Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 763) (1892 03 08)
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N —~ i w 6 gi es : }. TREE + bBoLdad if Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N, Y., Post Office. Copyrighted 1892, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, =< uw | : row S ZWS vt __\. OBRSE 7 /\\ NS Jha Dh i a SR Ua Rss Tae a heal tl NS Laat Maailelallallaliall,/Z Co \\ \ \ \Y N j A i \e Vi! Vl March 8, 1892. 2. PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AN AMS. ice, ae : No. 763 Pacey E D ADAM Price Vol. 5 2 ; 5 Cents. Ty} yf ly y / iff, Uff 7. / Yi, i, Vj Y << ey ile IN THE VERY MIDST OF THE CLOUDS THE ASTONISHED TRALLER SEEMS TO SEE HORSES AND HUMAN BEINGS, OR, The Fiery Hand of Fate. BY WILLIAM G, PATTEN, AUTHOR OF ‘* VIOLET VANE” SERIES. ‘* DAISY DARE,” ‘‘OLD BOMBSHELL,” *‘ WILD VUL- CAN,” ‘* THE DIAMOND SPORT,” ETC, CHAPTER IL A DASTARD'’S DEED—"' FOR VENGEANCE,” WITHIN a bandsomely furnished room in up- town New York a manand a woman stcod facing each other. P " The man was elegantly attired in clothes that bore the mark of one of the city’s best and most expensive tailors. Patent-leather boots adorned his feet and a shining silk hat crowned bis head, A valuable diamond blazed in tbe bosom of his immaculate shirt.
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This man would have been considered hand- some but for the somewhat sinister hight in his eyes, for the scornful curl of his sensuous lips was almost wholly concealed by a well-trained mustache. The woman—or, more accurately, the girl, for she was not more than twenty—had just issued from her boudoir, beyond the velvet portiere at her back. She was attired in a costly house- dress, and her face was handsome, Her eyes were dark as midnight, but the words she had been about to utter seemed to have died on her parted lips as she caught sight of the man’s face, There was something grim, stern, repellent abeut that countenance, “Frank!” That word alone came faintly from the girl’s ps. He lifted a hand, protestingly. - “ Don’t to me that way!” he said. She started toward him. “Do not look at me that way!” she cried. ‘* What has happened?” ‘* The end has come!” She felt as if a hand of ice had closed its fingers on her heart, and all the remaining color left her + ER e end!” she gas stand! For the love of Heaven, explain your words!” He advanced further into the room and stood **T do not under- by a chair, on the back of which he placed one hand. With the other, he motioned for her to sit down, but she did not heed the gesture. ‘It is strange you do not understand, Zane,” he said, speaking in an icy manner.. ‘* All over between us,” She did not shriek; she did not faint; she stood staring at him with a great horror in her dark eyes. AN is over between us!” her lips echoed. **No, no, no! You cannot mean tbat! Do not toy with me, Frank! Have I not endured enough? For Heaven’s sake do not toy with me!” ‘*] am not,” he soberly declared. ‘* What I feared has happened this day. To-night we part—forever I’ ‘* No, no, no!” she wildly cried, and before he could comprehend her intentions, she was on ber knees at his feet, her round arms clasping his knees, while her wild eyes were upturned to bis, ‘*1t will kill me! so! Why should we part? You are my very life—my king! I had rather die than be separated from you! Why, should we part?” He reached down and clasped her wrists with his strong fingers, then he released her hold and lifted her to a standing position. She would bave fluag herself on his neck, but he firmly held her off, ‘*Now, don’t go making a fool of yourself, Zane!” be said, brutally. ‘‘It will not do a bit of good, and a scene is something I detest. Be a reasonable girl for once!” His words froze her blood—each one fell like a cruel blow on her heart. She shuddered with horror, but still those dark eyes gazed beseech- ingly into his. ‘Some days ago,” he continued, ‘“‘I came to the conclusion that we were not suited for each other.” ** Don’t!” sbe almost screamed—* don’t tell me that! Frank, you have promised to make me your wife! You must do so!” % Must?” ‘*- Yes, must! You cannot be so cruel] as to cast me adrift now—no, no! Think whatI have sacrificed for ycou—friends, relations, lover, home, everything! All were given a for you! And now you would cast me adrift! _My Ged!” There were diamonds about her neck, dia- monds in herears and on her fingers, They flashed a thousand colors in the white light that fell on them, ‘*What have I given you in return?” he ex- claimed. ‘‘ You have had jewels and fine clothes, you have seen something of life, you bave been to the best theatersin the city—in fact, you have bad all I was able to provide,” “Jewels? Take them back! Fine clothes! Give me rags, but make me your wife! What are all the things you bave given me compared with what I have sacrificed for you!” “Your countryman lover, for instance!” he sneered. ‘ ‘* A true hearted and noble man!” ‘*Tt is a pity you did not marry him!” Of a sudden, her v% blazed as did the jewels she wore. A flash of flame leaped into her face, and she cried: ‘*Can you say that! What prevented me . from marrying kim? You—you!” He shrunk a bit before her, but she followed h, Frank! I love you (ese Oe ie OCG Af LSet a eee Ie him up, her white hands clinched, her whole frame trembling with passion. ‘* Had you never crossed my path, I would be Andrew Keefer’s wife to-day! I love you—I love you still! You are all I have left! If you do not marry me, I shall die!” Her changes were sudden; now she was ap- pesling once more. But the heartless man re- pulsed ber, ‘*T told you the end had come, and I meant what Isaid. Ithascomeinearnest. Iam tired of you, anyway!” She swayed and seemed about to fall, but he made no offer to support her. Grasping a chair, she sunk upon the cushion for a moment, pant- ing, the light of an animal wounded unto death in her eyes, e could not bear to look at her then, and so he brushed his hat with a silk handkerchief. The very carelessness of the act struck deeper to her heart than anything he had yet done. ‘Ob, man, man!” she sobbed; ‘‘ have you no honor? Is the idol I have worshiped to prove but worthless clay? Stop, Frank, and think of what you have done—think of my position! If you desert me now, your hands will be stained with my blood, for I shall kill myself!” ‘*T have heard women talk that way befcre, but they never had the courage to keep their word.” é She was on her feet again. ‘¢-You have heard women talk so before! Then you are a wretch!—a deceiver of women! Iam not your first victim! ‘You confess that?” A sneering smile was on his sensuous lips, “Tama man of the world,” hesaid, ‘‘ You cannot pride yourself on being the first to cap- ture my fancy, But you need not take it to heart, my lady bird. You can go back to your old lover.” “ Back to him! Never! lam not fit! He is honest and true—a noble-hearted man! While I—what am [? Back tohim! I would not have the courage to look him in the face. He would scorn me! * Don’t you think that! ou now.” ** What?” “It is true—he is in New York hunting for ou.’ “ Great Heaven!” ** Your brother John came witb him.” “They here! But they must never find me! I would not have them find me for the world!” ‘““They bave come to take you back home,” She seemed on the point of breaking down, as she muttered: ‘“* Back home—home! Back to the father and mother whose poor old hearts I bave broken! I will never return there! They He is searching for No, no, no! shall not find me.” ‘‘There is one who will never find you.” The man’s voice was hoarse and unnatural, and she started to stare into his face, His eyes did not meet hers, -*“ What do you mean?” she shrieked. } ‘* You know your brother swore to kill me on sight?” ‘*- Yes, yes!” ‘* We have met,” “‘ Heavenly Father!” “*T am here,” * And he?” ** 1s dead !” She was speechless with horror, and sbe glared at him in a way that made him shudder, He attempted to speak again, but she bad strength enough left to stop him with a gesture. ** Dead!” she whispered, aftera time. ‘ You killed him—you murdered my brother?” ‘It was bis life or mine.” * And now—” ‘*T must flee from the city before the hounds of the law get after me, I cannot take you along, so we shall part forever. I trust your rural lover will find you and you will be bappily married. I wish you long life and prosperity. As for these rooms, I only leased them till to- day. You will have to get out of them at once. That is all, Good-by.” He turned toward the door, but had scarcel taken a single step when he heard a heavy fall behind him. | Wheeling swiftly, be saw the handsome girl be had so basely deceived lying senseless on the floor, For a moment be stood staring at the uncon- scious form—the beautiful face now white as marble, Then a sudden devilish look trans- formed all his features—a fiendish light glowed balefully in bis eyes, ’ “Tl do it! he whispered. ‘‘ Why, that girl is just fool enough to follow me and make trou- ble. Better be rid of ber forever!” Like an assassin, he crept back across the floor and bent over the silent figure. His fingers worked swiftly, and the diamonds were removed from her neck and ears. In vain he tried to get some of tho rings from her fingers;,he was forced to abandon them. He arose to bis feet, Three gas jets were burn- ing above bis head. With the devilish lcok still on his face, he blew out the lights! ‘* Farewell forever!” muttered a harsh voice in the darkness. Then a dark figure stole out and firmly closed the door of the chamber. Night! The moon was plunging through dark banks of clouds, now and then allowing a flood of light to fall on the roofs of the great city. The main streets were lighted, but down by the docks they were dark, gloomy, and forbid- ding. Black shadows skulked along those dismal ways—poverty, misery, want, crime, all were there. Through the darkness of the gloomy streets crept tbe creatures of the night—human beings who shunned the light of day. They loved darkness, for their deeds were dark. Even the police shun that quarter in the night, Down one of the deserted streets that led to the river stole a female figure. What brought her there? Her every action seemed to indicate her intention was not an honest one, She did not see the figure that was following her—tbat of a policeman, | The officer kept ber in sight, muttering: ‘“T oply caught a glimpse of her eyes, but I saw death in them, Sheis bent on a desperate: deed.” The river was reached, and the female hurried out on a deserted dock. At the very edge she halted, : ‘Father, forgive me!” she moaned—*‘ forgivo me for what I am about to do! Alone, abandon- ed, ruined—there is nothing left but death!” Then, just as she was about to leap into the dark water, she was caught by the strong hands of the policeman. ‘*Mad girl!” he cried. self?” She tried to break away. ‘¢ Yes, 1 must die!” The clouds parted and a flood of light fell on ber face. The officer gave acry of surprise as he noted its pale beauty—its intellectual mold, ‘““My God, girl!” came from his lips; ‘‘ have you nothing to live for?” She was silent for a moment, and she did not struggle to break away. ‘* Nothing to live for?’ she repeated, her voice harsh and strained, ‘There is one thing of which I have not thought. Yes, I will live —for vengeance!” “ Would you kill your- CHAPTER II. THE TRAGEDY 1N THE CLOUDS, It was not far from mid-day when a dust- covered horseman rode slowly info the littls Arizona town of Lost Luck. Both man and beast looked jaded and worn, as if from the bardsbips of a long, desperate journey, The horse was slightly lame, and, though a spirited animal, its head hung Jow as it moved along. Lost Luck was well named, for any one who would settle there must have lost both luck and hope, There were but five buildings, and they were of the most dilapidated sort, two cf them being of sun-dried mud, or adobe, The country around was flat and barren, the only hills being the heaps of sand to be seen to the south, for Lost Luck was situated on the very border of a desert, The horseman approached the most preten- tious building, saluting the man who was smok- ing in the sbade of a staggering veranda. : ‘¢ My friend, have there been any strangers in this town of late?’ questioned the traveler. *¢ Huab!” grunted the smoker, An eager light came into the eyes of the ques- tioner. . ; ‘* How long ago were they here?” “A right short bit.” ‘*How many were there?” OU. “ Four?” ‘Yep; you’re one of ’em.” f “ But Lam not asking about myself,” with a trace of impatience. ‘It is concerning those who came before me I wish to know. There were three?” “ Ye ” “Two men and a girl?” “You've struck it plumb center.” “They are not here now?” “ No.” ‘‘ Where have they gone?” > 4 Pe ae | ne Rl) a Bi. |} > yy % a s 4 + | e . t. a 4 a S »
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— 7 4 able oi tiles an \ "a . tae | L') ‘ a S, ah. . s # Da ~ The smoker jerked his thumb toward the south, “ Thar, ther dad-burned fools!” he said, with a gentile burst of indignation. ‘* Thay’d oughter knowed better then ter tackled ther Eighty Mile Desert ‘thout a guide!”’ “ How long ago were they here?” **Twour three hours.” A light of triumph gleamed for a moment in the horseman’s eyes. **Then I am close upon them!” he exclaimed, “They sball not escape me! Pard, I want the ‘best horse money can buy in this town, I must follo v those three persons, and my horse here is about used up,” * You're a leetle late, stranger.” “* How's that?” “Mother ’uns got ther only two bosses as wuz wu'th shucks, Al) three of their critters wuz played, but thev wuz only able ter git two—one - fer ther gal an’ one fer one of ther men. They feft their critters behind, ’sides payin’ a big difference fer ther shift.” A groan came from the borseman’s lips, “Are they going to escape me now, when I am so close upon them?” he cried. ‘* You are sure there is not another horse in town—not even a mule?” ‘*Nary derned one, stranger,” answered the man, arising as ke witnessed the despair and dis- may of theother. ‘I’m sorry fer ye ef ye wants ter overtake "em, fer it’ll be wuss then foolish ter try ther Eighty Mile Desert with thet critter,” ‘* All the same I shall do it,” was the firm declaration. ‘‘)] takeit this is something of a hotel. Give this horse feed and drink, As for 7 gag I want a square meal, then we will be ce) Ten minutes later the trailer was partaking of such food as the place offered, while his horse was eating in the shed which served as a stable, The host came in and tried to dissuade his guest from attempting the Eighty Mile Desert, but he only talked in vain. The stranger was not to be turned from his purpose, “Thar’s a heap of critters taking their last ramble in ther big desert,” declared the man of Lost Luck, “Tbem thar sands hey swallered up any amount o’ human bein’s, Pard, ef ye go thar on this hoss of yourn, you'll never git ercross,” ‘* Fill mea canteen of water,” was the order with which this declaration was met. ‘1 will gs Beeb for the canteen.” ithin thirty minutes the trailer asked for his horse, and he was soon ready to start, Bidding ‘his host good-day, he turned his face toward the Eighty Mile Desert, As the stranger rode away, the old man light- ed bis black pipe, shook his head and muttered; “ He’s goin’ straight ter his death! Ther vul- tures will pick his bones!” ‘ Lost in the desert! Picture the horror of the position. Sand, sage- brush, cacti on all sides;-a blazing sun hanging like a ball of fire suspended in the sky; the desert expanse fairly shimmering with the heat. Across the waste comes a hot breath that is like the scorching blast of the African Simoom, and in its teeth it carries fine particles of sand that are cast with fiendish force into the face of the traveler, every grain causing a sting like the bite of a gnat, The plain is boundless apparently, for on every hand stretches the monotonous, dreary and desolate expanse of sand, There are bones to be found at intervals—human bones, too! At times the hoofs of the traveler’s horse will strike a human skull that forever grins amid the sandy barren, as if mocking at the animal’s rider. The skeleton of a horse is seen, with the saddle still buckled to it. The animal’s bones have been stripped clean, and now the sand drifts through them—the wind whistles fiendishly above them, : There is no trail to be followed, for the shift- ing sand obliterates the tracks made across the desert, The traveler must depend on his com- pass or his judgment. The latter is often con- fused and at fault, and death comes to him who might have gained the limit of the desert had he but struggled on a short distance in the right direction. The surface of the great desert reflects the tropical sun so it nearly blinds the eyes that try to gaze across the glittering expanse. At times @ whirling wind will lift a column of sand into the air and send it dancing over the plain as if imbued with life. ater, water! There is none to be found in the desert, unless the traveler is fortunate | | Viuicu v aue s vision. enough to find the one tiny oasis of the region, to which no trail will guide him. The determined trailer and his lame horse are lost in the desert. He knows not which way to turn, He was nearly exhausted before the desert was reached, and now a strange weak- ness is creeping over him. The borse limps slowly forward, and the rider sways in the sad- dle. Both man and beast are covered with the white dust of the plain. The horseman mutters, brokenly: ‘*On, pony, on! We must not let them escape us. They are—carrying ber away—my Lona! How hot itis! I’m coming—Lona! How hot it is! Water, water!” Again he examines his canteen. It is empty, and a tiny hole in the bottom tells how the pre- cious liquid escaped. Death confronts him in the desert! High up in the air a vulture wheels and swings, For some time the horseman rides forward, his head bowed, the sun beating mercilessly up- on him. The horse almost staggers, At length the man lifts his head. The horse suddenly pricks up its ears and hastens forward. From a walk it quickens into a trot, and then breaks into a mad gallop. What is it? Water! The animal has scented the life-giving liquid but the desert wanderer fancies it maddened with thirst. In vain he tries to slacken the creature’s career, Grass—sbrubs! Do his eyesdeceive him? The horse does nct pause—it dashes through. Then it halts with a suddenness that nearly unseats its rider. Water is found—the desert oasis has been reached by chance! The borse has plunged its muzzle into the tiny spring, and ina moment the man is also drinking. They are saved, A man’ lies asleep by the desert spring, Near by, the lame horse crops the short grass. The sun still hangs in the western sky, As the man sleeps be dreams and murmurs a few broken words. He seems to see the three beings he has pursued so far. One cf them is a beautiful girl. It is Lona—his Lona! They are dragging ber away to some dreadful fate. A look of despair is on her beautiful face, He longs to tell her he is pursuing. He strives to call to her, but his lips only murmur a faint sound, She turns and stretches her hands to him, a look of appeal on her handsome fea- tures. Then she points away toward the south, and he knows A er are carrying her in that direction, No matter where they carry her, there he will follow. He tries to tell her this, parent pe effort causes him to awaken with a start. “Nothing but a dream,” he mutters, in disap- pointment, ‘It seemed like a vision. How plainly Il saw— Ha! what is that?” He starts up, gazing toward the south, where a bank of clouds have apparently formed in the sky, In the very midst of the clouds the astounded trailer seems to see horses and human beings! There are three persons and as many horses, but one of the animals has fallen and ap- pears to be dead. He knows those three persons, one being the girl of whom he has just dreamed; but be is filled with wonder at the sight of them there in the sky. While the trailer is still motionless with as- tonishment, be discovers it is the horse belonging to one of the men, The girl and the other man are still mounted. But the two men seem to be having an angry altercation, and the one afoot motions for the otber to dismount, He re- ceives a refusal, So plainly can the trailer see them and. note their every movement that he almost wonders why he cannot hear their words as well. However, their gestures tell bim enough, Suddenly the mounted man grasps tke bridle of the girl’s horse and attemps to ride away, thus leaving the other man in the desert—afoot, But the owner of the dead horse quickly draws a revolver and fires, As the puff of smoke springs out from the bar- rel, the mounted man flings up bis hands and falls headlong to the ground! The jaded horses immediately halt, and the man with the revolver quickly overtakes them, As he reaches the silent body of his late com- rade, he fires another shot into it, thus making sure of his work, And then comes a strange act. The slayer kneels beside his victim and grasps the dead man’s left hand. He plainly a Cy attempts to remove some rings from the fin- gers, but fails ‘Then he draws a knife and uses it. In less than a minute the hand is severed at the wrist! Thrustivg the ghastly object into bis pocket, the nervy villain mounts the dead man’s horse and rides away with the gir. Swiftly the clouds seem to dissolve and van- ish. A minute later the lone trailer finds him- self staring across a barren plain, and the sun shines from a clear sky. Lifting bis band, he cries: ‘* The first may have been a dream, but this was truly a vision!” Through the clear, cold air of early morning, the lone trailer rode across the plain. Within three hours it would be scorching hot on the desert, but now the air was so cold it cut to his bones. Still, the cold was to be preferred to the terrible beat, He was riding toward the south. Suddenly the horse halted with a snort, The surprised rider saw he had unexpectedly come upon a dead body stretched on the sand—the body of a man! Strangely enough, the body had not been touched by bird or beast. It lay exactly as it had fallen, the profile of the dead face revealed to the trailer. The left hand had been removed at the wrist I ** My God!” cried the lone rider, “It is Burt Bishop! He has really met his fate at the hand of his pal, and the Peg A I witnessed in the clouds actually occurred, Yes, for theleft hand of the corpse is gone! ‘‘ An! I witnessed the murder of your pal, Tom Lewis, as you shall one day learn. As for that severed hand, it stall follow you liks the band of fate—it shall pursue you to your doom! 1 will make it a terror to you! In vain you shall try to escape it! Death alone shall be your refuge from its haunting presence! I swear it!? The oath was kept. f 2 CHAPTER III. “MAJOR” WAGG IN ‘* THE TRAP,” Srx weeks later, Palace City was an Arizona town of the red- hot kind, It was new—very new—and for that reason was boiling. It was a ‘‘boom town,” and the boomers were creating as much excite- ment as possible, well knowing the reaction must come soon, Little cared the unscrupulous sharks who lost, so long as they made money. When they saw the reaction coming, they wad gather up their boodle and ‘‘melt away.” Never again would they be seen in that sec- tion of the country, but in other parts they would play the same game over again—and the suckers would bite, and the excitement would be great, and the boomers would gather in the sheckels, Of course there were plenty of saloons in Pal- ace City, for those curses are to be found in every new townin the West, The most famous of these was known as ‘‘The Trap,” and it was certainly well named, for to many a poor devil it proved a trap of death, Sucked dry of all his worldly wealth by the gambling devices of tke — place, he eitber took his own life or engaged in a quarrel that ended disastrously for him, The Trap was owned by a person known in Palace City as Royal Ralph, though he had originally given bis name as Ralph Royal, This had been inverted, thus giving him a title suita- ble to his calling and bis appearance, for be it known, Royal Ralph was a sport of the bighest degree, and be dressed with all the taste of a professional gambler who was also a dandy. His clothes were of the finest black cloth, his boots patent leathers, and his bata tall silk, He always wore immaculate linen, and bis neck- op would have been the envy of & Broadway swell, This dandy gambler was alsoa handsome man, after a certain fashion, slthough there was something repellent about his face to a strictly honest man. The handsome mustache seemed to hide an evil expression which hovered about his mouth, He had only appeared in Palace City a few weeks before the reader is introduced to the place, but he had possessed a sum of money Jarge enough to enable him to get into a game at The Trap, which was then owned by another party. From the start the stranger sport wasa win- ner, and before long, the table at which he sat was surrounded by a beg yy | crowd that was, eager to witness the amazing ‘‘luck” of the un- known. Ralph was playing against the house, and with each passing minute, the amounts of his wagers
