Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 801) (1892 11 29)
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mn aR AER, Nor A SW — itl , ES ge Z7rxxry al Du a’ aaa per el Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1892, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, November 29, 1892. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 801. a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 Cents. Vol, XXXI, PENG ™ od — — SNE NS ek (ig \\\ | | AN es The Roster of Rogue River Ranch. ) Yih VAN The Romance of a Range Mystery. : PSL WYP LAL > ii? WW; As. Z NY (at ANSINV, Oe SS Sv. : ates as OTST WS we S WS iq \)\) ip Z Zi CAT MALL BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, AUTHOR OF ‘‘LONE-HAND JOX,” ‘' THE RUSTLER OF ROLLING-STONE,” ** COWBOY GID,” ‘* SIM- PLE SIM.” “ KANSAS JIM,” THE “ TEXAS TOM CAT” NOVELS, ETO, KAW SD kei Wz. hy U\ id fers CHAPTER I, HEMMED IN BY FIRE, SEAL SHELTON drew in his breath with a gasp of dismay, Below bim—far below him— raced the rapid and turbulent current of Rogue : . — River, its waters ceaselessly lashed into a ‘“WHOA, JANUARY!’ KIRBY SCREAMED, AS THE STALLION PITCHED FORWARD IN A yeasty foam, It had an ugly reputation—that SEEMING EFFORT TO STAND ON ITS HEAD, suggestively-named river—the reputation of
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“ hapless creatures that came within its grasp. Yet, perilous as wera its waters, Seal Shel- ton cast on it a glance which indicated that he was more than half-inclived to hurl himself into them! There was ample reason for this, He stood on a high bluff overlooking the stream, Stretch- ing back from the bluff were slopes heavily covered “ith pines. Beneath these thick-stand- ing trees was a half knee-deep carpet of pine needles, which was as higbly inflammable as if saturated with kerosene. This bed of needles reached from the bluff to the furthest limits of the pines on the ascending slopes. Worst of all, this bed of needles was on fire ! How or when the fire had started Shelton could not tell. He bad chosen that poiat for his night’s rest because of the soft couch af- forded by the needles, When he awoke, there was the sme}l of smoke in his nostrils, and the advancing flames were threatening his life. There was no apparent way of escape, The bluff whereon he stood was completely ringed in by tle precipice and the on-coming fire. 1t was a sheer leap of a hundred feet from the bluff to the stream below. He knew the water was deep at that point; but it’ was swift, and he’ could not tell what jagged, sword-like rocks etaet lie bidden in its swirling depths. » Were he even sure no rocks were concealed there, the leap would seem the height of mad- ness. The current boiled against granite onthe side of the precipice, Tho opposite shore was low and grassy; but, as the river was of con- siderable width and the pull of the current strong, the chances of reaching that shore were not promising. In the direction of the fire there was no chance whatever. The high-leaping flames were licking the tops of the low pines, and many of the trees were already enveloped and furiously burning. The indications were that the slopes would be denuded of their growth of evergreens and left a blackened waste. One who has not witnessed a forest fire can scarcely realize the terrific and splendid force of such a conflagration. lts advance is overwhelm- ing and irresistible, Neither man nor beast can stand before it for an instant, The heat crisps, crackles, sears and devours. As a de- vastating demon there is peeing like it, Other agencies may destroy, but this destroys with an awful fury. G Little wonder, therefore, that Seal Shelton gazed at the advancing fire with blanched cheeks and starting eyes. It formed a vast semicircle of death, othing less than the sacrifice of his life could result from any attempt to penetrate it, It was creeping downward with a slow deliberation that was in marked contrast to its hissing and menacing roar, The only alternative was the river; yet to leap into that was seemingly as suicidal as to hurl himself into the fire, To turn either way was fatal, and there was no safety where he stood. Beneath him the pine needles were banked high. It was for that reason—for the soft bed which they afforded—he had sought the place for his night’s rest. In a little while the flames would seethe over and through these, and no point of refuge would remain for him, ; In a thoroughly desperate mood, Seal drew out and cocked his revolver. To die by fire was a thought too borrible to contemplate, _To ip into the raging river and be hurled to deat against the a points was only a degres less fearful. If die he must, he preferred to end his career with a bullet, It was swift and sure, A shock that should reach to every fiber of his being—a swift blackness that was not of earth —then the silence of nothingness, Yes, if he must die, he infinitely preferred that. And yet, he did not wish to die; and, as his bands clutched the cold steel, and he heard the ominous click of the weapon, his whole soul recoiled. He was young, and he had much to live for, -* Toa man of ty Se pd the world has much to offer. The future has a rosy morning glow that - is entrancing. j Shelton glanced longingly down the face of rock, vainly hoping for a way of escape. A few yards above where he scood the tongue of rock stretched further out over the river; and be- neath it the water appeared to be calmer, But, only madness would tempt any one to take the ne from that projection, Thirty feet below the rocky tongue there was - agranite point; and from it a rough and almost _ impassable way led downward to the water’s é, As-a last resort, he could spring to that ~ ey ae : yy forever hiding within its hungry maw the | 4, He was in no haste, though, to attempt it, The granite was thickly studded ywith keen- edged, rock bayonets, and the chance of escap- ing impalement was not promising. He knew be could not avoid serious and probably fatal injuries. Broken limbs were the least he could hope for. Instant death was more likely to be the result, Yet that was the only possible avenue by which he could leave the fire-girdled bloff, Still holding the cocked revolver in hand, be turned once more and surveyed the fire., The smoke and heat were becoming intolerable. The threatening semicircle had very _per- ceptibly narrowed. He felt sure he could not remain where he was another ten minutes, His eyes and face burned under the blistering heat, and the hot odors made him gasp for breath. Their pungency choked and stifled him, He turned his tortured face upward and breathed a prayer. It was almost involuntary. He.did not expectan answer. Apparently, only a miracle could save him; and-he could not bope that a miracle would be worked in his behalf, However, as he stood there, a voice reached him; a voice that was spirit-like and faint, as it came to him through the roar of the fire. But, he knew it was not the voiceof aspirit. It was even sweeter, He had heard it before, and, as it penetrated to him, he turned about and gave a mighty bound toward the perilous edge of the bluff, He beheld a vision that was even more sug- gestive of angelic influence than the voice, The slight, agile form of a woman was clambering up the giddy path that led from the river to the granite point thirty feet or more below bim, She carried a rope in one hand, and with the other dragged herself up by means of the pro- jections. A ery fell from his lips; as his gaze lighted on her. He knew her well, Ay, too well for his peace of mind! The woman fighting her way furiously up the difficult slope was the daughter vf a ranchman who lived not far distant, and whose guest Seal Shelton had been only the previous day. That visit to the ranch-house had not been the first, however. He had made others—for rea- sons to be hereafter recorded, and because of the witchery which lay in the eyes of Marian Car- low, the ranchman’s daughter, He had a very bigh opinion of Jim Carlow, the ranchman; but bis opinion of Marian Car- low mounted very high indeed. And now, she had appeared as if in answer to his prayer, and was calling encouragingly to bim and assuring him she would be able to save him, Seal ran as far out on the rock as he dared, and called back to her, ‘Don’t try to jump!” she shouted. ‘* You'll kill yourself if youdo! Just wait a minute, and’ Pll be there!” Her tones were thick and keavy, because of the smoke and her great exertions, The young man had thrust the pistol back into place, ashamed to let her see it, He was ashamed, now, of the cowardice which had brought the suggestion of self-murder, It had been a horrible contemplatjon; a thing he would never confess to this regal woman, “ Allright!” he sung out. “Tl be as patient asalamb! But, the faster you hurry, the bet- ter I'll feel, for it’s getting hotter than an iron furnace up here,” Marian Carlow climbed with the sure-footed- ness of a goat, and in a comparatively short time, stood on the point below and looked up into Seal Shelton’s face. He had thrown himself prostrate on the cliff, as this brought him nearer her and served in a measure to shelter him from the heat, Such an intense look of love and admiration as shone in his eyes when they met hers! He had never dared breathe to her of the passion that tormented him; but now he felt that be would like to shout it to her in tones of thunder. Her face was almost as red as his own scorch- ed visage, but he thought notof.that. He ador- ingly saw only the graceful attitude and gesture, and the luminous look of the eyes, as she threw ae taugled coil of rope and poised herself to burl it. **Look out, now!” she cried, catch the rope when I throw it!” He shouted back an obedient and mise, The next instant the rope left hand and hissed upward toward him, It wasa long cast, one to tax even theskill ofa cowboy; but Marian Carlow was quite as much of an copes wr pilin of the Te ar was any cow-puncher” who ever wore jingling spurs and rode her father’s bronchos, = itn ue - * Be sure you joyful pro- her trained rs j eg new ent += tort gene Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. » miles of {ows ranch on Rogue River, The uncoiling rope struck the rock within a“ foot of Seai’s extended jhand, and by a reckless and almost herculean effort be succeeded in grasping it, ‘* Now fasten it there somewhere!” she panted, ‘Then, you can let yourself down to this point without much trouble!” Seal was only too glad to comply. He secured the end of the lariat to the body of asmall pine that stood near him, and then swung himself over the precipice’s edge. This was new work for him, and in spite of his great desire to escape from the fire, he trembled a jittle as he felt the slight rope give and sway under Lis weight. It was not an easy task to lower himself by means of the lariat—for such a feat needs great strength and practice. But, he accomplished it—just how, he could not have told!—and stood trembling and exhausted at Marian Carlow’s side, ‘¢ That was dreadful!” she whispered, looking up at the fire-threatencd point. ‘‘I came as fast as I could, and I didn’t get here a minute too soon.” He almost fancied there were tears in her eyes, and that moment he would have bartered averything be hoped forin this world for the privilege of pressing her lovingly to bim and repaying ber for what she had done with a kiss, Instead of doing this, however, be stummered his thanks ina confused and incoherent way; despising himself the while for his inability to find words with which to appropriately express himself, ** Come; we mustn’t stay here!” and she turn- ed to descend the path, ‘It’s getting as hot here as it must be on the cliff. Weshall be cooked in a Jittle while,” He had momentarily forgotten the burning heat; but now, recalled to it, it seemed to again scoreh to his marrow, ~ ‘Permit me to help you down!” he plead<d, extending a hand. ; But, she bad hurried on, clambering down the rocky incline with an ease which showed she had no need of bis assistance, The heat was considerably abated when they reached the water’s edge; aud as they pass- ed around a curve, he saw, in a little bend be- yond, a horse quietly cropping the grass. Its sides were still wet, showing that it had not been long out of the river. ‘* You swam your pony across?” “Certainly! How else could I have got here? If [had lost time by going to the bridge, the chances are you would have been broiled like a lizard before I could get to you.” ‘* That’s true!” he said, and again his eyes look- ed the words of love he dared not speak, ‘* You risked drowning to save me from the fire! Marian, I can never repay you for that, much as I may try!” ‘** Don’t try then!” she said, with an abruptness ‘that hurt him; and without waiting to listen to his expostulations, she walked on and began call- © ing to the pony. CHAPTER II. THE HIGH-KICKER’S ‘' SCRAP” WITH a GRIZZLY, | “WaHoa! January!” The appealing exclamation was greeted with uproarivus guffaws, : f A shaggy-bearded, keen-eyed, but awkward- looking cowboy was seated on a restive broncho, that just then was doing its utmost to pitch its rider over its head, ' ‘* Whoa, I say! Drat a beast that’s everlast- in’ly tryin’ to walk on his nose! He seems to think that bis years is his front legs an’ his front legs is his hind ones, and he’s a-tryin’ to git all four onto the ground atonc’t. If I’m ever to git a chance to tackle the “General,” you fellers’ll have to hook a steer to this critter's tail to bold him down!” Again uprose that rough merriment, the as- sembled cowboys vying with each other in try- ing to crack with their yells the dome of the sky, It was truly a ludicrous scene, Kent Kirty, the wide-mouthed cowboy, who was gripp § the broncho with his knees, would bave provoke levity, even had the occasion been a serious one. He wasa man past middle age, but wiry and — sinewy. It was the twinkle in bis grayish eyes, — the humor in the lines about his lips, and the — reckless playfulness of his goneral make hp have attracted attention, however, a e. se, ‘ ‘ \ He had reached the ranch having walked out from Piebald, that efore only that mornin; between it and Care we #, b, . ” * Soest acd ts Ahn Jo zi a "
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Killbuck 4 " of work; and the employment of any applicant at Rogue River Ranch had been recently hem- med in with difficulties, Two or three months before, Carlow’s cowboys had captured a half-grown grizzly in the neigh- boring hills and brought it home in triumph, ‘The title of ‘‘General” had been bestowed on it; and thereafter, every cowboy who sought work | of Jim Carlow was required to mount the wildest | broncho on the place and rope the half-tamed grizzly. Kent Kirby’s advent occurred at least two | weeks prior to the events narrated in the pre- ceding chapter. He recklessly announced him- self as the High-Kicker from Killbuck, and boastingly proclaimed that, as a cowboy, roper, rider or fighter, he * c’u’d jist everlastin’ly knock the p’ints off’n anything that run, walked, div, er flew!" Naturally, this comprehensive boast made him the center of general attention, There were other braggarts at Rogue River Ranch, but never one who had been sodaring. Hence, the High-Kicker was clamorousJy asked to give an immediate exhibition of his skill in riding the | wiidest broncho and roping the ‘' General,” ‘*Hain’t ye got anything tougher’n a bronc’ fer me to straddle?” he cried, drawing himself up in well-feigned disgust. ‘ A ring-streaked, greased rainbow, f’rinstance. Er a cyclone with a? airthquake tied to its tail. Trot out somethin’ that’s hard to ride, an’ Pll show you what ridin’is! A brone’! Waugh! Askin’ me fer to tackle a bronc’! Moe! the High-Kicker frum Killbuck!” “Bring out Satan!” commanded Carlow, turning to one of his men, ‘ He’s the Kicker from Killbuck, is be? If he'll ride Satan an’ rope the b’ar, be kiu have a job endurin’ the remnant o’ bis nat’ral life.” Jim Carlow was a hard-headed old ranch- man who had small use for the average ‘‘ blow- hard,” and he itched for the opportunity to humble the stranger. Satan was a coal-black stallion that bad been caught wild on the range, and whose inherent viciousness had re- sisted every effort at subjugation. One venture- some cowboy had met death in trying to break him; and as a‘ bucker” and all-around horse contortionist, the black stallion had no equal, He could twist himself into more reckless and erazy postures, and seemingly be in more places at once, than any animal thot had evor trod tha sward of Rogue River Ranch, Not a cowboy on the place but justly feared him, It was not customary to require applicants to ride Satan as a test of their fitness, and Jim Carlow would not have ordered the staliion out, but for the braggadocio of the self-styled High- Kicker. It required the efforts of a half-dozen men to throw the stallion and fit a saddle and bridle to him. When this was accomplished he was brought out of the corral, Three or four lariats were about his neck, with as many cowboys hanging to each, The High-Kicker from Killbuck viewed these prepgratous with marked complacency. A road smile sat on his face and his muscular arms were folded on his breast. “Now, if you'll bring out the b’ar, I’m ready!” and he walked with firm tread toward the pitch- ing horse, The stallion was blindfolded and held in ono position until Kirby could mount. Then the lar- iats were cast off, and the expected ‘ circus” commenced, “Whoa, January!” Kirby ‘scregmed, as the stallion pitcbed forward in aseeming effort to stand on its head. ‘‘ Hang a house to his tail, will ye, an’ hold him down?” lt was quickly seen that, in spite of his boast- fulness, Kent Kirby was a horseman of no or- dinary character. He retained his place in the saddle with the tenacious grip of the trained broncho-breaker; and all the stallion’s bucking and curveting failed to dislodge him, It was an exhibition of skill which brought cries of admira- tion from the on-lookers. The scene of conflict was only a few paces from the ranch-house, and from a window of one of the upper rooms two women looked out; at first with fear, and then with flutters of sympathetic triumph. They were Marian Carlow, and her friend Sylvia Sterling, ** Now, bring on yer b’ar!” Kirby shouted, when he began to feel somewhat secure in his seat, ‘‘1’m boun’ to have a job on this hyer ranch, er break my ole neck a-tryin’ fer it, hoa, January! Bring on yer b’ar!” The black stallion was far from being con- quered, and while the half-grown grizzjy was being ‘brought forth, the High-Kicker from all he could do to maintain his i> ary > 4 wou . ar * it ; ‘ os = ae BY SAL TOME es bie AE. 