Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 836) (1893 08 01)
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allele wmaKst, aA: TEN ey we ~, — | GaN by AR hon __Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. N.Y » Post Office. Copyrighted 1893, hy BEADLE AND ye ea eee 1, 1893, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, ‘ No. 836. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Vol. XML dine W LL LIAD. Gi PAYLEIN < — aTOhts IUGLE DEAL: ANON \O ‘ I " Sr = Hy i} y A \ = ae uA SN (ee rie yl i NEATH THE TORRENT OF WATER.
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2 : Sharper Stokes’ Double Deal: Old Disaster the Border Nomad BY WILLIAM G, PATTEN, AUTHOR OF “VIOLET VANE” NOVELS, ETO. CHAPTER I. A DARK DEED, DrEp down within a secladed *‘ pocket,” amid the Black Hills, burned a cheerful camp-fire one summer night, The glade in which the fire blazed was sheltered by pine trees which pre- vented the light from being seen at a distance. Near the fire sat four bronzed and bearded men, The youngest was not more than twenty- three years of age, a tall, handsome fellow with blue eyes and a winning face. Hoe was attired in a stout, serviceable suit, and the belt beneath his coat contained a brace of revolvers and a short-bladed knife. A Winchester rifle lay up- on the ground within easy reach of his hand. This was Ethan Sherman, Near Sherman, reclining upon his side, his el- bow upon the ground and his head resting upon his hand, was Albion Junardo, a man apparent- ly forty years of age. He was dressed nearly the same as Sherman, his pantaloons bein tucked into the tops of a pair of boots, A ful beard covered his face, He always wore his hat pulled well down over his eyes, twin orbs which peered from beneath the hat-brim in a sharp, searching manner. Junardo was a rather mys- terious man who had little to say about himself, although naturally quite voluble, He did no possess a rifle, uor carry visible weapons, al- though his companions were well aware that he could produce a self-acting revolver with light- ning-like swiftness. Beyond Junardo reclined another man whose face was concealed by a full beard, and who al- so wore his hat po down over his eyes. He was a heavy-built fellow of medium hight, whose every movement betrayed great physical power. He was dressed in a half-hunting, half-mining suit, and wore a belt which supported several handsome weapons, His rifle leaned against a small tree near at hand, This man gave his name as Flavus Stokes, The fourth one of the party was a little round- shouldered, spare man, who was at least sixty years ofage, He was dressed in a well-worn buckskin suit, which fitted his emaciated form closely, making bim look even thinner than be actually was, His belt contained a brace of an- cient-appearing revolvers and’ a long knife. Near at hand lay a long-barreled old rifle, which looked as if it had seea hard usage. This wood veteran’s thin face was covered by a scraggy beard, his large mouth was drawn downward at the corners, in a lugubrious ex- pression, but which was given the lie™by the merry twinkle of his steel-blae eyes, Far and wide this border nomad was known as Old Disaster. In modern parlance the old man would have béen called a ‘' crank.” He took a melancholy pride in relating his many accidents and misadventures, His store of anecdote seemed inexhaustible, and, some who knew him were inclined to believe that his imag- ination was responsible for many of his aston- ishing tales. Rumor located the cave of the Gold Genii somewhere amid the Black Hills, beyond the weird “‘ Bad Lands,” and the sight of big nug- gets in the possession of the red-men, who bad access to the Hills, led many to believe the wild and wonderful tales, More than one expedition, it was known, bad set out to discover the cavern, but, the admitted fact that not @ man ever returned to tell of suc- cess or failure, immensely intensified the interest in the matter, Although the Indians professed to,be friendly, the pale-face found within ths heart of their Reservation never again reap- peared among his kindred! The discovery of gold within the Hills sent hundreds of fortune-seekers into the ‘“‘ promised land,” regardless of Government interference or Sioux rye i Sepa and the discovery of the cave of gold was regarded as a possibility. The party of fovr had started to search for this cave, From a dying red-skin whom he had befriended, Old Disaster had obtained such in- ' formation as led him to think he could find the | -Wonderous Cavern, The old man had met Ethan Sherman and liked him, He resolved mee the young fellow along as a companion, Junardo, who made the fact known, and while protesting that he did not wish to urge himself upon them, said he would like to be one of the expedition, After some deliberation, they agreed to take him, feeling that it would make them stronger should they have trouble with Indians. Stokes was picked up by the way, and he, too, clung to them like a leech, As the night wind whispered softly amid the pines above their heads, the four fortune-seekers gazed silently into the fire with various emotions stirring within their breasts, Old Disaster pull- ed vigorously at the black pipe which he was smoking, his fanciful brain filled with visions of his past venturesome life, and conjuring some new and startling anecdote with which to set the rty into laughter or fill them with wonder, Stckes’s thoughts must have been of a peculiar nature, for he would occasionally glance search- ingly at his companions as if fearing they could read his mind, Junardo’s face was grave and unfathomable, He gazed steadily into the leaping flames, as if seeing there something which fascinated him, Sherman also saw visions in the leaping lights and shadows, but everything resolved into a beautiful face which seemed to smile sweetly but sadly upon him, Within the young man’s heart there was a constant pain—a dread— which redoubled as he gazed at that fair face in the fire, He almost forzot himself and cried aloud the dear name which kept sounding with- in bis brain, ae aed the voice of Old Disaster broke the pell. ‘*Ju fellers ever heer o’ ther time I war blowed all ter’ pieces in that ’ar steamboat kersplosion?” he in uired, - removing the pipe and spitting spitefully in thefire. ‘‘ That war *bout ther wu’st disaster this ole piece o’ hu- manity ever tuck er slice of. Howlin’ tomcats! It makes me turn cold frum head ter fut just ter think o’ it.” The old trapper of the hills and prairies paused long enough to take a pullat the pipe and glance swiftly around at his companions; then he resumed : ‘That war on the ole Mississip’, I war blown plum up ergin’ the stars, my lef’ arm an’ three ribs war broke, my right shoulder relo- cated, a pine board three inches wide war druv plum through my lef’ lung an’ my whole an- terior system war clean knocked askew; yet that axident saved my life!” “3 After making this startling assertion, Disas- ter relapsed into silence and gazed solemnly at the fire, well knowing that his listeners’ curi- osity would demand to have the rest of the story. ‘‘ How was that, Disaster?” asked Stokes. “Waal,” drawled the old fellow, his eyes twinkling, but the corners of his mouth crawl- ing a trifle lower, ‘‘I war playin’ poker w’en the kersplosion tuck place—that is, I hed been playin’, but jist then war sayin’ my prayers an’ preparin’ ter cross ther Styg’an River, as ther poic sez. Itcum’ erbcut like ter this: _ **E had got inter er leetle trubble wi’ Dand Drake over er woman, I uster beer condemned, mule-headed, soft-brained fool over every bless- ed petticoat I run acrost; but therole man’s got over thet/ Drake war er river shark—made his livin’ at keerds; but I never war no slouch wi’ pasteboards. As I sed, we hed sum’ trubble, Ther ‘gambler war ole lightnin’ on ther shoot, but J got ther drop. Then he challenged me ter fight, an’ of course I picked ther weppins, i knew him ter be er dead shot, an’ ’twasmore’n likely we’d both go under if it war pistols, I war pritty ’tarnal good with keerds, ez I sed afore, an’ I named them fur weppins, Ther one who went broke fu’st war ter stake his life, an’ef beaten ther other war ter count three, at which pint ther loser war ter blow out his own brains! . : ‘* Ther game un, an’ fur moro’n a nour it was nip an’ tuck. Bumby I got a big han’—four ueensan’aking. As we warn’tplayin’ straights, knew thero war only jist one han’ in ther pack as c’u’d down me—four aces, Ther chances thet Dandy Drake held four aces war one in bun- dreds, but it soon grow plain thet ho had a big fist, fur ho meevery time. , We putt up ev'ry cent we had, an’ then I hope ter be blessed ef we didn’t both stake our lives! He called -an’I laid my han’, Then he putt down bis, an’ by ther beard o’ Moses! he had ther four aces! “It looked then ez if I'd run ag’in’ my last disaster. Drake guv me one minute to say over my prayers. He putt er pistol inter my han’ an ther time as how ke’d do ther job ef. I didn’t eir plans were accidentally overheard by | stan’ by tuer’greement, He had counted two - 4 | ee eee ee Pe Tt ee at iN Sa eld me kivered wi’ ernuther, sw’arin’ all Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. an’ I had ther pistol at my own head w’en ther ole b’iler bu’st. Ther next I knew my mutilated remains war bein’ pasted tergether by a doctor. an’ I warin bed sum’w’eres on ther shore, ~ * I’ve never met ther gambler frum that day ter this, nor hey I met any one who has seen him since ther kersplosion. Iwar reddy ter kerry out my part o’ ther ’greement, but ’ll never doit till he counts three. Ther word war rollin’ down his tongue w’en ther luckiest disas- ter 0 my life tuck place.” ‘‘And so you survived your dreadful wounds?” Stokes queried. ‘‘No, I didn’t,” snapped the old man, “TI neverduner thing termy woun’s. Ther doctor "ended ter them ; but I got well jist ther same.” Stokes laughed a little at Disaster’s story, but Junardo and Sherman were silent, evidently occupied with their thoughts. The old border tramp noticed this, and uttering a peculiar grunt, relapsed into silence, Little more was said ere three of the men wrapped themselves in their blankets, prepara- tory to a good night’s rest, leaving the fourth, Flavus Stokes, on guard. Slowly the hours wore away. Coyotes barked in the distance, the night breeze whispered among the pines, the fire sunk lower and lower. The guard, who had sat down at the foot of a tree, seemed to finally succumb to a feeling of drowsiness and fall asleep, The sleepers dreamed and whispered of loved ones faraway. There was one who little knew of the deadly danger that menaced him. No ardian angel whispered a warning in his ear. fie slept on. X Not far from midnight Disaster was awaken- ed hag fiercely shaken. 4 ‘Wake up!” cried a voice in his ear. ‘‘ Wake up, man, for God’ssake! Murder !” ‘* Horn o’ Gabriel! W’'at’s ther matter?” asped the veteran, as he sprung up. ‘“ Murder!” repeated Stokes, as he pointed to- ward a motionless form that lay within the dim circle of light made by the dying embers. ** Look there!” by Feet - CHAPTER II, STRANGE AND STARTLING OCCURRENCES, Wirx one sidelong scrape of his foot Old Disaster raked together several half-burned brands and kicked them upon the coals, A small flame jase blazed up, and by the , Cc) light thus obtained, old plainsman saw the haft of a knife which was apparently buried to the hilt in the breast of.the motionless man, Tho victim was Albion Junardo! The unfortunate man had been struck dead while he slept. He had made no outcry, al- though it was evident that there had been a slight struggle. ‘ As Disaster bent over the silent form he saw that the dark, heavy beard which Junardo wore was partially detached from his face, The beard was false! At once the old scout removed the beard, re- ag oy a smooth-shaved, determined-appear- ng face. f Sword o’ Goliath!” gasped Old Disaster. Stokes said not a word, although he gazed up- on the unmasked face with evident emotion. For several seconds the two men were silent. Finally the old man declared : ths “This ’ar clean knocks me eendwise.” ‘* He was in disguise,” ‘¢ Waal, I sh’u’d segashiate!” ‘Tt was a foul murder!” “Yes; bh : This was a foul deal, ner, an’ nO mistake, But, look hyer!—hyer are finger-marks on his throat!” =< «¢ Where the murderer held him and pao ed an outcry while he did his work, is old man, this is a black piece of business.’ ‘“ Whar is Ethan Sherman?” demanded the veteran borderman, as he glanced around. Stokes shook his head. ‘ | “You tell!” he said, significantly, For a momen Disaster fcetien ee in azed searching!y around; then his res! i his cont with a half-beseeching light in their deptas, } Tr ha no!” he Ealtered: “vou can’t think that o’ ther nO Where is he?” demanded Stokes : avs ; Disaster shook his head feebly. The night~ wind, as it moaned amid the pines, was theonly erie has fled,” Stokes added; “fled like a crime-stained coward-who d not remain 1h the presence of his victim. ItlocksratheTdatk for that young man of “T cant ’s run plum ag’in’ his last disaster. jsaster, lad! He didn’t do it—rod of Aaron, § | / Be eee ee! Sal ri believe it,” persisted the old man, | : a
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“(He war an honest-actin’ young feller. He kem ter these ’ar hills ter s’arch fer his sweet- heart, who, sum thort, war murdered in the Red Canyon massacre wi’ her father an’ mother, 1 tell ye, Stokes, it c’u’dm’t ’a’ been him!” ‘*Tnen, who wasit? Isat down at the foot of ‘that tree on guard, but, being very sleepy, final- ly lost my senses in slumber. How long i slept tues tell; but, suddenly I awoke. By the dying firelight 1 saw the knife in Junardo’s breast. I sprung upand aroused you. Wefind Sherman gone and Junardo murdered. What are we to think!” : Again Disaster shook his head. He was not ready to believe Sherman guilty, yet he knew not what to think. ‘*The knife may tell us something,” continued Stokes, as he picked upa blazing brand and held it so that the light fell upon the haft of the wea- pon. ‘‘ Look atit close, old man!” The old ranger kneeled and gazed searchingly at the tell-tale knife. A despairmg groan broke from his lips. ‘‘ Sword o’ Goliath!” ‘*'What is it?” eagerly demanded Stokes, ‘‘Tt’s ther boyee’s knife!” admitted the old man, ‘ Hyer’s his initials on ther handle.” ‘*That is proof enough. There is no doubt now but that Sherman is the murderer,” , “Im afeard not, I hav’ been deceived by therlad. But, what in ther name 0’ ther pow- ers did he kill Janardo fer?” ‘*That is a mystery; I cannot explain it,” Then the two men were silent as they gazed steadily at the motionless form at their feet. The fire flared unsteadily, and strange gro- tesque shadows seemed flitting here and there amid the pines. The wind moaned plaintively overhead. Soft footsteps were moving along the ground near at hand, ard many of the sha- dows assumed the forms of Indian warriors, half a score of whom seemed to float out of the darkness beyond the circle of light made by the camp-fire, Then the night-air was rent by the war-cry of ‘the Sioux! f Stokes and Disaster were surrounded by dead- ly foes. Anechoing yell burst from the lips of the old man as he seized his rifle and fired a single shot. Then, round and round his head swept the heavy weapon, as he sprung into the amidst of his savage foes... ; ‘¢ Howlin’, tearin’ tomeats!” he shouted. “(Ther varmints are upon us! Wake, tornadoes an’ blizzards, an’ let yerselves loose! Ho,smoky skins! ye hav’ run ag’in’ er reg’ler ragin’ disas~ ter. Pileinter’em, Stokesy;show’em ther kind o’ stuff ye’r’ made of! Power o’ ole Goliath! w’at er blessed picnic!” . The heavy rifle swept down the Indians as if ‘they were blades of grass. Howls of surprise and dismay came from their throats. With one accord they turned their attention toward Dis- aster, and, regardless of the old man’s peril, Stokes fled away through the pines, Disaster witnessed the coward’s flight, and yelled after him: **(to, you measly cur! Hoof it, you chicken- hearted coot! Don’t bother ’bout me; Ole Dis- aster kin took care o’ hisself,” And for a few minutes he did seem fully a match for his many foes, but they pressed him closer and closer, reeming determined not to hurt him, but to make him a captive. But the reckless old borderman was wonderfully hard ' ‘to capture ‘* Hold. hard, ye dirty varmints!” he shouted. “Don’t press a feller too close. 1 never c’u’d stan’ it to hav’ er smoky-skin very near, Stan’ off! stan’ off, I say, or sum’ 0’ ye will wear a heads, reads wha} a time this is! angho! most assuredly so! Suddenly asbrill yell near at hand electrified the combatants, The next instant a wild-ap- earing man dashed among the astounded red- skins, hurling them to the right and left like so many children, His head was bare and his anne white hair fell upon hisshoulders. His bear . was also long and white. Halting in the midst of the amazed savages tbe strange man threw his hands above his head and instantly a sheet of red flame seemed to leap from his clinched fists and overhang the heads of the cowering Indians. ; Uttering yells of terror, the panic-stricken Sioux fled into the darkness; pursued by a burst ef almost maniacal laughter. “Flee, unhallowed miscreants!” cried the mysterious man, in a full, thrilling voice. ‘*Flee from the just vengeance of an avenging ‘God! The blood of your many victims cries to heaven for vengeance, and the wrath of the Most High cannot be long delayed!” ' Then, without appearing to notice Old Disas- BLA leat aft Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. a ter, the strange man advanced to the side of the motionless Junardo, Stooping, he gazed sharp- ly into the man’s face, then he placed one hand upon Junardo’s breast beneath the blanket. A moment later he uttered a subdued exclama- tion, and stooping swiftly, lifted the body in his arms, Turning, he strode away into the dark- ness, bearing the strange burden with him, ‘Ghost o? ole Goliath!” gasped Old Disaster. ‘*That’s jest w’at knocks me eendwise, Waal, I sh’u'd segashiate! Who in ther uname o’ sin war thet?” But the old man found him3elf unable to an- swer his own question. ‘I’m goin’ ter foller yer, mer jolly ole Injin terror!” he added. ‘I'll trail ye to yer hole, or until ye drap thet corpus.” And, like a shadow, Old Disaster glided awey in the footsteps of the stranger. With the noiseless tread of a panther heglided among the trees, keeping so near the fleeing man that he was almost wholly guided by the sounds of his heavy tread, Ten minutes carried them beyond the timber, but still the pursued and pursuer pressed on, until two miles at least were traversed ; then the mysterious man plunged into the mouth ‘of a narrow ravine that Jed downward. The trailer persisted in the pursuit, Onward they went like two shadows, but, as they continued, the shadows grew denger, until— How it happened Old Disastar could never tell, but, suddenly, the man he was following vanished as completely asif He had sunk into the earth! CHAPTER III. THE MYSTERIES OF DISMAL GORGE, Far down within a narrow ravine within the very heart of the hills, three venturesome miners had’ found a deserted cabin, the open door of whieh swung slowly back and forth be- fore the wind that sucked through the com- ressed gorge. Tho ravine was a dismal place, ndeed, and the ghostly, repellent look about the old hut actually caused the three men to sbiver when they first perceived it. But, they were all brave fellows, and, after examining the place, resolved to spend the night there, Within twenty rods of the deserted cabin they found. several partially rotten sluice- boxes, Te nostiatlom revealed the fact that they had stumbled upon a paying placer, which, at some time, had been worked. Whether the original discoverers had been driven away or murdered by the Indians, was an unanswerable question; but, it was apparent that something of a very imperative nature had caused them to ceaso working their discovery. The three miners decided that they had struck the place to secure the fortune for which they were in quest. They took possession of the cabin, repaired the sluices, and began work. At the end of the first day’s labor, they found that they had secured more ‘“‘dust” and tiny nuggets than they had expected to obtain. Their names were Eben Stone, Jabez Cobb and Justin Jackwood. ; Stone was a grizzled veteran of the California excitement, when fortunes were made and lost in a single day. He was a quaint, weather- tanned old man, who looked asif he kad been beaten and tossed by life’s severest storms, In truth, he bad experienced many of the ‘‘ ups and downs” of life, for he spoke truthfully when he declared that no less tian three times had he been the possessor of a fortune, But, Eben Stone was not the kind of a man who could endure | ogiteke A _ Karly in life he had become inured to hardships, and asserted that he actually could not endure a life of luxury and plenty. His three fortunes had vanished almost as swiftly as they had been ob- tained, and now the restless old prospector found himself eagerly searching for a fou rth. Cobb was also a miner, one who had been on the very crest of the tidal-wave that swept to- ward Pike’s Peak during the first wild rush just after rich gold discoveries in that vicinity were made known. He was a rugged man, very stout, but decidedly slow of movement. When he spoke, his words were uttered in a lazy, drawling manner, not unpleasant to