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+ grew larger. He seemed to have made a re- solve to break the bank, and some of the old sports who were witnessing the game predicted he would succeed. Facing sucb extraordinary luck, the dealer for the house finally lost bis nerve and sent for the proprietor. That worthy came and took the dealer’s place; then the game went on as before. Still the stranger continued to win. He was as coolas aniceberg, while he saw the new dealer grew heated as the minutes passed, He saw his wealth slivping through his fingers and he knew ruin stared him in the face if the amazing suc- cess of the stranger did vot soon desert bim, It was near midnigbt when the last round of the game was played, and then a certain amount of the successful sport’s winnings was staked against the building in which he sat. Again he won! Fon must be the devil in disguise!” snarled the ruined man, rising to his feet and drawing a revolver, Ralph also arose, but he did not attempt to draw a weapon. He fired from his pocket, and the defeated gamester fell dead across the table! Then the winner whirled to the crowd, a brace of polished “sixes” in his hands, ‘Where is the man who wishes to pick this affair up right here?” he cried, ‘‘ If this unlucky fellow has any bosom friends who desire to avenge him, now is the time for them to get in their fine work!” No one accepted the challenge. ‘* Then I shall consider the matter settled for all time,” said the cool gamester. ‘‘ Hereafter The Trap belongs to me, and I shall run it as I see fit,” ‘* Wat's yer handle, pard?’ asked one of the throng, ** Ralph Royal.” ‘* Hooray for Royal Ralph!” The crowd cheered, and the new owner of the saloon was duly.christened. They all drank at his expense, und voted him a good fellow. Poor Ike Shaffle, who lay a corpse on the faro table, was thus quickly forgotten. Such is one phase of life in the new towns of the “‘ wild and woolly West.” Shaffle’s old faro-dealer sought to retain his former ition, but the new master of the sa- loon declined to employ him. **'You may have done very well in your way,” said Royal Ralph; ‘‘ but you have not the nerve for the place, ore than that, you are not at- tractive. I propose to put a person in your plac? who will attract players.” tie did so. The new dealer seemed scarcely m re than a boy, although a tiny mustache adorned bis upper lip. He was so handsome he was almost effeminate, and there was often a far-away look in his eyes, He seldom spoke ex- cept when it seemed absolutely necessary, and then his voice wassoft and musical, lt was strange how attractive the new dealer did prove. Men who had never ventured a dol- Jar on the faro-table played there repeatedly, and they seemed satisfied, regardless of their losses, if the strange dealer but gave them one look from those large blue eyes. What was the secret cf this? ‘* Must be his wife,” whispered one old fellow to a companion, the eyes of both being on the new faro-dealer. ‘JT reckon,” was the guarded retort. ‘An’ she’s a daisy!” ‘* Now you’re shouting, pard! I’d give a small forchune to just kiss them thar red lips oncet! Royal Ralph is the luckiest dog alive!” ** Wonder w’at’s his ijee in togging her out in masculine attire? He must know thet don’ fool ther people of Palace City fer shucks.” “S’pose he thinks it better fer her than fer her to wear petticoats. Do you notice, be keeps nigh her all the time when she is at the table, Royal Ralph is never far away, an’ I ‘low at sign of a row he would be on deck with both hind feet.” “Sure! An’ he’s a bad, bad man to monkey witb! Excuse me if I steer clear of bim.” And so it was known that the new faro-dealer at The Trap was a female attired in masculine garb, but the matter was not openly discussed, even in the streets of the town, Something cansed the men of Palace City to stand in awe of Royal Ralph, For a long time the new proprietor of the principal saloon was the only person who ven- tured to wear a silk hat in thetown. But he was to have a rival. ' One day the regular stage brought a slightly corpulent and loudly-dressed individual into Palace City. This person’s clothes were of good material, but his taste was of a wonderful cast, OF twas => ~ —-4~ e Violet Vane’s Vision. for, although his coat was of striped stuff, bis pantaloons were made from cloth containing a broad plaid. He wore a white vest, across which was strung a heavy watch-chain of solid gold. The high hat which crowned his head continually shone as if but lately ironed, In the broad, white bosoin of this new-comer’s shirt blazed a genuine diamond of the first water, and on both hands were several costly rings. Tbe man’s face was beardless and homely, but there was a good-natured look upon it anda jolly twinkle in his eyes. Although he attempt- ed to move about with considerable dignity, he impressed all beholders in a ludicrous manner. This new-comer inquired for the best hotel in the place and was Jeft at the door by the stage. He entered and registered. Barely had he left the book when the loungers rushed forward to see the name inscribed upon it. It was: “ Masor E, Waa@, EsqQ., ““ S'teenth regyment Iowy Preserves.” Then there was a roar of laughter, but it hap- pened that tne ‘‘major” had passed from the room, and did not know they were amused by what he bad written, After “retiring” to his room and getting straightened round, the major came down and indulged in asquare meal, ‘*T want ther best thar is in ther ole house, by jehocus!” he declared, ‘I'll pay fer it, you bet. An’ I want ther privilege of leanin’ back in my cbair when I am done, puttin’ my feet on ther table an’ pickin’ my teeth with a fork. Thar hain’t northin’ ther matter with me, but I’m boun’ ter putt on as much style as this insig- niffycant town can stan’.” When he had satisfied bis hunger and wiped bis mouth with a broad silk handkerchief—the hotel did not provide napkins—he sauntered out into the bar-room and called for a ‘‘ nip.” **I’m not a drinkin’ man,” be explained tothe barkeeper. ‘I seldom get outside of more than a quart or so of whisk’ at a time, an’ sometimes I think it’s my sollam juty ter do better. ‘Ther infernal stuff is ruinin’ our young men, an’ ought ter be pntt down. Thet’s why I feel bad w’en [ don’t putt down ser much o’ it as I’d oughter.” After this he went out and buttonholed the landlord. ‘**T’ve seen ther time w’en I’ve bin so down on my luck thet I’d willin’ly run a howtel fer a liy- in’,” he declared. Don’t look s’prised, pard, fer it’s an actual fac’, b’gash! I’m sorry fer ye, but thar may be better times comin’, I’ve seen lots 0’ ups an’ downs, but thar’s bin ‘bout ‘leven downs ter one up, Jordan am a rough road ter travel, ‘* Now, speakin’ bout dorgs, is thar a man in this vere town by ther name o’ Tom Lewis?” ‘“*Not to my kvowledge, sir,” answered the landlord.” The major grunted. ‘*T didn’t s’pose ther derned galoot’d be fool ernough ter shin roun’ under his own cog’, but thar wuz chance he might.” ‘Friend of yours?” “Oh, yes! JT lovehim so blamed hard I’d like ter squeeze bim—with a rope!” The landlord smiled, and Wagg propounded another question: ‘* Hev ye seen anythin’ o’ er jim-dandy leetle daisy roun’ hyer thet wears violetsin bis button- hole? Oh, he’s a sport bis whole bigness, an’ be’s a mighty sight larger then he looks! It'll takea bull crowd o’ giants ter down bim, an’ then I don’t believe they'll be able ter doit, Any old how, [ll bet on him—all ’'m wu’th!” ‘* What did you say his handle is?” ‘*T didn’t say, but he’s ginerally known as Violet Vane,” The hotel proprietor shook his head, ‘** | do not think you will find such a person in Palace City,” be said. ‘* Mebbe not, but I’ll hev ter look roun’, He’s ther dad-dernedest critter fer disguisin’ hisself w’at you never saw! Last time he fooled me he wuz an Irish gal, an’ b’thutter! I got all bruck up over bim—asked him ter merry me! I did sw’ar I’d hev his measely leetle life fet thet trick, but now I’m reddy ter take him back ter me arms an’ fergive him, I’m ther most fergiviu’ cuss you ’most never saw, ** Bot w’at’s ther fu’st off, way up saloon of the camp?” ** You are looking for the best?” “ Alwus! Thet’s my style—ther best ur—ther best [ kin git.” ‘*Then The Trap must be the one you want,” “Ther Trap?” “ce Yes, ” Who runs it?” ‘* A sport known as Royal Ralph.” NR i Bal a ‘War is it?” ‘* It’s the third saloon down the street to the right, In the evening there is always a red light over the door.” “Waal, I reckon I'll jest wait tell thet red light glimmers, then Til preambulate down. thar, J’ine me in a smoke, colonel? These are ther best Sally Mereeno Havana-filled Mexican Stinkeros. They wuz smuggled through from New Orleans by my own pvivate gang of smugglers. They are warranted to kill ther blues an’ ossify any man thet is blamed fool ernough ter smoke ’em ninety-seven consecutive years. Smoke an’ die, pard.” The landlord laughingly accepted the cigar, and when it was lighted, be found ita very agreeable sort of weed. Major Wagg did not venture far from the hotel'till the shades of night bad fallen. The evening was fairly well advanced when he light- ed a cigar and sauntered toward the spot where he saw the red light sbining. The Trap was in full blast when Wagg enter- ed, It was snaring its victims in a manner that made the proprietor smileand caused the dollars to roll jingling into his coffers, The place was thronged. é With his shining silk hat canted over his left ear, the major sauntered around the room, puffing out huge volumes of smoke and seeming na very comfortable frame of mind. He was closely scanning everybody. At length he came to the faro lay-out, and there he saw Royal Ralph standing at the back of Handsome Harry’s chair, the new faro-deale having been given that name. ; As Wage’s eyes fell on the sport’s face, the major gave a great start. ‘* Holy jehocus!” he gasped, ‘‘ Thet’s ther very critter, ur I’m a liar frum Fibtown! [ye foun’ him, shore as grease is slippery?” Then he happened to look at the dealer, and he came near uttering a shout of amazement, Those nearest the major were astonished to see the portly gentleman clasp his bands over his mouth and nearly bend double as be struggled to keep down the whoop that came to his lips, Then Wagg slapped his knee, and hoarsely whispered: ‘*Whoop-ee/ It’s ther leetle gal togged in ther garments o’ ther masculine generation!” CHAPTER IV. THE HAND ON THE WALL, ‘¢ Hn’s hevin’ a fit!” cried one who witnessed the major’s gyrations, ‘* You're a liar by ther clock!” Wagg prompt- ly retorted. ; With this remark, be turned and walked sedately toward the bar, ‘*Gotter hev a snifter on thet,” be laughed. ‘Pye tumbled on two o’ ther birds, an’ ef Sweet Violets hain’t round erbout these yere parts, wa-al, call me a chump!” He thrust his silk bat far back on his bead, thus displaying a mass of curly wool-like bair as he faced the bar, slapping down a twenty- dollar gold-piece, * Arsenic,” was his startling order. The barkeeper looked at him in amazement, ‘* What dia I understand you to say, sir?’ he inquired, : “Dig out yer hearin’-horn,” advised the major. ‘TI called fer arsenic.” “This is no drug store?” So? Wa-al, I thought it wuz.” ‘** Do you want to die?” | ; ‘“‘It may be I do, fer J hev decided ter drink some 0’ your whisky, so set out ther p’ison,” The dispenser of Jiquid refreshments filled the order, and Wagg was about to fill his glass, when a hoarse and voluminous yoice at his elbow observed: . “Of course I’m included in this yar treat?” The major gave @ jump and looked at an undersized red-headed and red-bearded man at his side. ‘Did you speak?” inquired the corpulent fop. ‘Wal, I sh’u’d suss so!” growled the small man. “W’y,” gurgled Wage, with apparent relief, “ T expected ter see a manas big as thet voice! I thought it must be Chang ther Chinese Giant,” The other’s red beard seemed to bristle, he planted his feet wide apart and rested his bands on his hips close to the butts of two enormous revolvers, while he glared at the major ina manner plainly meant to be appalling, ““Reckon ye don’t know me?” he obsery ed, his voice reaily seeming several sizes too large for bim, “For which I am thankful, stranger,” “ Huah!” “Wat'd ye say?”
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§ Me A t & 4. ( . q sy > x | ; v | * ; : “ | 4 - | “ £ . » Te Pas FA, - eyes ys OY oe oh ay a} om “Finan! , On, waal I don’t know about thet; perhaps Pm Fiery Finch.” The red-head seemed to expect the corpulent gentleman would swoon at this announcement, but it did not seem to affect him that way. In- stead, he Jaughed, **Wa-al, ye look it,” drawled the major. **Sa-ay, will ye guv me some 0’ them whiskers ter p’ison rats with?” ‘I’m ther Holy Terror frum Hellbender.” “Sao!” **T hev swallered men!” **f gee ye hev considerable mouth, W’y don’t ‘ye chop erway thet celar swamp round it an’ putt it on exbibition as a fac simile o’ ther en- trance ter ther Hoosaic Tunnel?” - Fiery Finch, as the little fire eater had desig- nated himself, gave a boarse bray that sounded like the “ hee-haw” of an injured mule, then he jumped into the air and cracked his heels to- gether three times before he struck the floor again. “I'm gittin’ reddy ter shed blood!” he yelled, attracting the attention of the crowd, ‘* Hain’t goin’ ter hev a fit o’ nose-bleed, be ye?” inquired Wagg. “Shell I drink with you?” ‘* Ef ye pays fer it, certun.” ** But I hain’t goin’ ter pay fer it,” ** Mebbe your credic’s good?” How calm and unroffled the Major was! He did not seem in the least excited, and his very coolness appeared to stir the red-headed blusterer to still greater rage. **You'’re foolin’ with instant death!” howled Fiery Finch, smashing his clinched fist down ou the bar with sufficient force to make the glasses and bottles dance. ‘‘Do you see thet thing?’ aud he held up the member before Wagg’s eyes. The major backed off a little, putting up one hand protestingly. ‘**Don’t get it too near ter my nasal append- age!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ It really looks soiled, an’ I’m "feared it may smell soiled.” ‘* ve killed men with one blow o’ thet!” assert- ed Finch, ‘* You're powerful, I take it?” ** Wal, I sh’u’d say so! I kerry off ther bun fer strength.” “Um! Wa-al, bout how strong be ye, fer eggsample?” **T roped a railroad injine oncet an’ dumped ther hull train offen ther track.” ‘* Must hey hed a stout lasso?” te Ye 2? / ‘Waal, I don’t go roun’ braggin’ ’bout my strength a great deal,” observed the major, “* but I’m in ther ring, bet yer socks.” Finch gave an exclamation of contempt. ‘*Wat'd you ever do?” “Wen I wuz in ther Mexican War,” Wagg began, ‘‘I done ther act thet guv me promotion. I wuz vorthin’ but a private, an’—” ‘* Don’t reckon you wuz ever in no war!” ‘* Waal, ye’re right, [never wuz in no war, but I hev been in some war. As I wuz sayin’, I wuz northin’ but a private, an’in ther battle «’ Montgoshfry I done ther act thet made me an ossifer. e wuz chargin’ on ther walls o’ ther city—ther men hed been mowed down tell but a leetle han’ful wuz left w’en we got inside, All ther same, we determined ter take ther place, an’ we charged ‘Jong ther streets, drivin’ ther Mexican Army afore us like er flock o? frightened sheep, Ther fire o’ battle wuz in ther veins 0’ ey’ry man. Suddenly, as we wuz Tusbio’ "long a narrer street, I saw a cannon so planted thet it'd rake ther street. Ef it wuz discharged, our bull blamed party’d be wiped out, Ic’u’d see ther ball almost stickin’ out o’ ther muzzle, an’ thet tole me w’at a turrible charge them infernal Greasers hed puttin. Ther bull battle depended on ther result o’ thet can- non’s work, Waal, sir, w’at did I do?” The major bad narrated the story in a thrill- ing manner, seemivg to throw himself into’the spirit of the occasion he was telling of. With the question, he made an impressive pause, gaz- “ing expectantly at Fiery Finch, ‘Shinued up ther nighest tree ter git out o’ ther way, an’ then pulled ther tree up by ther Toots,” was the prompt reply. “‘Nuthin’ o’ ther kind, sir!” pompously as- Serted Wagg, ‘I saw ther gunner erbout ter ‘tetch off ther piece. In another moment an’ seven-eighths, ther rain o’ death w’u’d be mowin’ down our gallant men! I rushed forrud inter ther very teeth o’ danger—up ter ther very muzzZe 0’ thet cannon! Then I thrust my arm down ther barril, placed my han’ ’g’inst thet eannon ball an’ got er brace on, I hedn’t more’n Violet Vane’s Vision. 5 done thet afore ther Greaser gunner tetched her off. It did start me jest er dite, but I gritted my teeth and hung to her! By jebocus! J held her! Ther result wuz thet ther hull back eend o’ ther gun wuz blowed out, an’ more then seven bundred o’ ther Mexicans killed by ther dis- charge! Thet wuz w’at won ther battle, an’ wat guv me shoulder-straps!” With a groan, Fiery Finch collapsed and fell against the bar in a posture of utter helpless- ness, and those of the spectators who had been listening to Wagg’s story laughed loudly, But the little fire-eater was not done far, by any means, He quickly revived, and cried: ““Thet does as a story, but I’m for provin’ w’at stuff you’re made of, so brace up byer an’ ketch holt, Dll ’low I kin flop ye faster than ye kin git up.” The major backed off precipitately. “Excuse me!” he exclaimed. ‘*I am not engagin’ in anythin’ o’ ther kind. You insult me, sir, with sech a proppysition! I am a gen- tleman, sir, an’ don’t ye tergit it!” ** Never’d knowed it ef you hedn’t said 86,” asserted Finch. ‘I ‘lowed you wuz a fu’st- watter coward.” “ Wat ?” **PDidn’t you hear?” * Waal, Pll be derned!” Wagg clinched his hands and seemed about to grapple with Finch, but the red-head sud- denly snapped out a brace of revolvers and be- gan firing in all directions. ‘* He’s crazy drunk!” was the cry that went up, and the crowd sought protection in flight. Then came jingle after jingle of breaking glass, and soon the interior of the saloon was in darkness, the lights having been shot out. The shots ceased as suddenly as they had be- gun, and a startling thing was exposed to the eyes of those within the saloon. Ou one of the walls glowed a fiery hand that clutched a shining dagger. The hand seemed to have been severed at the wrist. Cries of amazement and terror broke from those who saw the startling spectacle. Then a hollow, unearthly voice was heard to y: ‘* Tom Lewis, behold the Fiery Hand of Fate! The hand you cut from the body of your victim shall haunt you to your doom. Your hours are numbered!” CHAPTER V. USELESS JACK AND MAD MONA, THE very day of Major Wagg’s appearance in Palace City another stranger bad entered the place. He did not come in on the stage, but rode into town on a wretched-looking mute. The mule’s master was a man slightly below medium height and dressed in rough and soiled garments of the mines, His face was concealed by a ragged beard, but his dark eyes were sharp and restless, He seemed like a man of small worldly wealth, and this was apparently confirmed by bis stop- ping at the cheapest hotel of the place—a shanty meer scarcely be dignified by the name of hotel, It was not necessary to register at the ‘‘ Man- sion House,” as the wretched apology for a hotel was called, but the stranger said his name was Jackson, On being asked if that was the whole of bis name, he replied that be was often called Useless Jackson, or Useless Jack, for short, After eating a square meal, the man made it bis wav to get into conversation with the owner of the Mansion House, “IT spose you consider this town a good bit smart?” he observed, by way of beginning the 8a. “Well, we do allow it’s a rustler,” acknowl- edged the landlord. who was commonly known ie Scraps. “Thinking of locating bere?” ) ‘* Not? How’d ye happen this way?” ** Jest drifted in” oe . ** Miner?” ** Prospector.” **So? How’s luck?” “Mighty bad! ITve gone through with my last grub stake, and only turned out enough yaller ter see the color, That you have already got for two days lodgin’ here,” ‘¢ That was your pile, eb?” “Yes, I hope to git staked‘ag’in here,” ‘*That’s your lay, isit? Well, Palace City is a bad town to strike. I almost dcubt if you geta stake,” **Tt’s my only chance.” Then, with a sudden burst of confidence, the “ grub-staker ” said: ‘To be honest, I’m lookin’ after a man. That’s one thing that brought me here,” SE Ss “Well, you will find all kinds of men in this town.” Useless Jack’s eyes glittered. ‘‘There is but one man in all this wide world I wish to find,” he asserted; ‘‘ and when I do find him—well, mister, it'll go hard with ther cuss!” ‘* Av enemy, eb?” $6 'Yen,?” ‘* Have you a gun?” ‘¢ T alwus carry a pistol.” ‘* Well, you’d better be able to use it mighty lively, if you contemplate going gunning for human game in Palace City.” ‘*T will be able to use it well when the right time comes, don’t ye worry ’bout that! But i’m lookin’ for somebody else, too.” ‘**T thought you said there was but one man in all the world you were looking for?’ ** So I did.” ** But the somebody else—” “Tsa gal!” Bob Scraps whistled softly. **T reckon 1 see how the Jand lays!” he ex- claimed, ‘‘ He was your rival, and be got away with the girl, Now you are going to do him for it, Too bad, partner! Ten to one, the girl was not worth the trouble.” Scraps Suddenly stopped, for he saw a red light leap into tho eyes of Useless Jack. ** Hold on thar!’ commanded the grub-staker, hoarsely, ‘‘ Have a keer how ye talk of her !” Then he wheeled and strode away. The landlord looked after him, muttering: ** He’s dangerous, but he’s apt to be one to go under when he finds his rival.” Useless Jack spent the afternoon in dozing in a chair that sat facing a window that looked out on the main street, He seemed weary, but apparently bad a desire to take a look at the people of Palace City. It was near night when he fell fast asleep, but still sat in the chair, It seemed tbat a wild ery awoke him, and he started up, Night bad comeon. He was still facing the window, and a cry of amazement broke from his lips as the light of the swinging lamp bebind him revealed a face pressed against the glass, A pale, sad face, with wild, staring eyes. Like a flash, Useless Jack sprung to his feet and dashed out at the open door. e expected to catch the owner of that face still at the win- dow, but disappointment met him, No ove was there, He halted in astonishment, and for severa! minutes he stared at the spot. **T must have dreamed it,” he muttered, at length. ‘‘ And still 1 saw that face so plainly! Shall I find them here? Heaven only knows!” It was later in the evening that the unlucky rospector entered the saloon known as ee Trap, It happened that Fiery Finch and Major Wagg were facing each other at the bar just as Jackson came in. A moment later, it seemed, the little fire-eater began shooting right and left. Then the lights went out. It is impossible to describe the sensation caused a the appearance of the fiery band on the wall. ben came tbe hollow voice and the ominous words which sounded through the saloon. Two of the employees about the place ap with lights, and the hand of fire vanish the wall. But a wild, maniacal laugh rung through the oom, ‘* Ha! ba! hal” It was enough to chill the blood. All eyes were turned toward the point from whence it came, There they saw a woman with a ghastly face and big burning eyes. Her long dark hair fell loosely down her back, and her manner was that of a person bereft of reason, ‘*Ha! ha! ha!” she laughed once more, ‘Belshazzar saw the hand on the wall! Again the miracle has been performed. The wicked wretches of to-day have seen the band and heard the warning voice! The day of doom ap- proaches!” ‘¢Tt is Mad Mona!” shouted a dozen voices. * Yes,” screamed the deranged woman, fling- ing her hands above ber head, ‘‘ lam Mad Mona, the sinful! Oncel was pure as the flowers; now Iam lost, lost, lost! Vengeance is mine, and the time approaches! Listen! Do you hear it? The cry of achild! Itpiercesmy heart! Silence again! Hear them fall! Clods on a coffint Thump, thump, thump! And the wind—how it howls! Lost, lost, lost! That is what if says! Ob, it is terrible! Vengeance—vengeance is mine!” It is impossible to describe how her wild words and ber manner thrilled those who heard and witnessed. It was enough to chill the heart of stone red from r
