Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 770) (1892 04 26)
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Copyrighted 1892, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, R Pont. > — et The Tandére Team’s Thorny Trail. A Romance of Red Roy and his Royal Rogues. BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DEADWOOD DICK” NOVELS, ETO, CHAPTER ‘I, BASALT BUTTE—THE MAN IN RED—ALMOST A TRAGEDY. te city Of the wild We et tt hae ee am cee Se ESS cessful, first-class 'rhining-camp, and was now at — EMMI sl A ZAZA QWZJSSSSSSSATNSGWSSSS ists what was probably its boiling point. A single WITH A CRY OF TERROR THE NOBLE HORSE LEAPED OUT IN AIR AND DISAPPEARED street ran along through the gulch bottom, lined FROM SIGHT.
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2 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. WG. Fars. Feb. 13. 1920. on both sides with buildings of various sorts and sizes, the largest of which was the Silver Bugle Hotel. Next to the Silver Bugle in size, and far surpassing it in local favor, was the Palace Sa- loon, the headquarters of the camp, run by a young, dashing and good-looking woman known as ‘‘ Queen of Hearts,” The buildings on both sides of the street stood shoulder to shoulder for a distance of nearly half a mile, while to the north of the street, behind the buildings on that side, were tents and shan- ties in great number, The camp was of nearly two thousand population, and was a reproduc- tion, on a smaller scale, of what now great Dead- wood had been in its youth. South of the street, behind the Silver Bugle, the Palace Saloon, and the other buildings on that side, rose a wallof rock toa height of two hundred feet or nore, sloping outward until it fairly overhung the single thoroughfare. A stone dropped from its crest would strike in the middle of the highway, in front of the Palace. The rock was basalt, and this cliff was the “basalt butte” from which the camp took its name, At the top was a level ledge. On this ledge, at the time which marks the opening of our story, leaning over the brink and gazing down upon the busy avenue below, was a man clad all in red, His hat, his coat, vest, and shirt, bis trowsers —even his boots were red. So was a mask that partly concealed his face, He was of good fig- ure, strong and rounded in limb, evidently an athlete, Only a portion of his face was to be seen—his chin and jaw. The first was of the square type, with the suggestion of a dimple in the center. The jaw was strongly outlined, expressive of de- termination, The ends of a graceful mustache showed below the mask, and his skin had a smooth, soft look, like a woman’s, Suddenly he started back, looked behind him, listened, The ledge was not broad anywhere, and this was its widest place. Directly back from the brink ran a pass in which, some distance away, was a bend. It was toward this bend the man in red fixed his attention, and now could be plainly heard the rapid tattoo of a horse’s hoofs, drawing nearer each second, Suddenly around the bend dashed a runaway horse, with a charming wo- man trying in vain to control it, The man in red took in the situation ata lance, Another quarter-minuta and horse and air rider would go over the verge together, to be’dasbed to death in the gulch below. Without the loss of a single second after the horse came into sight around the bend the masked man ran toward it, arms outstretched toward the woman, shouting: “Throw yourself off into my arms! It is your only hope! Death is yonder! Now! Jump— jump |” The horse, a superb black, was thundering for- ward at mad speed. The woman, pale and wild- eyed, saw the man in red, beard his words, and acted promptly. In spite of her paleness and evident terror, the woman seemed to be perfectly cool. She lifted ber knee from over the horn of the side- saddle, drew ber foot from the stirrup, and at the right moment slipped off. The man in red caught her, but was almost carried off his feet by tue force of the shock, and only for a projection of rock against which he Staggered would have fallen to the ground, The moment bhé stopped he turned his head to look after the flying borse, ’ He was just in time to see it take the frightful lunge, as, with a cry of terror, the noble horse eaped out in air and disappeared from sight. Barely five seconds had elapsed, and he gave his attention to the woman, who was now endeavor- ing to free herself from his arms, Her rapid breath fanued-his face, her eyes met his, and she was about to speak when— The next moment another actor appeared upon the scene. Hoof-strokes had been heard again, and into sight dashed another horse and rider. The rider was a man, a young man of noble appearance,and bearing, and though riding ata rapid pace his horse was under control, There was a flush of excitement upon his face at first, but the instant he beheld the terrible precipice just ahead his face assumed the hue of death, and while he drew rein with one band he covered bis eyes for a moment with the other. Obedient to the master’s touch upon the rein, the horse slackened its speed at once, and finally stopped witbin a few feet of the brink. the man leaping lightly out of the saddle at the same mo- ment, No sooner did his feet touch the ground Ses se eer than he sprung over the intervening distance | hands to his head, This awful mystery was al- d | most as bad as the terrible fate itself. ee and looked over. One moment he gazed, and reeling back, again covered his eyes, ** My God!” be cried. can bear! My love—my darling! your meeting a fate like this!” ‘ A sob shook his frame, and for some seconds | he did not move or speak. When he removed | bis band from his eyes it was to look back along the way he bad come, and all around on the ledge. ‘“ Why did she not think to throw herself off, when she saw this terrible danger before her?” he asked himself, ‘‘ But, she has been too horri- fied to act, There was a chance for life here, while down there it was certain death, Oh, God, is it true that she is dead?” Helplessly be looked around, there; the awful truth was forced home, Her mangled form was in the gulch below—there could be no doubt of it. Again he stepped to the edge and looked down. There was a great crowd in the s'reet, gathered around the dark, dread object that lay there, Great excitement prevailed, as could be plain- ly seen, and no wonder. From every direction men were still running to join the crowd, which was growing larger each moment, For a moment the man on the cliff gazed fixedly at the dark object, when with a start he exclaimed: ‘* She is not there! It is only the horse I see! What have they done with her body?” While he was looking down, men were glanc- ing up every second, and presently he was seen, and the attention of aJl the crowd was called to him. In a moment every face was turned toward him, and he called down: ‘*What have you done with her? dead?” There was a short interval before the answer came back. ‘*Lo ye mean ther hoss?” was shouted. ‘ Ef ye do, be’s deader’n a stone.” “No, no!” the man on the cliff cried, ‘I mean the woman, What has become of her?” He could see the men looking from one to another, evidently talking, and this time the in- terval was longer, ‘* Thar wasn’t no woman on ther creetur’,” was presently shouted back to bis astonished ears, “Ther hoss kem down hyer aloue, and he’s knocked all to sassage.” Then she bad escaped! The man sprung back once more and looked eagerly around, Nowhere was the one for whom he searched to be seen. Himself and his horse were the only living creatures on the ledge, Stepping to his borse he sprung lightly into the saddle and cantered back to the bend, where he looked down the trail with searching scru- tiny, but with like result, That he was puzzled, now, his face plainly in- dicated. ‘* Where can she be?” he questioned, ‘They say she did not fall with the borse, and they cer- tainly ought to know, I was not a minute—not half a minute behind her, yet I fail to find her. Why, she had not time to walk back to this bend before I came up,” He reflected in silence, Dismounting, he led his horse forward toward the ledge again, making a close inspection of the ground all the way. The floor was ot hard, bare rock, washed clean by the rains of ages, and not a mark was to be seen save here and there a white scratch made by the shoes of the flying runaway, “Tt is more than I can understand,” the baffled man mused. ‘' They must be mistaken down there; there is no other explanation. Nothing was to save her from going over, if she did not drop from the horse here; and she did not do that or I would find her here. She must be under the horse,” : Stepping to the edge he looked over as be- ore. The scene below was practically the same, and many faces were upturned toward him. ‘* Have you found her?” he called down. Talking among themselves, they did not catch his words, and had to ask him to repeat, ‘Have you found the body of the woman?” he shouted, ‘* Have you looked under the horse to see if she is there?” '*T tell ye there wasn’t no woman aboard ther creetur’,” the same man answered. ‘‘ We have turned the carcass over, and thar ain’t a sign of a rider hyer.” The man on the cliff fairly staggered as he drew back from the brink, and he pressed his Is she | over; there was nothing tosave her. The very fact of her not being bere proves it. Ha! now I “This is more than I | To think of | She was not | “They are mistaken,” he cried, ‘‘She did go have it, I struck upon the roof of some building. look once more and then hasten down,” Turning to the brink once again, he knelt and took along and careful look below, searching the roof of every building witbin a reasonable radius, , His careful search resulted in nothing, how- ever, as we know. Nothing was to be seen any- where that bore resemblance to the dear form he looked for, and at last he rose to his feet with a sigh, : ‘*T do not see her,” he mused, ‘ but she i there none the less— How can she be any where else? She has struck some roof, and ha rolled off behind some building, or is perhaps lying between two of them, I will find her, once I get down there. But, bow to get down? I shall have to ask them,” He called to get the attention of the men below. ‘* Will you tell me the nearest way to get there, citizens?” be asked. The same spokesman responded again, ‘‘Ther narrer trail thar to yer left is the nighest one,” he informed. ‘‘Et wull take a man 0’ narve to travel et, though.” ‘*Ts it safe?” ‘* Vas, ef ye have got sand.” The traveler drew. back and looked at the trail indicated, It was a narrow extension of the ledge along the face of the cliff, to the left, sloping gradually to- ward the gulch. Judging it to be passable, he mounted his horse, and in sorrowing mood made his way along the narrow shelf with as little concern as though riding on a broad highway. At times the ledge was so narrow that his left leg touched the rocky wall, but he minded it not, riding as though in a dream, and so be continued until finally the end was reached and a broader trail led to the bottom of the gulch, Falling apart from the animal, = = wil CHAPTER IL THE MAYOR’S SUSPICION—HIGH WORDS—SUR- PRISE. Tue Mayor of Basalt Butte was one Archibald Grimm, He was about fifty years of age, tall, broad-shouldered, and heavily built. He worea full beard, that covered his face almost to his keen, gray eyes, With great force of charactes he bad naturally come to the front, and bis fel- low-citizens bad thrust upon him the dignity and responsibility that were now his, He ruled with an iron hand, and more than one citizer bad felt the strength of his powerful arm, lt was this man who had responded to the in- quiries of the stranger on the cliff, At the time when the black horse lunged over the precipice the camp wus pursuing the even tenor of its way, and everybody was attending to his own or his neighbor’s business with accus- tomed diligence. Tbe mayor was just crossing the street toward the Palace Saloon when he heard a wild cry, apparently right overhead, and glancing up, what was his amazement to see ; a horse plunging down from the height above, Pi With a cry of warning to others who were near, ; the mayor jumped out of the way, and the next instant the borse struck the ground with a thud re that fairly jarred the windows in the buildings ee near at hand, fs ‘** Great storm-king!” ejaculated the mayor, a It was all he could say just then, and after a * Pi glance upward to assure himself that no more p* horses were coming, be sprung* forward to look oe at the mangled carcass, yy The beast’ was «broken almost to pulp, its bones, in slivers, Vere protruding through the hide in many places, and every muscle was quivering with the last flickerings of life, ‘*Great_ storm-king!” the ,mayor repeated, “What do ye make out of this hyar, me childrun? A side-saddle, too, by ther livin’ Jupiter! Me childrun, thar’s somethin’ hap- pened up thar on ther-Jedge, and ye kin ’pend on’t.” It was a way he had, this addressing}his fellow- citizens as bis ‘* children.” ‘“'Ther critter has been rode by a woman, that ‘ar is plain,” one man declared. ‘She must hev jumped off of thar.” ‘Et is plain that she didn’t come down, any- how,” observed the mayor. ‘I was hyer when ther creetur’ started and when he arrove, and I kin sw’ar nobody was aboard of him, or kem along witb him.” Other remarks were made, and presently
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fact that ledge. somebody was with the man on the cliff bad been made, ain’t up thar, whar is she?” est him. about et.”! byar. don’t ye forgit et.” ‘ + “as ledge. vicinity of the dead horse, waited for the arrival of the stranger. Presently he was seen coming down the gulch approach the Palace. of perhaps thirty, with a sad, slightly pale face, and dark, magnetic eyes. dead horse lay, be cried: **Have you found her yet, men? Have you looked every where? over the ledge, for she is not up there.” we ar’ talkin’ about down hyar? hoss fall, and I kin swear that nobody fell with him. ‘* You say you saw it fall, sir?” ** Yes, I seen et fall.” “TT suppose you struck the ground.” **Yes’pose too much, young man, I seen et when et kem over ther butte, and [ tell ye no- body kem with et.” “Then where in heaven’s name is my wife? Men of Basalt Butte, I call upon you to help me find her,” Mr. Grimm was seratching his head. “Stranger,” he drawled, “this hyar bas a queer look about et, You say ther woman ain’t up thar, and we know she didn’t come down hyar. Do ye want us ter believe that she melt- ed off into ther air?” ‘** Her disappearance is certainly as mysterious as though she bad,” was the young man’s re- sponse. ‘In spite of what you say, I am sure she must have come over with the horse. Have you looked all around, to see if you could find the body? Don’t you think she may have struck some building?” This gave the crowd a new idea, and a bun- dred men set about searching at once for a mau- gled body; but not the mayor. **See hyar,” he cried. ““ My name is Archi- , bald Grimm, and I am mayor of this hyar camp Y of Basalt Butte. I bate’'ter have a map tell me & that I don’t know what I’m talkin’ about.” Si ‘But, there is a chance fora mistake, surely, sir.’ ‘*Nary achance for ary mistake. I heerda yell, ther hoss’s yell, I mean; and I looked 4 right up. Thar was ther hoss, comin’ right , down at me like a twenty-ton bowlder, and no- thin’ ner nobody else war comin’,” “I do not doubt your word sir, But, did you not jump, to get out of the way? And in doing so, might you not have missed sight of the rider, if she came over the ledge a moment after the horse? She certainly did come over, for she is not up there, and there is no other possible ex- planation.” ; **You say right, in one p’int,” agreed the mayor. ‘tI did dodge out of ther way, and might have missed sight of ther woman ef she kem over durin’ that second or two; but inither natur’ of things in gen’ral everything falls straight, and ef she fell over that ledge she’d strike hyer in ther street in spite of all creation and your argymints ter boot,” There was no questioning this, and the stranger was for the moment silent. “ And that’s why I say this byar thing hasa queer look about et,” the mayor went on, “Ther woman didn’t come over byar, and you gay she ain’t up thar. Thar is only one other some one in the crowd called attention to the looking over the ‘** Somethin’ hits me as ruther queer,” remark- ed tbe mayor, when the last exchange of words “We know ther woman didn’t come down, and ef she ‘* That's ther question,” agreed the man near- ** Et looks funny, ter say ther most ‘““Mebby thar has been sort o’ dark work goin’ on up thar?’ the mayor gave hint. *“* Mebby that ’ar stranger knows more than he p’tends he does? But, we'll see when he gits He’s got narve, anyhow, ef he is goin’ ter come around ther Fiddle-bow Pass, and That was what the stranger was going to do, ‘as they found out,gfor presently they could see * him as be threaded his way along the dangerous By this time nearly the whole population of the camp was in the street, choking it in the A great deal of talking was done, while they ata flying pace, and when he entered the street thecrowd fell back and made room for bim to His horse was admired by one and all, and the dead one, it was seen, bad been nearly its match, The rider, as they saw him, was a man When he drew rein, at the place where the She certainly did come “Young man,” said the mayor, stepping out from the rest, ‘don’t you s’pose we know what I seen ther mean you saw it when it’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. stock in, bead?” and shot ahead like a thunderbolt. ed her as fast as I could. it, ‘There you have it, straight.” woman. so as ter clear himself of et? What—” ‘*Stop right where you are!” the stranger ‘Only a fool would suggest ordered, sternly. such a thing as that—” ‘© A fool! fool? Varn ye a Jesson or two,” “Tsay only a fool would suggest such a **T would bave cut off my right band sooner than barm one She was more than life have come here with no lie on my IT call upon you and your citizens to thing,” the stranger repeated, hair of ny wife’s bead, to me, lips, sir, help me find my wife, or her body.” “Yes, I reckon we'll do that,” was the growl, ‘and I reckon we'll hold you to answer ther charge if thar is any proof or s’picion that pints your way. What do ye say, me childrun? “Ther story is fishy, ter say ther most of et,” one man made answer, ‘**My God!” the stranger cried aloud, with an almost groan, ‘tis it not enough to lose the light of my life, without being accused of having foully murdered her? I swear to you, men of Basalt Butte, the truth isas I have stated. I will give five hundred dollars to the man who will find ry wife, dead or alive, and bring her tome. This mystery must be solved—it shall ve solved!” This earnest appeal! carried conviction, “ Wull, ye seem ter mean et, anyhow,” mut- tered the mayor. ‘‘ We'll 'vestergate ther mat- ter all we kin, but I don’t see ther way Clear ter go ter work, Ef ther woman ain’t up thar, and ain’t down hyar, whar is sbe?” “That is the mystery. But, bave you looked all around here, men? Do you see nothing of the body any where?” This to the men who had been making the search, and who were now returning and mingling again with the crowd, ‘*Nary a sign of her,” one answered. ‘‘ We have searcbed every foot of ther ground, too.” “Where can she be? Heavens! I shall go mad if this is not explained soon. A general search must be made, people of Basalt Butte, and I call upon you to turn outand aid me. Five hundred dollars to the successful man!” This repeating of the offer aroused the crowd to action, and fully three-fourths of the men offered their services. ‘*T am a stranger here, as you see,” the youn man went on, ‘and do not know the ground. want you to go ahead and make the search a thorough one, I will pay you for the work, be- sides the reward to the successful man. My wife must be“found before dark, dead or alive, Do you hear me? She must be found!” Everybody was talking at once, or trying to, and there was almost confusion, but now a cheer was given, and more than half the crowd dis- persed to go in quest of tbe mysteriously-missing woman, If sbe was to be found they meant to find her, and each was eager to be the successful one, in order to secure the liberal reward, ‘‘ By ther way, stranger,” now remarked the mayor of the camp, *‘ we haven’t got yer handle yet. S’pose ye let us know who ye are, what ad business is, and what et was brought ye ere, “* Under the circumstances | will tell you who I am,” was the response, “* My name is Richard Bristol, though I am better known as Deadwood Dick. Junior. You—” ** Deadwood Dick?” “Yes: Deadwood Dick, Junior. You may have heard of me—1 infer that you bave, Do you now doubt my story, mavor? For once J am baffled. Here is 2 mystery without a single pe 3 t thing she could ’a’ done, and that was, ter mel away like arv shadder, which we don’t take no What have ye got ter say on that ‘‘T know not what to say,” was the answer, ‘* This suspense is almost maddening. My wife and I were riding along in tbe direction of tms camp, when, suddenly, her horse took fright I tried to follow at once, but mine reared and plunged so that I was not able to urge it forward for the space of half a minute at least, I saw my wife disappear around the bend up there, and follow- Jhen I reached the bend and saw the ledge before me I knew at once the horse had gone over, and supposed of course she had been carried to death along with *“‘T won’t say et ain’t so,” responded the mayor, ‘‘but et is qieer what bekem of ther Me childrun,” to the crowd, “ what ef this byar stranger has put ther woman out of ther way, and come hyar with this story ter tell Do you call Archibald Grimm a By ther livin’ Jupiter! but I, have a notion ter snatch ye off o’ that ’ar hoss and clew, and one that strikes home, Whereis my brave, bonny Kate?” And the stri*g man shook—shivered with his suppressed grief, peel as: CHAPTER III. VAIN SEARCH—MYSTERIOUS MISSIVES—NEW ARRIVALS, FrEw places there ure in the Wild West where the name of Deadwood Dick is unknown, It was known here at this camp of Basalt Butte, and the mention of it changed the whole aspect of the situation at once in Dick’s favor, A score and more of men in the crowd bad given voice to the exclamation--‘t Deadwood Dick!” among them the mayor, and that worthy now stepped forward with extended hand, exclaiming furtber, ‘*Great storm-king! Is et possible that I see before me ther great and only? By ther livin’ Jupiter, but this byer is good fer sore eyes! Me childrun, gaze upon this gentleman, and be- hold ther greatest detective of ther day. Sir, forgive me fer what | hinted at, wull ye?” Dick had accepted the offered band and given it a hearty shake. ‘*Certainly I forgive you,” he responded. ‘“*Overlook my bot words in response, too, I was in no mood to be trifled witb, as you can understand.” “Sartainly not; but, ye see how et looked, This hyar is a mystery a darnsight bigger’n ther . boss that kem over ther ledge.” ‘*And what is going to be done, mayor? Can’t you suggest some explanation of it? W here can she be?” ‘ST only wish I could tell ye, Deadwood Dick. Like you, I am knocked clean out.” ‘Will you go back with me to the top of the cliff, and take a look at the lay of the land there? You may find something which I have missed.” “Sartain I will. Thar will be a good many ahead of us, though, fer ther lads ar’ makin’ off in that direction about as fast as they kin go, But, come on, and we'll amble up thar,” Dismounting and leaving his horse in the care of a man connected with the Silver Bugle, Dick set off with the mayor on foot to climb to the ledge once more, to make another, and if pos- sible more thorough examination. Needless to.go with them over tke grouna again, The search was as fruitless as Dick's alove had been, ‘Every inch of the trail was ex- aminea, and every possible spot for a mile around was searched, but not a trace of the missing woman could be discovered any where, Finally, completely baffled and discouraged, Dick and the mayor returned to the camp, fol- lowed by the others who bad gone out, At the camp the same story was told, a fruitless quest. A thorough search bad been made under the cliff, but the missing woman could not be found anywhere, nor a sign of her, Entering the Silver Bugle, Deadwood Dick threw himself upon a chair by a table and bowed his bead upon his arms, The redoubtable Richard was almost crushed. Fearless in the face of foes, as intrepid as a lion when in danger, this great loss of a loved and loving wife, together with the awful mystery, was more than be coul’ bear. Night bad come on, supper at the hotel was over, but Dick bad no thought of his own needs, Tired and hungry as he was, be did not know it. There was but one thought in his mind, and that for bis wife,—for bis brave noble wife, the peer- less Kodak Kate. Even the business that bad brought him to this camp of Basalt Butte was for the time being entirely out of mind. That he had an object in coming there goes without saying. But, what- ever it was, it was as nothing to him compared witb this new mystery that occupied his mind, and in which be was so personally concerned, No one disturbed him, and for a long time he remained thus, his brain busy with the great enigma, It was one which he could not solve. It was one to which he could find no key, It was one that baffled him utterly, invincible detective though he was. He was oblivious to his surroundings to all intents and purposes, There was a crowd in the room, but he heeded it not, nor did be once move or stir till finally a shouting without an- nounced the coming of the belated daily stage, When he roused up it was with a start, as though he had meiner’ | been entirely out of him- self, so to say, and as be removed his arms from the table, something white, two objects there were, dropped from the board and fell fluttering to the floor, ‘ Hastily picking them up, Dick found them to - > - x = = SSE ve ™ » = a
