Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 750) (1891 12 08)
The text was read from the page scans by machine (OCR), so it has mistakes and its columns may run together. See the pages · About this title · At the Internet Archive
Page 1
y= plat La) TR eal oN ee" ae ae JIL LilalbLiy7 | ia a NO JH ; V / titty a \ — SL / —— . we — vulwstas Bo Fata aD Ha eat poo BN v eS eee ay Erneta a I | SS ae, Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y., Post Office. Copyright 1841, by BEADLE AND ADAMs, December 3, 189L $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Price, No. ‘750. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YorK, J 5 Cents. Vol. XX1X. . s ieee me Lut neve 7 , EIS : a Fae POTS TREE Pid Sene'ita alsa wnenia . inhitithnnntnegadeeiaamide ————————— — ny — | rot in $= OR, The Life Sirmgele at Shanly Git, == Wet a ‘ A Romance of the Wild West, BY WILLIAM G, PATTEN, | AUTHOR OF “ VIOLET VANE” SERIES, “ DAISY DARE,” ‘‘OLD BOMBSHELL,” ‘‘ WILD VUL- al: i : : : : ‘ a. } CAN,” ‘THE DIAMOND SPORT,” ETC. a om 4 — SS. ve ‘hii sea bet 7 =——¥ . — 2: oe CHAPTER I. | TWO QUEER OLD FELLOWS. ‘“‘ | HEV a word ter say ter yeou, mister.” The man addressed turned and surveyed the speaker inquiringly, a comical grin on bis beard- less, homely, good-natured face, He was a strange-appearing old vagabond, his clothes being so ragged they would almost disgrace a am scare crow; but, despite this, be evidently be- OLD BLOSSOM AND JiD CORKER SHAKING THEIR FISTS IN EACH OTHER'S FACE, WERE _.4 lieved bimself something of a dandy, for he wore CALLING EACH OTHER EVERYTHING DETESTABLE OF WHICH THEY COULD THINK, “~¥
Page 2
2 a battered silk hat canted rakishly on one side of Violet Vane, the Vanquished. assuming the offensive. ‘‘ Youstopped me byer, his head and conspicuously fastened on his | an’ by ther holy poker! you’ve got ter tell me breast was a huge sunflower, The man’s bair w’at fer! Me blood isup! I’m wuss’n a ragin’ was literally his crowniog curiosity, for it was | prairie fire w’en I’m started, an’ 1’m shore ter white and curly, closely resembling the wool of a rar ‘Waal, I wili be derned!” he chuckled, as he regarded with undisguised amusement the man who hadspokentohim. ‘‘ Great jehocus! Who be you, pard?” The first speaker drew himself up stiffly, throwing back bis head and glaring at theragged tramp as if be would annihilate the old fellow. Jn that part of the country he was inno way less noticeable than the wearer of the sunflower, for the stamp of the genuine old-fashioned Down- East Yankee was on him. And his attire! Beginning with his head, he wore a sadly soiled white hat of the ancient ‘t Horace Greeley style.” His coat was a large, spike-tuiled affair that illy fitted his spare and angular frame, and his gray homespun pantaloons were nearly four inches too short, the bottoms hugging tightly to the legs of the huge cowhide boots over which they were drawn, His shirt wasa pink print affair, and around his neck was buttoned a paper collar. His necktie was of green bombazine, Across a cheap white vest was stretched a leather string, which served as a watch-chain. The man’s face was a sad and solemn one, although there was a sly twinkle in his eyes that told of a hidden fountain of humor. The only beard he wore was a jong, spike-like wisp of yel- low on his chin. ‘“* Who be I?” he repeated, ‘‘ Well, sir, I am ther Honorable Jeduthin Corker, an’ ’m from Clam Cove, taown of Rockport, Knox caounty, State of Maine, that’s who I be, sir. Naow, who be yeou?” ‘* Wow! I’monly jest an’ ole catamaran; still, I am one o’ ther boys, you bet! I’m ther Honor- able E-rastus Wagg, Esq., though I am most familiarly known by my friends as Ole Blossom, ther Sport o’ ther Shaggy Pate. W’en I git on steam, I’m er holy disaster, I’m er ragin’ cyclone —a b-a-a-d, b-a-a-d man! Look in me eye! Woosb! Now shiver!” But the ‘‘ Honorable Jeduthin ‘‘ Corker” did not shiver any tospeak of. Instead, he made a gesture of contempt. ‘“*'Yeou look like a gol-derned tramp,” he asserted. ‘* Wh-ut !” howled Old Blossom, springing in- to the air and cracking his heels together twice before he struck the ground, ‘‘ Kin I believe me ears?” ‘*Ya-as,” answered the Yankee, as he leaped into the air and cracked his heels togetber three times before touching the ground, * yeou bet yeou can, b’gosh!” ‘*Do you mean fight?” and the ragged tramp glared fiercely at Corker. ‘* Jert like’s not,” was the cool retort; ‘* though I do hate ter fight with a gash-derned bum.” ‘* Who's a bum?” ‘¢-Yeou, for a ‘sartainty.’ ” “Tits a base insinoowashun! I’m an _ hones’ man, lookin’ out fer work an repertashin.” Corker grinned. ‘*Work!” he sneered. ‘I’m belasted if I be- lieve yeou’d know work ef yeou met it! and as for reputation—wal, the more ye had the worser you'd feel,” *“Thet’s whar you make a mistake—a big, big mistake. Ef you’d only hed ther ’speri- ence I’ve hed steerin’ clear o’ work you’d know it fur as you c’u’d see it, Thet’s ther way I’m lookin’ cut fer it—iookin’ out not ter find it, See? Haw! haw! haw! thutter! You do tickle me! reg’ler jay from Pattagumpus.” ‘I s’pose by that yeou mean I’m some ’lation ter Jobn Jay, the diplomaticus of the Revolution, but I bain’t, though I do own a little farm daown at Clam Cove that Jason Slocum fit for in the Penobscot War. I hev got seven hundred an’ sixty-nine dollars an’ nineteen cents in ther bank at Rockland, an’ that’s more’n Jay Gould kin honestly say. But, this bain’t whut I kem heur ter speak ter yeou ’baout.” ‘* Waal, w’at did ye come ter speak of? Spit it out, an’ not keep me hyer all day. Can’t you see we’re drawin’ a crowd, an’ ef thar’s anythin’ ’» inst which me sensitive soul does revolt it is ther vulgar crewrosity 0’ a crowd!” Suddenly the Yankee seemed confused, He glanced around at the little knot of spectators who had gathered on the steps of the White Eagle Hotel, in front of which the two queer old fellows had met, then be faltered: B: Ageaduicnal I guess I'll wait til) some other time. sa Not by a derned sight!” nodded Old Blossom, t e * Py res" Jee- W’y, you're a . git started w’en I’m’posed on! Woosh! Whoop- ee! Talk lively, you walkin’ freak! Spit it out)” At tbis, Corker braced up a little. ‘* Yeou be kinder keerful,” he advised. ‘‘ Ef I light on yeou, ’ll chaw ye, like a painter from Molechunkamunk, gol derned ef 1 don’t! Whut I want ter kneow is whut right yeou hev ter come foolin’ raound Susie Swan?” ‘¢ Who’s Susie Swan?” ‘* She’s ther widder-lady yeou war talkin’ with abaout an hourago, I want yeou ter kneow I hev ther fu’st claim thar, b’gosh!” The sunflower tramp grinned broadly. ‘Waal, by smoke!” he snickered, ‘“ This tickles me—it jestduz! Oh, jellusy, jellusy! thou green-eyed monster thet drives men ter madness an’ wimmen ter perdishun! Hanged ef you hain’t jellus, ole man!” The Yankee looked abashed. ‘Tain’t no sech thing!” he cried. ‘ But Ill knock yeour eye aout ef yeou don’t keep away frum her—I will, ur I hain’t Ole Jed Corker!” ‘“* Whoop-ee/ Knock my eye out! Wow! I can’t stan’ that! IDve got ter pulverize ye!” Old Blossom began to take off his coat, ‘*Sa-ay!” called Corker, regarding the tramp doubtfully. ‘‘ Hedn’t yeou jest as lives take a bath fu’st?” *“*Obh, holy sassafras! oh, great jehocus! oh shade o' Solomon, Socrates Shakespeare!” howled the wearer of the sunflower, dancing about in the greatest excitement, ‘‘Thet settles it! Hev ye made yer will? Inside o’ five minutes she pd will be on its way ter ther Death Shadowed vales of Umbagog!” At this point one of the laughing crowd on the hotel steps cried: ‘“*That’s right! Go for him, Old Blossom!” “Brace up ter ther scare-crow, long-legs!” yelled another, seeking to encourage Old Jed Corker. Then the members of the crowd took sides with the two men, urging them on, and ina short time Old Blossom and Jed Corker, shaking their fists in each other’s face, were calling each other pits dea detestable of which they could think. ‘**}’ll learn yeou ter spoon raound my Susie!” grated the Yankee. ‘* Your Susie!” snickered the woolly-headed old fellow. ‘ Isw’ar, thet makes me laff! How long hev you hed a claim on her?” ‘“None of yeour gol-derned business, you hoss-stable chromo!” ‘ Chromo? Waal, now I will be derned! Thet ter me, ther only an’ ’riginal Ole Blossom, Oh, you thunderin’ long-shanked patent medi- cine advertisement! Let me putt my claws on ye! Tllsbake ye out o’ them togs!” “Ketch right holt. Old Jed Corker is alwus reddy. Ther boys uster call me a thutterin’ hard lad ter daown, an’ [ hain’t got over it,” **Ob, you hain’t!” ; “Nary time. [kin flip ary dashed critter that ever wore flowers or mulleins in bis button- hole!” “Great jeeswax! don’t I wish Violet Vane wuz hyer!” *“Whut? Don’t you wish who war hyer?” ** Violet Vane, ther best leetle man thet ever drored breath, you heur me!” Old Jed Corker inspected the sunflower tramp with increasing interest. ‘Did yeou ever know a feller called Violet Vane?” he asked. “Did I? Waal, [should smeel a smole! We waz bussum pards in ther long ago!” ‘*Sa-ay, ve seen him!” in a loud whisper. ‘** Pard, yer han’!” also in a hoarse whisper. Then, to the intense disgust of the crowd, which bad expected some sport, the two queer old fellows shook hands warmly, their recent trouble seemingly forgotten, The mention of that magic name—Violet Vane—had acted like oil on the troubled waters. ‘Wal, I'm blowed!” growled a dark-bearded and roughly-attired man, bis scorn finding vent. ‘* Hanged ef Dagger Dan 6’ Dead Diggins ever saw anythin’ like thet! All you need ter do is go start a circus; you w’u’dn’t need apy bul- etin— * Waal, you need a bullet in your head!” cried Old Blossora, ‘‘ I’m jest ther boy ter putt it thar, by smoke!” The tramp reached for a weapon, but, like a flash, Dagger Dan drew a revolver and secured the drop. / ** Down ye go!” he savagely gritted. He pressed the trigger, but not with sufficient force to raise the hammer and discharge the SS weapon, for Old Blossom flopped right down on his knees, shouting: ‘Say, hold on! It hain’t fair! Don’t shoot! Great blizzards! [hain’t armed! Murder !” Dagger Dan started in undisguised contempt at the supplicating tramp; then, with an ex- clamation of disgust, he thrust the revolver into the holster at bis hip and turned away. CHAPTER II. A “DaGo.” ‘* HyER comes ther he’rse!” The cry went up from the crowd in front of the White Eagle Hotel, as the regular stage whirled into view far up the trail. Down toward the little town of Shanty City came the Coach, the four horses being at a dead gallop, while the driver’s yells and the pistol- like cracking of his whip awoke the echoes of the gorge. Any one unaccustomed to Hurrah Dick’s manner of entering a town would have thought him deranged, for he stood erect, the reins in his left hand, the long-lashed whip in his right, one foot firmly planted, while the other rested upon the brake with sufficient force to keep the coach comparatively steady. And in that position he stood as securely as if on solid ground, skillfully guiding the four horses with one hand, while he yelled like a lunatic. The citizens of Shanty City were accustomed to the sight. : “Great Jeroosalam!” exclaimed Old Jed Corker, his under jaw dropping, while he stared at the on coming stage. ‘ Thatcritter’s got em argain, by gorymighty! He war tucken_ jest like that ther day I kem inter this taown. ust be a sort of eppyliptical fit.” Old Blossom was putting on his coat, but he paused to snicker in a derisive manner. ‘*Great jehocus!” he exclaimed. The Yankee turned quickly toward him. ** Yeou’d best keep yeour gol-derned maouth shet!” Old Jed snapped. ‘I’ve hed jest sass ernough aout of yeou /” ‘* Biff! You don’tsay! Waal, you're so jolly green you do tickle me! Go comb ther hayseed outer yer hair with a Kennebunk squaw’s fine- tooth comb!” ** Go wash ther dirt off yeour face!” * You look like a picter in a comic paper!” ‘’Yeou look like a scare-crow in a corn- field!” ‘Pl punch your head!” “T'}] punch yeourn!” ‘¢ | never take punch; gimme whisky straight.” Once more the talk came to no result of inter- est to the spectators, and the two men mounted the steps to be out of the way of the approach- ing stage. Up to the front of the hotel Hurrah Dick whirled the coach, bringing the team to a halt in a most skillful manner. Springing down, he opened the door, bat in band. A muttered exclamation came from the crowd. The first passenger to descend was a rather gaudily-attired and befrizzled girl, That she was pretty was the instantaneous and universal decision, Her cheeks and lips were red and her eyes coal-black. Her hair was of a reddish tinge, being of the shade called “golden” by poets, The girl’s clothes, though made of cheap material, fitted her very well, “Trish, ur I’m a liar!” softly whispered one of the crowd, The girl seemed to catch the words, for she glanced around in search of the speaker, and her dark eyes flashed, j ** An’ what av Oi be Oirish!” she exclaimed. + Av Oi’m not as good as th’ loikes av any Yan- kes runnygade Oi’ll go burry me bid! Oi’m a dacent gel, an’ Oi didn’t coome heur ter be in- sulthed by sech blatherskites as ye! Out av me way, pl’aze!” She gathered up her skirts to ascend the steps, — and the men fell back, 3 ¢ “That is, they fel! back with one exception, Old Jed Corker came forward, hat in hand, bow- ing low, < , ; ‘Permit me, miss,” be said, assuming his most engaging air, ‘‘ These thar critters don’t kneow a lady (bow) when they see one, They’re igner- ent as bosses, I kin tell ther looks of a lady (bow as fur as [ kin see her. Permit me (bow) to offer my escort,” With this little speech, Corker crooked his arm and thrust bis elbow towerd the girl, plainly wishing to escort her into the hotel, She stared at him in disdain, ‘© An’ who moight ye be?” she asked. “T am ther Honorable Jeduthin Corker, of Clam Co7e, taown of Rockport, Knox Caounty, State of Maine.” “Well, Misther Honorable Jeduthin Corker, ear
Page 3
o-oo -atall, at all. Violet Vane, the Vanquished. av ye doon’t be afther gittin’ out av this Oj’ll | break me knuckles on yer long nose, so Oi will! | Yure nothin’ but a nasty Yankee—a common bog-throttin’ Yankee from Maine, the Protubi- tion State. Kah!” Old Jed was amazed. Instantly the sunflower tramp stepped forward, his battered high hat in his hand and a broad grin on his homely face, which, by some peculiar twist, he had transformed into the countenance of a genuine son of the ‘‘ Auld sod,” ‘* Begorra, miss, an’ it’s th’ thruth ye be sp’ak- in’!” he nodded, uttering every word with a roll of the tongue that gave his speech a rich Irish brogue. ‘‘Sorra th’ day Oi ivver set me oies on this haythen counthry! It’s doown on me look Oi am, but Oi know how ter bea jintlemarn joost th’ soame, av Oi hiv bin ’socyatin’ wid Yankees fur th’ larst siven years. Av ye w’u’d accipt me arrum—ah!” The girl’s face instantly changed, her look of anger being transformed to a smile of delight, “ Nivver a worrud av apology nade ye give,” she assured. ‘‘ Wan look at yez w’u’d show me ye wur an Oirish jintlemarn av th’ auld school, th’ Auld B’y floy away wid yer clothes, It’s Maggie Mayee as knows her counthrymin whin she sees thim, though Oi nivver expicted ter put me oies on wan in this haythen town, Its pl’azed O7’ll be ter hiv yer assistance, sur.” She accepted Old Blossom’s arm, and the vagabond escorted her up the steps, giving Old Jed Corker a triumphant look as he left the pilgrim from Clam Cove on the lower step, For a moment Old Jed stood staring after the crafty tramp, bis under jaw dropped and amaze- ment and disgust written on his face. Then he dashed his hat to the ground and jumped on it with both feet. ** Naow gol dern me!” he howled. ‘T’ll never swaller that by chaowder! Ter think of that belasted scare-crow steppin’ in like that an’ kerryin’ that gal right orf! Dll hev his skin—I will, by gosh!” At the door Old Blossom paused a moment, saying loud enough for all to hear: ** Av ye’ll oxcuse me, Miss Magee, it’s a pointer Oi’ll be afther givin av yez. Doon’t allow thot aold spalapeen ter hiv anything ter do wid yez He is an illigant auld fraud, fer by me saoul! he has a wife an’ siven small childer ter th’ home av him, an’ shtill he do be afther thryin’ ter make a mash on ivery gvod- lookin’ gel he sees,” ‘*Nivver fear, sur,” was the girl’s reply. **Tts nighly intber a fit he do be afther skeerin’ me wid thot face av his. Av he wur th’ larrst marn in th’ worruld, Oi’d not look at him,” **Oh, give me a gun!” yelled Corker, dancing with rage. ‘ll kill that thutterin’ skunk with ther sunflower—I will by hokey! I never war so ’sulted in all my life! Give me a gun! give mea knife! give me anything!” ‘Then take that!” and as Hurrah Dick uttered the words, be gave Corker a kick that fairly lifted him off his feet, Then came a surprise for the spectators, Springing up, Corker whirled on the stage- driver, and the first thing Dick,knew, the Yan- kee had clutchec him by the collar. ‘* Kick me, will ye!” howled the tnfuriated man. ‘ Wal, by ginger! DPllVarn ye! Haow der yeou like this kind of fun? ebbe yeou folks think Old Jed Corker don’t ’maount ter skeersely nothin’ at all, but he'll show ye he knows whut timber makes shingles!” The old man shook Hurrah Dick as if the stage-driver had been a child, much to the amazement of the spectators, for Dick was known to be a bard man to handle, And the Jehu himself was in no way less amazed than the others, ; ‘*Hold on hyer!” he cried, in astonishment. ** W’at in thunder an’ blue-blazes are you tryin’ ter do?” Ae, ‘Pll show ye!” was Corker’s retort, as he clutched a convenient part of Dick’s pantaloons with his right hand, still holding to the driver's collar with bis left. One of the passengers, a big, bewhiskered fel- low, was about to leave the stage; but the pil- grim from Clam Cove suddenly snapped Hurrah Dick off his feet and pitched him headforemost toward the open door of the coach. The driver’s head struck the bewbiskered man fairly in the pit of the stomach, knocking the passenger ackward into the coach with Dick upon him, There was a howl, a crasb, and then both men went at it tooth and nail, fighting savagely. The horses were startled, and, no hand being at the reins, they suddenly sprung away, no one being able to check them, Down the atreet went the unguided stage, the two struggling men in the bottom. ‘‘Holy poker!” gasped Jed Corker, after the coach, ‘Well you may say that!" cried one of the men in front of the hotel. ‘ Ef Hurrah Dick don’t shoot you at sight, I’m a liar!” ‘* Some o’ us must foller an’ stop ther stage!” cried another, ‘* Ther! aull blamed business ’ll go inter ther Sink Hole ef we don’t! Come on!” Two or three saddled and bridled horses hap- pened to be hitched near at hand, and as many men were quickly mounted on their backs and flying in pursuit of the runaway stage. By good fortune, tbey were able to overtake and check the frightened horses before the animals had gone more than two miles, Then the driver and the tewhiskered passenger alighted. Hurrah Dick offered an apology, which was accepted by the passenger; but to the surprise of all, Dick declined to return to Shanty City. ** You jain’t goin’ ter let thet critter off thet shook ye out, be ye?” asked one, ‘* Fer jest now I be,” was the reply; ‘ but you tell him ter look out fer me w’en I come round op ther next trip,” But Dick did not come round on the next trip. When the stage appeared in Shanty City next time, another man was on the box, and be ex- plained Dick had resigned, ‘“*Waal, I’m derned!” exclaimed one, ‘Ole Jed Corker knocked him clean out! He wuz ’shamed ter come back inter this town erg’in!” Which was true, About two hours after the arrival of the stage, the loafers in front of the Way Up Saloon were astonished to see a ragged organ-grinder appear before them, The man’s face was dark and far from free of dirt, whilé be had the slouchy, rounded-over aspect of one accustomed to carry- ing a heavy load on his back. Observing the assembly, he at once swung down. his organ and, without a word, began to play ‘‘In the Sweet By and By,” ** Blame my eyes!” growled Dagger Dan, who was one of the loafers. ‘'1’m hanged ef thet hain’t an o’nery no~count Dago!” staring CHAPTER III. MAGGIE TO THE RESCUE, ‘* DERN an Byetalian!” ““ So say I!” ‘*They’re bad’s Chinamen!” ** Kirect!” “‘ Ought ter shoot ev’ry derned one!” ** Thet?s so!” ‘* Lynchin’ ’d be best.” The organ-grinder did not seem to heed their words if be beard them, There was a look of sorrow on bis dark face, and be turned the crank in a mecbanieal fashion peculiar to those who follow bis ‘* profession.” ‘* Hey, Bob,” called Dagger Dan. One of the loafers, a tall, raw-boned fellow with a hang-dog face, arose to his feet, replying: Wal, pard?” ‘*Go take thet Dago by ther ear an’ lead him uP this way whar we kin git a nigher view of im, * All right,” The man spat on his hands and rolled up his sleeves, In Shanty City he was known as Bouncer Bob, and he was.a bully of the worst type. weguer Dan wasthe only man whom he seemed to fear at all, Straight out toward the Italian marched Bouncer Bob, The organ-grinder bowed and smiled inasickly fashion, while he paused to hold out his hat, evidently expecting a contribu- tion. But Bob only reached out and caught him by the ear, growling gruffly: ‘*Come on hyer, you! Ye’re wanted! Step up lively!” The amazed organ-grinder began to squeal. “Oh, leta goa my ear!” he cried. ‘ You hurta lika da crab when bita! Wow-wow! Hully chee! Greata Scota! Leta goa my ear! I comea ‘long alla righta! Don’ta hurta poora Coboto! Whata him ever done you hurta lika this?” ‘Oh, come erlong hyer!” and Bouncer Bob gave hima jerk that nearly took the unlucky fellow’s ear off, causing him to squeal louder than before. “‘T hava de law. on you!” he screamed, ‘I hava you ’rested for ’salta da battery! I maka you goa jail! Iam da Counta Caboto! I maka you ond mucha mon’ fer dis!” ‘*Haw! baw! haw!” r” roared Bob, ‘“ Hesays he’s a count/ Haw! haw! haw! Jebt think of me leadin’ a count by the ear like he wuz a pig!” \ The spectators burst into laughter, and every- one seemed pleased but the unlucky Italian, On his face was a look of mingled misery and | “ anger, Bob led him along, and he dragged the organ forward, Dagger Dan had arisen to his feet and stood with his hands on his bips, laughing silently at the—to him—amusing spectacle, ‘** Wal, wal!” he said. ‘Is this a reg’ler shore-nuff count? Great blazes! Who'd ’a’ | thunk it!” ‘*T ama da Counta Caboto,” again asserted the orgav-grinder, ‘I hava da harda luck— comea dis country—playa da org’, One, two. three day goa l hava da monk, Him vera good goa rounda picka up da mon’, Now him deada —Caboto alla’lone in world—hava noa friend, Him hava vera harda luck,” Then the Italian began to sniffle and wipe his eyes; but he made a great mistake in trying to work on the sympathy of the crowd into which he had fallen, for they were hard- hearted and nothing aroused their. derision so quickly as tears, “‘Shet up that!” snapped Dagger Dan, ‘* W’at d’yer take us fer, you soiled son of ther sunn land! Ef you don’t stop snivvilin’ Vll pune ” He lifted his hand and took a step toward Caboto, who shrunk back in apparent alarm, holding up one hand, while he cried: ““Don’ta, don’ta, You gitta yourself into trub’, You hitta me, I giva you da challenge— fighta duel—killa you! Caboto vera bada man!” At this the throng roared with laughter once more, The idea was too ridiculous for any- thing, so they thought. Dagger Dan was known to be a bad man with any kind of a weapon, and the thought of bim figbting a duel with the quaking organ-grinder seemed highly ludicrous, : ‘*Oh, great Moses!” laughed Bouncer Bob, “Fight a duel! Whoop!” The Italian turned his dark eyes on the bully. “You biga boy—you baby,” he asserted, “You don’ta dare taka man of your siza—you taka man lika me. You keepa still it be better for you. Soma time you gitta your eye putta in da mournin’—gitta da puncha, Somea day you runa up ‘gainst fel hitta da harda blow lika Johna L, Sul’, Thena you wish you keepa still.” ‘*T bain’t skeered of any John Sullivan,” boast- ed the buily. “I c’u’d lick him in three rounds,” ‘You licka him in your minda, Him vera bada boy witha him dukes—mea too, I taka da box’ lesson—lerna da uppa cut, da boda blow, da dodge. I licka da boys.” And this assertion caused the loafers to laugh still harder than before, * Reg’ler lightweight bantam!” ‘Look out fer him!” ‘¢ Thar’s blood in his eye,” ‘¢ He's a bad, bad man.” Bouncer Bob’s hand fell heavily on the Italian’s shoulder. ‘*Sa-ay,” drawled the bully, ‘‘ I'll bet you can’t lick a postage stamp,” ‘*Geea-whiz! If I was not inda mournin’ for da monk’, 1 licka whisky stamp—data you! You bet? goa soka data nose; gita’nough reda paint to painta da town,” “Oa, wow!” shouted Bob, ‘I see I shell hey ter kill this yar Dago}” “Hold on,” commanded the Man from Dead Diggin’s. We'll hey some fun out of him ’fore we do him up, Take ther organ, Robert,” “All right, sir,” and the bully at once pro- ee to obey the order; but the Italian ob- ected, “No leta you taka do org’!” he cried. ‘* You breaka—you steaJa! If Ino hava da org’, no gita da mon’—starva.” ‘“* No, yer won’t "assured Dagger Dan, *‘ We'll guv ye a job.” . ‘€ Joba—what joba?” ‘Wheelin’ brimstun’,” ** No lika dat—harda work.” This caused another laugh. “ Perkaps you hed rayther burn?” “Burna? Noa lika dat,” and the Italian seemed decidedly puzzled about their meaning. “Dyer know how ter dance?” asked Dagger Dan. Caboto shook his head, “Noa. Da monk’ danca—deada now.” ‘Wal, you'll be ‘deada’ ef you don’t dance,” and Dan drew arevolver. ‘ Let up on thet in- strument of torture thar. Robert, hyer, will turn ther crank fer you ter dance,” The Italian seemed greatly frightened, **Don’ta shoota!” he cried, holding up both bands, ‘‘Caboto dancea lika da monk’. I don’ta want be shota! Spoil da clothes; da hava hole 'nuff now,” ‘* Oh, I won't sp’ile ther clothes—D’ll jest putt ther bullet through yer kead,” ‘* Blowa out brain?”