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Violet Vane’s Vision. For a time Useless Jack stood like one dazed. Then he leaped toward the woman and caught her by the wrist, glaring searchingly into her face. She suddenly shrunk back, **Can it be?” hoarsely muttered Jackson. “Gods! It is not possible! Once beautiful, has she come to this? Tbe face is not hers, but those eyes—those eyes!” With a sudden shriek, the madwoman tore eck wrist from his clutch and fled from the oon, CHAPTER VI. HANDSOME HARKY RECEIVES A MESSAGE, STARTLING things were happening in The Trap. No wonder the spectators were some- what stirred up. When the madwoman fled shrieking from the saloon, Useless Jackson stood like one dazed for a time, staring after ber. Then, of a sudden, he lifted his hands above his head and shouted: **T have found her, at last!” “Nother critter goin’ mad!” exclaimed one of the witnesses, With his hands at his head, Jackson muttered: ** It has been a long trail, but I think 1 see the end. Death has stared me in the face, but I have escaped the wild beasts of the mountains aud the furnace heat of the deserts, I am here and the end approaches. ‘* But I must follow her! I ought not to have allowed her to escape!” Then he swiftly hurried from the room, Fiery Finch bad disappeared, and in vain Major Wagg looked around for him. **Wa-al, I'll be derned!” laughed the portly ntleman. ‘I reckon as how thet thar hand o’ re skeered ther leetle red-head clean out o’ his skin! He didn’t count on the display w’en he began shootin’.” Who shot out the lights?” asked a man at the major’s elbow. “Great jehocus! I dunno, Wuzn’t it ther leetle red-head?” **T do not think so. That fellow was intoxi- cated and fired in a most promiscuous manner,” ‘* Waal, who killed ther ’lumination, then?” **T think it wassome one near the door, but am not able to say who, All the same, 1 am dead sure asecond party took a band in the shoot ing.” *Mebbe so.” ** There is no doubt about it. Somebody was watching fora chance to shoot out the lights, and they promptly embraced the opportuvity offered by the fellow who calls himself Fiery Finch.” ‘* Blamed ef I don’t reckon you’re right! But = thar hand on the wall is w’at knocks me y. “That was a trick.” “cc So” “ Yos.” ** How wuz it worked?” _ ‘Tam not ready tosay, but certainly there was nothing supernatural aboutit, What sticks me is who Tom Lewiscan be. I know of no such personin Palace City, yet the voice we heard threatened an individual of that name.” It happened that Wagg could have given him song information concerning Lewis, but did not see fit to do so. By this time lights had been restored, and Royal Ralph was doing his best to bave things set to rights as soon as possible, Of course he was angered by what had occurred, but he tried to keep his anger down. Many noticed his face was ghastly pale, but he seemed as cool and pre- cise as ever, But the excitement was not yet over. A small man, dressed in dark clothes of a cler- ical cut, and having a full dark beard that coy- ered his face, but did not seem to rob bim of his ministerial appearance, entered the saloon, Ho wore spectacles, and had a very slow and precise way about all his rsaovements. ** Ding my ole optics!” exclaimed Major Wagg. *Thar’s a Gospel-slinger come ter drive ther devil, Isw’ar, he hes tackled a mighty prom- isin’ sort o’ a place ter find ther ole fellow o’ hoofs an’ horns—be jest has!” It soon became apparent that Wagg was right about the new-comer’s intention, for the dark- clothed stringer advanced to a table that was not in use, and, aided by a chair, mounted to the top. There he struck an attitude, his right hand thrust into the bosom of his coat, and solemnly surveyed tha throng within the saloon, A sudden bush fell on the place, and everybody _ anxiously waited for the spectacled stranger to eak, Finally, he stretched out bis hand, his ps moved, and he solemnly asked: “My dear brothers, do you know what you are doing? Are you aware you are all sinners e the vilest sort? Still, your cases are not hope- ess, ‘*I’m glad to hear it,” said a man who had gambled his last dollar away during the even- ing. The man on the table quickly turned toward the speaker. ‘* Dear friend,” he spoke, ‘‘ you should allow one above to take your case in hand.” “*Can’t do it, pard,” was the prompt declara- tion. ‘One below has scooped the Jast ‘case’ I possessed, I’m dead broke.” A groan escaped the lips of the clerical- appearing stranger. “* And one below will get your soul at last if you do not mend your ways, Still there is hope held out to all by the divine hand of mercy. He hath said: ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, I will wash ye white as snow,’ On tbat promise Me must rely, It isa promise that will never be roken, and it is better than any earthly bond.” Be you a parson?” asked another of the crowd, ‘*T am,” was the answer, ** Got yer credentials with ye?” ‘* My credentials were given me by a power ye wot not of. They are not visible to earthly eyes,” ‘* Wonder how you ever saw ’em?” ‘* Why, he wears spettacles,” ‘* Somebody go fer a micryscope an’ we'll ’zam- ine them credenshuls.” But the Parson was not daunted in the least. **T have been sept bere to warn ye,” he con- tinued. ‘‘ There are those among ye who know the destroyer is on their trail. They have fled before him, but terror is still in their hearts, They fled across the desert, but still they were pursued; they have tried to hide amid the moun- tains, but no place has covered them from bis eyes, Even the hand of the dead haunts the:, hey see their doom approaching, and they cry out in vain for a mode of escape. Vor them the door of mercy has closed, and they are on the outer side, Ab, sad will it be for the sinful when the Great Day of Judgment comes upon them! Then they will cry aloud for aid, but no aid shall be given them! Then they will weep and wail and gnash their teeth, All the universe will roll into chaos—darkness black as eternal midnig’¢ shall surround them—tbe only light they shall see will be the glimmer of the aveng- ing hand that—” Stop |” Royal Ralph was before the speaker, and the sport’s face was fairly ghastly. ‘‘T have heard enough of this!” he declared, *¢ This is not a church!” ‘*Bividently not, brother,” admitted the Par- ‘*Tf you want to preach, you will have to find another place, for I will not have it here!” ** You are harsh, my frend.” **T am no friend of yoursor your kind! If there is anything I detest it isa miserable mew- ling Gospel sharp!” he Parson groaned. ‘* You are on the straight and certain road to destruction, ungodly man!” “Well, if so, that 1s my affair, You are creating an excitement here and ruining my business, Get down and out!” ‘*- You would drive me from the door?” ‘You bet!” ** But I have been sent here by One—” ‘There, dry up! I won’t have any more of it, Isay! Get down!” Royal Ralpb’s manner was ominous, and thero were those who trembled for the clerical stranger, “Ef ho tries ter. shoot, ding my squinters ef I don’t drap him!” muttered Major Wazg, drawing a revolver and bolding it ready for use, while his eyes were fixed on the proprietor of The Trap. ‘ Thar’s suthin’ kinder familar like *bout thet Parson, an’ I bain’t goin’ ter see him butchered, by jehocus!” Still the stranger on the table did not seem in any hurry about obeying Royal Ralpb’s order, The manner of the dandy gambler did not seem to alarm bim in the least, ‘‘Let me wrestle spiritually with you, brother,” he entreated, ‘‘I am anxious about the condition of your soul,” ‘*You had better be anxious ahout the con- dition of your own soul!” snapped Ralph, jerk- ing out a revolver; ‘‘for by the powers, I will send it to its everlasting home if you don’t get down and out at once!” That did the work, The Parson hesitated no longer. Indeed, be seemed greatly frightened at sight of the weapon, and he came down from the table at one jump. ‘¢ Get!” commanded Ralph, “ But—” ae Get ” Toe Parson made for the door, Ralph watch- ed him a moment, then turned away. Had he continued to watch, he would have seen the min- isterial stranger did not leave the saloon, Once more Ralph set about getting things straightened out. He soon saw that everything was in order, During this time, Handsome Harry, the faro- dealer had been left alone, for the game was stopped. He sat there, looking around, and a light of fear was plainly in his big blue eyes, It seemed that he, as well as Royal Ralph, had been startled by what had taken place. ‘‘ My heavens!” he whispered. ‘‘ Vengeance is pursuing him! He will surely suffer for his wicked deeds!” The words of the Parson had startled Harry, and the youth gazed inquiringly at the man on the table, seeming to recognize something famil- iar in his appearance, “Can it be possible?” he muttered. ‘No no! It is merely a resemblance! He cannot be here!” ; Still Harry started to his feet with hands clasped when Royal Ralph drew bis revolver and menaced the man. It seemed that he tried to cry out, but the words did not pass his lips. A great sigh of relief escaped him when Ralph had driven the Parson from the table and al- lowed him to depart. : Then the youthful dealer sunk trembling and white-faced into the seat. For a little while Harry sat there, searcely conscious of anything that took place around him. His thoughts were far away, and bis brain seemed in a whir]. The lights of the room danced in a wonderful manner, and one time it seemed growing strangely dark. — But the dealer fought off the faintness that was creeping over him. And then, on the ta- ble before him he saw a folded bit of paper. How came the paper there? He was sure it had not been there a few mo- ments before, but now it lay before his eyes. He looked around to see who had placed it there, and he saw a dark-clothed figure slipping through the crowd as if seeking to leave the saloon by the back way. Only a glimpse was obtained, but Harry fancied he knew the per- son. ‘“$So he did not leave the room after all,” muttered the young dealer. ‘“‘lt may be— But the paper!” ’ He quickly snatched it up, and at that very moment he saw Royal Ralph coming toward the faro lay-out. Without delay, he dropped the folded paper into a bandy pocket. “Curses on the infernal luck!” growled the roprietor, as he came up, ‘“‘A good night’s beatae at the tables bas been spoiled by this in- fernal bullybaloo! This thing is getting too. mighty common, andI am going to put a stop to it, The next man that tries to raise a ruc- tion bere for the fun of the thing is going to find me in. bis wool. Then he stopped and stared at Harry as if amazed, ; ‘Why, you're white as a sheet!” he said, ina guarded tone. ‘‘ Brace up, or you will betray yourself!” There was a sternness about his manner that made his words a commend. Harry tried to smile, but the attempt was a most dismal fail- ure, Scowling blackly, Royal Ralph muttered something beneath bis breath. The dealer saw his chance, and retorted: “Perhaps I am white, but you should not be the one to tell me of it.” “ What do you mean?” “ You are ghastly white yourself. I told you it would ont) and now I see the day of judg- ment approaco— z u Bab! Drop that! We must getto business in.’ ‘‘T think you will have to let me off.” ** Let you off?” “Yes,” ‘What for?” “T am utterly unfit to deal. hinted, I am liable to venga’ myself. came neer fainting a little while ago!” “ Fainting !” ’ Ralph was startled, and he looked at his. assistont closely. ‘“Who ever heard of such condemned black luck!” he growled, guardedly. ‘Well, I sup pose you will havetogo, I will take your place,” Harry did not care who took his place so long as he got off, and lost notime in hastening, away. & As you have Why, E
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« t Violet Vane’s Vision. 7 To a room over the saloon he went, and, when he bad lighted a lamp, he hastily took the paper from his pocket, Seated near the light, he read what was written on the paper: **Lona:—I am here. Never for a minute have Idoubted you, though they tried to convince me you were false and had lured me into a death-trap at Shanty City. I did not believe them, and my faith is still unshaken. Have courage and be dis- creet; all will yet be wellin the end. Destroy this. é VANE.” For a few moments he sat like one dazed, At length, hesprung to his feet, crying: ‘Something told me he was not dead, though they tried to convince me he was! My own true loveis alive, and here in Palace City! Thank God! thank God! He has followed me all the + Seg way, and he says all will be well inthe end! Thatisenough! I willhope, though for atime hope has seemed to be dead in my heart, “Tf I could only throw off the spell my brother has cast about me! He seems to govern my every act, and I have no will of my own when | am with bim. It is distasteful for me to deal faro down below in that saloon of vile and ruffianly men, but his will compels me to do so without protesting. I have tv go there night after night when the very thought of doing so makes me sick at heart, for am I not a woman with a woman’s heart?” Yes, ‘‘ Handsome Harry” was a woman—or, truthfully, scarcely more than a gir). x She sprung to her feet an] tore the tiny mustacbe from ber lip, casting it to the floor. ‘*l wish I might never put the hateful thing on again!” burst passionately from ber lips, ‘I despise it—I despise myself! Iam not fit for the noble man who loves me! I am the sister of a blood-stained criminal—a man with a price on bis head, And still Vane Howard loves me! It seems strange that he should! Yes, it seems very strange, for when he first met me, I was aiding my brother in one of his rascally schemes; but I thank God I did not know what a vile plot it was! And I was compelled to play the part I did, as J am compelled to deal faro down below, If lL could once escape beyoud my brother’s in- fluence all would be well. “My regard for Tomis dead. He killed it when be shot Burt Bishop in the desert, Now nothing but abborrence is left in my heart. If l could do as I chose, I would fly from him, but something chains my feet. “Oh, Vane, Vane, my true lover! me—s2ve me!” With that sobbing cry on her lips, she flung herself down on the little bed in the room, Come to CHAPTER VII. THREE OF A KIND. Be MAKE your game, gentlemen—make your ie 7 Royal Ralph had taken his piace at the faro- table, and he tried to get the game running once more, He was not well pleased with bis efforts, ““Tf you do not care to play, the game will be closed for the night,” he announced, “Whoopee!” chuckled Major Wagg, coming forward, a grin on his homely face and his shin- ing silk hat on the back of his head, ‘‘It hain’t very often I feel like tackling the tiger, but I reckon I'll hev ter guv ther ole cat’s tail a tiny twist, Say, thar, dealer, w’at’s ther sky limit?” ‘‘ A thousand dollars,” was the crisp answer, “ Thet’s powerful small,” and the major shook his head with an attempt at gravity. “I’m uster playin’ with fifty an’ er hundred thousan’ limit.” " * You!” sneered Ralph. ‘“ Why, I have seen ou when you had but one greasy shirt to your Back! I have seen you—” ** You have seen me!” echoed Wagg, stooping and looking into the gambler’s face, ‘Then, by jayroocus! I wuz right! I thort I hed seen you somewhar, but I wuzn’t shore, Lemme see: ‘ whar wuz it?” “Don’t puzzle your brain over it,” was the ad- vice he received, “But I allus like ter be suttain "bout sech Kio I must hev seen you in Collyrado, eh?” o! “ No?” . ape what I said.” ter eae by gash! it duz seem like I’d seen ye “You never saw me before in the world. I was talking for the sake of bearing my own voice when I said I had seen you. I never saw you before in all my life.” Wh-e-e-w!” whistled the major. changed your tune all derned suddin’!” You | ‘‘ Make your game, gentlemen,” called Ralph, looking past Wagg at a body of hesitating game- sters, The major settled his corpulent body into a seat, ‘*I’m in this,” he announced, as he pushed a hundred dollars forward for some cvips. Royal Ralph started the game, and the lone player ventured all his chips on the queen, He won three times out of the four. Once more Royal tried to get others into the game, - ** Don’t be ser gol-derned anxious ’bout them,” advised the major. ‘Tl guv you heaps an’ hops an’ humps o’ fun fore I’m done.” Although quite a crowd gathered around the table, no one but Wagg ventured to play. Royal Ralph suspected the truth. The super- stitious gamblers believed their luck had been **queered” by some things which had occurred in the saloon that evening. &c the game went on asit was, and the lone player against the bank continued to win. ‘*Set ’em up ag’in!” laughed Wagg, canting his bat over his eye and thrusting his thumbs into the arm-holes of his white vest, as he watched the cards pulled from the box. ‘* Nim- ble fingers kin git most anythin’ out o’ thar ‘less ther dealer’s luck an’ skill is bu’sted wide open— which I ’low it is!” he added, as he saw bimself again the winner, Ralph cast down the cards with a savage cry. ““The game is closed for to-night!” he an- nounced, much to Wagg’s amazement, ‘I will cash your chips, sir,” ‘An’ ye hain’t goin’ ter try ter win ’em back?” ‘*Not to-night.” ** An’ ye hain’t goin’ ter guv me a chance ter skoop some more fey with ’em?” ‘* You shall have all the chance you desire at another time. For to-night the game is over.” So the major was forced to accept the cash for bis chips, and wait till another time before he continued to ‘‘ twist the tiger’s tail,” As Royal Ralph left the table, his eyes caught the gaze of two men amid the crowd, and an almost imperceptible signal was exchanged, Ten minutes later, the three were seated in a little room at the back of the saloon, ‘¢ Well, Dan Burns and Sam Hobbs,” said the gambler, looking at the two rascally-appearing fellows, ‘‘ are you ready for a job?” ‘** Boss,” said Dan Burns, ‘* w’en you picked us out fer t/other job, you struck ther right men. We're alwus reddy fer biz.” ‘* Provided thar’s money in it,” amended Sam Hobbs, ‘“Yes, provided thar’s money in it,” agreed Burns. “That is the 7, I like to hear you talk,” nodded Royal. ‘“ I believe you can be trusted.” That touched the pride of the two toughs, and they both straightened up a bit, while Hobbs declared: . ‘*Pard, you kin trust us with unlimited wealth,” ‘“Yes, Ican trust you to get away with it if you get your fingers on it.” Burns and Hobbs looked burt. ‘“Thet’s a leetle rough, pard.” \ “* But Gospel truth,” laughed Royal, “and I like you all the better for it.” The rascals looked relieved at this declara- tion, “You do not seem like men who are overly squeamish.” ‘*Oh, we’ve got good strong stomachs,” grin- ned Hobbs, “You are not frightened at the sight of blood?” **'Wal, I sh’u’d say not /” ‘* Boss,” and Burns fell into a confidential manner, “it wae my love fer ther sight of blood thet made me light out of ther States lively. I left vps friends bebind,” . b “Yes, some very loving a bn They fol- lowed me quite a distance, trying to make me a parting present, but I didn’t have time to stop and accept it.” 5 ‘* What kind of a present?” “A necktie.” Then the grinning wretch went through the motions of pulling a man up to a tree, ‘* Ah, I understand,” nodded Royal, with sc:- isfaction. ‘‘It was made of hemp,” ; Vee." The chief rascal of the lot was pleased. Those were the very tools he desired to do his dirty work, ‘* How about you, Sam?” he asked. “Oh, my stomach hain’t weak!” was the quick reply. ‘“‘I was also forced ter fly from Wy- oming ter ’scape acceptin’ ther same kind of er necktie,” ‘** Did somebody get hurt?” ; ‘Only jest ther sheriff that tried ter ’rest me.” ‘¢ What had you been doing?” ‘‘ Wal, ye’see, I foun’ a stray hoss, an’ I tuck keer of ther critter. I didn’t want ter let it wander roun’ ’thout any master, fer I knowed it might starve.” ‘** And they said you stole it?” “‘Thet’s whatever!” ‘** How ridiculous!” ‘** Course it was.” ** Well, [ am delighted to find you both are so suited to my liking, for you are the very men I want. You are two unscrupulous rascals, and you both ought to have been hanged years ago!’ The two men leaped to their feet. ‘* Hold on! hold on!” ap 4 cried, ‘‘T am only telling you the truth, so keep your clothes on,” advised Royal. ‘‘ As for me—’ ‘“‘T reckon we're three of a kind,” grinned Hobbs, He was right. CHAPTER VIII. A HAUNTED MAN, Roya Rawpu did not deny the rascal’s insin- uation, but his face became stern. ‘We will get to business now,” he said, and his two satellites exchanged significant glances, ‘¢ All right, boss,” said Hobbs. ‘' Let her slide, Our ears are wide open,” ‘“*1s it anybody you want put out of ther way ? asked Burns, “It is possible I may want such work done, but first 1 want you to some shadowing.” “*Some w’at?” ‘* Shadowing.” ‘*Ob—o! turn detectives like?” ae Yes,” ‘“ Wal, won’t we make some’ jolly old detec- tives!” laughed Burns. ** You ought to,” asserted the gambler, ‘‘ You were shrewd enough to escape those who were after your lives,and you ought to be shrewd enough :to play detective.” Both the men thought they were. “Jest you give us ther points and s:e how we’ll handle ’em,” said Hobbs, ‘Well, l want you fellows to shadow certain persons—keep your eyes on them and find out allabout them.” ‘¢ That’s easy.” ‘‘T may want one or two of them put ont of the way.” ‘‘Wal, that hain’t hard.” ‘Tf one of them is the person I think, you will find it bard, for he is a bad man to down,” “ Who is he?” ‘¢ A sport known in Colorado as Violet Vane, “ He is in this town, eh?” “T think so, but he is in disguise,” ‘‘Ho-ho! W’at’s that fer?” “« He is after me,” “ You?” a Yes.” * Per why?” “That does not matter.” ‘‘ Why don’t ye jump him?” “TJ would if 1 knew exactly who he is. There are several persons I suspect, but I am quite sure he is one of two,” ** An’ them two?” ‘“‘One is the red-headed fire-eater known as Fiery Finch.” ‘We've spotted him, Who's tother? ‘““The man who played the part of parson in the saloon to-night. Had I been sure he was my man, he and I would bave settled our little troub'e on the spot. Perhaps I was foolish not to force bim into trouble and shoot bim as it was. Tvat would have narrowed the case down, at least. ; “Those are the two men I wish you to watch in particular, but also want you to keep your eyes on that corpulent blowbard who was the last man at the faro-table. He is a friend of Violet Vane’s, and it is not impossible they may communicate. If they do, that will give you a chance to spot the right tan.” *¢ Then shell we wipe him out?’ “If you want to earn two hundred dollars each, yes. If not, leave him to me.” = His goose is cooked!” ' ** hopo so.” * Bus, cay, boss, is thar ter be any advance on this job?” °Yes, here is fifty dollars to be divided equally. All the same, I warn you against go- ing and getting howling drunk. If you do that and so much as let slip a word of this affair, I'll
