—my mother, canit be possible that it is se who has warned me to go away from here? Has she recognized me, and does she waut me out of her way? “Tt is very likely so, But, you leave it all to me for a little while, if you will, and do nothing yourself till I can have another interview with you. You can remain here a day or so?” ‘*T have no intention of going away, sir, till I know the truth. Oh! if re could only take you into my deeper confidence, and tell you all my hopes and fears—"_ *“T do not ask it; in fact, I have read — deeper already than you perhaps imagine. ti us part for the present, for there isa man with whom I must have some conversation.” He indicated Mr, Whitman, who was coming down the street. } ‘‘ Very well; but do not fail me,” **T shall not. And, before you go, drop that note on the floor here and | will secure it, If an enemy is watching it will hardly be noticed.” “ Allright, I dropit. AndnowIgo. Ifyou want me, you can let me know.” With that she turned away, leaving the note on the floor, and as she entered the hall a woman moved hastily away from a window in the stuffy little sitting-room, where, behind the closed blinds, she had listened to all! That woman was Susan Hawson, who had so recently held a conversation with Deadwood Dick herself! Dick, as soon as alone, took a cigar from his pocket and prepared to light it, but in doing so let it fall. Stooping to pick it up, he secured also the paper the girl had left there, By the time the cigar was lighted, Mr, Whit- man was at hand, “Well, I have had the interview with the girl,” he said. “So IT am aware,” responded Mr. Whitman, “Wall, what result?” “*T hardly know yet. Iam going to set you off ona new scent for the present, Do you think you would know yonr false wife, were you to meet her at this late day?” ‘* Impossible to say, sir. Why, what bave you discovered? [know you have made a bit of some kind.” ‘t Yes, Ihave. Butit is one thatis as uncertain as the flight of a feather. You saw that woman at the saloon last night, who almost fainted at sight of the snakes.” ** Yes,” ‘* She is the wife of the manager of the Rock Mine. I want you to get a good look at her, at close range, and say whether or not she is your wife of the old days.” : The man was almost trembling with excite- ment, ‘““How am I to doit? You will have to plan for me, for I am as helpless as a child in the matter, almost. Iam afraid | shal] make a mess of it, unless you hold me up, You lay the plans, sir, and then I'll do my best to follow them,” CHAPTER XIII. DOUBLY IDENTIFIED, Dick looked at the man in a half-amused way. “That is nonsense,” he declared. a& man of the world, Mr. Whitman.” ‘*T know it, but I have never taken the world’s hard knocks, you know. Money has always stood between. And besides—” ‘* Besides,” Dick finished, ‘‘ you are afraid to face this former wife of yours, Somehow you have never outlived the fact that you loved her pair and meeting her you might commit your- se ** You are wey the Harry, but you are a mind reader, sir ‘Oh, no, not at all, But I can assure you of one thing. If that is the case, a close inspec- tion of this Mrs. Mabey will cure you. If sue is the wife of your wild-oats days, she is so changed for the worse that it will be the best thing in the world for you to meet her.” “* How do you know what she was?” “*You have told me, She was a beauty, when you first knew her, and just the sort to blind the eyes of a youth.” ** And now—” ‘* Well, she is handsome— But, you saw her? She is handsome, of that kind of beauty, but it is cold, lifeless, painted, hard, bold—a hundred words might be found to describe it. The ques- tion is, isshe the woman you are after? You must be the one to settle that.” ‘** But, how? What’s your plan?” ‘* Let me reflect a moment.’ Dick thought. ‘* | have it,” he finally said. “* Well, let me into it, and I'll do my best.” “You have given out that you are here on the lookout for mining opportunities, as I under- tand, ‘That’s what I have let fall, casually.” ‘“* Well, have you had your eyes open in that direction?” ** Not a bit; care no more for mining than I do for carrying a hod,” “Tt never is lost effort to take in all that comes to one’s ears, however, Mr. Whitman, I havo become posted about things here.” ‘*T believe you,” “This old_mine, the Rock Mine, is managed by Mabey. It is fighting hard against the new one tat is just beginning operations. Now if you go nosing around a little, pretending that you have money to invest, Mabey will soon pick you up. And in order to get a hold upon you for his mine, will make much of you. ‘On your part, you want to lean in favor of the new company at first, but gradually let him win you over, and by a little fine playing you can get yourself asked to dinner with him, Al that 1s needed is a little care and the exercise of good judgment as points pop up. What do you think of it? Can’s you work that little game and gain your point?” “T might; but it don’t suit my ideas,” “Hang your ideas—on a willow for the present. That is, your delicate notions, You want a good chance to study this woman. That is the very best one I can offer to you. And now a word of caution: Don’t recognize her, no matter what happens. If she eee you, she will show it, and you can easily detect it if you are watchful ut you keep your own emotions well under, And if she sounds for clews, mislead ber, Don’t let her get any proof for what she may suspect.” ** All of which would be easy for you.” “T admit it. But no eyes but your own would be of any use in determining the ques- on.’ ‘¢ Well, Pll undertake it. If I make a mess of it, don’t blame me, that’s all, And now about the girl, you haven’t told me—” ‘¢T’ve told you all I’m going to till we get this matter settled, After that I will disclose some- thing to you, but I must warn you not to set hopes high on the snake girl.” *“* And there comes Mabey from the diraction of his cottage now.” ** Yes; but don’t be in a hurry to meet bim. Let your falling in with him come about ina natural way.” While they were yet talking, two women came out of the house. They were the widow, Mrs, Hawson, and her daughter Susan, and they set off ap the street, The widow had her vail on, and the [daughter had a firm hold upon her arm, as though she needed firm support. And so they advanced to- ward a meeting with Mr. Mabey. Presently they met, and it could be seen that the daughter tightened her hold upon the other’s arm, and also that the widow stared hard at the mine manager from behind her vail. eo apy rate, all this was observed by Deadwood ick. They passed, and the vailed woman turned her head to look back, but the daughter pulled her firmly on, and they passed up the valley. Dick had allowed a smile to play about his lips as he looked. What that smile meant, if it meant anything, need not be speculated upon pow. The smile vanished, and Dick turned again to Whitman. 1 Mr. Mabey soon came up. ‘Well slr, I see you are alive yet,” he greeted, addressing Dick. He spoke with reference to the trouble Dick had had with the stage-driver and his bull- whacker pard, **Oh, yes, there is a little life left in me yet,” Dick carelessly replied. ‘ Mr, Mabey then spoke to Whitman, ‘By the way,” said Dick, after they had made an exchange of words, ‘Mr, Whitman has been asking me some questions concernin mines here. | know nothing whatever, so will refer him to you, Mr, Mabey.” “T think I can give you points, sir,” Mabey declared, * But you will find that he is rather in favor of the new company,” said Dick. ‘It may re- quire some effort to set him right, according to your views,” “Tv will be the easiest thing in the world, if Mr. Whitman is open to conviction, Come with me, gentlemen, and let me show you around the Rock Mine. It will give you an idea of what mining is.” “Sorry,” said Dick, ‘but I cannot go just now, Nodoubt Mr, Whitman will be glad to embrace the opportunity.” ‘“‘-Yes, decidedly glad,” that gentleman de- clared, ‘‘I have been wanting to get some one to talk to who knows all about it, so I'll go with you, Mr. Mabey.” And they set off together, Dick watchivg them. ‘“ Now, Mr. Whitney,” he said to himself, “ ge in and do the best you can. And if you work iti as you a to, you will kill two birds with one stone. I'l take it easy till you report.” Dick loitered around the hotel, and in the course of half an hour saw the Widow Hawe son and her daughter returning. After they had entered the house he took another turn on the piazza, and in a few minutes. the Gants joined him there, their meeting and greeting being about the same as the for- mer. ‘Well, what does she say?” Dick asked when they bad exchanged some commonplaces, He spoke in lower tone,