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& be two envelopes, each bearing his name on the face. The handwriting of one he recognized instant- ly. It was that of his wife! With a cry of joy he sprung to his feet, look- | ing at the well-kuown writing—proof in itself that Kate was alive. The crowd was pressing out of doors to see the stage come into town, and Dick stepped imme- diately to the bar, where he addressed the man | in attendauce, ‘*Did you notice any one near me while I was sitting at that table?” he demanded. ‘““Not in p’tic’lar, sir,” was the answer, ‘There was a good-sized crowd in ther room *most all ther time, and a good many was <I around,” This was far from satisfactory. ‘* Well, see here,” Dick cried, showing the two letters, ‘‘These letters were laid on my arms while I lay there, id some person, Did you ob- serve who didit? 1 will give twenty dollars to find out.” **You will have to go further than me, sir,” was the candid return, ‘I didn’t see any one with letters in his hand, and didn’t see any one monkeyin’ around you at all, But, then, I wasn’t watchin’, of course, an’ it might’a’ been done a dozen times ’thout my knowin’ it.” Baffled again, and puzzled, Dick turned to a aus and opened the letters, the one from Kate rst, It was worded like this: ** DIcK:—- “fam all right, and for the present safe, Kater,” ‘What can it mean?” Dick asked himself, **It is short and to the point, but where is she? How did she escape the danger of the cliff? I cannot understand it. It is everything, how- ever, to know this much; and it is not to be doubted, for I cannot be deceived in the band- writing. Perhaps this othar letter will explain more,” Without further delay he tore open the second missive, This was addressed in a strong masculine hand, ope which Dick did not recognize, and contained the following: **Deapwoop Dick, DAarE-pevi. DeTective:— “The life of your wife depends on your going away from Basalt Butte without trying to carry out the business that brought you here. You are given forty-eight hours in which to make up your mind what you will do. You will receive no further warning, so, if you value a fair offer, be wise in our decision. Your wife’s head wiil pay the forfeit ycu do not go. “This is from— “You Know Wao.” Dick pulled his mustache, and a dark look was upon his brow, “No, hang me if I know whom it is from,” he muttered, ‘‘Here is more mystery than ever. Who could have known of my coming here? And how can my secret business be so vastly important? 1 fail to catch on, Well, it it ert pe to know Kate is alive and well, and if [donot rescue her now it will be be- cause I have forgotten my cunning. But, here is the stage,” Knowing that his wife was alive, Deadwood Dick was a new being at once. He was some- thing of himself again, The mystery was as deep as ever, of course, but now it had a different aspect. There was hope! Thrnsting the letters into his pocket he stepped out on the piazza, Tae stage bad arrived by this time and stop- ped, and the passengers were getting out, There was a goodly number of them, for Basalt Butte was drawing people daily, and the one just alighting as Dick stepped out was a vailed woman, evidently young. This personage tripped lightly to the steps of the piazza, as lightly up them, and evtered the hall entrance. Dick looked after her as she dis- appeared, not because there was anything fa- miliar about her appearance, but perhaps be- cause she was vailed, and a vail, to him, sug- gested mystery, Others were meanwhile getting down and out, and the only other to draw a second glance from Dick was a man with a pair of * Gallo- way ” whiskers, who had something of a foreign look about him. Dick had never seen him’ be- fore, to his knowledge, and yet something seemed to impress upon him the idea that he was a pereoaage with whom he was destined to have to do, This man entered the bar-room of the Silver Bugle, along with others, and as there was no further interest respecting the stage for Dick, _ he too returned to the bar-room., Deadwood Dick, I28, Def Already the new arrivals were regiatering, and it soon came to the turn of the man with the imported chops, or ‘t Galloways.” After he had inscribed his name Dick found opportunity to glance at the register, and learned his name was Henry Whipple. Presently there was a call from the ladies’ room, and the man at the bar sent an assistant. W hen he returned he inscribed on the register the name—Anne Parson, of Virginia City. Dick himself had not yet registered, but did so now, giving his true name, Supper bad been saved for arrivals by the stage, and now feeling his need, Dick went with others to the eating-room, He hoped to get a sight of the face of the wo- man who had come by the stage, for the fact of her being vailed bad roused his curiosity, but he was disappointed, for when she entered the room she bad a vail on that covered her face down to her mouth, That she was good-looking Dick could not doubt, for the lower part of her face was very fair, and the chin had a dimple that lent to ita bewitching charm, She was quiet and retiring in manner, and spoke to no one during the meal, Tbe man with the whiskers, Mr. Whipple, was not so quiet. He talked with everybody, and did not make any pretext to keep his business a secret. He was traveling agent for a business house, and was out trying to drum up a little trade in this new fieid, Deadwood Dick, however, looked upon him with suspicion. The very fact of his making his business known so readily, when there was no call for it, looked strange, Dick had little to say during the meal, and after it was over he set out to find the mayor of the camp to have a further talk with him, now that be had news to communicate, rorya § for him, he was told he would pro- bably find him at the Palace, so there he went. Entering, the mayor’s big figure was almost the first one he saw, and he stepped forward to where he was seated in conversation with an- other map, This other was a rather handsome, dashing fellow, perhaps twenty-eight years cf age, with a smooth skin Pes a fine, curving mus- tache of the admired silky sort, He had cool, keen eyes of a steely blue, **Hillo!” exclaimed the mayor, looking up when Dick laid a hand on his arm; ‘‘I see you are ’round, Deadwood Dick, Ye look trighten- ed up, too. What is et? Have ye heerd some- thin’ about_yer lost wife? I hope ye hev, by ther livin’ Jupiter!” “Yes, I have heard from her,” answered Dick ““and according to what 1 learn she is alive and well, but where she is Ido not know. The mys- tery is almost as bad asever, In fact, 1 don’t know but it’s worse, And the manner in which I heard from her is mysterious, too.” ‘* Wull, sot down, me noble Richard, and let’s bear all about et, "Low me ter interdoose ye to Mister Harry Stacey, better knowed ‘round byer as ‘‘ Haudsome Harry.” CHAPTER IV. DICK’S BUSINESS—QUEEN OF HEARTS—SUDDEN THOUGHT, HANDSOME HARRY, as the man had been called by the mayor in his introducing, leaned over the table anc extended his hand to Dick, saying: ** Deadwood Dick, I’m proud to know you. I have often heard of you, and this is a real pleasure, Sit down and join us in our quiet talk and smoke, We were just talking about that strange case of yours.” “Thanks,” said Dick, after the grasp of bands, and he sat down. “I suppose that strange affair is the talk of the town to-night, and no wonder, for it is about the greatest puzzle I ever tackled in my life. I cannot understand how my wife disappeared so sudden- ly and so completely.” ‘*But, ye say ye heV heerd from her,” the mayor urged, ‘‘Whatis et? What has she ter say about et? Don’t she tell ye whar she is?” ‘She does not, All her note has to say is this: ‘Iam all right and for the present safe,’” “Wull, that beats ther Dutch, How did you get the note?” **'You will say that beats the Dutch, too, I think. I was in the hotel, sitting by a table with my head on my arms thinking, and when I roused up the notes fell to the floor. Some- non fi put them there while I was in my brown study. ‘The notes do you say?” queried the sport, ‘Yes; there was one in a man’s band, and it at. was of rather a threatening nature. Here it iss I will read it to you.” Bi. Accordingly Dick took the missives from his: pocket and read both, the mayor and the sport listening with clo-e attention as the words dropped from his lips. ane ‘“ Will you allow me to look at that writing?” the sport asked, Dick gave the paper into his hand. Handsome Harry looked at it critically for a moment, aad gave it back, aed ‘I thought it possible I might recognize it,” he remarked, ‘‘ but I don’t. It leaves you all in the dark, there being no signature to it.” ‘‘ What is ther sign to et?’ asked the mayor, “Simply: ‘You know whom,’” answered Dick. ‘But ye don’t know jest ther same.” “‘Tdonot. But, I read it aloud to you; what do you think of it, mayor? And you, too, Mr. Stacey?’ ‘*Wull, et sticks in my gizzard that somebod has got onto ther biz that has brung ye byar,” the mayor offered as his guess; ‘“‘ and havin’ rea- son ter fear ye, has give ye this warnin’ ter git up and git,” ‘“‘The note says as much,” said Dick, ‘‘ But, that is where more mystery comes in, My mission here was a perfectly harmless one, and I came with only good intent toward a certain person whom I came in quest of. I cannot understand, anyhow, how my business could be known,” ‘‘ Perhaps,” now suggested Handsome Harry, “the whole matter has been a prearranged job from the beginning, to get you here, and then get you into this sori of trap. I don’t pretend to say it is so, but maybe that is the way of it. You see, this note does not seem to be guessing at anything, but speaks as of a known truth; and then, too, the unaccountable disappearance of your wife.” eadwood Dick was thoughtful. : ‘*No; I can’t accept that view of it,” he said, ** And why not?” ‘¢ Well, in the first place, the matter could not have been prearranged, so far as the disappear- ance of my wife. That is out of the question.” **So you say, but you will have to give ur our reasons before we can see it in the same ight as you see it yourself.” ‘*T will explain, then, No one could have known! would bring my wife with me, to begin with; and bringing her, no one could have guess- ed by which trail we would come to your camp.” ‘* 'That’s level enough,” agreed the mayor, “And yet,” urged Handsome Harry, “‘ every- thing seems to have been in readiness for your wife’s disappearance, 1 am only arguing for the sake of rio eg | out points, you understand,” ‘Certainly; Lunderstand that. Suppose such a scheme to bave been laid, and some means taken to frighten our horses, how could the per- sons tell how it would turn out? My own horse might have gone on in advance, or both might have gone forward togetber.” ** And perhaps that would have pleased your foes all the more, had both horses plunged over the cliff, riders with them.” ; Dick looked at the bandsome sport keenly, Harry met bis gaze steadfastly enough, and a smile curled his lips, ‘* Perhaps you are right,” Dick rejoined, after a moment, ** but if my foes know anything about Deadwood Dick, they ougbt to know that he would not be carried over the cliff unless fasten- ed to tie horse so he could not leap off.” ‘* Weil, well, it is past understanding, so I give it up. But where do you imagine your wife can be? ‘* She is not far from bere, that is sure,” Dick declared, ‘I have an idea she is in this camp of Basalt Butte,” ; ‘* By the way,” the mayor here put in, “ might et be askin’ too mucb ef we inquire what yer business hyer was? Mebby that will throw some light on ther subjeck.” * Since events bave turned out as they have, I seé no reason for secrecy about that,” responded Dick, “It was our plan, thougb, to come here under assumed names, do our little work. and go away again, boping to escape any of our usual exciting experiences, Still, there is no need for me to proclaim my business from the house~ tops, and I suppose I may trust you, gentlemen,” He was assured. ‘* Well, then, for my errand, I came here to find one Gregory Maybham, an Englishman, who has just fallen heir to an estate in England, by the death of his cousin. This Gregory is said to be a pretty decent sort of fellow, and came to this country as a poor young man to better his. fortunes. He was last heard of at a town in Idaho, and taking up the trail there it indicated ih
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ba 2 c Sa oe; 4 mie Pg a 2 | le r] i iw ts a b ylater, that be had come to this camp of Basalt Butte, and hence my coming after him. While I am about it, do you know anythiug of such a per- son?” *“ Have never heard that name here, to my knowledge,” declared Handsome Harry. ‘“* No, ner me, uther,” the mayor subjoined. ‘* Well,” continued Dick, ‘* you see how harm- Jess my errand is, and how needless it would be for foes to go to such harsh measures to turn me back, They have probably bad their labor for their pains, Forty-eight hours grace is given me, and in that time 1 can probably do my bnsi- mess and be ready to depart. But, I must have my wife to take with me, or there will be war, Deadwood Dick can be threatened, that is noth- ing; but to turn him, that is another matter altogether. 1t begins to dawn upon me that yerbaps there is something bere tbat will bear ooking into a little.” ‘* from the tone of the note, though, it will be at the peril of your wife to do so,” reminded tbe sport. ‘True enough; but, as no assurance is given that my wife will be restored to me if I do go away, you can bet your dollars I am not going without her.” Just then a womau of queenly bearing came down the long room toward them, and at sight of her Dick asked: ‘*Tell me, who is that?” ‘That?’ said the sport, leisurely turning bis head to look, ‘*Tbat is Queen of Hearts, who runs this place.” ‘*Oh, that is it, eb? The Palace is managed by a woman, then? She has been out of town, I take it, and just returned, is taking a survey of her paluce.” Stacey looked at Dick sharply, his steely eyes seemingly trying to read bim through! ‘What are you trying to get at?” be asked, Dick saw there was something wrong, and did mot reveal what he might bave disclosed. He had noted something in particular about this woman, and believed at first he recognized her. He was not sure yet that be hadn’t, “Why, merely a remark, seeing the close sur- vey she is taking of everything and everybody,” Dick passed it off, easily. ‘‘ She isa bandsome, dusbing woman, to judge at first blush.” **Oh, that is all,” the sport as easily accepted, **[ thought you were going to say you had seen the Queen abroad lately. Sbe bas not been away from here in several months, so far as I am aware, and I am bere nearly every night. Ha! there is a youngster who is stuck on her.” But, for Dick’s suspicion, He remembered the vailed woman who bad come by the stage, und whose face be had seen in part at the table Her lips and chin were identical with these of this Queen of Hearts, At first he bad felt sure it was the same person, This woman had a beauty that was almost dazziing, and if there was only one man ip the room who was “stuck” on her, Dick regarded it as wonderful, He Jooked where the sport indicated, and saw a rather good-looking young man in the act of lifting bis hat and bowing to the woman. She gave him asmile of recognition as she passed bin, She came on, and as she neared the table where the mayor, the sport and Dick were seated, she inclined her head in recognition of the sport, the mayor, or both, Stacey partly rose, * Queen of Hearts,” be said, “if you will take the trouble to step here I will introduce a gen- tieman of whom you must have heard,” The woman came up With a smile and easy race, her brilliant eyes fixed upon Deadwood ick, ‘** Whom is it I am to have the honor of greet - ing?” sbe asked, **Let me introduce Mr, Richard Bristol, who is better known as Deadwood Dick, Junior,” said Stacey. ‘‘ Mr. Bristol, I present you to the proprietress of this saloov, Queen of Hearts.” Dick rose and acknowledged the introduction with bis usual grace. ** Indeed!” the woman exclaimed, ‘Is it pos- sible my place is honored by the presence of Deadwood Dick? Allow me to welcome you to Basalt Butte, sir. I am glad 1 can welcome you as a friend, for I bave beard so much about you that I should dread to have you for a foe,” She bad extended ber hand while speaking, and Dick bad touched it with a light momentary grasp, ay Nias we not met before, madani?” he asked, For an instant she looked as if a startled ex- bases would come to her face, but a smile nished it instantly. “Not to my knowledge, sir,” she answered. i: Deadwood Dick, Jr,’ Fo eae ~n ' ‘‘ Where do you think you bave seen me? Per- haps J can suon settle the doubt in your mind,” Dick gave a slight sbrug of the shoulders, ‘* Impossible tosay, now,” he declared. ‘‘lam going and coming all the time, and it is impossi- ble to retain all the faces] meet. May as well let it pass as unsaid. I suppose you know all about my great loss, and the unaccountable dis- appearance,” **Yes; everybody knows it, You bave my sympatby, sir, and if I can aid you in any man- ner whatever, you have only to command me, Perhaps you may think of some part which I can play, when you begin your search in earnest —for I have already heard the rumor that she is not dead—” ‘Great storm-king!” suddenly broke out the mayor, and he brought his buge fist down upon the table with acrusb, ‘‘ Take me out and club me ter death fer a blamed old ringboned and spavined jackass! Why didn’t I think of et afore? I hev et now, an’ I’m bettin’ on et, Deadwood Dick, yer enemy is Red Roy, ther outlaw !” CHAPTER V., DICK LEARNS ABOUT THE OREGON OUTLAW, DEADWOOD Dick looked at the mayor ina questioning way. Here was a candidate for prison of whom he had never heard, and be was eager to learn more. Handsome Harry, too, looked at Mr, Grimm for a moment, and then at Dick, and bis eyes and tbose of the detective met. The Queen of Hearts looked from one to another of the trio, ber smile still upon her lips, The mayor, with fist still clinched, was gg oe Dick, as if only waiting to be questioned. he pause was only momentary, when Dick in- quired: ‘*And who is this Red Roy of whom you speak, Mayor Grimm? I believe I have never heard of the gentleman before.” ‘Who is Red Roy? He’s ther durndest thief that ever sot foot in these parts, that’s who he is, But, be hasn’t been seen in some time, and I s’pose that’s ther reason I didn’t think of bim afore.” ‘* That must be it,” decided Handsome Harry. ‘‘It never occurred to me, either, and 1 guess no one else thought of bim in connection with this mystery. How came you to think of bim new, mayor? It seemed to strike you all of a sudden,” ‘**Durn me ef I know,” was the response, “Et popped inter my bead jest then, and I spoke right out in meetin’, so ter say. What do ye think of ther idee, Queen o’ Hearts? You are a clever one at gittin’ at facts, What’s yer opine on this byer question?” ‘*]t may be as you think,” was the smiling response, ‘‘ but, who can say? As Mr, Bristol has never beard of him, suppose you tell him all about the fellow, and let him judge for him- self. You will excuse me?” With tkat, and a bow to all, she passed on down the room, Dick looked after ber a moment, then turned bis attention to the mayor, ready to hear bis story. ‘** Et ain’t much ter tell,” the mayor said at once, ‘ Ther few facts kin be summed up in sbort meter, as ther poicks say. This Red Roy is said ter be from Oregon way, and bas been called ther Oregcn Outlaw, e is a outlaw sure enough, no doubtin’ that p’int. Never heerd of bim, hey?” ‘*Neaver,” answered Dick, ‘‘He can’t have made much of a reputation yet, or my attention would have been cajled to himere this, But, go on witb your story.” “*T don’t know ebout that part of et, but if be goes on as he commenced ‘reund hyer he will make et fast enough, you bet. But, it’s three months sence be was seen hyer, and that’s why he was sort of outo’ mind. He isa feller dressed all in red, even to bis shirt and boots, and he’s a darin’ cuss, afeerd of nothin’. He made bis first ‘pearance hyer one pay-day, and ridin’ up to ther mine office, stepped in, collared ther boodle, went out and mounted bis boss and was off, and ther boys pitchin’ lead at bim fer all they was worth,” ‘* A cool customer, then, I should say.” ‘*No name fer him, Ther next thing he did was ter stop ther extra stage one day, when it had ther biggest shipment aboard that bad been made from hyer—bullion, I mean; and darn me ef he didn’t dump ther bull lot of et and send ther stage on empty. What he done with et nobody knows, but et disappeared, and so did he, and he hasn’t been seen ’round hyer sence. As I said, that was about three months ago, so ye see it has sort 0’ died out o’ mind; but et bits me right in ther gizzard that this same Red Roy is s, Defeat. 5 at ther bottom of this hyer mystery, though just how is more’n I am goin’ terexplain. Now, thar ye bave ther hull facks of ther case; what do ye think of et?” ‘Tiere may be something in it,” Dick said, thoughtfully. ‘‘It is strange no one thougbt of it before,” mused the sport. ‘* This, it appears to me, would account for the letter you have received, Mr. Bristo}.” “What I was just thinking,” agreed Dick. ‘¢ This outlaw may be around yet, and learning my identity and inferring perbaps that I was ig 2 him, bas meant to nip my game in the ud, ‘*TIt looks reasonable, certainly. What are you going to do about it? How do you think you will take his warning?” ‘“*Et looks ter me as if he bas ye in a bad box,” observed the mayor. ‘You are rigbt,” agreed Dick. ‘He holds the best band. If it is as you now think, and it looks reasonable, be has me at a disavdantage, I will do anything to get my wife out of bis power, But, the mystery! How on earth did she disappear from that clef?” The others shook their heads, gave it up. ‘“‘T can do nothing,” Dick went on, ‘* but sim- ply await the pleasure of my unknown foe, If e had made it possible for me to respond to his letter, 1 would do so, and try to come to terms with him; as it is I am helpless, His letter is a peculiar one, He certainly knows me and some- thing of my reputation, e holds the strongest possible trump in his band—the life of my wife, He gives me forty-eight hours in which to make myself sca1ce—as it were, and says I am to re- ceive no further warning, bu my wife’s head will pay the forfeit if 1 donot go. He has got me in a bad fix, as the mayor here bas said,” ‘*Darn me ef he ain’t, and no mistake,” the mayor agreed. ‘‘ He don’t give ye uo chance ter speuk up, either, and dc n’t say whet will become of yer wife anybow, Et ain’t hardly a square deal, by ther livin’ Jupiter et ain’t!” ‘IT suppose you are going to back me, if it comes to a struggie, are you not?’ Dick asked, * Wuill, pow, ye kin bet yer life on't!” cried the mayor, ‘Me childrun and me’ll jest stand up witb ye till ther bell rings, I shoula cough up a cat or two ef we won't,” ‘And you may count upon my help,’ too,” offered the sport, “If you get hold of the case in the right shape, and there is anything I can do to belp ycu, you bave only to direct me and it’s done, The mayor bers kucws what sort of felow lam, and he will tell you ’'m always as good as my word,” “So Pve allus found ye,” the mayor at once testified. ‘“*Were it not for ove thing,” mused Dick, “I would demand a thorough search of every shanty in the camp this hour,” ‘*By ther great storm king! Say only ther word, Dead wood Dick, and et shell be done right off soon. I’m mayor of this byer city, and my word is law.” ‘*No, it need not be done,” Dick decided, ‘““My wife’s assurance that for the present she is safe, is enough. I can wait. Besides, such a proceeding might make her position more dangerous.” ‘“Wull, wull, mebby you aire right. When ye want us ter pitch in, jest say 50, an’ we're ready. The Queen of Hearts had made her way to the end of the room by this time, and had stopped to speak to fersons here and there, and was now coming back again toward the rear, ‘Well, you bave heard the story of Red Roy?” she interrogated, stopping for a moment at the table where Dick sat, resting her hand on the back of his cbuir. ‘¢Yes; and itle-ds me to suspect that possibl he is the foe with whom I have to deal,” Dick answered, “You maybe right. Itis to be hoped you will down him, if it is so. Where can he bave i himself these three months, I won- der?’ . “You say it is three months since he was here?” ** About that long, sir.” ‘« Strange, then, if he bas reappeared just at this time! Ob! there is much in this to baffle me. I cannot grasp it at all, Silent three months, and yet ready for me when I came bere by chance, without any knowledge whatever of his existence. I give it up.” “It cortairily fe strange,” the woman agreed. “* But, it is Deadwood Dick with whom he bas to deal, if it is Red Roy, and be will probab find be bas crossed swords with a formida They simply