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Violet Vane’s Vision. give you both your last sickness! That is busi- ness straight from the shoulder.” ‘*Oh, we understand, an’ you needn’t worry *bout us,” ** Then everything is now settled. When you learn anything of importance, communicate with meat once. Good-night,” He then showed them out of a back door. Ralph remainel in the saloon till midnight, then he left the place in charge of a trusted em- ployee and ascended the stairs. ‘*Of£ course Lona is asleep by this time,” be muttered, as he inserted a key into the lock of her door, ‘I will just look in, Somehow I feel like taking a peep at her.” Ge softly opened the door, but was amazed when he saw his sister standing in the center of the room, her eyes fixed on his face. **Oh, you are not asleep!” he exclaimed. ‘*Nco, I am not asleep,” she answered, and her voice was barsh, ‘‘I see you havea key to my door, That is something I did not know before,” ‘Tt is one of my keys that happened to fit,” was his awkward explanation. There was a marble hardness about her face that he did not like. Her eyes seemed to burn into his soul. Sbe had discarded masculine at- tire and was garbed in a loose wrapper. “TI do not mean to ever put those hateful things on again!” she asserted, as she saw his eyes were on the padded clothes she had cast upon the floor. ** You are in a bad mood to-night, Lona,” he said, ‘‘1 trust you will feel better in the morn- ing. Good-night,” She did not reply, as he closed and locked the door behind bim, Witbin his own room he paced up and down, his hands clinched, bis brows knitted, the ghast- ly look having returned to his face. “Tama haunted man!” he mattered, ‘ All the black past is sending its shadows to destroy my peace! My crimes, which I had almost for- gotten, seem to be rising before me in all their bastliness! Oh, wn was I not an honest man? would give the world to begiu over and live a different life! [ama wretched, hunted thing! ‘This cursed Velvet Sport is giving me the most trouble! Nothing seems to Ril him. And then who knows that | killed Burt Bishop in the desert—who besides Lona? If there is a God, he alone saw the deed! And yet—the hand on the wall! That hand of fire, that ssemed severed at the wrist! The sight of it seared into my very brain! It was the handof the dead!” His voice had unconsciously risen to a loud pitch, and now he stopped suddenly. ‘*T must keep myself down,” he gritted, his teeth gleaming through his black mustache for amuinute, ‘I must not entirely lose my nerve, I was pretty well sbaken, for I-could not deal faro to win, ‘‘And that madwoman—where have 1 ever seen her face before I came to Palace City? This is the third time I bave seen her since coming here, and there is something strangely familiar about her wild eyes, When—when, long years ago, did such eyes look at me? ‘““Who was that man who darted up and clinched her by the wrist? A stranger in this town, I know. My Moses! I am inclined to be- lieve he may have been Violet Vane! He was about the right build, and his eyes were like th® Velvet Sport’s. I am all confused. Violet — is here, but which one of three persons is e The gambler puzzled over the matter fora long time, but no new light came to him. At length he sar | himself down on the bed, and soon fell into a broken slumber. How long he slept he did not know, but some- thing aroused him at length, He started up, to find his light had gone out or been extinguished, And then— The fiery hand and dagger confronted him on the chamber wall! Beneath the hand glowed a word that seemed written in burning letters of light: ** Doomed !” With a shriek, the man sprung from the bed, and the fiery hand vanished like a phantom! —_—_ CHAPTER IX, A NIGHT OF HORROR. STANDING in the darkness of his room, Royal Ralph stared at the spot where the fiery band bad appeared but a moment before, It was gone, There was no doubt about that, and the gam- bler felf himself shivering as if with the ague. He was filled with an intense borror such as he had never before experienced. His heart seemed to have ceased benting and his blood was curdled in his veins. His eyes fairly bulged from their sockets, For a short time he stood thus, then he beard some one hastily approaching the door of the room, His cry had been heard, and in a mo- ment his sister’s voice called: ** Tom,” He was utterly unable to reply. All power of motion or speech seemed to have deserted him, and left him helpless as a dead man. **Tom !” He must answer. Once more he sought to throw off the spell that had fallen on him—and succesded. ** What is it?” The words astonished him, for his voice seemed that of another person. There was nothing natural about if. ‘* What has happened?” asked the girl beyond the door. Then he was angered, although he knew not why, but that flood of rage did more to unloosen his tongue than anything else, aud he snarled: ‘* What is the matter with you? Nothing has happened here! Go to bed and let me sleep, will you y? There was a moment’s besitation, then her voice slowly said: “*T thought I heard a cry coming from this room,” “Well, you didn’t, and that settles it! Get back to your cage!” He listened and heard her go softly away. Somehow the sound of her retreating footsteps filled him with fresh horror. He was ronily afraid of being left alone! Still he was not ready to believe that of himself—no, no! Once he actually opened his lips to call her back, but he checked the impulse in time. “Why, what an infernal fool Iam!” he mut- tered. ‘'I am like a frightened child, and I de- spise myself for it. If Lona knew I had been so affrighted, she would hold me ip contempt, and my power over ber would be broken,” He sat down on tke bed, During all this he had not taken his eyes trom the wall, He seemed to be watching for the fiery hand to re- appear, “*T don’t understand this,” he whispered, ‘I am almost sure I saw it there, yet it vanished the moment I started up. Can it be I am really haunted?” Cool and nervy man that he had been, the thought seemed to take all the courage out of him, Like all gamblers, he was superstitious to a marked degree, but never before bad he been brought face to face with a mystery like that of the fiery hand, For a long time he sat there in the dark, rot even daring to whisper again; but wild thoughts were running riot in his brain. He was begin- ning to believe he was beyond doubt a haunted man. All thescenes of the tragedy in the desert came back to bim with startling distinctness, After a time, he forced himself to growl: **T had to do it! My borse had died under me, and was about to desert me there in the waterless waste. It was his life or mine, and I would do the same thing again under similar circumstances, Wky should this one red act haunt me when I have done things a bundred times worse?” ’ Tbat was what he could not understand, Lit- tle did he dream the mirage of the desert had revealed the tragedy to his mortal foe, many miles away. He believed the vultures of the air had removed all trace of the tragedy, which was known only to bimself and bis sister. z For some reason, it did not once occur to bim that the fiery hand on the wall was a picturing of his disordered brain. For a long time he sat there in the darkness, wild fancies chasing each other through his head. He did not fancy be could sleep any more, but he finally lay down, still facing the wall, How long he remained awake he did not know. Indeed he was not aware he fell! asleep at all. Suddenly the band again appeared on the wall! Once more Royal Ralph tried to spring up, but an iron hand seemed to chain him to the bed. Struggle as he might, he could not stir. How the fiery hand gleamed! He looked at it closely, and he saw it was Burt Bishop’s hand without a doubt. Bishop bad been his partner so long he was certain of even the appearance of his hands, f The dagger in the grasp of the blazing fingers seemed to quiver as if longing to reach the man onthe bed, That was the fancy that seized up- on the trance-bound gamester. What if— Heavenly Powers! it was coming toward him! Once again Royal tried to throw off the spell and start up, but he was still held rigid on the Slowly and surely, like an animal advancing on its intended prey, the hand and knife glided through theair. Royal watched its approach with a strange feeling of fascination, wondering how long it would be in crossing the room and reaching the bed. He actually began to grow impatient at its slow and stealthy approach, The movement was almost imperceptible, yet it was certainly coming nearer. When it reached the bed—what?” That was a thougiit which sent a shock of hor- ror to his soul, What object had the power whicb was controlling the phantom’s knife? — Nearer, nearer! Gliding, gliding, gliding! He almost fancied he saw the blazing fingers tighten their grip on the haft as if for the pur- pose of using it immediately. And now he no longer tried to break the spell that chained him. All power of purpose that he had ever possessed seemed to have deserted him. He was helpless to await the stroke of the as- sassin dagger of fire. Inch by inch, little by little, oh, so slowly, it was coming! Why did it not dart forward at once and do the deed without delay? Why should he be compelled to endure the torture of watching its snail-like advance? Creeping, coming! , What is that he sees? A faintly outlined form stood in his room—the form of a mani Ata glance be knew it was not that of a living hu- man being! Even then he did not to break from the trance that beld him helpless, Instead of that, he was curious to know what connection the phantom- like figure had with the hand and dugger of. fire. Bit by bit he traced its outline till he saw the blazing band was the left band of the ghost- ly form. With the exception of that hand, the rest of the figure could scarcely be seen, Then he made another discovery. The phantom figure was that of hi pal, Burt Bishop! By this time the figure bad reacked the bed- side and the fiery band and dagger were hel suspended over Royal’s heart. He looked into the face of his phantom pard, and the eyes of Burt Bishop sunk deep into his soul. They were dead eyes, but there seemed a fiendish look of satisfaction in their glassy glare, ( The knife was quivering egain, and then— It fell! The blazing dagger was driven straight for his heart! With a gasping, swwothered scream, the tor- tured gambler—awoke ! Tt had been a horrible dream, Up from the bed he sprung, all the horror of the vision upon him, ‘‘I must have air!” he gasped, then he tore open the door and rushed from the chamber, as if pursued by a thousand devils, ut into the night rushed the dream-crazed zgamester, Ounce fairly beyond the limits of The Trap, he wheeled and looked bebind him, but there was a revolver in his hand, Y A storm was coming up, and there was a faint muttering of thunder away in the distance, The black clouds bad not reared themselves, so they yet obscured the crescent moon tbat bung in the western sky. The white light of the moon and stars was over Palace City, and the only shad- ows were those of the ungainly buildings, For a minute Royal Ralph stood motionless as a stone statue, bis revolver gripped with fingers that were like bands of steel. Then he forced a harsh laugh from bis lips. “ Coward!” he grated; “coward, coward!” | He was amazed to find the revolver in bis hand, for he did wt remember of having drawn it. With sometbing like a curse, he replaced the weapon in his pocket, 7 “A walk through the cool air will set me right,” he muttered. ‘‘I am badly broken up, but I will come round straight to-morrow. So he walked slowly along the street, but, all unconsciously, he kept glancing right and left, searching the shadows on either band. The muttering of the thunder grew louder, and a faint flash of lightning trembled low down along the horizon, In a little while the moon would be obscured, for the storm was rising rap- idly. ; ; He turned and looked behind him, As he did so, a dark figure seemed to skulk into the shad- ws vf a building. ; ; ov Hello!” he Softly breathed, the feeling of horror once more stealing over him. ‘“ AmI followed?” ' Ho stood still and watched the spot where the s murdered a . * s % « ¥ ‘ - ra 7 is 4 . ‘ ¥ a ” ” . - ’ , ‘ ” a - ¥ ’ . id m . s » * 2 <
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+ $ Violet Vane’s Vision. figure had seemed to disappear, but his trouble was unrewarded, Not a living thing seemed stirring there, Again he went on, but he could not shake off the feeling that he was followed, After a few moments he whirled again, and once more he be- lieved he saw that form dart into the shadows, ‘** Yes, I am followed,” be said, speaking soft- ly. ‘‘Thisis no spirit, but a thing of flesh and blood, I may have to try lead on it,” When he advanced again, it was with the ex- press determination of immediately discovering if he was indeed followed. The black cloud was rising and the moon would be obscured in a few moments. Then he would be alone with the un- known who was dogging his footsteps, A third time he wheeled, and then he was sure he saw the form seek the deeper shadows not far * @way. ‘* Who is there?” he called, — No answer. Drawing his revolver, he repeated the ques- tion, Still there was no reply. ‘Tf you do not come out and make yourself known, I shall try a bullet on you,” asserted the gambler. This had no effect on the unknown. Lifting the revolver, Royal sent a bullet into the shadows, but not with the intention of kill- 4, oo one who might be there. *y hen, to his amazement, there was a wild shriek, and a form came plunging toward him. He was so astunished he did not use the revolver again, and the figure that had suddenly resolved itself from the shadows fled past him, It was Mad Mona! Out upon the air floated the deranged woman’s long dark hair. Her face was white as death, and her eyes sent the man with the revolver reel- ing back a step. Then the woman rushed on and was soon swal- lowed by the shadows further on, Before Royal could recover from the amaze- ment that had taken possession of bim, another figure came plunging from the shadows, With a snarl like that of an angry beast, a man sprung upon the gambler, Then the black clouds shut out the moon, Royal found himself attacked by a creature that fought and growled with fury indescrib- able., The sport's revolver had been knocked from his hand, and so the contest was one of brute strength alone, ‘Devil, are you mad?’ asked the gambler, as his assailant tried to fasten his fingers on his throat, ‘** You would have killed her!” was the retort. ** T have been watching and guarding her. You tried to shoot ber!” Royal tried to explain, but the furious man would listen tono explanations. He panted and snarled like a mad-dog, and the gamester found him aman of remarkable strength, despite the fact that he was of slender build. The thunder became louder and the lightning flashed nearer at hand, ~ “It’s for life!” gritted Royal, as he fastened one strong band on the throat of his assailant, Tben he set about choking the man into sub- jection. What a terrible battle it was! It seemed that the creature would never succumb, Swaying, gasping, groaning, they fought on! Gradually Royal’s assailant grew weaker, and the gambler saw he was slowly winning the victory. Still, the unknown fought as long as he could keep on his feet. Of a sudden he became limp, and Royal allow- ed him to sink to the ground, “There!” grated the gamester; ‘‘I almost fancy that fixes you for good and all! But 1 wonder who you ure? If it was not so dark—” He bent over the man, and, as he did so, a bolt of fire rent the clonds, plainly revealing the face of the unconscious man, It was Useless Jackson! Something in those wide-open, staring eyes sent a revelation to the brain of the victor, and be fell back with a gasp of amazement and horror, *‘ After all these years!” he whispered, as he stood in the darkness that followed the flash. “That man has hunted me down, but I have taken his life!” Then, as the thunder-clap seemed to shake the whole world, he fled from the spot, CHAPTER X. MAJOR WAGG HAS A REAL GOOD TIME, Mason Wace was in excellent spirits when he arose the following morning after bucking the tiger in The Trap. He had been a very com- fortable winner, which readily explains his feel- ings the next day, But it must be confessed the major was too fond of “ardent.” He sometimes indulged to an extent that was simply unpardonable and dis- graceful, and when he was fairly over a spree, he always resolutely swore he would never touch another drop of *‘ hilarity creatur.” He always kept his word till he was able to get to the near- est saloon, Now, feeling very well satisfied with himself and all the world, the major indulged in an ‘*eye-opener” immediately be could get down to the bar. That seemed to make him feel still better, and so he surrounded another, inviting the barkeeper to indulge with him, Before breakfast was ready, Wagg had decided another “nip” would give him a fine appetite, and so he absorbed the “ nip.” What a jolly fellow he was that bright morn- ing! How slick and smooth he looked in bis fine clothes, and how his beardless face beamed with happiness and good will toward all mankind! He ate a very comfortable breakfast, and then he thought it was necessary to have a ‘‘settler” for his victuals, Instead of breaking off with one, he took two or three, and as the moments passed, he became happier and happier. He asked everybody to drink at his expense, and everybody arouad immediately accepted the in- vitation. Then he told stories of his adventures in the army, and one venturesome bum inguired if his name was not ‘* Munchuzzen.” **Shentlemen,” said the major, a trifle thick- ly,” in ther Mexican War I was known as ther B-a-a-d M-a-a-n o’ ther Third Battery, I wuz a terror to them Greasers, an’ I hev oftun slaugb- tered two or three hundred o’ ’em single-handed. Why, it got so torruds ther last eend o’ ther war thet they’d jest lay right down an’ die w’en they saw me lookin’ at ’em.” ‘* Frightened to death?” inquired a small man, “* Yep, jest nacherally skeered so their hearts stopped beatin’ fer ther last time.” **Dunno’s I wonder,” murmured the little man, “Eh? The major glared atthe questioner. ‘‘Thersight o’ you is ernough ter skeer any- body ter death,” declared the mild-appearing man. : With a roarlike that of a mad bull, Wage charged on the audacious fellow, and the little man fled through the open door with such sud- denness that he made a gaping fissure in the at- mosphere, “ Ef I'd laid han’s on him,” observed the ‘irate major, as he glared around, ‘‘1’d literally rent him limb from limb, by jehocus! Thet wuz an insult tera man who bas fought, Lied an’ died fer his country, as I hev.” Then he asked everybody up to drink again, and intimated there would be serious trouble if any ove refused. No one refused. As they were lined up at the bar, Wagg told remarkable tales of his adventures in India. He claimed to have taken tigers by the ‘‘scuff o’ their necks” and shaken them asif they were common cats, and more than once he had caused raging lions to quail and flee by barely giving them a glance from his piercing eye, With each passing moment, his speech grew thicker and his manner more offensive. He fin- ally attacked Palace City and condemned it into a heap. He declared there was not a man of “blood” in the whole place, and then he sallied out into the street, announcing his determina- tion to take the town, With a revolver in each hand, the corpulent pocater started down the street, firing right and eft. *“Whop-ee!” he yelled. “I’m zer high ole muck-a-muck frum Yuba Dam! I’m a b-a-a-d man - trucks, an’ I want all zer room zere ish! 00 Attracted by the noise, asmall dog charged on the major, barking loudly, The dog was a most insignificant creature of the mongrel sort, but the ‘bad man” was startled by the sudden charge, “Ob, wow!” he yelled. *‘ Zar dorg ish mad!” Then, with his silk hat set on the back of bis head and arevolver in each hand, he took to flight, yelling like a band of wild Indians: ‘Mad dog! mad dog ! mad dog!” The dog followed, and the people of Palace City were treated to the spectacle of a wild-look- ing, corpulent man, dressed in new clothes and a shining silk hat, tearing down the street with a flea-invested cnr at heels, It was a race between a two hundred pound man and a twelve pound pup. And the spectators fairly screamed with laughter, Suddenly the frightened man tripped and rolled over and over in the sticky mud, caused by the shower that occurred in the night. The dog was unable to pause so suddenly, and so, quite unintentionally on his part, he found him- self on top of the major. In some way Wagg grasped that dog by the neck with his left hand, his right seeking some weapon of defense, It happened to grasp his high hat, and, without delay, be began pounding the dog over the head with the tile, all the while screaming for help. The dog howled and tried to get away. And the spectators—well, they came near having fits, They could only bang onto their sides and shout with mirth. At length, the dog succeeded in its purpose and fled howling up the street, its tail between its legs, For a short time Wagg sat there in the mud of the street, a dazed look on his face, his clothes covered with a sticky mass and his ruined silk hat still grippedin his hand. Then he suddenly struggled to his feet and ran shouting into the nearest saloon. The barkeeper was amazed to see a mud- covered man who had aruined silk hatin bis hand, come plunging in at the door, bowling: ‘Gimme shum whisky quick! I’m bit! Mad dog!” He got the whisky, and as he was about to drink it, he said: ‘* This ish to shteady my nervesh,.. Tl] never die wish hy-hy-hkydra-fobbly —neversh! T'sh goin’ ter shoot myshelf w’er) 1 bash drank zish!” Then be surrounded the whisky. ‘* Where are you bit?” inquired the barkeeper. * Dunno,” was the auswer, as che major began to search for the place. He never found it, ‘*By jehocusb!” he grinned. ‘“‘I guesh I bain’t bit aftersh all. Most ’stonishin’ ’scape!” ‘‘ Well, you will please pay for that whisky.” Wagg did so, and then invi'ed every one present to drink with him. ‘* Now,” he said, trying to be sober and wiping his mouth with his hand, ‘‘1 basb changed my mind *bout shootin’ myshelf. I dropped m4 z)lversh out zere, I’m goin’ out an’ git zem, zen reckon I'll go hunt up Fiery Finch an’ shout him, by gum!” He staggered out and found bis revolvers after considerable trcuble. Then he started on his “town-taking” career again, flourishing the weapons and calling for Fiery Finch to come out of his hole and be everlastingly ‘‘ chawed up. Suddenly he came face to face with the very man hea was looking for. ‘Dyer want ter see me?” growled the little fire-eater, glaring savagely at the intoxicated major. ‘*Nun-nun-vo!” stammered the startled brag- gart, ‘‘ That ish—I—you—we— Lesh go take a drink!” But Finch declined and walked off in disgust, telling the bilarious major to go soak his head, ‘“*Shoke my head!” murmured Wagg, aston- ished. ‘‘I glesh not! Anyway, I skeered him like zer doose. My head doesh fee] funny.» Meb- be I ougbter hey it shoked.” “ All right,” said a voice above, and down on his head came a pail of dirty water. He had been standing beneath a window, and his desire to have his head soaked had been heard by some- body in an upper room. Wagg was about to make a rush for the door of the building, when along came the person,who had attempted to deliver a sermon in The rap the night before, “T say, my dear brother in sin,” drawled the Parson, ‘‘ you seem to be in a sad plight.” **No, I hain’t!” retorted Wagg. ‘I’m in zer wusht conflounded kickin’ hole of a town I ever shaw!” ““Why, you’re drunk!” exclaimed the minis- ter, holding up bis hands in horror, “Youre a liar by zer clocksh! I bain’t had but one snifter this bull derned mornin’sh,” ‘*Ob, my_dear fallen brother!” moaned the Parson, “ My heart is sad within me as I look upon your pitiful condition.” ‘“* Heart shad?’ asked the major. ‘‘Zen you jesht come wish me an’ I'll find you shumshin’ that'll make it feel diffrunt. hoop! Come on, ole Gospel sharp!” ; He seized the Parson by the arm, but the good man hung back and tried to reason with him, However, Wagg managed to drag him into a saloon near at band. : Half an‘bour later they both came out into the street, and moved away, arm in arm. Their course was far from a straight track, and both seemed in the best of spirits. Wagg’s clothes were still covered with dust and_ his battered hat was on the back of bis head, Somehow, the Parson’s bat had taken a rakish tip, and his legs ‘ey