Page 4
i } H | oD “cc Yes.” **'You don’t hava to shoot there if want to comitta da suicida,” ** Wat d’yer mean?” ** Don’ta hava da braina there,” ** Wal, by thunder!” growled Dagger Dan. ** Thet’s er derned insult! Turn ther crank, Bob, av’ we’)l make ther skunk dance fer thet!” Bouncer Bob obeyed, and by chance the organ began to play the “ Irish Washwoman,” ‘Now spink her down,” commanded tke Man from Dead Diggin’s, turning his revolver on the Italian. ‘‘Goinferall ye’re wu’th! Dance, you devil, dance!” The unfortunate fellow obeyed, much to the delight of the spectators. Faster!” ordered Dagger Dan, shaking the revolver, threateningly. ‘‘ Spink it down, or V'll stir ye up with bullets!” * Noa stir uppa!” pleaded the distressed Ital- ian. ‘Spinka down fasta!” “Turn ther crank faster, Bob,” commanded Dan, ‘ Let’s see w’at kind of stuff ther Dago’s made of. Whoop! Looker them feet! Oh, glory! but he’sadancer. Faster, Bob, faster! Go in- ter it, greasy skin! Move them feet! Ef you try terrun Vildrill ye!” In that manner the unlucky fellow was forced to dance till he was ready to drop from exhaus- tion, while the spectators shouted themselves hoarse with delight, From the steps of the White Eagle Hotel Old Blossom had witnessed all that was transpiring. As long as the toughs did not offer to molest the Italian he remained a passive spectator. ** But, by jehocus! ef they burt ther pore ga- loot, [ll jest wade inter’em!” be muttered. “They'll see w’at kinder stuff ther Sport o’ ther Shaggy Pate’s built of—yes, they will! I kinder wanter git at that thar varmint o’ ther black Dard, He hed ther drap on me oncet, but ther old man hain’t ter be cotched thet thar way ev’ry time. Hullo!” The exclamation was caused by a shot from Dagger Dan’s revolver, at which the dancing Italian leaped high into the air, uttering a sharp squeal of pain or fear. ‘* Dance faster!” commanded the rufflan with the revolver. “If you bandle them thar feet too slow, [ll shoot off yer other boot-heel.” ‘So thet’s their game!” and Old Blossom pro- duced a pair of long-barreled revolvers, ‘‘ Waal, I reckon ther time fer me ter take a han’ hes come, ‘They’ll find me a b-a-a-d man with ther gun, specially ef I hey ther drap.” But, just as he was about to descend from the steps, a female form shot past bim and hastened across the street. It was Maggie Magee, and without any hesita- tion, she placed herself in front of the unlucky Italian, her eyes flashing fire, as she shook her clinched fist at Dagger Dan, crying: ‘* Ye murtherin’ thafe av th’ worruld! Ye’d make illigant fruit fer an apple-tray av ye wur hanging by th’ neck from wan av its limbs! Yez m’ane ter murther this poor crayther, but ye sha’n’t do th’ loikes av thot! Av ye do roon this toown, ye’ll foind wan person thot bain’t afeerd ay yez!” CHAPTER IV, A COMPACT, “Wat, 1 ber derned!” Dagger Dan uttered the exclamation, was amazed beyond power of expression, ‘*Ther Irish gal!” ‘* Looker her eyes!” ** She's a daisy!” ** She’s a holy terror!” The men in front of the saloon uttered the exclamations one after the other. Brave Mag- gie Magee flashed them a look of scorn, ** Ye’re a noice lotav ducks!” she cried, ‘ Av ez doon’t be afther gittin’ out av this, Oi’ll oight on yez an’ scratch th’ oies out av ye, so Oi will noow!” And she looked as if sbe would keep her word, “ Hully chee!” ejaculated the organ-grinder, as he paused to stare in admiration at his fair defender. ‘‘Girl heapa good looka! She hava da grita!” “You don’t mein ter stand Eyeteliap, do ye?” asked the pain’, gazing at the girl. _* Eyecalian.ur not it makes nivver a bit av diffrunce, sur, He is human, an’ Maggie Magee will sthand up fer him!” be a this time Old Blossom had reached her e, 4 ““Roight. yez be, Miss Magee,” he nodded, drawing his revolver, “ Yu're a gel aftber me om harrut. Eyetalian is it? Divvil a bit av diffrunce will thot make! An wan av ye’timpts ter loay a harnd on him, QOi’ll blow a hole He Ae fer a derned an from Dead Violet Vane, the Vanquished. through him larruge enoough fur a windy ter a thraee-shtory house!” The crafty vagabond was keeping up the ap- pearance of being of Irish blood, hoping to re- main in Maggie’s good graces in that manner, Bouncer Bob gave a how], ** Holy Moses an’ ther prophets!” he shouted. ** Are we ter be bluffed in this yar manner? Let me git at thet woolly-headed sonofa gun! ll chaw him up!” **Noow do be afther puttin’ a chain on yer toongue!” and Old Blossom turned his revolver on the blatant speaker. ‘‘Oi’m a very bard marn ter joomp ov, me duck!” ‘*Caboto cara da revolver-r-r-r,” observed the Italian, as he produced a heavy weapon. ‘*T thinka, it very gooda plan to goa arm, It looka lika da hava me in fix. P, O, G.—putta up job on me, I noalika dat. Shoota boota heel. I noa lika dat, I shoota headg off da whiskers. He noa lika dat.” ‘*Thot’s th’ stoof!” chuckled Old Blossom, “This is kinder turnin’ ther tables on ther skunks, Whoop-ee!/ Av they doon’t kape shtill, itll be th’ worrust fer thim!” Just then Old Jed Corker appeared on the scene, ‘* Wa-al, whut’s all this raow abaout?” he in- quired, gently stroking the yellow beard on his chin, while hestared inguiringly about. ‘* Seems like there war trouble brewin’ heur, b’gosh! This seems ter be ther weakest side, so I cal’late Td better j’ine ’em.”, And, to the surprise of every one, the Man from Clam Cove drew an old-fashioned horse- istol and placed himself at the side of Maggie Magee oppesite Old Blossom. Thus the party made quite a formidable show- ing against the tougbs, Dagger Dan looked disgusted. ‘* All fer er derned Eyetalian!” he grunted. “Ther critter bain’t wu'th it!” ‘* We're too menny fer ’em, boss,” hoarsely whispered Bouncer Bob, ‘ Just guv ther word an’ we'll jump ’em.” Dan shook bis head. ‘““No, we won’t make any row over ther Dago,” The bolly was amazed, ‘**D’ yer niean ter let them ride over ye?” ‘*No; but thar’s a gal thar.” ‘* Blame ther gal!” ** She’s good Jookin’,” ‘*T reckon you’re stuck, boss,” Dagger Dan turned savagely on his satellite. ‘** Wal, you hain’t got no right ter reckon ary derned thing ’bout it!” he growled! ‘* Stuck ur no stuck, I hain’é goin’ ter let thet gang git ther best of me,” sullenly asserted ; b, Ther boys’ll back me, an’ we'll jump em. **-You won’t do northin’ of ther kind!” ‘* Wy not?” ***Cause I say sol” “Be you goin’ ter let the Eyetalian git off?” “Fer jest now—yes. We’ll’tend ter him ef he bangs round Shanty City.” ‘‘ Wal, I s’pose itll hev ter be as you say,” and the disgusted bully turned abruptly and en- tered the saloon, leaving Dan to settle the affair in any way hechose, It, was soon settled, The Italian secured his organ and left hur- riedly, having brokenly thanked his friends for what they hal done, Old Blossom and Jed Corker escorted Maggie Magee back to the hotel, Tbe Man from Maine waited on the vend till the vagabond appeared, then he motioned, to Old Blossom to follow him. ‘* Ding my eyes!” muttered the wearer of the sunfiower, ‘I’m in fer it now. Ther ole galoot’s laid fer me, an’ [’ll hev ter take it. Wal, he'll find me a bard boy ter down, het yer socks!” He did not, hesitate about following Corker, and the Man from Clam Cove led the way to a moe where their conversation would not. be li- able to be overheard, Then Old Jed suddenly turned on the tramp, only to find a revolver held in the woolly-headed man’s hand thrust against the very tip of his nose, “*Howdy-do,” grinned the vagabond. ‘I’m rigs hyer, large as Jife-size an’ jest as natteral, E you hev called me out byer ter down me, you’ll find you hey tackled er powerful hefty job, Ima howler frum Hurrycane Gap, J be! *m a screamer frum ’Way Back, an’ common critters hunt their hoels an’ prepare fer Gabriel wen J let off steam in a good old-fashioned yoop. They think ther Day o’ Jedgment hes cum,” But bis words did not seem to impress Old Jed Corker in the least, ‘“* Rats!” cried the Yankee, contemptuously. “Yeou tork too gol-derned much with yeour maouth!” ae, Se Wagg gasped for breath, ‘* Jeewhiz!” hecried. ‘‘ Do you durst say thet terme—me! Holy heavings! Are you prepared fer deestruction?” ‘* Rats!” once more burst from Corker’s lips, ‘“*Yeou make me tired! I didn’t call ye aout heur ter fight,” ** Didn't?” “cc Naw,” ‘* Honest Injun?” *¢ Honest Injun.” ** Waal, w’t is yer game?” **Hain’t no game at all, ter speak ter yeou.” * But I thort you wuz mad.” ‘“*Wa-al, I’ve got over that. Yeou kin have ther [rish gal ef yeou keep away frum ther widder.” ‘¢1t?s er barg’in!” Blossom held out his hand, and Old Jed grasped it warmly. ‘*T have wanted ter git a chaince ter tork with yeou ever sense yeou spoke abaout Violet Vane,” he asserted. “You don’t mean ter say you know Sweet Violets?” Corker nodded. **T jest do,” ‘* Waal, by jehocus! Kin you tell me whar he isnow? l]’ve bin buntin’ all over ther lot fer him, Hain’t seen him sence he left White Water City so suddint. He an’I uster be pards. He’s ther best leetle man on ther top side o’ this great an” ga-lorious ’arth!” y ‘*Right yeou be, pard. But he kem mighty nigh not bein’ on ther top. side.” “When? Whar?’ ‘* Not very long ergo, daown ter Magic City. Some critters kem nigh daownin’ him. He war doin’ a leetle detective work, an’ he hed ferreted aouta mighty crooked game, One of ther crooks hed done bloody murder, an’ he knowed he’d hang fer it ef Vane warn’t put aout of ther way. They jumped him, an’ when 1 left he war in bed, but ther doctor said he’d come raound all right. I took ther trail of ther critters as bested him, an’ I have follered it beur.” “ Ter Shanty City?” “cc Yas.” I only jest wanted ‘* Hev ye spotted ’em?” ‘“Naw, They hev managed ter keep aout of my sight, though I know purty well they are heur. By this time Vane oughter be on bis feet. Ef he is, he won’t be long folierin’ ther critters ter this taown.” ‘¢ Oh; great scrumagin’ scullwoppers! Ef he comes hyer, lll see bim oncet more} fill’s me buzzum with emotions too powerful fer utterfication! J have loved thet man—I love him still! I hev fit, fought an’ fiddled fer him, an’ I am reddy ter lay down me life in his defense! I'll stan’ ter his back tell ther _breast- works are shot clean offen him! Tl wade through seas o’ fire an’ rivers 0’ blood fer him} Ef he comes hyer— Great jebocus! It makes me purty nigh crazy ther think o’ it!” The tramp executed a wild dance of delight, giving vent toa perfect imitation of a rooster’s crowing, Jed Corker seemed interested, ‘Sa-ay,” he drawled, ‘‘yeou may be ther very man I’m lookin’ fer, Tell Vane duz come I need somebody ter kinder help me along in searchin’ fer Elegant Ed an’ Burt Bishop. Ef yeou an’ I c’u’d form a partnership—” “We'll doit, ur my name hain’t Wagg!” “Will ye?” * Shore!” ‘*Yeour han’!” A warm grasp sealed the compact. CHAPTER V. FIFTY DOLLARS FOR A LIFE! As Dagger Dan o’ Dead Diggin’s entered the "Way Up Saloon after the affair with the organ- grinder, he was met by a@ rather rakish and vulgar-appearing young man, whose derby bat was tipped far down over bis left eye and whose hands were buried to the very bottom of his trowsers pockets, He was smoking a very black and rank-smelling cigar. ; : ‘Well, you’re a good one, you are!” scorn- fully remarked the rakish young man, “"Wat’s gnawin’ ye now?” growled Dagger Dan, pausing with bis hands on his hips, “Youre a rum cove, you are!” nodded he of the black cigar, a Jeer in his eyes and sarcasm in every wor ; “« Be you’ve got anythin’ ter say, spit her out,” ordered the Man from Dead Diggin’s. ‘ Don’t be browsin’ round ther bush all day!” “You make me weary!” ‘* Waal, you’re makin’ me weary with yer blamed chin, Fire erway” “* Why didn’t you do his jiblets?” Ther thort. Peg = Ane was ye le dat Sas ee , Tt)
Page 5
ree —_————— * Do his jiblets? Who?” ‘*Oh, you don’t know—no, no!” ‘‘ Tm ‘hanged ef I do!” © Tam hot.” ‘You must have a reason for thinking so,” “*T have. This very day a man from Magic ‘*Got a bee in your bonnet to-day, eh? I} City was in this saloon, and he spoke of the should say so! Thick-headed, you are?” “Say, I bain’t goin’ ter fool with ye,” and Dan’s hand fell heavily on the young man’s shoulder. ‘‘I’’m from Dead Diggin’s, a place w’ot c’u’dn’t exist ’cause ther "habitants all killed each other off an’ wuz see gt inthe more’n they wuz diggin’ fer yaller. don’t stan’ no foolin’, Talk straight, boy!” ; Something like a derisive smile passed over the face of the one addressed, but he lifted bis hand to his cigar in a manner that concealed the look, while he mumbled: , ‘“* Well, there isn’t any need of your flyin’ off the handle, old cove, Keep cool and simmer. I want to chin you a little,” taf ‘s Wire away, then; but don’t talk no foolishness "less ye want ter git fitted fer plantin’.” The younger one glanced around, as if to make sure no one was listening, then he whispered: ‘St! Let’s git a move toward the corner there, I have an ear-ache for you.” ‘* Ef you’ve got ter tork,” growled Dan, speak- ing loudly enough for the inmates of the saloon to understand, ‘‘kem over hyer in ther corner whar we kin sot down.” ; The young fellow raised no objection, and the Man from Dead Diggin’s led the way toward the corner, where they were soon seated in some chairs at a table, on which Dagger Dan rapped heavily with the butt of a revolver, at the same time shouting to the barkeeper: ‘* Bottle of whisk’ an’ two glasses hyer! yerself, critter!” The dispenser of liquid refreshments hastened to obey the order, and soon the twomen were drinking, “Now,” said Dagger Dan, setting down his empty glass, ‘‘ef you hev got any blamed thing ter say ter me, say it.” This was spoken loud enough for any one to hear if they chanced to be listening; but, imme- diately lowering his voice toa more cautious tone, he added: ‘* What is the row?” “T want to know why you didn’t wipe out the old cove when you had the snap on him?’ “What old cove?” ‘*‘ Why, the pretended hayseed, of course,” “Why should I wipe him out?” “Why! Ishould think you would ask that!” ‘Well, I do ask it.” ‘* Well, because he is our enemy.” ‘* What makes you think so?” _ ‘*T have good reasons for thinking so, If I'd been in your place, I’d salted him for keeps.” ‘*Well, why didn’t you come out and salt him?” ‘*Tt wasn’t my row.” “ ” “No. So I didn’t chip in,” ; “You were looking out for your own precious neck!” declared Dan, contemptuously. ‘* Bishop, the more 1 see of you, the greater becomes my conviction that you are a coward.” The pide fellow’s face flushed a bit. : ‘This to Bowery Ben!” he guardedly exclaim- ed. ‘I wants yer ter know I’m one of the hard boys of New York, I live on Tough Alley; de furder up yer goes de tougher it gits. I live in der last house, ‘*Ony rot! Let up on that kind of talk now! You are not playing Bowery Ben with me. That will do for the rest of the town, You play the part well enough, and I make a very good bad man.” ‘* That’s because they don’t know you,” Ss “T am not so sure ee oy I came to banty City a stranger, and, by playing the part of Dagger Dan o’ Dead Diggin’s, I have won the reputation of chief. If 1had not been a fairly good man, they would have downed me Stir long ago.” : ; ‘Well, we won’t discuss that; but if I had been in your place—” > ‘* What?” ‘**T would have perforated Old Jed Corker,” “What bave you against that old jay?” ? * Are you blind, Tom?” **T reckon not.” “ Well, yea must be if you do not see through that old whelp. He is our meat !” ‘* Now talk out just what you mean,” ‘The old man is in disguise,” ‘*Ha! Think so?” a I “6 “cc “‘Sure as fate,” “* You may be wrong.” He is after us,” Sure?” \ \ rT] , ol AT MSRM we Pe RN Pie om racket there.” “ So?” ** You bet it is! ‘Ha! What did he say?” j ‘That we'd be lynched if the men of Magic ever got their hands on us,” f “Ala! ha! ha! They’ll never have the pleas- ure,” “That was not all.” **Go on,” ** Violet Vane is on his feet !” This seemed to startle Dagger Dan, for he fell back in bis chair, an exclamation \of dismay passing bis lips,” *¢ As soon as this?” “ Yes,” “Two weeks ago it was not certain be would recover.” ; “ No,” ‘* He must be a tough one!” ‘*T fear we shall find him so before we are done with him.” ‘* Shanty City will be a bad place for him to come, There are more ruffians than honest men ere.” “That will not daunt Violet Vane,” ‘Dern him! We ought to have finished him in the cellar!” “We would if we had been given half a minute more, The gang came down onus just in 4 to save him, Old Bob Shucks fooled ug well, Dan nodded. “He did. What did you say the old fellow’s right name is?” “* Daddy Duzenberry.” ‘‘A name and ahalf! But heisa crafty old sinner.” ** You bet!” The glasses were filled, and the two rascals drank, For the time they bad thrown off all disguise before each other, dropping the dialect they usually assumed to carry off their parts, ‘Tt sticks me why you think I ought to have bored Old Jed Corker,” confessed Dagger Dan. ‘Tt ought not to stick you.” ** All the same, it does,” **Didn’t I say Violet Vane is on his feet?” ‘*Well, you don’t mean to say Corker is Vane?” $ No.” “T thought not, Such a thing is impossible. Vane is a man slightly below medium height, while Corker is a tall, lank man-—” ‘* Like Bob Shucks,” ** Holy smoke!” As he uttered the exclamation, Dagger Dan brought his fist down on the table with a thump that made the bottle dance and the glasses rattle, His companion tipped back in the chair, a smile of satisfaction on his lips. ** Well, you bave got it through your head at last, eh?” **Old Jed Corker is Old Bob Shucks, otherwise Daddy Duzenberry!” ‘Right you are, mate.” “Well, I swear!” “*T don’t blame you; you hada good chance to drop the old fool.” ““No, I did not. If I had fired on any one of the party, the ragged tramp who calls himself Old Blossom would have mye e. But you had the chance to do the ‘ Honorable Jedu- thin Corker,’” ‘I? ‘You must be daft!” “Nota bit. You had the chance.” “* How?” “From the window. You saw it all from the window?” You? : **T knew it. You might have dropped him without a bit of trouble.” ‘*Tt would have been murder!” ‘* Murder—bah! Are you so very squeamish?” ““T do not care to bave human blood on my hands,” **Ob-ho! Dainty, eh? Well, V’ll wager you did not stop for such scruples when you shot Mark Marden,” ‘* But 1] did not kill Marden,” “Which was not your fault; your intention was good enough, and you fancied you had done the work well, I hired a tough to put old Dan rden out of the way, and we both played for the old whelp’s property. It would bave been ours had not this cursed Violet Vane thrust is nose in!” “That is trueenougb, You cannot hate him He spoke of us.” j more that 1, for has he not won Lona’s love from me?” Violet Vane, the Vanquished. : | 6 ‘“Won her love from you—no! You never possessed her love,” ‘** Well, I tried hard enough to win it.” “That is true, Burt Bishop; but I know she is far too good for you,” Tbe younger man turned savagely on Dan. ‘“Now let up on that!” he snapped. ‘I have heard enough of that kind of talk! She is your sister ]” ‘* Which is the worse for ber, I am a miser- able cuss, and she is a most unfortunate girl for having such a brother. Sometimes I wonder if the same blood runs in our veins. 1 have tried to make that girl do crooked work, but I never came anywhere near success before the little game at Magic! There she played the part of Marion Marden quite well, and, as before said, we would have been successful bad not Violet Vane dipped in,” oe And by this time Lona would have been my wife, ‘¢ Now it is doubtful if she ever is,” Dagger Dan’s companion lunged across the table and caught the Man from Dead Diggin’s by the arm, glaring angrily into his face, ‘*Do you mean to break your word with me?’ he hissed. ‘‘If you do, by Heaven! I will kill you and her both!” ‘Spare your threats,” sneered Dan, his white teeth gleaming for a moment through the black beard, ‘You knew me in Magic as Elegant Ed, and there I was not’‘a man to be bluffed or driven, You know me here as Dagger Dan, and still I will be neither bluffed or driven, I care nothing for your threats,” The young fellow’s band fell below the level of the table, but Dan laughed: ‘* Don’t take the pains to draw! If you do go, it will be the worse for you!” . ‘*Do you mean to keep your word, Tom?” “ Yes,” ** Lona shall be mine?” ‘*T have promised to use my influence toward that end, and I will do so; but I cannot promise she will be yours, for she has sworn she will kill herself first.” ** All talk,” *Do you think so?” “Yes; she will not dare,” *You do not know her, thing !” ‘She must marry me!” Dagger Dan tuok another si tling back in bis chair as he his companion closely. In spoke: ‘Tt is well enough to say she must, but she will not be driven, Couxing is all that will ever bring her to it, and I have little faith in that. She is obstinate as the devil when once ber mind is made up. However, she can be nothing to you till Violet Vane and his pards are put out the way, Vane will surely follow us,” ** You are right,” “Tt is probable this Daddy Duzenberry has been sent on ahead to keep track of us.” ‘* Of course,” ‘** He must die!” oe am glad you have arrived at that conclu- sion, “Yes, he must die; but Ido not want to do the job, There is the very man for it!” _ He pointed to Bouncer Bob, who was just tak- ing a drink at the bar, ‘Yes, he is the man,” agreed the younger, ‘* Hey, thar, Bouncer!” called Dan, over hyer.” The bully soon came slouching up, ‘Watcher want?” he demanded, Dan motioned toward a chair, “Sot down, pard,” he said, assuming the dialect in keeping with! the character he was playing. ‘I want ter chin with ye a bit,” Bob accepted the chair, “ All right, let her flicker,” be nodded, takin a seat at the table and beagle Pa oa ou a brimming glass of whisky, “ at ye. : ** ’ve got er job fer ye,” explained Dan, vir fol ” J ye,” explain “ Yep.” ob f2 ‘*That’s wat I said.” ** Good-day!” \ The tough immediately arose to depart, but Dan caught him by the wrist and jerked him back into the chair, growling: “Sot down, dern ye! ‘at’s ther matter, anyhow?” \ * Wal, ye needn’t think you’re ter do any work! Woof! Work! horn spoon! It makes me tired ter think of it!” She will dare any- of whisky, set- id s0, regarding a moment he , | j ae f Wt o% , t .! \ oh AR ah REN RS goin’ ter git me “ Come yer’s lookin’ {