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_ power, antagonist. Whatever the mystery is, however, and whoever the foe, count upon me when the time comes when I can help you.” Dick thanked her, and she passed on, ‘* By the way,” Dick then changed the subject, turning to the mayor, ‘‘can you tell me the name of that youn?’ man over there, theone who seems to be all gone in his admiration of the Queen of Hearts?” ‘*Sartain,” was the ready answer, ‘‘ He sails under the name of Walt Tnornton, I guess that’s his sure-enough handle, fer I don’t see what he would want of more’n one name.” ‘What do you know about him?” Dick dividing his glance between the mayor and the sport, this question was to either or both of them. **Not much of anything,” the sport replied. ** Seems like a quiet sort of lad, but he is bad stuck on the Queen, and no getting over that,” While they were talking thus, Dick noted another personage who had entered the saloon, and who was walking leisurely down the long room toward tbe rea, casting glances this way and that as though in search of some one, It was the man who had come by the stage, the one with the tufts before bis ears, Mr. Henry Whipple. While Dick watched him his eyes fell upon the young man called Walt Tuoruton, and he gave a slight start of recognition. He fixed his gaze upon the man for some seconds, the latter being seated so that he could not observe the close attention he was re- ceiving. The man passed on to the end of the room, taking what seemed to bea lazy and natural survey of the finest place in the camp, and re- turping, took a seat just across from Thornton. ‘* You are not watching bim for notbing, and I know it,” thought Dick, at the same time carrying on his conversation with his com- panions of the bour. ‘‘ You mean something, and I have an idea it will pay me to watch you a little.” His queries having been answered, and all in- terest in Walt Thoruton being at an end, ap- parently, Dick and the others turned again to their own teble to resume their smoke and talk, when Dick made a discovery that caused him a start. Right in front of him, on the table, lay another sealed letter, He caught it up quickly and looked at it. ** What have you there?” asked Stacey. ** Another message, by ther great storm-king!” cried the mayor. “This is getting decidedly interesting,” ob- served Dick, with a smile. ‘‘Can either of you tell how this came here?” ‘*Dura me ef I seen et come,” declared the mayor. ‘*Nor I,” quickly added the sport. ‘‘It is grorice decidedly too interesting, I siould say. ho is it from this time?” Dick had been scanning the crowd, ti1ying to fix suspicion upon some one, but it seemed im- possible to do so. He gave that up as useless, and looked at the letter. The envelope was directed to bim, in the same masculine hand as before, and opening it, the note within was found to be written in the same hand. Answering the sport’s question, Dick read it. It ran as follows; ““Deapwoop Dick:— “Since writing my other note to you I have thought perhaps I was not giving you a fair chance to have a say in the matter. Iwill meet you per- sonally, to talk the matter over with you. Think the matter over well, and have your mind fuliy made up. You Know Wom From.” j paek tossed the note away with an impatient erk, * This is getting tiresome,” he cried. ‘‘ Read it, Mr. Stacey, and say what you think of it. Read it aloud, so the mayor can hear, I should have done so myself, but acted upon impulse in throwiog it from me with the disgust I felt.” CHAPTER VI. TELLS WHAT BECAME OF THE MISSING WOMAN Two and two make four. This simple truth is patent to everybody who ever took the trouble to prove it. Hence, when a man in red was in- troduced in the very beginning of our story, and later on a certain Red Roy, outlaw, was de- scribed by the mayor of Basalt Butte, the reader simply added two and two and got at a certain fact, That is to say, it was readily guessed that the man on the cliff at the time of the al- most tragedy, and this Red Roy, were one and the same; aud that Kodak Kate was in his Further, that 1t was he who had sent the two puzzling messages to Deadwood Dick, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. Jt was even so, | woman were strained to the last degree, evident Let us return to the time of the exciting run- | ly. away. Still she remained steady in ber aim, re- When the man in red turned bis attention to | membering advice that had been impressed upon the woman in his arms, after witnessing the ter- | her mind time and again by her husband, that rible leap of the horse off into the depth, she | the ‘‘drop” was everything, and she had it, was just making an effort to free herself from : ‘““Your blood be on your head, then,” she bis arms, Her rapid breath fanned upon his | cried in ber last desperate degree of calmness. cheek, her eyes met bis, and she was about to | ‘* Unless you obey me at once, sir, I fire,” speak when— | ‘*Fire away, then, Red Roy, the outlaw, It was at that point we saw fit to break off | takes no orders from men, and certainly not and tell of something else, which, in tbe order | from a woman. Fire away, I say, and let’s of events, seemed to demand precedence. have it done with,” It was at that moment the Ynan in red heard Driven to it, knowing it would not do for her the strokes of other hoofs, and to remain where | to back down, Kate did fire, but not to kill, he was for a moment longer meant discovery, | What was her surprise to find the man still which was something he was not prepared for smiling before her, as though he had not been then. | touched and bad no dread of bullets. With a quick movement he threw bis weight | He stepped toward her now, still smiling. sideways against the rock, and in aninstant he | _‘* Back!” she cried, ‘‘ Take onestep more and and the woman disappeared from view, the rock | I shoot to kill!” door closing after them with a cushioned jar, or | He advanced, still smiling, as, in spite of the thud, and all around was utter darkness, It ) balf-mask he wore, could be plainly seen; and was a transition so eudden that the woman was | in desperation Kate aimed and fired full at bis denied all ehance to resist. | breast. She was, too, for the moment dazed and pow- ) Finding herself in his power, believing his in- erless with her surprise, and in the same inter- | tentious were full of evil for her, she felt herself val the man clapped bis band over her mouth, | justified in the act. lifted ber in his arms, and bore ber away as What was her dismay, though, to find him though she were but a child. still before ber, smiling as ever, and apparently At this ber power of action suddenly re- | unharmed. turned, and she struggled desperately to free Her arm dropped, as she stared at him in sur- herself, but all in vain, and‘in spite of her | prise, if not indeed in dismay, and the next mo- struggles she was carried rapidly away along a | ment he sprung upon her and snatched the wea- dark, cold passage, finally emerging into a part | pon out of her hand. > of the cavern where a light burned. “You are too handy with the revolver,” he It was here the man put her on her feet and | observed, coolly. ‘‘I will take it away from released her. you before you do some mischief, You have Instantly, and with a quickness that evidently | had your little satisfaction, now let me have surprised the man, sbe leaped back from bim, | mine,” and a revolver covered bis breast, She drew back, struggling to get away, ‘You wretch!” sbe cried, ‘Though you “It isof no use,” the man in red declared, have saved my life, you bave forfeited all the | “ You areas nothing in my grasp. I Want the thanks 1 owed you! Take me back to the trail | satisfaction of proving to you bow helpless you at once, or I wil) kill you where you stand!” are, LIintend you no barm,so do not be un- Recovering from bis momentary surprise, the | easy on that score, Only for my own safety, I man laughed lightly, folding bis arms and look- | would not have brought you here. Let us have ing at the woman with curiosity. a little talk.” ‘Well, well,” he mused, ‘* but you area per- “JT desire to have nothing to say to you,” fect litle Tartar, sure enough. I hope you | Kate panted. “I demand my freedom, and won’t waste any powder and lead on me, my | that at once. Let me go, and you are forgiven: dear; I’m not worthy of it.” detain me bere another minute, and.you will * You may find that you have caught a*Tar- | regret it bitterly. [am making no idle boast. tar,” Kodak Kate cried, warningly, ‘Sif you do | lf J could not kill you, there is one who can and not immediately obey me, Take me back at | will bring you to account.” once to the place where we met, or I fire,” ‘*Oh, I have no doubt of it; but, then, that is ‘* Well, now, before you shoot, let’s reason a | afar off, and does not trouble me greatly,” moment,” the man in red proposed, as coolly as ‘* You misunderstand me, sir. Ido not refer though no danger threatened him. ‘‘I am not | toany Hereafter, but tothe time present, My easily frightened, as perhaps you see, Suppose you kill me, what will you do then? You could never find your way out of here!” Kodak Kate was pale, but she was also firm, and held ber aim at the man’s beart with a steady hand. **T do vot mean to kill you, if you take me back at once,” she said. “If you refuse, the | worse for you. I meau what I say,” **T don’t doubt it in the least, fair lady,” was the response, “When I inform you that it is impossible for me to comply with your request, however, you will see that threats will avail nothing.” * You refuse, then?” By the grim necessities of the case T must re- fuse, **-You will regret it, I have friends near at hand, who will avenge this indignity.” The man in red laughed again. ‘Your friends,” he said, ‘“‘ are as powerless to aid you as though they were at the antipodes, They are no doubt looking for you in the bottom of the gulch, where the carcass of your horse now lies,” ‘* Heavens! once! My busband will go mad! For sake, show me the way out! ” ‘*Ha! a married lady, eh? No’ doubt it was your husband who was coming after you at the time of our disappearance. Ha! ha! This will give him something to puzzle his brains over for a time—” * Villain!” cried Kate, almost beside herself, “T have warned you for the last time. Take me back at once, or as sure as you stand there I will sboct you, even though you did save my life. Come, at once, sir, or I fire!” ** Well, fire a ‘ay, since that seems to be your desire, Let us see if you have the nerve to shoot a man, anybow.” ‘*Do you mean to refuse me?” ‘““ Why, I have refused already. can | say?” It was a test of nerve power, and those of the ** And who is this husband of yours, whom you seem to think is such a terrible fellow?” “You will find that cut soon enough to satisfy you, I think.” Kate’s spirit was now returning, ‘**Then you have no intention of revealing your identity to me,” the man made observation, *“T have not, sir. You baveshown yourself to be a rascal and villain, and have admitted that you are an outlaw. I want nothing more to say to you,” ‘* Oh, but that won’t do, you know. You are helpiess here, and could never get out of this hole without my help, never, If you bad killed me you would die here just as sure as you are alive now,” ‘* P-rhaps that fate were preferable.” ‘*Ob, not by any means, | assure you. Now, if you are disposed to listen to reason I will tell you what I purpose doing.” Kate said nothing, ‘*In the first place,” the man resumed, “it was for my own safety that I acted asI did and brougbt you here, Your sudden coming sur- prised me, and | had no time to get out of sight, or I would have heen out of sight when you ap- peared, Then where would you be now? See- ing your danger, I was prompted to save you, and acted accordingly, The next moment I heard another horse coming, and in order not to be found, made my exit from the scene, taking you with me.” Kodak Kate still made no comment, You must set me free, sir, and at Heaven’s ‘* that I desire to keep my presence here a secret. Now, I think we can come to an understanding that will be perfectly satisfactory to us both, As I have said, Imean you no harm, You have seen that threats and blows avail you nothing. Let us come to a reasonable understanding, I know not who you are, and little care, Fou owe your life to me, and I think you will be willing to agree to what I am going to propose. You must remain here till night, when, on con- What more husband will hunt you down if it takes a year ‘** You will understand,” the outlaw went on, _ ee
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a ee a | dition that you promise not to reveal what you know concerning Red Roy and his secret den, I | will set you free and see that you reach the camp safely.” Kate was still silent. ** Well, what do you say?’ the man ir red urged, “*T must refuse your terms,” was the answer, boldly spoken. ‘‘ When I get out of your power it is my intention to tell where I have been, and all about you and your secret hiding-place.” “ Whew!” the man whistled. ‘* Thatisthe kind | of a beauty you are, isit? If thatis the case I am afraid you will remain here an indefinite time. Red Roy is not the man to be trifled with, I assure you of that.” ** Nor am I a woman to make a promise which I would break immediately upon regaining my liberty,” was Kate’s spirited retort. “Then the fact that I saved your life goes for nothing, eb?” *T am not so sure that I would have been killed, sir. I certainly would not have accom- panied my horse over that cliff, let the result of a leap from its back have been what it might.” ** You say so now, but you would never have thought of it if it had not been for me.” **You are wrong, sir. It was a decision I made immediately upon seeing my danger.” * Well, well, that is past now. It is the present that claims our attention, You are in my power, and unless you pledge your word not to reveal my secret you must remain here, But, this is the most: uncomfortable part of my secret home Come, let me conduct you to my parlor, where we can talk the matter over at our ease and leisure.” CHAPTER VII. KODAK KATE IN THE OUTLAW'S RETREAT. Kopak KatTE had by this time come to realize that sbe was ia a serious dilemma, indeed, In an unknown cavern, in the power of a man who knew not fear, and upon whom bullets had no effect, she was about helpless, But, she was a woman of bravery and great coolness, and her presence of mind did not desert her for a mo- ment, Many another would have given way to tears, “Very well, sir,” she responded to the propo- sition just made, ‘Since I am to be your guest whether [ would or not, lead on. Itis truly a cheerless spot here,” ‘** Bravely spoken,” Red Roy complimented. “This way, if you please, madam; and you may precede me, I will direct you as needed.” He indicated the direction, and having re- moved the light from its place, be held it aloft in bis band to light the way. Kate went along a passage that seemed to be a natural crack in the solid rock. The trend was downward, and presently a word of caution from the man in red gave her warning of a chasm near at hand. This was reached, and for some distance the Way was narrow and dangerous, It was passed over in safety, however, and then came a flight of rude steps cut in the side of the chasm. Here a rope ran along the side, fastened at short spans, and taking hold of them as directed, Kate went bravely forward, and after a descent that seemed never ending, finally reached the bottom, where the cavern widened, and where, in the distance, another light was seer. “Bravely done!” cried Red Roy. ‘* Not one woman in fifty would have come down that dangerous passage without a word of fear, You have aroused my curiosity to the highest pitch to learn who you are, madam,” ‘* No matter who Iam,” was the cold response. ** Whicb way now, Sir Outlaw?” “ Straight abead toward yonder light, Madam Fearless,” was the direction. ‘ We are nearly at the end of our journey now,” “Tam not sorry. 1 only hope I am so much nearer freedom.” a . ** Your freedom will depend solely upen your- self, lady, But, we will talk of hat when we come to our destination,” Kate went forward with a fearless air, though not without some natural misgivings, and ere long came to the point where a lamp was sus- pended from the roof of the rock passage, Behind the lamp wes a heavy red curtain, in two parts, suspended from a rod and falling in rich folds to the ground. Stepping forward to this, the man in red drew it apart in the middle, and with a wave of the band, said: “Enter, fair guest, and make yourself at home,” For a moment Kodak Kate was dazed by what she saw, and hesitated. . “~ + Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Defeat. Before ber opened.a vista as grand as it was strange and unexpected. There was a long salon, in the center of which hung a brilliant chandelier, [It was richly furnished and car- peted, and the ceiling and walls were bung with heavy red cloth. Red was the predominating color, and it was set off to the highest degree of elegance with white and gold. The furniture was beavy, rich and costly; handsome pictures adorned the walls, and everything wasin keeping, It looked like some Parisian salon, or ascene out of Fairy- | land. Here the air was warm and pure, and alto- gether it was an inviting place after the cold, dismal way that had just been left behind. ‘* Enter, Lady Incognita,” the outlaw again invited. ‘‘Here you will find comfort, even though a prisoner, and bere we can finish our conversation. You need not hesitate.” Kate stepped forward into the place, the man foliowing, letting the heavy curtain drop to its place behind him, ** Welcome to the home of Red Roy,” he said. ‘* Take a seat and be as comfortable as possible, Remember, you are here as a guest, for the pres- ent, and no harm shall come to you.” ** As a most unwilling guest, you must remem- ber, sir,” Kate reminded. “If [ sit down, it is not because I willingly aecept your invitation, but because I am tired. Let us have an under- standing as soon as possible, if you please.” She sat down, and the man in red dropped upon a chair facing her. ‘*From what you have said,” spoke he, ‘1 fear our understanding can mean but one thing for you, and that is, imprisonment here for the present, It is not iny will to hold you, but if you oblige me to do so, I sball not hesitate. Now, are you willing to reveal your identity to me? ‘*Tam not, You need not ask that,” “‘It matters little. A visit to the camp will reveal that, for no doubt your husband will make bimself known.” ‘**T certainly shall not do so,” “Allright. Now, one thing more: In order to regain your liberty, will you pledge yourself to keep secret what you know about me and my place of hiding?” ‘**T will not, as I have already told you,” was the undaunted reply. ‘‘ When I get away from here I will make known everything. I feel that I am under no obligations to you.” ** Not for your life?” ‘*T would have leaped from my horse, any- how,” ** So you said before, had to bring you here.” “You need not have done so. You might have left me on the cliff, disappearing yourself.” ** And leave you to tell of the mysterious man in red who had rescued you, and who bad disap- peared in the solid wall? Ob, no.” Kate remained silent. ‘“‘T knew better than that,” the man in red went on. ‘I would not bave it known where the upper exit of this cavern is. With swift calculation I resolved upon my plan of action, never doubting but you would take the pledge of secrecy upon yourself in order to regain your liberty as soon as possible. That is all you bave to do, lady, and I am willing to accept your word in the matter,” **T will not pledge myself, for the reason I have given,” was Kate’s determined return. **Then there is only one thing for me to do, and that is, to hold you here, I will leave you now, and go to learn something about you. By the titme I return you may bave changed your mind,” ** Do not count upon that, sir.” “Well, it matters little to me whether you do or not. If you have to remain here it is your own fault, not mine,” Rising and stepping to the wall, the man pulled a cord. A few moments later a negress came into the room, at the furtber end, and advanced. ‘* Martha,” spoke the master of the place, “here is a guest. You will see to ber every want while I am absent, and also see to it that she does not escape from here, She is a pris- oner, to be plain about it.” ** Yes, sah.” ‘* And you, lady, take heed that you do not attempt to get away. You do not know your way in