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; ; ; a rs ate 12 ‘* She is positive in her identification,” was the reply. ** And then Donald Mabey is—” * He is Joe) Banks; no doubt of it.” ‘*Then he must be brought to time and made to sign that paper.” ‘* Yes, most positively, done? That is for you to say. nothing at planning.” ‘‘T know better than that. But perhaps Ican suggest something.” ** You will have to.” ‘But there must be a delay. This matter has taken a new departure, and there are two sides to it now.” “What do you mean? What you have told me about?” “Yes, and more. This man Whitman has gone to see if he can identify the woman.” ** And then you are going to make it a double play, eh? Well, better so, Bat there must not be too much delay, for it is not going, to be easy to put this first matter off very oid, Bil “Tt need not be, I think to-day will wind it i But, as I was going to suggest, a note to abey would bring him to your room at the hotel. Tell him you want to sa ee concerning the Rock Mine, There is red-hot rivalry here between the two companies,” *€ And then if he comes?” ‘*He will sign that paper before he leaves the room!” ** Perhaps he won’t come,” ‘In that case it is open to us to go to bis house,” ** Well, it will be all right, either way. What do you think of it all? Is it coming out as you believed?” “I think itis, It is one of the worst tangles I ever saw, of the kind, and when it is all picked out, there will be some surprises aboard the we he social craft, I imagine.” ‘*T have seen the snake girl.” *€ Oh, yes; well, what did she say?” ** She was cold and distant. Said she wanted no sympathy, and that she had a friend who ‘would stand by her.” “You made excuse as arranged, of course.” ** Yes; told her if she feared the man who had been whipped by the snakes, that I would stand by her, and all that, She is a strange girl, and I was unable to learn anything more than you had already discovered.” They talked on for some time, and it was a peculiar conversation for strangers to hold. The day passed bs without excitement, and it was near evening before Dick got a chance to speak to Mr. Whitman again, Mabey had kept him close, had talked mining to him till the man’s head was buzzing with it, had taken him home to dinner, and then had talked mine again till it was talked out, ** Well, what luck?” Dick asked, “* She's the woman !” was the answer, right to the point, “Then you positively identify her?” “Yes, And she recognized me at sight, She gave a start and grew white when she came face to face with me.” ** And what did you do?” ** Well, I tried to follow your directions, and I guess I sueceeded pretty well, for finally she recovered herself.” ** Did she sound you?” “Yes; and gave herself away doingit, She mentioned some things of the ta in a general way, that only she and I could know anything about. She wanted to note the effect upon me.” And you succeeded in leading her to believe that it was not as she suspected, did you?” *¢-Y'es, I feel sure 1 did.” **Good enough. Now we will let the matter rest at this for the time. It will interfere with my other business if we push it any further just now But, how is it to be I am good for CHAPTER XIV, FORCING A SIGNATURE, - EVERYTHING seemed to be depending upon tho action of Deadwood Dick, And soit was. He was master of the situa- tion, master of even Mr. Whitman’s own busi- ness, where he had been taken in to act simply as a helper. At any rate that had been that gentleman’s’ first intention, But the master spirit in Dead- wood Dick had speedily made itself felt, and now Mr, Whitman was dependent on him and was playing the second part himself. —_ But, to push forward, Mr, Mabey was at bis office at the mine, near the close of the day, when a message was brought in and banded to him. ‘Who sent this?’ he asked of the boy who brought it, ‘*Woman at the Roost, sir,” the boy prompt- ly answered. “A woman, hey? We'll see what’s wanted then.” And with that to start with, he tore open the note and read what it had to say within, It was as follows; ¥ “To Mr. Maney:— “Srr:—As you are manager of the Rock Mine, ou must know everything about mining in this ocality, and about your own mine in ie eich Will you come to my room at the hotel? ould like to see you on a matter of business. ** Yours, etc., ‘* HANNAH Hawson.’’ **Do you want an answer?” Mabey asked the boy. XThe woman told me ter come back an’ teil her what you said.” “ All right. Tell her I'll be right over there, ‘* Wants to see about mine matters, eh?” he said to himself, when the boy had gone, The note had not told him anything of the sort, as a second glance at it will prove. It was ingeniously worded to produce tbe right effect, ‘Wants to be posted on mining matters, does she? Well, I reckon I can give her some point- ers. No doubt there’s some more cash suffering to be invested in mine stock. If that’s the case, I must see to it that the Rock Mine gets it ” Giving the boy about time to get back to the hotel, and a little to spare, Mr. Mabey set out after him, and was soon there, Inquiring jn the bar-room which room Mrs. a es had, he went up and tapped at her oor. It was opened to him by Susan, the daugh- “ter, and he proceeded to make himself agreeable immediately. The widow was seated with her back to him, **T received your note,” he said, ‘‘ I am only too glad to serve you. Now, whatever it is you would like to know, do not hesitate to ask me, Any information that I can give—” “ Certainly, Mr, Mabey, we know how will- ing you are, and we are grateful, Now, please sit down here and—” Susan placed a chair at asmall table, on which were pen and ink and some papers, : The man gave her a curious glance, but sat own, “* Yes, yes, certainly; anywhere you will have me,” he observed. ‘* And now, sir,” placing a folded paper be- fore him, “‘ here is a document which requires your signature.” At this Mabey looked at the young woman in blank astonishment. ‘“That requires my signature!” he exclaimed, “Yes, sir. Examine it, and you will under- stand.” The man was too amazed to know what he was doing, almost, > With trembling fingers he opened the paper ane. looked at Hy Bud one ed 3 eee ith a gasp he sprung to his feet, the paper fluttering fo the floor, and he stood pale and trembling, staring at the woman before him, She had now a revolver in her grasp, pointed at his breast. , ‘* Who are you?” he demanded. A sound in the other direction caused him to look there. If possible he turned more pale than ever, and his limp arms dropped at his sides. A chair had been turned, and in that chair was seated a pale-faced woman, while behind it stood the fighting stranger, Mr. Prichards! “ Joel Banks, you know me,” the woman as serted. ‘ T]know you not!” was theretort, ‘‘My name is not Banks! What infernal bit of foolishness is this?” Suddenly he had come to bimself, and meant to try to brave it out. “It is no foolishness, sir,” assured Dick, grim- ly. ‘* Your name is wanted to that document, and you have got to sign it.” “What Sop will the name of Donald Mabey do there?” ‘* We want your true name, Joel Banks,” **T tell you that is not my name!” * Joel Banks, you lie,” cried the woman in -black. ‘‘I know you well enough. I am your lawful wife, You deserted me for that—that false creature who is with you, and in doing so, robbed me of my property. I care nothing for you, you may go to the dogs; but I want my property, and you have got to sign it back to + me. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. The woman was speaking with forced calm- ness, A close observer might have discovered that she was bound to the chair in which she sat, “Tt was a precaution that had been taken to proces any assault she might try to make upon er truant husband. And it was a wise one. It forced the woman to keep cool. “*Té is all an infernal lie!” the man cried. ‘It is a blackmail scheme, and I will have nothing to do with it!” “Then you refuse to sign, eh?” asked Dead- wood Dick, “© Of course I refuse to sign!” “Very well, then, sir; we shall have to arrest gen and take you back to Walla Walla, Per- ape there you will own to your identity, and--” s he spoke, Dick had produced a pair of hand- cuffs, and was toying with them carelessly. The man interrupted him, demanding: ‘** Who are you? What have you got to do with this matter?” ‘““T am an officer,” was the reply. ‘‘I am going to see that this wronged woman gets her rights,” : _ Mr, Mabey showed decided signs of weaken- ing. % And if I sign?” he spoke, “Tf you sign, admitting that you are Joel Banks, and allow us to bring in another witness or two to attest the signature, the door will be opened and you will be allowed to go as free as you came.” ** And if I don’t, what then?” “These handcuffs, and a trip to Walla Walla.” Pll sign.” nee man dropped upon the chair and took up ® pen. ‘Very well,” said Dick. ‘‘ Miss Susan, please step down and bring in two reliable witnesses,” Dick had a weapon in hand, and putting away hers, the young woman went out as directed, closing the door after her. It need not be said that the matter of wit- nesses had been arranged beforehand, and when she returned she brought with her Mr. Whit- man and the mayor of the camp, Mr. Hiram Hawkins. * An!” exclaimed Mr. Whitman, ‘‘ we meet again, Mr. Mabey.” The unhappy rascal grunted, ‘*Gentlemen, you both know this man, who and what he is,” spoke Deadwood Dick, They admitted