Page 6
Ome SS id <= al ee AYE **T didn’t say it wuz work; I said it wuz a job. I want ye ter cut a throat fer me,” Bob’s face instantly brightened. **Oh, is that all? Great Scott! Ithort mebbe you wanted me ter saw some wood ur suthin’ of thet sort. Ef you’ve got any delicate leetle busi- ness like woosle-slittin’ ter be ’tended ter, I’m jest yer man. All ther same, you’ve got ter pay me—pay me handsomely.” **'You shall be paid, pard,” ‘Wy don’t ye do ther job yerself?” “*T bain’t ther time ter bother.” “Wal, I'll make time, though my business is powerful pressin’ jest now. Who's ther victim?” “Ther old varmint as calls himself Jed Corker.” ** Not that old hayseed?” “ Ye 7 ** Thunder! w’at a picnic!” ** Perhaps not so much of a picnic as you ma think, He looks like a hard man to down. He may be er reg’ler ole deceiver.” “Tl resk thet. How much’ll you guy ter hev him salted fer keeps?” *¢ Fifty dollars,’ “ No ?” “ct Yep.” ‘* Will ye advance ten?” “ Yi 2 **fv’sago. Ole Corker’s goose is ther same as cooked!” CHAPTER VI. VAILED VEDA. SHaAntTy City had a mystery. It was in the form of a female, apparently young, although the citizens could not be sure about that, for she always wore a vail, In some way she had come to be known as Vailed Veda, Late each afternoon the vailed girl, accom- panied by an old woman, who also wore a vail, rode down the gulch for an airing. The men of Shanty City were accustomed to watch for them near a certain hour each day, and if by any chance they failed to appear, the disappoint- ment was universal, Everbody longed for a look behind the vail which concealed the girl’s face, but it was al- ways closely drawn and thick enough to baffle prying eyes, ‘It’s jest er derned shame!” one fellow had exclaimed, ‘‘I know thar’s er purty face be- hind that vail, an’ she don’t hev no right ter keep it kivered up in thet thar way.” There were others who echoed the words, Toward night of the day when the organ- grinder appeared in Sbanty City, the two wo- men rode out, as usual, taking the accustomed route down the gulch. Jed Corker and Old Blossom were among those in town who watcbed till they disappeared from view. Some distance beyond the limits of the town the two females came upon Caboto, the organ- grinder. The Italian had propped his instru- ment in a leaning position against the rocky wall, while he was seated on a small bowlder, greedily gnawing at a crust of bread, At sight of the Italian, Vailed Veda uttered a cry of gladness, attempting to draw rein. The old woman remonstrated against this, speaking in a harsh voice, ** You shall not stop!” she declared, **Shall not!” exclaimed the girl. ‘* What right have you to say that? It is too much!” *“*Come along, I say!” snapped the woman. * Tt is nothing but a dirty Italian.” **T see that; so why are you afraid? I wish to hear him play.” onsense! You must like to hear a hand-organ.” **Tt has been so long since I have heard music of any kind that even a hand-organ can give me pleasure, I heard this one in the distance to- moan and its tones are particularly sweet. I want to hear it again.” “Well, I suppose you will have your own way id : ** About this I assuredly shall, You may look after my horse,” A moment later Vailed Veda was on the und, With wonder expressed in his dark eyes, the Italian watched ber approach; but he arose to his feet, where be stood, bowing low, his shabby hat in his hand. **Oh, sir!” cried the girl; ‘‘I want you to play for me.” **'You wanta me to play on da hand-org’?” , “Yes, yes!” ‘Vera well; Llikadat. I play for you,” The girl seated herself on a bowider, and ina few moments the Italian began turning the crank, The first piece happened to be ‘ Johnny, ae ao. Gun.” The organ-grinder laughed said: dhe », bseaiirs Sie Sn Ae a pet ip ener hs Violet Vane, the Vanquished. **Gonny gita your gun-jua-gun. Gonny needa dat he come outa here. No bava gun, gita in bada scrape—gita planted. Caboto no hava gun ready whena want it—no quicka ’nough—other fel’ gita dropa. Caboto no like dat.” Veda laughed at the Italian’s queer words and manner, and he also laughed. ‘* Girl lika da hand-org’?” he asked, ** Just now I do very much,” she answered. This seemed to please him. ‘Vera fine girl,” be declared, ‘I Jika you. You no turna nose uppa at pora Caboto,.” ‘*How do you know that?” sbe laughed. **'You cannot sce my nose,” ‘No see it; Caboto speaka ina da figur-r-r-r. He no speaka Engleesh vera gooda; he be edu- cate’ in Own counter-r-ra—be be Counta Ca-~ boto,” ‘“* Ah! a genuine count in disguise! Well, I declare, this is romantic!” ‘* Noa, noa! Caboto nota in disguisea—in da harda lucka—walka on him uppas, Spenda all his mon’ by da carda—losa his pr-r-oppata. Then come to this counter-r-r-ra—buy da hand- org’, gitta da monk’, picka uppa da mon’, goa back and buy da whole of Italy.” The idea was so queer that Veda was forced to laugh again; but the Italian began to sniffle and sob, ‘* Hava harda lucka,” he asserted, ‘‘ Losa da monk’—die, I hava burra him—no hava him to hn uppa da mon’, Caboto alla ‘lone now. © gitta it in da neck.” It was plain the ‘‘count” had been able to pick up considerable slang since coming to America, and he seemed to know how to handle it with skill. ‘*} likea you,” he declared once more, ‘‘ Why you keepa face cover alla time?” ‘*T am obliged to do so.” ‘* Obliga—how obliga?” ** Oh, it is necessary.” ‘*’raida’ da sun tanna da complex’?” “ No.” ‘“Rraida whata?” ** Nothing.” ‘*Ohb, girl tella da truth? Begga da pard’! Caboto speaka ’fore him thinka.” “That is allright. Play something else.” ‘* Alla right; play da Ireesh Washuwom’. Da monk’ usa dance whena play data, [ neva gitta *nother mouk’ lika data one! He know allamost everything.” So, again wiping his eyes, the Italian played the rollicking tune of the Irish Washwoman, When be had finished, Veda clapped her hands, ** Good, good!” shecried, ‘t You can play that as well as anybody who can turn a crank,’ ‘¢Some man say dat, I licka him; you say dat, I thinka it da compla-a-ment,” ‘*Come, come!” harshly called the old woman on the horse; “‘are you going to stay here all day, Veda?” ‘ihe Italian quickty turned toward the speaker, **She finda da good comp’, she Jika stay. See?” Evidently this did not please the older woman, for she snapped out a sharp reply, to which the Italian complacently responded: ‘*-You hava da quick temper-r-r-r. What for you weara da vail? You ’fraid da sun spoil da complex’? He! he! he!” This made the woman angry. : ‘*T will not wait longer for you, Veda!” she declared, ‘Very well,” returned the girl, quietly; ‘1 can walk back, You need not wait.” ‘Oh, yes! I suppose you would like that very well! If I left you here, we would not be likely to see you again.” .‘* Perhaps not,” was the calm confession, ‘© Well, I will not leave you.” ‘Girl runa ’way?” inquired the organ-grinder, with ashow of interest. ‘“‘ What maka girl runa *way?” ** None of your business!” snapped the woman. ** Alla righta,” returned Caboto, cheerfully. “T jetta uppaon dat. Hully chee! It maka me thinka, allasama, It looka queera.” ‘* Play once more,” entreated the girl, * Alla righta.” This time ‘* Home, Swect Home” was the tune, “ it brought tears to the eyes of the listening gir), ‘* How sweet—how sad!” she murmured, un- consciously speaking aloud. ‘‘And I have no home—no home!” ; There was a look of sympathy on the Italian’s ace, “Noa home!” he repeated. ‘*Caboto hava noa home! Data piece make him eye water-r-r.” He paused to wipe his eyes, and the very thing happened he was looking for. he girl had taken a handkerchief from her pocket, and she lifted her vail to wipe her eyes Z “ +*. he while the organ-grinder was occupied in a simi- lar manner. But Caboto’s syes did not need wiping nearly as much as he pretended, and the crafty fellow was able to obtain a fair look at Vailed Veda’s face, Readjusting the vail, the girl arose to her feet. From her purse she extracted a piece of silver eed Ta it to the Italian; but he shook his ead. ‘*No taka dat,” he said, bowing once more, with his tattered hat in his band, “I hava da pleasur-r-r-r; dat pay vera well,” But she insisted he should take it, and he was forced todoso, He was still bowing and smil- ing when she lightly mounted to the saddle, and he watched both women till they disappeared toward Shanty City. ‘“* Alla righta!” he muttered, with satisfaction, “Da Counta Caboto no maka da mistake, Geea whiz! Gooda lucka!” CHAPTER VII. VIOLET VANE. Back into Shanty City rode the two women, But few words passed between them on the re- turn trip, The sun had set and the shadows of evening were gathering when they stopped by a large building on the outskirts of the town. The building years before bad been a way station for the mountain stage line, but it was deserted for that purpose when Shanty City became a town of some importance, and the White Eagle Hotel took its place. The old building had been struck by lightning no less than three times, for which reason no one cared to live in if till yof ger Dan appeared. When they told him the hu was ill-fated be sel. turned up his nose and laughed in derision, He was able to buy it for little more than a song, When the place fell into Dagger Dan’s hands it became a “ tough hole,” to call it by the name iven it in Shanty City, The very worst people in the town gathered there beneath the banner of Dagger Dan, to use a figure of speech, and some high old carousals were held in the place, That was before the appearance of Vailed Veda in Shanty City. With the coming of the girl, ** The Den,” as the old. house was designat- ed, underwent a change. It became more or- derly, and only certain people were admitted within its warped wails. \ Those who had the run of The Den to a cer- tain extent still found the vailed girl a mystery, for there was a part of the house forbidden to them. That portion was partioned off from the rest. True, the partition was thin, but it ‘served its purpose. — When the vailed girl and the old woman re- turned to The Den, they dismounted and their horses were taken in charge by a big, awkward, stupid-appearing boy. The girl led the way into the house, and the woman followed, Soon they were in a scantily furnished room. ‘“There!” cried the girl, tearing the vail from her face; ‘‘I am glad to get that off! I hate ; 1” The face revealed was a handsome one, though it was not flushed with as much color 4s it should have been after a dash in the saddle, Her eyes were of the purest blue, her hair golden-brown and her teeth like pearls. About her was an indescribable charm that immediate- ly attracted and fascinated the beholder. _ “*T am sick of this life!” she cried, ber chin be- | ginning to quiver in a manner that indicated the fount of tears was none too safely sealed, ‘I wish I were dead!” She flung herself down on a rude couch and lay there with her face pressed into ber hands, The girl’s companion also unvailed, and the face revealed was— A man’s! t Deliberately he removed the feminine attire and stood forth in garments suited to his owp sex, In Shanty City he was known as Bowery Ben, and he was the bosom pal of Dagger Dap. When he was free of the dress he folded his arms and stood regarding the prostrate girl for several moments. So still she lay he fancied she bad fainted. ‘* Lona!” be called. No reply. ‘* Lona!” She still remained silent. Swiftly he approached her and bent over her. Just as his band touched ber shoulder, she sat up, crying: 5 ** Don’t touch me!” A yellow light sifted in at the window and fell on her pale face, making it seem little short of haggard and ghastly, The light was a reflec- tion of sunlight as it glimmered for one Jast fad- er eitiedl
Page 7
Violet Vane, the Vanauished. ing moment at the very peak of an eastern mountain, Bowery Ben started back, an involuntary ex- clamation parting his lips. * Lonal!”, ‘‘Don’t call me that!” she almost screamed. ‘*- You have no right to do so!” ** Are you going mad, girl?” ‘No, not mad; but I hate you, Burt Bishcp— hate you! hate you !” She had arisen to her feet and stood confront- ing bim in the shadowy gloom that filled the room, He shrunk before ber indignation. ‘¢-You know not what you are saying, Lona,” he protested. “T know full well what I am saying, I de- spise you—despise the very ground you step re) ’ Had the light been a little stronger, she might have seen how deeply her words cut, for his face paled and he bit bis nether lip. ‘¢ Why should you hate me so?” he finally suc- ceeded in saying. ‘* What have I ever done—” “What have you done! What haven’t you done? You have never done anything to win my respect and esteem!” ‘But Iam ready. Tell me one thing to do,” ** Will you do it?” “Tf possible.” “Then leave me—never let me look on your face again, That will cause me to think of you with more respect than I do at present; that will prove if you are ready to do anything to win my esteem,” He did not move. * Ah!” she cried; ‘‘ you will not go?” “ No.” “*T knew it! Yousaid you would do anything possible, yet you refuse to do the first thing asked,” ‘* Tt is not possible.” ** Not possible?” ‘¢ That is what I said.” ** And why?” ‘* Because I love you so dearly and—” ‘Stop! I have forbidden you ever again speaking to me of love!” ‘You have, but .my tongue is not to be silenced in such a manner, You are dearer to me than life—dearer than-—” ‘*T will not listen!” she screamed, me, Burt Bishop—go, go!” Again he refused. “fam not to be driven away. Your brother has promised you shall become my wife.” She drew herself up to her full height, “What right bas he to make such a promise? I am not his child,” ‘* But he is your brother,” “Still he can force me to marry no man. It is useless for him to try, I hate you, and I will die before I will marry you!” “Now, what is the use, Lona? It is all a foolish prejudice, I am not a bad sort of feliow—’ **Oh, you’re not?” with deepest scorn, ‘ You area scoundrel of the blackest dye! I know you for what you are worth!” ‘*T am as good as your brother.” Fully as good! Sometimes it scarcely seems as if that man can be my brother! In no way are we alike. What right had he to drag me away from Magic City as if I were a child? He came there and forced me tofleave thettown—did not even give me a chance to let any one know I was going. What right had he to do that?” ‘*Tt was for your good,” **T do not believe it!” ‘And still you do. game we were * Leave , You know how bolda laying at Magic—a game that was‘defeated, You were our Principal agent—” “Say tool! That is what | was—your tool!” “Have itas you please. Anyway, you were as deep in the mud as we were in themire, Our actions were criminal, and we were forced to skip when the game was exposed. You stayed behind to nurse that cursed sport who ruined our plans, They did not molest you for a time, but they really intended to arrest you after awhile, It was for that reason Tom and I got you safely away and that is why we keep you here in secrecy. The bounds of the law are searching for us all, and—-” “There, I have heard enough! It is the same old story you have told me twenty times before! 1 do not want to listen to it again, I am here—” ‘“* But you would give us the slip if you could. Talmost believe you would go back to Magic and that cursed sport! Lona, you love that man!” E “Do you say that? Well, have it so: I will not deny it. No, no, I will not deny it, for J do love him He sprung forward and caught her by the wrist, thrusting his face close to hers while he hissed: ““T knew it! him here! body!’ Oh, curse him! I wish I had { would crush the life out of his ‘* You crush the life out of his body! You could not do it! He is strong—he 1s brave! Ab! he is a noble man!” “And you say that to me!” thrusting her off at arm’s length, ‘“‘Gods! What a fury there is in me! I could kill you now! I love you, still I hate you! No other man shall ever pos- sess you, for I would rather see you dead! Rather than let you go to another, I would strangle you with my own hands! Perhaps you hope Violet Vane will follow you here? Vell, if he does, he will come to his death!” With that be gave her a savage thrust from him, and she fell on the couch once more, ‘* Lie there!” he snapped, then he turned and left the room, The poor girl did lay there, She did not weep, but her condition was that of one dazed. Shortly after her would-be lover’s departure an old woman entered the room, bringing a light, which she left there, after closely draw- ing the curtains. She paid little heed to the poor girl on the rude cot. The girl buried her face in her hands, as if to shieli her face from the light, Thus she lay as the minutes became hours, How much time passed she did not know—did not care. Her mind was far, far away. Shoe was thinking of the one she loved, and, quite uncousciously, she sobbed: ‘* Vane, Vane, come to me!” ** Lona, Iam here !” Then, before she could cry out, she felt her- self gathered in the arms of a man, and held close to a heavily throbbing heart, while a trembling band was pressed over her mouth, thus*preventing her from uttering a scream that would arouse the house. Her eyes were turned on his face, and she saw— Violet Vane! CHAPTER VIII. VANE AND LONA, Tr was well Violet Vane took the precaution to cover the girl’s mouth with his band, other- wise she would have uttered a cry that must have brought others rushing to that room, He held her close, close to him, and gazed into her blue eyes as if searching her very soul, And she? At first she could not believe it was really Vane. She had left him sick in bed and deli- rious a few short weeks before—had been snatched from his side by her unnatural brother. Was this really him? Was it not his spirit? No, no, no! It*was no spirit; it was a man of flesh and blood, She felt his warm touch— she felt bis strong heart pounding against her very bosom! He was there—he had come to her, as if in answer to her call! ** Lona!” Once more he whispered her name, thrilled her! It set every nerve a-tingle with mad delight, His hand was removed from her mouth, and he bent his head toward hers, Nearer, nearer, till their lips touched—till their very souls seemed to meet in that clinging kiss! Then he beld her off a bit, once more gazing searchingly into her blue eyes. He seemed try- ing to discover something there. She returned the gaze, but there was a world of happiness in that one look, ‘* Lona, I have found you!” “Yes, yes!” She could say no more, although she tried to do so, The words refused to come, “Why did you leave me?” Then came the first thrill of bitternes? to adulterate her joy. Why did she leave him? Because she was forced to do so, How could she explain so he would understand? She dared not tell the truth at once—she would not tell a How it ie. ‘“‘ Do not ask me that—please!” ““Why not? You left me without a word; no one knew whither you went. I cannot under- stand, I have often wondered at it; but [ felt sure you could explain it all when I found ou **T cannot,” A shadow fell on his face. ** Lona-~” “Vane, Vane!” she panted, clinging close to bim; “do not speak of that now! Is it reall you? I am so happy—happy! Do not Kill all my joy atonce! J feared I should never, never see you again! Oh, it was so cruel to leave you there! “You were helpless and— But I do not want to speak of it! I only want— J know not what I want! I am nearly deranged with joy! Oh, Vane, Vane! my darling!” . n truth she knew not what she was saying. The words seemed to come in spite of any effort to repress them, She laughed and sobbed in a breath—she wound her warm arms’ around his neck—she kissed him again and again! “Ts it not all a dream—a happy, happy dream?’ she whispered. ‘‘Can it really be the truth? IT almost doubt! ‘You are alive and well again—but you are pale!” seeming to notice that fact for the first time, ‘* The color has not come back to your face,” “* And my strength has not returned entirely,” he explained. ‘1am far from being the man I was before my sickness,” “But you will be all right soon—I know it. How many times I thoughr you were dying as I remained at your bedside! It would be at the dead of night, and you would lay there so pale and ghastly—like a corpse. You would notseem to breathe, and your eyes would be closed, Then I would bend over you and listen for your breathing, I would hear it, faint—so faint! hd ap gave me hope—it gave me joy. You still ived! ‘Then at times you would be out of your head and would rave of things that bad occurred, Sometimes you would speak to me—would call to me again and again,- All that would quiet you would be for me to come to P fe8 side and take your hand. Then you would become quiet —then you would fall asleep, And there [ would sit for hours, my band in bg daring not remove it least you awaken, h, but I was happy then!” Oty angel! Yes, my angel, for you were a ministering angel tome! I can never forget it— I will never forget! Lona, Lona, my love!” Again and again he kissed her, She did not resist—no, no! Happiness had come to her again, if only for a few minutes. What more could she ask at that time? ‘* Sometimes I feared you would die—and then I feared you would get well! ‘Yes, I dreaded to have vou get well!” “Why, Lona!” “Tt is true, for I feared your restoration to health would be the signal of our separation, feared you would look on me with scorn and loathing when the light of reason returned to your eyes! Ob, you can never know how I dreaded that! It would be worse than a thou- sand deaths! Sometimes I longed to die—some- times I prayed to die! If you had died, I know it would have killed me!” He pressed her ppeny once more, but: uttered no word, although his heart was full of wonder that she should have deserted him when shoe cared so much for him, She seemed to read his thoughts in his eyes, ‘1 cannot tell—I cannot tell!” she moaned. “ They said you would get well, unless something quite unlooked-for occurred.” *€ And then you left me?” “ How can I tell you? I was forced to do sol It would not have done for me to remain.” “* Why not?” ; “You should be able to answer that question, for you know all about the cruel game I was forced to play in Magic City. Iwas an impostor —an adventuress! ou had heard my confes- sion—you knew the truth, If I had remained, I wight have been arrested—imprisoned !” “And that is why you left me? Ob, Lona! did you not know I would stand by you to the end? Did you doubt me, Lona?” Her face grew crimson, ‘“‘ flow could I be sure you would not despise me?” “ And that is what you feared?” “ ” : ‘Had I not told you I loved you?” ‘Yes, yes!” ‘ And did you doubt my word?” “ [ feared you would change, When youcame to think of it more seriously—when you came to consider the enormousness of my crime, I feared you would spurn me.” ** Ob, thou of little faith!” There was reproach in his words—his eyes—his faze, She felt it, and it crushed her, She put her hands before ber face, piteously pleading: “¢TDon’t look at mein that way—don’t, don’t!” “Tf you bad but trusted me, Lona!” “How could I know? They told me you were a detective, and Tom always said detectives would employ any means to gain anend, How did I know you were not deceiving me when you — professed to love me? That might bea part of you might be using me to learn the truth, O . y $ your game to get at the criminalsin the “On ore ' -~