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10 seemed somewhat unsteady beneath him, Ina whisky-tinted voice, he sung as loudly as he could: ‘‘ I’m a follower of the Lamb.” At the same time Major Wage gurgled the chorus of ** Little Annie Rooney.” In this manner the two men wobbled Gown the street and took to the trail that led toward Misery Camp. Half an hour later, a lone trav- eler who came into town reported seeing them both sound asleep in the very center of the trail about half a mile from Palace City. CHAPTER XI, VANE. WuHen Major E. Wagg, Esq., awoke he was alone, and the sun showed mid-day was past. The Parson had disappeared, but that did not trouble Wagg, for he had quite forgotten his meeting with the minister. Wagg sme and blinked at the sky, still re- maining flat on his back, ** Waal, gol-dern a fool!” were the first words he spoke. ‘* Hyer I’ve bin sleepin’ in ther sun, an’ I'll bet a dollar my complexun is spoilt! Reckon I must hev bin lookin’ on ther tangle- foot w’en it wuz red.” ’ After a time, he sat up and looked around. ‘*Ef I don’t sw’ar off fer good this yere time, it'll be ’cause I’m jers a natteral-born fool! Now, I’ve bin an’ ruint all my clothes an’ I sha’n’t be able ter git anythin’ in this miserable hole o’ er town that will be satisfactory ter my refined and delicate tasters, ** Waal, I seem ter be all erlong hyer—” “¢ Appearances are deceptive, Erastus,” Wagg gave a great start, asa man suddenly stepped out into view a short distance away. It was Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport! But the sport was not dressed in bis usual gar- ments of black, and the bunch of fresh violets was missing from the lapel of his coat, His clothes were of a rough but serviceable order, and the shining silk hat which he habitually wore had been replaced by a cowboy’s sombrero. His face was shaved smooth, The major scrambled to his feet, uttering a whoop ef delight. ‘Sweet Violets, ur I’m a howlin’ liar!” he cried, ‘‘Why, pard, how are ye! I’m jest scandalously delighted ter clap my cross-grained ole optics on ye once more!” He seized Vane’s hand and wruug it excitedly. ‘* Well, Erastus, I am glad to see you are yet alive, but I could hardly believe it you when I first saw you in town with all those fine feathers on. Where did you strike ’em, old man?” ' Wagg laughed with satisfaction, “‘Ob, 1 made the hit o’ my life, pard!” he de- clared. ‘Found an ole coon thet hed been massycreei by a’Patchy red-skin, He’d made his pile au’ cached it. Said he didn’t have nary relative in all ther worl’ ter guv it ter, so he ' fodded it over ter me ef I'd guy him a decent buriak It wuza big hit fer me!” **I should say so. You scarcely look like Old Sunflower—” * Sb, sh! Be easy, pard! I hain’t Ole Sun- ' flower, the Sport o’ ther Shaggy Pate no longer. Ef ary critter durst speak o’ me as ther woolly- headed man, Ill murder him on ther shot! I’ve drapped them cogs, und now I’m Major Erastus Wagg, Esq.” Vane smiled a bit, ** Well, you have come up in the world!” “Yep; but I’ve bin. down, too,” confessed Wagg. **T should say so by the Jooks of your clothes, Erastus, I fear you still drink,” “Nol don’t,” protested the major. ‘I hain’t drunk a drop sence some time this forenoon. I’ve sworn off, pard.” “ Till when?” “Ob, ferever! Why, look at these fine clothes! Looker thet hat! Them clothes cost me a mint o’ money! I’ve ruined’em! Thet bat can’t be repliced in these yere parts! Oh, it’s turrible!’ 1 is tough.” “Té I bad time, I'd weep a couple weeps; but I’m so derned tickled ter see you, pard, thet I hain’t got any brine thet I kin start.” “Well, lam glad to see you. You have al- ways been my friend, Erastus,” * Allus.” ‘*My time is also limited. I want you to do me a favor.” Sweet Violets, I’m at your kermand,.” “Thank you, I have traced Tom Lewis to _ this town, He did his best to throw me cff the _ trail, but 1 followed like a bound, Lona is also _ here,” ' “You bet! I say, don’t she make a stunnin’ boy?” ‘ % Violet Vane’s Vision. ee: SS ne TRE EAN EL STS LT Re Se TR IE REY Ee BE aE ‘*How were you sold? asked Roy&é_, some- ‘Then you have penetrated her disguise. That being the case, you must know Lewis is Royal Ralph, He was the Dagger Dan of Shanty City.” : **Ob, yes, I know ther whelp!” “Well, what I want you to do.s tocarry a note to Lona for me, I managed to get one to her last night, and I want to communicate with her again. Do you think you can aid ce oT go putt merself in a box ef I can’t, ard!” **Good! Here it is. It simply lets ber know my plans to a certain extent, and tells her to keep hopeful, I sball depend on you to deliver it without fail, If it gets to her all right, she will see that it is destroyed.” ** Waal, it shell git ter ber all right, don’t you worry ’bout thet,” ‘¢- You shall not lose anything, Erastus.” ‘‘Pard,” came soberly from Wagg’s_ lips, “‘your friendship is ther best reward I kin hev!” Again they clasped hands. ‘¢ Now I must be going,” said Vane. cow at?” “Would you mind tellin’ me jest w’at disguise you sail under in town? I’m derned ef I kin jest pick ye out! You’re ther dernedest critter i ever saw ter disguise yerself!” ‘¢ Hrastus, I hope you won’t feel hurt if I de- cline.” “Oh, naw, naw!” “You shall know before long, but for the present I do not mean to trust the secret to any one but myself. ‘You know you are inclined to take a smile now and then, and your tongue-—” ‘*Thet settles it, leetle pard., I'll jest keep cool tell ye see fit ter let me inter it.” A moment later they parted, Wagg turning back toward Palace City. As Violet Vane watched his friend depart, be little dreamed a pair of evil eyes were tri- umphantly bry sey OS The voice of Dan Burns softly muttered: ** Got him—got him, sure! Ef we don’t scoop that boodle, it’ll be ’cause I don’t know how ter shoot!” A revolver was grasped in the right hand of the ruffian tool of a villain. After watching Wagg a short time, Vane turned and retraced his steps from the trail, striking into a broken section, It bappened the land was very favorable .for Burns to follow, and he sneaked along after the unsuspecting sport, chuckling beneath bis breath, a light of murder in bis eyes, , ‘Pll wait till be gits back from ther trail far enough,” thought the rascal, ‘Ef I took a pop at bim too soon, thet fat fool he has just been talkin’ with might hear it an’ come howlin’ back this way.” So _ be continued to follow the unwarned sport till Vane entered a dark and narrow ravine, Then the would-be assassin halted, took care- ful aim, and fired. With a suddenness that astonished the ruffian, ‘Vane had fallen forward on his face, apparently done to death! CHAPTER XTi. RALPH FANCIES HE SEES THE TRICK. Att day long Royal Ralph kept from sight cf the people of Palace City. He did not want them to see him in his sbaken condition, for he had not recovered from the effect of the terrible night just passed. He knew it would ruin his reputation for nerve, and before another night he might be called on to dispose of more than one ‘bad man” who would seize the opportu- nity to down bim, So darkness was coming down on Palace Cit when he made bis appearance in The Trap. was but a short time after the lamps were lighted that a man cme into the saloon, and the gambler saw it was one of his chosen tools. Within a few minutes Ralph and Sam Hobbs were seated in the little room where the villain- ous compact had been made the night before. “Well, whné luck?” impatiently asked the proprietor of the den, ‘“Ther very wu’st!” growled Hobbs, A hard look settled on the gamester’s pale ace, ‘*- You have not heen successful?” * Wary successful,” ‘* What was the matter?” “Wal, straight goods an’ no bluffin’,I was sold,” Sold?” Hobbs nodded, ‘erful hard thing like an ugly light in Lis eyes, ‘*T was plumb fooled.” ** By whom?” ‘That o’nery red-bead.” ** You were shadowing him?” “ Yes,” * And Dan?” “Was lookin’ after ther Parson.” ‘* Where is Dan now?” ** You tell!” Royal Ralph leaned across the table that was between them, and clutched the wrist of his ruf- fianly tool. “« Has anything happened to him?” “ Dunno.” ‘“‘ Well, you ought to know!” “T know that, but I’m left out in ther dark.” ‘* How does it happen?” ‘‘ Wal, ye see, Burns he hain’t showed up. He took after ther Parson, an’ sence then he’s heen out of sight, so ter speak.” ‘¢ How about the Parson?” ‘* He’s here in Palace City, struttin’ round as big as life an’ jest as nattera],” he gambler fell back in his chair, a curse coming from beneath his handsome mustache. Althougb he knew not exactly why, the words of his satellite filled him with dismay he could not express, “Tt duz look bad fur Burns, don’t it?’ and Hobbs leaned forward to peer into the face of his master, surprised at the usually nervy gambler’s display of emotion. Ralph did not immediately reply, for he was deep in thought, His usually handsome face was now forbidding in expression and looked almost haggard, he man felt that all the powers were combining against him. Hobbs seemed to see something in the face of his companion that puzzled him, and be did not venture to speak again till Ralph saw fit to re- ly: Pl ye4, it seems strange. Something must have happened to Gat pard.” ‘* Jest ther way I figgered it.” ‘* Well, we are in the dark as to what happen- ed, so we will speak of your own success.” “ Call it my lac!: of success, boss,” ‘Call it what you please, so long as you give me the points, You were watching Fiery Finch?” “Yes, I was—that’s right.” ‘““Then he gave you the slip?” ‘Wal, you’ve named it,” ‘* How did it happen? ‘You were careless!” ‘*Think so, boss? Wal, jest you hear how it was—then say. I hed follered ther critter ter a raveen back yon some miles, an’a pow- job I had of it! There’s an’ old hut there, an’ he went inter that. It’s a reg’ler tumble-down thing. I jest laid low ter watch fer him when be kem out, fer ye see it was mighty dangerous ter foller, He would be almost sure ter git onter me.” ‘“ That was right.” ‘*Mebbe so; mebbe not, Anyhow, ther red- headed galoot didn’t come out.” “e al ** No, he never made a show-up, but a short time after he went in, ther Parson kem out.” “Well, this is interesting!” exclaimed Royal. **] thought so,” admitted Hobbs. **T won- dered whar Burns was, fer he was ter watch ther Parson, an’ I hevn’t seen nary hide nor hair of him,” ** What did you do?” “ Laid still an’ let him slide.” _ You let the Parson go?” “ce ‘But still waited for Finch?” * You've struck it,” “ Well, that was right. What followed?” “Wal, ther red-head didn’t foller ther Par- son, that was sure.” “What did you do?” ‘Laid low as long as I could stan’ it, an’ then sneaked up ter ther cld shanty, expectin’ ter git knocked over witb a bullet any minute.” You still live, I see,” “ A little. Wal,I crawled reund ther hole fer purty nigh a nour before I dared go in, Then I got a brace on, gripped my gun ready fer husiness an’ entered.” ‘* What did you find?” | ‘* A whole hut full of air.” * What?” “ Jest that, nuthin’ more.” ‘* Where was Finch?” * You tell!” 5 Royal was surprised, and be did not attempt to conceal it. He was also angry. ‘You must have gone to sleep and let the red-head give you the slip!” he almost snarled, x « - s « ’ ‘
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t ‘*Nary sleep, boss!” was the prompt assertion. **T kept my peepers wide open all ther time, an’ a rat couldn’t bave left that old but ’thout me seein’ of it.” , ‘Then how in the world did Fiery Finch get out?” ‘* T never’ll tell.” ‘ sae gambler struck the table with his clinched s _ “ He must have been hidden somewhere with- in the place, then!” “There wasn’t a chance fer a squirrel ter hide,” ** You are sure?” ** Dead certain.” ‘*Tben how do you explain it?” **T don’t.” The two men sat and looked at each other in silence for several moments, The gambler’s face was working strangely, and a mind-reader would have seen his thoughts pictured on his speaking countenance, which was procf enough he was losing his nerve, for he had ever been a man of iron with a face of marble. “Tt’s a twister!” Hobbs observed, after a time, Ralph regarded his tool inquiringly. Had the man told him the strict truth? If not, what reason could Hobbs have forlying? That was more than he could tell, and the rascal did not appear to have been prevaricating. “* There is something mysterious about that old hut,” asserted the gamester. “T won’t deny that, boss,” “You have no explanation to offer?” ““Nary bit.” “Then let me think.” For at least five minutes the gambler was buried in deep thought, and his chosen tool did not interrupt {him. Hobbs was thinking of ‘the singular disappearance of Dan Burns when be was startled by seeing Royal again Smite the table, **T have it!” almost shouted the card-sharp. You have?” ** You bei!” “Wal, let me in on ther ground floor, I’m all adrift about this ’fair.” ‘** Hobbs, you ought to smell the trick,” ““T’ve got catarrh, boss, an’ my smellers are spiled.” “You saw the same man enter and leave the old hut!” The tough stared at Ralph in astonishment, “Hain’t goin’ daft, be ye, boss?” be finally inquired. * Not at all, but I see through the trick.” “T don’t see through it yit.” * ‘You must be blind, as well as devoid of smell, for it is simple,” “Pll take your word for that, but you must spread for me afore I kin grasp ther p’ints.”, Stop and think it over, Sam. eroember what I just said, aud see if that will not belp your eyesight. Put on your mental spectacles, and scan it from all sides,” Hobbs shook his head, 2 amie in ie good,” he muttered, etch ona powerful micrysk > Tl ’zamine it with that.’ \ iota hod The dullness of his compauvion made the gam- bler impatient. Everything now seemed clear as day to him, and he could not understand why it was not as clear to his satellite, “ Well, I will explain it so you can not help understanding,” he said, shortly, ‘Now, pay attention, and I will spread it ont thin. This Fiery Finch and the Parson are—” He was interrupted by a knock on the door. The knock was a peculiar one, and Royal Ralph uttered an exclamation of satisfaction. “Now we will hear the otver side,” he said, mat gered a the door, an Burns staggered into the room, bi and face covered with blood, re ——> apo CHAPTER XII, DAN BURNS'S story, EXcLAMATIONS of amazement broke from the lips of the two men who witnessed the condition of Dan Burns, He wasin trutha sorry-looking object. e reeled toward a chair and dropped into it, gurgling: * W hisky—gimme somethin’ tar drink !” In a moinent Royal had thrust a flask into the fellow’s hand, He then made sure the door was BRCHED. after which he came back to the table, What has strack you, Burns?” be asked, * Cold lead,” was the reply, Are you hard hit?” Dunno, boss, but I’m powerful weak. I’ve Jost a heap of blood, I reckon,” Violet Vane’s Vision. ** Who did it” ** Violet Vane.” At that, both the gambler and Hobbs were on their feet. ‘* Violet Vane?” repeated Royal, excitedly. ** That’s ther critter.” “Then you found him?” ** You’re shoutin’. He found me, too.” ‘Give us the points.” ‘* Pil do that same as soon as I wash this blood off an’ git sometbing bound round my head. But I want ter know soon as possible ef l’m goia’ ter kick ther bucket.” Royal directed Hobbs where to find water, and soon a whole bucketful was before the wounded man. With the aid of bis pard, the blood was slowly washed from his head, Then Royal exxmined the wound, **You’re all right, Burns,” he cheerfully de- clared. ‘‘ You were simply creased. It is the 1 ss of blood that bas taken the snap and life out of you, Your skull is as sound as a dollar, though the lead must bave cut close along the bone,” “Close ernough ter knock me silly. I saw more’n five million colors of lights, an’ then I didn’t see northin’,” ** You became unconscious?” f “ce Yes,” The gambler had prepared some cloths from a supply he always bad close at hand, and he was soon binding up Dan Burns’s head. Ina few minutes the wounded man was in a very comfortable condition and seemed to feel much better, ‘* Now for that story,” said Ralph, impatient- ly. ‘*I am anxious to know how it all came about. Yousay Violet Vane shot you?” ‘* That's what he did,” * Give us the points!” “Wal, you see, Hobbs took arter ther red- headed galoot an’ I struck fer ther Parson. I had a right good time findin’ ther Gospel sharp, but I ketched ter him at last. Then he led mea lively dance about town till he:struck the old coon who calls hisself Major Wagg. Ther major induced ther Parson ter drink, an’ both seemed ter git hilariously full, 1 reckoned I had a ie.” ** Quite naturally.” ** But I didn’t.” oc No” ‘*Notany. Ther two reeled out of town arm- in-arm, an’ bout hafe a mile down ther trail they sot down terrest. I settled down ter watch ’em, ’Fore ten minutes they was both stretched on their backs, seemin’ ter "joy ther sleep of ther boozed.” ‘* Did you improve the opr ortunity?” ‘*T kem nigh it,” *© Near it?” ‘ Yes,” ** What do you mean?” ‘Wal, [ was "bout ter sneak up ter ’em an’ ‘’amine ther Parson, when I see’d a hossman comin’ down ther trail, Thet made me lay Ww. oN Go on,” . ‘*Thet’s what I muttered ’bout ther hossman,” “* And he did?" ** Arter stoppin’ an’ takin’ a look at ther two critters stretched out ter bake in thersun, He laugbed at ’em an’ rid on.” ‘You were not seen by him?” “Not any.” ** And then—” **] waited till he was well erlong, then I ris’ up an’ was ’bout ter proach ther major an’ ther Parson. But I didn’t,” “ No? ‘* Not a bit, Ther parson rose up bout ther same time I did, an’ I jest drapped again.” Royal made an impa tient gesture. ‘*Hurry up! Don’t drag it out!” : “Wal, ther Parson looked at Wagg an laughed.” “Ha! that was queer!” * Jest what I thought. Then he looked "long ther trail toward ther town an’ laughed again, He seemed mightily tickled and satisfied, and he muttered something that I did not jest ketch, After that he started off, walking straight asa string.” * Be wasn’t drunk?” * Not a blamed bit!” Royal did not seem at all amazed by this, and he muttered softly: ‘* Another of the sport’s tricks. He is full of them,” Neither Hobbs or Burns understood his words, and the wounded rascal contigued: “Ther Parson didn't come toward ther town, but made off inter ther bills over yen. I follered, though be made it hard for me to do so, Thar is 1E alittle raveen way over there, an’ he bad a way of gittin’ down inter it "thout enteriv’ by ther mouth, I follered bim down, an’ he gave me quite a tramp. Finally he halted clost by asmalk thicker, an’ he looked round ev’rywaar, as if he s’pected ter see somebody, Arter that, he went inter ther thicket.” Burns stopped, but the gambler impatiently commanded him to continue, “Did you follow bim into the thicket?” ‘*No, thank ye, 1 thought too much of my hide. Butit wassosmall lc’u’d see bim w’em he left it, so I laid low an’ watched.” ‘“*With what result?” ‘**Nother critter kem out.” “Who? ‘Fiery Fincb.” For a third time the gambler smote the table. “Just as I thought!” he cried. Burns was astonished by this outburst, but Hobbs bad become quite used to them, ‘Did you follow Finch?” asked Royal, ‘*No; I was arter t’other critter, but I looked fer Hobbs, I thought he might be roun’ some~ whar, but I didn’t see anythin’ of him, sol de-- cided ther red-head kad guy bim ther slip.” ‘*That’s what he did,” nodded the other ruf-- fian. % ‘You remained and watched the thicket?” questioned Royal. ‘* Till I got tired.” “What then?” ‘“*{ went inter it.” ‘What did you find?” ““Nary blamed thing!” ‘* What has become of Finch?” ‘“That’s more than I kin tell, an’ it was suck a puzzle that I kem nigh faintin’. It jest com- pletely twisted meallup. He had vanished as. ef ther groun’ hed swallered him.” A knowing smile appeared on the card-sharp’s face, ** Pards,” be said, ‘‘ you are dealing with the trickiest man in all Arizona, What tricks Violets Vane doesn’t know and cen’t work are not worth a hoot,” ‘“‘T s’pose there was a trick of some kind,”™ came slowly from Burns’s lips, ‘‘ but I don’t jest. drop ter it,” PE hear sa trick was played on Hobbs,” ‘¢- You bet!” nodded Sar. “Now I will explain it,” declared Royal. ‘* Riery Finch and the Parson are both one and the same person, and that person is Violet. Vane!” ‘Ther devil!” cried both the desperadoes, ‘* Not exactly,” assured the card-sharp, “ but in Jeague witb his Satanic Majesty. If the devik bas not aided Violet Vane iv the past, 1 would like to know the reason why,” “But it can’t be you’re right!” burst from Burng’s lips. ‘*T knew you would think so, but I am right, just the same, It is simple enough, The Par- son knew he was followed, and he wished to foob ycu, so he goes into the thicket, changes his dis- guise, and walks out Fiery Finch, leaving you to watch a deserted spot. The same thing was. worked with Hobbs, Finch disappears into an old but; the Parson comes out, hen be exam- ines the but, it is deserted, Isit not plain enough to you both now?” The two toughs drew deep breaths, mutter- ing: f Wal, I sw’ar!” When they had somewhat recovered from their amazement, Royal asked Burns to con- tinue, saying he had not yet explained how he came to be wounded, ** Wal, I struck back fer camp, w’en I saw I was fooled, an’ ther air must bev bin discolored by some of ther wordsI said. I tell you, I did feel cut up!” gin ‘Ef you felt wuss then I did, you must have felt bad,” asserted Hobbs, , ‘‘ Wal, I felt bad ernough. W’en I got wharI c’u’d, I thought I’d jest take a look at Major Wagg, fer I didn’t know but he hed bin foolin’, too. It hed bin some hours sence I left him sprawled out in ther trail, but he was snoczin” then in a way that promised ter last all day. W’en I got nigh ther spot, I heerd voices. Then. I crept up cautious-like, an’ w’at did I see?” “This is not a guessing-match,” declared Royal. ‘‘Go on.” . “Wal, [saw Wagg on his feet, | fer al} he was wu’tb an’ shakin’ ther hand of a feller he called Sweet Violets, I never’d seen ther fel- ler before, but 1 tumbled that he was Violet Vane.” ** And you were right!” ** You bet!” ‘What passed between them?”