the ear, which seemed to tell of a good-natured, peace- loving soul. : He had not been as lucky as Stone in the way of securing fortunes, but, having once secured enough to place him in comfortable circum- stances for life, Jabez was‘a man who would settle down and enjoy his competence. He had none of the restless, unstable spirit which char- acterized Stone. ; Justin Jackwood was a young man; just what his age was was hard to determine. He was 8 surely more than twenty, and less than thirty; but the full, brown beard which he wore either made him look older or younger than he was. He was a compactly-built fellow of medium hight, and with his great strength was also united the quickness of a panther, In feats of strength Jabez Cobb would have been morethan ‘a match for Jackwood; but, in a rough-and- tumble struggle, Jack wood would have been the better man, Jack wood’s companions knew little of his early life. That he was well-educated and refined was a gchar but he was strangely reticent concerning himself, In fact, there was a mys- terious something about the young man which impressed those who associated with him, At times he would be moody and silent, scarcely speaking for a day ortwo. He acted asif trou~ bled by some unpleasant memory. The three miners gave the lonely ravine an appropriate name—Dismal Gorge. But little cared they hgw dismal the place was as long as the placer continued to yield its valuable depos- its liberally. : The day after their discovery of the deserted cabin, while they were eating their dinner, they were startled by what seemed to be a heavy but muffled explosion, and, strange to tell, the sound seemed to come from beneath their very feet! They looked at each other in amaze- ment. ‘* What war thet?” demanded Stone, ‘* Ask me sumpthin’ easy,” drawled Cobb, Jackwood started up and went to the door. In vain he scanned the strip of biue sky to be seen above, Nota cloud was visible. ‘*It sounded like a heavy powder explosion; still it might have been thunder,” he said, ‘There is not a cloud overhead, but of course I cannot scan the horizon, Thunder-storms arise with remarkable swiftness among the Hills,” ‘*Thet warn’t no thunder,” asserted Cobb, ‘*Not much!” Stone agreed, ‘I felt ther groun’shake, Itstruck me more like an ’arth- quake.” ‘*The sound did seem to come from below,” _ Jackwood admitted; ‘‘ but, we may have been deceived,” **Tt sounded ter me like er heayy’splosion undergroun’,” averred the old miner, ‘I hev hev heerd sech souh’s fore now, often.” ‘Tt did sound like er blast,” admitted Cobb. “But thet don’t explain it, by any means,” ** Well, I’m not going to lose my dinner while I puzzle over it,” laughed Jackwood. That very day, just as they ceased working at dusk, they heard the sound again. There came a sullen, heavy rumble apparently from beneath their feet, accompanied by a slight but percep- | tible jarring. The three men gazed into each other’s faces in amazement, “* There!” exclaimed Jackwood; ‘‘ what do you make out of that?” Cobb shook his head, while the old Californian looked decidedly uneasy. ‘*Tt knocks nt,” he declared, ‘‘ P’r’aps this blamed ole hole ar’ ha’nted,” ‘*Oh, cum now,’’drawled Jabez, ‘‘ you don’t go fer ter take any stock in ha’nts?” The miner looked offended, ‘*P’raps I don’t,” he said, shortly. “‘' I’m er pritty ole man an’ I’ve see’d er few things door- in’ my eres career, sum o’ which no mortal man kin account fer. There are some ’tarnal queer things as sumtimes take place. Who knows but ther ’rig’nal diskiverers o’ this place was druv away by suthin’ connected by these very soun's as we've heerd?” The others did not reply, They were quite mystified, but were not inclined to attribute the sounds they had héard to any superpatural cause, Stone was inclined to be ‘‘set”in his convictions, and the more they opposed the idea of the sounds being of age origin the firmer | became his belief that they were, é But they were soon confronted by another mystery. al Once or twice in the silent hours of the night they thought they heard the sounds of stealthy footsteps moying near the cabin. More than once Jackwood arose and investigated, but found nothing. One night they were all simultaneously aroused by the sharp hoof-strokes of a gallop- ing horse, as it dashed past the caliin, With one accord thev sat up, then Cobb sprung tothe trap-window, flung it open and peered out into the darkness. — He saw nothing. na Cautioning biscompanions to remain silent, he listened and heard the hoof-strokes of a horse dying cut in the distance up the ravine, The miners now became a trifle excited and alarmed, Cobb and Jackwood believed thatthey ” —
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fh s teremain aw i 4 Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. were being spied upon, but Stone was inclined to attribute everything to supernatural agen- cies, Several times they heard the hoof-strokes of the phantom horse in the dead hours of the night. One night Jackwood sat up and kept watch, but the horse did not appear. This served to convince the superstitious old miner that he was right in his belief. Jackwood now slept on the alert, ready to spring up at the slightest sound, and after re- peate onan we eee in catching a glimpse of the animal which disturbed their slumbers. Like the wind, a white horse and dark rider swept by the cabin. Jackwood opened the door and listened until he was sure the horse had reached a high waterfall some distance up the ravine, The sound of hoof-strokes ceased at that point. A peculiar smile rested on the roe fellow’s face, for he well knew that a orse could not pass the fall. ‘* Partners,” he said, as he entered the cabin and confronted Stone and Cobb, who were wide awake, ‘‘I have seen the phantom horse! Phan- toms are usually white, I believe; therefore, Stone will be pleased when I tell him that this strange creature which disturbs our slumbers so often is white—a white borse.” Stone nodded vigorously. **T knowed it,” he declared. ‘¢ But,” continued the young man, ‘‘on this strange animal’s back ridesa form which looked anything but ghostly during the brief time which it was visible tome. lt appeared more like a dark-clothed human being of rather small stature.” The old miner uttered an unmeaning grunt. ** What do you think—a spy?” askei Cobb. ‘“*T don’t know as to that,” Jackwood admit- ted. ‘‘Possibly, One thing is certain: That horse did not follow this ravine beyond the waterfall. I listened to his hoof-strokes until he reached that voint, wher they seemed to cease,” ** How do you account for that? ** Don’t ask too many questions now, laughed tho young man, ‘‘I have determined to thor- oughly investigate this affair, and 1 hope to ex- plain everything to you within three days,” Jackwooi applied himself vigorously to his self-imposed task. Night and day he was on the alert, hoping to make some new discovery. He spent time enough to go up and look around the waterfall. There he found that he was right in the belief that a horse could not pass the waterfall so as to foilow the gorge beyond. Where did the mysterious horse and rider go? Justin examined the ground beside thestream, and, after a time, succeeded in finding the privts of a horse’s feet at the very edge of the water. The animal mighthave paused there to drink, but appearanees indicated that it had entered the stream. But, after entering the water, where had it gone? Jackwood returned still puzzled, although he asserted that he was on the scent, That very day, while at work in the sluices, the three miners heard a clatter of hoofs. Look- ing up they were amazed to sea a white horse and rider sweeping down the ravine, Cobb uttered a cry of surprise, and Stone one of mingled consternation andamazement. Jack- wood gave vent to an exclamation indicative of both surprise and delight. ** Look there!” cried the young man. ‘' Look sharp, Stone, and you will see your ‘ha’nt.’ Do that horse and its rider appear like spooks?” The horse was snowy white—a beautiful animal, Itsrider appeared to be a boy of fif- teen or sixteen, He was dressed in a dark, vel- vety-appearing suit, trimmed with gold lace, The hat upon his head was encircled by a gold cord, and around his waist was a scarlet sasa, the loos@ ends of which trailed behind him as the horse swept along. As the mysterious boy rider came opposite, Jackwood hailed. The boy did not appear to hear the call and the young man repeated it. Still the strange boy rode on. Past them he siahe 4 and away down the ravine without turn- ing is head or uttering a word. ** Well, Stone,” said Jackwood, when horse and rider had passed from view, ‘‘ what do you think of the ghost?” ‘‘ [may have been wrong,” the old miner ad- mitted, ‘‘ but whar duz this hyer boy an’ hoss cum frum an’ go ter?” _“T cannot answer that, now,” responded the young man, ‘‘but I wili do so before I again close my eyes inslumber, I am going to watch by the waterfall to-night.” Jackwood kept his word. He was not forced e very late that night, for the \ ’ 3 a Seize Rona Ra Saic. Hie ire Aon ath mysterious boy returned at an early hour. Crouching behind a bowlder near the fall, the spy listened to the approaching horse. ** Now to solve the mystery!” was his mental exclamation. The white horse and its rider soon came into view. Straight toward the concealed man the advanced, until the fall was almost reacked, then the horse entered the stream, From his place of concealment, Jackwood saw the boy produce and adjust about him a lon flowing garment that concealed him from he to foot. As the stranger lad did so, there came to the watcher’s ears a peculiar rustle, which plainly told that the garment was a rubber one, These arrangements complete, the boy struck the white horse a sharp cut, and, in an instant the animal sprung forward and disappeared with its young rider beneath the torrent of wa- ter that came plunging downward from the jag- ged, rocky verge above, CHAPTER IV. AN OMINOUS WARNING, JusTIN JacKWoOD uttered an exclamation of both surprise and satisfaction as he saw the horse and rider disappear beneath the waterfall. He believed that he had thoroughly solved the mystery of the strange horse and rider’s mys- terious disappearance, ‘¢There must be a cavern of some kind be- neath that fall,” muttered the young man, ‘and into that Gave went the white horse and boy of thescarletsash. Akh!” is last exclamation was uttered as he caught a gleam of light through the falling water. He was temnted to follow the rider beneath the water vail, but his better judgment prevented pe dangerous but tempting adventure at that time, ; ‘* No,” he decided; ‘‘ I will come here to-mor- row, prepared to explore that place, I might get into trouble if J should rush in there now, bite 2 all within the place are doubtless on the ert. The light upon the water disappeared as sud- denly asit had appeared. Although Jackwood leane against the bowlder with his eyes fas- tened upon the fall for a or time, he did not again see anything more of the light. * ‘The evening’s entertainment is evidently closed,” muttered the young man. ‘‘I may as well retire.” When he reached tho cabin he was obliged to arouse his companions to gain admittance, the door being fastened. Of course they demanded to know what he had discovered, and he was obliged to tell them all. ’ Stone was somewhat shaken in his conviction that there was something su tural about the horse which they had so often heard in the night, but he persisted that the animal which they had all seen might not be the one whose hoof-strokes had aroused them so often. Jackwood refrained from ridiculing the old man, for he saw that to do so would arouse the Californian’s displeasure. It was apparent that Stone was decidedly ‘“‘touchy” on certain ints. Pe Then you are sart’in thet thar isa cave 0’ sum sort under ther falls?” Cobb queried. ‘* Sure,” was Jack wood’s laconic reply. ‘* An’ you hey decided ter go in thar?” ** Now you are talking!” ST'd like ter look ther blamed hole over wi’ e,” ‘¢Then you're the very man I want.” ‘* Shake!” Stone uttered not a word, either of approval or otherwise, He heard the compact in silence, but inwardly made a resolve. When Jackwood and Cobb started toward the fall the following morning Stone started with them. ~ ‘* Hullo!” exclaimed the young man, ‘‘ Are you going, too, my old friend?” ‘*Bet yer boots!” was the emphatic response. ‘But | thought—” ‘Don’t make no difference what . ye thort,” interrupted the/ miner, shortly. ‘*We don’ know what thar is under thet fall. Ye may run ag’in’ er roarin’ deefikilty an’ need ther old man ter holp ye out. D’yers’pose I’m goin’ ter lay roun’ an’ let my pards run their heads into cat Waal, I guess ye don’ know ole ‘Eb tone! ‘© We never doubted your sand, old man,” Jackwood hastened to say. ‘‘But, we didn’t know that you wanted to fool around the hang- out of spooks,” ” “Oh, dry up!” snorted the miner, indignant ly, yet in a good-natured way. “The three reached the waterfall, and Jack- ao ® Q wood pointed out the precise spot where the horse had disappeared. ‘*Now,lam going to pings right inthere. I shall get a souse, but I can stand that. You two may follow as close as you please,” and without more ado, the young man stepped into the stream, which came nearly to his boot-tops and waded toward thefall, Within three fee of the falling sheet he paused long enough to nerve himself for the dash; then he sprung for- ward with his hands outstretched and his com- panions saw him vanish from view! For an instant the water dashed over the dar- ing and adventurous fellow; then he found himse]f behind thetorrent. By the mellow light which pierced the water-vail he saw that he was indeed within a cavern, but the light was not sufficient to show him its dimensions, He struck a match and lighted a small pine-knot which he had brought for that purpose. While he was engaged at this, Cobb and Stone came plunging through the drop scene to the hidden retreat, : ; The pine-knot quickly ignited, and, holding it above his head, Jackwood gazed curiously around. To hissurprise he saw that the cham- ber directly behind the fall was small and de- serted. The cavern floor was rough, andstrewn with stones of allsizes. The walls were irregu- lar, with sha there, The air was, of course, heavy with mist, and the walls were dripping with the exuding moisture, ‘“Waal, hyer we are,” drawled Cobb, as he azed around. ‘‘Not a very sedoosin’-lookin* ole, I swan!” “Whar is ther hoss an’ ther boy?” asked Stone, with the evident sarcasm of disbelief. ‘¢That is for us to discover,” answered Jack- wood, quietly. ‘‘It is evident we have not solved all the mystery connected with this. strange affair, Let’s look this place over a little.” By the light of the pine-knot they advanced. together and examined the ragged walls. Inch by inch they surveyed every foot of the dank. stones until Jackwood finally paused before what appeared to bea huge bowlder set in a. casing of stone, “Were it possible to remove that rock I should believe there was a passage beyond,” he declared. Stone examined this rock and rapped upon it. with the hilt of a heavy knife. ‘Thetis sot solid inter ther wall,” he assert— . ‘Er thousan’ men c’u’dn’t move ther durned thing.” ‘1t appears that way,” Jackwood admitted. They continued their inspection, but found nothing that would throw light upon the mys- tery. Stone said nothing, but his belief that. there was something ghostly about the strange circumstances was strengthened. They were. finally compelled to leave the cavern beneath the fall, feeling fully as mystified as they were on entering. ; “Tt 1s certain that no human being could meke that damp hole his home,” Jackwood de- clared, as he shook the water from his clothes. The mystery is as deep as ever, but, I mean to. solve it,” : When they reached the cabin, to their sur- prise they found a queer deen little old man sitting near the door, quietly smoking a very black pipe. He looked up as they approached and called out: ; few shakes ago, but, ez I didn’t fine nobody ter hum, I sot down an’ waited fer ther oa rietors. o’ this hyer shebang ter return. It duz me proud ter clap my Oe os onter ye.” Eben Stone uttered an exclamation of sur- rise, Px le Disaster, I swan! Wy, you old var- mint, how are ye?” “Da me eyes deceive me?” cried the old nomad, ‘Air it, or am it not thet hump-backed ole sinner, Eb Stone? Come ter my arms, ye ole wretch, w’ile I squoze ther breath out 0’ yer ? ody}? Laughing like children, the two men em- braced. hen Stone introduced Old Disaster to his companions. | When the veteran borderman had shaken the hands of Cobb and Jackwood, Stone asked; “ How in ther name o’ ther wonderful did ay happen erlong hyer re little ole runt 0’ an In- peemetninet i has been More’n two ears since I hey seen ye. 2 ‘i Then Old Disaster told of the ill-fated ex dition to search for the Lost Gold Cave, Tks three pards listened with interest, but Jack-' ood ed more deeply moved than the others "Wheel the areeide told of Junardo’s jagged rocks thrust out here and, ‘“‘ Fowdy, pards! I jist drapped down hyer er -
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_ Baylor, but he murder, Sherman’s disappearance and Stokes’s accusation of the young man, Justin could re- strain himself no longer, ‘* Hoe never did it!” he cried. ‘‘ Ethan Sher- man never committed murder!” Of course the others were surprised at these almost fiercely spoken words, but when they questioned him concerning Sherman he refused to saya word. It was apparent to them all, however, that Ethan Sherman and Justin Jack- wood were not strangers. Disaster faithfully related the startling events which followed Junardo’smurder, Theold man had watched and waited near the spot where the mysterious manhad disappeared with Junardo’s body, and at daybreak had explored the ground faithfully, but his search was fruitless. He found no trace of the white-headed stranger or of Junardo’s corpse. | Following the ravine, he had reached and assed the waterfall while the three miners had een in the cavern beneath, After Disaster had related bis adventures, Cobb told him of the incomprehensible things which had occurred since they had occupied the cabin in Dismal Gorge, Jackwood did not at- tempt to improve the story in any way, al- though he might have done so, The young man seemed strangely affected since learning of Ethan Sherman’s presence in that wild re- on, eo That day the three miners took out less gold than they had any day previously. Disaster re- mained with them, stating that he was not yet pees to give up the search for the Lost Gold Cave, They were all sleeping soundly that night ‘when a heavy knock on the door aroused them, They sat up, grasping their weapons, and Jack- wood demanded: ‘¢ Who is there?” For a moment there was no reply, then a deep voice cried: ‘*Beware! Leave this place at once, or you will meet the fate of those who came before youl Jt means death to remain !” Then there was a sound of swiftly retreating footsteps, For several momerts the four startled men were silent, then Old Disaster exclaimed: ‘*Ghost o’ ole Goliath! You may riddle my ole carkiss wi’ grape an’ canister ef thet warn’t ther voice o’ Flavus Stokes! Can’t deceive me ——that war the man!” CHAPTER V. * SHERMAN’S ADVENTURES. ETHAN SHERMAN was a dream-walker—a real somnambulist. He was not often troubled by walking in his sleep, but after any great excite- ment he was pretty sure to do soif he slept be- fore his nerves were calmed, — As he sat beside the camp-fire gazing at the ‘face which his fancy pictured within the flames, he gradurlly and unconsciously became excited. _ So real did | he face of fancy seem that, once or twice, he whispered the name of the dear one for whom he had vainly searched so long. Sherman was a native of Illinois. Emy St. Orme and Ethan Sherman had been playmates as children, and at the ages of seventeen and nineteen had become pledged lovers, As soon as he was his own man, Sherman had started out to make a fortune, pledging himself to soon return and marry the girl whom he loved. But while he was away there came along a handsome middle-aged man who fan- cied the beautiful girl and asked her parents’ vonsent to win her love if possible, Marshal Baylor was apparently wealthy, and Minos St. Orme was poor. As a result the mercenary father attempted to compel the girl to accept the wealthy suitor, who stated that he was a “widower and had a daughter nearly as old as Amy herself. But the girl was true to her first love and would have nothing to say to her suitor. _ Baylor finally induced the St, Ormes to go West. Forsome time Amy’s father had inter- cepted and destroyed the correspondence be- tween bis daughter and her absent lover, and when Sherman returned to Illinois he was - amazed to learn that Amy and her parents had moved away. t bid From information which he obtained the young man learned that Amy had another suit- or in the person Of a wealthy man. He did not know that she had repeatedly repulsed Marshal did know that for many long, “weary weeks he had not received a letter from her, All his own appealing epistles had re- amained pd Not ‘hawing what to thick, more than half-inclined to believe her Sa =) Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. false, yet hating himself for doubting her an instant, the perplexed lover had suffered intense tortures, But he little knew how much Amy had suffered while troubled by the same doubts and fears, Sherman succeeded in following the St. Ormes to the place where they joined a wagon- train bound for the Black Hills, Pursuing his investigations he learned that the train had been attacked by Indians in Red Canyon, that treacherous gateway to the Hills, and it was supposed that every perscn in the train had been slaughtered. At first Ethan was nearly prostrated by the terrible intelligence, but he finally resolved to discover if in truth his betrothed had been mur- dered by the red fiends, For several months he had been searching for her, but overything seemed to confirm the belief that Amy had, in- deed, perished with the other unfortunates, The young man had joined Old Disaster in the search for the Lost Gold Cave, vaguely hoping that by so doing he might learn something con- cerning the lost one, As Ethan sat beside the camp-fire, his thoughts dwelt upon the sad fate which Amy St. Orme had undoubtedly met, and his nerves were somewhat shaken. When he lay down to sleep, the face of his darling seemed still before him, and fora long time he:could not close his eyes in slumber. When he finally did fall asleep, he was in the condition to induce one of his somnambulistic spells, Some time in the night he fancied that he felt a touch upon his shoulder, and he seemed to awaken. To his amazement and joy he saw Amy St. Orme bending over him! He came near uttering a cry of delight, when she pressed a finger to her lips and motioned him to arise and follow her. Without a moment's hesitation he complied. The phantom--if such it was—appeared to glide along without touching the ground, and swiftly Ethan followed. Away from the camp- fire it led him, away through the ae among which the wind seemed making sad but strange- ly soothing music. : Sherman did his best to overtake his guide, but it continued to keep in advance. He did not doubt for an instant that it was Amy. it was not, to him, dark beneath the sighin oe A glorious light seemingly envelop he form, and tke pathway which his feet tro was smooth and even. Iie tried to cail, but his tongue refused to move. He reached the edge of the pines, but the pbantom form fled onward before him and he still pursued. He could not judge the dis- tance he had, in reality, traveled in his sleep, when, suddenly, a cheep of wild yells and a ringing report awakened him, He stared around in amazement. By the uncertain light of the moon, which was plung- ing through a mass of ragged clouds, he saw the rocky, scrub-covered hillside on his left, but on the right the hights were hidden by shadows. At that instant he could not imagine where he was nor how he'came there. | But he was given little time for speculation. Again the wild yells came to his ears. He knew the sounds, and a shiver ran over him, ‘*Tndians!