they did. “Very well; you are required to witness his signature to this document, if you please. He will sign his true name—Joe] Banks, This is all that is necessary for you to know.” “Tt is enough,” said Mr. Whitman, ‘“ That he has another name need not matter to us.” Mr, Hawkins was staring with mouth agape, ‘¢No, it need not matter,” growled the mine- manager. ‘And it will be a bundred dollars apiece to you to keep the secret,” This was enough for Mr, Hawkins. _ Mabey took the paper and signed it; after which Dick attested it in legal manner and the witnesses signed their names in due form, ‘““ Now, Mr, Mabey,” remarked Dick, “ you may go. We are greatly obliged to you for this favor, and will not have to trouble you again for a similar purpose. You are at liberty, as I promised.” With sullen growls the man snatched up his hat, jammed it upon bis head, and was sone, ‘¢Pll fix you, curse you!” he hisse! as he plunged down the stairs, ‘‘ That_paper shall never go out of this camp, not if I can help it, and I think Ican, it shall be stolen, anda false one substituted for it—I swear it!” _ But such threats as that were futile. He did not know the man with whom he had to deal. Little of importance was said in the room after that, and the mayor was the next to take his leave, and after bim Dick and Mr. Whitman. “Say, who and what are you, anyhow?” the latter demanded, for something like the twentieth time since he had met Dick, ‘‘Are you a lawyer, with all the rest? You are a puzzle to me,’ “* No, I’m not a lawyer,” Dick assured, ‘I am only acommon, every-day sort of man—a assenger, a8 our friend the driver would say, But I have knocked around somewhat, and have picked up a little knowledge in various branches, I'm a Jack-at-all-trades, as it were,” ‘ I believe you. But, now, to business.” ‘“* We are not quite ready yet.” “ Why not?’ ’ ‘‘Reasons Iam not prepared to state in full. We will act this evening. after dark.” ** And why after dark?” ‘¢ We must not be seen going to the cottage in a body, you know.” \ ’
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— | “ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 1 “ True, true. Well, Igiveit up. You are at | growed. Yer knows who I means. Ther pas- | “To Mute. Laure:— the head of it, mab, and [ have seen enough of you to trust you. Gut I want to know who you are, When will you give me that satisfaction?” * ‘Oh, well, say after our business here is done and we are going away. That will be time enough.” ; With that they parted, and Dick went to his room, It was near the hour for supper, and he wanted to do some quiet thinking in regard to the tangle he was picking out. Handling a double play, as it had been termed, he had to be careful, While he was there he heard a shouting below, and the stage came rattling into the camp. He looked out at the window, and as he did soa smile lighted his face. From what he saw he foretold in mind a surprise that was yet to come, CHAPTER XV. ACCEPTING A CHALLENGE, A BRIEF explanation of what Dick saw. On the top of the stage was a man, only one, and he was tied up with strong rope like a trussed turkey, or worse, He was a strapping fellow, rough and beard- ed, a very giant, and cne with whom it would evidently be well to have no quarrel, were he free. He wasa man before whom even High- stepper Hipe dwarfed. It was the appearance of this fellow that had caused Dick the smile. **Whoap!” had yelled Bijukes, as he came to a stop witb a short jerk. ‘* Hyar we is ergain, an’ l’m ther driver, you bet! No passenger at ther head of ther procession this hyar time!” He flung out the mail, and then got down from his box, High-stepper Hipe was just coming to the front, and now he called out: ‘* Be et all right, Bijukes?” ‘* Bit be,” was the answer. ‘ Thar he is, right up thar,” indicating the man on top. All attention was upon the prisoner on the top of the stage, while the two or three passengers were getting out from the inside, And as they looked, suddenly the man gave out a wild yell, or whoop, that almost made every man of them jumpa foot high. It wasa terrific cry, and a good many thought him mad, ‘*How’s that fer a war-whoop?” demanded Bijukes., ‘Et ar’ a peeler,” said the High-stepper, with a grin. he man on top gave another that put the first to the blush, ** Ain’t he a screamer?” cried Bijukes, ‘* Ain’t be a holy terror, boyees?” Questions were fired thick and fast now, every- body wanting to know who the prisoner was, and all about him, ‘* Hold on, bold on,” cried Bijukes. ‘I'll tell yer all erbout et, ef yer will give me ther chance. Look at him well, boyees, fer yer don’t see ther like twicet in a lifetime. Keep yer eyes onto him, an’ Vl uive yer his peddygree. In him yer does behold ther wu’st old rip-raviv’ old snorter of ther hull woolly West, He's ther king o’ toughs an’ ther prince o’ terrors. He’s ther wonder of ther day as a all-around bad man. Yer all knows thet High-stepper is a bad man from Bad Mounting. ull, he lives right on ther summit, but this hyar galoot ar’ so much wuss thet ther mounting won’t hold him, He lives in ther clouds a mile above,” The crowd wondered what was coming. Bijukes was urged to go on. ‘In ther presence 0’ this hyar p’izen roarer from ther ragged wilds, sech kids as me and Highs poe pales ter nothin’. We is nowhar, and we knows et, too, Why, he could lick us both, an’ wi’ one hand tied, as I do believe, Oh, he’s jest ther big-horned toad from ther place whar they eats fire, you bet, Gents, let me in- terdoose to yer notiss ther very wu'st man in ther bull kentry at large, He’s so orful bad that he ain’t ter be trusted free, an’ has ter have hisself tied up that way fer ther safety of ther ublick, That’s ther way he travels, so’s ter oon control over hisself. He ar’ Fire-eater Flip, he ar’, an’ yer don’t want ter git too near, even ef he ar’ tied. Et ar’ death, ef he looks at ye hard.” { At tbat juncture the bound man let out another and still more terrific roar. | ore and more questions were being put to the driver, questions more than he could possi- bly answer, taking them separate ‘Fas, yas, yas!” he cried. ‘‘ Keep still, boy- y P still, boy: ees, keep still; an’ I'll tell ye ther hull racket, Yer see, thar’s a darn fresh rooster in this hyar camp what thinks he ar’ ther best man what ever | senger what is thinkin’ he done a smart thin other trip. Waal, he ar’ some on ther lift, allows, Me an’ High-stepper has come to ther clusion thet he ar’ jest one too many fer us, so we is goin’ ter try a new dodge at him, I knowed this byar Fire-eater Flip, an’ I let et out ter High thet et would be a good idee ter bring him hyar ter whip ther cuss out of his skin, Haw! haw! haw!” The driver laid back his head and roared, and so did the High-stepper, while the awful man on top of the stage let out another roar. Deadwood Dick, at his window, unseen, smiled broadly, * An’ that’s what’s goin’ ter be done,” Bijukes concluded, ‘‘ We is goin’ ter invite ther tancy banty ter come to ther Hard Luck ter-night, an’ ef he don’t, we is goin’ ter hant him up whar he ar’. Hope he ain’t gone.” ‘* No, he ar’ byar yit,” cried the High-stepper. ‘*Good ernough! Then we proclaimset aloud, so thet he what runs kin hear, or words to ther same effeck, that ther banty galoot what laid out me an’ ther High-stepper is challenged ter show his head inter ther Hard Luck at nine ter- night. Hear ye! hear ye! hear ye! Hear ye ther yawp of ther yawper!” Another scream from the baddest of bad men on top of the stage. ‘““Yer has now oppertoonity ter say a say ef yer wauts to, Fire-eater,” Bijukes observed, “Waugghhfff !” snorted the terrible untamed. ““Ther man what gits into me paws never gits out! Ther galoot what I sets me orful eye on withers an’ dies! Ther man what I eats I never gives up! I’m ther only one of me kind, ther roarin’ rage what has ter travel bound up, 80 az ter make et possible fer others ter travel in ther same boat, If yer has ther safety of yer camp at heart, don’t free me till ther time is up ter swoller me prey. Weaoughhh-h-h-h—h | 1 ce Dick was laughing quietly to him- self, The thing seemed to strike him as something particularly good. ‘Tt is the best thing that could have hap- pened,” he said to himself. “It will draw the crowd to the Hard Luck, and I shall be free to carry out my other plans without interrup- tion, : But, I must accept the challenge here and now,’ He threw up the window, As he leaned out, he took off ois hat and held it before him, at arm’s length, In this way he cut off his view of the terror on the stage top, but could see the others plainly and beseen by them, ** Ho, citizens!” His call was loud and authoritative, Immediately all attention was turned to him, and Bijukes and the High-stepper began to hoot and shout wildly. As soon as Dick could make himself heard, he said: ‘“{ have heard your challenge, my fine fel- lows, and I accept it. I will be on hand at the Hard Luck between nine and ten this evening, If I am a little late, don’t fail to wait for me, I will be there. It will take time to speak for my coffin and pay for my grave, you know, But I will be there, and you may rely upon it,” : The crowd shouted, the two plotters hooted, and their champion let out another of his ter- rible screams, Dick drew back with a quick movement, and for the time being that was all, The stage drove to the saloon, the Fire- eater was taken down and carried in, and the crowd broke up, But there was excitement in the camp, and not @ man but promised bimself the treat of witnessing the coming fight, even if he had to fight for a place A little later Dick heard a knock at his door, ** Come in,” he invited. It proved to be the girl snake-charmer. **You will pardon me for coming again to you,” she spoke, She stood in the door, and did not enter. In her hand was a note, _ You are welcome to come as often as you like,” said Dick, ‘ What is it this time?” ‘| have reeeived another message.” 