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12 Violet Vane’s Vision. ‘A letter.” **A letter?” “ Yes,” ‘*Did you hear what was said!” “Only part of it. Vane guv ther letter ter “Wagg, an’ he tole him ter guy it ter some one, I -dunno who, Then they had some more talk, -shook han’s again an’ parted.” ‘* You followed Vane?” ‘* Wal, I sh’u’d snicker!” ** Which way did he go?” ‘*Back toward the raveen whar I hed jest -come frum.” The gambler’s satisfaction was apparent on his face, for now there was not a doubt in his mind but that the Velvet Sport was playing the double part of the fire-eater and the Parson. To his knowledge the two characters had not both been seen at one time, as, of course, they could not if they were one person, **) follered him clean inter ther raveen,” con- tinued Burns; ‘‘ an’ then I decided ter wipe bim out. I got a dead bead on him, an’ jest then he started as iftorun. I pulled trigger, and he went down at ther same instant, f course, I thought I hed finished bim, fer be never moved arter he fell, so I jumped up an’ started toward him. Jest asI was leetle over hafe way ter him, a spout of smoke burst from the quiet body an’I felt as if ther hull world hed tumbled on my head. I saw plenty of stars, an’ then I didn’t know any more!” ** Vane was not dead!” “ Wal, [ sh’u’d say not. I don’t believe [ even tetched him.” ‘** But he fell.” * An’ J think that’s w’at saved his hide,” +“ How?” ‘ “He must bave tripped jest as I pulled “trigger. **T see! And so he escaped?” ‘Yes; but I didn’t.” ** Evidently not,” ** Tt was almost dark w’en I kem to, an’ I was ‘so weak I c’udn’t stan’,. I hey crawled a good part of the way here, but here I be.” That was the whole of Dan Burns’s story. “ Well,” said Royal, ‘fone point is settled. But I must get possession of that paper or letter Vivlet Vane gave to Wagg. If the sport shows up to-night, it will be the end of his career, for I will take his case in hand. You fellows bave -done well, and here is your money. If you ‘stand ready to aid mein case I need aid, more will fall to your lot.” “You kin depend on us, boss,” assured the ‘two rascals, as they eagerly seized the cash given ‘them. ‘ We like your style, an’ we’re with ye ter down Violet Vane fer keeps.” ~——— CHAPTER XIV, THE GAMBLER SHOWS HIS POWER, FRomM the little room Royal Ralph ascended to tthe chambers and rapped at bis sister’s door, ‘** What do you want?” was Lona’s demand. * T want to come in,” he answered. **T do not want to see you.” ** Well, you will have to, all the same.” ‘* What if I refuse to open the door?’ “ You will not.” He séemed very confident, as he really was, ‘for he had seen her in many a defiant mood, mone of which had lasted, however, Toere was a dead silence within the room, * Lona?” ‘* Well, sir?” ** Open the door.” He heard her slowly approach, then she ‘Of course you will,” he agreed, and yet he ‘was aware she had intended to add the word * not. There was no further hesitation, The key suddenly «turned in the lock and the door was flung open. The girl confronted him, ber eyes blazing. “Phe privacy of a lady’s chamber should be ‘sacred to her own brother!” she cried. ‘‘ But you do not see fit to regard it thus! You thrust ‘yourself upon meat any and all times, no mat- ter how much I protest.” He showed his teeth in a tigerish smile, “Come, come, Lona!” and he lifted one hand deprecatingly. ‘‘ What is the use for you to get -on your mad in this way!” ‘With you it is useless!” was her scornful re- “tort. ‘‘ You have no regard for my wishes—no sense of delicacy or even decency! And I do mot wonder! You are not the brother I once iknew—no, no! You are changed to something Her manner cut him more than her words, for he had heard her speak that way before, To-night he saw in her a new uprising of her rebellious spirit—an uprising more formidable than anything she had shown of late. Once he had thought her subservient to bis will in every particular, but now he was not so sure, ‘*Tt is all because of that cursed sport!” he thought. ‘‘ In some way, she has discovered he is near. She loves that man with aJl her heart, but he shall never have her!” She saw by the working of his face that bit- ter thoughts were in his mind, but she still faced him bravely. ‘* What do you wish?” she asked, He regarded ber from head to feet. ‘* You are not dressed for the saloon,” “c No.” ‘‘ The time to go down is near,” ““T know it.” ‘* You should be ready. She was silent. ‘Look here, Lona,” and he placed a hand on her shoulder, only to have it shook off, while she fell back, repugnance expressed by her face, ‘*T want you to besensible. You do not mean to deal to-night?” “You are right.” ** But you will, just the same!” “T will not!” ‘*You are only making a fool of yourself. Get on your masculine clothes!” **T will never touch them again!” He laughed, but there was little merriment in the sound, ** Don’t deceive yourself—you will be at the faro-table within the hour.” She closed her Jips firmly, and her blue eyes looked her defiance, “T know you donot mean to go there,” he said, ‘ but you cannot help it.” ‘Your power over me is gone!” she asserted. “That is another mistake of yours, It is simply stronger than ever. Even at this min- ute you are doubting your ability to resist it,” He never uttered truer words, His dark eyes seemed tocharm her, She had thought she wovld meet them with looks of utter defiance, but now she felt them stealing away her strength, How she fought against the baleful influence, but all to no avail! ‘Ob, Tom!” she finally cried; brokenly; ‘*have you no compzession on me?” The he knew he had won, and once more he attempted to rest his hand on ber shoulder, Oaly to have her shrink shudderingly away, as sbe had before, while she whispered: §* Don’t—don’t touch me!” He scowled. ‘* Why do you avoid my touch?” ** Can you ask that?” **T do ask it.” ‘* Your hands are stained with blood!” Her horror was not counterfeited, and, for a moment, he felt a touch of it. The color left his face and he actually trembled, This he tried to conceal from her, and was successful. “Well, what of it?” came harshly from his lips. Ms You’re a murderer!” ss Bosh! Ihave been forced to defend my- self, ‘**Ah! you did not kill Dan Marden in self- defense!” “*T deny that I killed Dan Marden,” ‘** But the proof—” ‘* Was the words of a drunken bummer that wasafterward lynched, What dves that amount to for proof? Nothing at all!” * And still I feel it is true.” ‘Yes, you are ready to turn against me, and you should be the one to stand by. me. A fine sister, you are!” , She quailed before his anger, for he seemed about to strike ber; but he restrained himself. ‘*No more of this foolishness, Lona! Do you hear? I will not haveit! I know what is best for you, and you must obey me!” ‘‘And is it best that I go night after night into a drinking and gambling-den where as- semble the worst creatures to be found in a min- ing-camp of this character? Is that what you consider best? You seem to forget Iam a wo- man!—you forget I am not like yourself!” ‘**] protect you in the saloon, You are never insulted,” “Not in words, but I know my sex is no secret, despite the clothes I wear, and night af- ter night looks are cast at me which make my blood curdle. They are as insulting as any words can be! On, Tom, Tom! why will you drag me down to tkat bateful place again?” ‘*T amin no mood to hear this kind of talk,” any more, I am going to leave you now, and I want you to puton your male attire at once, You must lose no time if you would take your place at the regular hour. This life will not al- ways last, and when I have made money enough, we wil] vanish from this town. Then never again will you be called on to do anything dis- tasteful to you.” * Well,” she said, grimly, her face growing cold, “I will take my place to-night, but the money you covet may not come to you.” Those words sounded unpleasantly in his ears; somehow they seemed almost like a threat. : With a bow, he left her to dress for the sa- oon. CHAPTER XV. A DESPERATE DEED. A FEW minutes after the usmal time, Lona, as ‘‘ Handsome Harry,” took her place at the faro- table. She showed no trace of ber interview with her brother, the color having come back to her face, and her manner being as calm as u-ual, Royal Ralph smiled with evil satisfaction as be saw this, “She is quite over her foolishness,” he mut- tered. ‘I thought she would come round all right, I shall bave no}more trouble with her for a time. “Ab! butis that true? If Violet Vane enters this saloon to-night, be will never go forth alive! If he is in disguise, she wil] not know him, and so his death will not affect ber so much, I think she would take her own Jife if she knew the truth, so it must be kept from her. But how?” That was the question that troubled him, He studied over it for a little time, and then be was {struck with an idea, At once be went to the bartenders and other employees about the place, and told them to be ready to turn out every light if he did any shooting during the evening. “That will make it all right,” be thought, with satisfaction, ‘‘If the sport were shot and his disguise then removed, she would never re- cover from the shock; but as soon as the lights are turned off, I will have the body carried out. She eball never see it again,” With everything thus arranged for the foul work, Royal assumed his usual position near his sister. The game opened bard and) ran slow, but it was soon to be stirred Op. ; Into the saloon came Major Wagg, and on his arm hung the Parsou, The minister seemed to still be sadly under the weather, for be clung to the major in order to keep on his feet. Wagg, on the other hand, had the appearance of being fully recovered, although bis clothes were still in @ sal plight, and his silk hat looked battered and worn. ‘‘ M’ dear brosber,” said the Parson, speaking with some difficulty, ‘‘ you are shtill deep in your shins—bic! Yon ought to sheek redem- shun, dear brosher, b’fore it ish leverlashtin’ly too late, The door of mershy will shoon shut, an’ th’ day of pardon be pasht th’ firsht thin you know. Listen—bic!—to m’ warnin’ voishe,” ‘‘ Parson,” said Wagg, grinning, ‘don’t tell me anything more *bout my shins! Wen I wuz pursued by thet big two bundred-pound mad dog this mornin’, I took a tumble an’ went down en my shins, an’ I jest nacher’lly raked them bare o’ skin, by jebocus! It gives me a twinge o’ pain uvery time you say shins.” “J shee you won’t pay heed—hic!—to my shober wordsh.” “You hain’t spoke a sober word fer hours, ard,” pe Lend me thy handkerchief while I weep over thy follysb.” “Oh, rats! Come, Parson, you said you used ter play faro before you wuz converted, an’ you hed a system thet wuz a winner, Come over ter ther table an’ try a whirl,” ‘* My dear brother!” “Oh, ll back ye, an’ you may bev hafe ther winnin’s, don’t be skeerd,” * 1t would be shinful,” ‘* Bosh! You’d only be showin’ your bility ter defeat ther minyonso’ ther devil.” The Parson seemed struck with that, ‘** Never looked at it zat waysh b’fore,” he con- fessed. ‘* Dunno but Vil try it—bic!” ** Kem on,” ‘* Lesh have a nozzer nip.” “No, you hev hed ernough, drunk, Parson, ef you keep op.” ‘ Never, shir—was never drunk in—hic!—all m’life!” But the major would not allow the Parson to secure another nip, and the two made their way You will be _ entirely different!” t he retorted, roughly, ‘‘ Nor can I fool with you | toward the faro lay-out, r * o R —_
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» ‘ik $ 4 te ; oT # * » , * + ; + © ia | » ’ ’ ’ t, Pp “A 5 * “ Violet Vane’s Vision. At first Royal Ralph was inclined to refuse to let the intoxicated man play, and so pick a quarrel in that manner, but he changed his mind. Being full apparently, of course the minister could not lay bis bets with anything like judgment, and the house would a@ win- ner. If the drunken man bet recklessly, the house might be a big winner. Then there would be time enough to dispose of the Parson, So Wagg’s friend took his place at the table. The major gave him two hundred dullars, which was put into chips, and the Parson made his first bet, placing it on the knave. He lost, Again he bet on the knave and lost, ‘Sher ol’ rascal hain’t in it,” he muttered. ** He’sh a dead—hic!—losher, he ish! Guesh I'll try zer queen.” He did so, and won. . “ You hev struck it now, pard !” laughed the major. ‘Try the gal erg’in. he intoxicated player followed the advice, and he won once more, ‘* Whoopee!” laughed Erastus, ‘‘ She’s ther one, Parson! Copper her! coppe.’ her, my boy!” That was done, and the queen came out a banker’s card, which made the Parson a winner for the third time, “Oh, zer girlsh wash alwush dead stuck on me!” observed the minister, a silly grin on his face, Royal Ralph scowled. Hedid not at all fancy the way things were turning, but he remained quiet, on the outlook for what was to follow. Had he glanced into Lona’s eyes, he would have seen a look of deep satisfuction there—a look that might have set him thinking deeply. What did it mean? Was she pleased to see the bank lose? The game continued, and the Parson seldom bet on any otber cards than the knave and queen, On the knave he always lost, but on the queen he was always almost certain of being a wioner. Heseemed very, very drunk, but there was that about his playing which seemed to in- dicate his head was still clear as far as faro was concerned, After the first, Wagg remained quietly be- hind the Parson’s chair, closely watching the game. He no longer offered advice, for it was plain his companion knew what he was about. Royal Ralph gnawed his mustache and py “The little whelp can act the part of a drunken man very nicely, for I know he is no more intoxicated than I am at the present mo- ment, If I remember right, he is one of those rare birds who never taste of liquor. Well, when the time comes, he shall taste of cold lead, But the bank must be the winner. It would not do to down him when the bank is losing, for that would have a bad Jook—a mighty bad look !” So the game went on. But luck did not turn in favor of the bank, as Royal bad expected it would. The house con- tinued to be a steady loser, only winning an occasional venture. The proprietor of The Trap raved inwardly, and a throng gathered to watch the queer game, : Wage was in his glory More than once he waved his battered hat around his woolly head, giving vent to bis delight. ‘““Whoop-ee/ You're a jim-jo-jo, Parsoa\” be aon “Say, cash ther most o’ ther chips you ev. Here Royal interfered, requesting the major to allow the player to do as he chose, and, as for himself, to keep bie mouth shut. “ Zer major ish my legal ‘dvisher,” murmured the Parson, as he secured the cash for the larger part of his chips. Wagg was a person inclined to use his tongue very freely on all occasions, and be was nothing if not saucy; but for once he allowed himself to be silenced. He remained behind the Parson’s chair watching the game, but he spoke only at rare intervals. The Parson-gambler seemed to have received a hint, for be secured the cash for bis winnings at regular intervals, only retaining chips enough to make two or three following plays, As the minutes passed and the bank continued to lose, Royal became more and more nervous, He could not understand it, and be did not dream Lona might be playing him false, But such was the case, The handsome dealer was pulling the cards for the house to lose, and she did it so skillfully the trick was detected by no one of the witnesses, The Parson himself did not dream that the girl was turning the cards in bis favor, but be seemed to be blessed with a wonderful streak of luck, His wagers became larger and more reck- less, and still he continued to win. Royal Ralph saw ruin staring him in the face. He had boped the bank would win back the money lost, and then he would execute his treach- erous plot, but, little by little, that hope slipped from bim, - The proprietor of the saloon became desperate, What was to be done? He must dare the wrath of the spectators and put the Parson out of the way, but what excuse could he find for the shot? i My dear boysh,” observed the Parson, lean- ing across the table and fixing his eyes on Lona’s face, ‘\ you—hic!—you dunno how to deal faro!” That was enough—that was what Royal was waiting for! ‘Look here,” he cried, ‘you will be kind enough to keep your tongue between your teeth! As for eying the dealer in that way, I will not stand it!” ‘*My dear brosher in shin!” protested the Parson; ‘‘ you are makin’ a da-da-darn fool— hic!—of yourshelf!” ‘* What!” roared Royal. ‘ This to me!” “*Yesh, shir, to you! I guesh it’s you, though you sheem to have two headsh, and ther funny- est kind of a—hic!—moush. Why, your moush ish all over your face! If you are not careful, shir, your br—hic!—brainsh will run out of it!” With a savage curse, Royal fired from his pocket. The bullet struck the Parson in the breast, and he fell forward on the table, a hollow groan coming from his lips. The next instant the lights were turned out. Then, high up on the wall appeared a blazing hand of fire—the Hand of Fate! Then a wild, maniacal voice rung through the room, “‘ Frank Delmar, your hour is near! Ha, ha, ha! I know you now—I know you! Death is at your heels, villainous wretch! You ruined my life, but I will have my vengeance!” It was Mad Mona’s voice! The confusion that followed was indescribable. Everybody seemed to rush for the doors and windows, CHAPTER XVI. A FURIOUS MOB, YELLS, blows, screams and curses sounded through the saloon. Everybody seemed to have suddenly gone mad at sight of that blazing hand of fire. Major Wagg had been stunned by the unex- pected occurrence, but as soon as the lights were extinguished, he felt seized by more than one pair of hands, /Then nimble fingers ran over him, seemingly searching for something, Erastus knew what it was. The letter from Vane! ‘“‘Great jehocus!” he shouted. ‘This yere thing hbain’t goin’ ter work with yer uncle! Scat, ye impso’ darkness! Seek yer hoels, ye whelps o’ perdishun!” The major was a powerful man, and he struck out right and left in the darkness, Fortune must have directed his blows, for both were suc- cessful and effivient. He felt bis fists strike something, and then be tore bimself from his assailants and fled like a terrified deer. Woe to the human beings who happened to be in the corpulent gentleman’s path, He simply knock- them down and ran over them. It happened Wagg made for an open window, and just as be was struggling through, the window fell and pinned him fast. The man behind the major proceeded to kick that worthy unmercifully, and Wagg’s howls rent the atmosphere, After a time the man behind succeeded in kicking the major through. W ben the lights went out, Lona sat dazed by what had happened. In a moment she felt ber hand clasped by another’s, and then she heard a well-known voice in her ear: ‘Don’t be frightened; Iam Vane, Trust me, and | will get you out of here.” Her heart bounded with joy. Yes, it was Vane—she knew his voice. She did not hesi- tate, but allowed him to burry her away. In a few seconds they were in the open air. ‘‘T have found you again, my little darling!” said the sport, passionately. ‘* You shall not be torn from me another time.” Half her strength seemed gone, She could only cling to him, sobbing: ** Oh, Vane, Vane!” That was enough. He understood then as well as if she had spoken more, His arm was around ber waist, and regerdless of everything, he kissed her again and again. ‘*T must get you to the cabin of a friend near at hand,” he said. ‘‘ Bear up till we reach there, my darling.” He aided her to hasten along, and soon they” were within the cabin, She clung to him, as if she would never let him go, ** Do not leave me!” she entreated. ‘*Do not be alarmed, Lona,” he said, ‘I will: not be gone long. I must leave you for a short. time.” ** Must?” ‘* Yes, little one,” ** Why must you? Oh, they will kill you!” **Do not fear for that. I am on the watcb,,. and they will have a hard time to do that.” Still she clung to him. ‘* Why must you go?” “*T must discover if Mark Marden is living or’ dead.” ‘* Mark Marden?” ** Yes, the Parson, for he played that part. He- was after your brother for the murder of his. father.” “ Do notever again call that man my brother |”” she cried. ‘‘ He is now nothing to me! If the Parson was Mark Marden, then Mark is dead, for Tom shot him.” ‘Still he may not be dead, A friend was to- bring bim out of the place, and I will bave him. brought here. Good-by for a few moments,” With a parting kiss, he hurried away. Out in the street he found all excitement and! confusion, The mob was enraged, and a wild-- eyed man was urging them to still greater anger. / t was Useless Jackson! The gambler’s hands: had not choked the man to death. Another man was joining with Jackson, and his stentorian voice instantly still recognized. by Vane. Major Wagg was doing what he considered his duty. The Velvet Sport hastened to the side of Use-- less Jack and grasped him by the arm, “Did you get him out?” asked Vane, ‘*'Yes,” was the reply. ‘*Ts he dead?” “Can't say. Come, I will lead you to him,, then i must return tostir up themob. To-night: I mean to bring about the ruin of Frank Delmar, The time for vengeance has arrived,” Jackson hastily led Vane to the shadows of the cabin, where, close by the wall, a man was: gb. to wag to bis feet. t was the Parson, minus the beard that had’ disguised him; Marden, ‘* Are you hard hit, pard?” asked Vane, as he: lent Marden assistance. “Is that you, Howard?” asked the other,. faintly, ‘‘ It sounds like your voice, but I am: so dazed I cannot see.” “Yes, lam here. Are you badly wounded?” “Tam afraid I have got my death wound.. That devil fired from his pocket, Had he pulled a& weapon, either Wagg or myself would have dropped him before he could bave used it,” Vane assisted the wounded man to the cabin: where Lona was, and then he hastily examined. the injury, but he was not able to tell how serious it was. ‘*T will send in some kind of a medicine. sharp,” he said. ‘‘ Lona will do everything she can for you, Marden, You are not going under, if we can prevent.” The wounded man smiled faintly, “JT do not want to die till my father is: avenged,” he said, It took Vane some little time to find a doctor and get him to the cabin, Then he did not enter with the physician, for he’saw the mob bad been worked to a pitch of furious frenzy by the excit- ing words of Useless Jackson and Erastus Wagg. ‘*They are like a lot of madmen!” he exclaim- ed, as’ he listened to the wild yells and howls.. ‘*T would not give a cent for Tom Lewis’s chance- if he fell into their hands, They would hang him to the nearest tree. It is strange how sud- denly the feelings of a mob will turn from re- spect and awe to hatred and contempt, Use- less Jackson is the prime mover in this, although. Wagg is doing all he can to help it along.” Mounted on a box, Jackson was addressing the: mob, Vane could bear his words. ‘*Men of Palace City,” he shouted, speaking: distinctly, ‘‘in your midst you have been har- boring a most dastardly wretch! He was known as Ralph Royal, but that was only one of his. many names, His true name is Tom Lewis, but ears ago, he was called Frank Delmar, As. elmar, a handsome rascal, he ruined the life of a beautiful country girl and murdered the- brother who sought to avenge her, The girl he and the Parson was Mark