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ Disaster—Junar- do—trouble!” With these exclamations, he turned and hur- ried toward the spot from whence came the sounds. He had just reached the edge of the pines when a man came dashing toward him and passed within a few feet. As this person left the timber, Ethan saw that it was Flavus Stokes! ‘What can have happened?” thought the young man. ‘‘I have half a mind to call to him, yet something restrainsme. I have never liked that man, I believe I will follow him,” ' Without pausing to consider why he was do- ing so, the sleep-walker stole away in the foot- steps of the fleeing Stokes, Sherman was not an expert tracker, but, for a time, he succeeded remarkably wellin keeping Stokes in view. Once or twice the fleeing man paused and listened. The sounds of combat had ceased, and a profound silence brooded over the hills, bro- ken only by the distant cry of some night-prowl- a sera i 7 ach time he paused Ethan heard Stokes mut- ter some indistinct words; then he turned and hurried onward again. Feeling decidedly mys- ed, the young fellow still pursued the man who had accused him of murdering the unfor- tunate Junardo, { Onward through the night flitted pursued and pursuer. Gradually Stokes climbed asomewhat difficult ascent and Sherman not far behind him, But, when the top was reached, much to Ethan’s surprise, nothing could be seen of the man! Upon investigating, Ethan discovered that there were several ways for Stokes to have eluded him, providing he had known that he was followed. While standing there, in his doubt as. to the course now to take, he fancied that he heard a sharp whistle some distance away beyond a. dense piece of scrub-trees. He at once decided that Stokes had gone that way and hurried for- ward, again in pursuit. But to no purpose; during the night he did not see Flavus Stokes again, After a time, how- ever, Sherman discovered that he had lost his bearings and knew not which way to turn to re- trace his steps. He was indeed lost! A startling situation, indeed! Lost in the heart of a country swarming with hostile In- dians! But Ethan took his misfertune coolly, resolv- ing to find his way back to where the four gold- hunters had camped amid the pines, if such a thing were possible. Morning came and still the young man had not accomplished his object. Shortly after sun- rise he stood on the brink of a deep, narrow ra- vine. As he paused there for an instant the sound of a sweet voice in song floated upward from out cf the gloomy depths! Both amazed and excited, he bent forward and listened, ' Eagerly his ears drank in the oxquisite melody of that voice! The sound of angels’ harps Cone not have been sweeter to his famishing soul, Hoe knew the song—he knew the voice! and in a wild ecstasy of uncontrollable joy ha cried: ““God be praised! It is she—my darling Amy!” CHAPTER VI. FACING A TERRIBLE DOOM, SUDDENLY the singing ceased. Dropping upon his knees on the very brink of the ravine, Ethan gazed searchingly into the gloomy depths. He could discern nothing but rocks, shrubs and grim shadows. ‘*She is down there!” he exclaimed, joyously. **T have found her! She is alive!” He listened, with his heart beating tumultu- ously, hoping to hear that loved voice again. Swittly the seconds sped, but no further sound came from below. Slowly the look of joy on his face gave pare to one of mingled suspense and disappointment, Suddenly he shouted: ‘Amy! Amy! Amy /” His onl¥ answer was a far-away echo which repeated tho name with a despairing, sorrowful accent, it seemed to the almost distracted young n. ‘*Great heavens!” he groaned. ‘‘ Was I de- ceived? Did I not hear her voice? Am I going mad?” Again he listened. Ho peered down into the gloom. Far,far down he could see the little stream which ran along the bottom of the ravine, but he perceived no living thing in the dismal depths. ‘* Amy!” he'shouted again, ‘‘ For God’s sake, answer me! Itis I, Ethan Sherman!” No reply, save that of the mocking echoes! ‘‘ Was it a spirit?’ he whispered. ‘Did I hear the voice of one who is dead and lost to me forever?” f For fully five minutes he knelt there, pecring downward, His heart, which so sbort a time before had been filled with joy, now felt like a stone in his breast. Finally he sunk down upon the brink of the gorge, feeling utterly crushed and hopeless, - i “She is dead!” he moaned, ‘‘It is use- less for me to longex hope. I remember now that she came to me last night and Jed me away fromthecamp, It was her spirit! It was her spirit which I heard singing downthere, There is nothing to cause me to wisk for a longer life, What is there for me to livefor now? Nothing, nothing!” He started up and again gazed down into the ravine. ‘It would mean death to fall from this place,” 4 he breathed. ‘‘Death! The word has no ter- rorsforme! If I were sure that she is dead! But I am not. how such a thing can be is beyond m explain, I have thoroughly scour and have found no trace of her or her parents, It appears that they surely perished in the Red bees ee butchery.” . ower to ter a few moments he sprung to his feet, — exclaiming: ‘*T am going down there! Whoknows what Tj ‘Ni She may be living, eae ‘these hills | et z iM
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aa Perhaps it will be some trace of er The very thought caused him to tremble with eagerness and excitement. He hurried along the brink of the ravine looking for a place to descend. He did not go far before he came to a sae aA path which led downward along the wall of the gorge. Sherman paused in surprise. '“ This is not a natural path, by any means,’ declared the young explorer. “If I am not mistaken, nature has been assisted by human hands. This path is used by some one for the 5. eee of descending into the ravine.” He stood for several minutes, thinking deeply. Finally he muttered: ‘It is plain to me that there are human be- ings in this vicinity. Are they friends or foes? That is a question of interest to me. And if there are human beings near, may not Amy be with them? The very thought makes my heart beat like a heavy hammer, I am going down this path, and may God help me find my darling if she is alive.” With this briefly-muttered prayer, he began tho descent. The path was both difficult and dangerous for one who was not used to it, but Ethan Sherman was steady-eyed and sure-foot- ed. He reached the bottom of the gorge in safety and stood beside the little stream medi- tating on his next move. Finally he turned and moved down the stream, Carefully Sherman scanned every rock and bush. He examined the ground and found that without doubt human beings had passed along the ravine scores of times. He little knew that less than thirty minutes before he had heard the voice in song from the verge of the ravine, Old Disaster had carefully inspected the very ground which he was now examining. In truth, the old Border Nomad had scarcely passed beyond ear-shot when Sherman reached’ the ravine, Down the mountain valley went Sherman un- til he felt certain that it was useless to proceed further in that direction, then he cros the stream and returned up theravine, His search was fruitless in the respect of finding anything that would tell him of the lost Amy, ‘* There is no one here,” he said, aloud, “for I do not believe a human being could have con- cealed himself from my eyesamong theseshrubs and bowlders, Whatam J tothink? Was that voice I thought I heard a creation of my own imagination? If so my nerves must be in a er am condition. as ita spirit? I cannot Feeling thoroughly perplexed and baffled, Ethan turned toward the path by which he had descended, Ere he began the ascent’he paused and looked upward. **Tn one thing I was right,” muttered the per- plexed young man. ‘‘ This res is not entirely nature’s work; neither do I believe that it is the work of savages. White people have been in this vicinity recently but, there is no one here now. Slowly and laboriousty he ascended the ditm- cult path, He reached the brink of the big gully and paused to look back, **Good-by,” he murmured; ‘‘ good-by to the ne eee of a short time ago. Amy is e hen he turned and walked away. All that - Sherman searched for his friends, but succeeded in finding no trace of them. Lato in the afternoon he was nearly famished of hunger when he espied several deer in a little valley. Getting tothe windward, he suceeeded in approaching near enough to drop a small doe with a shot from his revolver. Mentally thanking his lucky stars, he sought asecluded spot with his game, built a fire and was soon feasting on deer-meat. He cooked a supply for future need, and left the remains for wolves and vultures, That night Ethan slept beneath the stars, On the following day he resumed his search for his comrades. Led by a strange fatality, he finally found himself in the vicinity of the ravine in the depths of which he had heard the singing. He was hastening forward to again peerdown into the gorgewhen he was suddenly confronted by several men, who seemed to arise out of the - very ground. Among them Sherman perceived Flavus Stokes! ** Hullo!” growled Stokes, a touch of triumph in his voice. ‘So itis you, is it?” - . Instinctively a feeling that Stokes was his enemy seized Sherman. Something about the man’s appearance caused the young man to he bad swiftly drawn with either hand. Stokes’s _ gompanions were rough, lawless-appearing men. Old Disaster, the ‘Yes, it is I,” retorted Ethan. you want?” Stokes laughed evilly. ’ ‘Want you /” he replied, with a leer, ‘‘ and I have just the crowd to take you. Throw down your pops, young man.” **Hold!” commanded Sherman, in\a ringing voice. ‘* What does this mean?” =p Stokes laughed. ‘* What does it mean?” herepeated. ‘‘ Ireckon you know full well what it means. It is useless to a at bluff; you had best surrender.” -“ What do you mean by this act, Flavus Stokes? Have you turned outlaw and highway- man?” ‘You can’t play that game, Sherman,” was Stokes’s reply. ‘‘ You know well enough what I mean. The blood of your victim cries for vengeance, and this is the crowd that is going to see justice done,” Sherman was amazed. “ Well, now, what are you driving at?” he de- manded. : Stokes uttered an exclamation of anger. “You play the innocent very well, but it won’t work, my fine lad. Your neck shall stretch for the murder of Albion Junardo.” ‘* Junardo—murdered ?” gasped theastonished young man. **Yes; and you did the job.” E ee turned pale, and then his face flushed otly. Volk lie!” he cried, excitedly. ‘‘I know nothing about it, if he really has been killed,” Stokes’s face grew black with rage, his eyes flashed, and he clinched his hands in his fierce anger. ‘*That’s right,” he hissed. ‘‘Talk while you have a chance, my lad, You will soon be where you cannot talk, You did murder Albion Ju, nardo while he slept, and you shall pay the penalty. You fled from the scene cf your crime, but I have found you and I will show no mercy. “JT do not doubt your intentions,” returned Sherman, regaining his composurein a measure, **T now know well enough that you are a mer- ciless creature with neither heart nor soul, but you will have to take me before you hang me, and I warn you that you'll find it a difficult job to accomplish. What proof have you that I “What do jnurdered Albion Junardo?” ‘* Proof enough. Your own knife was found sticking in his breast,” Sherman started, He had missed the knife. Suddenly a man, who had been creeping up behind the defiant Pfs fellow, sprung upon his back and clasped him around the body, pin- ning hisarms to his sides. [n a moment the whole gang rushed forward, and Sherman was quickly disarmed and made a prisoner. ** Ab-a!”’sneered Stokes, ‘* Now we have you foul. It does begin to look as if your neck would soon be stretched, doesn’t it?” Sherman’s reply was a look of defiance. ‘A. noose was quickly arranged in a lasso, and then he was dragged beneath a tree near by. The lasso was thrown over a limb and the ruf- fians seized it. ' Stokes drew forth his watch. “Tam going toallow you plenty of time to say your prayers,” he remarked, with a ma- licious grin. ‘‘In just five minutes’ time 1 shall give the signal: then your body will dangle from that limb.” Still Sherman was defiant, What had he to live for? what cared he for death? Amy was dead, and he would soon be with her. His eyes roved over the faces of the fierce band who held the lasso, then they came back to the now sinis- ter countenance of Flavus Stokes, and without a word he quietly awaited the fatal signal. CHAPTER VII. SAVED FROM THE ROPE. ‘‘-Yus,” repeated Disaster, after a moment's silence, ‘‘ thet war ther voice 0’ Flavus Stokes.” ‘** One o’ yer late pards?” asked Stone, .** Waal, I never counted him as er pard, though he war one o’ ther gang as war s’archin’ fer ther Gold Cave. He der forced hisself onter us,” ‘¢ Are you sure that was his voice?” asked Jackwood, / | ‘I’m reddy ter bet my ole boots on it,” Was Disaster’s assertion. ‘‘ He tried ter disguise his voice, but w’en I hear er galoot vociferate er few times I kin usually recognize his warble even ef he tries ter disguise it. Thet war i . draw back the hammers of the revolvers which | Stokesie, or I’m er antiquated ole truth-twist- er.” ‘Then ther man is a traitor,” said Cobb. ‘ ete Sieir yh One: z iat Siac Border Nomad. SS” Fy ‘© Waal, I sh’u’d figger it erbout thet way,” assented the old borderman, as he nodded vig- . orously in the darkness. ‘‘ Ef he hain’t a secon? edishun o’ Benedict Arnold then I don’t know beans from bullets. her blamed white-livered skunk slid out an’ lef’ me ter fight er hull regi- ment o’smoky-skins. By ther sword o’ Goliath! ef ’t’adn’t been fer thet white-hedded ole feller I reckon I sh’u’d er run erg’in’ my las’ disaster, * ‘Waal, w'at does ther sneakin’ critter mean by cumin’ roun’ hyer an’ wakin’ us with his ghost-like rantin’s?” growled Cobb. ‘* He’s up ter sum @irty game, I’ll bot ér flop- eared mule,” was Stone’s opinion, p ‘* Waal, now ye’r’shoutin’,” Disaster declared, ‘He didn’t cut thet thar caper fer ther fun 0” et. P’r’apsther scurvy eur has foun’ this hyer - placer w’at ye’r’ workin’ an’ wants ter drive ye away, so’t he kin take possession.” ‘** He'll fin’ thet erbout ther tuffest ole job he ever tackled,” Pee is Cobb. / And Stone added: ** Waal, I sh’u’d reemark!” “T think that there was more than one near the cabin wh®m the fellow spoke,” said Jack- wood. ‘‘I listened intently and fancied that I heard at least two men steal. away from the cabin,” : ‘I believe ye’r’ right,” said Cobb. ‘* Oh, he’s problikely got frien’s in this vicin- ity,” assented Old Disaster. ‘‘ P’r’aps ther var- mint is ther chief o’ er thievin’ gang o’ sum sort. By ther green-eyed catamounts! it ain’t best fer him thet he cums purrin’roun’me. Ef he duz he’ll strike ther wu’st disaster as he ever did run ercross. I’m p’ison ter snakes, an’ this galoot has pint. ; ‘* Pards,” said Jackwood, ‘‘I am inclined to believe that a band of desperadoes have their retreat in this vicinity.” ‘¢ Wat makes ye think so?” “JT don’t know. Tobe sure, I have no proof that this is so, but several things connected with the mysteries of this dismal ravine have led me to anes a belief. One thing is the strange rum- bling noise which we hear so often.” ** An’ why sh’u’d thet make ye think so?” ask- ed Stone, with interest. ‘¢Those noises sound like heavy blasts be- neath the ground, May it not be that parties are working a hidden mine somewhere in this vicinity?” Jackwood’s words were productive of some excitement, The usualdrawl had vanished from Jabez Cobb’s voice, ashe exclaimed: “Yer right, boy! yer’ right! I’m willin’ ter gamble on it! Them soun’s are heavy blasts under ther groun’.” ‘“*Tt duz seem reasonable,” Stone admitted, ‘¢ But ther hiaden mine must be ’tarnal near, fer I hev almost felt ther groun’ shake sumtimes. w’en them noises occurred.” ‘* Paps thet boy o’ ther scarlet sash is con- nected wi’ ther gang,” Cobb suggested, ‘*Tf so, I fancy there must be an entrance to the mine somewhere near the fall,” remarked. ; Jackwood. ; “ll bet my ole hat thet thar hain’t no en- trance anywhere under thet fall,” grunted tone. ‘You may be right,” Jackwvood admitted ; ‘* but I know I saw the boy and horse go under the fall, and we al/ know that there is a small cave there. Where the boy and the white horse: went to after passing beneath the fall is some- thing that I cannot say.” ‘ For several seconds the men were silent, then Old Disaster said; ag a ‘‘P’paps this gang as you think are in this vicinity hav’ foun’ ther Gold Cave an’ are work- in’ it fer all it’s wu’th.” ‘‘Yer may be right,” allowed Cobb, slowly; “but I doubt it, I tell you, Pard Disaster, I don’t take nostockin thettbarcave, Ive heerd considerable bout it, but I don’t believe thar is. sech a place in existence,” ‘*Thet’s all right,” grunted the old border- map. ‘You kin believe w’at ye’r’ mine ter, an’ ll do ther same, J think thar ts sech er cave. Ther dyin’ Crow Fut didn’t lie ter me,” ‘Bf ye'll trust ther word o’ one o’ ther cussid critters, ye’ll go further nor I will,” declared Cobb, ‘They won’t tell ther truth ter er whi man ef they know it ‘ill pay better than ter lie. ‘¢ Sum will,” persisted the border ranger, ‘TI ‘hed dun Crow Fut er good turn, an’ w’en he collided wi’ his last disaster, he did w’at he ¢’u’d ter return ther compliment.” . After a time the four men fell asleep and. were nct again aroused until dawn. ; After breakfast, Disaster announced a de- termination to go in search of Ethan Sherman. proved ter be er reg’ler squarmin’ sar- — na n