this place, and might get into serious trouble, For your own safety let me urge you not to be foolish enough to be wandering around alone,” _ Ir chance offers, I shall not hesitate to es- ar is 2 is im j i possible. I could bind you, but I It is unfortunate that 1 7 will not do that. You area woman of sense; be sensible in this,” With that, and a bow, the man in red went from the room, ‘* Now, yo’ done heard what be said,” spoke the negress. ‘‘ Better take it easy and not make no trouble, for dat do yo’ no-good. Now, what kin ola Marfa do fo’ you?” ‘* You cap do nothing for me, unless to show me the way out of this place, and of course you will not do that,” was Kate’s response. ‘* Yo’ have got good sense, gal, to know dat,” declared the colored woman, witha grin. ‘No use yo’ askin’ dat, nohow. Now, here is a room whar yo’ kin be alone if yo’ want to.” Stepping to one side of the apartment she drew aside a fold in the red hangings, disclosing a small room beyond. ‘** But, it ain’t likely nobody will bother you beah,” the woman continued, ‘‘so jes’ make yo’self at home. Don’t try to getaway, though, fo’ dat won’t be no use, and only get you into trouble. Don’t reckon nobody will’sturb yo’ till de boss returns nohow.” Having declared herself thus, the old negress wert back the way she had come, and Kate was left alone to her own reflections, Her thoughts were anything but pleasant, as can be imagined. She thougbt of Dick and his anxiety more than of berself and her danger, He would not know what had become of her, and would be almost beside himself, as she be- lieved, There was no help for it, now, however, and she understood it so. Knowing how useless it would be for her to try to make ber escape, she did not undertake it, but remained there, rest- ing berself and preparing for whatever was to follow. There was one thing that gave her consolation, and that was the fact that she was not disarmed,” One weapon had been taken away from ber, but she had another, which she bad thought it better not to let be known. It might in*-ome other event prove her best friend. She had learned by experience that the man with whom she had to deal was not a cowurd, and ber bullets bad had no effect upon him. If it came to another occasion for resort to weapons, she would be ready, and would knew something she had not known on the first occasion, This gave her courage. She examined the place thoroughly, and made herself at home as she bad been told to do, Everything needful for comfort or neces- sity was there, even to books and music, and after a time the old negress brought her a good supper. Of this sbe did not hesitate to partake, for she was hungry, and knew it would be folly for her to refuse to eat. And shortly after she had done she received a visit from her captor. , This time be was not clad in red, except his bat and mask, but wore a Icose robe that covered him completely to the floor, ‘* Well, fair prisoner, how are you passing the time?” he asked, “Tmpatiently enough,” was the answer. ‘ For how long a time must T remain in your gilded prison?” “Well, Mrs, Bristol— Ha! that causes yon to start, does it? You see I now know who you are, It did depend ouly upon your giving your promise not to reveal what you know, but now I bave to withdraw that offer. It will depend al- togetber upon what course your husband is will- ing to take in the matter,” ‘*Does be know where I am?” ‘He does not, He is going on like a crazy man. Would you like to send him a line to as- sure him you are alive?” ‘Tf you grant me that favor it will gladly be taken advautage of. I see you know whol am, so there is no further use for me to try to witb- hold my identity.” ‘* Not the least, Kodak Kate. In the drawer in the table yonder you will find paper, pen and ink. ‘‘ You may write these words, but nothing more; thus,— Dick:—I an, all right, and for the resent safe. Kate,’” Without hesitation the prisoner took pen and paper and wrote as directed, delivering tne note unsealed into the hands of her captor. After that he wrote one himself, and with them left the room, leaving Kate again alone. She now felt easier in mind, for sbe had vo doubt but Dick would get the message somehow, CHAPTER VIII. THE NIGHT MEETING—THE MOONLIGHT DUEL, Drapwoop Dick, Mayor Grimm, and Harry Stacey remained for some time in conversation
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- — = eee ne ee on —— — Pe hee oe Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. Dick was no nearer the stery, as it seemed, than he had been at first. The only thing he knew more was, that his wife was alive. "Yes, one other thing: he knew positively she was in the power of this unknown correspondent, Besides the man’s assertion to that effect, all three of the notes had been written on the same kind of pa- per and sent in similar envelopes, Dick finally took his leave and went to the hotel, He was in sore distress of mind, Everything seemed to be working against him, and he bad no heart to enter upon the real business that had brought him to the camp. Throwing himself in a chair in an out-of-the- way corner of the bar-room, he lighted a fresh cigar and tried to fix his thoughts upon the case in which he was more concerned, trying to get hold of some plan for the rescue of bis wife, **T am stumped, utterly,” he confessed to him- self, ‘It may be this Red Roy they tell about, but why has he been so long silent? And why has he sprung upon me the moment I come here? And if it was with me he wanted toadeal, why did he not go for me and leave Kate alone?” He thought hard—ratber tried so to think, We know Deadwood Dick. Kuow himasa cool, keen detective. Yet, he was not by any means infallible, He had made mistakes more than once, and more than once had his judgment been in error. It was no surprise that a mystery such as this should tax bim as it did, ‘*T must think .it out,” he said to himself, de- terminedly, ‘*I came here for the innocent pur- pose of finding one Gregory Mayham, of inform- ing him of his good fortune, and seeing that he got started off for Eogland all right. Why have I met with such a reception, when no one knew of my coming? It is impossible to solve that, yet. First and most important of all, where is Kate?” But, why follow his thoughts, when to do so would require a whole chapter or more devoted to nothing else? Suffice it tosay that he was little nearer the truth, when he was finally in- terrupted, than when he had begun. He had been in his quiet corner something pute than an hour, when a man approached im ‘ pie) you Mister Deadwood Dick?” the fellow askec ‘That is the name I answer to, sir,” Dick made response, ‘*Then you aire the man I want tosee, I hev been told ter fetch ye with me, ef ye would come alone.” ‘* Where do you propose to take me?” Dick asked, ‘* Jest a leetle ways out of ther town, where a man is waitin’ to see ye on ’portant business,” ‘Very well, I am ready to go with you. Don’t think you can lead me into any trap, however, - my fine fellow, for I am armed, and will not hesitate a moment about drilling you if 1 suspect anything crooked,” “Oh, that’s all right, boss,” he was assured, 0m ouly ter take ye to whar other man is, and that ends my part in ther business. I know he is thar alone, howsumever, and that et is all right.” “Very well, I'll take your word for it; you take my warning. Lead on.” They went out of the room, and off up the vedere aud out into the gulch ali ong the regular tra Finally they came to the place where the nar- row ledge branched off that let to tbe top of the on above the town, and there the guide stop- Nothing bad been said on the way, no word spoken by either, but now as the man stopped and faced around he addressed Dick in language far different fronr that he bad used at first. s “] think this will antwer as well as any other apne for our interview, Mr. Deadwood Dick,” e said, ‘‘I am the man wha sent for you, acting as my Own messenger. can now guess who | am,” “I take it for granted you are my unknown correspondent, if that word will apply in a case where it has been alJl one-sided,” “You are right, sir. I am the person who sent you the notes to which you refer.” ‘* Well, what do you desire to say to me, then, sir?” asked Dick. ‘*T deeire to kno hat your decision is with regard to what [have already had to say,” was the return, ‘** You, then, are the person who is holding my wife prisoner, are you? You have the advan- tage of me in that respect. You*know I am helpless. What are your terms” at the Palace Saloon. solution of the m I suppose you * Sensibly spoken,” cried the unknown, ‘ Yes, I am that person, and my terms, in few words, are these: That you go away from hers as soon as possible, no more to return, Your wife will be allowed to follow you two days later, and you may name a place for her to meet you.” ** That is liberal, certainly, but I must know mor e,’ fe What more would you know?” ‘* Well, | must bave some assurance that my wife will be properly treated in the mean time.’ **T give you my promise for that.” ** You are unknown to me,” You will have to take my word, neverthe- less, Do you agree to my terms?” ** Well, I must consider further before I ac- cept your liberal offer, sir, What if I do not accept?” “In that case your wife is as good as dead. You will never see her again, and your own life too will pay the penalty for your rashness,” ‘* Well, now, that is putting it rather strong, I'll be blowed if it ain’t,” Dick observed in his cool way. ‘* Has it occurred to your mind that two can play at the same game?” ‘*Oh, yes, 1 have taken all that into con- sideration: but, when all the trumps are on one side the other fellow doesn’t haye much of a show, generally.” ‘*Then you will force me to do your bidding.” ** Either that, or worse; you may take your choice of the two evils,” ‘* Well, one thing more: who and whai are you?” **-You know that already.” ** Are you Red Roy, the outlaw?’ rs jf you think so, all right; it’s all the same to me,’ Dick felt annoyed at such answers, and at the man’s defiant manner. Had it not been that— But, vain regret; Kate was in his power. ‘* Will you inform me,” be asked, holding back his rising rage, ‘ why you bave jumped upon me in this manner? I never had heard of such a person as Red Roy at the time of the dis- appearance of my wife,” “T bave taken this course for the purpose of self-protection,” was the quietanswer, ‘I have beard much about Deadwood Dick, I know you to be a relentless hunter of men who evade the law, and I decided at once to take the first step this time and hunt the hunter; do you see?” ** Will you listen toa reasonable proposition?” asked Dick. * Yes; [am open to anything that will serve my ends. What have you tooffer in that way?” ** Restore my wife to me, allow me two days in which to finish my business here, which has nothing whatever to do with Red Roy; and I will take my departure, with the express under- standing that I will make no move against you for one month,” ‘¢ Well, that is refreshing, truly. Itis my in- tention to make you pledge yourself not to mo- lest me at all. ither that, or war at*once and to the teeth. In what manner do you prefer to have your wife’s head sent to you? Do you’ want it on asilver dish? Just state your prefer- ence,” Deadwood Dick could stand no more, Whipping outa pair of revolvers, with light- ning quickness, he covered the heart of the map before him, crying: ‘¢ You infernal rascal! Throw up your hands, or D’lldrop you in your tracks where you stand!” The other only folded his arms on his breast, coolly, and responded: **Don’t get excited, my brave Richard, I know what a hot-head you are, but you area man of sense at thesame time. If you kill me your wife will die of hunger, for no one else knows where she is,” ‘* Then here is another proposition,” cried Dick. **T will fight you, man to man, the victor to win everything. If you kill me, then you will have: nd reason to fear Deadwood Dick further, and my wife will be a widow and still in your power. On the other hand if [ kill you, then the victory is mine.” ‘That is reasonable enough, but how will you find your wife if you do kill me in the fight?” ‘Tell me where she is, aud how to get her, before we begin,” ‘* That is reasonable enough, too; but, Richard, I am not ready té pass in my checks yet, and so decline your offer. No; I have this thing all in my own hands, and there I am going to hold it.” nd You seem to forget that I have the drop on you. ‘*Pah! What care I for a trifle like that” **1t seems our interview is resulting in noth- ing, so far.” ‘The fault is yours, Accept my terms and —S—S— wy all will be well, I have heard ever that the, word of Deadwood Dick is his bond, with friend » and foe alike. Give me your werd, and I will carry out my part of the agreement to the let- ter.” Never!” cried Dick. ‘‘ Kate, forgive me, but Iam not able to bear more from this in- ‘ solent knave! Draw your weapon, Red Roy, if 7 that is your name, and defend yourself, I am going to shoot you down unless you do,” ‘‘Oh, well, if that is the case, I suppose I shall have to oblige you,” said the outlaw, as coolly as ever, and he drew a weapon, ‘‘ How many paces do you want between us?” ‘Stand just where you are!” was Dick’s stern command. ‘ We will be timed by the exhausts of that engine over there at the mines, When it bas given five puffs we will fire. Does that suit you?” ‘‘ Perfectly. Say when you are ready.” “*T am ready now. Begin to count with this time:—One—” The moon was just showing over the hills, and there was plenty of light to assist their aim, Deadwood Dick certainly meant business, being willing to throw his life in the balance against this rascal who was holding his wife in bondage. He could have killed the man, as he believed, f but that was not his way. He was ever ready _ to give and take, and believed that the time AY Ne had not come for his good luck to desert him, . Plainly were heard the exhausts of the steam- engine, and at the fifth one, exactly in time with it, Dick fired, first one weapon and then the otber. He had expected to see the puffs of fire from * his opponent’s weapons at the same time, and was surprised that he did not. He was more surprised to see him standing beforerhim un- barmed, ““Did you not fire too scon?” the man asked. “Was not that the fourth, instead of fifth? But, no matter; you have had your turn, and now it is mine.” Even with bis words, and before Dick under- stood or could act, there was a flash and a re- port, and he, Dick, ‘threw up his arms and fell forward upon his face: the other thrusting bis weapon into his belt and dashing up the ledge trail at a run, CHAPTER [xX, DECLARATION OF WAR--THE FRUITLESS SEARCH. WueEn Deadwood Dick opened his eyes, the morning sun was shiting in_ bis face, and its rays had probably bad the effect to bring bim back to the land of the living. He was chilled to the bone, felt stiff and sore, and bis head was. aching in a terrific fashion. it took him but a ae. few moments to bring to mind what had hap- pened, but it presently came to him with a rush, and he sat up and looked around. He realized t that he had had a narrow call, and putting his hand to his head, where the greatest pain and soreness were felt, found his hair was matted 4 with blood, ‘*Well, that was a close shave,” he said to himsel ** About as narrow a miss as I[ ever ie experienced, [ believe. Well, I suppose I ought to be thankful I’m alive, andsoIam. I wonder | ifthe other fellow managed to get away alive?” | Getting upon his feet as soon as his benumbed limbs would permit, he stepped to the spot where his antagonist bad stood at the time of the duel, and looked around on the ground for signs of blood. ‘* Strange,” he muttered, ‘but there isn’t a drop of blood here, Now I’remember, he didn’s appear to mind the bullets at all. What sort of man was he, anyhow?” Dick was puzzled, and was in no trim to wres- tle with the problem just then, so be made his way toward the hotel, When he entered the street he was the object of many curious glances, . Presently he came face to face, with they. Ny mayor, “Great storm-king!” that gentleman cried, “Whar bev you been, Deadwood? Hev ye been on a howlin’ rampage with a frisky lion, ot somethin’ like thet? By ther livin’ Jupiter! yong look as though ye had been havin’ @ sarcus with a cattymount,” Dick smiled in a ghastly way. ‘““You are abont right. generally speaking, mayor,” headmitted. ‘ I had aduelon my hands A, last night, andI got the worstofit. Amancan’t _ 4 Ray expect to come out on top every time, you know.» * rae Are you going toward the hotel? Imustgoand §_* , right myself up a little.” i ms ‘Tve ie est kem from thar, and in truth was 9) goin’ ter look fer you. Et bas jest been made ein Pad ; As : + 7 ih : 4a * \ 4 at Bs nt fe. on fiviss iy ie ee - act ’ = a ;
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xudlord don’t know what ter make of et. Come wight erlong. Great storm-king! ye must hev hada narrer ’scape, I should jedge. €t ye tackled, anyhow?” At answered Dick, M The mayor had turned, and they were now making their way to the Silver Bugle, ‘*Red Roy! Great storm-king! you don’t tell meso. How did yer meet him, and what was etabout? Tell me, ‘fore I die right hyer.” Dick told what had happened, and by the time he had done they were at their destination. Here the story had to be repeated, Dick found that bis strength was rapidly re- turning, the pain in his head was abating, and he began to feel the pangs of hunger.” “What ye want now, is a good, stiff horn o’ brandy,” suggested the landlord, ‘tand you will be all right in a little while, bracer that will make ye think—” He had reached for bottle and glass as he | spoke, but. Dick stopped him with a wave of the | band, **None of that for me, if you please,” he said. ‘* What! Do ye mean ter say ye don’t take et?” cried the mayor. ‘'Great storm-king on { ther rampage!” “Don’t take brandy!” echoed the landlord.§ **Not a drop,” Dick assured. ‘‘ I have had . experience enough with that article to know it is worse than no good, and I'll have none of it. Besides, you ought to know it’s bad for a wound, I'll give you double the price for a glass of hot milk.” . ** Hot milk!” **That’s what I said. It will do the business quicker than your brandy, and no after effects, except for guod. If you have got. any on tap, just trot it out.” Milk was to be had, and an order sent to the kitchen soon brought a brimming bow! of the steaming article, which Dick quaffed slowly and with keen relish, the others in the room eying Si him while he did’ sc. ‘*There,” he said, “‘I feel like a new man al- e ‘ ready. The good effect has gone clear down to » my toes.” ; Just as he put down the bow! Harry Stacey came into the room. ‘** Hello!” he cried, ‘‘What in creation has happened to you, Bristol?” “T have been having a round with grim Death, that is all,” was the response, “Well, I should judge you have, by the looks of you, and he must have come pretty near get- ting in bis work on you, too.” “He certainly did. The width of a hair closer, and I would have taken my everlasting steep, 1 guess. But, I am worth several dead men yet, and good for another round,” i The story had to be repeated yet again. ‘* Wonderful!” Handsome Harry exclaimed. **Our reasoning was right, then, and it is this outlaw who bas again made his appearance ¢ here,” ‘*So it seems, and in whose power my wife is. Something bas got to be done, now, and no ‘gore delay about it. As soon as I get waske u, ‘9nd have something to eat we'll begin.” + Me %d my childrun stands ready to back ye,” '* And [I’m ready to keep my agreement,” said Handsome Harry. “If Sea are going to your room, Bristol, and will allow me to go with you, Vl examine your burt and fix it up for you.” “Thanks for your Offer,” returned Dick. **Come right along, for that is just what I need,” Together they passed upto Dick’s room, leav- ing the crowd below to speculate upon the strange affair at will, which they did not hesi- tate to do, . Said the mayor: “Now, me childrun, thar is goin’ ter be a ruction hyer at ther Butte; I feel et in me lie bones. This ‘hyer Red Roy, ther p'izen scor- - ~pion from Orezon way, is hyer, and he has got ter be downed, »He has been silent fer three months, and now [ s’pect be is goin’ ter make things howl, Ef that is his idee; we-have got bil@tk hair cur); This Deadwood Dick is in ther right, and it is ther duty of this byer camp ter help him, How many of ye are willin’ ter take sides with him? Don’t a man of yesay no, fer i4 ef ye do 1’ll call ye to ’count mighty suddent; rm Det myme great storm-king I will!” RE. Pi Bae Pe very body... pt agreed w @ mayor, rf G oe Se and pledged hittiselt to sapport Deadwood Dick, #4 +H. _ no matter what c.me of it, . a Bes “And that wife of bis has got ter be diskiv- i: tee éred,” the mayor went on. ‘‘ We are a set of Who was | ‘“*T have reason to believe it was Red Roy,” | Let me fix ye up a | “that’s what we will,” cried the mayor, ’ touge° fer him in a way that will make his, | } »sured, m oa Deadwood Dick, o r.’s, Defeat. own that ye\ wasn’t thar last night, and ther | dummies ef we can’t fjnd whar she is hid, and don’t ye furgit that. It’s goin’ ter be war right | up to ther muzzle, now, ’tween this camp and Red Roy, and ther sooner et is declared ther better. By ther livin’ Jupiter! I'll post a notice to that effeck now while we wait. Landlord, trot out yer pen and ink, and ther biggest sheet of paper ye have got on band, We’ll see how long this hyer high-handed cut-throat wil] have things his own way. By ther storm-king! [ll let him know that Archibald Grimm is around, aud tha heis at ther bead of ’fairs hyer,” The landlord made haste to pass out the arti- cles called for, and the mayor set to work to write a notlce. When he had done, this was the result: “NOTICE! “ DECKLURASHUN. OF WAR! “This is to proclame war against the outlaw Red Roy, and he is by this noticed that he had better git up and git! We, the people of Basalt Butte, mean biz, and if he is ketched he has fair warnin’ that a rope and a lim’ will be his fate. ** By all the power in me vested, ‘* ARCHIBALD Grimm, Mayor.” “Thar!” the mayor cried proudly, as he held his work up to view. ‘I think et is plain and right to ther p’int, don’t you, me childrun? Now, whar am I goin’ ter put et up? I think ther front of ther post-office is about ther right place, don’t you? We'll see what ther cuss will do about et now.” His *‘childrun” agreeing that the poster was about the proper thing, and the post-office the proper place for it, the mayor went out to put it up. Meanwhile, Dick and Handsome Harry, in Dick’s room, were_at work attending to the wound Dick bad received, The blood had been washed out of his hair, and the wound disclosed, It proved to be less serious than the amount of lost blood indicated. Tbe ball had struck the rim of his hat, and had grazed the side of his head above the ear, tearing the scalp and rendering him insensible, The bone was not injured, ‘*Tt was a close summons,” declared Harry, when he had examined it. ‘ There is an ugly lump here, but the damage is not great, and your hair will hide the scar when it bas healed up.” ‘Can you patch it up, do you think?” Dick asked, ‘*Ohb, yes, that is easily done. Give me five minutes at it, and I’ll do a good job for you.” Dick allowed him to go ahead, and in less than the time named the work was done, Then after a final washing up, Dick went down to breakfast. His glass of hot milk had done its work by this time, and was almost himself again, The stiffness wasout of his limbs, the pain in his head has ceased, and:he was almost as good as new, After breakfast he rejoined the mayor and Stacey in the*bar-room. “Well, Richard is himself again,” he an- nounced, ‘Now, let us to work and do something. . You have pledgedjme your help in this matter.” tis ‘* And we mean et, too,” the ‘again