'S ai | position, More than once he came near being hurled in disgrace from the stallion’s back, The young grizzly was even less tractable than the black stallion, making several angry dashes at the men clustered about him, When set freein front of the pitching horse, | the General drew partially erect and uttered a waruing growl. Kent Kirby’s face wore its broadest smile, as | he loosed the lariat fpom the saddle-bow and hurled it skillfully at Sruin’s head, The bear gave an angry snap with his teeth and turned the noose aside with a quick stroke, Again and again Kirby hurled the rope with unerring skill, and as many times the bear knocked it aside with a blow from his paw, ' But, at length, the noose settled over the bear’s head and was tightened there by a quick jerk. Then began a scene which was somewhat unexpected. The black stallion did not like the presence of | the grizzly, and it was only by superhuman ex- ertions that Kirby had been able to force it near | enough fora cas’, The horse greatly feated the bear; and, as events showed, not without reason, ) Nosooner was the noose set, than the grizzly drew in on the rope with all his tremendous strength. The stallion was not a Jarge animal, and its strength was not equal to that of the bear, as was speedily shown, In spite of the frightened stallion’s lunges, the grizzly steadily shortened the distance between them. Wild with terror, now, the broncho threw it- self backward in a furious bound, and as it did | so, the girths of the saddle gave way under the strain, Satan rolled on the ground in a cloud of dust; and Kent Kirby, unexpectedly plucked from his seat, found himielf sprawled beneath the very nose of the bear! It was a ridiculous as well as dangerous predicamené. With marvelous agility, the High-Kicker, forgetful of his boasts, scrambled backward in prudent haste, barely escaping the blow the General aimed at him. For an instant the grizzly regarded him, with tongue lolling; then deliberately drew in the saddle and began to chew it as if it were an ensmy ! The oppressive stillness that had reigned was broken by hilarious cries, now that the cowboys saw there was to be no tragedy, The High- Kicker had been discomfited, but they bad no desire to see him killed, ‘‘ Pardners,” said the High-Kicker, climbing to his feet with great gravity, ‘‘Isaid I could lick anything that run, walked, flew er div; but I draws the line at grizzlies, They don’t do neither, They jist sets on their hunkers an’ draws in, an’ draws in, till somethin’s boun’ to bu’st, If I have to play with grizzlies, pardners, you kin count me out. Wild stallions is bad enough, But grizzlies} Waugh! I don’t want a job that costs more’n it’s wu’th!” Jim Carlow and the cowboys were willing to concede, however, that he had justly won a place, and he was made happy shortly there- after by being informed of the fact and assigned toacot in the bunk-house and a seat at the general mess-table, And from that moment forward the High- Kicker from Killbuck was enrolled as one of the cowboys of Kogue River Ranch, CHAPTER III. A DISTRESSING SCENE, IN spite of his love and his deep gratitude, Seal Shelton could not help a feeling of gentle reproach as Marian Carlow moved off toward the pony with such an air of indifference, She would scarcely allow him to thank her for saving his life, and seemed not to care to enter into an extended conversation with bim,- Perhaps it was because she bad been from the first something of an enigma that his love for ber was so fanned and fed, She piqued him by her indifference, ane drew him on by appearing not to care whether she was anything to him or not, More than once she had spoken to him sharply. even coldly. Kent Kirby had said it was because she was a girl of no heart; but, Kent Kirby was notoriously not an admirer of prettv women. Had he been, Seal Shelton would have thought his strictures due to jealousy. Shelton had visited Rogue River Ranch several days before, claiming to be a sportsman drawn from the savageness of the hills by the sight of human beings in the plain below, He had met, admired, and then fell desperate- —— eee Be ae ee ee Sle wr eee a ery : ——n a Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 3 ly in love with the ranchman’s daughter—the girl who had just rescued him from the fire on the cliff, He bad returned to the ranch every day since, and had used bis utmost endeavors to ingratiate himself in the good-will and esteem of this young woman, As he walked after her, now, cut to the quick, yet admiring her every motion, be was forced to acknowledge that so far he bad not succeeded very well, He bad lost his own heart, but had not gained hers in return, **T will win her, yet!” be muttered, ‘I will! I must!” Without her, life seemed suddenly to have be- come of little value. When she gained the pony’s side, he burried up aud offered to assist ber to mount, She sprung lightly into the saddle, with a scernful little laugh. ‘* A ranchman’s daughter needs no such sid!” and she bent on him an indescribable look, ‘* That will do for fine ladies,” “ Bot you are a Jady!” he protested, “Only old Jim Carlow’s girl! Now, we will go on, if you please, I swam the pony across the river just there, but I expect we'd better go round by the bridge. It’s safer, if it is further,” ‘*Much safer,” he assented, looking at the dangerous current with an inward shudder, Then he asked himself hopefully if she would have taken that risk, had she not cared for him? It was a thought filled with sweet con- solation. In his present frame of mind, the longest way round was desidedly the shortest way home. Even a much greater distance would not have displeased him, If she did not positively forbid it, he meant to accompany her to the ranch, and the walk there would give bim opportunity for more conversation than he had yet bad with her. ‘* How did you know I was in danger?” and he looked up at the flames which were leaping wild- ly now on the very verge of the precipice, She shuddered as she followed bis glance. “T was out in the yalley there, taking my morning ride, Of course ee the fire; and then I saw—you!” ‘‘Thank Heaven that you did!” was bis fer- vent exclamation, They fell into a discussion of the probable origin of the fire, and kept up a desultory con- versation until they arrived at the ranch build- ings. He confessed he could not at all under- stand her thatmorning. Sometimes she seemed fitfully nervous and atnantentngene Fre quent- ly she spoke of her father in a way that did not please him. Toward this lover of hers her tenes never .warmed, nor did ber glances kindle, She was genial at times; and then, frigid, It was with feelings of regret, relief, pain and unsatisfied longing, that he saw the ranch build- ings draw near, and knew tbat the journey was approaching itsend. The long walk had beer filled with torturing sweets. Blissful pleasure and the bideous nightmare of uncertainty had accompanied him all the way. W ben the corral was gained, sbe sprung light- ly from the pony’s back, skillfully slipped off the saddle and bridle, and turned the animal into the inclosure. He did not cffer to assist her this time, believing she would not desire bis aid; that she would again refuse it, Side by side they walked toward the house, talking indifferently of indifferent things, The building was a large one, two stories in height, and rendered unsightly by the fact that it bad been built up piecemeal by adding on from time to time extra rooms and additions, It was eight or nine o’clock by this time, and, strange to say, the building and corrals seemed wholly deserted of human life, There were ponies near, and cff in the distance a number of cattle grazed. Not far from the house a saddled and bridjed broncho was tied to a hitching: post, This struck Seal Shelton as odd, for the place ucvally wore an appearance of bustling activity, Rut when the girl remained silent on the sub- ject, and, he remembered that a round-up was to have commenced that morning, he put his un- asked questions aside, There was somebody in the house, that was certain, The hitched broncho showed that, Of course, Sylvia Sterling was there; and probably others. Neither was prepared, however, for the sight that greeted them as they drew near the open door. Within the large front room, stretched out dead on his back was Jim Carlow, the ranch- man; and near the body crouched the bound form of the High-Kicker from Killbuck, with
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It might have been two hours ” : th keen interest | Sylvia Sterling standing menacingly over him with a cocked revolver, ** Ain’t this hyer a lay, now!” Kirby cried, when hesaw Shelton in the doorway. ‘ Tied up tighter’n any colt that ever kicked! An’ by a gal! That’s what gits me! By a gal! PU begin to thick that gals is wu’ss than grizzlies!” 6 held out bis bound hands, appealingly. Marian Carlow’s eyes were widened to their utmost and filled with fear and grief, and her face had whitened to the hue of ashes, She reeled on the doorstep, and only saved herself from falling by clutching at Seal for support. Without a thought of wrong-doing, he passed an arm about her and so prevented ber from fall- ing headlong. He would have dragged her back, and kept that sigbt from ber eyes, if the voice of the High-Kicker had not prevented. ‘*She’s keeled over! Better carry her up to her room, Mr. Shelton. Then, if you'll come back ar’ persuade this byer interestin’ female to go an’ wait on her a minute, an’ stop p’intin’ that there gun at me, [ll be everlastin’ly obleeged. There bain’t nothin’ dangerouser on this re yet airth than a she-woman witha gun, when her dander is riz!” The High-Kicker seemed very much in earnest, and very much afraid of the weapon held so threateningly by Sylvia Sterling. He knew that the touch of her finger would send a bullet crashing into his body. Sylvia bad turned her gaze on the intruders as they entered, but she bad not lowered the weapon. Seal Shelton felt the girl bangas a dead weight on his arm; and, lifting ber tenderly, he bore her up-stairs and placed ber upon the first convenient cot. She revived as he did so; and looked beseechingly into his eyes, as if she would read there the confirmation of her fears. “It is true, then!” she moaned, pressing her hands to her temples and tag against the pillow, “True! True! Ob, my God!” Shelton knew not what to do, Kirby was calling loudly on bim for deliverance trom ‘the perils of the revolver; and be desired to remain where he was. “Gol” she urged. ‘*Go and see what ought to be done! You will know best. I shall rely wholly on your wisdom, Oh, it can’t be true that father is deud!” She turned from him with a moan of anguish; and Kirby’s voice rising more imploringly, he tore himself from the side of the cot and hasten- ed down-stairs. “ Will ye take that gun away from that crazy critter?” Sylvia turned toward Seal and lowered the weapon, dy Pin 80 glad you’ve come, Mr, Shelton!” in a shaky, horrified voice, ‘‘I was afraid to leave this wretch an instant, fearing he might escape.. I will turn him over to you. He has killed Mr, Carlow!” She handed the still cocked weapon to Seal trembling Shelton, and then sunk white an into a chair, ‘* How is this?’ and Shelton looked blankly from one to the other, He could see that a murder had been com- mitted, but in his own mind he knew that Kent Kirby was not the murderer. ** Well, I come in byer an’ foun’ the old gent dead, with that there hole in his breast, an’—” Kirby was interrupted by the girl. ** Better let me tell the story, Then Mr, Shel- ton can judge whether I did right or wrong.” ‘* Never wus a wronger thing done by any- body! The idee o’ me, the High-Kicker frum Killbuck—” ** Let her tell her story,” Seal admonished, Kirby was bursting with a desire to plunge into a recital of what had occurred; but he re- strained himself with an effort. **T thought I was all alone on the ranch,” Sylvia continued. “I had been walking out in the shade of the cottonwoods, having my rope with me for the purpose of a little practice, You know I’ve been testing my skill every day! ** When I came back to the house, I fancied I heard some one talking in a strained, queer kind of voice; and out of curiosity I looked into the room before venturing to enter. “You may judge of my su when I saw Mr, Carlow lying and that man,” pointing with bitter emphasis to the High-Kicker, ‘standing over him and mut- baat in the way 1 have told you. _ “What else could [I think but that he killed him? 1 think it, and I know it! There bas been no one else on the place, Mr, Carlow was alive when [ started for my walk an hour or moreago, ead on the floor, Bhelton, who bad listened “te * ’ E s y 4 ‘ rise and horror, | Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. to her account, looked again at the dead man, They were about to take steps to put the It was plain that the dark deed had been com- mitted some time before, All the evidence indi- cated that, Kirby had not challenged any of her state- ments, but on the contrary bad listened to ber story with a close keenness akin to fascination, ‘*Go on!” said Seal, turning again to her, **Mr. Kirby’s back was to me, and I saw he did not know | was near, My rope was in my hand, 1 don’t know why I did it—why | risked it, I guess I was crazy with horror and excite- ment, I felt that he was the murderer, Scarce- ly thinking whatI did, or what might be the result, I burled the rope at him, Fortunately it caught about his neck, and the involuntary jerk I gave to it pulled him from his feet and threw him to the floor.” Kirby nodded an affirmative, in wide-moutbed admiration, ‘** Like to ’a’ jerked this ole head off! I thought I’d been hit by acyclone. Fu’st thing I knowed 1 wus a-sprawlin’on my back there, with my toes a-wavin’ a howdy at the ceilin’s My head struck ker-bump, an’ more stars twinkled an’ danced afore my eyes than I ever see in the bull firmament. As a roper, she’s A No.1, She ought to tackle the grizzly!” Shelton was astounded by what he heard, That this girl, frail and slight as she seemed, had overthrown the boasting High-Kicker and con- quered him single-handed and alone, seemed in- credible, X “Go on!” he again commanded, his interest wrought to the highest pitch, ‘* After you roped bim, you tied him?” “Erect!” and again Kirby nodded admiring- ly, ‘* She cinched me up tell I couldn’t budge!” “Tt wasn’t a difficult thing to do,” she said, modestly, ‘‘The rope choked bim into insensi- bility. Any one could tie up a helpless man. That’s what I did; and then I went out to the stable and got ready a horse, intending to ride to Piebald for the sheriff. ‘* When I came back from the stable, I heard Mr, Kirby making such a row in bere, thatI secured the horse to the hitching-post and re- turned to the house to see if there was any dan- ger of his getting away. “I found he was twisting at the cords, and on the point of freeing himself, and so I drew that revolver on him. Then you came in with Marian; and that’s all there is of it.” ‘** Enough, I should say, in all conscience!” Shelton looked at Kirby in a puzzled, uneasy way, and in evident hesitation, ““Tcan only admire your courage and deter- mination,” turning again to the trembling girl, * But I’m satisfied you are in error in thinking Mr. Kirby guilty of this deed. There’s been foul murder committed here, but I’m sufficiently well acquainted with Mr, Kirby to feel sure he is not the murderer.” : She saw he was anxious to release the High- Kicker, ** Now, you're talkin’ straight! I don’t know no more about this byer thing than the man in the moon, I come into the room, intendin’ to ask Carlow about some work he wanted done, an’ there I see him a-layin’ with that hole in his chest, and this blood on the floor, “T tell you, [ wus stumped! an’ while I wus a-talkin’ to myself about it, an’ a-tryin’ to figger out what it meant, the rope yanked me off’n m feet, There you have the thing frum bot sides,” Sylvia, it could be seen, was still convinced of bis guilt, and was not pleased with the thought of his release; but she did not put her objections into words, , “It will be all right if I become responsible for his appearance at the proper time and place, will it not?” said Seal, glancing appealingly to her. ‘‘ You are surely mistaken when you think Kent Kirby guilty of this thing!” ** As you please,” she replied, rather coldly, as he theught. ‘I feel that 1 have done my duty. Mr. Carlow has been murdered, and he is the only man who hae been here, ‘ AJl the other ven are away. No one else has been on the place “* Except yourself!” “Except myvelf!” and she flushed under what she thought an implied imputation, ‘“* Anyway, I sball take the responsibility of releasing him!” Seal declared; and with this, he ee over and severed the High-Kicker’s bonds with his knife, ; CHAPTER IV. THE WITNESS OF BLOOD. proagiia'sre and ace O's tad of i) na cotan on C) of the murdered man, : blood-stained room in a more presentable con- dition, when Shelton was called from this self- imposed task by the voice of Marian. She bad descended from the second floor, and was at’ the bottom of the stairway; but had ventured no further, He burried to her, filled with anxiety, There be! something startling in the tones she had used, He found her very white and shaky, seeming- ly with scarcely enough strength to support the tottering weight of the body. In ove hand she held a little package, which she now extended to him, ‘Take this; and when you have examined it and heard my story, tell me what you think about it!” Her words were filled with a dull horror, ‘What is it?’ he said, without venturing to ascertain, “ Help me up-stairs again, and I’Jl tell you. And as we go there’s something on the stairway I want you to look at!” Sbe shuddered, and the horror in her voice seemed to increase, He felt bis own form shaking, for her manner was infectious, ‘*What is it? he again questioned; but this time referring to the thing on the stairway, whatever it might be, He put a supporting arm lovingly about her; and, assbe did not reply, assisted her in her tottering ascent, “There! Tell me what that is !” She pointed her finger toa red blotch on one. of the steps, her voice thrilled fearfully, and she turned her face dais He stared at the gruesome sight as if fascinated. What he saw was a bloody footprint. The bloody imprint of a woman’s shoe! His brain reeled, and his senses seemed de- serting bim. “Tell me the meaning of it!” she whispered. hollowly. ‘*T cannot!” he averred, hurrying on past the fearful sight. **-You see the room you placed me in?” she said, when they reached the upper floor. She pointed to the room containing the cot on ‘which he bad deposited her, ‘* That is Sylvia’s room, Now, you may look at the packet I gave you, I was so faint that I finally thought I would lie down on the bed and when I lifted the pillow to arrange it, it found that roll.” There wasa bed in the room, in addition to the cot. Heclosely scrutinized it, Therumpled iliow had been moved out of place, and now Ly on the white covering, **T found that beneath the pillow!” she repeat- ed, sinking horrifiedly intoa chair. ‘‘ Beneath Sylvia’s pillow! And that footprint on the stairs!” He opened the packet and found it to contain a roll of bills of large denominations. Again his brain was whirling in a giddy maze, What did it all mean? was the question he was over and over asking himself, ‘‘Can you explain it?’ and he looked at her blankly. **T think I can!” Her voice was cold and hard, and her face ab- solutely colorless, ; Her evident anguish cut him to the quick, If he bad been in love with her before, he was even more in love with her, since thia great sorrow had befallen her. “Tt must have been Sylvia,” answering his in- terrogative look. ‘ It’s terrible to think so, but I can find no other explanation, W hat else can be the meaning of the footprint, and of this roll of bills found under the pillow? I know that Sylvia bad no money.” , “Tell me about her?” he requested. “If IF know more about her, perhaps 1 can form a theory. How long has she been here? When did you get acquainted with ber?” She did not reply instantly, Her thoughts appeared to be turned inward, for she seemed to look at him without seeing him, At the same time she was apparently listeaing to the heavy tread of Kirby’s boots in the room below. That. terrible room below! . ~~ shuddered, as she opened her lips to “T haven't known her a at while, We attended the same school in Denver, she came there about three months were — I liked her; for she is smart and bright. e Oo We I think uaintances, but not close friends. re) -, * aD 7 ff e eh a | \ Bh at > ‘rl GR “veg 4 ap We ee ' ag ws $ \ yf t Kh 4 * of" Saal rather forced herself on me when vacatiiom came,” , ae
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\y A oe "4 ie @ af ee, eg Cia eet. :/ : tgs we a iit” = - y He was listening attentively, distressed by the icy hardness of her tones, yet charmed beyond ameasure by her cold, queenly beauty. She was a handsome woman, even regal, though her pallor was now too pronounced, She was suf- fering intensely. It required no keenness of vision to see that; and this very suffering drew him nearer to her, **She wanted to accompany me home, and of course I couldn’t very weil refuse. She said she had no home of her own, and no place in which to spond her vacation, Naturally, she didn’t care to stay at the school. So I consented; and she came, She was familiar with rancb ways, ber father having been a ranchman on the Platte, When he died, be left her without a penny, and she has since supported herself.by teaching. She got a little money ahead and came to the boarding- school to more thoroughly fit herself for that. At any rate, that was her story. I don’t know how much to believe it, now. And that is all J know about her,” To Shelton, the proof of Sylvia Sterling’s guilt was conclusive, Sylvia was a penniless girl, O- her antecevents practically nothing was known. A roll of bank bills had been found under her pillow, There was the bloody print of a woman’s shoe on the stairway! Jim Carlow was known to have kept large sums of money about him, ‘*T will look into the matter!” he declared, ‘She must be guilty. We will need to exercise tare, though, to keep her from suspecting any- thing ang taking the alarm. I will get Keot Kirby to help me, and we'll sift the thing to the bottom. But, I must caution you: Above all things, don’t change in the least in your attitude toward her, She is sure tu become frightened if you do, Can I rely on you in that?” She looked at him gratefully—so gratefully that bis heart gave a delirious bound. ‘*T will try to be discreet, though you must know you have set me a difficult task. Oh, my poor father! My poor father!” She covered her face with her hands and sob- bed convulsively. Seal did not think it wise to interrupt this out- burst of grief; so he left her sobbing, and went below stairs to confer with Kirby in regard to what he had seen and heard, CHAPTER V. THE OUTLOOK, Krrepy was not in the room, and when he stepped out to see what had become of him, he found him conversing with two of the cowboys »who had returned to the ranch for some articles that had been forgotten that morning. The looks of the cowboys showed how sur- rised and horrified they were at the story told y Kirby. They dismounted and came toward ‘the bouse when they saw Seal. The presence of the cowboys prevented Seal from disclosing to the High-Kicker the strange account he had just received from Marian Carlow; and for some time thereafter he was given no opportunity to speak of it. The cowboys gave the room and its belongings a minute examination; then one of them rode away to Piebald for the sheriff and coroner, and the other returned to the round-up outfit to ac- quaint them with what had occurred, Shelton went back up-stairs after awbile, and again engaged Marian in a conversaticn con- cerning the murder. She did not desire to look on the body, she declared, in answer to one of his questions; and he saw truly, from her ghast- ly countenance, that the sight would have been too much for her overstrained nerves. Some time elapsed before he descended. Then he found the High-Kicker sitting moodily on a lock near the door, buried in deep thougbt. Kirby’s face lightened, when Seal came in view, and the old grotesque smile again played about his homely mouth, Under all circum- stances, both grave and gay, the High-Kicker ‘was the irresistibly