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ae rage, and steppin ee, * Ther lad may be sumw’ares inthis vicinity,” a |, the oid Border Nomad observed. ‘‘I am goin’ ter find ’im ef I kin,” i Jackwood became interested at once. 1 **T would like to go with you,” he said. ‘‘ Will you permit me?” F ‘“To be course!” exclaimed the old man, heartily. ‘‘ Ef yer legs are good fer er stiff | tramp, I’d be more’n deelighted wi’ yer com- Bany. ‘¢My legs are good for it,” declared Jack- wood. Taking his rifle, the young man followed Old Disaster from the cabin, The old nomad led the way up the ravine. ‘‘Thar is a sorter path away up here above ther waterfall by which we kin git out er this heer reveene,” the old man observed, as they walked ‘along. ‘I don’t reckon it’s more’n ) fot gy tate er mile erbove the fall. I diskivered it yy yisterday mornin’ w’ile I war nosin’ round ther paca place whar ther mysterious ole gray-head dis- A appeared. It looks like it war made by human A critters, an’ I kin sweer as how it’s been used by us} them, an’ recently at that.. I’m goin’ ter nose roun’ thet place er leetle. No knowin’ w’at we mey stumble onter.” ith some difficulty they passed the water- fall and then continued up the ravine. Disas- ter enjoined the strictest silence on his com- panion, and like two shadows they stole.quietly along. ynval They finally reached the spot where the path N ran down along the precipitous bank of the ra- a vine. . wt “Thar’s ther highway ter up above,” said Old Disaster, in a low tone, as he pointed at the ath, Jackwood’s eye followed the narrow footway * up the steep, and a dubious expression passed over his face, His companion noticed this, and id: ‘*Tt does look er leetle pe Nee it kin be climbed.” After spending a few minutes in the ravine, Old Disaster led the way up the path. Jack- fe wood followed. It was a difficult climb, but theyreached the top much easier than Jackwood had anticipated. ‘* Hyer we are,” observed the old borderman, as they paused and looked back for a moment, dil ‘‘Thet’s quite er pull, but I've made menny a one a durned sight tuffer,” “*Tt surely is not as bad asit looks,” Jackwood admitted. At this moment they were startled by a quick, light step near at hand, and both whirled swift- ly to perceive before them a form which Jack- wood instantly recognized. af It was the strange boy of the scarlet sash! " He was afoot and seemed greatly excited. } Advancing toward them, he cried: ** Quick, gentlemen, if you would save your friend! He is down that way beyond the pines! . They are about to hang him!” ; Despite his excitement, the boy's voice was i clear and pleasant to the ear. His face, which Ay)" , was marked by eagerness and a touch of terror, i was very beautiful, : Old Disaster seemed struck motionless by sur- 4 prise at the lad’s sudden appearance, but Jack- ath: wood quickly demanded: } **What do yousay? Hang whom?” a “A young man whom they found near this nit spot. Oh! hasten, sirs, or you will be too late!” A thought flashed through Jackwood’s brain. “Tt is Sherman!” he exclaimed, excitedly. ‘Come on, old man; we must take a hand in the game!” 1 ) He bounded swiftly away in the direction that the boy had pointed, Disaster at his heels. i Me Almost before they were aware of it the two , men were in the midst of a band of fierce-looking fellows who had gathered beneathatree. Inan instant Jackwood tore the noose from Sher- man’s neck, cut his hands loose, then whirled and at Disaster’s side faced the astonished des- peradoes, a revolver in either hand, held so jubigus, don’t it? But ” the muzzles, ‘‘ Hoppin’ tomeats!” cried the old Hills tramp; 3 “This are a jubilee, I do deeclare!” Py ‘« What does this mean?” cried Jackwood ina ringing voice. ‘‘Explainthisoutrage!” “Yes; let loose yer crooked, truth-twistin’ : tag Si an’ explain this little spectacle,” chimed % in Disaster. : For a moment Stokes was struck dumb with surprise, but his face quickly turned black with toward the old ranger, he ae demanded, furiously: “ Are you here to protect a murderer? Would ou ba Lp hand of justice from punishing a |. Salt lood-stained criminal?’ e a “rae Lee 2 ; ‘ | NSP fy r Bike i fie vb Gee " ra Nit CLT : ; HH ai a ; : EMsh EL OSS DY eT en oa Sa earon a a Af Te TA TO ES eee ee poe ee a — that the cowering ruffians conld look fairly into , ‘the old man. The veteran looked surprised. ‘* Hello, thar, Stokesie!” he exclaimed. ‘‘Is thet you ? Who appointed you Jedge Lynch?” ‘* Tt makes no difference to you. This man is a murderer, and we are going to hang him.” ‘* Waal, I guess not /” remarked the old guide, coolly, as he shook one of his antiquated revolv- ers in Stokes’s face. ‘‘ Jist stan’ back er leetle, yer sneakin’ two-faced whelp, or you'll run er- g’in’ the wu’st disaster ye ever struck!” r CHAPTER VIII. A STAIN ON HIS NAME, STOKES recoiled a step. ** You old fool!” he snarled, ‘‘ Do you think you can prevent us from hanging that murder- er? Weare two to your one.” **T don’t keer er durn!’? was Disaster’s calm reply. ‘‘’T w’u’dn’t make no difference ef ye war ten ter our one! We're jist ther boyees as enjoy er leetle scrimmage wi’ ther odds agin’ us. Ef ye wanter picnic or er circus, all ye’ve got ter do is jist ter wink yer off eye. We're hyer ter ’commerdate ye.” In truth, the reckless old fellow seemed anxious for a fuss, Stokes hesitated, not know- ing what move to make, 1 Disaster continued : ‘Speak right up, Stokesie; don’t be 'tall bash- ful. Et ye’r’ itchin’ fer ther fun, don’t hesitate erbout givin’ ther signal. We'll do our best ter make it interestin’fer ye. Sword o’ Goliath! won't we have a time!” ‘*'You area fool!” snarled the baffled villain, as ho glared at the old man, ‘¢ So you sed jist er second er so ago,” was the reply ; ‘‘ but thet don’t makeit so, byany means. I’d rather be er fool enny day than er cowardly two-faced imp o’ sin—thet's yerself !” ‘** You shall pay dearly for those words!” And Stokes’s face was white with passion. “Pay for ’em? Now, I’m dead broke an’ can’t pay. | Jist charge ’em, an’ I'll settle w’en I feel thet way.” Stokes ground out a malediction. ‘¢ Enough of this fool’s gab!” he cried, ‘For the last time I demand that you surrender that. fellow into our charge.” “ An’ fer ther laster time I say fer you an’ yer hull measly crowd ter go ter grass! Ef yo want Ethan Sherman, w’y, jist took’im! But I’m bettin’ high”on ther leetle game we're playin’, an’ we hold both hands chock-full o trumps.” Anji, to emphasize his words, Disaster again shook his revolvers in Stokes’s face, Jackwood was standing at the old man’s side, with a revolver in either hand. Sherman had dropped his weapons in the struggle when he was captured, but he stood in a defiant attitude with both hands clinched, , There were six desperadoes who confronted the three men at bay—just two to one—yet they hesitated in beginning the conflict, know- ing full well that one or more of their number were sure to fall before the ready weapons of that dauntless old knight of the Hills and the resolute young man at his side. ‘* Ye don’t seem in er hurry ter open) ther jamboree,” observed Disaster, mockingly. ‘' Ye hain’t seized by er fit, be ye—ther same kind o’ er fit as got holt o’ ye night afore las’, w’en ther smoky-skins kem in onter us—er fit o’ cow- ardicé? How ye did leg it erbout thet time, Stokesie! leavin’ me ter wallop ther stuffin’ out o’ ther redrinos. I tell ye, Stokes, ole boyee, ef I’m er fool, surely you are er double-dyed coward frum Craven Crick,” “Curse you!” snarled the defied villain. “‘How did you escape?” “Licked ther hull durned crowd,” grinned ‘‘}'’m wuss nor-hafe er dozen eatermounts w’en it cums ter ginawin’ fightin’, Jist now I feel able to wallop this bull gang, Say, Jackwood, my boyee, jis’ stan’ back an’ let me hev all ther fun, will ye?” Disaster was playing a big game of bluff. While he talked his thoughts were busy, and he was perplexed to know how they were to get Sherman out of the scrape. It was apparent ] that the desperadoes would not surrender their claim on the young man without a struggle and, although the old Border Nomad a peared very confi“ent of the result, secretly he dreaded a conflict. Disaster was wise enough to know /that the chances were against himself and friends, If they were not all slain in the con- flict, perhaps one of ther would be, and that would be a severe blow. . \ “Old man,” said Stokes; firmly, ‘I will give you just one minute to decide. If you do ‘ Disaster, the border Nomad. ; Pyar bis (ST TS EN eT Se TEAR TON a VE Sn as NR na Re 0 RTE” SR Nn ES ES ARE POD or not give up the murderer, you know what will follow. I am determined to stretch Ethan Sher- man’s neck for his crime if I have to wade through blood to do it,” “Whew!” cried theold borderman. “ Yer er. reckless critter, now hain’t ye? Waal, ye need- n’t bother ter waste er minute. I'll tell ye now thet if ye get Ethan Sherman ye’ll hev ter take him, So walkin an’ let ther fun begin.” At this point Sherman spokeup; ‘ ‘Don’t endanger your own life on my ac- count, Disaster. If these men will give me half a show I will prove that lam innocent of the crime with which I am charged,” Disaster laughed scornfully. “Thet w’n’dn’t make no difference, young man. They’re boun’ter hang ye anyway, ef they kin, Ef they knew ye war innercent they w’u'd hang ye jist thersame, That’stheirstyle. It’s not tuer murder they’re doin’ this fer; I reckon it’s er piece o’ pure out-an’-out cussed- ness, an’ Stokes is ther chief Satan ov these cut- throats,” “You are right, Disaster,” added Jackwood, ‘‘While pretending to avenge murder, they are simply committing another, These fellows are evidently ruffians of the worst ty ea _ Stokes said not a word, but, watch in hand, counted the seconds as they sped by. Soon he closed the watch with a snap, and announced: ‘*Time’s up!” Hardly had he uttered the ‘words when the sound of a rifle-shot not far away came to their ears, followed by a series of whoops, which plainly were from the throats of red-skins, Disaster saw his opportunity and instantly uttered an ear-splitting yell. ‘Ther red varmints are upon us!” he cried, ‘*Scoot, every one 0’ ye! scoot fer yer lives! Don’t waste er second ef ye don’t want yer skulps ter hang in Sioux wigwams! © Git! buz- zards an’ eagles!” ‘The old man's apparent excitement was ,con- tagious, The men wheeled swittly in alarm and ran as fast as their legs would carry them. But, ere he fled, Stokes made one last desperate effort to take young Sherman’s life. Snatching out a revolver, he took a quick aim at the young man’s breast, but, before he could fire,a kick from Disaster’s foot sent the weapon flying from his hand. ‘Uttering a fierce curse, the defeated villain followed the flying men, ‘¢ Come, lads,” called out Old Disaster, brisk- ly, ‘*Foller me an’ we'll hit kiver afore ther red varmints sight us,” He swiftly glided away, Jackwood and Sher- man at his heels. The old Border Nomad was an experienced Indian strategist and at once made for the nearest cover. Within three min- utes he was stealing his way through a dense mass of tall bushes like a weasel, ‘Ther blamed red rinos run erg’in’ ther boy o’ ther scarlet sash,” Disaster observed as they burried along. ‘‘ Ef he only held their ’tention long ernuff we'll hev no tr’ubble wi’’em, As fer follerin’ er trailef they try thet they'll find several ter foller, an’ I reckon they'll imagine as how they’ve struck er deefikilty.’ For thirty minutes they stole along, and then the old guide halted in a little glade, ‘© Waal, youngsters,” he observed, ‘* them red varlets putt in their yawp at jist ther right — time, They helped us out o’ er blamed deefi- kilty, bless their condemned dirty hides!” Sherman and Jackwood said not a word, | They stocd facing each other, and the old man saw by the strange looks on their faces that something serious was to follow, Sherman was the first to speak, “And so it is you, Frank St. Orme?” Jackwocd bowed. : i ‘*T see you know me,” he said, holding out his hand, ‘ Will you shake?” ; Sherman hesitated. \ “TT cannot take the hand of acriminal,” he | finally said, , . / Jackwood’s face became very red, and he bowed, coldly, ‘* As you please,” and his voice sounded husky. | **T see you still believe me guilty.” ‘“‘How can I think otherwise? The circum-— stantial evidence wes very strong, and the con- | fession of the captured robber served to convince every one,” ‘* No, not every one!” cried Jackwood. ‘‘ Amy | never believed that I was guilty.” * ‘True, she did not, But, others did, Even | your father questioned your innocence, and — your mother would only wine her bands and — weep. Not once did she say that she believed — you innocent.” i ‘For all of that, I swear to you, Ethan Sher- man, I had no hand in the Brocton bank-rob« b \ Rie! Pe. 5 ! ae Abe PPAR yh sass hat nw
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fon oe Tew "Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. ey. I know I was wild, and that I nearly broke my parents’ hearts by my thoughtless deeds. 1 know that the man who led my feet along the downward path, the gambler, Doyce Bradon, was the one robber captured. i know that he implicated me; but as there is a God in Heaven, I swear I am innocent!” ‘* Would to Heaven you could prove that!” said Sherman, earnestly. ‘But I cannot. I was forced to flee like a criminal, and like a hunted man I have lived ever since. But, Ethan, I have come to you to Jearn something of my parents and Amy.” ‘* Did you not know of their coming West?” **No! Didthey doso? Where are they?” Then Sherman told the story of the St, Ormes’ journey Westwardand of their probable fate in the Red Canyon massacre. Jackwood was shocked and horrified beyond measure. ‘Great heavens!” he groaned, ‘* This can- not be! Are you sure that they were murdered by the red fiends?” Sherman told of his search for Amy, not omit- ting his peculiar adventure near the path which led down i=to Dismal Gorge. Jackwood was badly shaken by the terrible news. “Tf Amy is living I will find her!” declared the brother, as he raised one hand above his head. ‘‘I swear it! She never believed me guilty!” After a time Disaster started onward again, Sherman close behind and Jackwood following Sherman. For half an hour they pushed for- ward and finally found themselves again gazing down into Dismal Gorge, Then Sherman turned to speak to Jackwood, only to discover that he was not with them! CHAPTER IX, HOT WORDS AND A BLOW. SHERMAN uttered an exclamation of surprise, a perceiving Jackwood was gone, Disaster Bald: **Sorrer o’ Sodom! Whar is ther boyee?” ** Gone,” replied Sherman, ‘ He has left us,” ** An’ w’at fer did he do thet?” grunted the old man, in disgust. Sherman shook his head, ‘*I don’t know. Perhaps—perhaps I did wrong. It may be that he would not come with me, Ethan hesitated and seemed perplexed about something, when Disaster laid one hand heayily on his friend’s shoulder, ** Boyee,” said the old borderman, impressive- ly, ‘‘ lL hev took er likin’ ter Justin Jackwood, x he calls hisself. Thet lad has an hones’ ace, ‘*T know—I know; ho appears to be a fine fellow, He always appeared that way. Yet there is a stain on his namie,” : ** Justin Jackwood hain’t norobber, I don’t keer er hooter who ses so, I don’t believe it. , I never saw ther boyee afore yisterday, yet ih reddy ter stan’ by him through thick an’ n. The old man’s words seemed to touch Sher- -man to the quick, for he shrunk back, a pained f ¥ 0! ‘ as 4 Ae te. ‘ fear I ’ ther.” expression on his face. ( ‘*‘ And yet J am ready to believe him guilty,” he muttered, slowly. ‘‘He may not be, but if you only knew all of his wild life. His boon companion was the gambler, Doyce Bradon, who is now in prison for being one of the Brockton Bank robbers, Bradon swore that this person whom you call Jackwood was his accomplice.” . **T don’t keer,” was Old Disaster’s obstinate response; ‘‘I don’t believe it. Bradon may hey led Jackwood inter gamblin’, but I don’t be- lieye he ever got him inter any bank-breakin’ diviltry. Ther gambler most likely tole thet yarn ro ge ter git er light sentence, ‘“*T tell ye, Jackwood’s built outer ther right kind o’ stuff. He’s got solid sand—thet’s sure. He war ther fu’st one ter reach ye as you stood wi’ ther rope roun’ yer neck er short time ergo, an’ wi’ his own han’s he flung off ther noose as w’u’d ’a’ choked ther life outer yer ata in er blessed short time ef we hadn’t took er han’ in ther leetle game.” Again Old Disaster’s words seemed to cut - Sherman ow 4 The pained look, on the ‘Lace oung man’s eapenetts and his eyes were dixed upon the ground, ‘7 may have done wrong,” he faltered. ‘‘T id. He is her brother—Amy’s bro- _ “ What did ye call ’im—his name?” ‘Never mind his name. He calls himself cm wood ; we will call him that for the pres- Old Disaster grunted shortly, “*T ought to have taken his hand when he of- fered it,” Sherman continued, ‘I was a little hard, I fear that I torgot that in a measure I was indebted to him for my life. More than that, at that timo and now, there is a more ter- rible charge against me than that of robbery; but I am innocent.” ‘* Kin yo prove yer innercence?’ ‘*T hope to,” ‘Yet thersarcumstances look mighter kinder squarmish, Wi’my own eyesI saw yer knife buried ter ther hilt in Janardo’s breast.” ‘* But you donot believe me guilty?” gasped Sherman, ‘*surely you do not!” ‘*No, I don’t,” was the decided reply; ‘‘an’ yit nine juries out o’ ten would convict ye on thet evidence.” ‘*T fear you are right.” ‘*Ther evidence are ekil ter thet erg’in’ Jack- wood,” “True, true! Did he know of this?” ‘* He knows as much asI do, I tole him ther hull story.” “And he did not menticn it—did not even hint at it when I spoke of the stain on his name,” The old man’s eyes twinkled, ‘**T tell ye, boyee, Jackwood are white.” ““f believe you. I have treated him shame- fully. I will ask his pardon when we meet again.” Old Disaster nodded vigorously with a pleased expression on his face, but said not a word. ‘‘The manner in which I treated him may have had something to do with his’ sudden dis- appearance,” added Sherman. ‘'Hadn't we better turn back and see if we cannot find him?’ \ “No, I reckon not. Jackwood left us on his own accord an’ we problikely c’u’dn’t find ’im ef we tried. I hev anijeo as how he has detar- mined ter hunt up ther galas ye war speakin’ ov—his sister, 6 may strike ther cabing down ther reveen afore nightfall.” Then the old man briefly told Sherman of Jackwood’s companions and the placer they were working in Dismal Gorge. A few minutes later they descended by a most difficult and dangerous route into the narrow ravine and turned their faces toward the miners’ cabin. In due time they reached their ect g and found Cobb and Stone hard at work, Old Disaster introduced Ethan Sherman in his Uspapea 3 style, then he told of Jackwood’s resolve to find his sister, and of the young man’s sudden disappearance. The old borderman was careful to say nothing of what had passed be- tween Jackwood and Sherman, for which the latter was very thankful. ‘ The day passed, and at nightfall Jackwood had-not put in au appearance, Old Disaster was uneasy anduncommunicative, but heseemed wolried at the young man’s failure to appear. Almost the last thing he did ere entering the cabin at dark was to strain his eyes to peer through the gloom toward the waterfall. Jack wood’s partners were also worried about the young fellow, whom they|both liked in their peculiar way. That evening the four men gathered before an open fire within the cabin, and all sat star- ing moodily into the flames, while Stone, Cobb agd Old Disaster filled the room with tobacco- smoke, They had not fastened the cabin-door,and were startled when it was suddenly hurled open and a man strode into the room. The four men leaped to their feet and turned on the intruder. It was Flavus Stokes! Behind him, just without the doorway, they perceived several dark forms, For a moment Stokes stood before the four men, blinking rapidly, as if partially blinded by the firelight, Finally his eyes rested on Ethan Sherman’s tall form, and he declared, as he pointed straight at the young man: **That’s ther chap I want, andI have come with the crowd to take him!” **Sword o’ old Goliath!” cried Old Disaster, “* Ef it hain’t Stokesie erg’in!” ‘* Yes,” growled the villain, in a blusterin manner, ‘‘ I have come for that murderer, and am going to take him.” ‘* Now, don’t be too sart’in erbout thet,” said the old Border Nomad, as he endeavored to count the dark forms beyond the doorway, ‘* You may find it real invigeratin’ exercise ter do thet same leetle;job, I hev warned ye, Stokesie, not ter fool roun’ me unless ye’r’ anx’us ter run er- gin’ er full-sized, double-actin’ disaster,” | NN eee *¢ There, let up on that kind of yawp!” snarled Stokes. ‘‘ ve heard enough of your chin,” Old Disaster’s eyes flashed. : “EF you think it’s all chin, jist let yerself loose an’ wade inter ther ole man. Sorror o’ Sodom! but w’u’dn’t we hev erracket! Waal, I sW’wd surelaim |” But Stokes seemed in no hurry to test the old man’s physical powers, Instead, he took a step toward Ethan Sherman, but, with nervous haste, Mben Stone snatched out a revolver and thrust it into the desperado’s very face. ‘* Hole on! hole on!” spluttered the California gold-hunter, ‘* Let's reeson er little erbout this hyer. ; Stokes stopped promptly enough, but he drew back one hand as if to strike the wrinkled old man who blocked his path. Cobb laid his hand on Stokes’s arm. ‘‘Pard,” he drawled, slowly, ‘‘ ye hadn’t bet- ter do et.’ Thet thar durned little runt kin ee, quicker’n ye kin strike ter save yer soul. “Git back!” cried Stone, excitedly shakin the revolver in the intruder’s face; ‘ git back, j say!” Ribkes was obliged to retreat several steps. Sherman came forward. ‘“*T thank you, friends,” the young man said ‘but I cannot ask you to fight my battle. If this man wants anything of me, let him make his business known.” “T want you,” growled the angry villain, ‘Sand I am going to take you, too.” ‘* For the purpose of banging me, as you tried to do to-day, I suppose.” “ Well, that’s about the size of it.” ‘Do you expect that I will surrender, know- ing full well that I saall be murdered if Ido so?” : ‘* If you don’t surrender, we will take you.” ‘‘Phen you may 48 well walk in and take me, I shall not surrender.” ** Thet’s ther tork, boyee!” piped Old Disaster. “¢ Fet’em walk in an’run erg’in’er cyclone 0’ devastation. Wo kin lick ther blamed pimps, an’ [ll bet mer wealth on it,” ‘‘T have ten men here at the door,” announced. Stokes, ‘* Tir reg’ler gang o’ lan’ pirates, by ther sword o’ Goliath!” snorted the old borderman. ‘I knowed it!” “We are peaceable, law-abiding people, but we don’t allow murcerers to go free while their victim moldera and his blood cries for venge- ance.” ‘ ‘*'Yo1’ puttin’ yerselves ter a pile o’ tr’ubble,” observed Old Disaster. ; “Simply because | have sworn that this red- handed assassin shell not escape,” ‘*T am no assassin,” asserted Sherman. ‘* You lie!’ snarled Stokes, ‘* You—” But he gotnofurtber. Sherman leaped for- ward, his fist shot out from the shoulder and struck Flavus Stokes fairly between the eyes, the thwack of the blow being keard by those within and without the cabin. The ctroke was a terrific one. Stokes was hurled backward through the open doorway and lanéed in the midst of his followers outside, Ere a hand could be raised to prevent, Old Disaster slammed the door sbut and propped it with a heavy wooden bar. The next instant the desperadoes hurled themselves against the door, but it withstood the attack. ‘*Git out er hyer, ye dirty varmints!” yelled the old borderman, ‘ : ity ye’r’ pritty apt ter run erg’in’ er red-hot dis- aster,” There was no reply. Old Disaster turned toward Sherman. ‘* Boyee,” he said, his face wreathed by a com- ical grin, ‘‘thet war jist erbout ther dingdest pritty elip as I ever did see.” ; : For some time all was silent outside the cabin. Once or twice those within caught a feint mur- raur of voices, ‘© Wonder what they’re up ter?” said Cobb. “Dunno,” was Stone’s reply; ‘ p’r’aps they’re | plottin’ sum deviltry.” - ‘Waal, now you jist bet yer boots thet’s ther size o’ it,” was Old Disaster’s remark. ‘‘ We shell heer frum them erg’in.” His words proved true. Listening closely, they all plainly heard the sound of softly-moy- ing feet near the rear end of the cabin. ‘© Wender wa’t they’re doin’ roun’ there,” said Cobb, wko seemed uneasy. ‘ Stone did not reply, and Old Disaster shook his head. Sherman stole across the floor and listened at the back of the cabin. A cracking sound, low and soft, came to his ears. Like a flash he turned toward his companions, crying: “ They have fired the cabin / Ef ye linger in thisvicin-.. reper yi fyi