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sdeserted, fleeing like the real coward he is! She did not take her life, but she followed him, and in this town she is known as Mad Mona. She is the wreck of the girl I once loved, and my name is Andrew Keefer, I have also searched for Frank Delmar, and in this town I found him. ‘To-night the wretch murdered a man who had ‘won money at his faro table. I will leave it to youif be does not deserve death?” **-Yes, yes! Lynch kim! lvnch him!” Savage was the how! for blood that arose on ‘the night air. ‘*Tom Lewis is doomed!” muttered Vane, ** That mob is ready for any tragic work.” “Hooray!” bellowed Major Wagg. ‘‘ When the rascal we do see, we will hang him to a tree! ‘* He is somewhere in that building!” rung out nthe voice of Andrew Keefer. ‘*Drag him out!” was the cry, ‘* He will fight like a cornered beast.” “That will not help bim!” ** Are you ready to search the place?” ‘Yes, yes!” ‘* Then draw your weapons and follow me!” Keefer led the way, and, uttering savage wcheers, the mob followed at his heels, Into the splace they swarmed, lights were secured, and the search begun. Vane mingled with the searchers, ‘*T want to be on band when he is found,” mut- “tered the sport. ‘‘ I must take a last look at Tom Lewis,” It was useless to think of checking that mob. “The men were wild and their fury was bound- Jess, Plainly Tom Lawis’s employees had taken the alarm and made themselves scarce, for not one of them was found. The saloon was desert- ed, and many of the mob made for the unguard- -ed liquors, “Now, the very Old Nick will ba to pay!” thought the sport. ‘Drink will make them verazy,” He was right, The whole building was search- ed, and things generally were smashed, As the moments passed and the gambler was not found, the anger of the mob increased, if possible. ‘By heavens! he may have escaped!” mut- “tered Violet Vane, But the mob did not seem to think of that. ‘* Ho’s hidden somewhere!” yelled a voice, ‘* Fire the building!” shouted another, ‘Tt is a curse to the town!” asserted a third. Vane made bimself heard, and warned them against firing the building, for it might mean -destruction to the entire place. But he was too late, More than one_half-intoxicated man had started a blaze, One threw a burning lamp into a corner, and the oil instantly ignited. In less than a minute The Trap was doomed. When the Velvet Sport saw this, he retreated “to the open air and saw the mob come pouring out, Nearly half of the men carried bottles of liquor they bad captured. ‘** Another day will witness a hilarious town,” “thought Vane, It happened the wind was still, and so only one building was put in danger from the fire, “That was saved by the efforts of the owner and his friends, ‘“‘ This yere’s what I calla great large time!” wsaid, Major Wagg, as he discovered the sport watching the fire, One look at Wagg revealed the fact that he had already been indulging freely in intoxicants, -and in each hand he held a bottle, “Erastus,” said Vane, reproachfully, “ you have broken your pledge!” “Great jehocus!” cried the major, in conster- mation. ‘‘Solhev! Too bad, too bad! Can't be bolped now, pard, so here goes fer ‘nother nip.” By this time the fire was at its height, Suddenly there was a wild scream, and a “figure darted toward the flames, cryin 3 ‘He is in there! I will perish with him!” * It was Mad Mona, and before a hand could be lifted to stop her, she plunged into the furnace ~of fire and was swallowed from human eyes for- ever! amir & CHAPTER XVII. THE STORY ENDS, A DARK night and a storm coming swiftly on, All around rugged and desolate mountains rear “their heads toward thesky. ‘The country is wild and unsettled—a desolate region by day and one “to inspire horror by night. Sullen thunder shakes the earth and zig-zag ‘flashes of lightning play through the black mass of clouds, Afoot and alone, a man is picking his way along the mountain-side, He almost staggers as OF twee ‘Violet Vane’s Vision. he makes his wuy along, and the lightning re- veuls a ghastly, haggard face—big, wild eyes that have the look of a hunted thing in their depths, Listen! He has paused and is muttering, as he gazes wildly around, ; ‘*T wonder if I shall see it again to-night,” comes hoarsely from his lips, ‘‘ That band of fire has pursued me everywhere. Iam so I dare not close my eyes in sleep, for then it is always dancing before me! I bave no shelter from the storm—I am more unprepared to meet it than the wild animal that hasa holein the earth! And this hunger—this horrible hunger gnawing at my vitals! I have lived on roots and berries for four days. Water I have been lucky in finding, but how much longer will it last? I feel that the end is near!” The wretched creature shivers and {groans, as he crouches on the mountain, and, as if in mockery of his groans, the thunder rumbles sullenly, A little while before the wind was shrieking in the black gorges below bim, but now its weird voice is hushed, The stillness between the peals of thunder is terrible to the lone man, **T can’t’endure it!” he mutters. And then his voice shouts: ‘‘ Howl, wind, bowl! I must hear a noise! Silence will drive me to suicide! A little while ago I fancied your shrieks were the cries of condemned souls, and the sounds terrified me, Now, your silence is worse than your shrieks, ‘* What pbantoms have haunted me during my flight!” he groans, covering bis eyes with his bands. ‘All my black sins have pursued me! I have suffered the tortures of hell! And I know I am getting no morethanI deserve! Oh, if I could only live my life over again, bow dif- ferent I would make it! Had I not taken the first wrong step, { would not be the hunted thing I am to-night, It began when I took my first drink of liquor, for I can trace my downward steps from that moment, “*T did not kill Zane in New York, She must have recovered before the gas did its dead] work, and she has been searching for me all these years. But Andrew Keefer is dead. My hands ended his life in the streets of Palace City.” ‘** You are mistaken,” says a steady voice, and a black figure confronts the villain, ‘* You did not kill me, Frank Delmar, but I have followed to kill you!” With a scream of mortal terror, the bunted man starts back. A flash of lightning shows him the face-and form of Zane Darcy’s lover, Andrew Keefer, _ “Great God!” gasps the astounded wretch, “Tt is a spirit!” “Tt is no spirit,” is the stern answer. ‘‘Zane died in the flames of your den, well called The Trap, and I am here to avenge all her wrongs! I sball cast you down into that black abyss, and you will be dashed to death on the rocks at the bottom!” The next instant the speaker hurls himself upon the crouching man, A savage struggle ensue on the very brink of the precipice. The storm is over them, and the fiery lightning is appalling. A few dropsof rain come paitering down, ina momenta torrent will follow. Suddenly the hunted man shrieks: ‘‘The Hand of Fire—ZJ see it !” Down from the clouds darts a thunderbolt, like the fiery executor of an angry Heaven, It strikes the crag on which the two men are struggling, and a mighty mass of earth and stone goes thundering into the gorge below, car- rying two human beings with it! The end has come! In the bed of the gorge the mass of earth buried the two deadly foes in one grave, there to await the Day of Judg- ment! ‘ Dan Burns and Sam Hobbs disappeared from Palace City, and never again showed their heads in that town, Probably they thought it would not be wise for them to do so—and they were right. They would have been in danger of being lynched, Mark Marden was not fatally wounded, al- though Lewis had intended to send the bullet straight through the heart of the man be be- lieved to be Violet Vane, Vane and Mark had been working together in bunting Lewis down, and they had done their best to puzzle the villain and his chosen tools. In this they had been very successful, for Lewis bad never been able to tell whether Finch or the Parson was the sport. Vane had been disguised as the little fire- eater, Burns’ and Hobbs had been puzzled in the ravine by means of an underground passage that led from the old hut to the thicket, Neither of the ruffians bad been sharp enough to discover the entrance to the passage. That in the hut had been concealed by a mass of dead brush, and the one in the tnicket was beneath a flat stone, on which Burns had stood, Suspecting they were shadowed, the disguised men had en- tered at opposite points and passed each other in the passage. y The passage had been accidentally discovered by Marden some days before Vane’s appearance in Placer City. The ‘Hand of Fire” had been the combined work of phosphorus and a tiny magic lantern, With the lantern, Vane had cast a ray through the window of Lewis’s sleeping-room and made it fall on the wall in the shape of a gleaming band gripping a dagger. What the haunted man seemed to see afterward was all the imagining of a dream, Y ‘*Wa-al, pard,” observed Major E. Wagg, Esq., as he.inspected Vane, wbo was attired ina dress-suit, ‘‘you’re jest a holy stunner! Why, you look soft as milk! Never’d anyboddy think you wuza bowlin’ horror on stilts an’ a b-a-a-d man ter straddle, But, by jehocus! J know ye! You an’ I hev fit an’ bled an’ died tergether, an’ I doasseverate you’re ther dernedst best Jeetle man thet ever wore pants!” ‘Your estimate is altogether too high,” smiled Vane, ‘‘If the plain truth was known, I should wither in your estimation amazingly.” ‘“‘Nary wither, pard! An’ now you’re goin’ ter be merried! Oh, wow! An’ thetgal! Holy poker! hain’t she a plum! It makes my mouth watter ev’ry time I look at ber! Ef I hedn’t got so all-danged stout, I’d cut ye out with her an’ left ye in ther lurch, Mebbe I c’u’d’a’ done it any old how.” ‘‘T am glad you did not try, then.” “Oh, 1 ’member our friendship, ye know, S-a-a-y,” in a hosrse whisper, ‘‘ is thar goin’ ter be wine arter ther agony is over?” ““T guess not, Erastus, You know I am strict- ly temperate,” a Wage was disappointed, but he looked re- ieved, ' “Pm glad o’ thet,” he forced himself to say. ‘*T w’u’dn’t want ter pear rude, ye know, an’ so I sb’u’d hated awfully ter declined, Ef Td drunk, I’d bruck my pledge, ye see.” A little later, the wedding came off. Mark Marden, looking pale but happy, was best man, However, the major succeeded in capturing the first kiss from the bride, which caused him to strut about like a peacock, And, indeed, his showy new clothes and glittering diamonds made him seem like one. : Lona had never been more beautiful in all ber life, Her cheeks were flushed and her blue eyes were filled with a bappy light of love, All the world looked rosy-hued before her, Never did Vane experience a more delicious thrill than when, alone with his bride, she clasp- ed an arm around his neck and softly whispered in bisear: — “ My husband !” THE END, Beadle’s Dime Libvary. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. 056 Old Piug Ugly, the Rough and Ready, 648 Gold Glove Gid, the Man of Grit. 641 Aztec Jack, the esert Nomad, 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp. 602 Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. 571 Old Dismal, the Range Detective, 545 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY LIEUT. A, K. SIMS, 688 The River Rustlers; or, The Detective from Way Back. 673 Stuttering Sam, the Whitest Spor of Santa Fe, 666 Old Adamant, the Man of Rock. 618 Kansas Karl, the Detective King. 552 Prince Primrose, the Flower of the Flock, 528 Huckleberry, the Foot-Hills Detective. BY LEON LEWIS. 624 The Submarine Detective: or, The Water Ghouls. 484 Captain Ready,the Red Ransomer. ; 431 The Silent Detective; or, The Bogus Nephew, ' 456 The Demon Steer. 428 The Flying Glim; or, The Island Lure, A new issue every. Wednesday, Beadle’s gee . igiebetnk is ci we i Rang rs, ten cents per copy, or sen’ mail on Newsdeale apie DY mail os ipt of twelve cents each. Publishers, 98 William street, New York, - ) y 7 A B?: : ; : : . €
Page 15
a BY OLL COOMES. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 ‘he Dumb Spy. RT Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. $1 Keen-Kuife, the Prince of the Prairies. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. 5S ‘The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. Z1 Delaware Dick, the Young Ranger Spy. 74 Mawk-eye Marry the Young Trapper Ranger. SS Liollo, the Boy Kunger. 4154 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 14% sSecar-Face Saul, ‘the Siient Hunter 146 silver Star, the Boy Knight. 458 Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 168 Little Vexas, the Young Mustanger 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. AS2 Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain, 202 Prospect Pete; or, the Young Outlaw Aunters, 208 The Boy Mercules: or, The Prairie Tramps. 218 ‘Tiger Tom, the lexas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick; or, Trapper Tom’s Castle, 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detective; or, The Littl Ranger. 248 The Disguised Guide ; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. 260 Dare-Devil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 2T2 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy. 800 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ranger. S514 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Nercules; vr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. Alt Webtoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 422 Baby Sam, the Boy Giant of the Yellowstone. 444 Little Buckskin, tne Young Prairie Centaur. 457 Wingedtoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 ‘Tamarac ‘lom, the Big Trapper Boy. 478 Old. Tom Rattler, the Red River Epidemic. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper, 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. #661 Old Kit Bandy’s Deliverance. 670 Norway Nels, the Big Boy Mountaineer. 680 Dauntless Dan the Freelance, or Old Kit Bandy in Areadia, BY BUOKSKIN SAM (Major Sam, 8 Mall.) 284 Old Rocky « ** Boyeenr?s or, Benito, the Horse-Breaker 246 Giant George; or, The Ang’! of the Range, 275 Arizona Jack ; or, Giant George’s Pard. 297 The Tarantula of Tees, or, Giant George’s Revenge. B07 The Strange Pard; or, Little Bon’s Death Hunt. 818 + Lest eng Ker-whoo; or, The Tarantula of Taos. Ja 844 The Fighting Trio or, Rattlesnake, the Tonkaway. Volts or, Big-Foot Wallace to the Front. 857 The Ranch Ralders; or, The Siege of Fort Pargatory, 861 Snap-Shot, the Boy Kanger, 875 Chiota, the Creek; or, The Three Thunderbolts. 881 Bandera BIII; or. Frio Frank to the Front. B92 Romeo and the Reds; or, The Beleaguered Ranch, 404 Little Lariat; or, Pecan Pete’s Big Rampage. 414 The Dalay from Denver. 427 The Three Trallers; or, Old Rocky on the Rampage, 442 Biulf Bill; or, The Lynx of the Leona. 455 Little Lone Star: or, The Belle of the Cibolo, €84 Cache Carl, the Chico Giart BY PHILIP 8S. WARNE, 67 Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. 175 Capcatn Arizona; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. 219 Dexpard, the Duelist; cr, The Mountain Vempires. S388 A Tough Boy}; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. 8368 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen, STR Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. BSS Little Semazy or, Caught in His Own Trap, 401 Little Shoo-F ly; or, A Race for a Ranch. 408 Little Leather-Breeches ; or, Old Jumbo’s Curse. 481 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, bet a Kaw. 4 Tale of the slines, " ree Jolly Parda. 517 Jim Gladden’s Deputy. 527 The Jolly Pards to the Rescue. S47 Sandy Andy}; or, A Good Man Down, 656 Lariat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. 574 Old Weasel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 93 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. 599 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. 618 Billy Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy, 685 Okiahoma Hi, the Blue-Coat Scout, 648 Nappy Marry’s Bly Find. 664 Cheeky Charley te Special. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Asa Reott, the Steamboat Boy. 199 Featherwoigit the Boy Champion of the Muskingum, 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws, 282 The Typo Detective; or, Weasel, the Boy Tramp. 295 Yeurless Phils or, The King of Quartzville, $11 The Roving Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckaluck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Meleetive: or, Kit Kenyon's Vendetta. 840 Clip the Contortionist: or, The Montana Vigilantes, RY Jo PIERCE, 897 Bob o’ the Bowery ¢ or, The Prince of Mulberry Street. 415 The Vagabond Detcetives or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Hotapur Bob, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The Lawyer’s Shadow : or, Luke’s Legacy, 472 Jaunty Joe, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective. 504 Five Potnts Phil, 5ov Snel Jagger, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tims or, Five Points Phil’s Menagerie. 526 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 632 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward. 541 Jef Flicker, the Stable Boy Detective. Shi Nick Nettle, the Boy Shadow. 659 Warlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 569 Rrooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective. 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter, 5RS Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, GOR Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. O14 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid, 628 Ruck Bumblebee, the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Sau}, the Express-Train Ferret. 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set, 658 Siky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver, 688 Sagitpeter Sol, the New York Navigator, 694 &pley Jim, the Only One of His Kind. 206 Tom Thistle. the Roid-House Detective, ZiT Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, 726 Denni« Duff the Brown Sport’s Kid. %44 Dick of the Docks, the Night-Watch. BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Glants of Nowhar’s 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. S8T ol Ruekeye, the Sierra Shadow. owder Phil, the Boy Miner. 609 Bolly Dorrit, the Veteran Detective. 620 Litt e Lightning’s League; or, The Mystery of tne Is.and cue Plucky Pant, the Boy Prospector. Z51 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 755 Gold Dust Dan's Oaths or, Reckless Roy, the Regulator. BEADLE’S« H ALF- [JIME*[_IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girl. 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. ZY Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. 268 Joe buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Fourdling. 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizonn Sport. 510 Cool Colorado, the Hall-Breed Detective, 518 Cool Colorado in New York. Bi GEORGE c. JENKSB, 485 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. 492 Git Thar Owney’a Pledge. 518 The Demon Doctor. 5 Double-Ourve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59S Flute, the Singer Detective, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foil; or, Dan’s Double Play. 616 The Ocean Detectives or, The Last Cruise of the Black Bear, 681 The Pitcher Detective’s Teughest Tussle. 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. BY CHARLES MORRIS. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Pieayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective, 180 Detective Dick ; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 WU Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. Brack Heas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. Vill Wildfire in the Woods. Billy Beggaye, the Railroad Boy. A Trump Card; or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses, Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner, The Midden Hand; or, Will Wildfire’s Revenge. Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective, 220 Tom ‘Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky, 285 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang, 252 Dick Dashaway ¢ or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot TraiL 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s« Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-HMound; or, The Young Thorougnored. 805 Dashaway, of Daketa; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hotel Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard. 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 423 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 488 Wild Dick Racket. 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, 566 The Secret Service Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolfin the Fold. 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. 709 The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. 757 Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes, BY FREDERICK DEWEY 818 Cimarron Jack, the King-Pin of Rifle-Shots. 478 Tangemund, the Desert Detective, 542 The Canyon Parda, BY ARTHUR C. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, 621 Truthful James, the “ Pecooliar’” Man. BY MAJOR E, L. ST. VRAIN, 292 Sancho Pedro, the Boy Bandit. 801 Lendville Nick, the Boy Sport. 812 RNedtop Rube, the Vigilante Prince. 888 Hrimatone Bob, and His Lightning Horse Quartette, 852 Tombstone Tom, the Arizona Boy of “Sand.” 859 Duranroe Dave, the Youny Cham ion Wrestler. — oe DLAINARA HO NASCek SOREN 871 Kingbolt Chria, the Young Hard-Shell Detective. 880 Avalanche Alf, the Foothills Guide. _ 890 Jaguar Joe, of the Mountsin Mail-Line, BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS, 6 Bill Biddon, Trapper. 