droll clown of the camp, ‘¢ Ye look solemn enough fer a ghost!” and his mouth expanded in a forced grin. “‘ Likely you’ve seen ’em, too, I’ve been seein’ ghosts an’ shadders, anu’ sich, tell I don’t know my own name, The wu'st of it is, there’s a gal on this hyer place that p’intedly thinks I’m wicked. I’ve seen her two cr three times within the last half-hour, ap’ she’s a-watchin’ me constant. She thinks I’m a-lookin’ out fer a chance to give the ranch the slip, an’ she’s boun’ an’ determined I sha’n’t.” He was evidently sore dver the fact that he fhad beed roped and tied up so skillfully by a eoman, He had not mentioned it to the cow- aC Dee Tes % teulls 9, 2: (hg Ri eRe ool en Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker boys; and Seal, knowing how he felt, avoided the subject. ‘“*T reckon that when the sheriff an’ cor’ner comes, she'll up an’ tell ’em all about it, an’ how she yanked me with that rope,” He appeared not to care for the accusation of murder so much as the revelation of how he had been triced up by a woman, ** What will you say when she expresses her belief that you killed Jim Carlow?” was the anxious question, ‘That it pintedly ain’t so! You took a good look at the body, I reckon, when you seea it fu’st? Carlow had been dead nigh onto two hours, an’ I kin show by Ned Tarbox whur I wus at about that time, Tarbox an’ me wus more’n two miles frum this place, tryin’ to ketch some ponies. There wus some ponies out there that Yarlow wanted to send away, an’ I wus to have druv ’em to the railway station. When we got ’em corraled, Tarbox rode off to jine the outfit that wus goin’ on the round-up, an’ I come on home to ask Carlow some questions concernin’ what I wus to do with the money the ponies wus expected to bring. *¢ You know the rest, When I got to the house, I foun’ Carlow dead; an’ I could see he’d been dead a good while; and whilst I wus a-standin’ there a-wonderin’ over it, that gal yanked me,” This information brought to Shelton a sense of relief, Heknew that Kent Kirby was not guilty of the crime; but he had feared there might be a difficulty in convincing the sheriff and coroner of that fact, in face of the statements which he expected Sylvia Sterling to make. Therefore, be was glad to know that an alibi was possible, Tarbox wasa cowboy well known throughout the entire region, and bis sworn testimony would not be called in question, Shelton’s interest in the High-Kicker from Killbuck may need explanation, They were more than passing acquaintances; they were friends and comrades, ‘Their presence at Rogue River Ranch was not accidental, Their advent there had had a well-defined purpose, For some time it bad been known to the au- thorities that large quantities of counterfeit money were being shoved” on the unsuspecting public. The counterfeits were finely executed and difficult of detection, and therefore doubly dangerous, Some work had been required to locate the source of their emanation. This was not ascer- tained to a certainty; but the ranch at Rogue River became strongly suspected; and Jim Car- low was thought to be the leader of the gang of counterfeiters, For the purpose of arriving at the truth and bringing the guilty parties to justice, Kent Kirby had been sent to Rogue River. He had come there as a cowboy seeking work; and the manner in which he gained access to the place and to the confidence of the ranchman and the cowboys has been seen, He was accounted one of the best men in the Secret Service.\ He hadjspent years of his life in that*dangerous work on the plains and in the mountains, assuming a multiplicity of disguises. He was strong of frame, big of heart, jovial— just the man to mix successfully with the rough characters be was called on to encounter, He had been many things before coming to Rogue River, but never the High-Kicker from Killbuck. That was one of his latest ideas, and he had worked it, as he would have said, ‘' for all it was worth.” Seal Shelton was neither so old nor so experi- enced, yet he was considered a good man, by his superiors, and accounted worthy to assist Kent Kirby in the delicate work required at Rogue River. So far, he had seemingly accomplished nothing, ex@ept to fall heels-over-head in love with the rancbman’s pretty daughter. And now, a mystery had arisen, which promised to draw him further than ever from the task that had been given into bis hands, In rank, he was Kirby’s ioferior, and subject to the latter’s orders, “Tt have some of that counterfeit money,” Seal declared, something like exultation in his voice. ‘There can be no doubt, I think, that we’re on the right track, as far as that is con- cerned, I’ve got a lot of bills bere, and I’m sure some of them are counterfeits,” He was standing near the door, and spoke in low tones, | Notwithstanding Seal’s caution, Kirby raised a finger warningly and looked anxiously about. Seal was about to produce the bills, but Kir- by’s manner restraived bim, “We'd better git furder off frum the house before we go to mouthin’ about that there counterfeit business!” the High-Kicker whisper- ed, rising and looking out toward the cotton- rom Killbu a ee ee — ——— _— ee ck. es wn ewes ne wood grove. ‘In my time I’ve knowed walls to have years bigger’n any elephant’s,” He arose very deliberately, grinned in his odd way, asif the subject were a comic instead of an exciting one; and then, with his hands in his pockets, shuffled slowly in the direction of the grove. It was not so easy for Seal to hide his intense excitenent, He did his best, however; and, overtaking Kirby, walked quietly at his side un- til the screen of the cottonwoods hid them from the view of any one at the house. He turned, before plunging into this retreat, and saw Sylvia Sterling enter the doorway and turn toward the stairs. His pulse bounded, as bis fancy pictured the scene of the meeting between Sylvia and Marian, How would Marian conduct herself in the pres- ence of the murderess? Would she be able to hide from her ber terriblesuspicions? Ay, more than suspicions: the almost certainty of Sylvia’s guilt! He was not given time to dwel) on this, Kir- by’s voice reached him. The High-Kicker bad seated himself deliber- ately at the foot of one of the cottonwoods, and now held out a sinewy, hairy band, * Lemme look at that money. You're certain there’s counterfeits amongst it? Whur did ye git it?” ‘From Marian Carlow,” replied Seal, produc- ing the roll of bills and banding them over, « There are several counterfeits there, or I don’t know counterfeit money when I see it. The money wasold Carlow’s, and it seems to me,that’s pretty good proof that he’s been at the counter- feit business,” The High-Kicker took the bills and closely in- spected them, The roll represented over a thou- sand dollars, and about three hundred dollars of it was undoubtedly spurious, He placed these in a little pile by themselves, and then laid them on top of the good money, ‘You hain’t tol’ me why she gave you this? ’Pears to me that’s important. Why did that gal hand over sich a wad o? bills?” This was just the information Seal had been dying tocommunicate; and he now hastened to put Kirby in possession of all the facts and sur- mises that had come to his knowledge, He told bis story rapidly, excitedly, almost fiercely. The High-Kicker listened in grim and ominous silence, ** An’ 80 you’ve calk’lated that Sylvia Sterlin’ put a knife into the ole man for the purpose 0’ gittin’ that money?” ‘*T think she did,” ‘* Well, I don't!” CHAPTER VI. KENT KIRBY'S THEORY. So emphatic was Kent Kirby’s declaration that Seal Shelton recoiled a step, in undisguised surprise, ** You don’t?” ** That’s what [ said, boy! I don't!” Seal did not like to be addressed as ‘* boy,” any more than he liked the general tone in which Kirby couched his opinion. ‘*Then, who do you think did it?” ‘* Jim Carlow’s gal, Marian! Mary Ann, I sbould have said!” Seal Shelton’s face turned an angry purple. “Take that back!” be shouted, “ Take it back, or by the Eternal—” He stopped abruptly, choking in his rage, ‘* Explain what you mean, Kirby!” making a desperate effort tocalm himself, ‘ I don’t think you know what you're saying!” An unruffled, expansive grin rested on Kirby's broad face, , ‘iat So, the wind lays in that direction, does ‘Will you explain what you mean, Kent Kirby?” ‘** Well, I’ve been a-watchin’ this other biz so clost that J hadn’t noticed you'd fell in love with the gal!” Seal’s face was still aflame with anger, and phate words were not calculated to allay his neat, ‘* You're mistaken, Kirby—woefully mistaken! Why, you must be blind to take such a view of it, What reason can you have for thinkiug Marian Carlow guilty of that awful crime? You must have @ reason!’ ‘The High-Kicker had not been in the least ruffled by the young man’s manifest wrath, ‘I wus goin’ to tell ye, if you'd ’a’ give me a chance, I’ve got reasons in plenty. Tip-top good ones, too! You'll say they’re ood ones, if you ain’t so stuck on the gal that you’ve gone stone blind!” oe ee ee
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6 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. ‘¢ They'll have to be good ones to make me be- lieve so monstrous a thing as that!” His face was still red, and his shaky voice be- trayed the intensity of bis feelings. “Sit down there, then, an’ try to keep cool, You've got to keep cool while I tell it, even if you have to put a chunk of ice on yer head. ** You seen the print uv a bloody shoe on the stairs? A woman’s shoe?” eT did f? ‘* T kin show you that identical shoe!” He got up from the ground, went a few paces beyond, and returned with a pair of worn shoes which he had fished from the concealment of a tangle of high grass. Seal recognized the shoes at once as Marian’s, They were cut in a peculiar manner, and he could not mistake them, He remembered that he had seen her wear them on the occasion of his last visit. What shocked and surprised him was that there were undoubted blood-stains on the heels and soles, One of them, especially, was marked very much like the stain on the stairway. The High-Kicker read the anguish in the young man’s eyes, and felt a secret sympathy for him. ‘*T foun’ these whur you’d not think uv look- in’ fer em,” he declared, not waiting to be ques- tioned, “I wus goin’ by the mouth o’ the old well jist t?other side o’ the hoss corral, an’ my optics happened to light om this hyer shoe.” He tapped one of them significantly, and look- ed keenly at Seal. ** The place is all growed up with high weeds, you know, an’ it wus only by accident, as you may say, that my eyes dropped onto this, I stepped over an’ picked it up; an’ when I see there wus blood on it, I begin lookin’ round fer its mate, That there mate wusin the well; an’ when I went down after it, I foun’ somethin’ else that wusa good deal p’inteder. Facto’ the biz is, it wus very sharply p’inted!” The grotesque grin had vanished from his faca, and he was speaking low and earnestly, Now he drew out and exhibited to Seal a keen- inted dagger, all stained and covered with lool! Worse than all, it was Marian Carlow’s dagger! Seal knew it to be hers; so that on that bead there could be no discussion. You know whose the things is! Jim Carlow wus killed with this hyer sticker, an’ the party what killed him wore tinese hyer shoes, You kin put two an’ two together an’ make four out uv it, jist as wellasIkiv. He, shé, er it—whoever er whatever it wus that wore these hyer shoes an’ used this hyer dagger—aimed to throw the things into the well wbhur they wusn’t likely to be foun’in a hurry, One o’ the shoes wusn’t pitched fur enough, an’ I chanced to seeit, I say the person what done all this wus Marian Carlow, You say it wusn’t. That’s the differ- ence!” Young Shelton was trembling so violently he could scarcely stand upright. Kirby certainly had made out a strong case—one of the stron- gest possible; and yet Seal did not for a moment acknowledge that the murderess could have been Carlow’s daughter. He wouli not believe it, He felt—he knew—she was incapable of sucha horrible act, and he did not hesitate to say so, “ Why should she have done such a thing?” he gia “She could not have done it! ben this murder occurred, she was far down the valley trail. Sbe was riding up the valley trail when she saw the fire. Why, man! almost at the time you think she was doing this terrible thing, she was engaged in rescu- ing me from the fire on the cliffL I suppose you forget about that?” **T don’t fergit nothin’,, You ask mea dozen uestions, an’ then go on to prove yer case be- ore givin’ me a chance to answer ’em. ‘“* Why did she kill the old man—her father? He wusw't her father! I foun’ that out three er four days ago. An’ I foun’ out, too, that ole Carlow’s been meaner’n pusley to her ever sense sbe’s been home, this time, She wus not reely his gal, as I said; but he’d willed ever’- thing to her. Yisterday they bad a big row, an’ be threatened to change the will an’ cut her off without a penny. I heard the row my- self, fer it’s been my bizness to keep my years wide open on this place. He started it, an’ it wus all his fault, **My idee is, now, that she concluded she wouldn’t ‘low him a .chancé to change that will pet ciale a beggar uv ber, as he threatened to 0! This was news to Shelton—news of the most astounding character, It recalled to his mind the bitter sentences he had heard her speak that mnorniog concerning Carlow. ‘* But the fire! You forget the fire!” He was resolved not to believe, The old grotesque smile came back to the High-Kicker’s face, **D’you know what I think ’bout that fire, Seal? Marian Carlow started that there fire!” ** Impossible |” “Mary Ann Carlow started that fire!” with even moreemphasis, ‘*That’s her name, though she’s changed it to what she thinks is more stylish, sense she’s been goin’ to boardin’ school. I heard the ole man accuse her o’ that, when they were jowerin’ yieterday.” ** But she couldn’t have started the fire?” ‘ve been puttin? more than two an’ two togetuer, Seal! L’ve been a-figgerin’ on this case purty steady fer the past hour, Marian Carlow don’t suspect me—but jist thinks I’m a ordi- nary, no-good sort 0’? cowboy that ain’t wu’th heedin’?. But you! She thinks you’re a detec- tive, She ain’t a fool, neither; an’ she knows you are already dead in love with her. ‘“T5 make things certain, though, an’ to fer- ever blind ye to the truth, she slipped down to the slope back o’ the cliff, after sbe’d knifed the ole man, an’ set fire to the pine needles, Then sue put herself in readiness to resky you when the proper time come,” ** And you beheve all that rot?’ Seal cried, hotly and seornfully. ‘If you do, yow’re a hig- ger fool than [ever thought you to be. She couldn’t have done the things you say—and she wouldn’t have done them if she could. She didn’t know I was on the cliff, The whole theory is weak and—and—devilish!” He was shaking with the fury of an aroused and intense anger. Kirby’s face colored a little under these sting- ing words, ‘** Tf she didn’t, will ye tell me who did, then?’ ** Pve told you once: Sylvia Sterling?” A. look of scorn crept into Kirby’s eyes, “ After you’d cut me loose, an’ while Marian wus up-stairs, Sylvia Sterlin’ went out to put away the horse that she’d tied to the bitchin’- post. You'll say yourself that she ain’t no fool. Would she ’a’ done that, knowin’ that this hyer roll ’°o money wus under her piller, whur it wus likely to be foun’ at any minute? Will you pintedly answer me that question?” The query wasa staggerer; and Shelton had no ready auswer, He kad felt sure of Sylvin’s cuilt. If Sylvia had not killed Jim Carlow for his money, who had put that roll of bills under her pillow? His brain reeled, ** Will you answer me that question?” “Youre an old fool, Kent Kirby, and I won’t answer you anything!” With this savage retort, be abruptly left the shelter of the cottonwoos and burried toward the ranch-house, neglecting to reclaim the roll of bills he had placed in the High-Kicker’s bands. > CHAPTER VII. THE HIGH-KICKER'S ADVANCEMENT. Cassius CLAY COLTON, the sheriff, or ‘* Cash” Colton, as be was universally called, came over from Piebald, that afternoon, accompanied by the coroner, Colton was uot a fierce brawler nora man of many words, He went about his businessin a quiet manner, and with a certain cold sternness that had far more power to compel the recog- nition and silence of a turbulent mob than would apy amouut of threatening and bluster- ing brag. > As for the coroner, he was a young man— searcely morethan a boy—who, having just greduated from an Eistern college, had ventured into the wilds of the ‘t woolly” West in haste for the practice that is so long coming in older regions, Kent Kirby and Seal Shelton welcomed the sheriff and coroner, and conducted them at once to the room in which lay Jim Carlow’s body. When a hasty examination had been made, and the four came out of the house to converse on the disagreeable subject, they beheld the round-up outfit returning across the prairie ata brisk canter, As the cowboys drew up in front of the house witha clatter of hoofs, Tom Conner, the fcre- man, leaped from his saddle and advanced to greet the quartet standing near the doorway. It took but a few words to put him in posses- sion of the priticipal facts, The story of Car- low’s murder had already been to'd him by the Cowboy whe had overtaken the outfit. There was something ominous in the glance of Conner’s eye, and in the way he looked at the High-Kicker, after having surveyed the body. The coroner with the sheriff’s aid, speedily im- panneled a jury. Before any witnesses werecalled, Seal Sheltorm took Kirby aside and entreated him to make no mention of the finding of the shoes and dagger, or of the suspicious he held against Marian Carlow, “Tt will kill her, if you do!” he declared with tremulous emphasis, ‘‘ I know she is not guilty. I’m just as sure of that fact as that I’m standing here. To disclose what you told me, would be to cast on her undeserved suspicion and subject her to calumnious gossip. Therefore, I beg of you!” Kirby was not pleased with this request, but he nevertheless agreed to comply—to remain sileat—on one condition: and that was, that Seal was to say nothing to implicate Sylvia. Seal could promise for himself, but he was not authorized to make any agreement in be- half of Miss Carlow. What she might say or do could only be problematical. Seal Shelton did not think of it in that light but in asking Kirby to remain silent he had been very selfish in behalf of the woman he loved—very forgetful of the interests of bis friend and partner, The examination of witnesses by the coroner did not consume a great deal of time. The High-Kicker abstained from any mention of his discoveries—a thing not difficult, as no ques- tions were put along that line, Miss Carlow surprised him by also remaining silent concerning her suspicions against Sylvia. Sterling, Sylvia was the only one who had anything of interest to relate, and her story wholly con- cerned Kent Kirby. She told how she had found him standing over the body, and how she had roped and tied him, and then released him at the request of Seal, The suppressed excitement of the cowboys broke into loud murmurs at this, and they looked darkly and threateningly at the High- Kicker, Tbe alibt which Kirby set up to prove his innocence was convincing enough to the sheriff and coroner, but it did not satisfy Tom Conner, the Rozue River foreman, Conner said nothing, however, until after the officers of the law had departed. The inquest developed nothing conclusively, a thing which did not at all please Conncr, who was thirsting for revenge on the man who slew his employer. Trouble began to brew before the oflicers were out of sight. Conner, calling a number of his intimates: and cronies into the bunk-room, then broke into fierce invective against the High-Kicker from Killbuck. ; ‘‘ Ho’s a fraud, pards! A fraud of the first water; and I’ve felt sure of it since I first saw him, He killed Jim Carlow;—as good a mam as ever rode a horse!” “Hang him!” cried one of the men; and there was a low mutter of approval, ‘‘You seen the girl, pards! Jim Carlow’s girl! The girl that we all love and respect! You seen how ske iscryin’ her eyes out over this biz. Thething is breakin’ her heart. She already looks like a ghost. We'll have her to bury alongside of her dad inside of a month, or I miss my guess. Not only has this villain killed Jim Carlow, but he’s killin’ Carlow’s daughter. Shall we let such a man go?’ A yell of ‘ No? sprung fiercely from the beard- ed lips of the Rogue River cowboys. They had. forgotten their caution, ‘Git a lariat, then, and foller me! and Tlf show you how to avenge this bloody work!” The yell penetrated to the upper room, in which Sarisn Carlow was sitting with Sylvia. Sterling. Both girls were in tears, ‘© What's the meaning of that?” Marian ques-~ tioned, springing to her feet, She had recogniz-d the thrill ef devilish hate. in the ontery and knewit portended ill to some one. Sylvia also sprung up, and advanced to the window, As they looked out, they saw Conner leave the bunk-room at the head of the cowboys. The latter were excitedly flourishing revolvers. One, of them swung a coiled lariat, ‘* What does it mean?” Marian again asked, Kirby and Shelten likewise heard the ominous: outery, and startledly looked at each other for an explanation, ‘61 Jow they’re comin’ fer one o’ us!” Kirby declared, catching a glimpse of the’ advancing men. ‘‘l’ye been more’n half expectin’ some- thing o’ the kind fer this hyer half-hour, I reck-- on, too, it’s me they’re after!”