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Yad ts Pe. ~ CHAPTER X, THE CAVERN NYMPH. THE strange white-bearded man who had so suddenly disappeared almost before Old Disas- ter’s very eyes, had entered an underground passage by means of a secret door, set within what appeared to be a solid wall of ledge-like rock, There was a thick mass of bushes before the door, therefore the night-shadower had not discovered in what manner he was eluded. Carefully closing the door behind him, the strange man stooped and laid the body of Junar- do at his feet. A moment luter he found and lighted something which resembled a candle, - Stooping, he lifted Junardo on his right arm. with remarkable ease. Bearing the light in his left hand, he passed along a narrow passage. Not once did he pause, although the passage was long, winding and in places strewn with stones, Finally he entered a small round cavern-cham- ber. As he did so there was a little cry of delight, and a small, graceful form came for- ward. The old man saw before him a girl, and a very beautiful one, at that. Her face was pale—a pallor which plainly told of a lack of free-air exercise; but a slight tinge of color had come into it as she saw the white-bearded man. She was dressed neatly, in direct contrast to the old man, who wore half-civilized garments. ‘* Ah, father, back again!” she cried in a pleas- ant tone. Then noticing the form he carried, she added: ** Mercy! what have you there?” ‘© A dead man, child!” replied the strange man in a deep voice, ‘‘l have brought him here to experiment on. By the marks on his throat, I see he was strangled. His body has not be- come stiff, and therefore he shall live again!” The girl did not speak for a moment, but she regarded the man whom she called father, in a peculiar manner. ‘lhere was a look of mingled pity and fear on her sweet, sad face, A fire was burning within a sort of natural fireplace at one side of the cavern, Above it was a large hole that led upward through the rock and earth. The smoke from the fire as- cended this natural chimney and escaped far above by two-scores of tiny holes. From ashort distance the smoke would not be noticed. Not far from the fireplace was a couch of furs, Upon this the strange man placed his ghastly burden, and even as he did so a feint groan came from the supposed dead man’s lips. Life was not yet extinct! ‘* He is not dead!” muttered the white-bearded man, a look of genuine disa ees we appear- ing upon his face. ‘‘ Again I shall be unable to make the great experiment. Once more the privilege-is snatched from my fingers. Fate is against me.” : “Poor father! poor father!” whispered the girl; but her words were so low that he did not hear them, She advanced and laid one hand upon his shoulder. ‘¢ Father, if the man is not dead it is our duty to restore him and do what we can to save his The old man did not at once reply. His lips moved and he repeated words which seemed meaningless. The girl shrunk back, the look of fear again showing upon her face, ‘* He was strangled,” muttered the man, after atime. ‘The marks were on his throat when I first saw him.” ; “He was stabbed!” cried the girl. ‘ Look, father! there is the knife!” She pointed toward the hilt, which seemed to indicate that the blade was buried in Junardo’s left breast, , ‘*Am I blind?” exclaimed the man, as he gazed at the knife-haft, which he seemed to’see for the first time. ‘‘ I saw the marks on his throat, but in my haste I did not see this knife.” He examined the position of the knife closely and then said: — ‘Tt would seem that such a stroke must brin almost instant death, yet this man lives, ti must be that the blade entered his breast in a slanting manner. Perhaps it strucka rib and was turned aside. It is too far to the left to strike bis heart, yet such a stroke, were the knife driven straight home, would produce death.” ; He took hold of the hilt of the knife and his touch caused thé wounded man to groan, Evi- dently Junardo was fast recovering conscious- ness, “The thick folds of this blanket and his clothes beneath have done much to protect him,” Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. continued the white-bearded man, ‘‘He has bled considerably, “*Child, get bandages, for I shall withdraw this knife 1nd must dress the wound,” The girl flew to obey, and while she was gone her father carefully removed the knife. As he thought, the blow had been a glancing one, the blade being turned by striking a rib. he wound, although serious, was not necessarily fatal were the patient cared for by skilled hands. But Junardo had been choked into unconscious- ness and had lost considerable blood. Thecave- dweller knew that it was very doubtful if he could be saved. When the girl returned with the bandages, she found that her father had cut away the clothing and disclosed the wound. It was bleeding afresh, but with his daughter’s aid the hermit soon dressed the cut in a really skillful manner. When they had finished they discovered that their patient had opened his eyes and was star- ing at the darkness which served as a. ceiling. ** Ah,” said the white-bearded man, ‘‘so you have recovered? How do you feel?” Junardo did not reply. He turned his eyes a them, but in their depths was a vacant ook, ‘* He is dazed,” observed the girl. ‘‘ Give him eon liquor, father. A taste may do him much good. ; ‘** Bring it, child.” Swiftly she complied. The hermit held the bottle to Junardo’s lips and allowed a few drops to pass into his mouth. The unfortunate man had been choked into un- consciousness, and then struck by the knife. It was almost a miracle that neither the chok- ing or the blow from the knife had proved fatal. The liquor did not seem to drive the vacant look from the sufferer’s eyes. ‘* He is deranged,” observed the hermit. Then he picked up the bloody knife that he had removed fromJunardo’s breast. He held it so that the light feli upon the letters ‘‘ E. D, 8.” cut upon tae handle, The girl started as she saw them. ‘* FTis initials!” she whispered, hoarsely. The man heard her words, ‘Yes, his initials. I kaow whom you mean, but there may be a hundred men with the same initials. There is little chancethat this is Ethan Sherman’s knife. I hope not, for if it were, it would appear that he was an attempted mur- derer.” The girl said nothing more, but moved slowly from the couch, Her hands were tightly clinched, and her bosom rose and fell with emo- ion, ‘*Tf it should be!” sho murmured. ‘‘ Perhaps heis among these Hills searching for me. Shall we ever meet again? ‘*{f father would only go from here, But he will not. He swears he will have revenge on Marshal Baylor. Poor father! He is so wild at times, and I fear him so! <'o-night, when he left the cave, he was having one of his terrible spelis. It is useless for me to ask him where he found this wounded man, for he probably does not remember. He never remembers after one of the spells, ** He has an idea that he can restore life to a dead person, He has been a great student and has experimented all his life with chemicals, Were it not for his knowledge of strange ex- plosives, he would have been slain by savages many times. But he always succeeds in fright- ening them away. “Tf Ethan Sherman is alive and true to me, God grant that he may find me. No longer does father desire that | shall marry a wealthy man. The treachery of Marshal Baylor cured him of that. Whata fiend that man is! I do not understand why father does not wreak vengeance upon him, as he has had hundrec)s of chances to do, But hesays the time has not yet arrived.” ‘ ‘During the remainder of the night the hermit watched by the couch upon which Albion Ju- nardo lay, Junardo slept some, but did not speak once for hours. P ; The girl spent as much time as she dared in the open air, never going far from the secret entrance to the underground passage. At an early hour the following day she was in the ra- vine, and it was her voice that Ethan Sher- man heard as hestood on the brink far above her. She heard bis wild cry and recognized her own name; then, terrified and excited, she hastened into the passage and closed the en- trance, With trembling limbs she hurried along the winding passage until she reached the cavern chamber, . ; Doe as ee Be ee ee eee Fe CT bart ‘ ‘‘Father,” she cried, pantingly, ‘I heard a voice while I was in the ravine, Three times it called my name, and it sounded like Ethan’s voice, Something tells me that he is near.” ‘*Then,” said the old man, gravely, ‘‘it was his knife that we found in the breast of that man lyipg there!” 4 CHAPTER XI, RESCUED FROM RED HANDS, JARIUS JACKWOOD, as we shall continue to call the young miner, had halted and allowed Old Disaster and Ethan Sherman to go on with- out him. As Jackwood was behind his com- panions, this act was not noticed, and he was not missed until they reached the ravine. Jackwood had resolved to explore the ravine in the vicinity of the spot where Sherman had heard the voice in song. The young man was deeply affected by the news of his parents’ and sister’s supposed death. Sherman’s coolness had also touched a tender spot in his sensitive nature. . When Disaster‘ and Sherman had disappeared, he exclaimed: ‘‘ Dead—murdered by the reds! <A terrible fate! I cannot believe that dear Amy is dead— that I shall never see her again. Even when my parents doubted, she still believed me inno- cent. A purer, truer girl never breathed! I was wild and reckless, yet her tender heart al- ways clung to me, and her pure kiss on my liquor-stained lips often brought a blush of shame to my cheek, ; ‘*T wonder now that, reckless as I then was, Doyce Bradon did not attempt toinduce me to have a hand in that Brocton robbery, What a miserable creature that man is! He was ready to swear away my liberty that he might obtain a shorter sentence. He led my feet along the road to ruin, and he has placed a black stain upon my name, which may never be removed. How I hate him!” Jackwood clinched his hands, and his whole form quivered with the intensity of his emo- tion. After a few moments he turned and made his way back along the course that he had traversed with Sherman and Old Disaster, Not knowing what dangers he might encounter, he stole cautiously along, keeping under cover as much as possible, and holding his rifle ready for use, ; ‘‘T would givé much to again meet that mys- terious boy of the scarlet sash,” he muttered, ‘¢The sweet face of that handsome lad has left an impression on mind that is not easily erased, I feel a strange interest in him,” After a time Jackwood reached a spot where he could see the tree beneath which Ethan Sherman had stood with a ropearound his neck, Thers appeared to be no one in the vicinity.” ‘*T wonder who those ruffians were?” solilo- quized Jackwood, ‘They seemed to be a regu- lar band of desperadoes. If we had not ap- peared just as we did they would have hanged Sherman,” After he had made eure that there was no one but himself near the spot, be passed the tree and continued toward the path which led down into the ravine. He reached the path just as Old Disaster and Sherman were passing down the gorge below. Jackwood was careful to keep back so that they would not see him should they glance upward, and finally they disappeared down the ravine. rae! ‘‘Now,” said Jackwood, ‘‘Iam going down and explore this place, 1 do not care to return to the cabin while Ethan Sherman is there, He believes me guilty of robbery, and forgets that he is shadowed by a greater crime,” Down into the gorge he made his way and be- gan to examine the ground foot by foot, inch by inch, For nearly an hour he was thus occu- ied, when suddenly a ery of joy burst from his 1 oT a ee Close to the edge of the little stream, plainly | a@ z= outlined in the soft earth, he perceived tne im- | print of a tiny, moccasined foot, evidently a . woman’s. ; ‘* She lives!” he exclaimed, joyously, ‘I feel sure that she lives and has been here! Sherman heard her piesa rAd oP Sackided Strangely enough, Jackwood did not appear to doubt but that the imprint was made by the foot of his lost sister, Wor an hour he meh tee searched for some further trace, and pee he passed and repassed the bushes before secret entrance to the underground passage, he found nothing toreward him forhistoil. After a time he found a snug spot in the midst of a small but thick mass of bushes and sat down to watch and wait. He felt sure that * wie } , et at telly as ‘ é ; i! i 0 | ry) 4 ' ¥ 7 va
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— a iP] d Disaster, ' e Border Nomad. _ if he remained there long enough he would see something which would lead him to the one he sought. The silence was profound and Jackwood final- ly fell asleep and dreamed. He fancied that a small white cloud gradually settled toward the’ spot where he reclined with his back against a soft, yielding mass of thick bushes,” A short time it hovered directly over him, and then it slowly parted and in the midst of it hesaw a face. At {iret he thougkt it was the face of his sister, but graduallyit changed until it appeared to be that of the boy who wore the scarlet sash. But, while Jackwood was gazing at the strange boy, another change took place. The boy be- camea girl. Her face was wondrously pretty and her red lips parted in a smile as she gazed toward the young man. Slowly she extended one hand and beckoned'to him. He fain would have gone to her, but it seemed that he could not stir. A look of sorrow came over the face of the fair vision, and gradually she faded from his view. Then Jackwood seemed to hear a sweet voice singing. It appeared to be very faraway. He could not distinguish the words, but the air was familiar. He lay quite still, feeling en- chanted by the music from th» lips of the un- known singer of his dream, It seemed that he lay thus for hours, and, when he awoke, the sound of the song was still within his ears. He started up, exclaiming: ‘*T believe that, like Ethan Sherman, I have heard Amy singing! I heard her voice while I slept. I did not recognize the song, but J] am sure that it was she.” With this belief in his mind, the young man a ae explored the ravine in the immediate vi- cinity. He found nothing, ‘* Wor the time I am ed,” he said, aloud as he paused at the foot of the path which led np out of the ravine. ‘‘ But I shall haunt this place until I discover whether my hopes are vain or not. “Just now I am hnngry, and must have something to eat. I will not for I have no desire to meet Ethan Sherman again to-day. I will endeavor to find and shoot game of some kind,” With this object in view, he ascended the path and left the ravine, Leaving Dismal Gorge behind, Jackwood struck out at random, hoping to soon come across game that he could shoot and cook, An hour later found him far away from the ravine, but still tramping on, having been unsuccessful in his hunt, He was passing along a wooded defile, when the sharp clatter of a horse’s hoofs came to his ears, An instant he listened and discovered that the horse was approaching. With an agile spring, Jackwood reached cover and crouched in esd aan i forth to get a view of the galloping animal. A moment later a riderless white horse dashed into view and swept by like the wind, An exclamation burst from Jackwood’s lips. He recognized the horse as the one ridden by | the boy of the scarlet sash. A faint cry of mingled terror and distress floated down the defile. ‘The boy is in trouble!” cried Jackwood, softly,and he broke into a run, heading to- ward the spot from whence came the sound,, In a few moments hecame upon an unequal struggle. The strange lad who wore the scarlet sash was struggling in the hands of two brawny red-skins, Jackwood did not hesitate a moment, and be- fore the Indians were aware of it he was upon, them. He dashed the butt of his rifle into the face of o to the cabin, him senseless. The other released the boy an turned on Jackwood, a knife gleaming in his - right hand. = **Come on, you red devil!” cried the young The Indian needed no invitation, He leaped rere Jackwood, the knife flashing above his ead, Jackwood struck at his red foe with the heavy rifle, but the warrior dodged the blow, and Jackwood was forced toretreat toavoid the wicked knife. ThenJackwood jerked out arevolverand fired __ twice, the second time with the muzzle not two feet from the breast of his foe, With a wild cry, the savage fell dead. ‘‘That settles you,” said the victor, his face looking white and bloodless. ‘‘ I hope that you _ -were one of the ‘flends who participated in the _ Red Canyon massacre.”, i one of the startled Sioux warriors, kk | | as we leave ther cabing. Durn their rotten { He felt a light hand on his arm and turned to see the boy at his side. The lad’s face beamed with joy and gratitude, and he said: ‘Sir, I have to thank you for rescuing me from the hands of these red marauders. They were making me their captive when you so op- portunely appeared.” The color stole back to Jackwood’s face, and swiftly he caught the hand which lay upon his arm. ** Don’t mention it!” hecried. ‘‘I saw your horse go by and heard your cry of distress, It was fortunate that [ happened to be near.” ‘*You are right, sir,” replied the Jad, as his eyes fell before the young man’s earnest gaze, and ho swiftly withdrew his hand, a blush suf- fusing his cheeks, ‘‘I am very much in your debt. “* Not much,” laughed Jackwood, ‘‘ You warned me to-day of the danger of a friend, and with my companion’s aid his life was saved, But for you he might have hanged.” a ‘‘T am glad that you saved him,” said the oy. ‘*T have desired very much to meet you,” continued Jackwood; ‘‘now my desire is grati- fied. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jarius Jackwood. Will you tell me yours?” The boy hesitated a moment, then replied: ‘*'The men call me Little Scarlet Sash.” ‘‘ The men!” exclaimed Jackwood. ‘‘ What men?” The boy’s face turned very red, and he stam- mered as he answered: ‘‘ Friends—of course I have friends,” “To be sure,” assented the young miner, “ Wixcuse my inquisitiveness. 