5 In the same way?” weal fe ; by messenger. ‘“* And what is it this time?” Dick inquired, ‘* Read and see, I leave it all to you. I will It was sent to my now. a She put the note into his hand, and with- drew, closing the door, Dick opened it and read: “ A friend warns you again for your own good, Go away by the very next stage. Go to San Fran- cisco. Look for letter at general post-office to your address, It will tell youmuch, Go! ; * Your UNKNOWN Frrenp.” Dick smiled. ‘Tt is plain enough now,” he said to himself. * There can be little question, I could go out and begin a search with this clew, but it is not needed,” Another and louder knock at bis door, “Walk mght in,” he called out, The door opened, and this time it was Mr. Whitman who came in, ‘* i have come to ask if you are in your right mind,” he observed, with a smile, ‘** As nearly so as I ever am,” was the reply. ‘“*And do you mean to say you are going to endanger your life by going to that hole of a saloon to-night to fight that giant?” Dick laughed outright, ‘*That’s what I mean to do,” he assured, ‘and I want you to come with me, I think I can safely promise you a treat, We will attend to it after we have attended to business,” “Well, Pll go, if you really insist upon do- ing anything so foolish, but it is against my de- sire. ‘“* Tf I didn’t go there, they would hunt me up, you know.” ‘*That’s so; they did threaten that.” ‘So, to save them any unnecessary trouble, I will meet them on their own dunghill.” Mr, Whitman had learned enough of Dick’s character to know that nothing would turn him from a purpose, so the matter was dropped, After Whitman took bis leave, Dick went to the room occupied by Mrs, Hawson—to still call her by that name, and there he had another talk with the woman Susan, in which plans were arranged, In the evening, others gathered in that room, and they were Mile, Laure and Mr, Whitman, What was there discussed need not be set forth here, Deadwood Dick was the moving spirit of everything, and be was a mystery to them all— save one, He had not been idle that day. By a well-laid pies he had ‘arranged it so that Mr, and Mrs. abey would be at home that evening. \ And not only so, but others would be there, others in whom it were well to repose confidence, for witnesses were needful to everything that might be said and done, : An hour after dark the party left the hotel by the rear way, and moved in the direction of the mine-manager’s cottage, CHAPTER XVI, MEETING THE MONSTER, It was Deadwood Dick who knocked at the cottage door. He then stepped back to allow Mr. Whitman to advance first, as he had been in the house be- fore, and knew its arrangement. The door was soon opened by a Chinese ser- vant, and Whitman passed in, closely followed by the others, and led the way to the reception- room near at hand, and threw open the door. Here Deadwood Dick advanced first, with the others right after him, and with a bow to the as- sembled company, he said: ** Your pardon, Mr, Mabey, but we have a little business with your wife.” The woman had sprung to her feet, pale and trembling, and the eyes of all the company were upon her, Her own were fixed upon Mlle. Laure, ‘Business with my wife?” the mine-manager repeated, ‘ ‘If wife she is!” exclaimed the Widow Haw- son, ‘*What insult is this?” gasped Mrs. Mabey. ie What business can you have with me, sir?” to Jick, ‘‘ We want you to admit the identity of this girl, your daughter,” Dick promptly replied. The assembled company looked horrified. With a gasp and haif-scream the woman sunlr down upon a chair, The mine-manager looked at her in the wild- est sort of amazement, It was a revelation for him. “* Robert Whitney,” said Dick, turning to the gentleman known there as Rupert Whitman, do you identify this woman as your former wife?” ‘*T do, positively,” was the firm answer, The miserable woman groaned and buried her face deeper in her hands. “ Ladies and gentlemen,” Dick went on, then, ‘*an explanation must be made, in order to es- tablish the facts of this case before you, I will say that you have been brought here through —
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: ] i : i ' looks would means of my own to serve as witnesses in this matter. And you need not hesitate, for by you will be established right and justice for this young woman. “Twenty years ago this woman known to you as Mrs. Mabey was an actress known as Mabel Noble. Deny it, madam, if youcan, This gen- tleman, Mr. Robert Whitney, met her ard was infatuated. He married her, and a daughter was born to them. Shortly after that the wo- man deserted her husband, going away in com- any with a man named Warde Cushime, ater, she was with a circus, There she gave her child to the keeping of a woman rider, and disappeared, That child is before yon here in the wer of Mile. Laure. ‘* Now, we have no intention of interfering with the happy relations existing between Mr. and Mrs. Mabey, but we do insist upon baving this woman acknowledge her identity and that of her child, in your presence. Madam, what do you say?” In an instant the woman was upon her feet, her eyes flashing with fury. ‘*T say this,” she cried: ‘that it is a base and infernal lie, from beginning to end, I was never an actress. I was never with a circus. I was never married until I gave my hand to Mr, Mabey. Iam—” There was a scuffle in the hall, and some words between the Chinee servant and some person, and the bursting open of the door interrupted, Into the room came Secundus Po, the camp bummer, with the Chinee holding fast to him and making vain efforts to draw him back and put him out. At sight of him the woman fal- tered, ‘* Let me appear and speak my little part, if you please,” Mr. Po cried. *‘‘ I suspected that some- thin’ was goin’ on, and I have been listening to it all. It won’t do for you to deny anything, fair Mabel.” ‘* What do you mean?” thundered Mr. Mabey. ** Who and what are you?” ‘*Keep cool, old sport!” was the response, with a wink. “I know what I am talking about. I am here to say that this woman is Mabel Noble that was, and she can’t deny it. Fairest, dearest Mabel, don’t you know me? [ am he who was, in the better days, Warde Cushime!” ra ge was a welcome surprise for Deadwood 1c ke ““Ttis the fact, folks,” the bummer went on. **T fell into bad luck, and the fair Mabel switch- ed her affections off upon another fellow. She went off with a circus, and I lost sighs of ber. But I stumbled upon her again, and I have been drawing my little allowance from her ever since she has been bere at Red Rock. She paid me to hold my tongue.” (thre why have you spoken now?” asked ick. ‘*Because she was going to give that sweet girl the dirty shake, and I wouldn’t allow it, that’s why. Here is the child’s daddy, ready to take her to his arms, and I mean to see to it that our darling Mabel comes to time.” Let imagination picture the scene. ‘Well, what do you say now?’ Deadwood Dick demanded, turning again to the woman, ‘* It is false—false!” she cried. ‘Tt is, hey?” sneered Mr. Po, ‘* Mebby you'll deny that you wrote these notes to me, sending me money to keep me away from the house. Mebby you'll deny that you got me ter fire that stone in at the girl’s window the other night. Mebby—” He had taken several letters from his pocket while speaking, and Dick now interrupted to ask for them, Taking them, he compared the writing with that contained in the notes Mlle. Laure had re- ceived. It was the same, “Can any of this woman’s acknowledged writing be produced?” he asked. After a little delay several specimens were found, The writing was identical. Now there could be no further question, and — broke down, acknowledging the truth of ‘it all, “You own that you are she who was Mabel Noble?” demanded Dick, . ‘Yes, [ admit it.” “* And you recognize this gentleman as Robert Whitney, who was your lawful husband?” ** Yes, yes,” A Tike wry proma irl isshe, Her story proves it, with- out enytntn else; but even with no proof, her enough,” ** Mr. Whitney, are you satisfied?’ Dick asked. ‘*T am,” was the answer. Dick turned at once to the snake-charmer, whe stood pale and trembling. ** Your long search bas not been in vain,” he said. ‘* You have found the mother who desert- ed you years ago, and who is not worthy a thought from you, And you have found more. This gentleman is your father, who has been |. searching for you for years. Go to him.” Mr. Whitney opened bis arms, and with a sob the girl ran to bim, resting her head upon his breast. Without a word more he led her quickly from the house, Dick motioned to the young woman, Susan Hawson, and she followed after them, for a pur- pose, that of being near the girl. ** And now, ladies and gentlemen, that is all,” said Dick. ‘*‘ Mr. and Mrs, Mabey, we will leave you to your bappiness. You are a well-matched pair, and both deserving of the disgrace and exposure that have come upon you. I will bid you adieu!” ‘‘ Ditto says I,” cried Secundus Po, ‘I su pose that allowance is cut off, my dear Mabel, but I couldn’t see you cast off that girl. Be- sides, I have owed you this grudge a good while. Ta-ta!” ‘* And you, Joel Banks,” cried the woman in black, ‘‘ you may cling to the creature for whom ae deserted me. I had it in mind to kill you oth, but I guess I wili not take the trouble. I wish you all the misery such baseness, merits!” The exposure was complete, and all left the house, leaving the guilty pair to settle their own account in private. By this time it was half-past nine, and the crowd at the Hard Luck was getting impa- ‘tient, as Dick could hear when he left the cot- tage. astening to the hotel, he hunted wp sebitoey, who, leaving his daughter in the keeping of Susan Hawson, was ready to accompany him as he had promised he would do, ‘“*T can never repay you for this great ser- vice, Prichards,” he remarked, as they crossed the street. ‘* Don’t make mention of it,” Dick said, care- lessly. i “But I will, I must! You shall have a re- ward, if you willtake one. But, [ am dying to know just who and what you are, and—’ “‘No time now,” urged Dick, ‘‘ Here we are at the Hard Luck.” He + ae the door and entered, Whitney at his hee At sight of him the crowd gave a cheer. There were Mohammed Bijukes and the High-stepper, in ths middle of the floor, holding their terri- ble Fire-eater, who was still partly bound. And he was a sight to behold, They had ‘daubed bim with blood, the blood of some inno- cent cat, no doubt, and had put blinders over his eyes. The ropes were yet about him, and they were holding the ends as though he were in- deed some wild tiger. “Hyer he be, at last!” cried the High-step- er, at which the Fire-eater gave out one of is terrific yells. ‘* Yer see we is ready fer ye, mister. An’ et ar’ all we kin do ter hold this hyar king of terrors. He’s dyin’ ter git at ye, an’ ef ye badn’t come soon he'd ’a’ swamped ther hull shebang. We has had ter put winkers onto him, so as ter keep ther flash of his orful eyes from killin’ folks. He ar’—” ‘*Oh, save. your breath,” cried Dick, ‘‘ and let him loose. If he is really so bloodthirsty, let him come for me and satisfy himself.” The terror acreamed in his awful way. ‘*Clear ther way!” cried Bijukes, ‘* Give him plenty o’ room ter sashay around!” sbouted High-stepper. A big circle was immediately cleared, and the crowd awaited breathless, almost, with ex- citement, After considerable more fuss, and a good deal of blowing and warning, the two men finally cast off the ropes and set their Fire-eater free, springing back out of his way. No sooner free than the terror jumped about four feet clear of the floor, with arms and Jegs flying, and giving vent to one of the worst screams he had Dee uttered, And as he came down he snatched the blinders from his eyes and glared around to find the man he was to eat. Deadwood Dick was awaiting him calmly, arms folded, and a smile upon his face. The crowd could not understand such a man. Surely he was no match for such a giant as this bullwhacker. He would certainly be killed, and yet—he was smiling at death! The great, hairy, overgrown bullwhacker lared around, with snarls and gnashes of teeth, ike a beast of prey, till his eyes rested upon Deadwood Dick, and then— Well, his courage 14 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. petered right out. It seemed to ooze away as though the bung bad suddenly popped out, He grew tame in a moment, and looked not unlike a sick chicken. What meant so sudden a change? CHAPTER XVII. WORDS IN CONCLUSION. DEADWooD Dick stood silent and smiling, The berculean Fire-eater got down upon his knees and groveled before him! Mohammed Bijukes and High-stepper Hipe stared at him with eyes at their widest and with mouths agape, The crowd was puzzied, but could not hold back a hearty laugh at this sudden drop to the extreme of the ridiculous. What could it mean? ‘* Noble chief,” cried the Fire-eater, as he bent his head to the floor, ‘*most humbly do I beg parding. Believe me, I did not know it was you I was ter tackle. My feathers is wilted.” ‘* What in ther name o’ wonders ails yer?” cried the High-stepper. ‘““Why don’t yer chaw him?’ demanded Bijukes, (he Fire-eater sprung to his feet, struck an attitude, and with finger pointed at Dick, ex- claimed: ‘“Oh, poor fools! See, look, behold! Before ye stands ther first, ther last, ther great, ther only DEADWOOD Dick, JUNIOR! I hooked horns wi’ him oncet; I am not anxious ter hook ergain.” ? he shout that went up was deafening. Mr, Whitney sprung in front of Dick and grasped bis hand, Ts it ible!” he cried. ‘‘ Are you, sir, really Deadwood Dick?” “That is what I am called,” Dick answered, with a smile, modestly. ‘‘It was bound tocome out. ‘Bound to come out! Why didn’t you tell. me, when you knew I bad been looking for you? Sir, this is a proud moment for me, I can be- lieve all I have ever heard of you.” For two hours that place was in an uproar, and Dick could not get away. Finally, however, he and Mr, Whitney re- turned to the hotel, where they repaired to the © room where the women were, “Mr. Whitney,” said Dick, there, ‘‘ let me in- troduce you to my wife.” He waved his hand toward the young woman who had been known as Susan Hawson, It was indeed Dick’s wife, brave Kodak Kate —as she has beep known to us in preceding stories. And then came full explanations. How they had met Mrs, Banks at Walla Walla, and how her story had led them to assist her in hunting down her truant husband and getting back her stolen rights. These particulars need no dwell- ing upon now. Next morning ths mine-manager and his con- sort were missing. And they were never seen again at Red Rock. In a day or two the others took their leave of the camp, traveling in company as far as their direction was the same. And when finally they parted it was with warm feelings. Mr. Whitney took his daughter Kast with him, where, under his love and care, it was pretty certain that the evil spirit she had dreaded, and which she had inherited from her mother, would be forever buried out of sight. Not another thought had she given tober snakes, and they been had quietly killed. Dick and Kate saw Mrs, Banks safely home, where Dick aided her in getting back her rights. After that, Dick and his peerless life ‘‘ pard” set out for other fields. It was a life Kate seemed to enjoy, and while she did enjoy it, it was not likely that Dick would break away from bis vow and give up his vendetta against evil and evil-doers, Long may they live, both of them! THE END. /
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BEADLE'’S« H ALF-[JIME*]LIBRARY. Published Hvery Tuesday. BY OLL COOMES,. > Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. The Dumb Spy. Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. Keen-Knitfe, the Prince of the Prairies. Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. Hawk-eye Harry the Young Trapper Ranger. Rollo, the Boy Ranger. 4 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman. % Scar-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter 6 Silver Star, the Boy Knight. % Eawle Kit, the Boy Demon. Little Texas, the Young Mustanger. Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 182 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. ROS Prospect Pete; or, The Young Outlaw Hunters, 208 The Boy Hercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disgulsed Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkakin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 300 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. BS4 Whip-King doe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hercules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. AIT Webtfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. Ab? Wingedtoot Fred 3 or, Old Polar Saul, 468 Tamarac Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 662 Blundering Baall, 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, at eek ek fd fa Jed ADT PS SIs ew Re pe Te het ee RS BY BUCKSKIN SAM (Major Sam. 8, Hall.) 284 Old Rocky a* Boy ees; or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Glant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range. 