as- ‘‘ Jast ‘say what ister be did, and we'll git right tp and doet. I have already issued a declaration of war gainst the cuss, and we’ll begin et right off,” The excitement in the camp was great, and by this time there was a great crowd in the hotel and on the street in front, Everybody seemed eager to do the bidding of the mayor, and he only waited for Dick to direct what should be ‘done. The mayor's ‘* Decklurashun ” bad wakened folks up. ‘* Well,” said Dick, as they stepped out to the piazza, ‘‘ the first and most important thing of all is to discover and rescue my wife. It is plain enough that she is in this camp or very close by.” ‘“‘That’s so. How shall we go about et?” “Ts it asking too much to havea thorough search made, not missing a single house, cabin or shanty in the whole camp?” ‘* Not a tall, that’s what we'll do. Do yehear, me children? Every hole and corner in this hyer camp bas got ter be searched, and I call upon you ter do et.” It was soon begun in a systematic way, Several hundred citizens went out to the extreme west of the camp and began to move eastward, They made their,search a thorough one, and missed not a single house or room any- where, a when they came together at the eastern limit of the camp, where the mayor, = Dick, Harry and others awaited them, their verdict was plainly read in each face. Their hunt had resulted in nothing, except to prove that Kodah Kate was not in the camp, But, it did not stop bere, The men spread out, and searched once more every foot of the country within a half-mile circle, It was with- out avail, however, for the hiding-place of the wily outlaw was not found, nor any clew tbat was likely to lead toit. Deadwood Dick was completely baffled, and was almost in despair. And no wonder. GHAPTER X. VAIN EFFORTS—FAILURE—WORSE DILEMMA, KopDAK KArTE, in her elegant prison, to return to the previous pvigbt again, experienced some relief in mind after sbe had been permitted to send to Dick the brief note she bad been allowed to pen. It would inform him that she was alive, and that, she knew, would be everything. _Be- sides, it would give him a chance to get a clew | to her whereabouts, for she doubted not but he would be able to detect the deliverer of the mess- age and soentrap him, or follow him when he returned to the cavern, But, that aside, it was a relief to have been able to assure Dick she was not dead, Sbe made no effort to escape, for she knew without trying how futile it would be, She had seen enough of Red Roy to understand the kind of man he was. He had said she could never get out of the cavern, and sbe believed it, Being armed, in spite of the fact that one weapon.hbad been taken from her, as we have seen, she had no fear, and there was nothing she could do but patiently await the time of her rescue, Selecting a book, she sat down to read, hoping thus to wear away the time the more rapidly, but she found it impossible to fix her thoughts upon it. Putting it away, after a time, she paced the floor to and fro, The thougbt of remaining all night in this un- known place began to have new terrors fer ker, and schemes for escaping began to find place in her mind, Armed as she was, would it not be possible for her to force the old negress to show her the way out, under threat of killing ber if she did not do so? Was it not worth the trying? But, that would not do, as sbe immediately reasoned. Sbe certainly would not kill the old woman, and failing to move her by threats she could do no more, and would then have let out | the fact that she was armed, That would not do. No; that would not do, decidedly. Whatever action she took, it must preclude the chance of failure, or it was a failure before undertaken. Perbaps if would be possible for ber to find her way outof the cavern. Had she not wasted too much time already? She became active imme- diately. Crossing the room to that end where she had first entered, she drew back the curtain and stepped out into the dark passage. No light was there now, as there had been at the time of her coming. That, however, did not check her in her determined course, The light from the red rocm showed her the lamp, and she lighted it, Looking all around, and listening attentively, sbe made sure that no one was near, and set forthfp the dark, dismal passage, following the yg from which she had.been brought by the She n in red earlier in the day. d a watch, and knew by the bour that the evening was advanced, and of course it was now dark without. She cared nothing for that; ih fact, it ratber favored her scheme, “Once Jet Ker get out of the cavern, and she would somfebow make her way to the camp and find Dick,\The only, difficulty was the getting out _ And that waS a most serious one, as she bad yet.to learn.’ ‘Red Ray bad not spoken idly. Presently she ca) to the rude stairs, and fearlessly began the dangerous ascent, holding her light above her bead with one band, while with the other sbe clung to therope that ran along the wall. The top was reached, and thence she pro- ceeded along the further way until at last the passage ended and she could go no further. I¢ must be here, she reasoned, as she looked around, that she had been brought in, but where was the- door? None was to beseen, nor sign of one. She searched carefully, hoping to find out the secret, but in vain. ; i There were some cracks and seams in the rocks at the end of the passage, but try them as sbe would the rock was not to be moved,
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10 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. —EFTh .»»D?>rnwWOOoOoODODo 5 TT She spent fully an hour there, when, chilled / gleam of stern resolve .shone in her eyes, She and discouraged, she set about retracing her steps in the direction of the red room, where, though a prisoner, she was confortable, She made her way safely down, and at length came to the red room, found Red Roy, witb his hat and red mask on as on the other occasions, meant to keep her word, for she felt justified in the act. Unless he gave way she would kill him! She reached twenty in her counting of the seconds, and began on the last ten, but the man | before ber sat as calmly as at first. There, seated comfortably and reading, she | He rose when she entered, and made her a | | moving. bow, ** Ab! you have returned, I see,” hesaid, ‘I should have set out to find you had you not put | in an appearance soon, You have been explor- ing the cavern, I suppose. A cheerless place, is it not?” **{ have been seeking some means of escape, sir,” was the defiant answer, not to spend the night here if J can help 1t. you still resolved to hold me a prisoner?” ‘*T am, Mrs, Bristol; there is no help for it, I hope your husband will soon pay heed to my terms, and then you will be allowed to depart.” Are do you know me, yet. this night.” ** I cannot agree with you on that point, Mrs, Bristol, There is no means by which‘you can effect your escape, thing of the hopelessness of that during your ex- cursion just now,” ““Wretcb! you will taunt me till you make me do something desperate.” **T hope not, truly.” ** By what right do you hold me here, sir?” ‘The right of self-protection, dear lady. That is the first law, you know,” ‘*That is no right. I demand again, sir, to be conducted from this place and set at liberty. Will you lead me out?” ** Not this evening, Lady Deadwood Dick.” **'You will regret it if youdo not, sir. I am determined to leave bere,” here, ou might have earned your liberty, be- fore I learned who you are; but now it is too late, and your fate depends on the action taken by your busband,” * You mean to defy me, then?” **T would not express i¢ that way, madam. I merely inform you of the situation as it now is, Kate whipped her revolver from under a fold in her dress, and aimed it full at the man’s head, | He gave a start, and made a move as though to spring at her, ‘* Hold!’ she cried, ‘‘ Make a single move to approach me, and you are a dead man,” Leaning back again on bis chair, he laughed | lightly, and exclaimed: ‘** What! did you not learn once before that bul- letscan take no effect upon me? play with me in this fashion?” “IT think a bullet aimed at your throat, which is exposed to view fully, will have some effect,” was Kate’s retort. ‘*I command you to get up and lead me out of this place at once,” Red Roy exhibited as little fear as though positive the woman before him was not in earn- est. **Sorry I can’t oblige you,” be said, * but so it is. Now don’t be foolish enough to waste any more lead upon me,” ** As sure as you live this minute,” cried Kate, sternly, ‘‘ I will shoot you if you do not get up and obey me, I have the drop, and will use it.” “*May as well be shot as to allow you to escape,” was the response. “Shoot me if you must, but if you do that you are doomed to starve to death here, for no one else knows the way out but me,” ‘*T am going to take the chances of that, sir. I will give you just thirty seconds in which to make up your mind, Atthe end of that time if you have not agreed to what I demand you must die where you now sit,” — With ber words she took out her watch and looked at it. ‘* What folly this is!” said the man, carelessly, ** You cannot kill me, cannot even bit me witha bullet.” “I bave hit smaller targets than your neck, sir, and at longer distance, Now, I hegin to count, Have a care that you give the signal be- fore I say thirty.” **Oh, count away, and when you are ready let drive at me.” ‘I will do so, as sure as I stand here.” Kate began to count, then, with deliberation and distinctness, The man in red laid down his book, crossed his legs, put his hands behind his head and leaned back in a lazy manner. Kodak Kate saw he was defying her, anda Perhaps you observed some: | So ie have said before, but you are still | Why will you | “Tam determined | | ‘* Twenty-three,” she counted, and her revol- ver came higher, and she took careful aim at the exposed throat; ‘‘ twenty-four; twenty-five; twenty-six;” and still there was no sign of his ‘* Twenty-seven,” went on the calm, steady voice; ‘‘ twenty-eight; twenty-nine,” and Red Roy closed his eyes, as if inviting theshot; and then—‘* thir—” That was not finished, An arm from behind struck Kute’s, knocking it up, and the weapon went off, the bullet finding’its place somewhere in the ceiling of the red room. At tbe same instant a cold tube was pressed behind Kate’s ear, and ste was warned to drop her weapon or she would die then and tnere. | The turned, with a cry, to find berself covered > . ~*~ “You do not know Deadwood Dick, sir, nor | I will leave this cavern | by a revolver held in the steady band of a masked woman. ‘*Drop it, lsay,” the woman ordered, ‘or I will drop you,” ‘* Never!” cried Kate, and with a spring back- ward she made an effort to bring*her own wea- pon into play, but now it was too late. The man in red had sp ung up, and catching her he tore the weapon from ber hand and flung her down upon a chair, where she fell back, pale and trembling, now, but more with disappoint- ment and rage than with fear. ‘You bad a winning band, then, my fine lady,” said Red Roy, ‘‘ but you did not play it right. You delayed too long.” ‘© And thank your lucky star that I did not kill you when I entered,” hissed the masked wo- man, ‘Tt is your time of triumph now,” answered Kate. ‘‘‘ Mine will come, unless you murder me now while I am helpless; and then, Heaven help you!’ ‘* Almost tragic enough for the stage,” sneered Red Roy. ‘** Quite a character for a novel,” subjoined the masked woman, Kate turned her head away from them. It was useless for her to attempt a reply to do.jus- tice to her feelings, ‘* What are we to do with the wild woman, my love?” asked Red Roy, then, of the woman who had come to his help at so timely a moment, ‘* It would serve her right to take her out and drop her down into the chasm,” was the answer, ‘* She has not the good sense to know when she is well off,” * You are right, but that will not do. We will not do that unless as a very last resort, We must give her a keeper, however, Will you go and bring one of Martha’s belpers here?” ** Yes, [ will. I understand what you intend, and it serves her right,” The masked woman glided silently away over the soft carpet, disappeared, and was absent some minutes, Duripg her absence Red Roy expressed his dis- like to do what bad become necessary, but could not do otherwise, seeing the stubborn spirit with which he had to deal, W ben the masked woman returned she brought with her a huge negress, one even larger than the Old Martha already introduced, and to her left wrist was coupled the right of Kodak Kate, a pair of handcuffs being used for the purpose. CHAPTER XI, DICK’S ASSISTANCE SOUGHT, DraDWoop DICK, baffled as shown, was in despair. After the fruitless search he went to his room in the Silver Bugle, in order to be alone to think. For once in hiscareer he was without a hope, almost, and in a easé in which he had the keenest. personal interast. Where was his wife—the peerless Kodak Kate? It was something—a good deal—to know she was alive, but the mystery of her whereabouts was killing. How had she disappeared so suddenly from that cliff above the camp? And was she in danger of her life, since now it was known to the ‘outlaw who she was? The thought almost drove him mad, But, what could he do? He was help- less, He recalled what had passed between him and the outlaw on the previous night. Then the outlaw had given him an offer, one which he almost regretted he bad not accepted. But, it'was now too late. Since they had fought, and the outlaw had come witbin an ace of taking bis life, as had clearly been his intention of doing, it was war between them, Perhaps his wife had ~~ already been killed. In his agony of mith, paced the floor, thinking, thinking, What ww, he todo? What could be do toward saving hers It was gall and wormwood for him to have to » | acknowledge defeat, yet there was no other course open, so far as he could see, Loving his wife as he did, there was no sacrifice too great to bave ber restored to him. Had it been his own life only that was threatened, himself only who was in danger, then he would have defied them to the death; but it was his wife | who was in peril, Aer Jife that was in the balance, and,be must throw aside everything and accept the terms offered, Perbaps it was toolate, He could not know that. In some way be must communicate with the outlaw and make known that he accepted the terms offered; that he would go away, never to return to take up the trail against Red Roy, on condition that his wife be restored to hirm unharmed, What else could be do? All his na- ture was against it, but his love for his wife rose above every other consideration. And his promise once given must not be broken, either. The word of Deadwood Dick was a thing sacred, and terms such as these made with an outlaw, who appeared likely to become in a short time the terror of the West, would force’him to retire from: the field for all time. His word given could not be broken, and be could never obey a call that might come for bim to pit himse]f against this very man, Would Kate approve of that? That question arose, and knowing her as he did, he believed she would not approve, ‘ Let them do tbeir worst to me,” he could hear her say, ‘‘ but do not make any sort of terms with an outlaw save terms of his surrender, If I am killed, avenge me; but do not let the power of Deadwood Dick be broken,” Dick knew, as well as though he had heard the words actually spoken, this would be Kate’s desire, but he could not beed it. Love rose above everything else, and that must be. the ruling power, | 4 Ne Every other consideration must ye be cast aside, and Kate’s life. and safety put he first, no matter what the cost, no matter what the consequences, She must be rescued, saved. Yes, his decision, at last; he must accept the terms. If bis wite was still aliveyand could be restored to him, be felt dotbiig?else would be his duty. “Her hfe and safety first of all. He would go away, as the outlaw had proposed, and two days later she would beset free and allowed to join him, Then, if Red Roy bad kept his word and sbe had not been harmed, be would keep his and never lift a hand against the, rascal. : But, let the outlaw prove false; let it anpear : that be had not kept his prisoner unbarmed; ther i J it were better for him that be had néVer-tRetey 7S ellie born, Deadwood Dick, then, would bunt him to the ends of the earth, and terrible would be the vengeance he would take upon him, Yes, it must be done, Dick decided. He would post a notice, as the mayor bad done, since he knew of no other way by which to reach the rascal; and go away to await the result, But, go away and” leave bis wife in the power of such a man? Could he do that? Ought he—” ; A knock at the door interrupted bis chain of thought, Opening the door, after wiping away a damp of perspiration that had appeared on his fore-"*= head, he found there his landlord. ‘“Scuse me,” said his host, ‘‘ but that lady that’s stoppin’ bere wants to see you, sir.” “What ay do you mean?” asked Dick. ‘Why, ther one what kem by ther stage last night; ther vailed one,” “Ob! Well, all right, where is she? Any- thing is welcome that will give me a change of thoughts for a moment,” ‘ She’s down in ther women’s room, sir,” ‘Tell her Pll be down sbortly.” * All right.” Dick made an effort to shake off the feeling to which he had given»way, and presently was ready to leave the room. b. His grief and anxiety were none the less, but he bad a powerful will, and by bringing it to bear could control his emotions. When he left the room.no ove could guess bis recent agitation. As be entered the room below, the an, Anne Parson, rose to greet bim, She still wore ber short vail, beneath which only her chin was exposed to view, and that Dick stil] believed he recognized. If this woman and the Queen of Hearts at the Palace Saloon were not one and the same, then positively they must be twin sisters, for never had two persons a stronger resemblance. ‘You sent for me?” inquired Dick, “Yes, sir; I sent for you. You are \é —
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fia? a BI istol, the detective, are you not? I have been ‘ told so.” _ ee’ T am,” ** And you are knuwn as Deadwood Dick?” _ * Deadwood Dick, Junior,” ~ **“T have beard of you, and I want to see if me to this place.” a “*To be frank with you, madam, I do not feel i like taking hold of any case at present,” was Dick’s answer. ‘* You must have heard of the trouble that has come upon me,” **No; I have not heard, sir. I have made no friends here, and have not spoken to any one further than necessary. It was not your wife who so wysteriously disappeared just before I came here, was it? I have heard that talked about at table.” own case.” ‘** Heavens!” cried Dick, ‘‘If you can puta lew in my hands that will lead to the recovery “of my wife, Miss Parson, you will have done me ~ a favor that can never be repaid.” ** Weil, are you willing to hear what I wanted of you?” ‘* Yes; and if I find it possible to remain here, aa can do anything for you, believe me I will o it. “To begin with, then, my name is not Parson, I am speaking to you as toa friend now. My true nameis Almah Parmiter. Icame heregin search of a sister, and not so much to find her either, as to find my promised busband, whom she has lured away from me.” ** Will you permit me to see your face?” Dick asked, — “1 will, sir.” Looking around to make sure they were alone, she lifted her vail, It was the face of the Queen of Hearts, the woman who managed the Palace Saloon. 2 ‘** Your sister and you are twins, are you not?” asked Dick, ‘ “We are; but, how did you guess that? You. have seen her, then, Where is she, sir, if you know?” __ ** A.woman the very likeness of vou is proprie- By pri tor. of. the great saloon here, the Palsce. Since _ * you tell me you have a twin sister, it must be F _ she, though 1 would swear that you avd Queen of Hearts are one and the same.” re "Tt is she, no doubt of it.” “Well, what do you want me to do, then?” “T want to find Mr, Gregory Mayham—” “Gregory Mayham!” “*'Yes; do you know him?’ “He is the person I am in quest of myself, Since I have told others [ may as well tell you. It was to find Gregory Mayham that I _ came bere.” The woman’s face had grown pale. “You do not mean that—that be is a criminal, that you are after him?” she gasped. “Oh, no?” Dick assured, _ “Then why are you after bim?” ~ “You think Deadwood Dick can have but one motive in wanting to find a person, I see,” “Your name naturally suggested the fear that seized me. I will tell you, sir, that it is Gregory Maybam who is my promised hus- ey band,” 3 =‘ Have you seen him since you camo here?” te‘ Lhave not, The truth is, lam afraid to be seen,” > _ * And why afraid to be seen? You must tell -me everything, if I am to be of use ta you,” “Well, Iam afraid of my sister. Heaven for- give me for saying s0, but she is a devil, and would not hesitate to do me harm,” ** And why should she do you barm?” Oe ae “‘ Do you not see? If she loves Gregory May- - _ ham as—as J do, she would kill me rather than : lose him,” ** Have you reason to believe he loves her more 0 you?” Dick asked, He was trying to get wn to bottom facts in the case. _ *No,I have not,” was the answer. “TI be _- lieve he loves me, and me only, but he is being _ deceived, He thinks Ariel is I, and for that rea- __ son has followed ber here.” “TI see, But, you told me you bad not seen ae him here. How do you kuow he is here?” “I do not know it; I only know he followed 4 ty sister away, and! followed ber to this pla Yeu have told me positively she is here; be z t ‘Yes, it was my wife.” “Oh! Lam, sorry for you, But, it is possible that I can be of use to you in your search for o her,” mh’ “You?” : 8 oy, E . Se ah Yes; I meant to speak to you abouta certain ~~ _—s«sthing respecting that matter, after stating my o~ ae ‘ pe here also,” “ Did he not know you had a twin sister?” _ n ba “~ % you will belp me in a matter that has brought | — ‘Dead / ! SE a Te ee, EE IE mon Se s cee a <ech Fre ** He did not. bim.” ; “How came the deception to be played on him? Ido not understand that clearly.” “To tell you that, sir, I must tell you the whole story of myself and sister. Do you want to hear that? It may not prove of interest.” ‘*T want to learn more about the matter, now tbat you have interested me, and particularly since I am interested in this Gregory Mayham. Besides, and must important of all to me, you have said you wight be able to give me a clew to the finding of my wife.” CHAPTER XII, DICK’S ONLY COURSE, THERE was a moment of silence, after which the youog woman began her story, having again dropped her vail over her face, Whether she bad spoken the truth or not, it was evident enough that she did not care to be seen. **My sister and I,” she began, *‘ have never been like sisters at all, everything save appearance as day is unlike night. Many timee I bave made great sacrifices for her sake, always to be repaid in slights, meanhess, and actual injustice]ind treachery, and worse. Our fatber died a few years ago, leaving us each an equal share of bis property. It was sold, and the money divided between us. A short time later my sister disappeared, taking her mouvey and mine with her, leaving me to get a living as best I could. , ‘* Well, it was while she was absent that I be- came acquainted with Mr,.Maybam, Hoping, almost, that I would never see her again, I never told him I had a sister, I bad heard ill reports Ashamed of, ber, I never told of her, and was ashamed of her, Since you have seen something of her, you may be able to judge concerning the trutb of what I am telling you, The truth itis, Ariel Parmiter is a—devil. And, just here, I will tell you of the suspicion | have, If there is a person bere who knows any- thing concerning your wife, it is she. You smile; but, think it over, You have heard of Red Roy, who is spoken of in connection witb your missing wife, If that villain bas an ally here, Ariel Parmiter is evil enough to ve the person,” _At this Dick was suddenly thoughtful. Here was something he had not thought of be- fore, because there bad been nothing to lead his suspicion that way. Now that his attention was drawn toward the Queen of Hearts, new thoughts crowded into nis mind, But there was nothing yet upon which he could fasten, This woman to whose story he was listening was a stranger to him, and be could not be sure she was telling him the truth, thongh there was some evidence to sup- port it. There was no question about the fact of the relationship between the two, **Have you more to tell?’ Dick asked, the wo- Man having paused, ‘* Yes, there is more to tell. Shortly after I had become engaged to Mr. Mayham, my sister came home. I was not at home at the time, having gone away for a day or taro, Gregory Maybam saw her, and her treatment of him was something he»could not understand. He thought it was I, of course, He went to her and demanded an explanation, and by that means she learned who he was, and all about it. She Pay her part well, and lured him away efter er, ‘‘ That was a cool proceeding.” ‘*Tt was nothing for her, She did it to cheat me of his love, She may even be base enough to lead him to marry her, if he is not made awaro of the imposture, He loved me, I know, and may be willing to , ¥43 everything he ‘me to do?” him, give him some en let him come here and see me, ’ “*T will do that. What do ou ‘know about this man?” el aor “Very little; but, I do know he is honest, though poor, and that I love him, 1 care for nothing else,” ee **'You know he is nglishman, of course?” * He ha: told m ae - all you more about him, buf will leave that for bim to disclose himself,” “Tt is nothing to his discredit, is it?” **No; positively not. After what you have | told me, I must make it my business to see him, hough am in no frame of mind for business : ow, ir.” ‘Yes; he must be warned. Still, he must be warned of his dan- He may not be- lieve you, but ask him if be sees much in this Queen of Hearts that is hke what be knew in wood Dick, Jr.'s, Defeat. We are as unlike in | He cannot but acknowledge the great dif- ference, That admitted, tell him Iam ‘ere nd send him tome, Perhaps be will forgive me tor keeping the secret from him,” **T will do as you request. And if your sister is really the desperate person you say, perbaps you jhad better remain unknown for the pres~ ent.’ ‘Yes; that is my intention,” Dick took leave, and on entering the bar- room, the first person he fell in with was Harry Stacey, ‘‘ Handsome Harry,” ** Well,” Stacey asked, ‘‘ what is the word? Have you been able to learn anything further? What are you going todo! I wish I could belp you.’ “Yes, I wish you could,” Dick responded, taking the last observation first, ‘*No, I have learned nothing further, and I havemade up my mind that I nnst give up and accopt whatever terms I can get.” ** You don’t mean it!” ‘* What else can I do? I must do anything that bolds out a promise for the safety of my wife—tbat before all else.” ‘“* Well, that is so; but it is rather rough om you.” ** Yes, so it is. If it were only my own life that is threatened, then I would defy the rascal: but as it is, I am helpless, and Kate's life is dearer to me than my own.” ‘* How are you going to proceed?” ‘*T have been thinking 2 good deal about that. I did think I would put up a notice of surrender: but on farther consideration I 1. ill not de that.” ‘* What then?’ ‘“Why, I am going to post up a notice here requesting another interview witb the red gentle- man, when I will come tosome sort of terms with him, I see nothing else I can do,” ‘* Well, that is so, considering the advantage he has over you. But, do you think he will see the notice?” ‘*T believe he has allies here, even if not here himself in some disguise or otter.” ‘*You think so! Well, if that is the case, of course he will see your notice, and may give you another interview. You want to take care it does not prove worse than the first, however.” ‘*T will take care of that. For my wife’s sake I dare not risk another fight with him. I was mad to doso before, for even Mad I killed him the secret of her biding place migbt have perished with him, worse than they are now,” : ‘*T have toagree with youin that. Itis toc bad there is not some other way out of it, But, you will bave him on the hip anyhow.” “*T fail to see how.” ser ‘* Why, agreeing to bis terms, you can get your wife safely out of bis hand’, and after that you can go for him like a Nemesis.” Dick smiled sadly. “You do not know me,” he said, once given, I do not break it,” ° ,, me, “That is all right, with friends; but with an — outlaw it is different. No «one would expect you to keep your word with bim,” ‘*Our views differ on that point, If be keeps faith with me, and restores my wife to me un- barmed, I shal] ke p mv part of the compact to the letter. That is toe kind of pies 5 ape “Well, L admire the s, ptimenty: is going to be rough on Deadwood Dick, What if you are called on to run this Red Roy down?” ‘*T shall have to.decline, that is ll.” Tt will stamp | a coward,” : **No, I guess not; my record is too well made for that. The worst it can do is to mark my defeat,” ‘ Well, well, it is your business, and were I in your place I might do the same thing. As you say, your wife’s safety comes before everything else,” ale Fe Dick changed the subnet ‘‘Have you seen Walt Thornton?” he asked. “jsaw him not long ago. He was at the Palace then.” ‘Then I will drop around there and see him, after I have put up my notice for the benefit of Red Roy.” bs ‘“* By the way, you told me about the business that brought you here. Have you found your man Mayham yet? But, then, 1 suppose you have not looked for him,” “T have not looked, true, but I have found bin.” . ‘i ‘* Perhaps he and this fellow Thornron are one and the same,” ** You guess it, they are,” ‘Well, I'm glad you have had no trouble in locating him. It will no doubt be welcome news to him to learn of his good fortune,” “Undcubtedly it will. By the way, say noth- are ae That would bave made matters _. “My word
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12 ing, for he may want to continue under his as- sumed name, and thatgis his own affair. I would not have disclosed anything to you, but you would soon have guessed it anyhow,” ““T had guessed it already, and it would soon have been confirmed. You may trust me.” ‘* Now I will write avd post my notice,” Stepping to the bar, Dick called for pen and paper, tt did not take him long to pen-print what he desired to set forth, and when is was done he posted it up. It was like this: “RED ROY. “JT want anotber interview with you, time and place to suit yourself. You have communicated with me before, and of course can find a way todo so again. Let me hear from you soon, and in the mean time beware of doing harm to your prisoner. “ DeApwoop Dick, JR.”’ **There,” Dick said, ‘‘ we will see what « ffect that will have, Blocked in every direction, it is the only thing I can do,” Just then Mayor Archibald Grimm entered the bar-room, ** Great storm-king!” he exclaimed, ‘' What is et this time? What ar’ you postin’ up, Rich- ard?” ‘‘A little communication for Red Roy, the Same as you have done yourself,” was the re- sponse. ‘* Mine is of a different kind, how- ever.” The mayor read it. **T should say et is,” he cried. ‘* Mine means war, while yours bas ther tone of surrender. I hope ye ain’t goin’ to take water for ther p'izen cuss,” “You will have to call it that, I suppose,” Dick had to admit, ‘‘ He holds the winning card, and I see no other way out of the situa- tion, I shall have to accept any terms I can get.” “That’s rough, by ther livin’ Jupiter et is! What ef ye find he has killed yer wife, though, or done harm to ber? I reckon thar will be war then.” Dick’s face took on its hard, grim look. ‘It will be his life or mine,” he responded, ** But, I hope nothing of that sort has happened. I eannot believe this Red Roy is evil enough to turn murderer of women,” While Dick was speaking, Henry Whipple, the man with the tutts of whiskers on bis side cheeks, entered. He stopped, interested in what was being said, Dick looked at him, and of a sudden a new suspicion flashed upon his mind. Could it be that this man was the outlaw? There was not much to support the suspicion, but then Dick did not look for the man to appear before him in his red attire, with his name branded on his Lhe oezis or avything of that sort. This might & CHAPTER XIII. DICK WARNS WALT THORNTON, PRESENTLY, when Deadwood Dick was about to leave the room to go to the Prlace Saloon to see Gregory Mayham, the man with the “*Galloways,” Henry Whipple, followed him to the door. This Dick noticed, but did not pay any attention to the man until a detaining hand fellupon his arm, ‘* Well? Dick interrogated, stopping and facing bim. ‘*May I have a word with — in private, sir?’ the man asked. ‘'I may be able to help you some.” ‘“* You may have a word with me, certain- ly,” answered Dick. ‘‘ As to your being able to help me any, that remains to be seen. Shall we talk here?’ This had been said in low tones, ‘*No, I will go out with you,” was the re- sponse. ‘‘I do not care to have any one over- bear what I was about to tell you. I may be altogether wrong in my suspicions, but that will be for you to determine.” Together they went out and walked slowly in the direction of the Palace, ‘“You suspect that Red Roy is here in the camp,” said Whipple, by way of introducing® what he had to tell. ‘* Either he, or an ally,” answered Dick. ‘Exactly; and it matters little. Now, I aif be wrong, but there isa man here whose actions are not altogether right, to my ideas,” ** Very likely.” “In fact, being interested in your cage, hear- ing nothing else, I have come to think this person may be Red Roy, or an ally,” ‘* Who is the person?” a — Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. ‘* Well, a young man who spends most of his tim at the saloon. He is known as Walt Thorn- ton, I believe.” Deadwood Dick stopped short and looked at Whipple keenly. Knowing full well who and what Walt Thorn- ton was, bere was further proof that Whipple was not above suspicion, ‘* What do you know about the young man?” Dick demanded, ‘* Well, nothing; only he acts rather peculiar, as you yourself must admit if you watch hima little.” “That is no proof that be is an outlaw, sir. I might as soon suspect you of being the same, if Isaw anything outof the usual about you; yet that would not be anything like proof,” He watched the man closely as he spoke. His words seemed to have no effect, but rolled off as harmlessly as water from a duck’s back, If other than he seemed, the man certainly had command of his nerve and would not let any agitation betray him. ‘“Of course not,” he made answer, ‘' This was a suspicion that seemed to force itself upon me, and knowing the great trouble you are in I thought I would mention it to you.” “That is all right, sir,and [am obliged to you for your interest. I will take notice of the young man and see if 1 can agree with you,” ‘© You are going to see him now?” “ Yes,” » ** Well, I will leave you and let you go alone, I will return to the hotel and there await your return. 1 shal] be eager to know what you think.” ** You shall know when I come back,” They parted, Dick entering the Palace and Whipple retracing his steps to the hotel. Dick found Walt Thornton in conversation with Queen of Hearts, both seated in easy- chairs at tbe far end of the saloon, The woman was not clad now as she had been on the previous night, but in a plain dress, She was handsome, and the very likeness of her sister at the hotel, There were not many persons in the saloon, as was always the case at that hour of the day, and the two were evidently enjoying a private talk. Dick did not disturb them, It was not long, bowever, before the woman observed bim, Sae nodded pleasantly to bim, and motioned for him to approach, an invitation which Dick accepted promptly. ‘* 7 see you have fully recovered,” the woman said. ‘* How fortunate you were that it was no worse for you, Are you acquainted with Mr, Thornton?” ‘* No, Lam not,” Dick made response, An introduction followed, *“ Yes,” Dick then made acknowledgement, “ I am all right again; and it’was, as you say,a fortunate thing it was no worse forme. It was a close wall,” “Truly it was. Well, have you any news concerning your wife?” ‘* Nove whatever.” ** And what will you do? It must be terrible suspense for you.” Dick told what he intended doing, and conver- sation ensued similar to what has been quoted between him and Handsome Harry. ‘You have thought of no way in which I can be of service to you, have you?” the Queen of Hearts presently asked. ‘There is no way, so far as I can think,” an- swered Vick, ‘‘ unless you can show me my enemy, or hisally. Iam satisfied he ts not alone in his work here,” ‘* Ha! you think that? What leads you to that conclusion.” ** Well, the game he is playing, it seems to me, is slightly too much for one alone to handle.” ‘* You do not suspect any one, do you?” ‘What would you say if I were to tell you I suspect you?” _ So suddenly did Dick bring this out that it was is gence for the woman to be prepared for it, She paled and then grew red, Dick’s eyes were fixed upon hers, and he noted the effort with which she recovered herself and smiled. He smiled, too, and was quick to speak again, to disarm the suspicion he had possibly raised, ‘“*That was rather rough,” he said, ‘‘ Pray forgive me, Queen of Hearts. What I meant to imply is, that it isa mystery so deep that I might as soon suspect you of being concerned in it as any one else. You knowl am entirely in the dark respecting it.” ‘But what a start you gave me! Why, I thought you really meant it, It was almost cruel of you, Mr, Bristol.” f She laughed lightly, and the incident» seemingly forgotten in a few minutes, » Dick bad taken a seat, as he bad been invited to do, and did not seem disposed to take his leave in a hurry. There was considerable of talk, of no par- ticular interest to our story, and at last the Queen of Hearts rose and took ber leave. Sbe retired to rooms in the rear, and when she had gone Deadwood Dick leaned forward to address the young mau on a matter in which he could not fail to have interest. ‘*Mr, Mayham,” he said, ‘‘I must speak to you upon a matter of greatest importance,” The young man had started violently at men- tion of his name, and looked at Dick in a won- dering sort of way. ‘* Do not be surprised that I know you,” Dick added. ‘‘I came here on purpose to find you and had a photograph of you to guide me, i have news for you,” “You do not wait for me to admit my iden- tity,” the young man said, then. ‘‘Itis taken for granted, it seems, that Iam the person you name, Would it not be well to have proof of it? ‘*Not necessary,” answered Dick, ‘*I am positive; admit it or not, just as you please.” ‘* Well, what is the news you have for me?” ‘*T have been sent to find Grezory Mayham, to inform him that bis cousin is dead, and that he is heir to the estate and title in England, and that bis return to that country is desired.” Mayham bad partly sprung from his chair, turning white and red by turns, apd could not hide his emotion, ‘*Ts this true?” be cried. about it?” “Tt is true,” Dick assured. person to jest, least of all now,” ‘“Well, this is a windfall. I never expected to come into this thing, for my cousin was a rugged fellow, and looked likely to live a round numt er of years, What more have you to tell me? ‘* Nothing, except that I am supposed to see that vou get safely off for England as soon as possible, Under the present circumstances, however, I do not see how it is going to be pos- sible for me to do that, The best I can do is to offer you some common sense advice,” *“ Well, what is that?” ““That you do not let it be known who you are; that you break away from here as soon as you can; that you make few friends until you again **There is no jest *T am not the set your foot firmly on English soil.” * ‘* You speak as though danger were dogging my steps.” ‘*T do not know that, but you can see for yourself that what J have said is best for y 2 t, ey follow,” The young man’s face grew suddenly sober, and he was silent, “*T cannot leave here at once,” he said, speak- ing as much to himself as to Dick, “I am boun: here by ties stronger than you can think,” “You may be wrong about that,” said Dick. ‘*Do you give me leave to guess what the tie is?” ‘*-Yes, you have that right, certainly.” * You are in love with this woman, this Queen of Hearts.” Confusion was for a moment pictured upon the young man’s face, and he did not speak av once, “ T have guessed aright,” Dick added. ‘‘ Now, are you willing to listen to a word more of ad- vice from me?” ‘*You are astrange man, Mr. Bristol. I have beara much abont you, since you came here. Men say you know everything, and I believe ou do.” “Well, hardly,” Dick denied. ‘I do, how- ever, know one or two things whicb you do not know. Let us still be cautious in our talk, You believe this woman to be Almah Parmiter, of course,” ** How did you know her name?” ‘*No matter; that is who you take her to be, Let me tell you that you are mistaken; that this is not she,” “Not Almah Parmiter! You are crazy,” *Am 1? Stop and think a moment, Is this woman’s conduct like that of the girl who won ipso regard? Has she not changed past all be- ie Dick was following the clew given bim by the girl at the hotel. ‘**T must admit that,” said Thornton, ‘*Then let me tell you the truth at once, This woman is not Almah Parmiter, but ber twin sister. Her name is Ariel. She is her sister’ ‘ou really love, No, do not dispute it: I ha tne proof. Go to the Silver "Bugle, quietly, a A oak enemy, and has lured you away from the o ‘ ' d et |
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ask to see Anne Parson, and be prepared to meet the woman to whom you are engaged. This is all I need say. Be careful, do not let on that , you know the truth, but get away from here as quietly and as quickly as you can, taking Almah with youif you still want her to marry you. There is danger here for bota of you.” CHAPTER XIV. Wye ARRESTED ON SUSPICION. DEADWooD DIck, after some further talk with Walt Thornton, or Gregory Mayham, in which he gave him all the particulars in his possession, returned to the hotel. Mayor Archibald Grimm was still there, talking with a groupof men, and the subject was the one topic that was upper- most in every mind—the stirring events of tbe past twenty-four hours and the reappearance of ed Roy, Harry Stacey, or Handsome Harry, was one of the group, and was one of the first tosee Dick when he entered the room. ** Well, did you find your man?” he asked. “Yes, I found him, and have had a talk with him,” **T thought you would find him still there. No use asking if you bave made any progress in “~ your own case, I suppose,” ‘No, I have not, as you rightly infer,” an- swered Dick, ‘‘I cannot bope for anything now until I get a reply to my letter there,” indicating the notice he kad posted. As he looked in the direction he indicated, he was seen to start, and the others followed his 20, Dick sprung forward instantly, and the others saw quickly what had drawn his attention. Over the notice he had postea was a folded paper stuck there with a pin, Everybody was amazed to see it, and every man of them uttered an exclametion of one sort r another. No one had seen the paper put there, and Dick had been the first to discover it, Dick had already put out his hand to take it down, but he stopped. ‘** How came this here?” he demanded, turning and facing the crowd. ‘‘Did any one among you see it put up?” ‘“*Nary a man of us,” declared the mayor, mptly. ‘‘ Ef thar had, you bet ther cuss what one et would ’a’ been nabbed, eb, me children?” **T sh’u’d snicker to sneeze,” agreed one mar, in his homely way. “ Tas any suspicious character been in here?” ‘* Nary a one.” ‘‘ Mr, Stacey,” to handsome Harry, ‘' what do think about it?” —o-. **{ bave a suspicion, but I hate to express it,” was the response. ‘It may get an innocent . man into trouble. Suppose you see what the | thing has to say, before I tell what I suspect. _. The note itself may explain something.” _. Dick snatched the folded paper from the wall, - and opened it. ~ He read it first to himself, and then out aloud. : This is what the paper contained: *“Derapwoop Dick, Jr:— ‘Yours of even date has been noticed, and con- tents digested. Glad to find you are inclined to a reasonable. You want an interview. Very well; you shall have one. You will be notified of time and place later on. So far your wife has not been harm- ed. You warned me against harming her; let me give you a word of warning by way of excnange of compliment. When my messenger comes to give ou notice of time and place of interview, do not at- tom t to hold him, for if you do your life will pay. the forfeit in thesame moment. Beware! * Again I suseribe— iy ‘From You Know Wuom.” “(Great storm-king a-bowlin’!’ cried the mayor, ‘This hyer is what I call puttin’ et under our noses purty strong. Who kin ther cuss be anyhow?” “Tt would be worth a good deal to know,” i said Stacey. ‘Let us look at the writing, Mr, ! Bristol, and see if any of us can recognizeit, It however, since the other could not NG Hy is not likely | be detected. 