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The young man could not believe Kirby oe truly, for the smile that rested on the High- Kicker’s face indicated anything but fear, But when he saw Kirby slip a revolver into his coat- pocket where it could be got at bandily the act went far toward convincing him that Kirby was not jesting. Straight for the little building in whose shadow the two were standing did Conner advance at the head of the angry cowboys, There came an interruption, however, from an unexpected source, Marian Carlow ran from the house, and, falling on ber knees before Cop- ner, implored him to spare the threatened man for her sake, ‘* Hanged if we do!” Conner exclaimed, pusb- ing her roughly aside, ‘*T appeal to you, men, to prevent this crime!” and she turned to Conner’s followers, There was a hesitating halt, which she took advantage of to continue her pleadings, “ If you respect me—if you respect the menory of Jim Carlow, my father, do not do this thing!” The tears were in hereyes, and her tones qua- vered irresistibly, The words and attitude—above all the tears— touched these rough men, They drew back and refused to proceed turther, Conner became angry at this, and tried tourge them to follow him, branding them asa set of cowards for hanging back at this time. His words hee without avail, and only served to incense the cowboys against him. They could but remember that he had incited them to the contemplation of the lynching by touching on their sympathy for Carlow’s daughter; and now they saw he was utterly regardless of this daugh- ter’s wishes and feelings, They sulked, refused to go; and, when his words grew wrathier and more galling, they retreated ina body to the bunk-room, Marian’s face had lost its pallor and was now aflame with anger. She turned on Conner with infinite scorn, ** 4s the daughter of Jim Carlow, and now the sole owner of this ranch, I dismiss you from my service! You are no longer foreman bere, Tom Conner! Your pay stops this minute; and so does the pay of any one who offers to obey your orders!” She knew the men heard her, for she purposely raised ber voice, Conner turned a ghastly hue, and for an in- stant seemed about to hurl a retort. But he thought better of it, and turned away abashed and humiliated, as well as indignant, An hour later Marian Carlow summoned the cowboys into her presence and, proclaimed to them that she had appointed Kent Kirby to the position which Conner had beld—and this she did nent consulting either the High-Kicker or A . “What do you make of it?” Seal queried, in supreme astonishment. Kent Kirby did not express the thought that was in his mind, He was wondering if this were not a trick to gain his favor and blind him to her guilt. Had she shrewdly penetrated bis dis- guise and recognized him as a masquerading de- tective? There were, however, many things to com- bat this idea, Strongest of all was this: If she believed him a detective and feared bim, why eee not let Conner proceed with the lynch- ing CHAPTER VIII, A WILD INFATUATION, ‘ Jim CARLOW rested quietly in bia narrow bed under the shade of the cottonwoods—the eotton- woods his own hands had assisted in planting, and whose growth he had lovingly watched, A week had slipped by since the morning of the murder; a week full of excitement and heart- ache for Marian Carlow, How she had got through the long hours, she could scarcely have told. As the/reader will understaud, Sylvia’s attempts to comfort and console ber could have only the opposite effect, It had been a difficult thing to remain silent A she had been commanded to do by Seal Shel- on. The funeral had been largely attended by neighborisg ranchinen and cowboys, for the dead man had been widely known. But that was all over, now, It seemed to her that a year had elapsed since she had heard the clods fall dully and sullenly on the coffin-lid. . . Seal Shelton had sought every opportunity to be near her without appearing to intrude bis presence. The events of that week bad more and more endeared her to'him, Kent Kirby’s wild je and had impressed him horribly. He knew Kirby was wrong, and yet he had not late- ly tried to change Kirby’s opinion on the sub- ject. He felt it would be a waste of words and a trial too exasperating to endure, Kirby was a& man whose miod was not easily changed, once an opinion bad obtained firm lodgment in jt, Seal talked to Marian of indifferent things during that week. He never alluded to the murder, when it could be avoided; and be never hinted on the subject always uppermost in his thoughts—his deep love for her. She was truly a beautiful woman—be thought the handsomest woman he had ever seen. This was not the opinion of a man who had long been a stranger to female loveliness, And the more he studied her and watched her, the more beau- tiful he deemed her, Almost every evening they took a long walk in the direction of the river, Sylvia seldom ac- companied them; possibly for the reason that she felt ber company was not desired. Seal had all these days been closely watching Sylvia for some manifestation of guilty know!l- edge. He bad seen none. But there was one thing he Had noticed, Sylvia was withdrawing more and more within herself, She was losing her frank open-heartedness, and appeared to be becoming secretive and morose. Of course, Seal put his own construction on this, He could not call it a manifestation af guilt, but he felt sure there was a reason for it, and .that that reason concerned Jim Carlow’'s murder, He spoke to Marian on the subject, and found that she had observed the same thing, ‘Tt is not to be wondered at, though!” she had replied. ‘I should think she would go crazy under that weight of guilt. How she bears up as well as she does has been a puzzle to me, Her moodiness and watchful furtiveness have ample explanation, [ think,” **No doubt you find it hard to mask your real feelings and endure her presence, Marian!” he said, with marked gentleness, ‘‘Hard! It bas been an eternity of torture. I’m afraid I can’t endure it much longer, I feel so like a vile hyp»crite—so like an impostor! So like a murderess, myself! Shall I have to stand it much longer? Have you discovered nothing yet? He dared not speak of what he had heard from the lips of Kent Kirby, Nothing!” he replied, ‘‘Nothing of any consequence. Mr, Kirby fancies be has found some clews, but I know be isin error. As soon as I know anvthing I will hasten to inform you of it. Believe me, I am doing all I can to learn the truth, and establish the guilt of the right _party, regardless of who that may be.” He felt he was not speaking truly in this, for he had purposely blinded himself to every indi- cation that might point to Marian, His heart went out to her in a great wave «f feeling. Kirby’s charges against this queenly woman seemed more cruel than ever. The conwersation had brought back to her the full borror of Carlow’s murder. Her voice fal- tered, and the tears swam in her eyes. They were now on the brink of Rogue River, The afternoon sun was bebind the towering cliff, which cast long and pinnacled shadows across the river valley, He pointed to a convenient stone which form- ed a seat backed by a rocky recess, and she sunk down shiveringly, looking about in a frightened and startled way, He took a seat by her side, intending to turn the conversation into more cheerful channels, But the pain in her face and the touch of her hand made bis pent-up lovestruggle for utter- ance, “You are so lonely, Marian; so in need of advice and companionship, and—” She looked at him in that abstracted way in which she seemed neither to see nor bear. ‘*T am very lonely,” she said, finally, shiver- ing again. ‘‘ Very lonely and wretched! Do you know, Mr. Shelton, 1 begia to think ! am myself suspected of father’s murder. People look at me so queerly, sometimes,” Mr, Kirby—” ; Her words shocked him, ‘ Bother Mr. Kirby! He’s an old—” His voice shook and he did not complete the sentence, ‘Kirby is a very good man, andI am glad you appointed him foreman in Conner’s place, Les is a friend of mine. But he is queer and He was about to say no attention should be paid to anything Kirby did or said, ‘**' Your mind was overstrained, and what you imagined was possibly all fancy,” She looked very disconsolate, and the evident pain in her face deeply touched him, 7 “You are so alone and so wretcbed,” and he ventured to slip a hand across her shoulder, “Marian, are you blind? Will you persist in not seeing what is so obvious to every one else? I love you! I loves you better than my own life! Will you not give me the privilege of being more to you than even a father could be? Your husband!” Sie shrunk from him a little; and then, to his great surprise, gave way to a flood of tears, Taking advantage of her momentary weakness, he drew her to him in a close embrace and pressed his lips to bers, “Will you not tell me my love is returned?” he panted, ‘‘ You must tell me that! I sball die if you do not! I feel that I cannot live without you!” For a moment she struggled vainly, and then permitted her head to rest passively and silently against bis breast, ‘Tell me that, Marian!” he pleaded, ‘* Do not force me to go away from this place with all my hopes blighted!” Sne looked into his face, and be saw that her eyes were shining like stars through the mist of her tears, * You bave made me very happy,” she said, simply. ‘‘ Your foolish fellow! You ought to know without my saying sc, that your love is returned. Would I have risked death on the cliff to save you from the fire, if it were not 807 ‘But before I can make any promises to you, I must first make a confession, A startling confession |? He gasped. Could it be that Kirby was right in bis surmises? ‘* Let me bear it!” and be drew her again to bim, She flushed and hesitated, “Mv name is not Marian Carlow! It is Mary Ann Talbott! Mr, Carlow was not my father! I bave lived with bim for many years, though, and have passed as bis child, My parents died when I was quite small, Mr. Carlow had been in love with my mother before she married my father; and so, for her sake, he took me and made me as his own child, ““T don’t; like the name of Mary Ann, and I changed it to: Marian. I’m atraid I was not avery good daughter to Mr, Carlow, though I thought a great deal of him, I suppose 1 oughtn’t to say it, now that he’s dead, Lut he was very obstinate and very cruel sc metimes, and we frequently had quarrels—\bitter quarrels! The memory of that bas hung like a millstone about my neck,” This confession was in part a confirmation of what Kent Kirby bad tole him, but it did not make him think Kirby any nearer right in his general surmises, Rather, it more firmly con- vinced him that Kirby was wrong, He wanted to ask about the shoes and the dag- ger, feeling certain she could fully and reason- ably explain these seemingly black circum- stances; but he recoiled from any mention of the subject, ‘It is nothing to me whether you are Carlow’s daughter or not!” he asserted in his enraptured tones, ‘‘It is enough for me to know that you love me, and will be my wife. You will give me that promise?” “Yes!” she whispered, ‘If I have lost a father, I have gained you, Seal, and that is everything!” CHAPTER IX, A WOMAN'S HATE. Tom CONNER, the discharged fcreman, did no tleave the ravech tve uee of bis dismissal, The days passed; ond b's actions showed be had no notion of doing anything of the kind; and, as hospitality is cne of the cardinel virtues in the range region, there was no one to point him in the direction of Piebald and bint to bim that his room was better than his company, Asa foreman, he bad been somewhat demi- neering: aud While a few of his intimate cronies were angered at his deposition, the majority of the Rogue River cowboys were secretly pleased with the change, F He continued to sleep in the bunk-room, take his meals at the mess-table, and to conduct hirn- self as if be belonged to the ranch, He especial- ly fraternized with the few cowboys who were his firm friends; and on many occasions was to be seen conversing witb them in low tones when not near to hear, Both Seal Shelton and Kent Kirby watched him as closely as possible, but he did nothing to call for censure. He cast on the High-Kicker many glances of hatred and contempt, but these Kirby felt he could afford to pass by in silence, %
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SS - - " vy ~ fit to live, a a . : Baaibenr eae EE i LMT 5 siege ie Taig ee Ss EEA permet aa POST MR LATIN EE: SR emg ae ‘ ; > ~— was not dreaming. Then he thrust them i rection which Sylvia had taken. CHAPTER X. THE ROSTER OF ROGUES. THIS hyer’s woat i Calis slick!” The High-Kicker from Killbuck clung pros- trate to the wet soil and squeezed himself into as small a compass as possible, All about was dark as Hrebus—except at one point. That was in the direction toward which Kirby’s bead was thrust. A very faint light burned there—a mere yellowish speck in the ip- tense gloom, He was in an underground ‘ drift” or tunnel, and the speck-like light yellowed the air of a larger area, Tnis area seemed to have cave- like proportions, so far as he could judge, Doubtless, it was walied or boarded up, for the tunnel in which be lay was timber-braced, He was in an exultant mood, He had direct- ed bis principal efforts since coming to Rogue River Ranch to the work vf unearthing the counterfeiters, He had paid more or less atten- tion to the mystery clinging about the death of Jim Carlow; but that was only a side issue, He had been sent there oa a special mission, and that mission had been ever uppermost in bis thoughts. It wasin this that the High-Kicker differed from his assistant, Seal Shelton. Shelton had fallen desperately in love, and was now devoting more of his energies to the discovery of Jim Car- low’s murderer than to the task that had brought him there, ‘* If this byer ain’t the place I’ve been Jookin’ fer all these days, then I’m a measly Mexican! The very identical place! Sing’lar I never thougbt o’ it afore, too, I might’a’ Rnowed they’d have a den like this hyer, an’ common sense would ’a’ tol’ me to look fer it whur it wus least to be expected,” The place in which he lay was a ‘ drift,” lead- ing from an abandoned mining shaft, The shaft had been sunk in a rocky draw only a short dis- ‘tance from the ranch buildings, Valuable mineral was expected to be found, That was the reason given for its sinking, at least; though Kent Kirby was now convinced it was not the real reason, No mineral had been found, and after making some drifts and excavations, the work had been abandoned, Tbat was four or five years before, and the mine had lain deserted and unnoticed, or ap- parently so, ever since. Weeds and bushes had grown about the mouth of the shaft, The hoist- ing frame and timbers had been taken away and all had been given over to neglect and decay. Sume boards had been thrown across the gap- ing mouth to prevent stray cattle or ponies from tumbling in. Kent Kirby had passed the old shaft many a time, and had seen it; but there had been no- thing about it to suggest evil use, or hint that it was @ lie, Now, he unjustly accused himself of mole-like blindness and a lack of every requisite going to make a shrewd detective. He was sure that no hope of finding mineral had ever been held by the men who had opened the pretended mine, They had another pur- pose in view. That purpose was to preparea place where secret meetings could be held and secret work carried on with little danger of dis- covery. But for a word or two dropped by a drunken cowboy, the High Kicker might have forever re- mained in ignorance of this, So far, be was certain none of the cowboys, or people of the ranch, bad any inkling of bis true character. To them he was the rip-roar- ing High-Kicker from Killbuck, the man of capacious mouth and loud words, whom the freakish fancy of a girl had elevated to the position of foreman, He had played bis part well; much better than Seal Shelton had played his. If be could con- tinue this success, the doors of information must eventually open wide to bim. : He chuckled gleefully, as he squeezed his body closer and closer against the wet wall, Some of the bracing timber bad rotted away at that point, leaving a niche-like burrow into whose narrow confines he was trying to press himself, He accomplished this to his satisfaction, after awhile, though the place was contrac sufficiently tight to cramp him. But it gave him security; and with his head poked from the niche, like the bead of a tortoise from its shell, he watched the illuminated space beyond the his pocket; and turned and walked in the di~ ted and.
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a an Fith eyes that glittered with suppressed ement, "Only a short distance separated him from the artificial cavern, and he could see and hear with tolerable certainty what was occurring and being said. A number of men were within the cave—a half-dozen, at least—and one of them was Tom Conner, the ex-foreman, Kirby had descended the shoft, after witness- ing these men vanish into its capacious mouth, Then he had felt about in the gloom until ke had found the drift, and had crawled along the wet and winding passage until the light ap- peared. No securer place could be found anywhere for the consummation of criminal deeds, It was not possible for the light to penetrate to the bot- tom of the shaft and be there seen by any one, even if so unlikely a thing as a watcher should chance to be standing above and looking down into the hole, The High-Kicker had no more than got him- self well settled in the cramped aperture, than he heard a slight noise in the cirection of the shaft; this showing that some other momber of the band was approaching. The man passed so near that Kirby could have touched him with his extended hand, The gloom was 80 great, though, that he could not tell who the fellow was until the latter had entered the circle of light, He saw, then, that it was the cowboy whose drunken lack of caution had set him to search- ing for this place, What the cowboy had said was the merest hint—and was doubtless thrown out as a feeler; he thinking, probably, that the High-Kicker would desire to become a member of the band, should its existence be made known to him. “Pll have to cultivate yer acquaintance, Jerry!” and the High-Kicker thrust out bis tongue ina knowing way. ‘‘ Yer head’s full uv facts an’ idees that ’u’d be val’ble to me. Who knows but that I may become one o’ ye, yit? Pve done stranger things in my time, The High- Kicker,makin’ an’ shovin’ 0’ the queer! Waugh! I reckon I'll have to think about that!” The little band was greeting Jerry with a sub- dued uproariousvess that was suggestive. Were they always so Cautious, or did they feel that they had special need of care at this time? This was tne question Kent Kirby asked him- self, and which found no adequate reply. The yellow flame of the lamp was turned a little higher; and Kent Kirby could see that the business which bad drawn them together was to be at once taken up. They had evi- ‘dently been awaiting Jerry’s coming. The detective watched them with sbining- eyed interest, He knew he saw before him the members of the band of counterfeiters, of whom he believed Jim Carlow to have been tbe head, Tom Conner’s words furnished what seemed convincing proof of this, **T run onto a little more of the queer that the old man throwed arouund s0 lively!” ho said, with quiet emphasis, producing and ex- hibiting a small roll of bills, Ba was the roll Sylvia Sterling had given im. He held up the counterfeits, **Did some feller do ye up by passin’ ’em onto ye?” one of the men asked, “No, Till tell ye how I come by ’em, after awhile. Jist now, we’ve got other business, I’ve kept ny hawk-like optics on this infernal Seal Shelton, and I think I’ve seen enough to prove he’s what we have thought,” He had shoved the bills into his pocket; and now took a seat before the rough table‘ that rested in the center of the cave, The others had already grouped themselves in cathy about the table. Onit the lamp was rest- ng. “Seal Shelton, eh?” and the tortoise-like head of the High-Kicker was pushed still further out into the drifn, ‘*This byer’s growin’ as inter- estin’ asa fairy tale, An’ some 0’ the ‘queer’s’ been comin’ back! I should think it might; the country’s full enough uv it, About every other dollar you run ag’inst in this section is bogus!” * Do you know, I believe that Sbelton is the ‘vary chap that done up the old man!” and Tom Conner swept the circle of excited faces with burning glance. ‘Tf T wusn’t so dead shore that Mary Ann ‘Carlow wus at the bottom o’ that job,’ believe that my eyes wus a-lookin’ at that chap this very minute,” - As he muttered this, the High-Kicker was staring with eager intentness into Tom Conner’s glowing face, “I’m pretty sure of it,” Conner continued, ha Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. still referring to the murder and Saal Shelton’s supposed connection with the dead, ‘ But setting all that aside, we’ve got enough ag’inst him to warrant us in doing him up.” ‘“ Ay! Ay!” came from the angry group. ‘*Gittin’ interestin’er an’ interestin’er!” and the High-Kicker stretcbed further out into the drift, ‘* We'll be havin’ a regular circus d’rec’ly, with Tom Conner fer ringmaster—an’—an’ your humble servant fer clown, Goin, band wagon! I’m after ye! The closter I kin git to the music, the better I’m pleased!” He was craning his neck almost recklessly in his effort to hear and see everything. “Shelton has come here for the express pur- pose of ferreting us out and causing our arrest,” “ K’rect ye air!” and Kirby set down mentally the names of all witbin the cave. ‘ He'll not go back empty-handed, Leastways, Pll not; for I don’t think l’.a fool enough to let any purty woman lead me around by the proboskis an’ make me fergit my biz. I think I’ve got the roster of this hyer comp’ny aJl sot down in the note-book up in my head, an’ it’ll be harder to rub out than indelible ink,” He was so pleased, and his smile so expansive, that any one seeing his face would have been forced to laugh outright, ‘*- You know what we do with such cattle?” Conner continued; at the’ same time tearing some bits of paper and passing them to the men, ‘' If theold man was still alive, he wouldn’t go through any such form as this, but I don’t like to take all the responsibility. You'll put down on those slips of paper your verdict; and then we shall see what we siiall see,” The faces were threatening and ominous, as they bent over the bits of paper while the fingers painfully traced awkward characters. For a minute a silence reigned that could be almost felt, Then, there was a shuffling as the papers were gathered up and tossed into a hat, “Take ’em out an’ read ’em, Jerry!” and Conner pushed the hat across the table, Jorry Cavanaugh, the cowboy, drew out the papers one by one and slowly and impressively read what was written on them: ** Death!” ** Death!” The knife!” ‘6 Hang him!” These and similar words fell from his lips. There was not a vote in favor of clemency or mercy; not a vote to indicate that any man there doubted the guilt of Seal Shelton. “T reckon Seal had better camp out in the woods to-night!” the High-Kicker muttered, anxiously, as he listened to the ominous reading of the vote, ‘This byer climate is like to git mighty onhealthy for him,” “You have heard the verdict,” Conner com- mented; ‘‘and I need bardly say I approve of it, We must show these minions of the law that they can’t come about here! At the same time, we must work the thing carefully, so that no suspicion can arise against us,” A long discussion followed, and it was decided that Seal should be waylaid some dark night and shot. A dozen bullets were thrown into a hat, one of them having been previously marked. ra the hat was once more passed around the table, Each nian carefully drew out a bullet. of them were anxious for the nicked one. They were examined by the dull light of the lamp; and it was seen that Tom Conner, him- self, had drawn the fatal Jead, ‘*Tt’s all right, boys!” and he smiled grimly. *T’ve not hankered for the job; but you never knew me to sbirk a plain duty. You can depend on me to attend to the matter!” ‘* What was that?” One of the cowboys turned excitedly toward the drift, The High-Kicker bad become incautious through his intense anxiety to hear and see all; and in squeezing still further forward, had dis- lodged a rotten board, CHAPTER XI. IN DEADLY PERIL, KIRBY was a man of rare courage, but a sud- den thrill of fear sbot through him, He knew that his death would result, sooull he be caught there spying on these men. He hesitated for an instant, uncertain what course to pursue, The rascals