1 had no right to ask that question.” f The boy shot him a grateful glance, ‘* Now, we had better attempt to recover your horse,” said Jackwood. ‘‘ We will leave these red demons where they lay. One will have a sore head when he wakes up; the other has already crossed over to the happy hunting- grounds,” They turned their faces down the defile, whither the frightened horse had gone, and as they walked along they conversed pleasantly, but With some iestraint on the boy’s part. In- deed, the lad seemed a trifle ill at ease. Jackwood longed to fathom the mystery which hung around the lad, yet forbore asking too many questions. For some reason the young miner had become intensely interested in the boy. ‘Xtter a long tramp they reached the mouth of the defile, but still the white horse was not visible, _‘*Where can he have gone?” asked the boy, anxiously. ‘“ We must find him soon,” said Jackwood. .Again they started forward, but had not gone far before Jackwood espied the horse feed- ing quietly on a grassy spot, “ Mnere he is,” said the young miner. There was no response, He turned to look for the boy, and found that he was alone, Scarlet Sash had vanished! CHAPTER XII, OLD DISASTER’S DOOM. ; SHERMAN’s startling declaration brought a ery of consternation from the lips of the three men who heard it, The cabin was on fire! The four metr looked into each other’s faces in a helpless, inquiring manner. They were re- warded by seeing a look of mingled rage and fear on every countenance. ‘*Ther dirty varlets!” gritted Old Disaster, ‘‘'They mean ter burn us out an’ shoot us down hides!” ‘*T believe ye’ right,” admitted Eben Stone, as he took down his ee from where it hung against the wall. ‘‘ I'd like ter git er dig at ’em wi’ leetle ole Spotter hyer. I'd make one'o’ ther dirtv pimps sick ter the’r stummick, an’ don’t ye fergit thet / ** Pard,” turning to Cobb, ‘‘ we has got ter git out wat dust we've got an’divvy. This ole ranch is goin’ down, .We may not git erway wi’ ap cunce er yellow, but there hain’t northin’ like tryin’. As fer Jackwood’s sheer, p’r’aps, we'd better putt it inter Ole Disaster’s han’s, I reckou thet ole galoot will stan’ ez good er show 0’ gittin’ away as any o’ us, an’ I’ll sweer by his nn A While Stone and Cobb were dividing the gold, Old Disaster and Sherman were consulting on the best pine to follow. ; “Wes. ell be forced out right in ther faces o’ wi yh" + Aen SO Shs) OEE Nis ther rotten skunks,” said Old Disaster, ‘‘ They kin lay under kiver an’ pick us off by ther light o’ ther fire. Condemn their black hearts!” “Weare in a tight box,” admitted Sherman, gloomily, ‘‘and I cannot forget that I brought this trouble upon you all. If I had surren- dered—” ‘*’'Ye’d ’a’ bin murdered,” cut in the old bor- derman, ‘‘ Thet’s sure ernuff,” ‘* Tt would have been better for one to have died than for all. Yet the cowaraly rvffians may not turn their rifles upon any one but me, You all may escape, while I may be riddled with bullets.” Sherman’s words set Old Disaster to thinking. The old man soon decided that Ethan was right. They might all escape unharmed except the youngest, and he might be the target for half a score of rifles, The crackling of the flames could now be . plainly heard, and it was apparent that the fire was making rapid headway. Evidently the desperadoes had used oil to assist them in their incendiary work. Old Disaster opened the trap-like window and gazed out. The light from the flames was be- ginning to be visible, and the darkness was filled with fantastic forms. The old man _ peered sharply into the gloom, but could see nothing of their enemies. ‘*T don't see northin’o’ ther dirty critters,” declared the old borderman, as he nervously fingered the long rifle which ho had picked up; ‘an’ ’tain’t best fer’em that Ido. Ireckon I'd be guilty o’causin’ er funeral ef I did; I w’u’d, by ther sword o’ Goliath!” Sherman said nothing, but gazed at the floor in deep thought. i Finally, Old Disaster closed the window. . By this time Stone and Cobb had divided the | gold, and Jackwood’s share, which had been, placed in two small leather bags, was given to the oldranger andscout., Heeasilystowed them in two Of his capacious pockets somewhere with- in his buckskin jacket, ‘‘ What hev ye decided on?” asked Stone. Old Disaster shook his head. ‘* Nothin’ fully. lan’-pirates kinder kerflummergates me, I don’ know jist w’at ter think o’ it. We bain’t.bheerd er soun’ frum ’em since they sot ther fire,” ‘‘ Ht can’t be thet they hev gone away.” . “No; but I reckon they’re tryin’ ter make us think they kev. Ye know they kem byer arter our frien’ Shermen, Waal, they didn’t git hime Naow, they are most problikely layin’ low out. theer'in ther dark waitin’ fur us ter cum out, ~ w’en they kin drap Sierman wi’ ten or er dozen lead pills.” ‘* Thet’s it!” exclaimed both Stone and Cobb, in a breath, ‘¢ Naow,” continued the old dorderman, speak- ing crisply and to the point, ‘ef Sherman gits out o’ hyer erlive, he’s got ter do so mighty suddint-like, Them critters will expec’ us ter stay in till ther fire drives us out. Then there will be plenty o’ light ter see where ter putt theirlead. Ef we slide now we'll problikely catch ’em by surprise an’ may git erway.” ‘© We are reddy,” said Jabez Cobb, ‘All right. Sherman is ter go fu’st. Thet, may seem like shovin’ 'im out fur er target, but it’s jist ther thing terdo. Ther fire is at ther back eend o’ ther cabing, an’ as it has not ot above ther ruff yet, ther ole hulk gives er to g shadder, Keep ter ther shadder, boyee, an’ scoot fer yer life. You bein’ ther fu’st one ter go, an’ thet afore any o’us is ’spected ter leave, ther critters will be tooken by s’prise an’ ye may reach kiver afore they kin salt ye.” They all saw that the old borderman’s plan was the best, and Sherman signaled his willing- ness to go. Eben Stone thrust a revolver into the young man’s right hand, and Old Disaster removed the wooden bar, preparatory to open- ing the door. “Reddy!” he whispered, hoarsely. ‘ Sher- man fu’st, Stone next, then Cobb, an’ this lit- tle ole piece o’ modern disaster will bring up ther rear.” sa. There was ap instant’s silence, then the old ranger sibilated: “ce Now ~” The next second he hurled open the door, and like a flash Sherman shot out into the night, running for his life! i Straight along the shadow cast by the cabin sped the young fellow, eee | every second to hear ae cra of rifles and feel the life- destroying lead. — f But tos ing of the kind occurred. The fugitive reached the dense darauess and crouched panting and breathless in the gloom. He was amazed at the failure of his foes to Ther silence o’ them measly
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— attempt to take his life. As he crouched close to the ground, he glared around asif still ex- pecting a shot or an attack. é Crouching thus, Sherman dimly saw a dark form leap through the cabin doorway and come racing toward him, The sound of the man’s feet on the ground could be plainly heard, and in less than twenty seconds, Eben Stone was by Sherman’s side. Jabez Cobb followed. Then came Old Disaster, running like a deer, despite his age. The four men moved still further from the burning hut, and finally crouched close by sev- eral large -bowlders, some distance down the rav man. ‘* Me, too,” said Cobb, ‘* Whar arether dirty varlets?” I ‘¢-You tell,” was Disaster’s peculiar reply. ** Tt must be that they were taken by surprise at our etirly evacuation of the cabin,’ observed Sherman. — ‘ Thet’s it,” grunted Stone. Then the four were silent again as they watched the flames, which had now secured a firm hold on the doomed hut. “‘ Are you goin’ ter be druv out o’ hyer by these measly curs, pard?”’ Old Disaster finally asked. } ‘“*“Not much,” was Stone’s quick reply. ‘‘We're not goin’ ter give up thet thar placer while it pays like it does now.” — Cobb uttered a growl expressive of a similar sentiment, / ‘‘ But w’at are ye goin’ ter do fer er place ter bunk?” ‘¢ We've slep’ under ther stars lots o’ nights,” said Stone. ‘We kin build some kind o’ er * camp out o’ bresh,” *« But hain’t ye goin’ ter lose consider’ble stuff by ther fire?” ‘*Not much, All our tools are down by the sluices. They're all right ef ther erjtters wot fired ther cabing don’t find ’em.” ‘*Ther chances are thet they won't,” said Cobb, ‘‘ fer I gathered ’em up an’ chucked ’em inter er place whar I[ guess they’ll be safe.” Fiercer and fiercer became the fire, until the whole cabin was wrapped in flames. With a feeling of mingled rage and regret, the two miners saw their late home destroyed by the fire fiend, Finally the walls fell in with a crash, sending thousand of sparks upward into the darkness, The four men held a consultation and decided toleave theravine, A few minutes later they were stealing silently away through the dark- ness, - Onward they went for nearly an hour, leav- ing the ravine and continuing through the hills, hey were. skirting the brink of a precipice looking for a favorable camping-place. Old Disaster was several fest in advance, when sud- denly a dark form rose up before the old man. In an instant they clinched, and the old border- man cried; ’ ** Red-skins, by ther sword o° Goliath!” A fiercestruggle followed. Round and round whirled the two foes, locked fast in each other’s embrace. Stone sprung forward to aid tho old man, when suddenly the combatants lurched forward and plunged headlong over the preci- pice! | A wild scream that cut through the darkness came from the red-skin’s lips as he went plung- ing downward. The yell was answered by a score of cries on all sides of the startled whites, *¢ Pards,” sibilated Stone, ‘‘Ole Disaster has gone to his death, an’ we are surrounded by red varmints!” CHAPTER XIII. THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN, For a moment after Stone’s startling declar- ation the threes men crouched in their tracks, uncertain what move to make. Ever sought a weapon, and each man resolved to make a desperate struggle for life if an encoun- ‘ter with the Indians ensued. left. * This way !” hissed Stone, and crouching low, he led them onward, ' _Every man stepped _as lightly as possible and kept constantly on the alert for foes, Like black shadows, cut from a still darker night, they glided ea the gloom. Each moment they expected to hear a cry that would tell of their discovery by the red-skins, y Finally they paused beneath some overhanging branches, \ “‘Hark!” whispered Sherman. ine. ‘¢ Thet ar beats me!” admitted the old border-” hand } The sound of advancing feet was heard on the » Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. They listened, and again the tread of advanc- ing feet was heard directly in front of them. ‘*Down!” breathed Stone, and silently the three sunk to the ground. Onward came the soft footsteps, and like pe phantoms of the night, five dark forms stole by them so near that Jabez Cobb could have touched their legs with his right hand. Away into the darkness filed the eluded warriors. Then the three whites arose to their feet, and Sebi a, word, crept onward through the night. nee Sherman stepped ona rolling stone and nearly fell to the ground, Not a sound came from the lips of either Stone or Cobb as they silently continued onward. Mentally berating the luck, Sherman followed. Finally they paused again and each man strained his ears to hear any alarming sound. All was silent save the faint whisper of the night-wind amid the leaves above their heads. **Guess we’ve got shut o’ ther varmints,” whispered Cobb, ‘“No_ tellin’,” was Stone’s soft response. ‘We're apt ter run inter a hull nest o’ ther p’izen critters afore we know it.” ‘*Ther durned skunks was all round us,” said Cobb. ‘*Wekem nigh gittin’ inter a stew.” ‘*Poor Disaster!” came from Stone’s lips. ‘‘ He struck his last disaster that time.” No one spoke, for their hearts were filled with sorrow by the sudden death of the brave old man, After a brief consultation vee! started on- ward with Cobb in advance. The big miner thought that he could lead them to a safe camp- ing-place. For reasons of his own Stone fell back to the rear. . But pai were not yet out of danger, Suddenly Cobb was confronted by a dark form, and in an instant he knew that it was an Indian. . ; Like a flash the miner’s hand shot out and his muscular fingers closed on the throat of the red warrior just in time to strangle a warning whoop. The Indian grasped the wrist of his white foe, and while he endeavored to tear the choking hand from his throat, he flashed out a long knife and struck savagely at Cobb. The miner caught the red-skin’s wrist, while he still re- tained his clutch on the sayage’s throat, ‘*No, ye don’t, ye p’izen critter!” hissed the hig Pale enide. : gurgling sound came from the Indian’s throat, as he endeavored to utter the yell which had been blocked by thoseiron fingers. Back and forth, round and round went the combat- ants, Neither Stone or Sherman were able to assist their friend, for they could not distinguish friend from foe in the darkness, The combatants made considerable noise, still Cobb hoped to prevent the Indians in the vicin- ity from hearing them, and with this object in view he clung tenaciously to the throat of his foe. Stone followed the writhing, swaying forms, a knife in his hand, but not daring to strike for fear of » ia his friend, Suddenly both fell to the ground. A moment later a tall form arose before Eben Stone. It was Cobb. ‘That settles his hash!” muttered the big min- er, softly. ‘‘ He took the hull length 0’ his own knife w’en he struck,” ‘« Then let’s git out o’ hyer lively,” whispered Stone. ‘Guess ther red sinners didn’t heer ther racket, but this hain’t er healthy lokality fer us jist now.” Once more they hurried swiftly and silently onward, They were now more keenly on the alert for danger than they had been before, for they realized that they were liable to find foesin an unexpected spot. ‘ They finally reached a secluded place where they decided to remain for the night. It wasa smali wooded alcove, separated from a deep de- file by a mass of thick bushes, No camp-fire was built, for they well knew that it might lead their red foes to the spot. While two of them slept, the third kept watch to avoid a surprise by enemies. And thus, tak- ing turns at guarding the camp, the night wore slowly away. , : gain Sherman dreamed that his lost sweet- heart came to him and beckoned for him to fol- low her, but when he arose in his sleep and would have left the spot, Cobb, who was on guard, awakened him. Morning came, and the three men held a con- sultation to decide on their future movements, ‘*Have ye any ijee o’ strikin’ back fur Dis- mal Gorge?” Cobb asked his partner. cn ag Stone shook his head. ‘*T hain’t jist made up my mind,” he admitted, ‘*We’ve been livin’ pritty snug on flour ever since we struck ther spot an’ eatin’ meat, Sum time ergo I thort 0’ one o’ us strikin’ fer Custer ter bring in rations, All thet kep’me frum peakin’ o’ it war ther fear thet ef one o’ us went we'd be follered back to ther ravine.” ** An’ w’at do yer think now?” ** As I sed, [ hain’t jist made up my mind. Ef Jackwood war hyer— But he hain’t. I’m jist. er leetle puzzled erbout the boyee.” **T think it is our duty to find Old Disaster’s body and give it burial,” observed Sherman. ‘*J’ve been thinkin’ o’ thet, too. We hev er double objec’ fur goin’ back ter ther spot whar ther ole man methisdeath. Hehad Jackwood’s share o’ ther yaller,” ‘** But ther reds are thick as flies in er Floridy swamp,” said Cobb, ‘*Ther varmints hey got inter this lokality, an’ we may hev further trubble wi’’em,” was: Stone’s opinion. ‘‘ Et will be strange ef they hain’t. foun’ Ole Disaster’s bodd both ther diffikilt ter keep our own hair on our cabezas,” ‘*Ye're right thar, pard,” drawled the big miner. ‘‘ But I’m of ther youngster’s ’pinion— le’s find ther ole man an’bury ther boddy. It makes no difference ef ther critters hey sacked ther yaller an’ tuck his skulp, we shell be doin’ our duty ter ther dead,” ‘* Stone was silent for a few moments; then he lifted his head and said: ‘*T guess thet’s what fer us ter do. Arter we hev buried ther boddy o’ our ole frien’, we'll try ter find Jackwood, though jess ez likely ez anyhow he’s run erg’in’ ther reds an’ lost his skulp. I can’t understan’ w’y ther lad shied off ez he did.” ‘No more do I,” admitted Cobb, Sherman knew well enough, but he remained. ‘* We mus’ keep er sharp 7 out fer Injins,” continued Eben Stone, ‘‘E inter er nest like thet one las’ nite, they’d do us: up in ther daytime. We must steer shut o’’em.’”” A few minutes later the three men left the secluded spot, and, Stone leading, retraced the course they hud traveled the night before. They were cautious and: Wyicot 1 keeping under cover when they were able to do Stone seemed to knowevery rod of the which they had traveled in the darkness, and at no time was he at fault on the course to pur- sue. With the ease of a born guide he led them along. At the proper point gorge which would allow them to pass beneath the precipice over which Old Disaster and his red foe had fallen in the darkness. After a time Stone halted. ‘* We must be nigh ther spot whar they went over,” he announced, Then they began a careful search for the body of the old borderman. After a short time they found a spot where something had fallen from above, Stone bade his companions © remain quiet while he examined the “ sign.” A moment Jater he announced: ** Hyer’s whar they kem over. Hyer’s blood | an’ er show thet ther reds hev been hyer afore ** But whar’s ther boddy?” asked Cobb, 61 Tain’t hyer.” ‘* Thet’s plain ernuff.” , \ ‘* Waal, ther red devils hey been hyer.” The three men looked into each other’s faces as if seeking to read the truth there, ‘*Perhaps he is not dead,” ventured Sher. ‘*No,” said Stone, decisively, ‘‘ thar h no hope thet Ole Disaster warn’t kilt, As fer ther boddy fter.a short time they decided to continue onward down the gorge. on y had reached a bend in the ravine, when Stone, who was in advance, leaped backward. with a low, startled exclamation. ‘*Tnjuns!” he ejaculated kp 4 1a - Sar als DL ey Sie Dy , fee SR TN Abs Res Mew: at lant oh asia lit Deak ter a Moy lhl tp face fa teach Nae Ot ee RPO MAL dy bv hes pai Mite pee ef an’ sacked old an’his skulp. We may fin’ it. we war ter run 80. ound 6 turned into a Cobb pointed upward, ; ‘Look thar.” ; Sherman looked and saw the edge of the precipice over which the struggling foes had lunged in the darkness. It was a terrible vet ae he no longer doubted the old man’s eath, A shoré distance helow the brink of the preci- pice the bank sloped outward and was covered | with a few scrub bushesand some vines, through these bushes and vines, as they slid | along the sloping bank, the combatants had > plunged, and now the *‘ path” that they made Down | be plainly seen. ain’t q ther reds hev did suthin’ wi’ it.” s) he | tiously they peered ahead and saw coming pas en) Q & ae ror i) Chie
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S ‘toward them five mounted warriors, and in their midst a captive. : The last was a white maiden! The moment Sherman’s eyes rested upon the red-skins’ captive he became excited. As they approached his excitement increased. B M main force Cobb dragged the younger man back so that there would be no danger of his be- ing seen by the Indians. As he did so Sherman gasped; ‘*God in heaven) I believe that is Amy, my ost darling!” | CHAPTER XIV. REUNITED LOVERS. **To kiver!” hissed Eben Stone. Thick bushes were near at hand and into those Stone glided. ‘Never!’ gasped Sherman, endeavoring to break from Jabez Cobb’s detaining grasp. ‘“‘I -will save her or die in—” ‘*You’ll never save her this way!” growled the i Sai in a low tone. ut Sherman seemed deaf to reason. The ex- eitement of the unlooked-for discovery had robbed him of his usual cool judgment. ‘“‘Let go!” he commanded, hoarsely, ‘‘ let go, man! If you want to run from a few savages, go! Jshall rescue that girl!” ‘Ye won’t do northin’ o’ ther kine!” retorted ‘Cobb, looking the excited young man fairly in the eye. ‘“‘If you w’u’d save, her, listen ter veason, Thar hain’t no show fer resky her by jumpin’ out an’ lettin’ ther reds drap ye. Ef we git ter kiver byer we can lay low an’ drap two or three o’ ther varmints when they cum erlong.” Sherman hesitated. ‘‘ No time ter lose,” breathed Cobb. ‘ Don’t be er fool! Tl’ gree thet we'll save her ef ye act sensible. Toller Stone.” The young man’s better judgment—or rather, Jabez Cobb’s better judgment—prevailed over ‘the thoughtless impulse of a hot-head, and quickly he followed Stone into the bushes, Soon all three of the men were crouching just beyond amass of branches which would conceal them from the eyes of the Indians, Both Stone and Cobb possessed Winchester rifles, carrying sixteen cartridges in the maga- zine. Sherman was armed only with the revol- ver which Stone had placed in his band as he was about to leave the burning cabin the night before. *¢ Are ye er dead shot?” asked Cobb, Sherman shook his head, and it was evident that in his present excited condition he could not shootanyway. © ‘Then don’t ye use thet weppin,” warned the big miner, ‘‘They’ll be pritsy nigh, an’ ye might spot ther gal. Stone an’ I will’tend ter therInjuns. Youkeepcoolan’laylow, They'll think er reg’lar cyclone hes struck ’em,” ‘¢ Hush up!” admonished Stone. In silence the three awaited the appearance of the unsuspecting red-skins, Soon the steady tramp of horses’ feet could be heard, and the rifles in the hands of Stone and Cobb stole to their owners’ shoulders. A moment later the Indians came in view. Three were in advance and the captive rode ‘between the two which brought up the rear, ‘‘Take ther leader,” whispered Stone. ‘Til drap ther one ter ther right o’ ther gal,” “ce cirect,’’ ‘ “Reddy then; one, two, three!” At the final word both rifles sounded like the report of one. The Indian near the girl plunged headlong to the ground; the other uttered a shriek, threw up his arms and fell upon the neck of his horse; then the frightened animal went galloping up the ravine, bearing a lifeless burden. ; cD as With incredible rapidity Stone worked his rifle, and a second shot followed his first, This time he dropped the other savage on the further side of the girl. Cobb was not far behind, but in the excitement of the moment, he only inflicted a harmless flesh-wound. Like a flash the two remaining Indians disappeared behind their horses and the animals dasued away up the ravine, Stonesent ‘ashot after them which brought down a horse, and Cobb redeemed himself by dropping the running red-skin, Ere this Sherman had left the cover of the ‘bushes, and was fortunate in securing a hold upon the bridle of the horse ridden by the maiden. In another instant he had the animal under control. ‘* Amy!” he almost shrieked, as he gazed into the white face of the rescued girl, ‘' Jt is, thank ? ! t _ “Ethan!” gasped the girl, d Disaster, the Border Nomad. | She could say no more, and when Sherman drew forth a pocket-knife and cut the cords which bound her upon ths horse’s back she fainted in his arms. Stone was careful that the horse did not es- cape, and Cobb turned his attention to Sherman and the maiden. The young man was covering the beautiful face of the unconscious girl with kisses, while he moaned: ** Dead, dead, my darling! You have hit her with those accursed bullets! Dead, dead!” ‘*Shucks!” drawled the matter-of-fact Jabez Cobb. ‘‘She hain’t dead nomore’n Ibe. Ther gal’s fainted.” The big miner soon succeeded in convincing Sherman that the girl had indeed swooned, Crouching, the young man held her head in his lap, white Cobb produced a flask of liquor, his Sherman seized and poured a few drops between the unconscious girl’s lips. Then he began chafing her wrists, and in a moment or two she uttered a faint, fluttering sigh, her eyes unclosed, and she looked straight into the blue orbs of her lover. She knew him, and a look of unutterable joy transformed her face. ri ‘* Ethan!” she softly breathed. ‘ He bowed his head until his lips were close to hers as he answered: ‘* My darling!” For several moments they were silent, gazing into each other’s eyes, down into their very souls. They saw nothing but true love, undying devotion, j On, sot loved one!