275 Arizona Jack ¢ or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Taos; or, Giant George’s Revenge. ‘BOT The Strange Pard; or, Little Ben’s Death Hunt. B18 Ker-whoop, Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. B27 Creeping Cat, the Caddo; or, The Red and White Pards, 282 Frio Sered : or, The Tonkaway’s Trust. B44 The Fighting Trio; or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. 849 Wild Wolf; or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. $57 The Ranch Katders: or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger, 875 Chilota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 851 Bandera Bill; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and 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 Giant. BY PHILIP 8, WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 75 Captain Arizona; or, Petent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask 3 or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vompires. 888 A Tongh Boy 3; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. B68 Little uae AN $ or, The Outcasts of the Glen. BTS Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. ; 8858 Little Oh-my ¢ or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-F ly 3 or, A Race fora Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Rreeches ; or, Old Jumbo’sC 481 Little Ah Sin 3 or, The Curse of Blood, 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the slines. 480 Three Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’, Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. 547 Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. S56 Lariat LAl; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs. 698 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes or, The Skeleton’s Legacy: 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout. 648 Wappy Marry’s Big Find, 664 Cheeky Charley, the Special. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Scott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherweight the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark at or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective ; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quarteville. 811 The moving pores or, The Pride of Chuckeluck Camp. 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. $40 Clip the Contortiloniat: or, Tha Montana Vigilantes. BY JO PIEROE, 897 Rob o’ the Bowery 3 or, The Prince of Mulberry Street 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom. 452 Wotspur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow}; or, Luke’s Legacy, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Points Phil. 509 Jack Joeeern, the Butcher Boy Detective, 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerle, 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 5835 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward, 541 Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective. 651 Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Bow Detective. 569 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector. GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Stroet-Steorer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer. gee sanxtee On af the Expreeayeid Ferret. amin Bob, the very Badger; or, Y 858 SieyeRocket Rob, the Life-Savar °°°Pas ® Slippery Set 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator, 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind, 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective, T17 Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, 726 Dennis Duff, the Brown Sport’s Kid. BY J. W. OSBON. 469 Th ts of Nowhar’. 4 Dare i en ‘Man from Hard Luek, 7 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 64 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner. $35 Tite frye the Veteran Demers iuyalies e Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery oftne Island. Baul, the Boy Prospector. lan Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price 2 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. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham, 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince, 498 ‘Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective, 518 Cool Colorado in New York. BY GEORGE WALDO BROWNE, 86 Dandy Rock the Man from Texas. 90 The Dread 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 Handy; or, Dandy Rock to the Rescue. 164 Dandy Rock’s Pledge; or, Hunted to Death. 178 Dandy Rock’s Rivals or, The Haunted Mald of Taos, BY GEORGE ©. JENKS. 455 Git Thar Owney the Unknown, 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59S Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Folls or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussel. BY J. Cc. COWDRICK, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King}; or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’s Apprentice ; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 439 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, 606 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle. 524 The Engineer Detective. 536 Broadway Billy’s ‘ DIfikilty.” 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer, 579 The Chimney Spy3 or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise-Party. 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 605 William @ Broadway} or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 615 Fighting Harry _ the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dend Act, 640 Barebsek Beth, the Centaur of the Cirele, 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, 659 Moonlight Morgan, the *‘ Pizenest ’’? Man of Ante Bas, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad, 675 Broadway Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francisco's Finest, 687 Brondway Billy tn Clover, ' 696 Broadway Billy in Texaa. Bronaway Billy’s Brand. T11l Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand, BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots. 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 MAJOR FE. L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit, 801 Leadville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 Redtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince, 8838 Brimstone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of * Sand,” 859 Durango Dave, the Young Channion Wrestler. 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Yung Hard-Shell Detective, BRO Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountuin Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8, ELLIS, 6 BULL Biddon, Trapper. ‘ 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, . 30 Nat Todds or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. « rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Hunted Hunters or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains, 271 The Huge Hunter or, The Steam Prairie Man, BY MAJOR LEWIS W. CARSON, 278 The Three Trappers} or, The Mountain Monster. 285 Indian Joe; or, We White Spirit of the Hills, BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentueck: or, The Red Lasso. RTO Blizzard pg or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. BY BRACEBRIDGE HWEMYNG, 89 Taland Jim; or, The Pet of the Family. 91 The Oaptain of the Club} or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Harkaway in New York, BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout. 806 Neck-Tle Ned; or, The Dug-Out Pards, 846 Rapler Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas, 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. eos Rey Glove Kit and Pard: aes Gold King. e Mad Man- nter: or, The Golden Gulch ; 505 Powell's Sardi on The One-Armed Giant. ris na BY CAPTAIN FRED. WITITTAKER, 15 The Sea-Cat ; or, The Witch of Darien, 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Deughter, 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso}; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters or, The Land ofthe Elephant Riders, 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise. 200 The Boy Bedoutnas; or, The Brothers of the Plumed Lance 214 Wrolteans; the Robber of the Rhine. 7 249 Milo tomer the Animal King; or, Round the World, 265 The figer Tamer ; or, The League of the Jungle. $81 Black N&ek, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joe’s War Trail. RY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckskin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. ABS Little Lightfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. & ra tective, cad ~ a tS -] B28 The Dandy sport; or, The King Pin 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Exp 691 Headlight Narry’s Haul. 727 Headlight Marry’s Siren, of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR, 2 Vellowatone Jacky; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Agent, or, The Outlaw’s Retreat 65 Wurrleane BU; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam ;j or, The King of the Plains. 186 Night-linawk Kit; or, The Daughter of the Ranch. 