Page 8
\ do not be too hard with me, for I did not know | —I did not know!” ‘*[t is but natural your brother should tell you i! such things, for, having a criminal record, he } has reasons to hate and dread all officers of the law. But Iamno detective. It was only by chance I played the part of detective in the Marden case, I ruined your brother’s plot to ob- | tain Dan Marden’s wealth, and that satisfied me. l should not have pressed the matter further, al- though Mark Marden, the oid man’s son, would have been sure todoso. Asit is, he has sworn | to hunt down Thomas Lewis and Burt Bishop, He will keep his word, and Iam here to save ou.” . “Save me?” **- Yes,” ‘*T do not understand.” ‘* You are liable to be arrested with the others. If you were, and Mark Marden should press the case, the result might be serious. our only safety lays in leaving your brother—abandoning him to bis fate.” She caught her breath sharply and pressed her band to her bosom, | ‘* Abandon him to his fate!” she hoarsely re- *T will not!” ‘*Lona, you must be mad! Think of the dis- grace—the horror! Think of being arrested and—’ He suddenly checked himself. He would not speak to her of being imprisoned. But she divined what he would have said, and she pas- sionately cried: ‘*T have thought of it all a thousand times. It will kill me!” f “And still, for the sake of this unnatural i brother who forced you into this terrible scrape, you will remain here?” ‘He is still my brother, True, he bas chang- i, ed—he is not the same as of old. Once he was entle ana considerate—so thoughtful of his litle sister. I can not forget those old days of long, long ago. He grew wilder as he became older, and mother feared for him, Sometimes she spoke to me about him, ‘Lona,’ she would say, ‘you must look after Tom when I am gone.’ I promised her to do all I could to keep him straight, and I have kept my promise.” ‘* Yes, you have kept your promise; you can do nothing more. He would drag you down to ruin. Now is the time to escape!” ‘*Ab, I can not! I can not! Mother would ' not want me to desert him now!” i “Foolish girl! Can it be you are in your right mind? Leave him—go with me! I will make you my wife! Far, far from here we will be happy together! Come!” ; h, the look in those blue eyes! For one mad moment the girl hung swaying between love and what she believed was her duty. Then came another thought that decided her. ! ** No,” she said, firmly, ‘I can not go with you. It would not be right. If you married me, it would only be to despise me in time.” ** Lona!” ‘Stop! Hear me out, The blade of justice i would hang suspended over my head like the H Sword of Damocles. Atany hour, any moment, 7 I might be arrested—torn from you—bhurried away to prison! I would still be a criminal, though I were your wife! ie such a wife as that!” a ' * They should not touch you.” ** And you would be shielding a criminal! Ah, no! Itis not forus. I can seeit allnow, How foolish I was to pray that might come to me, It were better you stayed away, You have only come to leave me again, and the parting will be bitter, bitter!” ' ‘There shall be no parting. If you will not go willingly, by the gods! I will carry you away _ by force!” __ How those words stirred her blood. If never before she had loved the man, it seemed as if she must have loved him then, ‘** Would you really kidnap me?” she asked, just a trace of wonder in her voice. ‘*T will do anything to possess you!” How could she withstand such love when she loved the man in return? ‘* You must be mad!” “Yea, yes! mad with love of you, my little one--my darling! Nothing shall take you from You can not want “You will ruin all with your passion! 1 love | you as truly, but I know my duty, “Duty! It is not duty! You do not under- stand ba truth! You place yourself in a false my! ccna uN Oa eee ey oe er Be OS Te ee a ae Violet Vane, the Vanquished. ‘“That is the way you look atit. But you are in the greatest peri] here! Huw did you get in here without alarming the house? How did you know I wus bere?” ‘*T saw Vailed Veda, the Mystery of Shanty City. You might hide your face bebind a vail, but I would know your form! I know your every motion! I saw you come here, and when it was dark, I followed,” ‘* But how did you get into the house? All the doors are kept locked,” ‘*Close to the northern side isa tree. One cf its branches brushes a window. From that branch I entered by the window.” ‘** Ah! And you ruu so much risk—for me!” ‘* For the chance of one look into your heaven- ly blue eyes, my darling!” ** Foolish boy! What if my brother or Burt Bishop should find you here now?” ‘¢ A struggle would follow.” ** And you are not strong!” ‘*My love for you—the thought that your eyes were on me would give me strength.” ** Tt would be a terrible thing for 'them to find you here, They would surely kill you if they could.” **] feel as if I would be a match for them both.” ‘* But, acry from their lips would summon a dozen ruffians from the other part of the build- ing.” ‘That is true, for I descended the stairs and peered through a crack into a room of the otber part, L as many more were sleeping on bunks about the room, The place is a regular den, and those men are—” ‘* Criminals, one and all—men on whose heads there isa price! And my brother is their lead- er! He expects he will be pursued by ofilcers, and these are the men be will have to destroy the bloodhounds. It isa regular outlaw band, but they try to keep its existence a secret in Shanty City. If you were detected here and discovered by those men, it would mean a swift and certain death!” ‘‘Then fly with me at once, Lona. We will find our way out and escape. Te you refuse—” “* What?” ** Ah! that is it! What shall I doif you re- fuse? Tt will drive me mad! Lona, Lona! bave some compassion on me! You are choosing be- tweea me and your brother! Which will you have? J am ready to lay down my life for you; but if you turn me away—well, there will be nothing to live for then,” f Once more she wavered, She read the despair in his face. Could she turn him away hopeless? No, no, no! } ‘* You must go now,” she panted, thrilling at the thought that she might yet yield to bim. “I cannot leave now, but—but-—” ** But what?” : ‘Perhaps I will do so, if you will only give me time. I must think of ita little longer; I must have one more talk with my brother.” ‘* And then—will you go?” **T dare not a Perhaps—perbaps!” “Then I will hope, Under no other _circum- stances would I consent to leave you. You will not fail me in the end—I know you will not! You shall become mine—all mine!” — Once more he held her close to his heart and kissel her. She started from him. ‘*Hark!” she whispered, ‘I fancied I heard a sound at the door. Some one may be coming, Go, go!” “ Yes, I will go now—” The door was flung wide open, and Burt Bishop leaped into the room, a revolver in his hand, Pointing the weapon at Vane’s head, the young r«ffian shouted: : “Tf you do go, it will be straight to hell! I am here to kill you!” CHAPTER IX, A BRUTAL BLOW. Burt BisHop’s face was corrugated with pas- sion, and the blackest of black resolves glared from his eyes. There was murder in his look. Vane faced him without quailing, making no move to draw a weapon, for he knew such a move would be the signal fora shot that might mean his death, ' For several seconds the two men glared into each other’s eyes, Bishop longed to pull the trigger and send a bullet into the daring sport’s brain, but a power other than his own seemed to hold him in check. With both bands pressed over her throbbing heart, ber face white as that of the dead, Lona stared at the striking tableau, feeling powerless to make a move. ; nik z + nly ? é it ea tat sh uli os cay Site i. ie Gai . £ win A “ et 2 <= t! at a | ee S| hee . ; 4 » “, Ne Ree ds eS PN te NS) —_ Vane was the first to speak. ** Well, what do you want?” The words were uttered cvolly enough. Bishop laughed harshly. ‘*By Jove! you have gall!” he cried. ‘** What do I want? Well, I want your life!” ‘* You are modest in your desires!” ‘Sarcasm will not save you, my dandy. [ hold the drop, and I am going to bore you,” ** Well, why don’t you do it?” ‘*Oh, lam not quiteready. I want totell you a thing or two betore I kill you. I do not want you to die too suddenly, for there would be no satisfaction in that. You have tried to come between that girl and me, and I want you to know what will become of bkcr after you are safely planted out where the daisies grow.” “This girl is nothing to you!” **Oh-ho! You think so, ech? Well, there is where you make a big mistake, On the other hand, she is nothing to you. She has fooled you in great shape, es you shall discover. I want to let you know what a dupe you have been—I want you to know it before you die, You fancy soe cares for you. Ha! ba! ha! She never cared for you! In Magic City she led you to fallin love witb her, in order that we might ensnare you the more easily; and but for old Daddy Duzenberry the game would have worked, She staid by your side when you were sick, but it was our will that she staid there. We wished her to poison you, and she agreed to do so, but. her courage failed her, There I saw several men gambling, while | Then she degerted you—” Up to this point Lona bad silently listened to the blackenicg of her character, her tongue silenced by amazement and horror; but now she broke out, wildly: “It is a lie! Do not believe him! He lies, lies, lies! Oh, the miserable wretch! how I bate him! He would drag me down—he would make you believe me such a miserable creature! It is false, false!” ‘* Ab! she plays her part very well!” admitted the man with tbe revolver. ‘She is a superb actress—Lona is. And she bas promised to be- come my wife when you are dead and buried, Violet Vane. Ab! I almost fear you will not rest easy in your grave! You will be deep, deep in the cold, cold ground, and Lona will be in my arms, These will be pleasant things for you to think of as youare dying!” —_ “You devil!” grated Vane. ‘‘I wish we wero evenly armed and alone in this room!” ‘¢ Tf wishes were horses, etc, But I have told you the truth, however bitter it may taste.” Lona sprung toward him, crying: ** Take it back, Burt Bishop—take it back!” ‘Out of the way!” he shouted, ‘I will kill him!” ‘* Never!” She flung herself upon him and grasped his hand, thrusting it upward. As she did so, the revolver was disckarged, With a sudden surge, Bishop sent her reeling from bim, but in that hrief space of time Violet Vane had seen his opportunity and improved it, Before the young ruffian could use his revolver to a deadly effect, the sport was on him, ; ‘*‘Now we will see who is the best man!” he cried, grasping the revolver and trying to wrench it from Bishop’s band. ‘Right you are!” returned the young ruffian, as he closed with Vane, For the time the sport had forgotten bis recent illness and the fact that he had not fully recov- ered his strength, He only thought he was fighting for life—and Lona! Clinching the two men swayed backand forth, their teeth set, stern resolve depicted on the face of one, black murder on the face of the other. “That shot will cook your goose,” asserted Burt Bishop, ‘It was heard in the other part of the house, and within two minutes my friends will be here.” : Lona heard this, and she sprung to the door, instantly closing it. The door had been provided with a strong lock and a bolt, and the girl made itsecure. Bishop caught a glimpse of her move- ments, and cried, derisively: “That will do no good, They will burst it down in a minute!” Which she feared was true, Vane found himself scarcely a match for the stovt young ruffian, and it is doubtful how long the battle would have lasted had not Lona found a way of aiding the sport. Upon a nail at one side of the room hung a shawl. This she snatched down and approached the two men witb it in her hands, Bishop did not see her movements. Quick as thought the shawl was cast over the head of the young cae om and drawn tightly about it in such a way taat he could scarcely i x Ad uw [%-
Page 9
Violet Vane, the Vanquished. catch his breath, In fact, he was in danger of suffocation, In this manner he was soon deprived of his strength, and Vane hurled him heavily to the floor, Then came a thundering at the door, and Dagger Dan’s voice shouted: ‘* Wat in blazes is ther row in thar!” Bishop was held down in such a manner that he could not reply, but it seemed that the Velvet Sport was trapped. What was to be done? ‘*T will have to fight them all,” said Vane, calmly. ‘‘No, no!” softly cried the girl, ‘‘The win- dow!” ‘*T would have to leave you!” ‘‘Andlam not ready to go with you now. Leave me, leave me!” ‘Tf I go, will you give me reason to hope?” ‘Yes, yes! I will promise anything—any- thing! Only go!” ‘**] will do it; but do not forget your promise, I shall return,” While she still held the shawl about Burt Bishop’s head, he sprung up and dashed to the window. Tearing aside the curtain, be found it fastened; but, raising his foot, he dashed out glass, sash and all. Just as he did so the door was burst in with a crash, and several men, led by Dagger Dan, poured into the room. Dan caught a glimpse of a human figure disappearing through the broken window, and he took a snap-shot at the individ- ual. Tha bullet whistled harmlessly out into the night. Burt Bishop was just struggling to his feet, gasping for breath, ** What in blazes does this mean?” demanded Dagger Dan, catching the young ruffian by the shoulder, __**Mean?” gasped Bishop. ‘“ It means—Violet Vane has—been here—and escaped!” “Great smoke!” . ‘That girl—helped him to get—away.” . “Out an’ arter ther critter, pards!” shouted Dagger Dan, turning to the men, ‘Ef you ketch him, blow him cold! Don’t let ther whelp escape,” The men wheeled toward the door. “Go with ’em, pard,” commanded the Man from Dead Diggin’s, speaking to Bishop. ** Spur ’em on; make ’em find ther galoot!” * But you—” ‘** 1m goin’ ter hev a word with this gal!” Burt Bishop knew better than to stay after that, although he paused to say, entreatingly: ‘* Don’t hurt her, Tom.” When they were alone, Lova boldly faced her brother, for Dagger Dan was Tom» Lewis in disguise, He folded his arms and glared at her in a savage manner, “Well, [suppose you think you are smart!” he sneered. ‘’Oh, what a precious little fool you are!” That aroused her quick temper; her eyes flashed, and she boldly returned; “Yes, lam a fool to have anything to do with you! I ought to let you go to the dogs, but on account of my promise to mother, 1 have clung to you as long as possible,” “Clung to me! Bosh! You have worked against me in every way you could! You be- trayed us to this infernal sport in Magic City, and you would betray us to him again! Is that the way you clung tome! I have fooled with you as long as Lam going to. Now—” “Well, what now?” “ 1’) bring ye ter yer senses, ur kill ye !” She did not sbrink from him, but a look of pain settled on her face, “You may kill me, Tom,” she quietly said; “* but you can never make me what you wish.” “We will see. I hope the boys will catch that infernal sport and drag bim here! If they do, I will end his life before your very eyes!” **Ob, Tom, Tom!” came a trifle brokenly from her pale lips; ‘t how changed you are!” ‘Oh, let uponthat!” __ “You are not like my big, brave brother of old! You are so different it scarcely seems you can be the same person, I loved you in those old days, Tom, and you used to love your ‘little sis,” on’t you ever think of those days, brother? [think of them so often—so often! Sometimes I dream of them, It was only last night I dreamed we were back at tbe old home again—I was happy and thoughtless in my girl- hood, and you were the same _ brown-faced, barefooted brother of tha past, We were play- ing down by the little brook where we used to sa our shingle ships, You remember that, Tom?” She crept to his side and sunk on her knees at his feet, clasping one of his hands in both of hers. ‘‘Oh, those were happy, happy days! You remember how we would sometimes watch our tiny ships float off down the stream till they disappeared in the big black woods, and we wondered if they would float on and on till they reached the ocean, How we used to long to know what the world was like over beyond the blue Dixmont Hills! That was so far, faraway! We wondered if we should ever, ever go beyond those bills. I would to God we never had!” The cry went up from a heart filled with anguish by thoughts of the cruel change that bad occurred, The girl began to sob brokenly. He tried to shake her off, but she still clung to his hand, “You have not forgotten those old days, Tom? Mother was so proud of ber children— poor mother! How many times she got us ready for school, and we started off together, hand in hand, Sometimes we would go away into the back pasture to play among the rocks, and when we were tired, you would bring me home on your back, She would be watching for us from the open doorway, and you would shout to her as soon as we camein sight. She loved to hear your voice, Tom; and father was so proud of you! Sometimes I think of the cows as they would come up the old lane and stand lowing at the bars; and ob! these memories make me sick at heart!” Once more he tried to release bis hand, but she would not let it go. ‘*Do you ever think of poor mother’s grave, Tom? It is there in ‘the little country cemetery. We buried her beneath the willow tree, I used to strew flowers over the mound, And to think that she died of a broken heart because you— Oh, Tom, Tom!” There was a real look of sorrow and pain in the man’s eyes, for he was touched; but, with an effort, he crushed back his feelings and gave himself over to the brutal part of his nature, ‘¢ Get up here!” he snarled, snatching the girl to her feet, ‘‘ Now let up on this sniveling! I won’t stand it!” ** Oh, Tom!” ‘© Oh, blazes!” And with this exclamation, he lifted his open hand and dealt her a blow that sent her stagger- ing to the floor, where she lay in a shuddering heap, staring up at him with a look of horrorand reproach in her blue eyes, her golden | sir being freed from its coil and falling in contusion about her neck and shoulders. ; With clinched hands, he stood above her, his face black with the evil passions which swayed his sin-deformed soul. CHAPTER X. ' THE ‘‘WIDDER” IN TROUBLE. VIOLET VANE was not found by Dagger Dan’s tools. The slippery sport had made good bis escape. Later in the evening the Man from Dead Diggin’s entered the ’ Way Up Saloon, the sound of music salutipg bis ears long before he crossed the threshold. Within the saloon he found, ‘fda Counta Caboto” industriously engaged in grinding out a lively tune, much to the satisfaction of the assembled listeners, Almost as soon’as Dan appeared, the bully, Bouncer Bob, came toward him, ‘* Hain’t seen er derned thing of thet ole cuss!” growled the tough. ** Who d’yer mean?” asked Dan, “Wy, Ole Jed Corker, to be course.” ‘*Ob, I hed completely fergot all ’baout thet critter,” truthfully asserted Dan, ‘Thar is bigger fish on han’,” “Sho!” te Yep.” * Wat?” ‘‘ Did ye ever heur of Violet Vane?” ‘You bet! I hed a pard as seen him over ter Coffin City.” ; ‘* Waal, he’s in this town,” Nom 6 Yep,” ‘© Wat's he hyer fer?” ** Arter me,” Wat?” ‘Straight goods.” ““Ts he a detective?” “ Ye 2? “Then his goose is cooked!” , “Shanty City is a bad place fer him,” ** You're shoutin’! W’at’s he want of you?” Oh, he’s arter me fer a little job.” ‘Want him planted?” “To.” “* Money in it?” “ Some,” ee ee ee a ss “ How much?” ty ‘* Waal, he’s a mighty bad man—” ** Ef all I hear of him’s true, thet’s so.” ‘* Pm willin’ ter pay well, but ther dern of it is ter find him.” . ** How’s thet?” ** He goes disguised.” “Ob, thet’s his game? Wal, I reckon he’ll hev hard work ter fool this town.” ‘*T am not so sure of thet. He’s a cool’un at it, an’ he seems ter hev more lives than a cat,” cen how much’ll ye guv ter hev him plant- ed? ** A clean hundred.” “* Jest you p’int him out an’ V’ll do ther job!” ‘*Toer pintin’ out will be no fool job,” “Do you want me ter keep arter Ole Corker jest ther same?” ‘“ Yep, _He is one of Violet Vane’s pards,” ‘“* Wal, I hev bin’ lookin’ ’most ev’ry derned whar fer him, but he keeps out of sight, Jest let him show up, an’ Pll work a row with him some way,” ** All right; thar he comes now,” ; Through the open doorway sauntered the very person they were speaking of, his white hat pushed far back on his head and his hands thrust deep into his pockets. Pausing in the center of the room, he stared around in a man- ner that plainly said he meant to take in all there was to be seen, “Go fer tim!” urged Dagger Dan; “ but re- member he’s er hard ole nut ter crack,” “T kin crack bim ef ary derned galoot kin,” asserted the bruiser, as be thrust back his sleeves and spat on his hands. ‘Jest watch me para- lyze ther ole hayseed!” ‘Member I want bim kilt!” ** No kill, no money.” * He'll be fit fer a wooden overcoat w’en I gits done with him,” But as Bouncer Bob was about to advance on Old Jed, a shrill scream was heard at the door, and a little old woman came flying into the saloon, seeming nearly scared out of her wits, The new-comer was dressed in an old-fashioned black silk dress—a garment of many frills and furbelows, On her head was a queer little bon- net of black material, and in her hand sbe car- ried a black parasol that had evidently seen many years of service, ‘* Landy sakes to goodness!” panted the little woman, staring around inquiringly, ‘I never was so mortally skeered in all my born days!” Instantly Old Jed Corker jerked off his hat and advanced toward the strange comer in the saloon. ‘* ix-cuse me,” entreated the old fellow, bow- ing low. ‘*At whut war yeou alarmed, Mis’ Swan?” ‘*Oh, is that you, Mr. Corker?’ cried the woman, in evident relief, ‘Yas, it’s me; don’t ye be ’fraid.” ‘7 am so glad!” and she clasped hisarm, ‘TI was never, never frightened so before! It was that borrid, horrid ragged creature who wears a sunflower in his buttonbole! I was just takin’ a little preamble to get the cool evening air, when he came right up to me and began to talk, He told me it was not safe for me to be out alone in the evening, but I divined his pretentions ina minute, He wanted to get a chance to walk — with me—the horrid thing!” “That's jest it!” shouted Corker, excitedly, “Ther golderned—ab! 'scuse me, marm!—ther onmanverly scoundrel! Vil punch his din blanked head fer this! I kin do it!” added 1d Jed, glaring around as if to see if any one dis- | uted the assertion, ‘I’m a purty gosh-danged hard boy ter daown when I git started, an’ north- in’ starts me sooner then ter see a female woman insulted, Ef thet ole sunflower rapscallion war only beur—” He paused suddenly, as Erastus hte peared in the doorway, glancing around t eyes rested on the little woman in black, to relate, Old Blossom had been drinking, and was slightly intoxicated. He grinned with sat- isfaction when he saw the ‘ widder.” : ‘* Zere she ish!” be cried, striking an attitude meant to be impressive, bat which was simp ludicrous. ‘‘ Zere’s ther gal! Needn’t run fer me, misish; I w’u’dn’t burt ye. I wash only givin’ yestraight 'dvice, Dangerush for a wo- wom ter be out in zish town at zish time o’ ni’— yesh it ish,” “Oh, save me from him!” cried the little wo- man, clinging frantically to Jed Corker’s arm, “He nearly frightens me to death! Go way, sir! Shoo! Scat!” and she shook her parasol at the vagabond. ‘I do believe you are intoxi- cated!” - geghv wie ‘* Intozzercated?” cried the tramp, reproac 4 in. f vi Te iad ft hts Bad a] +
Page 10
ie a Ee —- ES ES eee ee ae 10 ‘*T deny th’ azzertion! I’mallri’, AllI need ish plenty room. I ’sh only got a little tetch o’ th’ rickerty rickets, zash all. I can shee —I can shee like a heagle, Got good eye, L hash,” ‘Stan’ right heur, Mis’ Swan,” said Jed Corker, pulling off his coat and dropping it on the floor—‘‘ stan’ right heur an’ see me lick ther stuffin’ aout of that critter! DP Varn bim ter insult lone an’ defenseless female wimmin! My Corker blood is up, an’ naow I am a corker!” ‘*Oh, please don’t fight!” entreated the wid- ow, still clinging tohim. ‘“‘I’m so ’fraid you'll get burt!” ‘‘ Let me tell yer thar hain’t going’ ter be no fightin’ hyar!” said Bouncer Bob, as he placed himself before Corker, glaring viciously at the Man from Clam Cove. ‘This byer’s a peace- able place, an’ thar hain’t goin’ ter be no row, Ruther then hev a row, [ll lick ther all two both of ye!” fully. CHAPTER XI. VIOLET VANE MAKES HIS MARK, PLACING his hands on his hips and thrusting out his under jaw in a brutal fashion, the bully of Shanty City cast a look on Old Jed Corker that was plainly meant to seriously frighten the Man from Maine. But Corker was not easily frightened, ‘‘Wa-al, b’gosh!” he exploded, returning the ruffian’s stare with interest. ‘* Yeou’ve got gall? This hain’t none of yeour raow, so yeou’d best git aout.” ‘* Woosh)” snorted the Bouncer, ‘ Thet starts my dander! I’m goin’ ter chaw ye up!” ‘“*Wa-al, naow, Ill make gol-darned tough chawin’!” ‘Say yer prar’s.” ‘* Yeou'd best do that,” ** W'at, me ?” **- Yes, yeou.” “Haw! haw! baw!” roared Bob, ‘ Jest heur thet! Hain’t thet ernough ter make a cat laff! Haw! haw! haw!” “ Haw-haw if yeou want ter!” snapped Old Jed. ‘I'll make yeou haw-haw aout of ther other corner of yeour maouth!” Still the ‘‘ widder” clung tenaciously to his arm. “Oh, dear! oh, dear!” she sobbed. don’t fight—please don’t, Jeddie |” The name seemed forced from her lips, and for & moment it seemed to stagger Corker; but tho Yankee quickly recovered, slapped his knee, and shouted: “By chaowder! I'll wade through rivers of blood fer yeou naow—Susan !” **Call me Susie,” simpered the little woman, seeming to forget her terror for a moment, ‘* Please Corker caught his breath with a convulsive, gasp, and the next moment he had passed an arm around the ‘‘ widder’s” waist. “Don’t yeou be skeered no more,” he softly wo bending his head toward her. ‘‘ I'll purtec’ tS) ‘ a Ob, you are so good and brave!” she sighed, leaning her head against his shoulder, quite re- gardless of the eyes upon her, ‘* Whoopee!” squealed Old Blossom, attempt- ing to dance a little, and succeeding in falling down in a most clumsy fashion. ‘* That shettles it! Misther Cuc-cuc-cuc-corker, I congrazzulate ye! I trusht you'll shend me cardsh, I mean weddin’-cardsb, not any old poker pack.” “Sir,” returned Corker, with attempted dig- nity, ‘*T don’t know haow ter play poker,” ld Blossom sat up with his back against the door-casing. “Don’t know how ter play pokersh?” he re- pets a silly grinon his homely face, ‘t Waal, h’ widdersh’ll learn ye how arter she becumsh Mrs. Corker. I'll bet a million dollarsh she kin hold a full hand—full o’ hair. Whoop!” ‘Oh, the horrid creature!” cried Mrs. Swan, stamping her foot with anger, ‘‘ That is an insult!” *That’s so!” shouted Old Jed. ‘‘Do not de- tain me—Susie/ Let me punish the rapscallion as he desarves! I'll ’arn him ter insult yeou!” ‘* Never inshulted nobozzy,” protested the tramp, struggling to his feet and steadying him- self with a band against the wall. ‘‘I don’ wanter fi’, Lesh hev shumshin’ ter drink. You’re good fellersh, Corker, only you’ve got haysheed in your whiskersh. I ushter shing a shong ’bout th’ ‘Ol Home Down on th’ Farm,’ _ One stanzash had lines like zish: * Every haysheed I would pers ‘ It had whiskersh made of grass,” - That shong makesh me think o’ you, Corker— il By eins ih yesh, it doesh. Only your whiskersh look like they wuz made of straw. Shay, letsh take shumshin’,” Corker fairly danced with excitemeut. ‘“*Naow, I will lick ther critter!” he yelled, smiting his clinched hands together. ‘* Let me go, Susie! IT’ll pulverize him! Let me go!” ** Never, never!” she shrieked, flinging her arms around bis neck. ‘' 1 will not see you thrust yourself into such deadly and imminent peril! It would be awful! Iam so frightened! I did not know what kind of a place this was, or I would not run in here!” ‘*T told ye you oughter hev a ’scort,” nodded Old Blossom. ‘t Hey-up!” he cried, trying to cateh his tall hat, as it toppled from his head, “Where you goin’, you twenty-dollarsh tile? If I don’t hev you ter wearsh, I'll ketch cole in my hair, But the old hat escaped him and went bound- ing over the floor like-a thing of life. It landed in front of Corker, who immediately gave it a sae that sent it up against the boards over- 1ead, ‘¢T jest wish that war yeou!” he cried, glaring fiercely at the tramp. ‘*Might jes’ as well hev bin,” asserted Old Blossom, bracing up for all he was worth. ‘I never ‘low nobozzy ter kick thet hatsh. Now you will hev ter fight!” In a belligerent attitude, he advanced toward the Man from Clam Cove, Immediately Old Jed broke from Mrs, Swan’s restraining arms, and started to meet the wearer of the sunflower. Bouncer Bob fancied the time had come for him to get in his work, and he seized Corker by the shoulder, growling: “Hole on! Didn’t you heur me say thar wuzn’t goin’ ter be no fightin’? I see Ill jest hev ter shake you clean outer your clothes,” But an unexpected thing occurred. Widow Swan gave a scream and flew at the big tough like an enraged cat. In a moment she was pounding Bob over the head with her parasol, regardless of the fact that the shade was ruined at the first blow. ‘*- You scalawag! you wretch! you scamp!” she shrieked, as she continued to wield the parasol. ‘* You horrid thing! you miserable rascal! you— you—you—” She seemed at a loss for appellations, but that did not cause her to desist in ber attack. Bewildered and confused, the bully released his hold on Corker, and tried to grasp the arasol, The next moment Old Jed’s fist caught im under the ear, lifting bim off his feet and hurling him headlong to the floor, Old Blossom had paused in his advance, and he now uttered a whoop of delight. **Great jehocus!” he bellowed. ‘Thet wash beaucherful, Misbter Corker! Guv it ter ther critter erg’in! Kick a lung outo’ him! L’arn him ter meddle wish our ’fairsh when we are goin’ to have a peashable fight!” But Old Jed scarcely noticed the bully after Bob was knocked over. He turned to the widow, saying anxiously: ** Are yeou hurt, Susie?” ‘* No!” she gasped; ‘*but Iam so frightened! Ketch me, Jeddie, or I shall fall!” Aud sbe deliberately fell into his arms, The Italian, who mes been a witness of all that passed, now seemed suddenly frightened nearly out of his wits. Swinging his organ to his back, he muttered: “T noa lika da fight! I think I taka Caboto outa here! Somebody gita burta!” In order to reach the door, he was forced to pass near Bouncer Bob, who was just getting on his feet. There wasa look of unutterable fury on the bully’s face, and the Italian saw hin draw a knife, Jed Corker’s back was toward the man be had knocked down, and the ruffian plainly meant to stab the Man from Clam Cove. ‘*Greata Scotta!” gasped Caboto, and guick as a flash, he ran against the bully, knocking Bob over once more, ‘*Hully chee!” added the Italian, apparently in the greatest terror. ‘* Looka out for da man Min knife! Hekilla pritta quicka! Looka out Then he darted for the door and quickly dis- appeared, This probably saved Jed Corker’s life and put him on his guard. Old Blossom had witnessed the peril of the Man from Maine, and the tramp kad tried to draw a revolver, but his intoxicated condition had prevented him from doing so with his usual swiftness. However, he produced the weapon by the time Bouncer Bob scrambled to his feet once more. ‘* W hoop-ee!” he shouted, reeling forward, the grin still on his face, ‘* This is ther fusht ruction Violet Vane, the Vanquished shince strikin’ thish town! Hain’t it fun! Oh, theresh nuzzin’ doesh me shole good like a ruc- tion?” The bully was about to attack Jed Corker once more, but the sunflower tramp cocked his revolver and covered Bob, “Chain ri’? up!” he gurgled, ‘‘f hash got ther drap, an’ I can shoot ef I hash bin drinkin’, Ef you try ter cut Mishter Corker, dinged ef | don’t ventilate you!” Bob halted in dismay. ‘*You blanked fool!” he snarled, glaring at Old Blossom; ‘‘ he was goiu’ ter lick you!» ‘Waal, why didn’t ye let him try it? You hain’t got no bishness meddlin’ wish our ’fairs, If we wan’sh ter hev a soci’ble fi’, taint none 0’ your funeral. Go bag your head, you wopper- jawed catamount!” The Bouncer dancéd and howled with rage, but Old Blossom seemed cool as a cucumber. Turning to Corker, he went on: ‘¢ Mishter Corker, I reg’et thish disgrace ter” humanity shpoiled our fun, but we kin hev it out some ozzer time, Ash itish, you had better ’scort th lady out o’ hyer. It hain’t no plasbe for her. I will kiver your retreat, an’ if zish critter triesh ter tetch ye, I’!] shend him ter Glory by ther lightnin’ ’spress—yes, I will!” ‘For the landy sakes, do let’s get out of here!” panted the little widow, who was ain frightened. ‘I know I shall just die dead if I stay here any longer!” , Old Jed picked up his coat, saying: ‘* Come on,” She accepted his arm, and he escorted her to- ward the door. Once Bouncer Bob seemed on the point of starting after them, but Old Blos- som placed himself directly in the bully’s path, shaking the long-barreled revolver in the ruf- fian’s face. ‘*Go a leetle slow, Robert,” he advised. kin shoot ther huil top o’ your cabeza off, I kin hit a ten-shent piece when I’m sho drunk I can’t shtand on my feet. Zat’s a fac’, ol’ boy.” ‘**'You shall pay fer this!” howled Bob, ‘¢- You'll have ter sharge it; I’m dead broke,” Pj] bev yer skelp!” ; ‘Zen you musht be goin’ inter zer wool bish- ness,” ‘You shell die!” . ‘‘No I won’t nozzer! Barber wanted ter dye it fer me oncet, but I kicked. Zis color’s good ernough fer me,” ‘+ Hf I only hed bolt of ye!” Old Blossom winked in a comical manner. ‘But you shee you hain’t got holt o’ me. We cant have all our wishes gratified in zish worl’ o’ sorrer an’ shin, Robert. Ef you bed holt o’' me, ye might wish ye didn’t. Zis ish one o’ my days, Jesht now I’m a bad, b-a-a-d, bad man, Ikin chaw up spikes ter-day.” ‘¢You kin blow, but thet is all. You don’t durst putt down thet gun an’ tackle me fair an’ squar’,” **T don’t?” iti No ” ‘* Who tole ye so?” ‘*T know ye don’t.” “Waal, right thar’s whar ye foolsh yershelf.” With a bravado born of the liquor be had swallowed, the sunflower tramp lowered the bam- mer of his revolver and thrust the weapon out of sight into a pocket, much to the surprise of all but himself, *“T tole you zis wus one o’ my daysh,” he apart. ‘* You want ter look out ferme. Uma lulu when I git on it, an’ by jebocus! I’m on it now!” Chuckling with evil delight, Bouncer Bob ad- vanced on the vagabond, He had been foiled in taking the life of one man, and, his fury being up, he would have the life of another, “Put up yer knife zere!” cried Wage, “yes, Pil put it up ter ther hilt in you, dern e!” As the wretch sprung forward, Old Blossom dodged awkwardly to one side, crying: ‘Hair play!” Some of the others in the saloon echoed the cry, but no one seemed inclined to protect the tramp against the treacherous rage of the bully. Bouncer Bob was too well known in Shanty City for them to wish to make him their enemy. map succeeded in catching Old Blossom by the collar. ‘** Now,” he grated, ‘* you have it!” The knife was lifted and quivered in the air! In another moment it would have been buried in the vagabond’s body! Crack! Somewhere outside the saloon sounded the re- port of a revolver, The knife fell from the ruffian’s band, and grinned, steadying himself with his feet wide ,
Page 11
_ vagabond, but Old Bouncer Bob uttered a howl of agony, holding up a wrist that was shattered by a bullet! From an open window came these words, plainly heard by all: “ With the compliments of Violet Vane!” CHAPTER XIT, WHICH IS VIOLET VANE? Bouncer Bos howled like a dog that had been kicked. “Pm killed! I’m killed!” he cried, ‘Ow- wow-wow! I’m bleedin’ ter death! I’ve got ter die! Ow-wow-wow! Go fera doctor! Go fer a Gospel-sharp! See theblood! Ow-wow-wow! This is ther eend of me! [ve bin murdered} I’m dyin’!” Then the natural cowardice of the man came to the surface, Brutal bully that he was, he was nearly frightened to death by the sight of his own blood. True, his wrist wags broken, but the injury was far from fatal, and the shock had so benumbed his arm that he scarcely felt a sen- sation of pain, Up to this moment, Dagger Dan had simply been a spectator, From his appearance one would scarcely have thought he had any inter- est at all in the affair; but as soon as he heard the words which came through the open window and witnessed the result of the shot fired by an unseen hand, he jerked out a revolver and start- ed for the door, crying: ‘* Moller me! Tl guv a clean hundred dollars in cash fer ther capture of ther galoot w’at fired thet shot. Kem on, ev’ry man of ye!” A hundred dollars! There were half a dozen men in the room who would cut a throat to ob- tain that sum, and tbe Man from Dead Diggin’s did not lack followers, Out into the darkness rushed the party, revol- vers in hand. “Search ev’rywhar!” shouted Dagger Dan. ** Don’t let ther critter ’scape.” Old Blossom was quite forgotten by every- body. The vagabond had been astonished and sobered by his preservation from what seemed almost certain death, He had heard and recog- nized the voice of the Velvet Sport. “Sweet Violets, ur‘I’m a sinner!” he mutter- ed, ‘‘ Ther leetle dandy is on his feet an’ right hyer in Shanty City! Whoopee! I jest want ter git holt o’ his fin! He saved my life then— yes, he did! 1 don’t fergit them things! Ob, jehocus! w’at a ga-lorious trumph keerd thet 2 is!” é@ heard Dagger Dan’s words, as the fellow rushed from the room, knife in hand, but they only caused Erastus to laugh. “Ef you ketch thet boy, you'll be good at ketchin’ eels,” he chuckled. ‘* He’s ther slippery- est leetle divil ever you went arter!” Bouncer Bob did not pay any attention to the lossom could not refrain from giving the tough a parting touch. ‘Got struck by lightnin’, didn’t ye!” he laugh- ed. “ Thet’s my ole side pard thet socked ye. You may thank yer good luck he didn’t take a noshun ter blow ther roof o’ yer cokernut off.” With that, the tramp ambled serenely out of the saloon, Once more the search for Violet Vane proved unavailing. The only person found in the vicin- ity of the saloon was the Italian organ-grinder, and he was curled up close to the wall of a cabin not far away, apparently fast asleep, When aroused, be muttered: “ Letta Caboto' ‘lone. He sleepa—hedreama *bout da monk’—thinka hava da monk’ some mora, Goaoff!? When they left him, the settled down once more, appearing quite as contented as if in the st of beds, : Dagger Dan was furious, : “‘ This is the second time ter-night!” he fumed. ‘Kin thet derned sport come in hyer an’ defy us in this yar way? He must be found!” *W’at’ll ye do with bim w’en ye find him” asked one of the men at his side, ‘Lynch him—hang him ter ther nearest tree!” “Fer w’at?” “* Wal—fer anythin’.” i , “Kio you bring a charge ’g’inst him?” ep. * One thet?ll hang him?” “ Ye 2 “Wat is it?” ** Hoss-stealin’,” Thevll do. Whose did he steal?” ine,” “Whar?” ‘ Over ter Dead Diggin’s.” * Chet'll fix him. Ef he’s ketched, he'll go ‘* He’s a hard man ter ketch.” **)ve heerd so.” “Tm goin’ ter offer a standin’ reward 0 a hundred dollars fer his capter.” ‘* Bf ye do, he'll be scooped,” **T shell do it ter-night.” Back into the saloon returned the unsuccessful crowd of searchers. Bouncer Bob was still there, the physician of the camp having been summoned to attend to him, Burt Bishop was also there, and the young tough greeted Dagger Dan with a sneer, ‘* Well this isa rum go!” he cried, ‘* You’re a spruce gang, you are! Id like to have some of the coves off ther Bowery here! We'd soon see if this snoozer could run all around us like we was asleep,” “Ob, you dry up!” growled the desperado. You're always blowing erbout ther Bowery. Guv us a rest, will ye!” “* You're asleep enough to get all the rest you need. What you want is to wake up and get a move on,” “Wal, you come with me. I’m goin’ ter git out a paper offerin’ a hundred dollars reward fer ther capture of this galoot,” ““What’ll you do with him after you have nipped him?” “Hang him fer stealin’ my hoss. You ’member he stole my hoss over ter Dead Diggin’s?” - Course Ido, But ye can’t hang a man for that, “Can’t, eh? Wal, thet shows you don’t know much erbout this kentry. Hoss-stealin’ is ther greatest ’fense on ther list out hyer. an’ holp me make out thet paper.” Giving the signal to three more of the men in the saloon, Dagger Duan led the way toward a back room, A few minutes later the party was seated around a small table on which burned a smoking lamp. Dan surveyed the faces of those present, r **T kin trust ye all, 1 see,” he said, ‘* You kin,” was the reply, spoken as one man, The leader nodded, “I knowed it. Nowit is plain ernough thet this Violet Vane is hyer in disguise, but jest wat is his disguise? Thet’s ther question. Thar are several strange people hyer, any one o’ which might be him.” Burt Bishop lighted a cigarette, listening with something like a sneer on his face, “Ef we ouly knowed which was ther right one,” continued Dan, .