within the cave were listening now with strained ears to any sound that might come frotn the direction of the shaft or the tunnel, He knew it would be almost impossible to rise to his feet and glide away without being heard, and it seemed foolhardy to remain where he was, or even in the niche, None No doubt a search of the shaft and drift would soon be instituted, when he could hardly escape detection, Tom Conner settled the question by striding toward the drift with drawn revolver. The High-Kicker was about to rise and trust to his heels for safety, but was checked by a noise that came unmistakably from the shaft, Some one was entering from that direc- tion. He could do nothing but crouch closer to the moist earth and work himself quickly back into the niche. Here was a new complication, which might bring disastrous results, Tom Conner hurried into the drift and ad- vanced cautiously along it, with his revolver held ready for use. A low curse and a half fall came from the end toward the shaft, The new-comer had stumbled over an obstruction. The ex-foreman was very near the niche where lay the concealed detective, and the latter could hear bim give a sigh of relief and at the same time mutter an anathema against the clumsy intruder, ‘*Ts it you, Shorty?” Conner anxiously called, Shorty answered with an outburst of drunken rage. “Why in Sam Hill don’t you keep things clear down hyer? Do you expect a man to bave the eyes of a bat? I do b’lieve I’ve gone an’ broke my leg!” *“Come on in, and shut your yawping!” was Conner’s angry command, ‘‘ You'll bring the officers down on us!” ‘*OfPeers be-e b-blowed!” declared Shorty. ‘* Wh-who’s afeared uv the off’cers? Show me an off’cer an’ [ll p-pulverize him!” He squared off and delivered Conner a drunk- en blow that sent the latter reeling against the wall and extinguished the lamp. ‘Now's my time!” the High-Kicker whisper- ed, ‘“‘I’d better slide right now, This hyer comin’ uv Shorty has throwed e’m off the trail fer a minute, but they’re purty sbore to pick it up again. Yes, reckon I’d better dig out while I kin!” Proof that bo was right in this was even then forthcoming. Excited and angry questions were being burled at the intoxicated man, and his replies tended to show he could not have very the noise which had been heard in the drift, Conner, after a wrathy adjuration, was again advancing with the re-lighted lamp. Kirby was on his feet by this time, and sneak- ing with all caution toward the shaft. Couner was flashing the dull, yellow light on the walls and recesses as he advanced, “Ah! what’s this?’ the High-Kicker heard him exclaim, Conner had reached the point where the rotten board had been dislodged, and was now staring at it. Those within the cave hurried to where he was, when they saw him stop. ‘‘There’s something wrong here!” Conner cried, stooping to look at the board, ‘ That never fell down here accidentally. There's been some one in here! Boys, Seal Shelton has been in here!” He set down the lamp and bounded nimbly toward the shaft, which Kent Kirby was at that moment entering. The High-Kicker heard him coming, and, dropoing all his precautions as now useless, he leaped to the ladder that clung to the sides of the well-like opening and scrambled in all haste to the top. The ladder was a rickety affair, It had been in use a long while and had never been repaired, To have ventured to repair it, except in the most secres and stealthy fashion, would have been to call attention to the old shaft, and this was just what was not wanted. Notwithstanding its sbaky and treacherous character, Kent Kirby went up the ladder at a doubla-quick; and, when the top was gained, threw himself headlong into the weeds at the side of the mouth of the mine, As he vanished over the edge of the shaft, a revolver cracked in the depths below and a bul- let whizzed upward close at bis heels, The shot was fired by Tom Conner, Conner had not been quick enough to see who the intruder was; but he had canght a glimpse of vanishing heels, and at these he bad sent the shot, ,. “Phew!” and the High-Kicker climbed to his feet and sped recklessly away into the gloom, ‘‘That was a pvarrer squeeze! Too narrer by half fer comfort!” He could hear the sounds of subdued voices at the bottom of the shaft, and hear the shaking of
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WS ptt we - the ladder as some of the men sprung to mount it, Don’t let him git away, boys!” he heard Conner command, ‘ He has seen too much for our good.” The High-Kicker was aware that Conner thought the interloper and spy none other than Seal Shelton; and so he ran with ali speed to the house for the purpose of warning Seal of the peril that tbreathened, and to urge him to get out of the way of it. He gained the grounds about the ranch build- ings before Conner’s men cleared tie mouth of the mine, ** Seal! Seal!” he called, rushing into the bunk-room, where he thought Shelton might be sleeping. Seal was not there. house, “Lordy!” and the sweat of anxiety poured from the High-Kicker’sface, ‘* He’s out walkin’ witb that gal, and he'll be killed fore I kin git to speak to him,” He knew not what to do; and while he hesitated, and could hear the tread of the advancing men, he beheld Marian Carlow enter the house, She was alone, If she bad been out walking with Seal, he wasmot to be seen now, Sure of this, and feeling somewhat relieved because of it, Kirby sped out toward the river trail; and there creeping into a tangle of high grass, concealed himself from the search of Con- ner’s followers. He did this, hoping to see Seal as the latter returned from the river, whither he frequently went. But when Seal did not come, and nothing could be seen of bim, nor could his advance along the trail be detected, Kirby boldly return- ed back to the bunk-room, ** Hello!” he said, in seemmg wide-mouthed amazement, as he saw Conner and others anx- iously grouped about the room, which they had been searching. ‘' Whatever under the canopy is up? I beered the blamedest yow-yowin’ and clatterin’ an’ goin’ on awhile ago, that my mor- tal years ever liton, Come from the direction uv the ole mine! a steer down there, “T rundown that away, but I couldn’t seea thing. Mebbe you fellers kin explanify! If you kin, do it quick, fer I’m a-bu’stin’ to know what made that unairthly racket.” Neither was he at the * One of the boys with a little too much | tanglefoot aboard!” Conner dryly commented. “That was all. He tackled me, and let outa screech or two, and I had todown him, He’sin his bunk over there, It was Svorty.” He pointed to the cot into which this drunken member of the gang had been tumbled, The explanation seemed amply sufficient, and Kirby turned away without further questions, He had no thought of retiring, however, On the contrary, he again went out on the river | trail; and for an hour or more watched and waited in vain for the coming of Seal Shelton. CHAPTER XIt. THE SCENE ON THE CLIFF, SHELTON did not return; nor was he to be found next morning. In following out his pretense of being in the vicinity on a bunting trip, Shelton frequently absented himself from the ranch. He had not done so recently, however, owing to the presence of Marian. The only other explanation of his continued absence which seemed to throw light on the snb- ject was the horrible supposition member of the band of counterfeiters had en- countered him on one of the lonely trails and had there slain him, Kirby knew they had searched for him all through the night; for be had heard them mov- ing about through the gloom like panthers in stealthy pursuit of prey. Marian was to be seen in the house that morn- ing, and Kirby was more than once on the point of entering for the purpose of questioning her, He hesitated to do so; and finally went out on the range, to Jook after some work that needed attention, This called him again in the direction of Rogue River. He bad much to think about that moruing. The revelations of the previous night furnished abundant food for thought, ( He thought, too, of Marian, as he rode slowly riverware, From the first, almost, he had believed her guilty of the terrible crime of! murder, and Seal’s infatuation had distressed and pained bim, When yet a considerable distance from the Must be a catamount tackled | hat some | i] cliffs which backed Rogue River on the west, he was surprised and startled by the sight which | his upward glance encountered. Two men were struggling on the face of the rock, now bald, bare and desolate-looking from the effects of the fire. They were struggling, , too, for life; each striving to hurl the other | from the dizzy height into the boiling torrent, Kent Kirby gave a gasp of dismay, and drew in his horse so sharply that it was thrown on its haunches, His lips moyed, but for a second no words issued from them, The pupils of his eyes dilated and his face contracted in a sudden spasm of pain, ‘¢ Seal Shelton an’ [om Conner, by the great horned frog of Texas!” he at length managed to ejaculate, ‘ Both on’um up there a-wrestlin’ to the death like a pair uv p’izen grizzlies!” He was not near enough to discern the fea- tures of the men, but he felt sure he was not mistaken in this semi-guess at their identity. Of Tom Conner he was positive, for Conner always wore a peculiar shaped sombrero; and this was now pushed far back on his head and ig in momentary danger of being knocked off. How Seal and Conner chanced to be on that particular ledge engaged in such a combat was something of a mystery. He could not fail, however, to recall the fact that to Conner bad been delegated the slaying of this hated foe of the Rogue River band of counterfeiters. Only a few hours before Conner had drawn the | nicked bullet which singled him out as the man to kill Seal Shelton. A secret, stealthly shot from ambush had been the method chosen, but circumstances had probably decided Conner to make an open and bold assault, Perbaps he bad tried the stealthy method, and had been discovered and forced into the fight which Kirby now witnessed, All these things flitted through the mind of the redoubtable High-Kicker. With a yell of fear and rage Kirby plunged the spurs into the flanks of his broncho, The yell was intended to reach the combatants on the distant cliff; to inspire Shelton with re- newed courage and energy and to dismay and weaken his adversary, The lithe broncho shot forward with incred- | ible speed, urged into madness by the galling | spurs. Its first bound was so terrific that it | would have unseated any but the most ex- perienced of riders, Kirby drew his revolver and swung it above his head and yelled again, like an iron-throated demon, ‘‘ Hold him to it, boy, till I git there! Hold him to it! Keep yer heels suckin’ the rocks asil they wus glued thar. Dou’t let him b’ist ye! Dou’t let him git ye off’ your pins! Stay with him! Stay withhim! The High-Kicker from Killbuck is a-comin’ like a runaway cog-train a-slidin’? down Pike’s Peak!” Almost every sentence was punctuated and emphasiz2d by sucha yell as only the High- Kicker from Killbuck could emit, But these frantic outcries and the pheno- menal speed of the broncho availed nothing, Even while Kent Kirby swung his revolver and uttered his yells he saw Tom Conner lift Seal Shelton bodily and hurl him by main strongth from the top of the high cliff, Down, down, with dizzying velocity dropped the form of the unfortunate man, disappearing almost instantly in the racing, green waters of Rogue River. A faint, far cry of despair reach- | Jost soul, | reeled, sick and faint, in the saddle, ** My God!” broke from his pallid lips. ‘‘ Con- ner’s killed him, ‘This is turrible! Turrible!” him. | With an effort he recovered and again merci- lessly spurred on the broncho, This time he Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. | All power of movement bad suddeuly forsaken | | | ip began to search the swirling surface. He could~ scarcely hope that Seal Shelton had escaped death. Still he did hope, and ran his glances up and down the uneven banks and into every like- ly nook and cranny where Seal might possibly be clinging. He was frantically excited and panting. ‘“Ten thousand cusses on him!” he growled, referring to Conner. ‘‘ May ten thousand hiss- in’ devils bear him down to the deepest hell! May he pull hemp till his neck is stretched clean from this hyer airth to the moon! May he—” The violence of his outburst choked him, and while the lips continued to move the bitter words remained unuttered. Again he searched the river and the shores, with hig devouring, hungry eyes, ‘he current rushed and roared as if in gleeful joy over the tragedy that had been committed. It seemed to mock and defy the impotent horsemen now charging in wild wrath along the flinty decline. It flung up foam-flecked and white arms as if in taunting derision; as if flaunting in his face man’s weakness and its own majestic strength, No sign of life anywhere greeted his gaze. On all the stream’s torn surface there was nowhere a bobbing, black speck indicative of the head of an exhausted swimmer. The High-Kicker licked his hot, parched lips and again urged on tbe broncho, His bright, glassy eyes continued their roving search. But it was all in vain.. The man, hurled from the cliff, bad apparently sunk, never to rise again. It was a fate not to be wondered at. The falk was terrific; and after the shock of such a de- scent there was little chance that any save the most expert of swimmers could reach either shore. Still there were worn hollows in the banks, many of them brush-covered and hidden with grasses. He dismounted from the broncho and made a careful search of these on that side of the stream, The search was utterly barren of results, He had not expecied it to be onything else, Tne waters of Rogue River had the evil repu- tation of forever recaining within their grasp the bodies of the drowned. Nevertheless he again bestrode the broncho and rode on down the stream, narrowly scrutinizing every inch of the way. This search was also fruitless, He was sure, now, that he should never again see Seal Shelton; and he groaned aloud in his despair. “That coyote-minded Tom Conner will pay for this hyer\” and there was a fearful menace in his voice as his gaze again sought the over- hanging cliff. ‘He’s a foolif he thinks be kin play a trick like this, an’ not have to reckon with me fer it. It’s a mighty onlucky thing fer bim that he hain’t sized meup yit. ’Fore hegits through with this byer bizuess he'll low I’m the most cantankerous catamount that ever gripped his trail!” This was not said boastiugly, but was merely the expression of the vengeful resolve that then moved bim, Having thoroughly satisfied himself that Seal Shelton was not to be found, living or dead, he sougbt the most convenient fording place and lashed the brancho recklessly into the flood. It was a perilous swim; but under Kirby’s deft guidance the broncho succeeded after a fierce struggle in gaining the opposite shore Here Kirby left it tied toa tree, and laborious- ly climbed to the top of the mesa, From this ed Kirby; a cry that seemed the last wail of a | point be went back to where the struggle bad occurred on the cliff and there took up Tom Con- Kirby involuntarily drew in the broncho; and | ner’s trail, The trail was an easy ore to follow across the cinder-strewn slope, but when the rocky district beyond was reached all indications vanished. Kirby was a good trailer and he was animated by the zeal of an unquenchable hate; but he was. finally forced to give up in despair, Beyond a certain point Conner’s footsteps could not be fol- did not swing the big revolver; but sat almost ; lowed. | motionless in the saddle, his ashy lips muttering maledictions on Seal Shelton’s murderer, | His eyes were fixed in a baleful glare on the | cliff whereon stood Tom Conner. There was a murderous fury in that glare and Conner’s life would have been short if the High-Kicker could have reached him at that moment, Presumably Conner saw Kent Kirby’s furious advance, At any rate he sprong backward from the face of the cliff, darted across the blackened slope, and disappeared amid the rocks beyond, The High-Kicker gave a howl of baffled fury | ea spurred the broncho into a still quicker ' gait. ! | { i | He was nearing the river, now, and bis eyes | ‘‘ Blast his picter, he seen me comin’, an’ he knowed that to leave bis hoof-marks on these hyer ledges ’u’d_ be about: the gnhealthiest thing he could do, But he'll find that [m not to te shook off like a no-’count yaller dog on a rabbit trail, ‘* He'll learn what it isto haye the High- Kicker frum Killbuck a-beaglein’ him!” Although be turned back toward the river, baffled for the time, he was resolved to even scores with Tom Conner before the end of the week, if he had to drop everything else to do it. In this mood he again sought his broncho; and having forced the animal toagain brave the cur- rent, set out for the ranch buildings, convinced that it was useless to waste further time on the margin of Rogue River,
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CHAPTER XIII. A MYSTERIOUS AFFATR, ALTHOUGH he had no great faithin Marian Carlow, as the reader knows—believing her to be guilty of tee murder of her father—he decided to acquaint her with what ho had that morning witnessed. It would bea great shock to her. He could not doubt that; for, whatever her faults and sins, he was sure she sincerely loved Seal Shel- ton, Hence it would be no difficult thing to secure her as an ally in his plans of vengeance against the ex-foreman. He knew she would willingly aid him in this to the extent of her power; and as the proprietress of the Rogue River Ranch, her power and influence in such a matter would be far-reaching. With this thought in his mind he tied the broncho to a hitching-post near the corral and went into the house, ap encountered Sylvia Sterling on the thresh- old. Sylvia was attired in a faded morning wrap- per, and there was in her dress and manner a careless lack of regard he had not hitherto noticed, She seemed nervous and absent-mind- ed, and drew back startledly when the souncs of bis footsteps reached her, ** Hain’t seen nothin’ of Tom Conner, this last half-hour, I reckon?’ glancing keenly at her. ¢ Sbe shrunk under bis words, * Did you say Mr, Conner?” as if striving for time in which to collect her thoughts, “*T said Tom Conner! Ketch me a-misterin’ him. Vd as soon think uv callin’ a rattlesnake Jedge!” ** T—I haven’t seen anything of him!” she fal- tered, starting to turn away. “IT didn’t reely low you had!” staring at her in perplexity. ‘ But I thought ’dask. I want to see Miss Carlow, a minute.” He was wondering what had occurred to so alter Sylvia’s demeanor, Could he have known of her recent conference with Conner, of her suicidal resolve, of her gift to him of money, her actions would have had ample explanation. ‘** Miss Carlow isn’t bere,” was her reply. ‘Where is she? I want to see her at onc’t, I’m p’intedly in a big hurry about it,” He bad removed his large hat and was bow- ing as civilly and gracefully as he could, his wide mouth distended in one of his most fetch- ing grins, ‘She isn’t here, and I don’t know where shs is.” she sharply answered. ; His queries and his grinning presence were evidently distasteful. ** But she was hyer not long ago,” he persisted, **T seen her with my own twoeyes. If you'll be ood enough to give me a tip as to whur I’m ble to find her I'll be everlastin’ obleeged, A wink isas good as a kick, ye know!” She turned on bim fiercely. ** [don’t know where she is and I don’t care, She’s gone. Run away with Seal Shelton, I sup- ose, I wish she was dead; and him, too! hat’s what I wish. I don’t want you to bother me about her. I don’t want to talk about her. There! you hear?” : She pushed the door to with a bang and dis- appeared, leaving the High-Kicker stupefied and spoechless on the steps, ‘Well, may I be bluwed!” he finally ejaca- lated, ‘‘ Hyer’s another mix I wasn’t countin’ on, That gal’s as crazy and mad as a wet hen, It’s a mistake to bring a good-lookin’ oung man on a trip like this bhyer. Every Sianed female fram scullion to pianer-pounder falls heels over head in love with ’em, fu’st app An’ from that on you've got a reg’lar iowa ghost-dance on yer hands, I low it’s a blessin’ that I’m onconimon homely, If I was an Apollo Belvidery I reckon I'd have to give up my biz,” The smile had faded from his face and he heaved a ponderous sigh, “6 Well, hyer goes fer luck. If that other female critter’s in this house I’m goin’ to find her, ’Tain’t only a step frum jealousy to tellin’ lies, A jealous woman’il do things it would skeer a@ man to think about!” He turned the knob of the door and stepped boldly into the hallway, The house was apparently deserted, Sylvia Sterling had retreated probably into her private room, _ Kirby was puzzled and annoyed, His mind was filled with thoughts of the recent scene on the river. Why, at this time, had Marian Car- ‘low disappeared, when he was so anxious to’ see her? He bad his hands full of ro dei Was _this the beginning of another one ‘ , Per ae Ss OO fond OP eee ONY Any es wet w yO Pen aK hee oR UE Aa I ei ee le yi ad le lea Sl we a Ha ae Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 11 He called to Sylvia, and then to Mariau; and | when only the echoes of his own voice came | veyed the place with an approving smile, ‘*‘ You back, he tramped up the stairway, bent on a | had it built on purpose fer this p’tic’ler bizness,, personal investigation. Sylvia met bim in the upper corridor, «This hyer’s hunk!” and the High-Kicker sur~ I s’pose?” ‘*T find it handy, sometimes. Now as to your ‘* Why have you followed me?” she spitafully | business?” demanded, He did not reply, but stepped across the | general demeanor; corridor and rapped on the door of Marian’s room, **T told you she was not here!” With this snappish exclamation she slipped past bim and threw the door open. ‘* Look for yourself, if you won’t believe me!” The room was vacant, He saw she had spoken truly in saying Marian Carlow was not in the house, “T’m p’intedly ag’in’ a snag!” he ayowed, beaming on her in spite of her belligerent attitude, ‘If youd on’ly help me! I want to have a little talk with her ona subject of im- portance, If you'll say where she’s gone Ill take my cowhide boots out uv this hyer boudoir and not bother you furder, But 1 mus’ know where she gone.” “ [Td_tell you if I could!” and there was an air of candor in ber tones, ‘I was ont riding this morning, and when I returned Marian was not in the house, I[ think—I think—” and here, in spite of her efforts at self-control she became hysterical— ‘‘ she’s eloped with Seal Shelton!” Kirby had the best reasons for disbelieving this, but he deemed it unwise to acquaint her wita them. Long experience had taught him to be secretive. He knew not how far he could trust this woman, So he turned away, descended the stairs, and went into the open air, There was no one in sight. The cowboys were absent on the range and would not return before night—some of them perhaps nct for days, Remounting the broncho he made a circuit of the buildings, examining the adjacent prairie aad the cottonwood grove. Nowhere were there any traces of Marian Carlow. On visiting the stable he found that her favorite riding pony was also gone, As there was a likelihood that she might be enjoying a canter he remained in the vicinity of the ranch buildings for more than an hour, hoping that she might return, When she did not he turned his broncho in the di- rection of the town of Piebald and rode rapidly away. CHAPTER XIV. IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SHERIFF, THE mysterious) disappearance of\ Marian Carlow placed Kent Kirby io a peculiar posi- tion. It left him in sole charge of the ranch and the business connected therewith, Only a few days before several carloads of cattle had been shipped from the station at Piebald, and he knew that a draft for the money was now in the post- office there in a letter directed to him. Although he bad all along felt that Marian Carlow was not rigbtfully the person to whom this money should be paid, yet, in view of the fact that there was no one else claiming it, he had meant to turn it over to her. What was he to do with it now? Perbaps, though, he was borrowing unneces- sary trouble, She might have ridden over to Piebald; or she might scon return to the ranch, He settled the matter by resolving that, in the event of her continued absence, he would deposit the money in bank to the credit of Jim Carlow’s lawful heirs; and let the courts decide who these were, On visiting ‘the office of Cassius Clay Col- ton, the sheriff, he found that that indi- Mo aa had neither seen nor heard of the missing girl, This