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul; or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Glant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire, 184 The Boy Trallers; or, Daiuty Lance on the War-Path 208 The Boy Parda; or, Dainty Lance Unmaska, 211 Crooked Cale, the Calibay of Celestial City, 810 The Rarranca Wolf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy, 819 The Black Riders or, The Horse-Thieves’ League. B85 Old Double Fist; or, The Strange Guide 855 The Kine of the Woods: or Daniel Boone’s Last Trath 449 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective 625 Chinenpin Dan, the Boy Tratler. 677 Chincaptn Pan's Second Trall. 688 Chincapin Dan's Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without » Head, ° TOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. T18 Light-Neart Lute’« Last Trail. 728 Silverblade, the Shoshone, BY W. J. HAMILTON, 68 The Red Brotherhood; or, The Twelve Avengers. 66 Single Handy or, A Life for a Life, 72 Mad Tom Weatern, the Texan Ranger. 887 Ben Bird, the Cave King; or, Big Pete’s Scoop, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIEUT. If. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay. 180 The Sea Traller; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 8 Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chiefs Vengeance. iS? The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 87 The Helpless Handy or, Backwoods Retribution. 289 The Gold-seeker Guide! or, The Loat Mountain, BY WILLIAM BR, EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards BY ©. DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Panl; or, The Boy Spy of the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR UT. 8. A. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or. The Gambler Guide. BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Sport. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 589 Tom-Cat and Pardy or, The Dead Set at Silver Clty. 601 Happy Mana, the Dutch Vidoeg. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Trind 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or. Bleck Dan’s Great Combine, 646 Cowboy Gld, the Caitle-Range setective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremtinhy the Plains Detective, 676 Stenal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy. the Gypsy Spy. 699 Straple Sim, the Broncio Buster. 712 The Meamertat Sport; or, The Myatified Detective, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORA, 4 The Wild-Tlorse Munters, By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. 12 GulltVer’s Travels. By Dean Swilt, 14 Aladding or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe, (27 Lilustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 ae Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe. By Juan owls. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribews, By S, W, Pierce, 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen. By F 8, Finn, BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Fifties; or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Liente Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin Hood, the Outlawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood, By Prof, Gildersleeve. 105 O14 Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunters or, heCave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the ‘Texan or, The Young Champlon. Ry George ePbon. 128 The Young Privateers or, The Pirate’s Stronghold, By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Samy or, The Adventures of a Friendloss Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Wuaky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone, By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New York Boy. ByG, L, Alken. — 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. : 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid ot the Cliff By Captain Comstock, 817 Pencock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alired Thorne. 828 The Sky Detectives or, A Boy's Fight for Lifeand Honor. By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. £265 Baltimore Ben the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris, B74 Gold-Duat Tomy or, Ben’s Doubla Match. By @ H. Morse, 876 California Joe’s Firat Tratl, By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery, 418 Biily Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. 8. Winthrop. 4%5 The Black Ship. By John S$ Warner. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invincibles. By Henry J. Thomas. S82 The pawroy. Duke, By Edwin Brooke Forrest, 552 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dend Petective’« Double. By Gerald Carlton, rick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of » By Will Lisenbee. Cue” A New issue Every Tuesday- The,Half-Dime Library {» for sale by ail nowsdealers, five conta per copy, or sent by et on receipt of alx cents each. ‘ BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. ‘ é
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BEADLE’S«H ALF- DIME*|_ IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Hach Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers, BY EDWARD L. WITEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; or, Double Daggers. Ft pesuwaod ee in Diem uibes os Bulfal) Ben. 5 Deadwood ck in His Oaatle. 42 Déadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The «antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Ormana Ol, 6&7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity é ine, the Heroine, 100 ads pie es Lant pee or, Corduroy Charlie. 0 end wood eck in Leadville. ‘ 104 Deadwood Dick's Device; Fal ‘The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party, 195 Deadwood Dick’s« Dream; or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. +44 qeagu aed picky oe ior Calamity Jane’s Adventure. ZT Deadwood Dick’sa Denc eal, 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Rormance of Roughs and Toughs, acs preagwege Pies bts aes ape Spirit of Swamp Lake. € endwoo ck’s Death Trail 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. oun pee tay | Toke Cie or, The Terrible Vendetta, endwoocd ck’s Claim. 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Dick In New York; or, A “Cute Case,” bet preawees he aces or, The Chained Hand. eadwood © r. 445 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Big Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Racket at Claim 10 at pena oes Die? Sarees or, sennes Bill. eadwoo ek oe Detective, or peagyoed Dick, pba in Danes ood, 9 endwoo r.’a, Compact. re ponamees J r,s, eppartennens 0 Deadwooa dr.’s iggings. 65608 Deadwood Jr, Deliverance, pt Ame. ial 5 prevesee. , cadwoo dren. Aree. 529 Deadwood Jr.'s, Danger Ducka, (tt poser ses gree aren Hunt, 89 Deadwo re, in Texas, 5644 Deadwood Jr. the Wild West Vidocg 549 Dendwood Jr., on Ilias Mettle. 554 Deadwood dr., in Gotham, 5661 Deadwood Jdr., in Boston. 567 Deadwood Jr., in Philadetphia. Bes pengwece eres rae ie eadwoo r., Afloat. +95 ep nah grey eer ar end woo r.’a; Decree. ey peng wood Disk, ors in ponnerers P meee eadwoo ¢ r-, at Coney Island, oy en pte Dick, Sri ope Lay. € endw oo¢ ¢ r., In Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatl. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man’s Land, Br ante bed | ieee aut eee Queer. 64 end woo ck, dr., In_ Buffalo, 648 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. +74 en He ood Le a or enguranee Care: endwood ek, Jr. ack in the Mines, 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr. (x. Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune. 684 Deadwood Jr.’s. Dazzle. Jr.’s. Dollara. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective, 122 Phil mney the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags, 142 Wandsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, . 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Besa, Wi!) Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry, the Harbor Police Boy. 165 Billy Busgase, the Raironl 6 e, the Raliroad Boy. 170 A Teump Gard’ or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York, 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, 188 The Hidden Mtand io) Wil! Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 96 Shadowed ; or, Bob kockett’s Fight for Life. 06 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the omg Detective. 