‘‘ then it’d be plain an’ easy Sailin’. I hey got an ijee I know,’ hev?? ‘ “Yep,” Kem on * Thar’ll be a funeral!” Bishop smiled, but made no retort, ** Now,” Dagger Dan went on, “I’m goin’ ter tell ye w’at I think, I reckon ther Widder Swan hain’t jest w’at she ’pears ter be.” “You don’t mean—” “But I jest do/” interrupted the desperado, bringing his clinched fist down on the table with a resounding thump. ‘Ef thet widder’s w’at she *pears, I’m a derned fool!” ** But it can’t be—” “ Now why can’t it? Violet Vaneis a jo-dandy at disguises,” ** And you think the widow is—” . ‘ ‘* Violet Vane—exactly. [am not certain of it, but I think so.” “Tt don’t seem possible,” declared one of the men. ‘*T know it; but thet’s jest why I think it is posserble, He kin play any part he sets out ter,” ‘* Well, the widow is not Violet Vane See?” It was Burt Bishop who made the assertion, and he seemed to know what be was talking about. Dagger Dan turned sharply on him, ‘** Wat makes you think thet?” he asked, ** Because [ know just who Violet Vane is,” “You do?” “You bet!” The youug tough settled back in his chair and blew out a volume of vile-smelling smoke, while he stared around in a knowing manner, “Look at here!” growled Dagger Dan; ‘ef you know ser much, jest you spit it out! ‘Who is Violet Vane?” “* Did you evar spotta da Counta Caboto?” in- quired Bishop, in perfect imitation of the Italian v i foalchin ina uads) is Violet Vane, the Vanquished. organ-grinder, ‘‘He play de hand-org’—hava. da monk’ picka uppa da mon’, Hava harda lucka—losea alla da mon’ on da card. Greata. Scotta !” **'W'at?” shouted Dagger Dan, in derision. * You don’t mean ter ’sinuate that ther Eyetal- ian is Violet Vane?” “TH gamble my last chip on it,” was the young tough’s reply. ** Why, you're crazy!” * Am I?” ** Sure,” “ Perbaps I am, but I’m generally a pretty fly cove. I have been thinking about that Italian, and I am willing to wager something he is not what he seems, If I am right, is it not prob- able he is Violet Vane? Say, you, take a tum- ble!” ‘* By thunder! this may be so!” confessed Dagger Dan, “1t is not so impossible as it. looks at first.” “It’s twicet as likely as it is thet ther ole woman is ther sport,” agreed one of the men. ** An’ thet derned Eyetalian hes been foolin® round us all ther time!” fumed the Man from Dead Diggin’s, ‘‘ Holy Moses! it gives me ther shivers ter think of it!” ‘“‘He wuz in ther saloon wen ther Bouncer tried ter pick ther row with Jed Corker,” ‘* Yep; but he got out.” ‘* Got out jest iu time ter fire ther shot through ther winder.” Dagger Dan sprung to his feet. “Ther critter wuz snoozin’, ur purtendin’ ter snooze, over by Jackson’s cabin,” he said, ‘It. hain’t likely he dreams wes’pect him, an’ he may be thar now. Ef he is, we'll soon find out ef he is this blamed sport. Come on, pards! Foller me!” He led the way from the saloon, and the men followed close at his heels, eapons were: drawn as soon as they were in the outer air, Woe to *‘ da Counta Caboto” if he were found and proved to be Violet Vane! Sure and sudden death would be bis portion, Straight to Jackson’s cabin hurried the men. The organ-grinder was not there! Both the Italian and his organ had disappeared, and further search failed to reveal whitber they had vanisbed, ““Thet comes purty nigh settlin it!” grated Dagger Dan, ‘I reckon ther critter is Violet Vane! I’m goin’ back ter ther saloon an’ stick up ther notice of a hundred dollars reward fer his capter, dead ur alive !” CHAPTER XIII, TWO LOVESICK OLD CRANKS, DaGGaR Dan kept bis word, Within the *Way Up Saloon he posted a paper offering a reward of one hundred dollars for the capture or positive proof of the death of Violet Vane, adding at the end that the Italian organ-grind- er was suspected of being the sport in disguise, 1 reckon thet?!l bring him,” nodded the Man from Dead Diggin’s, as he stood back and sur- veyed his work with satisfaction, ‘‘ Ther skunk’! find he can’t steal Dagger Dan’s hoss an? then come snoopin’ round whar ther rightful owner of ther annymile is, I’m a dreadful bad coon ter fool with,’ : ’ Having made this assertion he betook himself to The n, but he left his satellites on watch. for the Velvet Sport, It was believed the Italian organ-grinder had made his way out of town as swiftly as possible after being left alone beside Jackson’s cabin; and the citizens took the sudden departure as a positive sign of guilt. : But the masculine portion of the inhabitants of Shanty City were not all ruffians, by any means, and the friends of law and order were the enemies of Dagger Dan, However, the ruffianly element was predominant, and Dan’s enemies were obliged to keep silent, At the same time it would have bee a good thing for the Man from Dead Diggin’s if he had made sure both Jed Corker and Old Blossom were disposed of beyond doing him harm. The two queer old fellows were both friends of Violet Vane, and they industriously set about sounding the citizens of Shanty City for the purpose of discovering how strong Dagger Dan’s clique was. At thesame time they age to make an. impression in Vane’s favor with those who were opposed to the proprietor of The Den. Early the following morning after the events. just related had taken place Old Blossom stroll- ed into the ’Way Up Saloon to get an ‘“eye- opener,” “*Great holy jehocus!” he murmured, as he leaned on the bar and gazed longingly at the : 44 y 5 ‘ ’ of 7 ST Re
Page 12
= rua ‘cy bys if I b 1 de Ms ey ee Ratt se es a ak 12 © Vanquished. display of liquor in the bottles on the back shelves, ‘‘ Hain’t I got a ga-lorious bead on me this jubliferous mornin’! Waal, I sh’u’d segasbiate! My elegant 1776 silk hat will sskeercely kiver my bump o’ self-esteem, an’ my beaucherful blue eyes feel like I hed a bull wood-yard in’em. I sa-ay, barkeep’, can’t ye let me hev jest a drap on tick ter keep me frum goin’ stark starin’ crazy?’ Violet Vane, th grave, Ef ye can’t let me hev a half, fifty cents will do.” ‘But yeou only asked fer a quarter in ther fu’st place, an’ I cal’late yeou’d go drink it up, anyhaow,’ The vagrant assumed an air of reproach, ** Now, kin you Jook ‘on this shriveled figger an’ say that?” he sighed. ‘Oh, I skeercely thought ye so heartless an’ cruel! Thar is noth- ‘* It'll cost ye two bits,” returned the barkeep- | in’ left fer me but suicide! Ef you hev a pinch er, grimly. ‘** Putt it on ther slate—do /” ‘* Slate’s broke,” * Then fer ther sake o’ humanity, and in mem- ory o’ yer long-departed mother, fix me up a free drink. You see before ye the wreck o’ a once proud and noble man, I hey seen better days, arkeep’, but my glory hes departed. It wuz drink, dr-r-r-rink thet brung me ter this turri- ble plight! I’m a lost soul, but fer all thet, I’ve got a heart in me buzzum as big as a prize equasb, Ef I bed one swaller o’ hkker leftin my possession an’ some pore cuss sh’n’d come erlong nighly dead fer ther want o’ it, ’d take it right out o’ my pocket an’—an’—drink it myself! ‘Thar, by hokey! I’ve sp‘iled ther ’fec’ of thet appeal! I hed ter tell ther truth! Im like Worge Goshington. Now Ill hey ter pay fer ‘ther likker an’ go ’thoyt any breakfast.” Regretfully he fished around in his pockets till he found a silver quarter, which he slapped down on the bar, crying: ‘* Gimme jest as much as thet’ll buy.” Having secured his drink, be straightened up, blinked his eyes and wiped bis mouth on the back of bis hand. ‘““Thet goes ter ther right spot!” he asserted, “*Tt’s galorious stuff, but it’s got a reg’ler he-old bald-headed hornet’s stinger ’tatched ter it. It sizzles all ther way down a feller’s neck an’ makes him wish his woozle wuz a yard long. Naow, seein’ as I hain’t goin’ ter git enny break- fast, reckon Ill hev ter take a chaw o’ terbak- ker,’ He produced a huge plug and bit off a large mouthful. **T feel better,” he declared, looking around the room. ‘I s’pose I must hev bin powerful migh boozed las’ night, ur else I’d not felt so this mornin’.” His eye caught Dagger Dan’s poster on the wall, and he approached it. Thrusting his hands into his pockets, be began to read the notice, - slowly spelling it out one word at a time, “This galoot’s a mighty bad speller!” he ob- served, ‘ Now he spellscapsher k~a-p-t-u-r, an’ ev'rybody thet knows anythin’ a tall knows ther way ter spell it is c-a-p-c-h-e-r, capsher. He must be a gol-danged ignerent critter! Never went ter school none, I reckon. Now look at here: he spells prisuner an’ leaves out ther mid- dle syllabul. P-r-i-s-n-e-r, Great jehocus! bain’t thet a way ter spellit! It ought ter be p-r-i-s- u-n-o-r, Ef I didn’t know bow ter spell better’n ‘thet, ’d go bag my head!” Having read the notice all through, the tramp ejected a spout of tobacco-juice that struck the paper fairly in the center and spattered all over i “4 Thet’s w’at I think o’ thet /” he cried, “Wal, then you won't be livin’ init a great while.” “No” “No; you'll be planted.” ‘In which case lll be a sort 0 whisky-plant, eh? Waal, strange an’ improbable as it may ‘seem ter you, I’ve never bin killed yir, Ef Dag- ger Danyil is goin’ ter do thet leetle job, he’s got ter rise long before daylight in ther mornin’, “Tm goin’ now. Ef I kin beg, borry ur steal _ another quarter, T'll be roun’ an’ git another snifter bimeby. So long, barkeep’,” Then he drifted out into the cool and bracing morning air, feeling quite as wealthy as if he owned the whole of the town. Old Biossom did not come back for another drink, although he ‘‘hit” Jed Corker for a quarter, ““Whut yeou want of it?’ inquired the Man from Clam Cove, The tramp struck an attitude. ‘*Kin you gaze on me emaciated frame an’ boldly ask sech a question?” he cried, wildly ‘flourishing one hand in the air, “ Want? I’m perishin’—starvin’—dyin’ o’ hunger an’ want! I kin eat ther off side o’ a hull beef-critter—an’ fer more! Take compassion on me, ob, ‘thou man o’ wealth, an’ save me frum a pauper’s “I " Se yg rg _ a4. yh - E * aot 4 i 4 " r a es ver Sab DELS ODT Meg WE MEN OT o’ snuff handy, Vl take it an’ sneezs out my brains!” Corker seemed struck by an idea. “Tell yeou whut )’Il do,” he cried. “Too late!” sobbed Old Blossom, wiping his eyes with his coat-tails, ‘* lam heart-broken!” The Man from Maine seized Erastus by the arm, ‘*Come on!” he exclaimed, and then he drag- ged the vagabond into the hotel, ‘Twenty minutes later the wearer of the sunflower was seated at a table on which was spread the best food the house afforded. * Kat!” nodded Corker—‘ eat yeour fill!” For a moment the ‘Sport o’ tber Shaggy Pate” hesitated, then he observed: “Waal, ef I don’t make this fodder look sick *fore I’m done, call me a derned fool!” It was nearly an hour before Old. Blossom emerged from the hotel and found Jed Corker waiting for him on the steps. Wagg was look- ing smiling and happy. ** Jeduthbin,” he said, ‘‘ you’re a jim-dandy! Let’s go over ter ther saloon an’ take suthin’ at your expense,” But Corker declined. ‘* T hain’t drinkin’ naow; I’ve swored off. It won’t do fer a man ter drink thet is inmy place, though I do feel good ernough ter have one great big jubilee. I did mean ter lick yeou ther next time I saw ye, but I felt so good this mornin’ that I kinder thort I w’u’dn’t,” Old Blossom surveyed the Yankee from head to feet. “You do look kinder grinny-like,” he said. ‘* W’at’s ther matter?’ a 8’ pose I'll have ter tell yeou,” chuckled Old Jed, ‘I’ve bin wantin’ ter tell someboddy, but there hain’t bin nobody I’dtell. Let’s yeou an’I go fer a walk aout this way.” *“ All right, pard.” The tramp took Corker’s arm, and the two walked toward the outskirts of the town, When they were beyond the limit of the place, the Man from Clam Cove suddenly turned to his com- panion, saying: ‘¢Pm goin’ ter git merried !” Old Blossom caught his breath with a gasp. “ No?” . : “Yas, by gorrymighty!” ‘* How long since?” * An’ ther widder-—” Corker slapped the tramp on the shoulder, **-Yeou’ve hit it!” he cried., ‘‘ Haow did yeou guess? It’sher. We're engaged,” “ Waal, Isw’ar! Rayther quick work thet.” “Tt war a case of love at first sight,” confess- ed the happy man. ‘I war struck with her ther fu’st time I see’d her, an’ larst night, as we strolled in ther gloamin’, arter leavin’ ther saloon, she confessed my commotion was re- ciprocated, » She’s an angel! We've set ther day! Old Blossom suddenly sat down on a small bowlder beside the trail, covered his face with bis bands, and burst into violent sobbing, Corker gazed at his companion in amaze- ment. ‘ Heur, heur!” he cried, shaking the vagabond ‘by the shoulder, ‘* Whut’s ther matter with eou? 7 For some time the ragged fellow did not reply, but finally he inquired, brokenly: ‘T wonder ef thar is a fu’st-class undertaker in Shanty City?” Amazed by the question, Corker answered: ‘*Hanged ef I know. Whut yeou askin’ that er “I’ve got a job fer him.” ‘*Yeou don’t mean ter kill me arter whut done fer ye?” “ “ Whut then?” * Dm goin’ ter kermit screwicide.” ‘“Whut fer? Great gosb! I didn’t know ye keered so much fer ther widder.” Tt bain’t thet.” et anes whut in darnation is ther matter with **T can’t bear ter see you so happy w’en I know my case is hopeless.” ‘* Yeour case?” “Yep. I, too, am in love!” I’ve : 4 a ET Ta eae “Sho! Git aout! Who's ther damsel?” “Thet confounded Jeztle delicious Irish gal! IT wuz smashed on her soon as I saw her,” ‘* Waal, why don’t yeou hoe in an’ ketch ber?” Old Blossom arose and stretched himself to his full height. ‘s ‘“*Why don’t 1?” he retorted. ‘‘ Look at me— gaze on me an’ see why I aon’t! Im a dis- mantled wreck cast high an’ dry—mighty dry— on ther rocks o’ ruin! Thar isno hope fer me! It wuz only by deceit I won a lock frum ther fair critter. She thort me one o’ her country- men. But fer thet I’d been 1-e-f-t, which w’u bin right. W’en she finds out how I hey fooled her, she’ll despise me! Ob, ther horror o’ ther thort! Dll go drown merself with a quart o’ whisky—ef | kin git it!” But Corker caught him by the arm. ‘He yeou war dressed in decent clothes an’ w’u’d let likker alone, you might stand a chaince of ketchin’ her.” ‘* Pd do anythin’ fer thet chance!” **By gosh! heur she comes now! You must tell her you hev bin foolin’ her an’ hain’t no Irishman a tall. I'll tell her fer ye,” ‘* Be ye do, I'll break ev’ry bone in yer boddy!” hissed Erastus, ‘‘Thet is my only fate. Tl ~play Irish all my life ef I kin only ketch’ her! Pil guy up drinkin’—V'1l do anythin’!” ‘*Then git a brace on an’ try yeour. luck, *Member try war never beat, I'll leave yeou alone with her, Play ther game fer allit’s wu’th. Good luck ter ye.” Corker turned back toward Shanty City. Wagg gave bis high hat a rakish cant on his head, rearranged the sunflower he wore, brushed some dirt from the left knee of his shabby pantaloons, then advanced to meet the Irish girl. CHAPTER XIV. CAUGHT. MaGGtr Magee smiled as she saw the queer old fellow approaching, t “Top av th’ marniu’ ter yez,” called Wagg, gallantly lifting his hat, ‘< Th? soame ter vesilf,” was her reply. ‘It’s a foine marnin’ it is, ter be sure.” “Thot it is, Miss Magee; but it sames loike it hed grown brighter an’ sw’ater all av a suddint loike,” The girl smiled and turned her head away, Falteringly, Old Blossom drew nearer. ‘** Moight Oi wark a pace wid yez?” he timidly asked. ‘*Oi w’u’d be pl’azed ter hiv ye,” she answered; but he noticed she cast an inspective look at his clothes, . ‘* Moe troonk has not arriv’,” be explained; ‘*an’?so me wardrobe is in a somewhat debilita- ted condishun, But,” he added, deliberately telling a falsehood, ‘Oi am somewhat proud av these rargs, They are th’ resoolt av a fear- ful encoounther fer loife in which Oi whipped er min, fathally injurin’ siven ay th’ noom- er. Maggie Magee held up her hands in astonish- ment, ‘*Great hivvins! you moost be a perfect sly- clone!” she cried. ‘‘ An’ what wur th’ cause av th’ roow?” “They unthertook ter rob me av me geld —- an’ di’mon’s,” asserted Erastus, without a usb, ** An’ did they succade?” “Divil a bit—beggin’ pardon fer th’ worrud! They all roon fer their loives.” ‘Did thim thot wur fatbally injured roon?” “Hem! No, it wur th’ others.” ** An’ so ye shtill hiv yer warch an’ di’mon’s?” The bold fabricator did not hesitate for a reply. K I hiv not. It’s th’ ginerosity av me harrut thit deprived me av thim.” “ Howrwur thot?” . “Well, ye ses, Oi mit a widdy woman an? noine small childer. The poor craytber hid joost been burn’t out av house an’ home an’ wur in a destitoot condition, Her situation imme- diately applied ter me sympathy, an’ Oi gave her me purse, me warch an’ me di’mon’s,” ‘“* How ginerous av ye! An’ how auld wur th’ auldest child, did yez soay?” “Th? litthle darlint wur ounly four,” “Mercy sakes! An’ theer wur noine childer in +h Oi’m afraid Oi do not untherstand thot. f “Great jehocus!” thought Wagg. ‘Am I ketched now?” But bis ready brain invented an explanation. ‘* Ye see six av thim were twins,” Ae he Foy eee ihe ——+- te
Page 13
ae 1 Sle ty “Och, hone! But thur wur thray more, an’ th’ auldest ounly four!” ** Vis; ye see th’ other thray were thriplets !” At this the girl sunk down on a handy stone and laughed heartily, while Old Blossom mental- ly, exclaimed; ‘Thank heaving, I’m saved!” ‘Ver a marn afther me own harrut,” asserted Maggie, as soon as she could speak, ~ ‘*Tt’s th’ truth ye spake, me darlint!” and Wagg instantly threw himself on his knees at her feet, catching both her bands in his, ‘ It’s yer harrut Oi'm afther, Maggie! Yer brouight oies hiv sint a new loight shinin’ inther me saoul! They hiv stirred up me harrut loike a breakin’- up plow shtirrs an auld pasture! They hiv filled me wid emotions too numerots ter mintion on accountav space! Maggie, Oiioveyez! Maggie, Oi warnt ter marry yez!” And the old wretch was in earnest! Neither of them had noticed that Jed Corker met the widow shortly after he left Oid Blossom, and the two had been following Erastus and Maggie. Something like a snicker greeted the eagennte concluding words, causing him to suddenly spring to his feet, Whirling, he saw Corker and the widow staring at him. ‘The man from Clam Cove came forward in- stantly, pulling Mrs, Swan by one hand, al- though she held back with evident bashfulness, ‘*Let’s congratulate ’em, Susie,” he said, **Tt?s plain toar are other folks in this ole worl that are happy ’sides us,” : And so, although Maggie Magee had not con- fessed a reciprocal feéling toward the woolly- headed man, they were congratulated profusely by Corker and the widow. “ This love-matin’ is such a sweet and blissful thing!” gushed Mrs, Swan. ‘It makes one feel as if a little bird, were singing in her soul! I do not suppose these great strong men experience the same commotion that we do, for they are not so surceptible as the gentle sex,” ‘*' Waal, we feel good ernough fer ’most any- thin’,” assured Old Jed, ‘Thar. can’t any flies git on us, yeou kin bet yeour bottom dollar on that!” Maggie seemed inclined to make a protest, but Mrs, Swan checked her with: . “There, there, dearie! Spafe your blushes! I understand exactly how you feel! I do hope you have gota real good, man, though he can’t be rane) to my Jeduthin.” “Oh, Susie!” “Oh, Jeddie!” And Old Blossom mentally exclaimed: ** Oh, thunder!” Finding it inconvenient to make an explana- tion, Maggie remained silent. Corker and the widow sat down close by, and for nearly half an hour the little woman’s tongue rattled on as if worked by steam. Becoming tired of her talk, the Irish girl turned to Old Blossom and questioned him concerning the place known as The Den, ‘Great hivvens!” he softly exclaimed. ‘““Whut kin ye warnt to know about thot place fer?” “Oi am goin’ theer ter look fer worruk,” ex- plained the girl. And, although the vagabond wried to per- suade her to give over the idea, she seemed determined, “Thot sames ter be th’ ounly place in th’ town,” she said; ‘an’ me money. i gone. Oi must worruk somewheer,” To this Old Blossom knew not what to say. Sometime later, the girl and the widow re- turned to town together, leaving Corker and Wagg to come back when they chose, That very afternoon Maggie Magee made her way to The Den and applied to Dagger Dan for work, The desperado surveyed her critically, “You look like a strong gal,” he obsery ‘* Faith, an’ Oi am. ‘You w’u’dn’t be very easy ter handle,” ‘** Thot Oi'd not.’ - ; ‘* Wu'd ye mind w’at kind of work ye done?” “* Not av it wurn’t tov harrud,” “It won’t.behard atall. Ye seefthar’s a crazy gal in ther ranch an’ we only hev an old wo- man ter look arter her an’ keep her frum burt- in’ herself. Ther old woman hain’t very strong, an’I fear ther gal might git ther best of her yy ne is th’ gel?” + She my sister.” oor thing! poor thing!” “Ef I hire ye, you rmauetolt be too soft with her. Thet is, ye mustn't b’lieve all she tells ye, She’s. got some kind of a crazy notion inter er noddle thet I’m misusin’ her, an’ she thinks thar’s a feller as is in love with her, It’s all derned nonsense, ye understan’?” a rai ot Tega? }* fy Pie, . ~ a % E 13 whey a mee anf Violet Vane, th i ‘Sure, av ye soay so, Oi do.” “Wal, I do say so. Ter be course, you'd b’lieve me ’fore ye w’u’d her?” ‘¢ 'Yis, sor.” ‘* Then you are ther very gal I’m lookin’ fer.” It did not take long for Dagger Dan to make a bargain with the engaging Irish girl, and Mag- gie was at once taken into The Den, ‘*Remember, ye’re not ter tell anythin’ out- side ’bout w’at ye see,” said Dan. ‘* Ef you sarve me faithfully, you shell be well paid; but ef you prove a traitor—wal, it'll go hard with ye!” Having received her instructions, Maggie set about learning the run of the old building, Dan telling her she should take charge of his sister as soon.as the girl saw fit to admit any one to her chamber. ‘* Ye see, she hes tooken a freak,” he explained, ‘© She’s jest locked herself in her room, an’ won’t *dmita derned soul, But she'll cum roun’ all right purty soon.” It was about midway in the afternoon that a man came rushing up to The Den and gavea yeculiar signal that immediately brought both agger Dan and Burt Bishopfrom a room where, with some others of the rough gang, they had been gambling. “ Wat’s ther row now?” demanded the pro- prietor of The Den. i “They’veake}ched bim, boss!” panted the fel- ow. ‘*Ketched who?” “Ther Dago!” Dagger Dan gave a whoop of delight, “Whar is he?” ‘Over ter ther Way Up.” ** Vil be thar in less then three minutes, Violet Vane shell git a taste of ther rope, see thet he is wiped out,” Maggie Magee overheard all that passed, and a smothered exclamation ot dismay escaped her lips * ais she learned the Italian had been cap- tured, Now Pil CHAPTER XV. LONA TO THE R&SCUR, Straicur to the ’Way Up Saloon burried Dagger Dan, with Burt Bishop at his side. Quite a crowd bad collected at the saloon, the report having gone out that the Italian was a captive, : As Dagger Dan came striding forward the throng fel) back, allowing him to pass, : ‘* Whar is ther critter?” be cried, ‘‘ Show him terme! All I want is ter git my paws on him!” ‘** Hyer he is,” answered one of Dan’s tools, as the captive was thrust forward. ‘‘ We hey bin kinder washin’ him up, an’ thet hes changed his *pearance some,” It was true a bath had wrought a greatchange in the supposed Italian, His appearance had altered so he looked very little like a ‘“* Dago.” Dagger Dan stared at the man in surprise, not uttering a word. “Wat is it?” somebody asked, ‘It’s ther sport, hain’t it?” i The Man from Dead Diggin’s gave vent to an explosive exclamation. ** Sport nothin’!” he cried, in disgust, ‘' This hain’t Violet Vanel” ‘* Wal, who in blazes is he, then?” “Hanged ef I know, though his mug does look kinder familiar like.” ) Burt Bishop regarded the captive closely. _ ‘ Well, you’re a sharp one!” he sneered, turn- ing to Dagger Dan, ‘‘ You ought to know that mug!” 5 “Who is it?” “ Why, it’s the cove I played off.as—old Mar- den’s son!” “Ther blazes!” ‘*That’s just who it.is.” ** Yes,” boldly spoke the captive, ‘ that is who Iam, you infernal scoundrels! You murdered my father, and I have been on your trail!” ‘Waal, you hev found us,” came grimly from Dagger Dan’s lips, ‘All ther same, I kinder reckon you wish ye hedn’t.” ; “You do not deny your identity; then why do you still talk in that fashion? You are Elegant Ed, scoundrel, gambler, villain—mur- derer! Drop the guise of Dagger Dan and, be ‘yourself !”” ’ Burt Bishop whispered in Dan’s ear: _ ‘* We must get him out.of here without loss of time, or the devil will be to pay. He will give us away, end it may create an impression against us With some.” an nodded, ‘*‘ Although this is not Violet Vane,” be said, turning to Mark Marden’s captors, ‘‘ you have done well in grappling onto this fellow, and the reward is yours, He is a crazy fool who has. caused m9 much trouble, and I will now take charge of him till he can be placed in the bands of the proper authorities and conveyed to an asylum.” Unconsciously, he had dropped his dialect much to the surprise of nearly all who heard. him speak, for the citizens.of Shanty City had thought ‘ Dagger Dan” what heseemed, Now the mask had fallen; he was ‘‘the Man from Dead Diggin’s” no longer, but Elegant Ed, the gambler—Tom Lewis, the silk-banded scoundrel, Mark Marden knew what his fate would be if the wretch was allowed to carry out his design, and he turned to the crowd: ‘*T appeal to you, men of Shanty City,” he cried, ‘This man is a desperado of the worst type. He murdered my father, as he means to murder me. Will you allow him to do so? You must have heard of Daniel Marden, of Magic? He was my father, This wretch—” pi ‘¢Poere, there, that will do!” broke in Lewis. * Take him to The Den, boys. He will be safe there. Away with him!” And despite his appeals, the unfortunate young man was dragged away by the villain’s willing tocls, while Lewis remained behind to set. up the drinks for the crowd and pay the re- ward money to the men who made the capture, But a sentiment bad been created against Tom. Lewis and his gang, although it was not openly expressed, It happened that neither Corker ory Old Blossom kuew of the Italian’s capture, Had they known it, Lewis’s enemies might bave had a leader, As it was, the villain had left the saloon to return to the building called The Den, when both the Yankee and the tramp came rushing into the saloon. ‘* Whar is he?” shouted the ragged vagabond. ‘Wat hev they done with him?’ “Tf its Mark Marden, IL know him,” asserted Corker, ‘I have seen him.” Great was their excitement and indignation when they*learned the captive had been taken to The Den, ‘*He'll be murdered! he'll be murdered! cried Corker, fairly dancing with excitement. ‘* We must do somethin’ fer bim!?’ , ** An’ by ther great jehocus, we will!” yelled Old Blossom, ‘‘ We'll bev him out o’ their han’s ur bu’st our b’iJers!” Mark Marden was indeed in deadly peril, for he had fallen into the bands of crime-svained men who were his worst enemies. He bad pur- sued them—tracked them down—in disguise, for the purpose of bringing them to justice and see- ing them properly punished for the murder of his father, and be could expect no mercy from them now that he bad fallen into their power, It was near night when Tom Lewis returned from ‘the saloon,’ He was warmly welcomed at The Den. ‘“ What are you going to do with Marden?” demanded, Burt Bishop. ‘‘ The fool bas follow- ed us here for the purpose of flinging us into the Eh of the law, but he has overstepped bim- 8e ‘That is true,” agreed Lewis, ‘' He has come to his death!” “You will kill him?” ‘ ‘* He shall never leave this building alive!” — 8 But the people—what can you tell the citi- zens? ‘¢ Hang the citizens! Atleast one-half of the town will side with us, if it comes to that, I shall not hesitate about ending Mark Marden’s life.” ; Lewis at once proceeded to the room where the young man was confined, guarded by one of the gang. Bisbop followed, _ ‘You may go,” said Lewis, to the guard. ‘‘ Tell the men to keep a sharp outlook,” The fellow retired, without a word, Mark Marden was lying on the floor, his feet. secured and his hands bound bebind him, Tom Lewis sat down on a chair near by, while Burt ee remained standing, “Well, Marden,” sneered the chief villain, “ vour goose is as good as cooked,” : There was no reply, but the captive gaye his enemies a look of scorn, ’ “You will not’ talk, eh? Well, that is all right. The less you talk the better, All the same, I am going to ask you one question: If we will set you free, give you your life, will ou take a solemn oath to immediately leave Shanty City and never trouble us any more? Will you swear to give over this hunt for ven- geance?” ‘\ No!” was the firm reply. ‘‘ You murdered my father, Tom Lewis, and be will not rest easy in bis grave tillbeis avenged. It is my place to do the work of the avenger, and if I am spared, 1 will do it.” ‘* Answered as I thought you would. Well, ye 13" \
Page 14
== 14 you will not be spared. You have but another hour of life. I will not snuff you out too quick- ly, for that will not give you a chance to make your peace with the Power Above, Still, one hour is all you have of life. At the end of that time I will send the executioner,” With this threat, he arose and left the room, Bishop following. The hour, passed pitty? Th and the shadows of night were ‘settling over Shanty City when the doomed captive heard the tread of feet which told him bis chosen executioner was approach- ing. The door of the room opened and six men filed in, three of them bearing lights, - The prisoner had been unable to escape from his bonds, and as no window opened from the room to the outer air, he had found it impossible to signal to any one outside, The six men who entered the room all wore masks which completely concealed their faces, Forming themselves in 4 half-circle, they all cbanted in unison: ‘‘We are the tribunal of death. By us you have been doomed to die, The executioner bas been chosen, and we have come to see the work pro at performed. Are you ready?” ark Marden made one more desperate effort to break free, but finding it, like the others, a failure, he cried fiercely: “Yes, I am ready! Go on with your hellish work, but may the curse of Heaven fall on the fey who takes my life!” ain the masked men repeated in unison: he last, minute bas come! Executioner, do waar work !” Out from the half-circle stepped one of the men, baring his right arm to the elbow, From a sheath he took a long and_wicked-looking knife. Mark Marden shuddered witb horror as he saw the blade, but pressed his teeth firmly together, resolved to die like a man, without uttering a word, The executioner advanced to do the deadly deed |! Suddenly the door was hurled open, and a lithe figure bounded iuto the room. It was Lona! The girl sprung to the side of the imperiled man and fell on her knees, horror expressed on her beautiful face and in her Jarge blue eyes, as she thrust outher left hand toward the started executioner, as if to ward him off, ‘* Stop !” Her voice rung out sharply, causing the man to come to a sudden halt. ‘¢ You shall not murder this brave man!” cried the girl. “ { will protect his life with my own!” CHAPTER XVI, ON THE TRAIL ONCE MORE, THE executioner halted in doubt, and one of the other masked figures uttered an exclamation of dismay and anger, bis voice betraying bim as the chief villain, Tom Lewis, “Away with the girl!” he cried. ‘ Let the work ga on!” Two of the men leaped forward to clutch Lona, and her shriek for help rung out wildly, It was answered! Tn at the now open doorway darted Maggie Magee, and with two skillful blows, knocked Lona’s assailants over in a heap. ‘* Back, you devils!” cried the sup a Irish girl, in the plainest of anaes English, speaking without the least trace of a brogue. a The first man to touch that girl dies like a dog!” For a moment the ruffianly gang fell back in amazement and dismay. ut they were not long checked, ‘Who in blazes are you?” shouted Tom Lewis. Almost with one movement the false bair and the dress were cast aside. A man stood re- vealed ! **T am Violet Vane !” It was in truth the Velvet Sport, _ “Tbunder and guns!” gasped Lewis, that infernal hound!” The daring sport retreated to Lona’s side, sing ber a knife, saying softly and hurried- y: ‘*Cut Mark Marden free! Be quick!” Although somewhat ds zed by the sudden trans- formation and appearance of the man she loved, the girl did not hesitate to obey. Lewis saw ber movements, and cried: ‘Down with the cursed sport Stop the girl! She is freeing the prisoner!’ ‘** Hold!” Violet Vane’s voice rung out commandingly, and a pair of revolvers appeared in his hands. “The man who advances a step dies in bis cal r ain the masked villains hesitated, for they efore them a desperate man who was arm- “Tt is of the house was fierce and brief. found they were overpowered, and the object ed to the teeth, That hesitation gave sae aibianSdhakfea-Ro- tnd testa Pade wade sadee Tae sufficient time to set Mark Marden free. Tom Lewis uttered a peculiar cry that rung through the old building. ‘*Tt isa signal for the rest of the gang!” ex- claimed the released captive. Lewis laughed with evil triumph, “You are right,” he admitted. ‘‘ Within a minute all my men will be here, and then we will crush you with sheer force of numbers,” For our friends the situation was desperate, indeed, ‘* We must cut our way out!” gritted Vane, ‘““Try it, if you dare!” returned the chief ras- cal. ‘It will mean a speedy death for you!” ‘¢ And it means death to remain.” ‘* Yes; you are cornered anyhow, walked right into tbe snare.” ‘*Take one of these revolvers, Marden,” and Vane passed the weapon to the young man, ‘* We will sell our lives dearly, to say the least.” Lona was at his side, and she whispered in his You have ear: ‘*T am ready to die with you, my king!” What a thrill of delight those words sent over him! Of a sudden be seemed like a new man, The strength of a Samson seemed within bim, He forgot that he had’ lately recovered from a severe sickness, He was not ready to die, for the best part of his life seemed before him. He knew he possessed the love of the loyal girl at his side, and that was enough to make him a giant in battle, **Come on!” he shouted, as he passed an arm around her waist—‘‘ come on, Marden!” He was on the point of charging the ruffians when the sound of cries and heavy feet was heard approaching. Others of the gang were approaching! What was that? A hoarse, muttering murmur that seemed to come from without the building—a sound that came nearer and nearer, and grew louder with each passing moment, Is was the roar of many voices! Vane hesitated, and the ruffians of The Den seemed suddenly turned to stone. Into the room bounded a breathless man, his face pale as that of a corpse. ‘“‘My God! we're lost!” he gasped. ‘Jed Corker and Old Blossom have aroused the honest citizens of the town, and the mob is coming to destroy this building!” A savage snarl broke from Tom Lewis’s lips, eed he cast aside the mask that had covered his Phe fools!” he howled, . ** We will make it hot for them! But first we must down this in- fernal sport!” Then came a thundering at the lower doors, while the mad cries of the mob could be heard all about the building. ‘¢ Down with Violet Vane!” screamed Lewis. The ruffians sprung forward. Both Vane and Mark opened fire, It is abe possible to describe what followed. In a few seconds Vane had emptied his revolver, and that all of bis bullets had not been wasted was attested by three bodies on the flour. The room was full of powder-smoke, and in the midst of the cloud the contestants could be seen sway- ing to and fro, Suddenly Violet Vane received a blow on the head that burled him senseless to the floor. With a shriek of horror, Lona dropped on her knees beside him; but the following moment, ppc was snatched up in the armsof a strong me ‘kill the sport!” shouted Lewis. Mark Marden saw Vane fall, and he placed himself astride the unconscious man’s body, resolved to bear the gang off with his bare hands, But at that moment a great crash resounded through the building, telling the mob had forced the doors. The voice of Old Blossom was heard shouting: ‘* Whoopee! Hyer we cum, heads up an’ tails a-risin’! Bit out o’ our road ef ye don’t want ter be struck by a cyclone! har be ther skunks 0’ sin? Wow-wow-whoop! We'll guy ’em galory w’en we fall foul o’ em!” Lewis saw it was too late to waste further time with the Velvet Sports ‘*Turn and fight for your lives!” was his order, The ruffians wheeled and dashed from the room, leaving Mark Marden still standing over the unconscious Vane. The battle that followed in the lower portion The ruffians Violet Vane, the RE of many was to escape. This they did, only two or three besides those who were seriously wounded heing taken prisoners, Tom Lewis and Burt Bishop were among those who got away, and Lona Lewis disappeared with them, When it was found the chief rascal had really escaped, the dead and wounded were removed from the old building and the match epplied, In a short time The Den was a mass of seething flames, The blow Violet Vane received on his head was so severe hedid not recover consciousness till the doomed building was fairly afire. Then he opened his eyes to find Old Blossom bending over him, while he lay on the ground, some dis- tance from the burning Den. ‘Glory ter ther ram!” squealed the sunflower tramp, as he saw Vane’s eyesunclose, ‘ You're all right, Sweet Violets! You're erlive an’ kickin’, leetle pard! I didn’t know but yer sperrit bed flewed over Jordan’s briny wave, but you hev cum roun’,” Vane started up, the «red light of the fire on bis white face as he stared at the flames, ‘““What does that mean?” he faintly asked. ‘* Where is Lona?” Old Blossom told him all that had occurred, explaining that Lona had disappeared with her villainous brother, “My God!” groaned Vane, dragged her away—they have torn us asunder once more! But as true as Heaven hears my vow, ‘I will bunt them down and save her from them! They shall receive their just dues! I[ swear it!” Then he fell back, fainting, ‘They have The regular stage was ready to leave Shanty City, and on it as passengers were Violet Vane, Old Blossom and Mark Marden, Among those who had gathered to see them off were Daddy Duzenberry, alias ‘Old Jed Corker,” and ‘the widder.” The little wo- man was clinging tenaciously to Daddy’s arm, as if she feared she would lose him. : ‘“*T wisht I war goin’ with yeou ter help ye aout,” asserted Daddy, as he clung to Vane’s hand. “Td go in a minute, but you see ther day is sot, an’ Susie bas scruples *bout puttin’ it orf. I wisht ye ther best of luck.” “Thank you,” replied the sport. ‘I also wish you good luck in your matrimonial venture, As for me, I shall know no rest till I have kept my oath. Good-by. The driver valter: ms cracked bis long whip, and the stage rolled owt of Shanty City with Old Blossom standing on the top emf waving his battered silk hat till a turn in the trail bid him from view, Violet Vane was once more on the*trail! THE END, Beadle’s Dime Library. BY WM. G. PATTEN,. 663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. 656 Old Plug Ugly, the Rough and Ready. 648 Gold Glove Gid, the Man of Griv, 641 Aztec Jack, the Desert Nomad. a Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp,. eo gee Nameless, the Mountain Mystery. rt Old Dismal, the Range Detective. 545 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. « BY JACKSON KNOX—‘' Old Dawk, 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective, 582 Joram, the Detectiv e Expert. 574 Old Falecon’s Double, 561 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the § Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Faleon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective. 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective. 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective, 477 Dead-arm Brandt. 487 Mainwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Circus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 386 Hawk Heron. the 4 4 A Detective, A new issue every Wednesday. Beadile’s Dime Library is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of twelve cents each, BEADLE & ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William street, New York,
Page 15
EE +. —~r Beadle’s Half-Dime Library 481 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Deadwood; or, Moll Mys- tery. By E. L. Wheeler. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan; or, The Search for the Hidden Cache. By Oil Coomes. 483 Ferrets Afloat; or, Wizard Will’s Last Case. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invincibles; or, Yankee Eph’s Prairie Cruise. By H. F. Thomas. 485 Git Thar Owney the U known; or, The Boy Oarsman-Detective’s Double Pull. By G. C. Jenks 436 Sealskin Sam, the Sparkler; or, The Tribunal of Yen. By Edward L. Wheeler. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ranger; or, The Young King of the Gold Mines. By Col. P. Ingraham. 488 Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fought for Honor. By Chas. Morris. 489 The Diamond Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. By Wm. G. Pat'en. 490 Broadway. Billy, the Bootblack Bravo; or, Brought to Bay by a Bold Boy. By J. C. Cow- drick. 491 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s page mie or, Prince Pis- tol, the King of the West. By EK. L. Wheeler. 482 Git Thar Owney's Pledge; or, The Owls’ Nest Ugly Brood. By Geo. C. Jenks. 493 Taos Ted, the Arizona Sport; or, Boston Bob’s Checkmate. By Albert W. Aiken. 494 Surly Sim. the Young Ferryman Detective; or, The Black Bluffs Mystery. By Jo Pierce. 495 Arizona Joe, the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 496 Deadwood Dick Jr.’s_Theritance; Cristc, Jr. By E. L. Wheeler. 497 Buck Taylor. King of the Cowboys; or, The Raiders and the Rangers. By Col. P. Ingraham. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck; or, Cap- tain No Name’s Mission. By J. W. Osbon. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport; or, the Girl Pro.tegee of Red Flash. By T. C. Harbaugh. 500 Deadwood Dick’s Diggings, or, Doctor Death Grip’s Swoop. By E. L. Wheeler. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman; or, too Sharp for the Sharpers. By Charles Morris. 602 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret; or, The Octopus Leazue of New York. By T. C. Harbaugh. 503 The Royal Middy; or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 504 Five Points Phil, the Pavement Prince; Caught in the Spider’s Web. By Jo Pierce. 505 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. Major H. B. Stoddard, Ex-Scout. 806 Redlight Ralph, the Prince of the Road; or, A Wild Night’s Wild Work, By J. C. Cowdrick. 507 The Hunted Midshipman; or, The Young Sea Ranger. By Col. P. Ingraham, 508 Deadwood Dick’s Deliverance; or, Fatal Foot- or, Monte or, By steps. By E. L. Wheeler. 09 Jack Jaggers, the Butcher Boy Detective. By Jo Pierce. 510 Cool Colorado, the Half-Breed Detective. By A. W. Aiken. 511 The Outlaw Middy; or, the Young Patriot Sea Ranger. By Col. P. Ingraham. 512 bodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective; or, Jack 0’ Diamonds and his Game. By 'T. C. Harbaugh. 518 The Demon Doctor; or, Deadhold, the Kid De- tective. By George OC. Jenks. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle; or, Clearing up a Strange Case. ‘By J. C. Cowdrick. 515 Deadwood Dick’s Protegee; or, Baby Bess, the oi Gold Miner. By E. L, Wheeler. d 516 Tartar Tim; or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie, ‘By Jo Pierce. _ 617 Jim Gladden’s Deputy ; or, The Jolly Pard’s All- For-Love Campaign. By P. S. Warne. 518 Cool Colorado in New York; or, the Cowboy’s Fight for a Million, By A, W. Aiken. 519 Captain Mystery; or, Five in One. By Wm. G. Patten. 620 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow; or, A Crimson Trail. By Col. P, Ingraham. : 521 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge; or, The Gold Gan of Gotham. By T. C. Harbaugh. wig 522 Deadwood Dick's Three; or, The ‘ Bellerin’ Bull ” of Bismarck. By E. L. Wheeler. 523 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator. By Col. A. F. Holt. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Resolve. By J.C. Cowdriek. 525 Brothers in Buckskin; or, Tangled Trails in Texas. By Col. P. Ingraham. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective; or, Five Points Phil’s Big Skirmish. By Jo. Pierce, 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue; or, The Jack of Hearts. By P. 8. Warne. 528 Fox and Falcon, the Bowery Shadows; or, Trapping for Human Game. By T.C. Harbaugh. 529 Deadwood Dick’s Danger Ducks; or, The Owls of Oregon. By E. L. Wheeler. 530 The Bucks*in Bowers; or, The Cowboy Pirates of the Rio Grande. By Col. P Ingraham. 531 Daisy Dare, the Svort from Denver; or. The Toll Takers of Colorado, By W. G. Patten. Redlight Ralph’s 582 The Cowboy Duke; or, Lasso Louis’s Strange Mission. By E. B. Forrest. 