—my heart’s treasure!’’ he murmured, ‘‘I can hardly realize that this great joy is mine! It seems that I must be dreaming. I have often seen you in my dreams, but truly this is no hallucination. I hold you in my arms—close to my heart! We will never part again!” And She replied: ‘* Never, Ethan!” He knew then that she had never been untrue tohim. Whatever had happened was beyond her power to control,and by no word or hint should she know that he had ever doubted her for an instant. ‘*T thought you dead,” he said, still gazing upon the strange beauty of that pale face, ‘* At times I have felt certain that you were, and have been ready and willing to lie down and die myself. I have sought danger, courted it; but sometbing has preserved me for this the happi- est hour of my whole life.” ** And I—1 have thought—” She faltered. How could she tell what she had thought during the long, dreary weeks that she had received no word trom him? How could she tell of her heartache and doubt? No, no! She could not! He saw the strange look on her face, and, with quick intuition, interpreted it aright. His own experience told him what she had thought, and although for an instant it gave him a heart-pain, yet he was ready to check a aoe which might cause her an unpleasant rill. “Tt is all right now,” he smiled. ‘Sunshine comes after shadow, little one. We have found the blessed sunshine at last, thank Heaven!” “But I didn’t know—perhaps you were dead,” * And at times I thought you must be. They told me that you were with the train destroyed in the Red Canyon massacre.” ‘And so we were.” - ‘*' Yet you escaped.” ‘* Yes, fatherand I. I know not how it came about, for I had been struck senseless during the wild, horrible excitement, When I recovy- ered I was with him. He had been wounded on the head, and was weak from loss of blood, but in some way he had saved himself and me from the slaughter. He must have carried me in his arms veryfar. The blow on the head had affected him strangely, and at times he is delirious,” **Then he still lives?” ‘Ves; since then we have been living in a great cave not far from here. Nothing would induce father to leave these parts until he wreaks revenge on the man who led the wagon- train into the trap—Marshal Baylor.” " ‘¢ Marshal Bayior!” cried Ethan, remember- ing what he had heard concerning his sweet- heart’s wealthy suitor. ‘*Yes—a vile creature who deluded my fa- ther into believing that he was a fine gentle- man. Baylor was in league with the red-skins, and father says be is a fugitive from justice, Through some treachery to his red allies, he has since been outlawed by them, and his life =, —_—$—_——— ——— ——_————————————————EEE would pay the penalty should he fall into their hands.” ‘* Where is this man now?” ‘He is chief of a band of desperate men who, father says, are searching for a fabled cavern of gold. There is a passage that runs from the cave which we occupy to a place where we can look down into the cavern where they are. An old passage of the cave which they occupy has caved in, and they are blast- ing through, hoping by following the closed passage to reach the fabled Gold Cave.” ‘*And you and your father have lived within a cavern ever since the Red Canyon massacre?” ‘*Yes. Father has been away twice for a week atatime. [ think he must have gone to some cump, as he returned with clothing and provisions.” At that moment Stcne announced that they must be moving. The horse was ready for Amy, and Sherman lifted her tenderly and placed her upon the animal’s back, 7 . aretha. are we going?” the young man asked, ‘* Back with me, surely,” said the girl; ‘‘ back to the cave. You will be safe there,”’ ‘Waal, we mus’ git somew’ares durned sud- dint,” drawled Cobb, ‘One o’ them measlyred dogs got erway, an’ we'll hev er passel o’ ther varmints onter our trail afore shortly,” They decided to return the girl to her cavern home and at once set out, resolved to delay no longer in reaching a place of safety. As they moved along Amy told them how she was cap- tured by two warriors while only a short dis- tance from the secret: entrance to the under- ground passage. ? They hastened onward until the sun was high in the heavens. Finally they entered Dismal Gorge, and when they reached the spot where’ the path ran down the steep bank, Sherman recognized the place. He told the girl how he had heard the voice in song, and she acknowl- edged that she had heard him call her name, but had been too frightened to respond. The miners were delighted to learn that the cavern was located so near the spot where their cabin had stood. While Cobb sought a place to conceal the horse, the others waited by the entrance to the great cave. Cobb finally returned, and one by one they disappeared intotke passage, the girl closing the secret door which her father had constructed, CHAPTER XV. JACKWOOD TAKES A HAND, JACKWOOD was amazed when he discovered that the mysterious boy. of the scarlet sash had vanished. He looked around in every direction, half-expecting to discover him a short distance away, but no such sight rewarded his gaze, A look of bitter disappointment shadowed the young miner’s face, ‘*‘Gone!” he muttered. ‘‘ He has left me,” He noticed tae disappointment apparent in his own voice and laughed shortly, *¢ Why should I care?” heasked himself, ‘‘ He was nothing but a stranger boy: yet I do care. I like hisface. There is something bewildering- ly attractive about it that I cannot fathom, ButIam more than half-angryat the way he has deserted me,” He still gazed backward longingly, faintly hoping that Scarlet Sash would appear. ‘* There is something unfathomable about the lad’s face—something nameless, Were girl, 1 might know what to think; but now I hardly fancy that I am in love with an unknown bo 2 ; . ackwood laughed. Surely the idea was quite ridiculous, ; ‘““What shallI do? I have a desire to turn back and try to find the boy, but I fancy that is not the best movetomake. Perhaps I hed bet- ter capture the horse. Then I will turn back, and possibly I may find little Scarlet Sasb.” Slowly he approached the feeding horse. The animal lifted its head with a sudden snort and regarded him steadily. — - ‘*T shall have trouble in catching the beast,” thougbt Jackwood. But the feat was even more difficult than he thought. When be had approached a little nearer, endeavoring to attract the white horse with softly-spoken words, the animal wheeled swiftly and went galloping away. _ Jackwood uttered an exclamation of dis- appointment and anger. *‘Coniound the beast!” he cried. ‘‘Pll bet he’ll lead me a chase.” And lead him a chase the white horse did. Whenever he would approach within two or three rods of the feeding animal, it would dash he a”
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Old Disaster, the B away with a twinkle of heels, Finally it passed him and galloped back toward the defile. ‘* Go it!” growled the young miner, in disgust, “T won’tspend my time in chasing you. Just now I’m hungry enough to eat anything. I must find game of some kind.” He continued onward. After a time he succeeded in securing some small game, and soon built a fire and cooked it. When he had appeased his hunger he turned to retrace his steps to Dismal Gorge. Slowly the day slipped by, and after a time Jackwood was forced to acknowledge that for ~ once in his life he had lost his way, Night came, ; The young miner was still ae ape aimlessly onward, completely at fault which way to turn. That night he camped alone ing secluded spot. Early the following morning he again started in search of the ravine where his companions were. “‘T reckon I can find that place after a time,” he mused, ‘‘I never got shifted so before, lt was all caused by that boy and the white horse, Can it be that that lad is my evil genius?” The forenoon was well advanced when he finally reached a locality that was familiar, He then hastened forward and was soon descending into Dismal Gorge, i “TI shall get along in time for dinner,” he laughed, ‘“‘and I’m mighey, RPDErY, £00: Tt it was not for that I might hesitate about return- ing until Ethan Sherman left, for he is probably there. Jackwood’s amazement when he came in sight of the faintly-smoking ruins on the spot where the cabin stood the day before can better be ini- ined than described. He stopped and stared at the blackened embers in astonishment. ‘« What in the name of sin does this mean?” he ejaculated. — He passed his hand over his eyes as if to brush away the surprising vision, but when he looked again the black ruinswere still there and a faint mass of thin blue smoke was rising slowly into the air, ** Well, P'll be shot!” burst from his lips. Then he advanced a few steps and paused again. He glanced around, vaguely searching for some token that would explain the amazing vision. He saw nothing but the same narrow ravine, the deserted sluices, and the remains of the destroyed hut. ‘* Burned out! This gets me! What has hap- pened here while I have been away from the spot? Whereare my pards? Old Disaster and than Sherman should be here, too. Indians! That must not be it.” He examined everything critically, — ‘* Tf it is the work of the reds, then the boys got away, for there isn’t a body here.” Perhaps the red-skins had been beaten off and the survivors had buried whoever was killed, He thought of that and began to look for new- made graves, but found nething. ‘*Tf Indians have been here, they have not ac- complished much save to destroy the hut,” was his mental decision. ‘‘ There are no mutilated es, NO graves, and—” - A sudden terrible thought came to him. Whatif they had all perished within the burn- ing cabin? Swiftly he rushed toward the ruins. or thirty minutes he inspected the smolder- ing remains of the old hut, and finally decided that his fears had been groundless, Then he sat down to consider what move it was best to make next. “I wonder where Stone and Cobb have gone?” he asked himself. ‘‘' They may be some- where in this vicinity, and they probably have my share of the gold with them. I must find them, but which way shallI turn?” — This wasa r, For ten minutes he thought over the situa- tion, then he arose, decided on making his way up theravine, He would go to the spot where Sherman fancied he had heard Amy St. Orme’s voice. ; Jackwood walked slowly along with his head bowed until he was aroused by the sound of voices at a distance. He look amazement 58W Several masked men standing near the waterfall. He knew instantly that they were not his friends, and swiftly he leaped behind a bowlder near at hand. Fortunately the Young miner had not been perceived, The men Were go excited about something that none of them had observed him. He peered forth from his place of conceal- ment, to his amazement, saw in the midst of the Masked men the boy, Scarlet Sash. oe of the yee ary ding in front of the cula ani earn . 9 exclaimed J ackwood; “now ? under- up, and to hig. ee stand the» boy’s remark concerning ‘the men,’ That is the very gang that has been hiro the secret mine somewhere near this spot, an if Tam not dreadfully mistaken, there is an en- trance to that mine in the vicinity of yonder waterfall.” He listened, but could not understand what the men were saying. However, he ascertained that the man who was talking to the boy was accusing him of something. The boy replied defiantly. Hot words followed, and then the man struck the lad a sharp blow with his open hand, The boy was staggered and fell upon his knees, putting up his hands as it to protect his face trom a repetition of the brutal blow. Then be sprung to his feet, and lis shrilly-spoken words came to Jackwood’s ears: ** You are no father of mine!” Tbe man laughed harshly, andagain advanced toward the shrinking lad. ‘*It is time for me to take a hand in that little game,” observed Jackwood, as he arose and swiftly advanced toward the sper | “‘T lay no claim to you, you little brat!” snarled the brutal man. ‘*But you have always said you were my fa- ther,” came slowly from the boy’s lips. ‘*Well, I deny it now. Your parents are dead. You were left in my care by your father at his death,” ‘Then don’t you dare ever lift your hand against me again!” cried the lad. A repetition of the cruel laugh came from the ** Hold! came sharply from tke lips of Justin Jackwood, as he confronted the masked man, his cocked rifle covering thethreatening individual’s breast. ‘‘ Don’t you dare to lay your hand on this boy again!” An astonished oath eame from beneath the mask, ‘* Who in sin’sname are you?” demanded the startled man, as he recoiled a step. ** My name is Jackwood,” was the cool reply; ‘“and I am here to see fair play.” Once more the man laughed. ** You're a jack-mule,” he sneered; ‘‘ and you have stuck your nose into the fire this time. Then the rifle was thrust aside and Jackwood received a heavy blow on the back of the head, resin poleoeet him at full length upon the ground. CHAPTER XVI, WITHIN THE GREAT CAVE. GuIpDED by the girl, the two miners and Ethan Sherman made their way into the her- mit’s cave. Reaching the round chamber, they found the few remaining brands of a fire within the natu- ral fire-place, The girl procured a light, and the men gazed around them in surprise. They noted the few rude pieces of furniture which the cavern con- tained, and Sherman’s sharp eyes espied a dark form reclining on the fur-covered couch, | ‘* Who is that?” he asked, Then the light fell full upon Junardo’s face, and Sherman fancied that he recognized the man, despite the absence of the false beard which the unfortunate had worn. ., . Great heavens!” cried the young man, ‘‘Can it be Junardo? They told me he was dead— murdered !” ** I still live!” said the hollow voice of Albion Junardo, **My worst, most deadly foe has had his fingers at my throat and driven his knife into my bosom, but I still live,” Sherman was amazed and delighted. He sprung to. the side of the cot, exclaiming: ‘They said that I did it—I was accused of murdering you!” ‘**You are not my foe,” said the wounded man slowly, ‘‘but_ my deadly enemy was in that camp that night, and I knew him not until I awoke with his fingers fastened on my throat. Then I knew him, but I was helpless in his mur- strength left me: I could not d rasp. M Matheny he struck te wilhiamattas Poe oe breathe; he struc more,” ‘Who did it?” demanded Sherman, ‘* Braman Arcly. ‘* Braman Arcly?” repeated Ethan, puzzled. ‘Yes; that is his true name. He called him- self Flavus Stokes.” “e Ah ? Sherman was surprised, yet more than once had he suspected that Stokes had committed the red deed that fateful night. Stokes had been left on guard. He told Old Disaster that he fell asleep, but in truth he did not sleep a minute during the entire night. order Nomad. 13 He had seen Sherman leave the camp, and finding the young man’s knife where he bad lain, he improved the opportunity to dispose of his foe and at the same time make it appear that: Sherman did the crime. ‘*The villain failed in his work,” said Junar- do, with an effort. ‘‘ I skallyet wreak vengeance upon him! He shal! not eseape me! ‘‘How [I came within this cavern I cannot tell. Only a short time ago I became conscious: of my surroundings. I am much in debt to the friend or friends who breugkt me here and. nursed me back to life,” Sherman sat down beside the couch and told the wounded man a portion of his adventures.. Amy told Junardo how he came to be within. the cave, and learned that her father had been absent from the chamber since the wounded. man’s return to censciousness and reason, ‘*He is searching for me!” she cried. ‘‘ He has missed me! Oh, may Providence cause his swift return!” “* Amen!” said Sherman, softly. Amy’s prayer was soon answereé@, for in less: than thirty minutes the white-bearded hermit stood within the cavern. He started back in. amazement on seeing the strangers in his under-. ground home, “Who are trese?” he demanded, in a deep voice, ‘‘How dare they invade my sac home?” For an instant the fire of a madman was in. his eyes. Amy darted swiftly forward and laid one soft: white hand on his arm, ‘* They are friends, father. They rescued me: from the hands of the terrible red-men wha’ were carrying me from you forever.” He folded her tenderly in kis arms, and placed a kiss Se her forehead, ‘Saved my daughter from the red demons? I missed you, dear, and have searched for you.. Were you a captive in their blood-stained! - hands? “Indeed, I was, father, and terrible might; have been my fate had not these brave min: rescued me and slain my captors,” The hermit turned toward his visitors, ** You are welcome, gentlemen; and I have to thank you for saving my child from the hands. of those inhuman fiends, She is—” But there he paused. His eyes fell upon the form of Ethan Sherman, and a strange light came into their dark depths. He faltered, half- shrunk away, then strode forward astep, point- ing toward the young man. ’ You here?” he said, speaking in a low yet piercing tone. ‘‘ Where is your knife?” Ere Sherman could reply, the strange man continued: ‘* Tt is here!” Then he held up the knife which he had re-~ moved from Junardo’s breast, You do not shrink back; you do not even turn pale,” added the hermit; ‘‘ yet this knife was taken from the breast of one who was near- ly dead—murdered!” ‘¢ He did not sheathe it there.” The words came from Junardo’s lips, and for’ the first time the whits-bearded man noticed that his patient was not only conscious but rational. ‘it was my most deadly foe who struck me. with that knife,” declared Junardo, ‘In no bes is this young man guilty.” he hermit dropped the knife, and stepped toward Sherman with his right hand out-. stretched, ! ‘Thank Heaven! that doubt is removed from my mind,” he said. C hey clasped hands heartily, and Amy’s eyes beamed with joy, for she now knew that her: father would not stand between her and Ethan Sherman. Ethan introduced Minos St. Orme—which was the hermit’s true name—to the miners, Stone and Cobb. An hour was spent in conversation, then the hermit arose and bade his three visitors follow him, He took te mere ma : them _ a ean row passage which seem pene ar into the carth. ascended pas difficult . places, and finally St. Orme set down the light, saying softly: ‘Follow mg, One of Me keep near enough | to touch me. Make as little noise as possible, and repress an outcry at anything which you may see.” i Silently he led them onward for a short dis. tance, and when they paused they found them- | selves g downward through an opening | considerably more than large enough to allow’ the passage of a man,