information came as a great disappoint- ment, for Kirby had counted strongly on finding Marian in the town. Colton could not say she was not there or had not been there; only that he bad not seen her, However, as the sheriff was lynx-eyed in his detection of strangers and visitors, this seemed to the High-Kicker an equivalent to a denial that she had visited the place. ‘Kin [ have a little private talk with you?” he asked, glancing significantly at a group of loungers near the doorway. “Cash” Colton caught the glance, and led the way to a little room at the rear of the building where they would be reasonably secure from espionage, Kirby breathed freer when they were seated in this room with the door locked and bolted be- hind them, The place was illuminated by a sky- light and there was no window for the benefit of an eavesdropping enemy. pa SUN be er 1 Wp kik | | x " NOD ee hs iy Colton was sternly, almost icily quiet in hig: just the reverse of the redoubtable and guffa wing High-Kicker from Killbuck, Yet each in his way was as deter- mined and resolute as the other—as courageous, aggressive, and as full of fire and fight when the occasion demanded, Kirby drew a slip of paper from an inner pocket, and held it in his hands as he entered on a recital of the events of the morning. Colton listened with marked interest, He had always regarded Tom Conner as a dangerous and treacherous man, having never held for him the high esteem exhibited by many of the better citi- zensof Piebald, For tbat matter ‘* Cash” Coltom bad never thought very weli of the late Jim Car- low; although he had been wise enough to keep his tongue in his teeth, for Carlow had been @ man of considerable political influence—and im the West asin the East political influence very frequently makes and unmakes the fortunes of office-seekers, Yolton’s interest rose to fever pitch when Kir- oy handed him the bit of writing and pointed to the name thereon, ‘“‘That’s whatI calls the Roster uv Rogues, You'll find on there the names of as precious @ set of scamps as ever straddled hoss-flesb. If hemp hain’t a-growin’ fer ever’ mother’s son uv ’em, Im off my base, They’re the gang uv counterfeiters fer which you an’ me bave been buntin’ these many loug days, Ive got the thing down fine an’ know what I’m talkin’ about.” * Ah!” and Colton drew in his breath with a soughing gasp, You'll see that I bave headed the list with the name of Tm Conner. He’s the king-pin of the round-up sence old Carlow passed in his checks, I don’t think hell die at the end uv a, rope, fer I mean to shoot him as soon as I set eyes on him!” ‘* You’re sure of these?” said the sheriff, look- ing at the names and unbeeding this ebullition, **]T notice you have kere some men of Piebald!” ‘Can't belp it. Bein’ frum Piebald hain’t any better, I calk’late, than bein’ frum a hoss of any other color!” This struck the High-Kicker as so good a pur that he settled back in his seat and brayed his delight souproariously that he might easily have been heard in the street, ‘* Pretty good,” said Colton, smiling dryly. ‘*These were always shady fellows and I have suspected them fora long time, Now if you will be so kind as to tell me how you got these names: and what proot you have on the subject, we'll talk the thing over and come to some conclu- sion, Kirby needed no urging and immediately be- gan a rehearsal of the exciting incidents of the previous night; disclosing what he had seen and heard in the depths of the abandoned mine, The names of the men of Piebald bad been obtained at that time; not because they were then present, but because he bad heard them mentioned as: members and intimates. Colton nodded approvingly, Such work as. this always gained his warm admiration, “Pm with you,” he declared, rising as if he meant to go into the outerrcom, ‘Tl have twenty men ready inside of an hour. Likely there'll be another meeting of the band to-night, We'll surround the mine and capture every one of them, Then we'll rake in these Piebald fel- lows, if they should chance to Le again absent,” ‘* Hold on,” said Kirby, plucking at Colton’s sleeve. ‘I hain’t ready fer this hyer biz yet, You're too previous.” ‘What do you want done?” Colton queried, Thereupon Kirby more fully explained his plans, He desired Colton to watch the men of Piebald whose names were. on the roster; and he especially wished Colton to arrest Tom Con- ner should the latter visit the town. Kirby feared Conner might attempt to leave the country by taking a train from that station. When all this was arranged and Colton had promised to co-operate further with bim in his. efforts to bring the counterfeiters to justice, and in any manner he might mark out, Kirb wrong him warmly by the hand and took hie. departure, CHAPTER XV, KENT KIRBY'S GAME OF BLUFF A ROAR of anger came from the doorway of the bunk-room of the Rogue River Ranch, a age
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oh ee a ae ’ Pe bv os ee Tom Conner, who had returned to the ranch “and was at the moment sitting on one of the cots engaged in unpleasant thought, was aroused by this ominous outburst, He arose and wheeled quickly, at the same ‘time drawing his revolver, An _ instinctive feeling of peril swept over bim, He shrunk ‘back, however, as his gaze looked full into the deadly tube held in the hairy hand of the High-Kicker from Killbuck, The latter was glowering at him and working his shaggy brows; and as that roar again came from the cavernous throat he seemed to the frightened Conner more like an enraged gorilla than a man, Kirby had just returned from his visit to Piebald. He had scarcely expected to find Con- ner at the ranch buildings; but beholding Con- ner’s pony tied near the corral, he had ridden behind the cottonwoods, left his broncho there, and had stealthily advanced to the bunk-room -on foot, Conner cowered and let his half-uplifted weapon drop at his side, He saw how fool- hardy it would be to attempt a shot while covered by that deadly aim. The merest touch of Kirby’s finger would be sufficient to send him to death. “What do you want?” he asked, vainly at- tempting to assume an air of jocularity. ** You're always at your tricks, Kirby. I can’t say that it is funny, though, to stand here look- ing into that gun.” * You won't have the privilege of looking into it long, so you’d better sot yer two eyes on it while you kin, I’m up to your little game, Con- ner, Fu’st, before shootin? uy you—which I ought to do instanter—tell me why you toppled Seal Shelton off the cliff into Rogue River this morning. Tell me the truth, or so help me, I'll Jet daylight plum through you witbout furder words!” The look which came to Conner’s face was one difficult to understand, “You're off, Kirby! 1 swear to you that you are mistaken, 1 hada fight with a fellow onthe cliff this morning, and I got the better of him and threw him into the river; but it wasn’t Seal: ‘ Shelton!” Kent Kirby was a good reader of faces; and therefore he could not fail to notice the evident sincerity of the statement, Although staggered by it, he returned hotly to the charge, “Toat won’t do, you know, Conner. I seen ‘the hull thing with these hver two optics; and when Isee a thing I seeit! I saw you pitch ‘him into the river, and it was Seal Shelton!” “Tm williog to admit you thought it was, but all the saine it wasn’t, Til admit, too, that I might have good cause for serving Shelton in that way. don’t say that I have, but Ill admit it just to please you.” “Who wus it, then?” the High-Kicker im- patiently thundered, “There you have me. I don’t know!” “You don’t know?” Kirby fairly howled. ** That there’s a likely yarn, that is!” His manner once mere became aggressive and ‘the revolver which had been held in constant readiness, was again uplifted. **T couldn’t string a straighter yarn if I was to be hung for it. It’s the solid truth, Kirby, I don’t know who it was! To my knowledge I never saw the rascal before!” The High-Kicker dropped his weapon and stared his bewilderment, ‘*Eixplain the tangle, Take the snarls out uv ‘it as best ye kin!” ** Well, I was attacked on the cliff by an un- -known man and forced to fight for my life, I got the better of him and threw him into the river. I suppose he went tothe bottom, And ‘that’s all I know about it,” It was a seemingly unreasonable story; and when Kirby remembered how Conner had fled across the blackened waste and disappeared among the rocks, his Joubts returned, ** Toss that pistol onto the cot over there and then [Pil talk with ye about it,” Conner sullenly hesitated for a moment, then obeyed. He did not relish being ordered about by this man who had so recently been his in- ferior, Even yet, however, the thongbt did not enter bis head that the bloviating High-Kicker was a detective, ‘* Now set down there comfort’ble like, fer I want to ask you a few questions,” He dropped into a Sauething posture near the doorway and motioned Conner to a seat, **T don’t mind tellin’? you that I can’t swaller ‘the ball ov what you've said, Still, I'l] not shoot a —not jest yit—as I p’intedly meant to do, f [ was shore it wus Shelton you pitched frum “that cliff I'd settle with you right now. But The truth will come out we'll let that pass, after awhile,” His eyes were blazing with suppressed excite- ment and his words came with a suggestive clicking sound that resembled the cocking of a weapon, Tom Conner shrunk beck before the fire of his subdued anger. ** Tm a-goin’ to talk to you about Jim Carlow! You wus Carlow’s foreman an’ you knowed a good deal about him, I think you could give a good guess as to who killed him. That’s my p’inted opinion!‘ Hain’t it yourn?” Conner shook his head negatively. ‘*T don’t know anything about the case.” **Mebbe this ll belp your remembrancer!” again lifting the weapon. If Conner had been given time to think he might bave wondered at Kirby’s too manifest interest in these matters. But he was not given time to think. The High-Kicker lashed him on with commands and interrogatories, emphasizing these with the threatening steel tube. Conner equivocated and denied, This con- vinced Kirby that the ex-foreman was possessed of some knowledge on the subject, and he ‘*bluffed” him into a confession, ' ‘* Ts my opinion,” and Conner’s voice shook as he fumbled in his pucket for some object he wished to produce, ‘It’s ny opinion that Sylvy Sterling killed Jim Carlow!” Kirby could not but be struck with the fact that this was the theory advanced by Shelton and Marian Carlow. It was a theory he had rejected as being groundless and overborne by evidence pointing in another direction, ‘What gave you that idee?” ‘* This!” extending to him a small roll of bills. ‘Look at them; aud when I tell you that they were given me by Sylvy Sterling, you’ll be in- clined to agree with me.” Kirby unfolded them and examined them with much curiosity. One of them was blood- stained. In reply to Kirby’s further questions Conner elaborated his reasons for believing in Sylvia’s guilt. The chain of proof was sufficiently puz- zling, but it did not shake the High-Kicker from his preconceived idea, “Tl take charge of this bloody bill, with your permission, and then I’m a-goin’ to carry you over to Piebald and deliver you to Cash Colton, to be held until I know whether or not you kill- ed Seal,” Conner had hoped what be had done and said would gain favor in the eyes of Kirby and se- cure his release, He had good reasons for not wishing to fall into the hands of the sheriff. But his objections were so much wasted breath, Kirby held him silent with the threat of the re- volver, and then deftly bound him with a lariat, Having accomplished this, Kirby left the bunk-room for the purpose of bringing forward his broncho, As he emerged from the cottonwood grove on his return he gave vent to another roar of rage. It had abundant justification, Sylvia Sterling had slipped from the house and released Conner; and the two were speeding across the prairie, mounted on a pair of the fleetest ponies to be procured from the corral, On the impulse of the moment, Kirby threw himself into the saddle and gave chase; but he drew rein almost immediately. The attempt to overtake them would have been futile. He dismounted and walked thoughtfully toward the corral, This act of Sylvia’s discon- certed and bewiJdered_him, He could find no ready reason for it. He did not believe sbe was in love with Conner, If she had known Conner thought ber guilty of Jim Carlow’s death she surely would have shrunk from thus extending him aid, The ex-foreman had vot told Kirby, however, of Sylvia’s fit of jealousy, nor éxplained fully why she had transferred to him the money, More knowledge on this point might have assist- ed Kirby in getting at her true motives. But be had not this knowledge; and so stumbled about in the fog of doubt, like a desert-lost wan- derer, constantly retreading the small circle of possibilities, t CHAPTER XVI, A SENSATIONAL EPISODE, Tur Rev. Mr. Templeton, recently stationed in Piebald, started shiveringly from his couch, ms: there came a resounding knock upon the front oor, Piebald was a missionary station and he was the only minister ‘in the town; and, for that matter, in the entire country. The citizens of Piebald, while really honest and sincere and with kindliest intentions, shock- ed and terrified him, They addressed him familiarly as ‘“‘ Parson;” and one enthi= individual bad even gone so far as to boistero. ly slap him on the back and wish bim a net fa" of sinners at the first sweep of his seine. In addition the men all wore rough clothin and big hats, clanked jingling spurs and sporte miniature cannon which they affectionately called ‘‘ guns,” In short, they were of the cow- boy variety, as was to be expected of the in- habitants of a cattle town. Mr, Templeton shivered whenever he thought of them, notwithstanding his intense desire to do them good. And now, as he lay awake at this extremely late bour and hearkened to that ominous thundering at the door, an icicle of the most frigid variety crept slowly from his head to his heels, His first inclination “as to remain quietly in bed and ignore the knocking; but when it became louder and more imperative, and he began to fear the door would be broken in, he bastily dressed and crept fearfully down-stairs, **Don’t be violent, please,” he pleaded, in chattering tones, ‘‘ Just one minute,” With tais he applied a key and swung open the door, carefully screening himself behind it to avoid any chance bullets. To his astonishment, instead of the rough mob be anticipated, he beheld a lady and gentleman, quietly and neatly dressed, ‘¢ T—T beg pardon!” he exclaimed, gliding from behind the door and advancing with outstretched hand, ‘Step rigbtin, Your names—ah—” ‘He was holding a lamp above bis head and its light now revealed to bim a small concourse of people further back in the darkness, These were not so prepossessing, but the invi- tation to enter bad been extended and was being accepted by the lady and gentleman. He. felt forced, therefore, to lead the way into the parlor, and arrange chairs for these unexpected guests, A half-dozen cowboys trouped after, and en- sconced themselves in the seats provided, after depositing their big, white bats carefully on the carpet. The reverend gentleman was then informed that bis visitors were Seal Shelton anc Marian Carlow; that a license bad been procured and they were candidates for matrimony; and that these cowboys had come to act as friendly wit- nesses of the ceremony, If a woman ever looks handsome in her life it is when she stands before the marriage altar by the side of the man she loves, Marian Carlow, as she seated herself to await the actions of the Rev, Mr. Templeton, was not precisely before the marriage altar, but her pulses were fluttering quite ag wildly and the roses bloomed quite as redly and sweetly on her cheeks, Atall times a hancsome woman, she was, on this occasion, surpassingly and ravishingly beautiful, Although her attire had a generally sober and somber hue, yet she was tastefully dressed,. The black ruche that encircled her throat gave to the skin an ivory whiteness by contrast. ‘Her eyes shone like stars, Seal Shelton, as he sat down beside her and bent on ber an affectionate glance, was more wildly and madly in love with her than ever, They felt they had abundant reasons for taking this sudden step. Seal had passionately urged it since the moment he had secured her promise to be his wife. She was alone in the world since the death of her reputed father, Jim Carlow, Not only that: one of the shrewdest detectives in tbe Southwest, Kent Kirby, the High Kicker from Killbuck, believed her guilty of the murder and was industriously working to secure proofs against ber, Shelton’s cheeks flamed and his heart grew hot with indignation whenever he thought of this, He mentally denounced Kirby as a crazy old ‘fool, whom it was flattery to calla gentle- man, Kirby’s theory of the murder had reared an almost impassable barrier between him and his former friend and ally. Shelton bad almost grown to bate him, ‘Because of the ¢hain of circumstantia] evidence, Kirby would ruin the life and ferever blacken the name of this true- hearted woman. ’ This was the way Seal Shelton thought about it, and he waxed nore and more furious os the — days wert by. He'told himself he would never forgive Kirby for bis persecution of Marian Carlow; forgetful of the fact that Kirby had whispered hia belief to no one else, and instead of pursuing the clews furnished by the articles — found in the old well, was devoting bis entire — time and energy to the work of unearthing th counterfeiters, sal It is scarcely necessary to say that in all this: Seal Shelton bitterly wronged his old-time — % ive ; : i Fi" H "i y faucet a iat tesla nf eae & wbgit SEMEN FB ae I ee 20 PER friend. But wben a man is desperately in love nt xy
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; { | a he becomes an unreasonable creature. Sus- picions and evidences light as thistle-down are magnified until they change into storm-clouds that shadow the whole sky. Shelton had practically abandoned the work which had brought him to Rogue River Ranch. Just then, winning a wife was better than winning fortune and renown; better even than doing one’s duty. In urging Marian to an immediate marriage he had pointed out to her her need of a protector; her need of some one who would have authority to stand upin ber behalf and fight down the black calumnies that were likely to be heaped on her devoted head, As Ler lover he could not well do this; but as her husband he could enter the lists for the purpose of opposing any and all who might array themselves against her, His arguments and pleadings had won the day. Doubtless her own inclinations assisted the favorable decision; for she was as ardently attached to Seal Shelton as was he to her. Of course Seal was not tbe man hurled from the clitt by Tom Conner. He had departed from Rogue River Ranch the night before, be- cause of a warning brought him by Marian to whom it had been secretly conveyed by one of the cowboys. Before leaving the ranch he had arranged with his sweetheart to meet him the next day at the residence of a friend, from whence it was <— they should proceed to Piebald on the following night and be secretly married. This frieud and his cowboys were now the witnesses squatted in the minister’s little parlor, and awaiting with eager impatience the Rev. Templeton’s nervous movements, When the reverend gentleman had assured him- self that all things were regular and legal, he re- quested the candidates for matrimony to stand before him; and was proceeding with bis usual brief lecture on the responsibilities and duties of the marriage relation, when there came a sudden and unwelcome interruption, A quick step was heard in the hallway, the door was thrown open and a woman obtruded her presence on the company. Her dress was disordered, her eyes flashing and flery, and her eninde one of intense and uncontrollable excite- men “Beware what you are doing!” she shrieked, leveling her bony fore-finger at the expectant pair, ‘* You will call down curses and ruin on our heads, Take the warning of one who nows Pa better than you know yourselves! “And you!—and you!” singling out Marian. “Think of the fate of vim Carlow! Think of the fate of Jim Carlow!” This ended in a wail that was 80 startling that every inmate of the room shivered, As she uttered the last word she backed through the doorway and fled swiftly out into the darkness, The parlor was instantly a scene of confusion, The ranchman and his cowboys started to their feet with looks of bewilderment, fear.and dis- may. The Rev. Mr, Templeton seemed tem- i a paralyzed, As for Marian Carlow, her over-wrought nerves could not endure the strain, and she sunk back into the arms of her would-be hus- band in a white and deathlike swoon. One of the cowboys, more thoughful than his fellows, ran to fetch some water; while the others, led by the ranchman, trooped out into the ball and into the gloom of the night to learn if ible,more of the strange creature who had created such a sensation, She was not to be seen, Search and pursuit were alike useless; and as no one knew her the could only speculate vainly as to what it all meant, Seal Shelton, bending over the still, white form of the woman he adored, bitterly cursed the old hag for her intrusion; and as bitterly cursed the High-Kicker from Killbuck, He did not know why he thought so, but like a rush it came to him that Kirby had been babbling of his suspicions, and that they bad reached the ears of this intruder, He did not stop to reason that it was not at ail like Kirby to dosuch a thing, Of late he had begun to lay the blame of every mishap on the head of that long-suffering detective, The eff-ct of the water dashed freely in her face speedily restored Marian Carlow to a sense of her position and surroundings, Her lover supported her as she tremblingly arose. The cowboys re-entered the room and, except the sLacow which hung almost palpably over all, there was nothing to prevent the continuance of the interrupted ceremony , Th» minister's voice had a perceptible sbake in it and Marian visibly shivered as she listened to Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker fron Killbuck. 