1’ The mayor stood nearest to Dick, and Dick handed the note to him. “ What is your suspicion, Mr. Stacey?” he at the same time requested, ‘* You see the note ic- . self discloses nothing.” * Before I answer that,” was the response, “I desire to see the writing, to compare it with a certain signature here in the hotel register. I may be all at sea, but the suspicion is there.” ‘* Hyer, then, take et and compare et,” cried t mayor, passing the note on to him, ‘I can’t ‘ike nothin’ out of et meself, But, then, I ain’t ‘good et that sort of thing, anyhow. You °e ther idee that this Red Roy is hyer at ther r Bugle, hev ye?” 1e moment, and I’ll answer,” Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. Stacey, with the note in hand, stepped to the register and compared the writing with that somewhere on the page, ‘* By heavens!” he exclaimed, ‘‘I believe I am justified in naming my suspicion, Mr, Bristol.” ‘**Name the man,” cried Dick, ‘* Suspicion won’t kill bim, anyhow.” ‘¢ Look here, and compare the two writings.” Stepping aside, he yet held his hand on the book, and with his finger pointed to the name— ‘““HuNRY WHIPPLE.” Dick compared the writings eagerly. He had a suspicious thought against this man once al- ready, Was that suspicion about to receive sup- ort? . At first there was little resemblance, he thought, but he soon changed his mind in that respect. The capital ‘‘ W ” in the note and that in the signature were quitealike inform, It was the same witb the Jetter ** p.” **T believe you are right,” Dick bad to admit. ‘*Tnen he’s our mutton, by ther great storm- king!” cried the mayor, ‘* Whar is he?” ‘One question first,” said Dick. ‘* Was he in here while 1 was out? If not, we may be judg- ing him falsely.” **Yes, he certainly was in here,” answered Stacey. ‘‘He came in shortly after you went out, but did not remain very long. did not notice which way he went.” ** Did any one else notice?” asked Dick, ‘* Et strikes m.e he went to his room,” put in the proprietor, ‘* Well, was he seen near this poster of mine?” Dick further demanded, ‘t Was he seen on this side of the room at all?” ‘“Tf I remember right,” Stacey reflected, ‘* he took a few turns around the room, after which he went out on the piazza, After that 1 did not see hi at all,” ‘*He’s our game,” cried the mayor. ‘ We'll have him, anybow, and if he’s innocent et won’t hurt him any, as you said yourself. Come right on, me cbildrun, and we will see ef he is in his room.” With that the mayor dashed out of the room, into the hall, and up the stairs, with ten ora dozen of his ‘‘ childrun ” at his back, Deadwood Dick and Handsome Harry re- mained behind, ‘*T shall be sorry, if he is innocent,” Harry mused, ‘‘for Grimm is just the man to hang him if there is suspicion half-strong enough. He rules here with a grip of iron, as perhaps you have seen,” “Yes, [ have noticed that; but, the man must have a fair trial, no matter how much suspicion there is, And, Stacey, do not let the mayor forget in his baste that my wife’s life is at stake, The rascal has yet the strongest hand, even if Whipple does prove to be the man,” The excitement was great. In a few moments loud words were heard in the interior of the house, followed by a scuffle, and then the heavy tread of returning feet. The mayor was soon in the bar-room again. and after him came bis followers, Henry Whip- ple in their midst a prisoner. The man was pale, his eyes were dilated, and he louked terri- ed. ** Now, whar’s that ar’ note?” the mayor cried. It was given to him, and stepping to the pris- oner he held it up before his face, demanding: ‘* Ts this hyer your writin’, Mister Man?” ‘* N-no, sir,” was the gasped response. ‘* Do ye swear et ain’t?” ‘* -Y-yes, sir.” ‘Then tell me how et is that you was seen ter stick et up thar on ther wall with a pin,” was the fierce demand, the mayor pointing with bis long arm to the spot where the note had been found. ‘*T_T—I didn’t do it,” the prisoner declared. ‘* There is some mistake, my good man,” ‘Thar ain’t no mistake about et,” the mayor insisted, ‘‘This hyer writin’ is ther same as your writin’ on ther register thar, and ye can’t git out of et. You ar’in a bad box. We hev got ye at last, Red Roy, and a rope and limb is waitin’ fer ye,” The man trembled in every limb at this charge, and could hardly stand. “This—this is a mistake,” he gasped, “Iam no outlaw; I am not Red Roy, as you charge, I did not write this; I did not post it up there; I never saw it before; I am innocent, gentle- men, [swear I am. How came you to suspect me? My name is Henry Whipple, and I have no other.” ‘Tl tell ye how we kem ter ’spect ye,” the mayor made answer, “Ther note wasn’t up thar when you kem in ther room byer a leetle while ago, but et was up thar after ye went out. 13 Then, when we found et was like your writin’, what else was we ter do? Now, you say you ain’t guilty, but we bev got ter have proof of that. As mayor of this hyer camp I’m goin” ter hold ye prisoner "till ther proof is forth- comin’,” ** Allow me a word, mayor?” asked Dick, at this point, **Sartain; many as ye want,” The mayor was Dick’s friend, as, for that mat- ter, was the whole camp, ‘* Well, it is this,” said Dick: ‘‘ This thing will soon prove itself. If this man is innocent, as he claims, my meeting with Red Roy while he is a prisoner wil] be the proof of it. If Ihave an interview with the outlaw to-night, there can then be no question.” ‘*T see only one otber thing that might rest against him, in that case,” spoke up Stacey. ** And what is that?” ‘* That be may be an ally of the outlaw’s,” ‘* Well, we don’t keer a durn whether he’s Re@ Roy or only a tool of his,” the mayor cried. ‘* Ef he is either one he will swing, you bet. Take him off, me childrun, and lock bim up fer trial. This hyar camp has declared war ’g’in’ ther out- law tribe, an’ war et is goin’ ter be, you kin bet on’t.” In spite of all bis struggles aud all his protests, the man with the tufts of side-whiskers was dragged out of the room a: d away to the ‘lock - up, a place be was not likely to get out of with- out some outside help; and the mayor took pre- caution against his getting that. And when he had been taken from tbe room the case was talked over at length, pro and con. Finally Dick went out into the sitting-room, to find Almah Parmiter, or Anne Parson, as she was known there. She was not there, but a servant carried word up to her, and presently she came down and en- tered the room where Dick was waiting. ** Well,” she asked, ‘ heveyon satistied your- self of the truth of my story?” **T have no reason to think you have told me anything else,” was the answer, ‘I have seem Mr. Mayham.” “Then he is here! I wassure of it. And did rs: tell him the whole matter, and that I am 1ere and eager to see him? Did you?” ‘* Yes; I told him everything, I told bim, too, to come here quietly and see you, and then to get away from here as quietly as possible, taking you with him, if he still cares for you. And I believe he will come, You bad better not lose any time here, for reasons which Mayhans will probably explain to you himself,” CHAPTER XV. A PARTING PICTURE OF RED ROY’S DOMAIN, THE day wore wearily away, wearily for both Deadwood Dick and his imprisoned wife, and particularly for the latter. Let us look again into the red chamber where she was held in bondage, still coupled with the galling hand- cuffs to the negress who hau her in keeping, The preceding night had been an almost sleepless one, and the long day had been like a hideous nightmare, Kate’s mind had been busy, trying to think of some plan for escape, but all in vain. She had not refused to eat, that would have beem folly; and bad just finished her supper when we look in upon her, Particularly during the last hour had her mind been at work considering her situation, and trying to guess what the outcome would be, She had al! confidence in Dick, but knew that he was entirely without a clew, and the chances of his discovering ber niding-place were against him, Perhaps he would surrender everything, and make terms with the outlaws, for her sake. Her whole soul was against that. She would die if she must, but Dick must not make conditional terms with a villain, not even for her sake. If she could only communicate with bim in some manner! That, however, seemed out of the question. Was it impossible? She thought and thought, bending all the powers of her mind to the single question. If she sent a communication ut all, it must be through Red Roy himself, In that case, she would have to write it in his presence, and he must be allowed to read it. It certainly looked impossible to invent any hidden message that would not be discovered when it was put te the test under bis close scrutiny. It was im- possible. Yet, was it? That thought urged her on and on, and finally a thought came to her that immediately filled her with hope. It wasa desperate chance, but it was her only chance, pent she risk must be taken. From that moment she began to play toward a certain end, Shortly after eating her supper she gave
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ke a yar > 14 way to tears, to the surprise of the negress to whom she was fettered, for up to this time she bad been stoically calm and apparently indifferent to everything. Naturally the negress asked what was the matter, when Kate told her she could hold out no longer, that she must be al- lowed to go; that she was ready to accept any terms and conditions that might be offered, And she ended by demanding that Red Roy be sent for. Accordingly the cord was pulled, the cord that communicated with some other part of the cavern, and presently the negress Martha cume in, She, too, was surprised at the change, but took it all as a matter of course when it was maile known to her that the prisoner was eager to gain her liberty at any sacrifice, and promising to have the master there as soon as possible she went back to ber domain, It was a considerable time before Red Roy put in his appearance. When he came he iron- ically expressed bis sympathy for his fair pris- oner, hoping he could do something for her, and declaring bis sorrow at findiug her weeping. He could not stand tears, and if there was anything he could do she had only tocommand him. He was her willing servant. *“ Alll ask is my freedom,” Kate tearfully de- clared. ‘* And that I am eager to restore to you,” the outlaw made response. ‘It only depends on thatstubborn busband of yours,” **1f [ could only communicate with him once more,” Kate cried. ‘‘If you would only let me urge him to accept your terms for my sake, | am sure he would do so.” ** Well, perbaps you are right,” was the thoughtful response. ‘‘He bas already asked avother interview, which I have promised, and I think he is about ready to give in. You may write to him.” ‘Oh! thank you! Please free my hand and I will do so in all baste,” The handcuff was removed, and Kate took her seat at the table with eager and avxious haste, As hastily she took paper and envelope from the drawer in the table where she knew they were kept, and was about to write when the out- law stopped her, ‘*One moment first, if you please,” he re- quested, ‘Let me look at that paper and en- velope. I do not trust you altogether, and I do not mean to allow you a chance to play mea trick,” “You need not fear me now,” Kate declared, **Take them and search them, and then read every word as I write. Howcould I hope to de- ceive you?” He examined the paper and envelope care- fully, and gave them back, when she immedi- ately began her note, It took her but a few moments to dash it off, and when done it read thus: ** DIOK:— ** Do not hesitate longer, but make any terms you can with Red Roy. Your every effort to find me, no matter how great, will result in failure. You know what the threats are. Do not make any delay, but for my sake accept any terms whatever. KaTE.”’ Her hand had trembled, and the writing was large and straggling, looking different in the original from what it does in print. Every line was full. Red Roy took it, read it carefully, and put it in the envelope himself and sealed it, after which he gave it back to the writer for her to direct, remarking that he did not mean to allow ber any chance to trick him if be could help it. Kate took the missive and directed it, after which she was again handcuffed to the negress, and the outlaw, with the note in his possession, took his leave, Meanwhile, in another chamber of the cavern, one that was far Jess splendid in its appoint- ments than this red apartment, was another rixoner. it was no other than Gregory May- am, How he bad come there we will not pause now to conjecture, but there he was, true enough, and securely bound, There was a sullen look upon his face, and an expression of grim deter- mination about his mouth, He was, however, helpless in the power of the outlaw. hen Red Roy went from the apartment where Kodak Kate was, he proceeded to this other where Mayham was confined. He had on his red hat and mask, but was clad a in the gown we have mentioned be- ore. ‘*Well, Sir Gregory Mayham, how do you find yourself?” he greeted. ‘Who are youf”’ was the demand, ‘‘ Why have 1 been brought to this hole? I demand my release at ounce,” ‘‘Not hardly,” the outlaw said, lightly. ‘I have not brought you here fora joke, I think Sir Gregory Maybam can afford to buy his liberty.” ‘* You scoundrel!” the captive cried. you mean to say you are going to hold me here for ransom? y name is Walt Thornton, and I have nothing tu pay with if J would.” ‘*Ob, that is a good story; but I know better, you see, You are Gregory Maybam, and you bave just succeeded to the estate and title in England. You have got to come down band- somely, however, before you will ever be per- mitted to enjoy it, This is grim business, I as- sure you.” ‘“* You will find it grim business, if I ever get a chance to pay you for this,” was the fierce re- tort. ‘*I demand to be set at liberty imme- diately, and if you do uot free me you will regret it.’ “Do not excite yourself,” was the calm and cool advice, ‘It is not good for the health to excite yourself, you know, Be quiet, now, Sir Gregory, and I will name the conditions of your ransom. When you are ready to.pay me five thousand pounds out of your princely estate, then you may have some hope for your liberty, and not till then.” ‘* Scoundrel! I have not five thousand dimes to my name, Even were I the person you say 1 am, I could not handle any money of that estate till I had gone to England and proved my claim, so you are fooling yourself doubly. You will never get anything out of me, so do your worst, I think you will let me go when you find there is nothing to be gained by holding me.” ‘* We'll see about that, Sir Gregory. No use for you to deny who you are, for | am positive on that head, you see. Perbaps when the days of your confinement begin to lengthen into weeks, and weeks into months, you will think better of it, and be ready to make some effort to buy your liberty. 1 tink you will, anyhow, and on that belief I am going to bold fast to you, Think it over. You won’t be allowed to starve here, but you won’t fare very sumptuously either, Ta-ta.” With that, and without waiting to hear the fierce remarks that were burled after him by his enraged prisoner, the outlaw left the chamber and made his way off in the direction of the outer air. Shortly after that, the masked woman who had saved Red Roy’s life paid a visit to the red apartment where Kodak Kate was, and greeting ber about as Red Roy himself had greeted, demanded: ** Well, do you think that husband of yours will have the good sense to heed the warning of Red Roy, and do as you bave asked him to do?” ‘“‘T have never had cause to doubt the good sense of Deadwood Dick, Madam Outlaw,” was Kate’s response, ‘‘and I do not think I need doubt it now. As to his doing what I have asked, I can only say I hope he will.” ‘*T hope so, too, for it is unpleasant to have to hold you here, and of course it will be slightly disagreeable to have to kill you. Then, too, think what a shock it will be to your husband to receive your head on a shovel, or in some similar fashion.” ‘If it ever comes to that,” cried Kate, show- ing much spirit, ‘‘ 1 warn you for your own good that you had better kill Deadwood Dick in the same hour, If you do not, the earth will not be large enough to hide you from his vengeance, I mean not you alone, but you, Red Roy, and all the rest of his birelings and worse.” The masked woman laughed scornfully, and after another taunting remark, to which a cut- ting response was given, she witbdrew, Soon after she joined Red Roy in yet another apartment of the strange secret cavern, “ Well, what do you think?” the outlaw asked. ““T hardly know what to think,” was the an- swer, ‘She is as defiant as ever, just now.” ‘That is because of her spite against you for saving me from her bullet, no doubt. Ido not think there can be any trick about the note.” ‘Well, perhaps not, and you ought to know, since you saw her write if and you sealed it yourself, You say you remember neariy word for word what it contained? Tell me again,” “* Why, she tells him not to hesitate longer, but to make whatever terms he can with me, That his every effort to find her, no matter what it is, must be a failure. Reminds him of my threats, and urges him not to delay, but for her sake to accept any terms,” ‘“*T do not see how there can be anythin secret in such a note as that. And, even if there is, what matter? It cannot be more tban geREMEENE EGON ; % a word, Yes, deliver it, is my advice, for it ** Do | | munication in this missive. may have the effect to make Dick all the more ready to come to your terms, if be has not fully made up bis mind co do so already. Don’t you agree?” ‘‘That was my idea from the first, till you suggeste’ that there must be some secret com Yes, I think wi are on tho way to getting rid of Deadwood Dick now, and that for all time, for 1 know he wi keep his word, once itis pledged. The po of that terror of the West will be forever brokh 5, and then, with Whipple out of the way, all w be clear for our wor'.” ‘Yes, when one other has been removec Then we can make Gregory Maybam give uph golden pelf, and carry out all our other scheme I tell you, Red Roy, we area pair of roya- rogues whose names are vet goivg to become a terror to this wild land. Ha, ha, ha!” Both laughed, and soon after passed out, What if Deadwood Dick could have been near, to have overheard all this, spoken as it was in their natural voices, CHAPTER XVI. WAR TO THE TEETH. MEANWHILE, Deadwood Dick, at the hotel, was chafing and fretting like an imprisoned tiger, waiting anxiously for the summons from the outlaw that was to call him to a second in- terview, He bad not spent the afternoon idly, but had been vainly trying to get some trace of the outlaw and his allies there at the camp. He did not believe the man Whipple, vow in the jail, was Red Roy, though he might be one of bis tools. He had, however, some suspicion against Queen of Hearts, the handsome pro- prietor of the Palace Saloon, Still, he bad beer, unable to fetch any proof against her, As ye be had not made known this suspicion to am one. The evening was advancing, and he w pacing the fluor of the bar-room, having be talking with Mayor Grim, Harry Stacey, a others, but they having now left him, wt there came a call for him to come into the Indic room where Miss Parson desired to see gin again. Dick went in, and found the woman in rather some excitement. ‘* What is it?’ Dick asked. ‘‘ Mr, Maybam bas nvt been to see me yet, and [ begin to feel anxious about bim, Have you seen him lately?” It suddenly came to Dick’s mind that he had not seen him at all since his interview with him ; } ; at the Palace that morning. So taken i ——_ - bis own troubles, he bad given no further thought to bim. “No, I have not seen him,” he answered. ‘* Since you remind me of bim, I bave not seer bim at all since this morning. I will make some inquiries about him, if you desire, I will do so, anyhow, for [am concerned about him, 1 will return shortly and let you know.” Glad to have something to divert his: thoughts for a time, Dick went out, making his first call ati the Palace Saloon, “There nothing bad beer learned of the young’ man and no one could ! found who bad seen bim that afternoon, Anim it was the same elsewhere, He was not to be found. wy After a pretty thorough search/Dick had wo return and report. The young woman was almost overcome, Had she kn of the good fortune that bad come to her lover, possibly ¢ue might have believed be had proved false to hé but knowing notbing of it yet, shé@ bad no grou for that suspicion, Perhaps she would not hay entertained it, anyhow, e “It is the work of my sister,” she cried almost fiercely, ‘‘She is at the bottom of it, Sheen have learned that I am here, and by some means has removed him, But let her take care, for she will goad me beyond what I can bear!” 3 Dick talked with ber a few minutes, and after that retired to his room. When he entered, almost the first thing to catch his eyes was a letter on the stand near the window, ‘ / Springing forward he caught it up, thinking it must be from the outlaw, but a single glance at the superscription showed him it was from Kate. With impatient haste he tore it open and read its contents, noting at the same time the nervig., - style in which it was written. It fired him still | more with impatience for the interview, A ‘“Yes,” be said to himself, ‘‘I will sacr everything to rescue vou, Kate, I. will | whatever terms he offers, and fool no lo — about it. I should have done so lastnigh could never forgive myself, should harm ~~ } us 4 | : " or | A "7
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to you. Deudwood Dick gives up defeated this time.” He had taken a seat while speaking thus to himself, and was still gazing at the missive in ‘his hand. Suddenly he gave a start, looking “more elosely. The words in the last line * lace. Your last and only chance. ‘From You Know WxHomM.” . «What is et?’ the landlord asked. ‘Is et what ye was expectin’ from that bad map, ther Oregon Outlaw?” | “Yes, itis from him,” Dick answered. ‘Do not say anything to anybody, and I will meet him at the time and place he names. I have plenty of time, I see. Itis all right, and much | lized to you. _— eee sing his host out, with that, Dick sat down agaia to ponder over the situation, What should he do—what ought he todo? He would keep the appointment, of course; but, regarding , “terms with the outlaw— He could not decide. If Kate were only free— That was tbe sticking point, She was not free, but in the power of a foe who had already ; } } eae ov shown the strength of his hand. If be made terms with this man, his power would be forever broken, unless he broke his word, That he would not do, On the other hand, if he refused rms, Kate’s life might pay the forfeit, It was easy to choose, for the life of his wife rose above yelhy other consideration ; but, then, her words 8t rioging in his ears—‘Do not make any terms whatever.” _ Finally his decision was made. A grim, hard A ook settled upon his face, and to himself he aid: : “No, I will make no terms, We are both of one mind. God help me if I err; God protect my wife from harm! It shall be war, war to the bitter end, between me and these infernal scoundrels!” Lighting a cigar, he went down and out with- out going through the bar-room, and walked leisurely away up the gulcb. No one followed him, as he took care to note, and presently he came to the ledge trail that led to the shelf above the camp, and taking that, began the ascent, Finally he drew near his destination, and look- ing at his watch by the light of his cigar, found & nh 1 1 a ‘ that it was about midnight, the time appointed, { Throwing away his weed, now about finished, e Js drew bis trusty revolvers, and with them in é hand, pressed on and stepped out upon the broad fhelf where he expected to meet his foe. ® The moon, again just in sight as on the pre- vious night, sent its light down through the pass that led back from the bluff, and there, stand- ‘ng full in the light, clad in his peculiar cos- ‘ame of red, was Red Roy. He was alone, or seme to be, and was standing with bis arms ded_acro-s his breast. He did not move , me appeared, but after a moment of si- eadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. 