20 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 25 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two “ Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and Hia Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274A Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jims Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-Iound; or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B67 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery, of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 666 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp f 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold, 709 The Curbstone Detectives or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof; the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 8Y Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York, 45 Old Avalanche}; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bills or, The Red Rifle Team, 69 Gold Rifle, the pane pebavtens or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob} or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner}; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet 3 or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City. 118 Jack Moyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boss Bob the King of Boothlacksa 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent, 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detectiva, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cydlone Kit, the Young G)adiator, 244 Sierra Samy, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista, 258 Slerra Saim’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride, 278 Jumbo Joey the Koy Patrol; or, The Rival Heira, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll’s Victory. 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or. The Road Queen. 209 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 880 Little Quisk-Shot3 or, The Dead Face of Daggersville. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner, 889 Kangaroo Kit’s Racket, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. $58 First-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 87S Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeanca, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker}; or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective, 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sim Slabaides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. o 486 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkler, BY T. ©. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter. 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Toe Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, T utlaws of the Oregon Trall. $2 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk- 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 10 ld Frosty, the Gul e; 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 Arkanasaw 3 or, The Queen of Fate’s Revenge, 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Captain Bullet; or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade, 231 yneks Phil; or, Kosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tne Roughs of the Rockies, 255 Captain Apolie, tne King-Pin of Bowle, 267 The Iuckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Ibany or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. B02 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards: or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Laeso, 845 Pitiless Matt; or, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret, B56 Cool Sam ard Pardy; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, Ihe Brccuneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The Twin Champions 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 Flaah, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Againat 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 Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ken, the Night ferret. 512 Dodger Pick, the Whart-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicon, the owery Shadows, 5ES Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq. 678 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sherp on Guard, 626 The Champion Parda, 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 1 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy iaph, the Boy Musician Detective. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. %15 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The ouble Face of Bed Rock. 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One. 581 Da Ware the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective, 604 Tron Fern, tle Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport. 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard. d Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 651 66% e ne’s Victory. 682 d Virlean the 4 ae Rider, Fon Viclet Tenant Tar a: Wis Couto Detective’ Cra olet Van ow; or, The Crafty De’ ) 714 Old Misery, the Man tes Missouri.” %24 Violet Vane’s Vengeance. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ? The Flying Vankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk: or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. vf 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 116 The Uussar Captain ¢ or, The Hermit of Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit; or, Bessie, the Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Gold Plume; or, Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider, 216 Bison BILL, the Prince of the Reins; or, Butfulo Bill’s Pluck. 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate; or, The Cow igy'® Triumph, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captai 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Freelance Heir, 250 The Midshipman Mutineer$ of, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating F eather; or, Merlo Monte’s Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or, “The Gold Ship” Chase 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or. Pearl, the Pirate’s Bride, 284 The Sea Marnuder}; or, Merle Monte’s Pledge. 2ST Billy Blue-Eyea, the Boy Rover of the Rio Grande. $04 The Dead Siot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Keno Kit; or, Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Myaterfous Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trai}, S77 Bonodel, the Buoy Rover; or, The Flagless Schooner, 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WILL, the Boy Phantom, 898 Seawatltf, the Boy Lieutenant, 402 Isodor, the Young Conaptrator; or, The Fatal League 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wild Yachtsman3 or, The War-Cloud’s Cruise 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 A Cabin Boy’s Luck; or, The Corsair. 487 The Sea Raider. 441 The Ocean Firefly 5 or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Waphazard Harry; or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard Wills or, The Boy Ferret of New York. 454 Wizard Will's Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. 474 Flora; or, Wizard Will’s Vagabond Pard. AS8 Ferreta Afloat: or, Wizard Wil!l’s Last Case, 48ST Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger. 495 Arizona doe the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboy. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat 507 The Hunted Midshipman, 5611 The Outinwed Middy. 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin. 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 5835 The BRuc- skin Rovers. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder of the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’a Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 555 The Creole Corsair. 560 Pawnee BIUL, the Prairie Shadower, 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 586 The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea-Rover. 597 The Young Texan Detective. 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Rio Raiders, 644 The Hercules Highwayman. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buffale Bill’s Boy Para, 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man unt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower}; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas. 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, Tne Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket 70? The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail’ 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen. 719 Pawnee Bill’s Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper, %25 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid, BY BUFFAL®* BILL (lon. 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 Unknown Scout, 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trost. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, 229 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay. By Jos. E, Badger, Jr. 280 Violet Vane’s Verdtet; or, The Crooked Game at Coffin City. By Wm. G. Patten. 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower; or, The Rivals in Buckskin. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 782 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game, By T. C. Harbaugh. 288 Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector;or, Unearthing the Cayorn League, By-Lieut. A. K, Sims, 284 Deadwood Dick, Jr.%*, Double Deal: or, The All- Around Surprise. By Edward L. Wheeler. Ready August 18, %85 Broadway Billy’s Business; or, Waking Up Wind Can- yon Camp. By |, C, Cowdrick. Ready August 25, %86 Larry, the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side, By George C. Jenks, Ready September 1. A New Iasue Every Tuesday- The Half- Dime Library 's for sale by all newsdealers, five cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. ‘2-4