13 his words, Her ashy lips could scarcely formu- late the monosyllabic replies; but it was all over at last; she was the wife of Seal Shelton, and leaning heavily on the arm of her newly-made husband, she turned to quit the room, The cowboys stood respectfully and with heads uncovered until Marian and Seal had passed out. Then they followed for the purpose of tendering their assistance, CHAPTER XVII. SEAL SHELTON’S CHALLENGE. Krnr Kirpy was fumbling with a bit of writ- ing which he had recently picked up when he was interrupted and startled by an angry ex- clamation. The writing was in the penmanship of Marian Carlow, and Kirby had been poring over it long and intently, Now he thrust it in a crumpled wad into his pocket and turned to face the owner of the wrathful voice, He saw before him Seal Shelton, purple with rage, and with a hand dropped careloed y into a pocket, Kirby did not doubt that the hand held a revolver, It was the day following that of the wedding at Piebald, Seal Shelton, driven half insane by his ever- present fury, had ridden out from the little cattle-town for the purpose of a settlement with the man whom he now regarded as anensmy,. His eyes gleamed balefuliy, and the veins on his forehead were swelled almost to bursting, “IT have come over to ask you to retract your slanders against Marian,” he-began, striv- ing desperately to control himself, ‘* Bhe is my wifs, now; and I feel that I have a right to make thisdemand, ‘You will take back what That is, if you bave said, or you will fight me. you’re a man!” The blank look of amazement on the High- Kicker’s face gave way to one of imperturbable good-humor, He clasped his hands to his sides, broke into a loud guffaw, and for a moment seemed bent double in an atterapt to repress this unpardonable outburst, ‘*Haw! haw! haw! Ho! ho! ho! the last long-drawn and whistling, ‘ “Say that ag’in, younker! I can’t think that my ola years heerd aright. Take it back er fight ye! Why, dad gast ye, have ye plum fer- sook yer seven senses? I hain’t got nothin’ to take back, fer the very good reason that I hain't never breathed a word of that there bizvess to any livin’ soul but you!” “Take it back or fight me!” Seal com- manded, not in the least mollified, “I came here to get satisfaction for that and I'll haveit!” “Satisfaction be blowed!” with that same aggravating joltity. ‘‘Set down and! be sen- sible, You couldn’t hire me to fight ye, no way ye could put it. You're out uv yer head, right now, er you wouldn't think uv such a thing; an’ a feller that’s out uv his head hain't no wise responsible. I’d jes’ as soon think uv fightin’ a lunatic. Set down an’ talk sensible!” He motioned the angry man to an empty cracker-box, which was conveniently near, Seal could not have told why he obeyed, but he took the indicated seat, feeling that he was a fool for not shooting Kirby on sight, as he had half resolved to do before reaching the ranch. He still gripped the revolver with ner- vous clutch, and closely eyed the man he had learned to hate, **'You are married, eh? I "low it’s the proper thing to congratulate you, even if I didn’t receive an invite to the weddin’, ‘You've got a smartish lookin’ gal, Seal, Hyer’s to hopin’ you may trot well together in ther matermonial harness, I wish ye the best o’ luck; 1 do reely! Shake!” He had dropped his levity and now advanced with outstretched hand, Seal rather reluctantly loosened his hold of the revolver and placed bis hand icily in that of the other, eedless of this the Hy h- Kicker wrung it) with the fervid grip of a grizzly. Then he stepped slowly and carefully back- ward and seated himself with great deliberation on the block he‘had vacated, ‘“*T hain’t throwed up on the pard bizness yet, if you have,” he firmly declared, ‘ An’ in that line I'll ask you aquestion: Have you seen any- thing uv Tom Conner and Sylvy Sterlin’? Like- ly they’ve gone an’ got married Hoo-ee!” too, One seems to breathe matermony in the Rogue River | air. The last I seen uv em they was a-scuddin’ across the prairie over there, on the backs uv two uv the best bronchos, Frum the trail uv dust they left they must ’a’ felt bound to reach a. minister in a hurry.” To Shelton éhis seemed levity. * Youre avoiding the point at issue,” he re- minded, ‘* You do not take back what you said about Marian; and you refuse to fight me, I can’t shoot you like a ward, Whatam I to think of this?” The wide-mouthed smile came back to Kirby’s homely face, “That ’'m the most onreasonable critter ye ever runagainst! That I’m a white-livered,pol- troon without nerve enough to bat my eyes at thesky. That (ma A 1, first-water di’mund uv a fraud! Anything that you please. I’ve had hard words slung at me till my eperdermis is thicker’n a bull’s hide, You kin fergit that ’m yer pard an’ that we come to Rogue River on the same mission, if you want to. I’m the High- Kicker, but 1 hain’t a-goin’ to kick at anythirg you may do; not while you're off yer head as you be now, Come tome when you git the fire out uv yer blood!” ; It was plainly impossible to fight or quarrel with thisman, ‘There is an old saying to the ef- wr gaa two are necessary for anything of that kind, Shelton sarcastically said as much, ‘* Right yeair, my boy. I won’t fight ye ner 1 won’t quarrel. It wouldn’t settle the rights er wrongs uv anything fer us to stand up and bang away at each other with revolvers, Besides, I’ve got work to do and can’t afford to be shot jist yit, An’ they hain’t no use riskio’ makin’ a wid- der out’n that new wife,” Marian had been in his thoughts when Seal put in an appearance; and even now the words of the writing ran swiftly through his mind, However, he dared not show tbe paper to Sea), It was evidently a leaf from Marian’s diary,. and this is what it contained: “Date Father and I quarreled this morn- ing. Itis not the first time.’ He is becoming ver cruelto me. He threatens to disinherit me:and this ofter so long treating me as hischild. It makes me desperate, I can’t endure the disgrace of being thus. cast off. I must prevent it.” Although Kirby bad been assured by Conner that Seal Shelton was not hurled from the cliff, he had not been wholly atle to believe this state- ment of Conner’s; and therefore, had been con- siderably astonished as well as pleased when he beheld Seal alive and well. eve~ though the lat- ter was threatening him. He now spoke to Seal of what he had seen on the cliff, Seal could throw no light on the subject; and the mystery seeming impenetrable Kirby turned from it to the counterfeiters, “There hain’t a soul but me on the ranch: aside frum yerself, of course, If you'll follow me into the old mine, and fergit yer mad a little while, l’ll show ye something wu’th lookin’ at.” Shelton was at first ‘undecided whether to or not to accept this invitation, but after a few aeeot he reluctantly followed Kirby to the mine, A careful survey of the surrounding countr was made before descending into its dar depths, for the place was likely to prove a bad trap should any of the band return while they were in there, ane descent and the examination were quickly made, Kirby had ventured into the mine once before: during the absence of the counterfeiters, and had been fortunate enough to discover their tools and dies, together with several finely exe- cuted engravings of bills and a quantity of the spurious money, He had not touched anything; and he now simply pointed out to Seal these evidences of the guilt of the band, hen they had returned to the upper world he showed Seal the roster he had made; and then explained to him his plans to surprise and cap- ture the counterfeiters that night. This evidence of his Spe will and continued affection won so strongly on the recently irate man that he placed the challenge in abeyance, and agreed to assist the High-Kicker to the ex- tent of his ability. “TI knowed you had the right stuff in ye, and that it ’u’d come to the surface as soonas the fire went out of your heac ” With this, he affectionate] Seal’s shoulder to more conciliation. laid a hand on ectly effect the re- CHAPTER XVIII. RAKING IN THE ROGUES, Out from the gloomy shadows of the cotton- wood grove into the shadows of the plain, that
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oe eee ‘the mine, 14 ‘were almost equally as black, a dozen or more men crept with the stealthy movements of cats. They were an armed posse under the com- mand of Cash Colton, and guided by Kent Kirby and Seal Shelton. It was the night following the day which wit- nessed Shelton’s wrathful outburst against bis detective pard, Shelton had sent word to his wife of what it was hoped might be accomplished that night, giving it as a‘reason for not immediately return- ing to her, as he had promised and greatly de- sired to do, ; The same messenger had carried a request to Cash Colton from the High-Kicker; and had roe- turned with the information that Tom Conner and Sylvia Sterling had ridden into Piebald that morning, and that Conner had been placed under arrest. The half-crazed Sylvia had taken the first train for the Kast, vowing to forever shake from her feet the dust of the Rogue River region, Sylvia had proven herself a very foolish and a very weak-headed girl. Shelton still believed in her guilt, Whether guilty or not she had permitted an insane jealousy to drive her to the verge of suicide and madness, to say nothing of her questionable semi-compact with Tom Con- ner; and now, with the memory of theso things lashing her, she was foolishly flying from her own conscience, In such a race one can never hopes to be a winuer, ent Kirby uttered a warning hiss, and the men flattened themselves and remained motion- less in the swaying grass, A footstep bad been heard in the direction of “ho rogues bad been gathering’ for some time, and Kirby bad thought all were col- lected in the cavern-ijike room, far below, A moment served to show that the man was not entering the mine, but had come ont of it. He advanced in the direction of the cotton woods. Perhaps he was a guard or a spy, whose suspi- cions had been aroused by some unusual sound or rustle, Tbe unknown came close up to the prostrate men, peered toward the cottonwoods; then as silently retraced his way, disappearing finally in the gloom about the shaft. There was something so singular and sugges- tive in this that Kirby whispered a few words to Colton, and then writhed away along the fellow’s trail. He had instructed Colton to advance his men slowly and with all cantion, and form themin a cordon around the shaft of the mine, This was to prevent the escape of any of the counterfeiters, should such an attempt be made. For himself, he slipped to the well-like mouth and stared down into the gloom where the in- quisitive guard bad disappeared, He had heard a shaking of the old ladder and knew the guard thad descended. | With a courage bordering on recklessness he let himself carefully over tho rockyrim, He re- alized how perilous was the act, The guard, spy, or whatever the man was, might be standing in waiting below; in which event there was a like- jihood that the foolbardy High-Kicker would get ’ the benefit of a bullet. Fortune favors the brave, and sometimes the reckless, That night the blind goddess seemed in a kindly mood, Kindly, at least, toward Kent Kirby. Without mishap hereached the bottom of the shaft; and, finding it deserted, crept into the drift which led toward the large excavation. At tke elbow bend of the drift the dimly burn- ing light came into view. 1t proceeded from the same oily, dirty lamp; and about the table the members of the band were grouped. Onthe table were great heaps of coin and bank bills. These were being counted and laid into smaller piles. A. division of the swag was evidently in progress, Kirby hitched a lietle nearer and wedged bim- Self partly iuto the niche that bad previously given him shelter, Another of the rogues might descend from above, and this was a more secure place than the open passage, The words which fell from the lips of the counterfeiters quickly told him that the arrest of Tom Conner had become known to them, In what manner was not revealed, But they were frightened because of it and had gathered - there for the purpose of a division of their ill- gotten gains, “‘ Jist in the nick uv time,” Kirby whispered, breathing very hard from bis recent exertions. “**’T was to-night er never!” The rascals were planning to scatter on leav- ing the place, and to forever abandon the old scene of their operations, Another night and i ee — EEE S NC ee ae ee ee a ten tow ee oa Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. Cash Coilton’s men would have raided only an Seal from the ranch, stating thas he meant Tog empty nest, Kirby retained his prostrate attitude for some time and uctil he felt that the time for action had arrived. Then he put out his foot and purposely dislodged a piece of rock from the wall of the drift. ‘* What was that?” Shorty, the drunken cowboy whose timely coming had so signally aided Kirby on his previous visit to the cave, faced about and startledly asked the question, At this the High-Kicker scrambled to bis feet, making an unnecessary amount of noise in so doing, and slipped around the protecting elbow of rock, ** After him!” he heard, in a whispered cho- rus. Then there was a patter of feet as the excited rogues hurried peli-mell into the drift, The lamp was extinguished whether purpcsely or not Kirby could not say, Now that he had the rascals in full cry after him he ran with all speed for the bottom of the shaft, realizing that if his movements were not of the speediest he was likely to be stopped by a bullet, He reached the ladder and scrambled up it with precipitate baste, and succeeded in gaining the top and hurling himself out into the weeds before his pursuers reached the bottom of the ladder, From their excited exclamations he knew they beld to the belief that the intruder was Seal Shelton; and it will be remembered that that was what they thought when Kirby pene- trated into the drift the first time, They were wild with rage, and determined to slay Shelton if they could lay their hands on him, notwithstanding that they expected to abandon the place immediately. They felt that ps had seen and heard too much for their safoty. As the High-Kicker scrambled out of the weeds and darted away from the mouth of the mine, he cast a quick glance around bim, The shadows were dense, but he was sure that all the dark objects on which his gaze fell were not shadows. Many of them were men, and represented the silent cordon which Cash Colton had thrown about the place. That the pursuing band might not take the alarm, or dream of the trap laid for them, he sped straight away in the direction of the horse- corral, The rascals poured over the rim of the shaftin hot haste, filling the air with deep and low- voiced curses and starting in instant pursuit. They had no sooner left the mouth of the shaft than they were made aware of the fowler’s net into which they were running, Colton’s men arose in a menacing circle, from which came the click! click! of rifle-locks and the stern com- mand to surrender. They stopped and huddled together in a frightened mob, The cordon cl with swift- ness and precision, and again the ominous com- mand rung out on the night-air. Several of the entrapped villains fired their weapons wildly and made a blind dash for liber- ty. Others threw up their hands and sullenly awaited their fate, The scene which ensued beffles description, There were shouts and yells, mingled with cries of pain. Clubs and guns were freely used. Several members of the posse fell back sorely hit. A few of the counterfeiters who refused to obey the command escaped by desperate dodging and running. ; But it was all over within five minutes, and the rascals of Rogue River Ranch had been rak- ed in by the nervy sheriff, CHAPTER XIX, A STARTLING EXPERIENCE, WHILE these lively events were in progress, others quite as exciting were occurring at Pie- a . Mrs, Shelton had found kind and sympathetic frieuds in the little town, They had been well acquainted with Jim Carlow, and gave her wel- come on his account, They had never dreamed that Carlow was the real head of the desperate band of counterfeiters who, it was said, had a haunt in the vicinity; and the information pos- sessed by Kirby on this point had not yet been made public. However, had these people known everything it would not have changed them in their attitude toward Marian. She intended to return to the ranch in a few days and resume her residence there with Seal. But she did not desire to do so while Sylvia re- ned, She was nct pleased with the note sent her by eee ere Spe epee eneeemeenerintienisesiaenaae ae Se remain there with Kirby for the purpose of cap- turing some thieves, Seal had not in all things taken her into his confidence. For one thing, ho had never ven- tured to bint his dark suspicions against Jim Carlow, altnough the had told bim Carlow was not her father, ; She was not naturally of a timid disposition. Still, when she retired that night, she carefully locked the door of her room, She had not wholly recovered from the ner- yous fright which the startling interruption to the wedding ceremony had given her, The old hag’s screaming words, uttered so dramatically and warningly, had had a depressing effect, which the garish light of the full day had not been sufficient to entirely dissipate. She was not superstitious and therefore put no credence in the old woman’s words. Nevertheless, when- ever they recurred to her they filled her with creepy and shaky sensations. She had scarcely fallen asleep, to dream of Seal, when she was aroused by the sound of cat- like footsteps. They were within the room, and seemed to emerge from a dark corner which held a seldom- used closet! She had not thought to examine this closet before retiring; and now as she listened, pant- ingly, to the low, shuffling tread, she felt sure some one had been concealed in this closet at the time she entered the room, Sho strove to cry out in her fright, but the words choked her, She essayed to clamber from the bed and rush wildly for the cormdor beyond the locked door, but her paralyzed limbs refused to do her bidding, ‘* Who is there?” she at length managed to ask, in a strained, unnatural voice. There was no reply, only the steady, horrible advance of those shuffling feet. A sickening sense of fear made her faint and iddy. en Who are you?” she again whispered, her words thrilling through the little room with a peculiar hissing vibration, For answer the unknown creature, whether human or ogreish she could not tell, sprung furiously at the bed. Then her tongue was unloosed, and a wild scream rung sbrilly through the house, “Take that!” came the words, in the voice of the woman who had intruded on the wedding. ‘*T warned you to beware of the fate of Jim Cerlow! You thought I was babbling nonsense. Take that! And that!” She uplifted a knife and struck savagely at Marian. The latter, after having uttered that piercing scream, had cowered beneath the bed- clothing and drawn it about her head for rotection, It now served as a shield of de- ‘ense, The weapon was only a dull case-knife pur- loined from the pantry below, and made no im- pression on the thick coverings, Seeing this the crazed woman strove with her skinny fingers to draw the coverings away. Marian resisted with all her might, retaining her grasp with the fierceness of desperation, and sending up one startled scream after an- other. Tbe household was being aroused, Excited voices could be even heard in the street, inquir- ing what it all meant. et, heedless of all this, the hag continued t> lunge with the knife, and fight with the fury of a demon, ‘*T warned you to beware of the fate of Jim Carlow!” she kept repeating, interjecting the sentences between the blows, ‘‘Ihate you! I hate you, You. disobeyed me last night, and you shall suffer for it! Do you hear? you shall suffer for it!” She seemed preternaturally strong, and, in spite of Marian’s frantic efforts, succeeded in withdrawing the shield, and was making lunges at the young woman’s body, when the door of the room was burled open and the startled in- mates of the house appeared, One of them bore a lamp, and as soon as its rays revealed something of what was occurring, the man of the house, who had broken in the door with his broad shoulder, flung bimself on the infuriated hag, [t required a fierce combat and the exercise of all his strength to wrest from her the Enife, and force her into subjection, The sounds of the struggle, together with the cries of the scared women, drew several men from the street; and these now lent their assist- auce in binding her. Disarmed and helpless she was borne fighting from the room,
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Marian was in a hysterical state, and the women were scarcely equal to the task of sooth- ing and quieting ber. f Seated on the floor of one of the lower rooms the withered and vindictive crone glared around on her captors, with the fierce looks of a snared bawk, ** You think you have saved her, but you have not!” she snapped, bringing her teeth together like theclick of a beak, ‘* Nothing can save ber from me; for I hateher. I hate her! I hate ber!” ** Ho, ho!” exclaimed one of the men, who had been eying hercuriously, ‘'I guess you are old Meg Carlow?” ‘* What is it to you who I am?” She seemed somewhat taken aback, “Pf reckon you’re old Mog!” he avowed, wag- ging his bead sagely, ‘1 seen you once, ten or tiftesn years ago; an’ you were a good deal handsomer than you are now, You an’ Carlow lived up on the Roaring Fork, then, an’ I went up there tosee him about somo cattle. But, I thought you were dead long ago. Carlow give it out that way,” *veas gooda right toliveas my betters,” she snarled, sulkily, ‘* Mebbe Tam Meg Carlow, An’ then mebbe I ain’t, It’s an honest name, ain’t it?” ‘* What'd you want to kill her for?” another inquired, jerking his thumb toward the ceiling. “* Because she was Jim Carlow’s pet! Bah! as if Jim Carlow could ever care for anything but his cattle and his money! I hated him and I hate her. Carlow deserted me, an’ then report- ed that I was dead, That’s the kind of a man Jit Carlow was!” This recollection brought from her such a tirade of vituperation aod general abuse of the human race that if was unbearable; and one of the officers of the town, having made his | appearance, the distracted and raving old wo- man was given into his charge for safe keeping, CHAPTER XX, CONCLUSION. SEAL SHELTON drew in his pony with a ner- vous ll He was riding, with Colton and Kent Kirby, at the head of the victorious party on the return journey from Rogue River Ranch, The red streakings of early dawn were be- ginning to tinge the eastern sky, but it was not this that caused him to rein in so quickly and stare 80 hard at the reddish bands,, Theve was adash of a deeper, angrier hue. A fiery prong had been suddenly thrust upward against the low line of the brightening horizon. It was in the direction of Piebald, which was now scarcely more than a half-mile away. The entire party came to a halt. ** One of the buildings is on fire,” Colton ex- claimed, in an anxious voice, The statement brought a feeling of hope to the closely guarded prisoners. In the excite- ment incident to a fire some loophole of escape might present. owever, Colton was never a man to take needless chances. He ordered redoubled vigi- lance on the part of the guards, and then com- manded a rapid advance, The little cavalcade flew over the prairie at an exceedingly lively pace, and in a few-minutes the town was reached, Throughout this short ride Seal Shelton had grown every Moment more and more uneasy. As he turned into the main street his worst fears were confirmed, The house in which he had left Marian was the one which was burning! A few startled people were gathering in the streets, shouting “fire” to arouse their neigh- bors, The flames were making alarming head- way. Ho could not doubt they were of incendiary origin, for they were shooting up from half a dozen diferent points, With a chill clutching at his heart, and for- getful of the prisoners whom it wag his duty to assist in guarding, he raced his broncho madly up the street. Then for the first time’ he became aware that a tattered and maniacal woman was dancing frenziedly about in the yard, Until that mo- ment she had been silent. Now she raised her voice shrilly. Evidently she recognized him, ** You are too late! Too late!” she screamed, waving her arms like ragged banners, ‘* You shall never see her alive, She will burn! Burn! I killed Jim Carlow, and I shall complete my revenge by killing her, Ha, ha, ha! See him rave! He bad thrown himself from the saddle in a very agony of fear. ; Almost at the same moment a number of heads were thrust from the upper windows of ee PON RE © 5 va a Maen RIAL: Benet Es eR PS 4, Wilt TS as eee se Withee. bt pi EAS 5 IE Tics earall Math! Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck. 15 the building, Her screams had aroused the frightened inmates, who, until then, had been | sleeping in blissful ignorance of the insidious advances of the fire. Meg Carlow had been placed in the jail of the town, in a cell adjoining that of Tom Conner, As soon as her eyes fell on bim—the partitions were of iron lattice-work—sie threw herself against the bars in a savage effort to reach him, Connor retreated in considerable terror, as she glared at him with a gaze that seemed to burn, ‘* Take her away!” he pleaded, me, if you don’t! I know who she is, She is the woman that tried to kill me on the Rogue River Cliff. She was dressed as a man, then,” The terrible struggle on the cliff was of such recent occurrence, and the featrres of his as- sailant bad been so firmly impressed on him, that he could not fail to recognize her how, even though the garb was altered,” Her presence startled and bewildered him, It was like the appearance of one rising from the dead, How had she escaped death in the river? The wild current had also favored her by flinging | her into a granite-locked nook, from whence she | had been able to draw herself into the security of the bushes that bordered it;and there she had lain in concealment until Kirby ceased his search of the shores, Meg Carlow’s manifestations of hate were now so deadly that sbe was removed to another part of the prison; and from this point she man- aged to make her escape a few honrs later, Long brooding over the wrongs inflicted by Jim Carlow had made of ber an irresponsible and raving maniac. She had slain Carlow, and was resolved to have the life of every one sup- posedby her to be his favorite, Hence, her attack on the foreman, whom she had reason to think Carlow’s trusted lieutenant; and ber later at- tempts to kill Marian, But to return from this digression to the fire! As Seal Shelton rushed toward the nearest doorway, she threw herself across his path and endeavored to stop him. A crowd was rapidly gathering, and ladders were being brought for the purpose of reaching the upper windows, It was already plain that any efforts to save the building were useless, Shelton hurled the infuriated woman aside, and with a heavy kick broke in the door, Then he bounded through the gathering smoke, up the stairway to Marian’s room, She had been aroused by the outeries, and had arisen and dressed as soon she knew the house was on fire, and was now advancing tremblingly into the corridor, She greeted Seal with exclamations of deliri- ous delight, In return he gave her a hurried embrace and kiss; then, lifting her in his strong arms, he dashed for the stairway, up which the choking smoke was swirling in a dense spiral, He had scarcely set foot on the upper steps when a flash of red flame leaped into the room below, and the ominous hiss and roar of the fire told that is had eaten through the thin partition and was threatening to bar their progress, Hoe was about to turn back and seek an exit by way of one of the windows, but a glance across the corridor showed the way was blocked in that direction, : A Babel of sounds and cries reached them from the outside, and the thumping of ladders against the hot walls told of the efforts that were being put forth to rescue tho imperiled people, With a fierce determination Seal turned again to the stairway and leaped down it with his half-fainting burden, The fl me; had crept over the floorand were writ! ng in fantastic shapes directly across the path he was compelled to roe t the foot of the stairs he caught up a mat from the floor, twisted it about their heads, and then rushed unflinchingly into the flames. A prolonged cheer greeted their appearance. They were safe from the fire, having escaped with only a few slicht burns. Meg Carlow had been again seized and re- taken to the prison. There sho was visited a few hours later by the sheriff, together with Shelton and Kirby. Tho visit was made in pur- suit of information, The old woman was as fiery-eyed and vin- dictive as ever; and now that she saw no occa- sion for further secretiveness, exhibited an in- sane delight in recounting her bloodthirsty deeds. In her successful assault on Jim Carlow she had shown all the craft and cunning of which maniacs are frequently possessed. She had gone to the ranch for the express purpose of murder- Aiud i fe Aa 1 mt th Ns Os ag “She will kill | Vv | ing him, Creeping catlike up to the door of the ranch-house, she found him alope, There was no one else on the place. She knew Carlow to be wide awake and | quick-fiagered, and so sho stole up the back | stairway to awaita favorable opportunity, In | the rooms above she found the dagger, and her eyes alighting on some of Marian’s apparel, she | conceived the idea of wearing the shoes, She thought to thus strike a double blow. It would be a victory indeed to slay Carlow and have the murder charged against Marian, | When she finally crept down-stairs, she found that Carlow had fallen asleep on the floor; and while in this helpless attitude she plunged the dagger to his beart, Then she retraced her way up-stairs, placed Carlow’s money under what she thought Marian’s pillow, left the | building by the way she bad entered if, tossed | the bloody shoes and knife into the mouth of the old well, and glided from the place as silently as she had come, The ‘ill-treatment which visiting on Marian, together with the resulting quarrels, and the hasty and iaconsiderate words and entries in tne diary, really seemed to make out so black a case that Kont Kirby was fully | justified in his conclusions, The indications pointing to Sylvia Sterling as the murderess were equally misleading and un- trustworthy. She bad erred and been very fool- ish, and for this she was doomed to suffer in bit- ter and repentant tears; but she had never held aught against Jim Carlow. The money given by her to Tom Conner had been honestly obtain ed from the sale of a few cattle which a friend had saved to her from the wreck of her father’s fortune. It was perhaps not his fault that he | | | | had been imposed on and had taken a few coun- terfeit bills in payment, As for the bill with | Carlow had been the ominous stain of blvod, it had been turned over in payment by a butcher, and the stain of bloody fingers evidenced nothing worse than the slaying of a steer, Sylvia has long since regained her usual elasticity of spirits, has recognized and confess- ed the errors which were the outgrowth of a half-crazed brain, and is now the bappy and contented wife of a prosperous ranchman of the Yellowstone, Meg Carlow was given aK od medical atten- tion, and her reason was finally restored. But, her heart.and her life had been blasted; and ber death, when it came, was not unwelcome to ber, Seal Shelton and his handsome wife baye made the Rogue River Ranch their home, Seal feels that his faithin Marian bas been amply vindi- cated by time; and truly it has, for no worthier or at ek couple reside within the boundaries of the Centennial State, Tom Conner and his associates of the Roster of Rogues, are ‘ doing time” in’the Penitentiary at Canyon City; and are having abundant op- portunity to learn the old and bitter lesson that ‘the way of the transgressor is hard, As for Kent Kitby, the blatant, the wide- mouthed, the irrepressible High-Kicker from Killbuck, he is still at his old tricks; and among detectives is accounted one of the shrewdest and most successful in the West, He has, however, learned one lesson: and that is, that circum- stantial evidence cannot always be relied on, He acknowledged this freely in the case of Marian Carlow; and among all their friends noneare accorded a more cordial welcome at Rogue River Ranch than Kent Kirby, the great detective, THE END, Beatle's Half-Dime Library. BY LIEUT. A, K. SIMS. 5646 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock, The Dandy of Dodge, The Silver Sport. its ipl at pats ae Shadow O80 Tom-Cat an¢ ardg or, The Dead Set at j 601 Happy Mana, the Dutch Vidoeg. Bilvee: ONY 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Bixttles. 622 Texas Tom-Cat’s Triad 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task, oe Tom-Oat’s Triumph; or. Black Dan’s Great Combine. i. 5S 576 Cowboy Gidy the Cattle-Ranga Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jereminhy the Plains Detective, 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout. G89 Billy, the Gypsy Spy. 699 Staple Sim, the Rroncho Buster, T12 The Meamerist Sport; or, The Mystifled Detective. } 8 Toltee Tom, the’Mad Prospector, % Kansas Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, The Rustler of Rolling Stone. Lone Mand Jee, the Committee of One. A New Iasue Every Tuesday. eieiricic?s The Half.Dime Li is for sale by all nowsdealers, five ents per copy, or cent by rere wscowbhos pi pfs po ' BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publishers, — 98 William Street, ow York | * bu : } fT x uy 4 " " > 7 ur, en eave 4 lark: ne ate be axe aa at Pe are uy aaa ORBAN EN
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oats = BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novels 2 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. £20 Deadwood Dick’s Defianec; or, Double Daggers. ae peadwoed ute - Diagulees ot, Buffaly Ben 185 Deadwoo ek in » Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; or, The «antom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omaha Oll. 67 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck or, Calamity 2 snc, the Heroine, 1 5 ripper piek's rent rea or, Corduroy Charlie. 0 end wooed ck in Leadville, ae ag ltd tbe my ice; _ Che Double Cross Sign. endwoo ek aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Rond. 201 Deadwood Dick's Wards or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 205 Deadweoed Dick’s Doomy or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure, Dick’s Dead Deal. Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tougha, see eee at dp pivide Me he Spirit of Swamp Lake. endwood ck’s Denth Trall. 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deals; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. oo. nag ji Tee Renkanced | or, The Terrible Veadetta, % eandwoo ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Diamonds, Deadwood Dick in New York} or, A “Cute Case,” ret Rosdwoed see's Prats or, The Chained Hand. eadwoo ek, Jr. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Definnee. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Full Hand, 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Bir Round-Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, pits pesarces picks ore Serres of pean Bill. z endwood cx, Jr.’a, Dog Detective, Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Deadwood, pena ens Jr.’s, Pompact. ead woo nheritanee, 500 Deadwooa Picks drs, Diggings. 50S Deadwood Bick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 615 Deadwood Protegee. 622 Deatwood Dick. Jr.'s, Three. 629 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducka, 544 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’a, Death Hunt. 5839 Deadwood Dick, dr., tn Texas, 644 sag tbe Xo ores the vat ts A ecndwoo ek, Jr., on His Mettle, 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Gotham, Deadwood Dick, dr., in Boston, 67 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadetphia. 572 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago, 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. HS4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Decree, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Beelzebub’w Basin, 600 Dendwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Dendwood Dick, dra, Leadville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati. 624 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Nevada, 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man’s Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Buffalo. oon endwoed mene > la Sheet Aoroas she Leustnand 5 endwoot ck, Jr., Among the Smugglers. 660 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Losurance Case 666 Deadwood Dick; Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., (n Durango; or, * Gathered In.” ose pesawooe wees ay Riscovery} or, Found « Fortune, . eadwood ck, dr.’a. Dazzie. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. 704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. Deadwood Dick, Jr., In San Franclaco. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Still Hunt, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deathwatch. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Doublet. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait, Denadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s) Deteat. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Days, 217 Deadwood PMeleIeloeleIeieedrieje} SUN RON SOPDENSH TOS Geir’ ee BY J. ©. COWDRIOK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’s Boodle 586 Broadway Billy’s * Dimkilty.” 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. re $4 qresewey pats a ry ai bee Inning, roadway y’s Dead Act. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad, z roadway y’s Best; or, Beating San Francisco's Fines' Sar ir ¢ ain : in cl 1 diy Bivens ah 5 ey rondway y In Clover, 696 Broadway Billy in_Texas. 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand, 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe, 720 Broadway Billy’s Full Hand. 785 Broadway Billy’s Business, 788 Rroadway Billy’s Curious Case, 758 Broadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Biily’s Bargain. Broadway Billy, the Retricver Detective, 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles. Other Novela by J. OC. Cowdrick, 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. c B69 Shasta, the Gold King; or, For Seven Yoars Dead, 420 Thc Detective’s Apprentice or, A Boy Without a Name. 424 Cibuta Johny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bay, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Diaco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 mectiane Ralph the Prince of the Road, 524 The Engineer Detective. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective, 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer, 592 The Boy Pinkerton. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained 640 Bareback Beth, th. Centaur of the Circle, 647 pF hed haloes Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, 659 Moonlight Morgan, the *‘ Pizenest ’ Man of Ante Bar, - f Other Novels by E. L. Wheeler. 26 Cloven Toof, the Buffalo Demon. 82 Bob Woollt’; or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 45 Old Avalanche; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 53 Jhn Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 69 Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter; or, The Boy Detective, 80 Rosebud Robs or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Idyl, the Girl Miner} or, Rosebud Rob on Hand, 88 Phetograph Phil; or, Rosebud Rob’s Reappearance, 92 Canada Chet ¢ or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 96 Watch-Eye3 or, Arabs und Angels of a Great City 118 Jack Moyle _ the Young Speculator. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 121 Cinnamon Chip, the Girl Sport, > Bonanza Bill, Miner. 8 Bose Bob the King of Bootblacks, Solid Sum, the Boy Road-Agent. & Ouptain Ferret, the New York Detectivo. New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, Nobby Nick of Nevada yj or, The Sierres .scamps, Wild Frank, the Buckskin Bravo, » Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective. Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter, Detective, © o 41 rt Gt a4 81 OY 18 26 Bnoozer, the Boy Sharp; or, The Ara 86 Apollo Bill, tho Trail Tornado. 40 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladintur 44 Sicrra Sam, the Frontier Ferret. 248 Sierra Sam’s Secret; or, The Bioody Footprinta, 258 Sierra Sam’a Pard; or, The Angel ot Big Vista, 258 Sicrra Sam’s Sevens or, The Stolen Bride. 278 Jumbo Joe, the bey Patre); or, The Rival Heirs, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen, 281 Denver Doll's Victory. ZAG Denver Doll’s Decoy ¢ or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. 99 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. #08 ’Liza Jane, tbe Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 825 Kelley, Hiekey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, B80 Little Quick-Shot 3 or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville, 884 Kangaroo Kit; or,, The Myaterious Miner, 889 Kangaroe Kit’s Racket. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Blood. 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher, 868 Vreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherery or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Nabob Neds or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker} or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Bicycle Beng or. The Lion of Lightning Lode, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Wat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Benk and Pal, Private Detectives, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher. 486 Seulskin Sam, the Sparkler. BS RS RS RCS AE et et et tt et BY T. 0. MARBAUGH, 8 Nick o’ the Night}; or, The Boy Spy of 776. ? The Midden Lodges or The Little Hunter. TZ Nightingale Nats; or, Tne Forest Captains, A Dandy Jacks or, The Outlaws of the Oregon Trali, 82 Kit Harefoot the Wood-Hawk. 94 Midnight Jack 3 or, The Boy Trapper. 106 Old Froaty, the Guide; or, The White Queen, 128 Klowa Charley the White Mustanger. 189 Judge Lynch Jr.t or, The Boy Vigiante, 155 Gok Trig er, the Sport; er, The Girl Avenger. 169 Tornado Tomy 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 Captain Bullet; or, Little Topknot’s Crasade, 281 Plucky Phil; or, Rosa, the Re! Jezebel. 241 Bill Bravos; or, Tine Rougha of the Rockies. 255 Captain Apoli:, tne King-Pin of Bowle, ? The Buckskin Detective, 279 Old Winch 3 or, The Buckskin Desperadoes, 294 Mynamite Danyj or, The Bowle Blade of Gochetopa. 802 The Mountain Detective; or, The Trigger Bar Bully. 816 Old Eclipse, Trump Card of Arizona, $26 The Ten Parday or, The Terror of Take-Notice. 886 Ble Benson: or, The Queen of the Lasao, 845 Pitileas M tt; or, Ked Thunderbolt’s Secret, 856 Cool Sam and Par‘; or The Terrible Six, 8E6 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, 886 Captain Cutlass ¢ or, ! he Beccaneer’s Girl Foe, 896 Rough Rob; or, The win Champions of Blue Blazes, 411 The Silken Lasso: or, Tho Rose of Ranch Robin, 418 Felix Fox, the Boy Spotter. 425 Texas Trump. the Border Rattler. 486 Phil Flash, the Now York Fox. 445 Vhe City Vampires; or, Ked Rolfe’s Pigeon, 461 One Against Fifty; or, The Last Man of Keno Bay 470 The Roy 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. 512 Dodger Dick, the Wharf-Spy Detective, 5621 Dodger Dick’s Best Dodge. 528 Fox and Faicon, the Bowery Shadows, 588 Dodger Dick, the Dock Ferret, 548 Dedger Dick’s De sble- or, The Rival Boy Detectives, 558 Dodeer Dick’s Desperate Case. 568 Dodger Dick, the Boy Vidocq, 678 The Two Shadows. 582 Dodger Dick’s Drop. 694 Little Lon, the Street-Singer Detective. 610 Old Skinner, the Gold Shark ©. Tony Sharp on Guard, 626 The Champion Par’-. 68F Dick Doan, the Dock Boy Detective, 645 Kit, the Pavement Sharp. 658 Billy Bantam, the Boy Beag) 671 Jersey Jed, the Boy Huatler, or, Shadowing the Shadowen 685 Happy Hugh; the Boy Musician Detective, 701 Phetograph Fred, the Camera Sharp. 715 Wide Awake Len, the Quaker City Ferret, 782 Daisy Dell, the Pavement Detective; or, Trapping Big Game, 742 Billy Winka, the Bell Boy Detective, 754 Billy Winks, the Boss Boy Shadow, 768 Eagle Ned, the Boy on Guard. 780 Tonkaway Tom, the Red Wizard, BY BUFFALO BILL (ion. Wm. F. Oody) 8 Kanaae King; or, The Red Righ Hand, 19 ‘fhe Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie, 55 Deadly-Eye, th Unknown Scont, 68 Border Robin Hoedy; or, Th Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper» Tras, BEADLE'S« H ALF- DIME« 7 IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents. No Double Numbers. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, ? The Flying Yankee} or, The Ocean Outcast, 17 Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccan;er; or, The Fugitive Yacht. 24 Diamond Dirk 3 or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone, 62 The Shadow Ship; or, ‘The Rival Lieutenants. 5 The Boy Duelist; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf, 02 Dick Dead-Eye, the Boy Smuggier. 11 The Sea-Devil ; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy, 16 The Hussar Captain: or, ‘Phe Hermit of Hell Gate, U7 Little Grit, the Wild Rider; or, The Stock-Tender’s Daughtee, 204 Buffalo Bil, the Pony Express Rider. 216 Bison BIL, the Prince of the Reins; or, Buffalo Bil’s Pluck, 222 Grit, the Bravo Sport; or, The Woman Trailer 229 Orimson Kate, the Girl Tritier, 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain; or, The Mysterious Ranchero 245 Merle, the Middy 3 or, The Heir of an Ocvan Freelance. 250 The Midah{pman M utineer ¢j or, Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 The Floating Feather; or, Merle Monte’s Treasure, 269 The Gold Ship; or, Merle, the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruixe; or, “The Gold Ship” Chase. 280 Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirate’s Pride. 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge; or, The Sea Murauder, 2M7 Billy Blue-Eyes, the Boy Rover. 804 The Dead 8. ot Dandy ; or, Benito, the Boy Bugler, 808 Dead Shot Dandy’s Double. 814 The Mysterious Marauder}; or, The Boy Bugler’s Trail, B77 Bonodel, the Boy Rover; or, The Flugless Schooner. 888 "Phe Indian Pilot; or, The Search for Pirate Island. 887 Warpath WII, the Triitor Guide; or, The Boy Phantom, 898 Seawalf, the Boy Lieutenant; or, The Red Clasped Hands, 402 Isudor, the Young Consplrator; or, The Fatal League. 407 The Boy Insurgents; or, The Cuban Vendetta, 412 The Wilt Vachtamany or, The War-Clous’s Crulee 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Captain Carl, tie Corsair; or, A Cabdio Boy’s Luck. 487 The Sea Ratider; or, The Hawke of the Hook. 441 The Ocenn Firefly ¢ or, A Middy’s Vengeance, 446 Waphazard Harry 3 or, The Scapegrace of the Sea, 450 Wizard Will, the Wonder Worker. 454 Wizard Wil’ Street Scouta, 462 The Born Guide}; or, The Sailor Boy Wanderer, 468 Neptune Nea, the Boy Conster. 474 Wizard WIiL’s Vagabond Pard. 488 Wizard WIIl’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 Koyal Middy ¢ or, The Shark and the Sea Cat. 507 The Hunted Mid«hipman; or, The Young Sea Ranger, 611 The Outlaw Middy; or, The Young Patriot Sea Ranger. 520 Buckskin BID, the Comanche Shadow, 5625 Brothers in Buckskin; or, The Tangled Trails In Texas, 580 The Buckski» Bowers. 685 The Buc «skin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive, 540 Captain Ku-Klux, the Marauder o1 the Rie, 545 Lieutenant Leo, the Son of Lafitte. 550 Lafitte’s Legacy: or. The Avenging Son. 555 The Creole Corsalr; or, The Golden Wings of the Gul& 560 Pawnee BIII, the Prairie Shadower. 565 Kent Kingdon, the Card King. 570 Camille, the Card Queen; or, The Skeleton Trall, 5675 The Surgeon-Scout Detective, 680 The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective. 686 The Buckskin Avenger; or, Pawnee Bill’a Pledge. 591 Delmontes the Young Sea Rover; or, The Avenging Sallor, 597 The Young Texan Detective; or, The Black Bravos, 602 The Vagabond of the Mines, 607 The Rover Detective; or, Keno Kit’s Champions, 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scouts or, The Kio Raiders, 644 Butterfly Billy’s Debut. 1 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Rider Detectives or, Buffalo Bill’s Boy Para, é 656 Butterfly Billy’s Man Hunt, 662 Buttertly Billy's Bonanza. 668 The Ruccancer Midshipman} or, The Sea Kover’s Ruse. 674 The Wiz.rd Satlor; or, Red Ralph, the Rover, 679 The Sea Shedowery; or, The Freebcoter’s Legacy. 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag; or, The Tarnished Name, 692 The Rival Sharpe; or, Redfern, the Secret Service Scout, 697 The Scarlet Sombrero; or, The Sharp froin 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, Tie Lariat Queen, 219 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowhoy Kidnapper’s Doom, 25 Daring Dick, Pawnee Bill’s Pard; or, The Red Cavalry Raid, 1 Ruth Redmond, the Girl Shadower, 7 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 8 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The Red Rivers of the Rio Grande, © Dashing Charlfe; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trail, 6 Dashing Charlie’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive. © Dashing Charile’# Pawnee Pard. 6 Dashing Charlle, the Rescuer, 2 Dick Poom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destinys 2? Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, 784 Dick Doom, the Death-Grip Detective. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES, 785 Lone Hand Joe, the Committee of One; or, The Spook Steed of the Stone poral. By Lient. A. K. Sims, 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, Th Detective Combine’s Big Pull. By J. C. Cowdrick. Y87 Deadwood Dick, Jr.» Defied; or, The Prince of Pistol Pocket, By Edward iL. Wheeler. 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Maske, By Col. Prevtias Ingraham, 28¥ Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special; or, Th: Jamboros at arly Bird Bar, By Wm. G, Patten. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade; or, The Case of the Dead Alive. By J. C. Cowdrick, 791 Kit Bandy Rattleds or, The Infant Giant. By O}) Coomes,. 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Device; or, The Tus sle with Satan. By Edward L, Wheeler. 798 Dick Doom in Chicago; or, The Ferret ot the Golder Fetters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. iy 794 Wendlight Marry’s Hunt; or, The Railroad Parada’ Lourk Run in Satan’s Camp. By Col, A. F. Holt, \ 795 Kit Hendy in Reu Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind o. the Hills. By Oli Coomes. 796 Broadway Billy’s Queer Bequest; or, Sifting the Santvoord Secret, By J. C, Cowdrick. 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.«, Desperate Ventare. By Edward L, Wheeler. +35 Pick Doom, sp mathe West, By Col. P. Ingraham. {it Bardy’s ge Ruatle. By “oomen, 800 Broadway Billy Baffled. By J.C. Cowdrick. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, By Lieut, Ay K, Sims. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Diamond Dice. By Edward jeeler, Le! PYeJoteleIoIodeded NADI woe Ready December 4. 808 Dick Doom in Washington. By Col, P. Ingraham, Ready December 1% A New Isaue Every Tuesday. The Malf- Dime Library !s for ante by all newsdealers, five tents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt ot six cents each, BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Yorks