533 Wrestling Rex, the Pride of the Sixth Ward; or, Five Points Phil and the Birds of Prey. By Jo. Pierce. . 534 Deadwood Dick’s Death Hunt; or, The Way of the Transgressor. By E. L. Wheeler. 535 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive, By Col. P. Ingraham. Broadway Billy’s ‘‘ Diffikilty ’’; or, Old Rodman’s Millions. By J. C. Cowdrick. 537 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow; or, Against Desperate Odds. By John W. Osbon. 538 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret; or, The Trail of a Missing Hand. By T. ©. Harbaugh. Deadwood Dick Jr. in Texas; or, The Ghouls of Galveston. By E. L. Wheeler. 540 Captain Ku Klux, the Marauder of the Rio; or The Buckskin Pard’s Strange Quest. By Colone Prentiss Ingraham. 541 Jeff Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective; or, The Lively Racket in Jericho, By Jo Pierce. 542 The Canyon Pards; or, Cimarron Jack’s Last Hunt. By Fred Dewey. 543 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detec- tives. By T. C. Harbaugh. 544 Deadwood Dick Jr., the Wild West Vidocq; or, Leonora the Locator. By E. L. Wheeler. 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte; or, The Buc- caneers Of Barrataria. By Col. P. Ingraham. 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh Peppermint’s Ten Strike. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, Sandy Andy; or, A Good Man Down. By P.5. Warne. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective; or, The Mys- tery at Springside. By J. C. Cowdrick. 549 Deadwood Dick on His Mettle; or, Captain Crim- son-Cowl, the Road Raider. By EK. L. Wheeler. 550 Lfitte’s Legacy; or, The Avenging Son. By Col. P. Ingraham. Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery. By Jo Pierce. 552 Ariel the Athlete; or, the Ring Detective’s Trans- formation. By David Druid. 553 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case; or, Sharper than the Sharps. By T. C. Harbaugh. f 554 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Gotham; or, Unraveling a Twisted Skein. By E. L. Wheeler. 555 The Creole Corsair; or, The Golden Wings of the M7 551 Gulf. By Col. P. Ingraham, 556 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. By P.S Warne. 557 Broadway Billy’s Death Racket; or, The Street Arab's Wake. By J. C. Cowdrick. 558 The Sure Shot Pards; or, The Marked Thirteen. By A. C. Grissom. 559 Harlem Jack, the Office Bov Detective; or, The Cousin's Crime. By Jo Pierce. 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower; or, The Gold Queen’s Secret. By Col. P. Ingraham. 561 Deadwood Dick in Boston; or, The Cool Case. By E. L. Wheeler. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper; or, The Bad Man from Wapsipinnicon. By Ol Coomes. 563 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidoeq; or, The Gang of Three. By T. C. Harbaugh. 564 Powder -Phil, the Boy Miner; or, The Man with- outa Past. By J. W. Osbon. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King; or, The Owls of ‘the Overland. By Col. P. Ingraham. 566 The Seeret Service Boy Detective; or, Tony Blink’s First Scoop. By C. Morris. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadelphia; or, The Wild West Detective among the Crooks. By E. L. Wheeler. 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. By A. K, Sims. ‘ 569 Brooklyn Ben, The On-his-own-hook Detective; or, Ned Chester’s Very Bad Case. By Jo. Pierce. 570 Camille, the Card Queen; or, The Skeleton Trail. By Col. P. Ingraham. 571 Air-Line Luke, the Engineer Detective; or, The Double Case. By J. C. Cowdrick. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago; or, The Anarch- ist’s Daughter. By E. L. Wheeler. | 5738 The Two Snadows; or, Dodgder /Dick’s Stop Game. By T. C. Harbaugh. 574 Old Weasel-Top, the Man with the Dogs; or, Sandy Andy's Life Run. By P.S. Warne. 575 The Surgeon-Se°ut Detective; or, Running Down the King. By Col. P. Ingraham. 576 The Silver “port; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 577 Pavement Pete, the Secret-Sifter; or, Mrs. Ingle’s Suspicious Lodger. By Jo. Pierce. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Afloat; or, The Prisoner of the Weird Isles. By E. L. Wheeler. 579 The Chimney Spy; or, Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. By J. C, Cowdrick. 580 The Outcast Cadet; or. The False Detective. By Col. P. Ingraham. : eee ee eee | 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective; or, Against Heavy Odds. By Geo, C. Jenks. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop; or, The Man From Jersey. By T. C. Harbaugh. 583 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow; or, The Tigers of No Man’s Land. Bv Lieut. A. K. Sims. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver; or, Cool Kate, The Queen of Crooks. By BE. L. Wheeler. 585 Will Waters, the Boy Ferret; or, Marked With a Triangle. By H. Enton. 586 The Buckskin Avenger; or, Pawnee Bill’s Pledge. By Col. P. Ingraham. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective; or, The Bad Man of White Hoss. By Wm. G. Patten. 588 Jack O’Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector; or, The Friend Indeed. By Jo Pierce. 589 Tom Cat and Pard: or, The Dead-Set at Silver City. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree; or, The Prince of Purgatory Pass. By E. L. Wheeler. 591 Delmonte, the Young Sea Rover; or, The Aveng- ing Sailor. By Col. P. Ingraham. 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, How Tom Hildreth Run the Rascals Out. By J. C. Cowdrick. 593 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp; or, Jim Reardon’s Big Trouble. By P. 8S. Warne. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective; or, Kit Christopher’s Missing Link. By T. C. Harbaugh. 595 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin; or, The Old Man of Mount Mab. By KE. L. Wheeler. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. By Charles Morris. 597 The Young Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos. By Col. P Ingraham, 598 Fiute, the Singer Detective; or, Git Thar Owney in a New Role. By Geo. C. Jenks. 599 Jim Dandy, the No-Name Sport} or, Happy Harry’s Hurrah Pards. By P. 8. Warne. 600 Deadwood Dick Jr. at Coney Island: or, The ** Piping ” of Polly Pilgrim. By E. L, Wheeler, 601 Happy Hans, the Dutch Vidoeq; or, hed-Hot Times at Round-up. By Lieut. A, K. Sims. 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 603 Wide-Awake Bert, the Street Steerer, Pierce. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, The Dove Among the Vultures. By Wm. G. Patren, 605 William O’Broadway; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. By J, C. Cowdrick, 606 Deadwood Dick Jr's Leadville Lay; or, Bristol and Bucket's Boom. By BE. L. Wheeler. 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. By Col. P. Ingraham, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Double-Curve Dan’s Double Play. By Geo, OC. Jenks. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective: or, Little Lightning's Invineibles. By J ohn W. Osbon. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, By, T. C, Harbaugh. 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules; or, The Tussle at Table Mountain. By A. K. Sims. 612 Deadwood Dick Jr. in Detroit: or, Turning the Tables on Satan. By Edward L, Wheeler, 613 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Strange Legacy. By P. 8. Warne, °* 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid; or, The Queer C.mbination, By Jo Pierce. 615 Fighting Harry, the Chief of Chained Cyclone; or, The Heathen Chinee’s Mission, By J, ©, Cowdrick. 616 The Sailor Detective; or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear. By Geo. C. Jenks, 617 Ralph, the Death-Shot Scout; or, The Raiders and Red Riders of the Rio. By Col. P. Ingraham, 618 Deadwood Dick Jr. in_ Cincinnati; or, The Clincher Campaign, By E, L. Wheeler, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The Double Grip Witness. By Wm, G. Patten. $20 Little Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of the Island. By John W, Osbon. 621 Truthful James, the ‘‘ Pecooliar’’ Man; or, The , Spoiler Dispoiled. By A. C Grissom. haan 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Queer Affair at Tombstone. By Lieut. A. K Sims. 623 Buck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer; or, The Old Captain’s Moving Miracle. By Jo Pierce, 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Nevada; or, The Preacher of Pokerville By Edward L, Wheeler. 625 Chineapin Dan, the Boy Treiler; or, The Hero of the Grater. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. 626 The Champion Pards; or, The Lucifer of Silver Bar. By T. C. Harbaugh. \ 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolf in the Fold. By Charles Morris. : 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act; or, The League of the aeons Seven. By J.C. towdrick. 629 Violet Vane. the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown. By Wm. G. Patten. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in No Man’s Land; or, Gol- conda, the Gladiator. By Edward L. Wheeler. 631 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detec- tive's Own Case. By Lieut, A. K. Sims, Vag By Jo
Page 16
BEADLE’ Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform FHALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. —_— -——.---—- - OO Setathgeastene: “Aebnaa ee — | — ae 632 The Dead Detective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 632 Plucky Paul, the Boy Prospector; or, The Dead- wood Desperado’s L ist Innings. By J. W. Osbon, 634 Cache Car], the Chico Giant; or, The True Hearts of Red Eye Rvost. By buckskin Sam. 685 Oklahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout; or, The Boomer’s Last Battle. By P. 5. Warne. 636 Deadwood Dick, Jr. After the Queer; cr, Saw- dust Sam’s Last Green Game. By Edward L. Wheeler. 637 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, Harbaugh. ‘ 688 Tom Cat's Triumph; or, Black Ivan’s Great Combine. By Lieut. A, K. Sims. 639 Sunrise Saul, the Rxpress-Train Ferret. Pierce. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. J. C. Cowdrick. 641 Dismal Dave’s Dandy Pard; or, The Clew to Captain Claw. By William G, Patten, 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Buffalo; or, 4-11-44, By Edward L, Wheeler. 643 Banpy Harry's Big Find; or, The Beautiful Jezebel’s Last Stake. By P. 8. Warne. 644 The Hercules Highwayman; or, The Mounted Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingraham. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. By T. C. Harbaugh. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective; or, The Grand Corral at Cross-Notch. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward; or, Amateur Detective against Professional. By J. C. Cowdrick. 648 Deadwood Dick Jr’s. Chase Across the Conti- nent. By Edward L. Wheeler. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set. By Jo Pierce. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detective; cr, Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard, By Col. P, Ingraham. 651 Bound-Boy Frank.the Young Amateur Detective. By Wilhaim G, Patten. 652 Don Barr, the Plain’s Freelance. By Ol Coomes. 653 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. By T. C. Har- baugh. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. By Edward L. Wheeler. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. By C. Morris. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. By Lieut, A, K. Sims. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver; or, The Storm- Waif of Gi:nt’s Boot, By Jo Pierce. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the “‘ Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Bar; or, Cibuta John’s Champion Chase, By J. C. Cowdrick, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s., Insurance Case; Corraling a Cunning Trio. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 661 Old. Kit Bandy'’s Deliverance; or, Banner Ben, the Wildfire of the Prairies. By Oll Coomes. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza; or, The Specter Soldier of the Overland, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 663 Violet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jaspar City Clean Out, By William G. Patten. 664 Cheeky Charley. the Special; or, The Life Racket at Rattlesnake Ridze. By Pp, S. Warne. 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective; or Warbling William’s Home Run, By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Buck in the Mines; or, The Mountain Amazon’s Double Game, By Edward L. Wheeler, 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy. Detectives; or, The - Gamin Spies’ Big Stake. By Charles Morris. 668 The Buccaneer Midshipman; or, The Sea Rover's Ruse. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The. Bootblack Brayo in San Francisco. By J, C, Cowdrick, 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer; or, The Rival chmen, By Oll Coomes, 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. By T, C. Harbaugk. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Durango; or, “‘ Gathered In” By Edward L, Wheeler. 673 Ralph Renwoo4, the Lightning Express Detec- tive. By A, F. Holt. 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 675, ecg Billy’s Best: or, Beating San Fran- cisco’s Finest. By J. C. Cowdrick. 676 ‘Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout; or, The Tussle at the Big Bonanza. By Lieut. A. K, Sims. 677 Chincapin Dan’s Second Trail; or. The Baffied Black Hawk’s Fate. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 678 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune. By Edward L.. Wheeler. 679 ‘fhe Sea Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. By Colonel] Prentiss Ingraham, By T. C. By Jo By or, : “ays a7 er ho 680 Dauntless Dan, the Freelance; or, Old Kit Bandy in Arcadia. By Olk Coomes., 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Toughest Tussle; or, rime nes Curve Dan’s Dead Ball. By George ‘, Jenks, 682 Wild Vulean, the Long Range Rider. By William G. Patten. 683 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator; or, The Unseen Enemy. By Jo Pierce. 684 Deadwood Dick's. Dazzle; or, The Nemesis of Nutmeg Bonanza. By Edward Il. Wheeler, 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective; cr, Breaking the Eureka Spider's Wed. By T. C. Harbaugh. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, 687 Broadway Billy in Clover; or, The Ruction at Lake Tulare. By J. C. Cowdrick, 688 Chinecapin Dan’s Home Stretch: or, The Con- spirators of No Man’s Land. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 689 Billy, the Gypsy Spy; or, Working out The Mys- tery of Two Lives. By Lieut. A, K. Sims. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Do lars; or, The Humming Bird of Honeysuckle. By Edward L, Wheeler. 691 Headlight Harry’s Haul; or, The Railroad Pards’ big Day. By A. F. Holt. 692 The Rival Sharps: or, Redfern, the Secret Ser- vice Scout. By Col. P. Ingraham, 6983 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards; or, The Racket at Red Hot. Ry Wm, G. Patten. 694 Spicy Jim, the Only One of His Kind; or, Head- ing Off the Crooks, By J. Pierce. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide; or, De- veloping the Dead Secret. By E,.L. Wheeler! 696 Broadway Billy in Texas; or, Rounding Up the Red River Rustlers, By J. C. Cowdrick. 697 The Scarlet Sombrerc; or, The Sharp from Texas. By Col. P. Ingraham, 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head; or, Light- heart Luke’s Clean Sweep. By Jos, BE, Badger, Jr. 699 Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster: or, Playing the Foo! for Big Stakes. By Lieutenant A. K. Sims, 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr ’s, Drop; or, The Sojourn at Satan’s Spring. By Edward L. Wheeler, 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp; or, The Fight to the Finish, By T. C, Harbaugh, 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, The Red Hat Ranger’s Red Hot Racket. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 703 Broadway Billy’s Brand; or, The New York Delegates in Hard-up Camp. By J. C. Cowdrick. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot: or, Making Crooked Things S.raight. By Ed. L. Wheeler. 705 Violet Vane’s Vow: or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft, By William G. Patten, 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detective; or, The Harlem Sport’s Star-Faced Pacer. By Jo rierce. 707 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or. Redfern’s Last Trail. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 708 Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy; or, The Lucky Lad’s Whining Hand. By J oseph E, Badger, Jr. 709 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat.. By Charles Morris, 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco; or, Kodak Kate, the Snap Shot. By Edward L. Wheeler. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Pard De tectives’ Clever Deal. By J. C, Cowdrick, 712 The Mesmerist Sport; or, The Mystified Detec- tive. By Lieut, A. K. Sims. 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy: or, The Lariat Queen. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri; or, The Mystery of the Mountain League. By. Wm. G, tten. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker ie Merry or, Caging the Cormorants, By T. C. Harbaugh. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Hunt; or. The Sec- ond Round in San Francise>. By Edward L, Wheeler. 717 Mosquito Jack. the Hustler Gamin; or, Move-on Mike s Grand Catch; By Jo Pierce. ght-Heart Lute’s Last Trail: or The Gold rater’s Secret. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. 719 Pawnee Bill’s Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnap- per. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin De- tective’s Double Snap at Santa Fe, By J.C, Cowdrick. 718 Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pass, Ly Wall Lisenbee. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.*s, Dominces; or, The Rival Camps cf the Northern Border. By Edward L. Wheeler, 723 Silverbiade, the Beagie’s Secret Mission. Violet Vane's Vengeonce; or, The Wipe-Out at White Water, By William G. Patten. Daring Dick, Pa*nee Bill's Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. Sheshene; or, The Border By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 726 Dennis Luff, the Brown Sport’s Kid; or, The Covers and Blinds of Gotham. By Jo Pierce. 727 Headlight Harry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge, the Outlaw Queen. By Col. A. F. Hout. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Disguise; or, Ivan, the Man of Iron, By Edward L, Wheeler. 729 Silverblade, the Ha)f-Blood; or, the Border Beagle at Bay. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr, 730 Violet Vane’s Verdict; or, The Crooked Game at Coffin City. By Wm, G. Patten. Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower: or, The Rivals in Buckskin, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 732 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective: or, Trap- ping Big Game. By T. C. Harbaugh. 738 Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector: or, Unearthing the Cavern League. By Lieut. A. K. Sims. 734 Deadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal; or, The All- Around Surprise. By Edward L. Wheeler. 735 Broadway Billy’s Business; or, Waking Up Wind Canyon Camp. By J.C. Cowdrick,. 736 Larry, the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every side. By George C. Jenks. 737 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive; or, Buck- skin Sam to the Rescue. By Col, Prentiss Ingra- ham. 238 Broadway Billy's Curious Case; or, The Mys- terious Disappearance at Manitou Springs. By J. OC, Cowdrick, 739 Silverblade, the Hostile; or, The Border Beagle’s Ghost Trail. By Jos, E. Badger, Jr. 740 Deadwocd Dick, Jr’s, Deathwateh; or, The Moving Mystery at Mexican Mustang. By Ed- ward L, Wheeler. 741 Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidoeq; or, Sport against Sport. .By Wm, G. Patten. 742 Billy Winks, the Bell-Bo. ing the Meshes of the Harbaugh. 743 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or The Red Riders of the. Rio Grande. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 744 Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch; or, The Water Waif’s Dead Past. By Jo Pierce. 745 Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective; or, The Raiders of the Range. By Lieut. A. K. Sims, iet Jack, the Secret. Service Spy: or, Too uch for Red Leary. By Dan Dunning, (of the Secret Service Corps). 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet; or, The Tandem Team of Teddy’s Tailings. By Ed’ L. Wheeler. 748 Silverblade, the Frendlys or, the Border Beagle’s. Boy Pard. By Joseph KH. Badger, Jr. 749 Dashing Charlie, the Young Scalp-Taker; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished; or, The Life Strug- _ gie at Shanty City. By Wm. G. Patten. 751 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. By John W. Osbon. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow; or, The Little Circus at Last Chance, By Edward,L. Wheeler. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver; or, The On-the-Catch Combination., By J. C. Cowdrick. 754 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, %55 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow. By T. C. Harbaugh. , Ready January 12. 756 Gold. Dust Dan’s Oath; or; Reckless Roy, the Regulator. By J. W. Osbon, Ready January 19. Detective; or, Break- tolden Coil. By T. C. 746 A new issue every Tuesday. Whe Half-Dime Library is for sale by ab Newsdealers, five cents per copy, or gent. by mail, on,receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers. 98 William street, New York, ve 4 Stepan.” yas ; / r e é Ae h Pte oa ualnes”