15 ‘* Well, Deadwood Dick, I see you are true to the appointment. You are no coward, for you have come alone to a place where your life isin my hands, I see you are armed and ready to do battle again, but it is useless, Put up your weapons, Half a dozen rifles cover your heart at this moment, and a signal from me would send you into eternity before you could liftanarm, So, besensible, put away your wea- pons, and let us talk.” ‘*Tf you have got me covered as you claim,” said Dick, putting away his weapons, since he had no use for them at once, but yet keeping his hands on them; ‘‘ why do you not make me a prisoner and do away with me? That will re- Jieve you of all concern on my account, and will probably be the best way to settle with me. A word to your riflemen, and you will rid your path of Deadwood Dick forever.” “T will tell you why, Dick Bristol. I do not take life unless forced to do so. Iam willing to make terms with you, and allow you to de- part, If you are not so blind as not to see where your interest lies, you. will gladly accept. Now, you wanted an interview with me, what do you want?. Let me bear at once.” ‘¢ Well, on what terms will you release my wife and restore her to me?” Dick demanded. ‘*On the terms I gave you before, and none other.” ‘*Then we cannot come to an agreement. I have some right to demand as well as to be dic- tated to.” ** And what is your demand?” ‘* That you release my wife and allow her. to join me here at Basalt Butte. After that I will deal with you further,” ‘* No, sir. You must accept the terms I offer, ornone, Your wife is eager to bave you do so, as you already know, Her safety depends up- on your decision here and now,” “Then we cannot agree, and our interview is in vain. I have made up my mind to fight it out, and so give you warning of my intention. If you have me under rifle cover, as you claim, it is in your power to dispose of me at once, You had better do so.” **No; you are no coward, and I am no mur- derer—at least not in that way. If your de- cision is fixed, return to the camp, and to-mor- row our warfare will begin. You and the whole camp of Basalt Butte against Red Roy and his few, This ends all communication be- tween us. Go!” “If war, why not begin here and now?” de- manded Dick. ** So let it be, if you are in a hurry to die. My rifles can speak quickly enough.” ** Then bid them speak!” cried Dick, defiantly. He had sprung forward a few paces with the quickness of thought. ‘‘ You must either take my life, Red Roy, or I make you my prisoner.” Weapons drawn, he stood facing the outlaw. **'You are mad!” Red Roy exclaimed. ‘ Your life is in my hands, and if you insist I shall have to take it. Think twice before you act, Bristol. A signal from me, and you are riddled with bul- lets. Will you bave it?” “A bold bluff, but it won’t work,” retorted Dick. ‘‘If you had rifles covering me as you claim, that signal would now have been given, and I would be dead at your feet. Square your- self, now, and defend yourself if you can, It is war, and war to the very teeth!” With his words, Dick dashed upon the man in red, whose weapon spoke quickly, the bullet just grazing Dick’s face, and Dick’s revolver making response in the same second, but with- out apparent effect. The next instant the two men were in deadly embrace, swaying this way and that, each struggling with all bis might to gain the mastery over the other, CHAPTER XVII. MARKS DICK’S DEFEAT A FEW moments of this terrible business suf- ficed to prove to Dick that bis foe had no help at «hand, and that he had rightly guessed bis story about the rifles bad been only a bluff. This being so, Dick bent all his strength to overcome the mau, but he found he had an antagonist who was quite equal to his best efforts. Red Roy was a powerful man, and while he could not overcome Dick, neither could Dick overpower him, It looked as though it would turn out a case of endurance, unless one or the other re- sorted toa weapon, This last Dick did not de- sire to do, and his attention had to be given to prevent the outlaw from doing it. The fight was hard, fierce, desperate, and no knowing bow it might bave ended had it re- mained a struggle between these two alone, But, it did not. Presently the outlaw seemed to } gain a momentary udvantage, and Dick was re carried backward against the rocky wall with considerable force. There was a momentary pause, and the next instant the rock gave way, and both tumbled through, still locked in deadly embrace. There was a muffled thud imme- diately following, as the rock duor swung sbut, and they were in total darkness, Then it was that Red Rwy called for help, sending out one loud signal cry, while at the same time be con- tinued the fierce life-and-death struggle, Deadwood Dick fongbt with all the fury he could command, but having to guard against a weapon in the hands of bis foe, be could do little more than act oo the defensive. No word was spoken, but the labored breathing of both was hard and fierce, as they struggled this way and that in the darkness on the rock floor of: the cavern passage, Soon steps were heard, and presently a light was seen, rapidly growing brighter, and in a moment more another masked man lent his as- sistance to Red Roy, and Dick was soon over- powered, “My cursé on you!” Red Roy panted, as he and bis timely ally beld Dick to the floor. ‘“* You would not accept your life when it was offered you, now you have forf2ited it altogether. You will never see the light of day again, and the world will never be the wiser concerning what became of you. You have at last found your match, and more, and may reflect upon the adage thatit isa long Jane that bas no turn. The trapper has been trapped at last,” ‘* Make sure of my death while you have the chance,” grated Dick, “Tf by any means l es- cape, the world will not hold you, It isnot wide enough vor deep enough to hide you from my vengeance,” ‘You will not escape, be sure of that. Noth- ing but your death can now avail, and that will be swift and sure,” They rested a moment, Red Roy and his ally; then, taking Dick up, one bolding bis hands and the other his feet, they bore bim along down the passage to the point where the inky chasm yawnec, Dick instinctively realized what bis fate was tobe, He struggled, but in vain, the odds being against him; and he was presently swung over the edge and sent down, down, and still down, to the Stygian depths of a boit»mless pit, THE END. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY CHARLES MORRIS. 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. 122 Phil Hardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete? or, Nicodemus, theDog Detective, 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags, 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 WIll Wildtire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Wooda. 165 Billy Baggage, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trump Card; or, W1ll Wildfire Wins and Loses, 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Rockett, the Bank Runner. 188 The Hidden Hand; or, Wi!! Wildfire’s Revenge, 187 Fred Halyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. Shadowed; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. Dark Paul, the Tiger King. Dashing Dave, the Dandy Detective. Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 5 Sam Ohareoal the Premium Darky, & Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. Dick Dashawaty : or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. The Young Sharps: or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. Jolly Ji Jobs; or, The Young Detective. The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. Dashaway, of Daketa; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, Ralph Ready, the Hote! Boy Detective. Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective, The Reporter-Detective; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, W ide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard. Firefly Jack, the River-Rat Detective. The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. Fred Fiver, the Reporter Detective. Invincible Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. Billy Brick, the Jolly Vaganond. Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or, Entombed Alive, Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. Wild Dick Racket. Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharper, i The Secret “ervice Boy Detective. Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. TZ ‘Tom Bruce of Arkansas: or, The Wolfin the Fold, & Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. Rob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives. The Curbstone Detective: or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, 7 Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes. BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. 558 The Sure-Shot Parda. 621 Truthful James, the “Pecooliar” Man, A New issue Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library ‘+ for sale by ati newsdeslers, five cen te per copy, or sent by mall on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,
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sf em . oe © RTE ; e% a Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’« Defiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 pene oe rine in apm Sa Buffat) Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o, The ~antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick tn Danger; or, Omana Oll. 57 Deadwood Dick’« Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 7B Deadwood Dick on Peck; or, Calamity ¢ tne, the Heroine. aee Deadwood ores ee vat or, Cordurvy Charlie. 00 Deadwood Dick in Leady e. 104 oe wood Dick's Des lee; gr I'he Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Kase; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’« Dreamy; or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hil)’s Jezebel, 205 Deadwood Ae meee 3 or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. 217 Deadwood Wick’s Dead Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, oon hes —oed pions on ide; or, ‘a Spirit of Swamp Lake. 68 Deadwood Dick’s Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Pick’s Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. Ses = alge DLE Cee? or, The Terrible Vendetta, Jendwoo ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinmonda. 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “ Cute Case,” prt poraeers ee tanks or, The Chained Hand. ead woo ck, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deflance, 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Big Reund-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. ae ee ee | erek 5 ly Dow 7 pe a enadweo ck, Jr., in Deadwood, 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. oe | see toa cay Jr.’s, iment maga 0 Deadwood eh, dr.’s, Diggings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dell verance, 5615 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jri’s, Danger Ducka $584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt. 9 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Texas. Deadwood Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidocg penewees Dek! ores os Fe ne aia eandw eck, Jr., In Gotham, 561 Deadwood Dick, r., in Boston. 567 Dendweed Dick, Jr., in Philadeiphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 578 Deadwood Bick. Jr., Afloat. 684 Deadwood Bick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Decree. 5695 Deadweod’ Bick, Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Goney Island. 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati, 624 Degdwood Dick, Jr., In Nevada. 680 DeRdwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land. 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Buffalo. 645 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Chase Across the Continent S46 Mankanls Dick, dis, lechenee Guest end w ’ 8, Lnaurance Case, 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, 672 Deadwoed Dick, Jr., tn Durango} or, ‘ Gathered In.” rt | Nee bel M9 a eg ers Found a Fortune. ead wood ck, dr,.’a. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dellars. 695 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, JIr.’«, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in San Francisco, 716 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.'s, Still Hunt. 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dominoes. T28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Di«gulae. 784 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deathwatch. T47 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Deathblow. 758 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait, BY J. ©. COWDRIOK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle. 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Diftikiity.” 557 Broadway Billy’sa Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Act. Broadway Billy Abroad. 675 Broadway Billy’s« Beat; or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover. 696 Broadway Billy in Texas. Brondway Billy’s Brand. TIL Broadway Billy at Santa Fe. 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand, 785 Broadway Billy’s Business, 78S Broadway Billy’s Curious Case, 758 Broadway Billy tn Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain. Other Novela by J. g- Cowdrick. 860. Silver-Masak, the Man of Mystery. 869 Shasata, the Gold Kings; or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’s 4 pprentices or, A Boy Without a Name. A424 Cibuta Johny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dade, 606 Redlight Ralph. the Prince of the Road, 5624 The Engineer Detective. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer, 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 615 Fighting Marry the Chief of Chatned Cyclone. 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, 47 mee”, Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the “‘ Pizenest ” Man of Ante Bas. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody). 8 Kansas King: or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scout. Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairle Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, Thq Trapper’s Trust. ] : tes Moe Weve rye eee wae « Airs of Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot. 89 Death-Fuce, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, Jdr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner; or, Rosebud Rob on Hand. 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda iy Sitting Bull’s Camp. 96 Watch-Eye; or, Arabs und Angels of a Great City. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport. 125 Benanza BILL, Miner. 188 Boss Bob the King of Bootblacks, 41 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent. 45 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 61 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 77 Nobby Nick of N evaday or, The Sierras Scamps, $1 Wild Frank, the Backskin Bravo. 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloguist Hunter, 226 Snoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Arab Detective, 286 Apollo BIll, the ‘Trail Tornado. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Ghadiator. Rie 1 1 1 1 i BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, % The Flying Yankee; of, The Ocean Outcast. 17 Ralph Roy, the Koy Buccan.er; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk; or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Lientenants, 75 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea- Wolf, 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smugyier, 411 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshijanan’s Legacy. 116 The Mussar Captain: or, The Hermit o1 Hell Gate. 197 Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, The Stock-Tender’s Daughter, 204 Buffalo Bill, the Pony Express Rider. 216 Bison BUI, the Prince of the Reins; or, Buffalo Bil’s Pluck, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer. 229 Crimson Kate, the Girl Trui-er. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The Mysterious Ranchero 245 Merle, the Middy : or, The Heir of an Gevan Freelance. 250 The Midshipman Mutineer; or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, ihe 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 Sea Murauder. 287 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover 804 The Dead Riot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, sand ad Shot Dandy’sx Pouble. e Mysterious Marauder; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trai), s1odel, the Buy Rovers or, The Flegiess Schooner, :‘ Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirdte Island. 4 “r 8. the Frontier Ferret sé caren + ager J Secret.+ RANG -path Will, the Traitor Guide; or, The Boy Phantom. 258 Sierra Sam’s * LO vaif, the Boy Lientenant; or, The Red Clasped Hands. 258 Sierr- ~ LD G VY ¥ or, the Young Conmpirater s or, The Fatal League. 278 J ARO shit Boy Insurgent; or, Tho Cuban Vendetta. 2TT Ik BR . ent er, 1s Bous Ww ila Y achtaman Le The War-Qlouu’s Cruise. : el sctS in Dare, the Boy Refugee. B55 De parie® and NOV bo List In Carl, tie Corsair; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck, 291 Tu all Ss write ea Ralder: or, The Hawks of the Hook. 296 Der 4 M aga n e —— «ne Ocean Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Vengeance. 299 AN 390K5> Exche 446 Haphazard Harry 3 or, The Scapegrace of the Sea. 808 ’Liz iq and * = 450 Wizard Will, the Wonder-Worker, B25 Keli Solt ws Vhiladelphia. 454 Wizard Wills Street Scouts. , 880 Littl ~-eud Face of Daggersville, 462 The Born Guide; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer. 884 Kang ~w¢ Mysterious Miver. 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Conster. | 889 Kan «10’*® Racket, 474 Wizard Wills Vagabond Pard. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent trom Gopher. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slnb City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim's Jokers or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bieyele Beny or. The Lion of Lightning Lode. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Wateh Detective. 416 Wigh Hat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides, the Begrar-Bov Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Seulakin Sam, the Sparkler. RY T. ©. HARBAUGH, 28 Nick o’ the Night; or, The Boy Spy of 776, 87 The Hidden Lodge; or The Littl Hunter, 47 Nightingale Nat; or, Tne Forest Cuptaing, < 64 Dandy Jack; or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trali. 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 Mostanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr. or, The Boy Vigilante. 155 Gold Trigger, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger, 169 Tornado Tom; or, Injun Jack From Red Core, 188 Ned Temple, the Border Boy, 198 Arkansaw ; or, The Quen of Fate’s Revenge. 207 Navajo Nick, the Boy Gold Hunter. 215 Cuptain Bullets; or, Little Tonknot’s Crusade, 281 Plucky Phil; or. Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravo; or, Toe Roughs of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli: , tne Kine-?in of Bowie. 267 The Buckskin Detective. 279 Old Winehs or, The Buckskin Desperadoes. 294 Dynamite Dan; or, The Bowie Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective: or, The Trigger Bar Bully, 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, 826 The Ten Pards«; or. The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Bie Benson; or, Tie Queen of the La-so. 845 Pitilesa Matt; or, Ked Thunderboli’s Secret, BSH Cool am and Par’; or The Terrible Six. 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective. 886 Captain Cutlass; or, ! he B ceaneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Rob; or, The !wia Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, The Rose of Ranch Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump, tie Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the New York Fox. 445 The City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bar, 470 The Boy Shadow; or, Felix Fox’s Hunt. 477 The Exceisior Sport; or, The Washington Spotter. 499 Single Sight, the One-Eyed Sport. 502 Branded Ben, the Night Ferret. 612 Poder Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 5628 Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret. 548 Dodger Dick’« Double: or, The Rival Boy Detectives. 558 Dodger Dick’s Desperate Case, 568 Dodger Dick. the Boy Vidocq,. 578 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 594 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective, 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark; or, Tony Sharp on Guard. 626 The Champion Parda, : 687 Dick Doan, the Dock Bey Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beagle. 671 Jersey Jed, the Bow Hustler; or, Shadowing the Shadower. 685 Happy Hugh, the Boy Musician Detective. 701 Photograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. 715 Wite Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret. 782 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game, Z42 Billy Winka, the Bell Boy Detective. 754 Billy Winka, the Boss Boy Shadow. @Y WM. G. PATTEN. 489 The IMiamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 419 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, 581 Data) ware the Sport from Denver. 5ST Old Rombalrell, the Ranger Detective. oe tron Ferm, the Man of Fire. the Do e Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness 629 Violet Vane, tie Velvet Sport. A 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard. 651 Bound Roy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 66% Yalet Vane'’s Victory. GS2-Wild Vualean, the Lone-Range Rider, ore Wiens aed Daley, the Pay Pards. olet Vane’s Vaw: or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. 714 Old Mixery, the Man from Misconvs’ 24 Violet Vane’« Venrrance. Violet Vane’s Verdlet. 41 Vielet Vane, the Ventrileqnict Vidocq. 50 Vielet Vane, the Vanquished. 488 Wizard Will's Last Case; or, Ferrets Afloat. 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Kanger 495 Arizona Joe, the Boy Pard of Texas Jack, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 508. The Royal Middy ; er, The Shark and the Sea Cat, 507 The Hunted Midshipman; or, The Young Sea Ranger. 511 The Outlaw Middy; or, The Young Patriot Sea Ranger, 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche Shadow. y 525 Brothers in Buckskin; or, The Tangled Trails in Texas, 530 The Buckskin Bawers. 3 in? 585 The Rue skin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive. 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder o1 the Rio, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’« Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. : 555 The Creole Corsair; or, The Goldem Wings of the Gulf. 560 Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. ; 570 Camille, the Card Queen; or, The Skeleton Trail, 575 The Surgeon-Scout Detective. ) 680 The Outcaxt Cadet; or, The False Detective. 5S6 Pawnee Bill’« Pledge; or, The Buckskin Avenger, 5Y1L Delmonte. tie Young Sea Rover; or, The Avenging Sailer, 597 The Young Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mines. x 607 The, Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout; or, The Kio Raiders: 644 The Nercules Highwaymun. j 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Kider Detective; or, Buffalo , Bill's Boy Para. 656 Butterfly Billy’ Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy's Bonanza. Tt 668 The Buccancer Midshipman; or, Thy Sea Kove OH. se) 674 The Wizard Sailor; or, Red Ralph, Rover. 679 The Sea Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, Tue 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, 719 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy Kidnapper’s Doom, 225 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid, 781 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower. 787 Buck Tayler, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio G AR : 749 Dashing Charlic; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s Firet Tray 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; or, T LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 760 Dathing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard; pr, Red Hair, the Renegade. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanget Detective; or, The Great Mix- Up at Crescent Butte. By Lient. A. K. Sims, 762 Broadway Billy’« Bargain; ot, The Three Detectives in Denver. By J, C, Cowdrick. 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate, . By Win. G, Patten, 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Apne Hand; or, Kodak Kate 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; or, The White Sioux Queen, By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. T67 Mac and Jack, the Invinctbles; or, The Diabotical Gree By Dan Dunning. %68 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard; or, The Camp Spiders f Ragged Robin. By T. ©. Harbaugh, 769 BR dway Billy, the Retriever Detective; or, How® the: Clty Bussants Were Prought In. By J. C, Cowdrick. f 270 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s) Defeats or, The Tandam Tean. Thorny Trail. By + dward L. Wheeler, t 271 Foxy Fred's Odd Pardy or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, By. Jo Pierce. Ready May 3d. 272 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny. By Col. Prentiss Ingrabam, Ready May 10th. A New Iasue Every Tuesaday. . The Half- Dime Library is for sale by al! newsdenlers, fir cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers 98 WilHam Street, New” Renegade’s Cr fina” * vo