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier, 30 Nat Todd or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive, 2c rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Munted Hunter; or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Huge Hunter; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY BRACERRIDGE NEMYNG, 3 Tend wine ye an Ny Family. e Captain of t ») 3_or. The Rival Athletes, 101 Jack Narkaway as New awk vg — BY MAJOR NENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8 806 Neck-Tie Ned3 or, The Dug-Out Pards, a 846 Rapter Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. 891 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies. 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard: or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter: or, The Golden Guich Mystery 5605 Powell’s Pard ¢ or, The One-Armed Giant. BY CAPTAIN FRED. Wur 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch tin oe 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Deughter. 48 Dick Darling, the Pony Express Rider. 150 Lance and Lasso; or, The Children of the Chaco. 154 The Sword Hunters; or, The Land of the Elephant Ridors 159 The Lost Captain; or, Skipper Jabez Coffin’s Cruise, 4 200 The Boy Bedoutns; or, The Brotiers of the Plumed Lance 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. ; 249 Milo Romer the Animal King; or, Round the World, 265 The Tiger Tamer: or, The League of the Jungle. 881 Black Nek, the Demon Rider. 895 California Joo’a War Trail. RY COL. A. F. HOLT. 899 Black Buckakin: or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King. 485 Littie Lightfoot. the Pilot of the Woods. B2k The Dandy Sport: or, The King Pin Conspirator. 678 Ralph Renwood, the Lightning Express Detective, 691 Headli¢ht Marry’s Mant. T2T Headlight Horry’« Stren. 759 Headlight Marry’s Heritage. VY C, DUNNING CLARK, 185 Captain Paul: or, The Boy Spy_ ef the Mountains. 280 The Yankee Rajah; or, The Fate of the Black Shereef. BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2 Yellowstone Jack; or, The Trapper. 48 Black John, the Road-Aygent; or, The Outlaw’s Retreat. 65 Murricane Bill; or, Mustang Sam and His Pard, 119 Mustang Sam ; or. The King of the Plains. 186 Night-linwk Kit; or. Vhe Daughter of tne Ranch, 144 Dainty Lance the Boy Sport. 151 Panther Paul: or, Dainty Lance to the Rescue. 160 The Black Giant; or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy. 168 Deadly Dash; or, Fighting Fire with Fire. 184 The Boy Trailers; or, Dainty Lance on the War-Path. 208 The Boy Pards; or, Dainty Lance Unmasks. 211 Crooked Cale, the Caliban of Celestial City. 810 The RKarranca Wolf’; or, The Beautiful Decoy. 819 The Black Rider; or, The Horse Thieves’ League, 885 Old Double Fiat; or, The Strange Guide 855 The Ktug ot the Woods: or. Daniel Boone’s Last Trail.) 419 Kit Fox, the Border Boy Detective. 625 Chineapin Dan, the Boy Trailer. 677 Chineapin Dan's Second Trail. 388 Chincapin Dan’sa Home Stretch. 698 Old Crazy, the Man Without a Head, TOS Light-Heart Lute’s Legacy. 18 Light-Heart Unte’s Last Trail. 28 Silverblade, the Shoshone. : 29 Silverblade, the Half-Blood; or, The Border Beagle at Bay./ 89 Silverblade, the Hustile. 48 Silverblade, tie Fricudly; or, The Border Beagle’s Boy Pard, BY JACK FARRAGUT. 815 Ned, the Cabin Boy. 820 The Sea Sorceress; or, The Boy Skipper. BY LIFUT. H. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay 180 The Sen Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Pojnt.) BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. 78 Blue Dick; or, The Yellow Chief's Vengeance. 87 The Land Pirates; or, The League of Devil’s Island, 187 The Helpless liand; or, Backwoods Retribution, 289 The Gold-seeker Guide? or, The Lost Mountain. BY WILLIAW Rk. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 210 Fero Frank}; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pards, BY OAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLOR U, 8, A, 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 194 Buffalo BIll’s Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY LIEUT, A. K. SIMS, 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock. 568 The Dandy of Dodge. 576 The Silver Spert. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow. 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City.. 601 Happy Mana, the Dutch Vidoeg. 611 Bil He Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad : 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task. : 688 Tom-Cat’s Triumph; or, Blexck Dan’s Great Combine. 646 Cowboy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahs the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. 689 Billy. the Gypsy Spy. 699 Staple Sim, the Bronclo Buster. 712 The Meamerist Sport; or, The Mystified Detective, %88 Toltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kansas Jim, the Croas-CutDetective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. BY CAPT. MARK WILTON, 256 Young Kentuck; or, The Red Laaso. 270 Blizzard Ben; or, The Riot at Keno Camp. j 286 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Munters, By Capt. Mayne Reid and Frederick Whittaker. 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift, 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Llustrations.) 18 Sindbad the Saltlor. His Seven Voyages. 22 The Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By Juan Lewis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carrideecs. By S, W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clowns or, The Arena Queen. By F S, Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 51 The Boy Rit'es; or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Robin ILood, the Uutiawed Ear); or,The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter} or, ‘!heCave of Death. By Burton Saxe, 124 Tippy, the Texan} or, The Young Champion. By George ereon. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate’s Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish, 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adveztures o: a Friendless Boy. By J. Alexander Patten. 227 Pusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- ‘ lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy. By G. L. Aiken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign C. D. Warren. 298 Red Claw, the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Clif. By Captain Comatock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville. By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. 828 The Sky Detective; or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honor By Maior Mickey Free. B50 Red Ralph, the River Rovers or, The Brother’s Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 865 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P, Morris. B74 Gold-Puat Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match, ByG@ H. Morse, 876 Cailfornia Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 418 Biily Bombshell, the CliffClimber. By F.S. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship. By JohnS Warner. 484 Comanche Pick and Hix Three Invinetblea. By Henry J. Thomas. G82 The Cowboy Duke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. B52 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. 585 Will Waters, the Bov Ferret. By H. Enton. 682 The Dead Vetective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton, 721 Maverick Mose, the Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urkos Pass. By Will Lisenbee. 746 Quiet Jack, the Secret Service Spy; or, Too Mech for Red ary. By Dan Dunning, (of the Secret Service Corps), A New issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library {s for sale by atl newsdealers, five certs per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishera, 98 William Street New York. Nee i pe]
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Ky 68 Border Kobin by - BEADL Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at th wee ~~ ~ ~ — WS SS ° E'S» H ALF-DIME* LIBRARY. e Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY EDWARD L. W MNEELER. ! ® Deadwood Dick Novela 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. ae pend weed Piek's Deiances or, Douhle Daggers. eadwoo ek in Disguise; or, Buffal, Ben. 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; 0, The .«antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omsha Oll. &? Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar, 7B Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 ‘ne, the Heroine, nae peotwrerd eer Lane Pia] or, Cordurey Charlie. adwoo ek in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s« Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. ts poeacess im ho Heme Bases , Biende oe id eadwoo ek’s g Strike; or, Jame of Gold. 166 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream; or, The Rivels of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. see Lee hate , ate oom ot Salecniey Jane’s Adventure. ead woo ck’s Den eal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Div ides. or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. B21 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. pot te he Bick Rentenced 3 or, The Terrible Vendetta. eadwoo ek’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds.” 4 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” | prt penauesd ha ag or, The Chained Hand. ead woo ck, dr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, A459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, AT71 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill, A76 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s,; Dog Detective. ast peatwees pie ors Penn: endwoo ek r.’«, Compact. 495 Deadwood Dick. Jr’s, Inheritance. 3 posaresd pies pres Diggings. endwoo ¢ ra, Deliverance. 4 posewose Dick, 5 ress ameegeee endwoo ck, Jr.’ ree. 529 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Danger Ducka BSA Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt, EG9 Deadwood ick’ dre, the Wild West Vid endwoo ck, dr., the d Wes locg 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr on Atle Mettle, > endwoo ck, Jr., In Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boaton. b67 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadetphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. B78 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. BS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Decree. 59> Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr-, at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Leadville Lay. S18 Deadwood Dick’ Jr, in Cimcinaatl endwoo e ., In Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, S50 Beadesel Ser ser te Weenie cadwoo ek, dr., In_ Buffalo. 648 Deadwood Dick, Ira, Chase Acroas the Continent 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers, 660 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Insurance Case. 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango; or, “ Gathered In.”” ry peeneees ee? Anyi peeewere? or, Found a Fortune, ecadwood ck, Jr.'s, Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. $09 Besdueed Bick: Sear Fath ree 7 endwoo © r., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco. cas peekwese pe So _ bone 2% eadwoo ek r.’s, Dominoe 228 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, tate ye ZB4 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. ae Deadwood es 5 poate aten. : ead woo¢ ¢ r.’s, Doublet. 252 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait, Defiance. Full Hand, Big Round-Up. Racket at Claim 10, BY J, ©. COWDRICK, Broadway Billy Novels, : 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle. : 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘ Difikilty.” : BS? Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Brondway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad. ; 675 Broadway Billy’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in_Texas. | 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. ; 711 Brondway Billy at Santa Fe. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand. 235 Rrondway Billy’s Business, 788 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case. 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain. Other Novels by J. C. Cowdrick. 860 &ilver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasta, the Gold King or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonn; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, | 4389 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, i 67 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. | 06 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, | 524 The Engineer Detective. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer. } 592 The Boy Hiakertow, 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. . 640 Barebsek Beth, the Centaur of the Circle. 647 Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgun, the “ Pizenest ” Man of Ante Baz.” BY BUFFALO BILL (fon. Wm. F, Cody). 8 Kan King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 Pie Panter & Dy t or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scent. Tlood: or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust. Other Novels by E. L. Wheeter. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 68 Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpehooter, or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Rob i or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Reet a h Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance. 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye 3 or, Arabs and Angels of a Great City, 118 Jacek Movle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective, 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner. 188 Boas Bob the King of Bootblacks, 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps, 181 Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front} or, The Ventriloquist Hunter. 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective. 2836 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator. 244 Sierra Sam, tho Frontier Ferret. 248 Kicrra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Sam’s Pard; or, The Angel of Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen. 281 Denver Doll's Victory. 285 Denver Doll’s Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza, 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Road Queen, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hickey & ©o., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Qu! ck-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, B85 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Ben; or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective. 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Sealaskin Sam, the Sparkler. BY T. C. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Nights or, Th» Boy Spy of ’76. 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Little Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Captains, 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trait. 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack ; or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Frosty, the Guide; or, The White Queen. 128 Kiowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr.: or, The Bey Vigilante. 155 Gold Trig er, the eps er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core. 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy. 198 Arkansaw ¢ or, The Que n of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Pentain Bullet; or, Little Tooknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Rei Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Tie Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli-, the King-Pin of Bowle, 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winch 3 or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, | 294 pruamate Dan}; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Buily. 816 Old Eclipse, Tromp Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards: or, The Terror of Take-Notice, 886 Big Benson; or, The Queen of the Lasso. 845 Pitiless Matt; o”, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret. B56 Cool -am und Par’ or The Terrible Six, 8E6 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, ‘he B cenneer’s Girl Foe. 896 Rough Rob; or, The ! win Champions of Blue Blazes, All The Silken Lasso; or, The Rose of Ranch Robin. 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vamptres; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon. 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt, : A477 The Exceisior Sport: or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective. 621 Dodger Dick’« Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows, 538 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’s Double; or, The Rival Boy Detectives. 558 Dodeer Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidoeq. 5678 The Two Shadows. BS2 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard, 626 The Champton Pards. 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective. 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective, 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. fla Wide’ Rah not i nisy Dell. the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game. F498 Bille Winks, the Bell Boy Detective. 754 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The Diamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock. 519 + nd neg mystery ¢ or, Five in One. 681 Dalay Pare the Sport from Denver. 587 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport. 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard, 651 Bound Roy Frank, the Young 66% Vialet Vane’« Victory. 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 69" Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. 70H Violet. Vanets Vow: or. The Crafty Detective’s Craft, 714 Old Misery, the Man from Missouri, 724 yisiet Vane’s Vengeance. 780 Violet Vane’s Verdict. TAL Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidoeq, 750 Violet Vane, the Vauqulbeds Amateur Detective BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ® The Flying Yankee} or, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccancer; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship}; or, The Rival Lieutenants, 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Hermit o1 Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, The Stock-Tender’s Daughter. 204 Ruffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider. 216 Bison Bll, the Prince of the Reins; or, Buffalo Bill’s Pluck, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trailer. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The Mysterious Ranchero 245 Merle, the Middy ; or, The Heir of an Oceun Freelance, 250 The Midshipman dautineers or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s ‘Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or,“ The Gold Ship” Chase, 280 Merle Monte’« Fate ; or, The Pirate’s Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Ses Marauder. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover. $04 The Dead Shot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler. B08 Dead Shot Dandy’« Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail. B77 Bonodel, the Boy Rover} or, The Flagleas Schooner. 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 88727 Warpath WILL, the Traitor Guide; or, The Boy Phantom. B98 Seowalf, the Boy Lieutenant; or, The Red Clasped Hands, 402 Invdor, the Young Conspirator; or, The Fatal Leagues 407 The Boy Insurgent; or, The Cuban Vendetta. 412 The Wild Yachtamang or, The War-Cloua’s Cruise. 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Captain Carl, the Corsair; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 The Sea Raider; or, The Hawks of the Hook. 441 The Ocean Firefly 3 oF, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Haphazard Harry; ot, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 450 Wizard WII, the Wonder-Worker. 454 Wizard Will’s Street Scouts. 462 The Born Guide ; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster. 474 Wizard Wills Vagabond Pard. 488 Wizard Will’s Last Cases or, Ferrets Afloat. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revoiver Kanger. 495 Arizona doe, the Boy Pard of Texas Jack. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508 The Royal Middy ; or, The Shark and the Sen Cat. 507 The Hunted Midshipman; or, 7 he Young Sea Ranger, 511 The Outlaw Middy; or, The Young Patriot Sea Ranger, 520 Buckskin BIll, the Comanche Shadow. 525 Brothers in Buckskin; or, The Tangled Trails in Texas, 580 The Buckskin Bowers. 585 The Bue:akin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder ot the Rio. 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lalfitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. 5BS The Creole Corsair; or, The Golden Wings of the Gulf. 560 Pawnee BIIL, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen; or, The Skeleton 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. 580 The Outcast Cadets or, The False Detective. 586 Pawnee Bill’s Pledge; or, The Buckskin Avenger. 591 Delmonte; the Young Sea- Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor. 597 The Young Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 602 The Vagabond of the Mines. 607 The Rover Detectives oT, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dend-Shot Scouts or, The Rio Raiders, 644 The Hercules Highwayman. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detective; or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Biily’s Bonanza. 668 The Buccancer Midshipman; or, The Sea Kover’s Ruse, 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name. 692 The Rival Sharps; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout. 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp from Texas, 702 Blue Jacket Bill; or, The Red Hat Rangers’ Red Hot Racket: 707 The Red Sombrero Rangers; or, Redfern’s Last Trail. 718 Carl, the Mad Cowboy; or, The Lariat Queen, 219 Pawnee Bill's Pledges or, The Cowboy Kidnapper’s Doom. 225 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid, 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. %87% Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail. 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destinys °% The Renegade’s Captivee LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. v Charlie’s Pawnee Pard; or, Red Hair, the 760 Poking By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 4 ¥ , duke, the Mustanger Detective; or, The Great Mix~ re Yiert Crescent Butte. By Lieut. A. K. Sims.” dway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives tae Etaee. by J. C, Cowdrick. ; , 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand: of Fate. Wm. G. Patten. 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand; or, Kodak Kats ¢ Secret Seven. By Edward L, Wheeler. 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patrol; or, Knocking Out the Kid- nappers. By Jo Pierce. 766 Dashing Charlie, the Rescuer; By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 767 Mae and Jack, the Invincibles; or, The Diabolical Three, Bv Dan Dunning. Ready Apil 5th, %68 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard; or, The Camp Spiders of Ragged Robin. By T. C. Harbaugh, Ready April 12th. A New Insane Every Tuesday. ' - Library !s for sale by all newsdealers, five chien. by pag by mail a receipt of six cents it BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yorke Trail. By or, The White Sioux Queen,