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~ we 2 el Ss ee ok Despite St. Orme’s warning, each of them ame near uttering an exclamation of surprise. They were gazing into a cavern chamber. Far below the place was dimly lighted and they perceived one or two moving forms. ‘“*That,” whispered their guide, ‘‘is the great cave of the Black Hills. There is no other equal toit. The fabled Gold Caveisa myth. Thuse men down there think that this cave is a part of the Lost Gold Cave, and they are blasting through a passage which has fallen in, hoping to find untold wealth in the wonderful chambers beyond, Poor fools!” For some time they were silent, then Stone whispered: *¢ Pard Cobb, I kin understan’ ther rumblin’s now. I’m reddy ter give in thet thar hain’t northin’ suppernatteral erbout ’em,” ‘¢ The leader of those men down there,” said St. Orme, ‘‘is the treacherous fiend who was in league with the red demons that destroyed the wagon-train in Red Canyon. On him shall the hand of vengeance fall. Soon I shall descend - into that place by means of a rope-ladder which I have manufactured. When I come away, Marshal Baylor will be no more!” They shivered at the fierceness of the last words as they hissed from the unseen lips of the wronged man. Suddenly there was a commotion below. The tread of booted feet over the rocky floor was mingled with the sound of many voices. The four men yazed earnestly downward and saw anumber of masked men enter the cave. In their midst was a prisoner. It was well for our friends that the masked men were making considerable noise, for a sup- pressed cry burst from the lips of every man. “ Jackwood!” exclaimed Stone and Cobb in a breath. “Prank St. Orme!” came from Ethan Sher- man’s lips. And the hermit cried: ** My son!” Behind the masked men and the prisoner came the boy, Scarlet Sash, wringing his hands and weeping bitterly. ‘‘ Carry him to the strong cell!” cried a voice which was recognized by both Ethan Sherman and Minos St. Orme. ‘Then ths prisoner was led away, ‘¢ The hour of vengeance is at hand!” hissed ‘the white-bearded cave-dwellers, ‘‘ Something has stayed my hand until now, but the wrath of the Almighty is about to break upon the head of that crime-stained wretch!” After a time the four men returned to the round cavern-chamber, where they set about laying a plan of action. For two hours, at least, they plotted and schemed. At the end of ‘that time St. Orme announced a determination to again look down into the chamber occupied by the masked desperadoes, Sherman volun- teered to accompany him, and the two left the small cave ‘room. , With some interest Stone and Cobb awaited their return, 1 Thirty minutes elapsed ere the sound of ad- vancing feet came from the passage. A mo- ment later St. Orme and Sherman. appeared. The latter seemed considerably excited. ‘News! news!” he exclaimed, as soon as he reached the chamber. 5 Good or bad?” asked Stone, ** Both,” ‘Then give us ther bad news fu’st, so thet ther good may take ther taste out 9’ our mouths.” ‘* Well, then, another friend of ours is a pris- -oner in the hands of those desperadoes,” ‘¢ Who?” demanded Stone and Cobb in a breath, ** Old Disaster !” was the astonishing reply. ** What?” Both men were thunderstruck, “The old man is alive and well,” asserted Ethan; ‘‘ but is a prisoner in the hands of that lawless gang.” CHAPTER XVII, A FAIR SAVIOR, Down through the darkness went Old Disas- ter, locked fast in the embrace of his red foe. Down along the sloping bank they slid through the bushes and vines which served to partially allay the swiftness of the descent. Finally they reached the lowest point of theslopeand plunged over, A yell of horror went up from the throat of the red-skin as they whirled through space. _.~ Then came a sudden shock! _ For five minutes both forms lay perfectly still ‘seeming lifeless. Then one of them stirred and . “ttered a groan, ata \ lips. Lis | Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. Another minute passed and one of the dark Er clam c’u’dn’t talk ef it secured er speshal forms sat up with an effort. ** Ghost o’ ole Goliath!” The words came from the lips of Old Disaster. The old Border Nomad was far from dead. ‘“Waal, ole sinner,” muttered the survivor, ‘* ve hev been through ernuther ’tarnal disaster. This warn’t quite ser bad as ther time w’en I war run through ther rag-picker in er shoddy- mill. Thet jist etarnally tore me all ter pieces. My ole karkiss hung ter ther bones in shoe- strings. This time ther breath war pritty nigh jolted out o’ me, Reckon it w’u’d quite been ef ’d struck at ther bottom, but thet red war er nice soft cushion.” The old man chuckled softly as he examined the body of his late foe. ** Dead |” declared the old ranger; ‘‘ dead as er herrin’! He’d orter known better’n ter tackled er rampin’ disaster, It’s er sorrerful fac’ thet ther varmint didn’t hev time”ter say over his prayers.” Slowly and with great difficulty the veteran borderman arose to his feet. He rubbed his bruised body and stretched his limbs with a mingled groan and sigh of satisfaction. ‘¢T feel like an ole hoss,”he muttered, “ but Ill be all rite as soon’s | git merself shook inter runnin’ order, Thet won’ttakelong. Ther ole man has been through menny er wuss racket ’n this hyer—sorrer 0’ Sodem, yes!” Disaster had had a really wonderful escape, but he did not seem to look at it in that light. To him it seemed more like a necessary or matter-of-course occurrence, ‘* Wonder whar Ole Pillbox is?” he said, as he began to feel around on the ground. ‘I had holt o’ it w’en we kem down, but it slipped out o’ mer fingers. Ah! Hyer she be, ther darlin’!” He uttered a chuckle of delight as his fingers closed upon the barrel of his beloved old shoot- ing-iron. ‘ Now Ole Disaster are hisself ergain! We're reddy fur ther red varmints, an’ we kin wallop several times our weight in ’em.” He paused and listened for every sound that might come from above. Darkness and silence brooded over the Hills. To the old watcher’s | ears came no sound, ‘‘ They're all rite so fur. Ther reds hain’t diskivered ’em or there’d been er racket. I reckon we'd run inter er nest o’ ther p’izen crit- ters, but Eb Stone kin git’em out 0’ thet snap ef any man kin.” For some time Disaster was undecided on his next move, but he finally resolved to make no effort to rejoin his friends that night, He real- ized that such a move might take him into dan- ger, for it would be difficulé to distinguish a red-skin from a pale-face in the darkness, Slowly he moved from the spot, and, at the first opportunity, left the gorge into which he had fallen. Afte® a time he found a secure apo, far from the ravine, and spent the night there, ; When morning came, the old ranger’s first move was to attempt to find his friends, from whom he had so unceremoniously parte] the night before, He spent several hours in fruit- less search, and toward noon turned his face in the direction of Dismal Gorge. | f ‘‘They will go back thar, arter a time,” he decided, ‘an’ 1 kin quicker bit’em thet way than sum other,” The sun indicated that midday was past when the Hills tramp suddenly found himself surrounded by masked men, A dozen cocked revolvers were pointed straight at his heart. “Throw up your hands!” commanded a stern voice, ‘‘ Hesitate an instant and you die!” A wild scheme did flash through the old man’s head, but he saw the utter folly of reststance, | and slowly put up his hands, one of them still holding the long rifle, “Up they ie pard!” he said, with a -lugubri- ous look, ‘It lookt ez if this ole blockhead bad run chuck ag’in’ er reg’ler foreshadderin’ 0’ a disaster—ghost o’ Goliath, yes!” ‘* Secure bi: weapons,” commanded the leader of the masked men. His order was swiftly obeyed. ‘* Now bind him hand and foot.” ‘* Howlin’ tomecats!” groaned the veteran. ““Hev I got ter submit ter sech er condemned outrage? Sorrer 0’ Sodom!” Yes; he was forced to submit. They bound him eourely, but the end was not yet. ‘ ‘* Blindfold him!” _ *Geehosifat!” burst from the borderman’s ** Aro ye goin’ ter gag me, too?” “*Tf you do not keep a silent pyle er es,” “Then I’m dum’ ’s er clam.- Ow er clam’s bout ther dum’mest o’ all dum’ animals, f fp ara ers ; q ‘ ) y, A ; pate OW, Abate taps pi COS ee a Jasin vi ts ix race Sais z PAP: » ing, ~ apa. eahtiu diac ote yb ae anual phe ts CHAIR RA ESS nt ‘ 4 Pi 3 = Fae B. aes. =) ~n5 4 yy ee license fur thet puppose. I’ve of’en thort as how it ’u’d be er fine thing ef sum wimmin war © clams.” ** Silence !” **Thet hain’t my name, but I reckon ye’r’ di- rec’in’ yer remarks torrud me, so ef ye don’t ob- jec’, I'l make believe I’m er clam.” A heavy blindfold was placed over Old Dis- aster’s eyes. Then he was borne along by four men, * For half a mile at least the old chap was car- ried in this manner, then they passed a spot where the faint smell of smoke came to his nostrils, Ther burnt cabin!” was his mental de- cision. A few moments later they halted where the sound of falling water smote on Disaster’s ears. He knew well enough that they had reached the waterfallin Dismal Gorge. Briefly the men spoke in low tones, then they once more went forward, Soon the old border- man was drenched by a mass of water which dashed over him. Then he knew quite we'l that he was in the cave beneath the waterfall, of which be had been told by Cobb. He listened. Peculiar rappings and signals were followed by a heavy scraping noise. ‘* A secret door opening,” he thought. He would have been amazed had he seen what appeared to be a ponderous stone, set in the solid wall, slowly move away, disclosing a dark opening, Then the masked men and their prisoner en- tered a secret cavern. Within the large main chamber the blindfold was removed from the old Hills tramp’s eyes, his feet were loosed, and he stood up. He gazed around with some interest, He saw the same cavern-chambe". lit by flar- ing lights that Minos St. Orme and Ethan Sher- man were gazing down into at that moment! Little did the prisoner dream that far, far above, hidden by the darkness, but gazing down upon him, was one of his friends of the pore who started in search for the Lost Gold ave. } ‘* Place him with the other prisoner in the strong cell,” commanded a voice which Disaster instantly recognized, ‘Hullo, Stokesie, thet you ?” cried the old man, ‘So, ole frien’s meet ag’in; but, I jist can’t shake han’s wi’ ye, ole boyee,) till these gentlemen unharness me erippery. Hope yer won’t think I’m incivil nor nothin’.” The man uttered a snarl of rage.’ ' “So you know me?” he cried, ‘‘ Well, that is allright. Your knowledge shall never do you any good, I am only waiting for the capture of Ethan Sherman, when there will be a grand hanging bee ia this very cave.” ‘¢Ghost o’ ole Goliath!” was all that the old borderman ventured to say. : The masked man waved his hands, and Dis-' aster wasledaway. One of his guards carried a light. They proceeded a short distance from the main chamber and then halted before a stout wooden door, set in the wall, One of them removed a bar which held this door in place, and, as it swung open, the other thrust the prisoner in, The door was slammed i aa him, saan ‘“‘ A purty pickle, by ther sword o’ Goliath !” owled the veteran. ‘Ther meachin’ curs idn’t even untie my han’s. What er dod- durned pang o’sneakin’X— Howlin’ tom-cats!” The old man stopped suddénty, for he per- ceived a pairof glowing eyes fastened upon bim. He started back in alarm. ‘+ Ah, old man, is that you ?” called a famil- iar voice. A ery of delighted surprise was the answer. ‘“‘ Jackwood, by ther sword o’ Goliath!” ‘‘Right you are,” was the reply. ‘‘ We are in a tough corner, old man,” ‘‘T guess ye’r’ shoutin’, boyee, But are yer grippers unhampered ?” , ““My hands are free, if that is what you mean.” a” ta ‘¢Thet’s Mie ge ther si o. it, so ri tied up ser tight I can’t skeercely wiggle er Unger. J kat see if ye kin git ther blamed rope off.” Jackwood did so, and soon the borderman’s hands were liberated. v Gm ‘‘Thankee, lad, thankee! Now, jist tell us how ye kem ter be in this condemued pickle,” The young man complied, relating his ad- ventures from the time he penne with Sherman and the old ranger until they met within the | prisoner’s cell of the great cave. Then Disaster told him of the burning of the © hut, meeting with red-skins, and his experience after falling over the precipice with his red foe, — a > pI?
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p> ee, Old Disaster, the Border Nomad. “I got suthin’ fer ye, lad—suthin’ what yer partners guv me ter took keer on, an’ forter- nately ther dirty pirates wi’ hidden faces did not diskiver. Hole yer han’; hyer she be!” And the old borderman placed the leather bags containing Jackwood’s share of the gold which had been taken from the placer in Dis- mal Gorge into the young miner’s hands. Jackwood uttered an exclamation of pleas- ure, ‘*Thank you, Disaster, for bringing it to mm ” Then a sudden change came into the young man’s voice, ashe added; __ ‘* The chances are that it will neverdome any good, after all, for who knows if weshall escape alive from this diabolical hole?” ‘¢T reckon, lad, thet ther chances are ag’in’ us ef Stokes carries out his dirty schemes. But we mus’ fight fer our lives. W’en they cum ter lead us like lam’s ter ther slaughter, ther lam’s mus’ prove ter be wolves,” Then they set about laying a desperate plan forescape. __ The hours slipped by. Finally the sounds of shouts and songs came from the main chamber. Boisterous laughter resounded through the echoing arches. There were imprecations, yells, and a Babel of noises. ‘¢ What does that mean?” asked Jackwood, ‘‘Oh! they are problikely gittin’ reddy fer ther barbecue,” was the grim response, Then the two desperate men waited to be called forth to face their doom, Slowiy the minutes slipped by. Half an hour passed. Gradually the sounds of shouts and songs diminished. Aftera timea dead si- lence naloued within the great rock chamber. The prisoners were puzzled, “ Hark !? The word was hissed from Jackwood’s lips, Soft footsteps were heard beyond the door. Stealthily the bar which held the door in place was removed, Some one was coming! ‘** Reddy!” gritted Old Disaster. Tn each hand the two men held a heavy stone, prepared to fight for their lives. The door swung open and both prisoners ut- taved exclamations of amazement. Before them, with a light in her hand, they bebeli a beautiful girl. She beckoned to them, saying softly: * Follow me, if you would escape! Every man within this cave is asleep—drugged! We will, all go from here forever,” Jackwood was dazed. That voice—that face! Mid had he heard the voice?—where seen the ace? But no time was to be lost. Silently they left the cell and followed their guide. ‘* Keerfull!” whispered Digaster to Jackwood. This may be a trick!” ' Suddenly they were confronted ns several dark forms. Then came the click-click of wea- pons, and a voice cried: “ Halt or die!” —— CHAPTER XVIII. j FINAL EVENTS. ‘¢ BETRAYED!” — Disaster uttered the word as he crouched to spring upon the forms before them. Jackwood seized his arm. Shik ; “ Hold—friends !” exclaimed the young miner. And so it proved. They were face to face with the two miners, Stone and Cobb, the strange hermit, Minos 5‘. Orme, and the young gold-hunter, Ethan Sherman! ze herm ib pavanced tonare ie Ackwood. *My 80n,” he said, ‘‘ don now me?” ‘Father! fen Thank God!” a Their hands met; then, overcome by emotion, ® the parent folded his wayward but still beloved son in hisarms, aid Meanwhile Eben Stono was explaining to pis- aster the reason of that sudden appearance in the cave. Ace After a few moments young Jackwood turned to the little knot and revealed his identity, stat. ing that his proper name was Frank St. Orme and that the white-bearded mar Sherman proposed that, as tho prisoners were liberated, they Mount the rope ladder and re- turn 60 the hermits Cavern home. “When J return, that dastard, Marshal Bay- lor, 80¢8 too,” declared Minos S¢,Orme. Baylor was found sisshing soundly amid his runken Compa Vhen Ojd Disaster saw the man Sface, he exclaim Ls «Ghost “ple Goliath! Ef thet galoot had er & ¥ @arded man was his father, full beard, I'd say as how he war thet condensed rascal, Flavus Stokes!” A close scrutiny of every face failed to reveal Stokes among the others, Then both Old Disas- ter and Ethan Sherman decided that the beard- less Marshal Baylor must be the villain Stokes. His beard had probably been false. Leaving the rest of the drugged desperadoes where they lay, the party carried Baylor to the rope-ladder, Throwing the unconscious man over his shoulder, the powerful Minos St. Orme mounted the ladder and disappeared into the darkness. One by one, the others followed. Frank St. Orme and the beautiful girl who had released Disaster and himself from the cell were the last to leave, After the three had met the rescuing party, Frank found the girl weep- ing silently. He did his best to cheer her, in a tender, considerate way. His heart was pierced as he witnessed ber grief, and he asked the cause, ‘* Oh, sir!” sho sobbed, ‘‘I have no friends. The man whom I thought my father is not, and I am alone and friendless.” ; Frank’s heart beat joyfully »s be gazed on her beautiful, tear-stainedface. Something prompt- ed him to whisper: ‘ ‘* You haveafriend in me—a firm, true friend, who will stand by you always,” He knew not what made him do so, but he put special emphasis on that last word. She looked up, joyously, into his manly face, * Ob, thank you!” she murmured, softly. ‘You aresokind, I will trust you.” How those low-spoken words thrilled him! What a tremor of delight ran over him! What did itmean? Inlove? Nonsense! hehad known her less than twenty minutes! When all had left the cave save those two, Frank bound the lower end of the rope-ladder firmly about her waist. ‘* We will draw you up,” he said. ‘'Do not be frightened.” She smiled and held out her hand to him. ‘*Hasten,” she urged. ‘‘I am in constant proee toe 1 shall not escape from this dreadful ace. Tenderly he pressed her fingers, Once more he was governed by an uncontrollable impulse, and, stooping swiftly, kissed her hand. Then he mounted the ladder, leaving her, blushing, trembling, joyous at the foot, When he reached the passage far above she was Crawn up safely. Frank unbound ths rope from about her waist, and, growing rashly bold, aided her along the rough passage, supporting her with an arm about her waist, —. Minos St. Orme led the way with a faint, flar- ing light. The little cavern chamber was reached, and Amy St. Orme and Albion Junardo welcomed them back. Junardo’s eyes fell upon the face of the unconscious man whom St, Orme carried. ‘‘ Who is that?” he cried. ‘‘Good heavens! Itis Braman Arely!” ‘+ Braman Arcly!” echoed St. Orme. ‘ He is known to me as Marshal Baylor.” ‘An’ ther durned lyin’ varmint palmed his- self ontes: sum o’ us as Flavus Stokes,” put in Old Disaster. s ‘** fle is my deadly foe,” continued Junardo. “My true name is Ashley Conagan. Years &g0 that man and I were rivals for the hand of a beautiful young woman. I won her. Arcly Swore vengeance and stole our only child—a tiny girl baby—from the cradle. The mother died, and for years I have been hunting Braman Arey, Searching for some tidings of my stolen Out beneath the flaring light came Frank St. Orme and hiscompanion. Ashley Conagan saw her and a shriek broke from his lips. Dora!” | ‘. Then he added: “Great God! it cannot be! Child, come here! Who are you?” — Diss The girl was frightened, but she answered: ‘‘T do not know, & have always supposed that man my father, but I now know that he is not, * ‘ «Then you are my child!” declared the wound- ed man, in great excitement. ‘ The very image of your mother! There is no doubt!” With a glad cry, she sunk on her knees beside She, too, had found a father! After a moment, Sherman said: ““f now understand why Flavus Stokes was my bitter enemy. Here Jies the cause,” He passed an arm around Amy St. Orme’s Waist, but, in an instant, she sprung away from him and flew toward her brother, at whom she d been staring for several moments, 15 “Frank! Frank!” shecried. ‘Is this you? Where did you come from? I could scarcely believe my eyes!” She clung about his neck, sobbing and weep- ing for joy ; she covered his face with kisses and then nearly swooned dead away. What a joyful reunion it was! br remained in the cave .or more than a week, ; When Flavus Stokes—for it was he—regained consciousness he found himself in the bands of his relentless foes. Great was his amazement and terror, and he was finally made to confess his crimes, His punishment was then seriously considered and discussed. Finally Minos St.Orme declared that be should be delivered into the hands of the red-skins, to whom he bad been a traitor, How this could be accomplished puzzled some of them, but, one day, St. Orme and Stokes left the cave. The latter came back alone, and Stokes was never afterward seen by a white man, Ashley Conagan improved rapidly, and soon announced that he was ready to start with the party for Custer City. Frank St. Orme improved every agai to be with Fannie Conagan, whe, tothe rise of every one, proved to be the supposed boy rider of the white horse, and who bad been known as ‘ Little Scarlet Sash.” Stokes had forced her to dress thus and to ride the white horse through the ravine nights, hoping in that way to frighten away tho miners, who were un- pleasantly near. Ere they left the cave, Frank St. Orme told the maid of the cavern of the shadow which rested above bis head, Of course she did not believe him guilty, and promised that, when his innocence was made clear, she would become his wife. ‘Before going away, some of the party took a peep into the great cave, Jt seemed deserted. The rope Jadder was let down and tard de- segnded only to find that it was in truth de- serted, The Jevers and pulleys which worked the huge bowlder at the entrance beneath the fall were broken and the rock could not be moved. ' When they left the cavern, Minos St. Orme showed therm a fuse with one end buried in the solid rock near the secret door. After all were out, Le lighted this fuse and followed. Soon! after a terrific explosion was heard, that fairly made the earth tremble. ‘* That seals the great cave forever!” said St, Orme, His words were true, for, to this day, no man has rediscovered and again entered the wonder- ful place. Stone and Cobb accompanied the party to Custer, which was reached in safety, The two miners, securing provisions and supplies, re- turned to Dismal Gorge, but Frank St. Orme did not accompany them, Doyce Bradon, the bank-robber, died in prison, but in his last moments cleared away every suspicion of guilt that hung over Frank St. Orme’s head, by revealing the names of his accomplices, and making a sworn statement that Frank was in no way connected with the affair. Then, of course, Frank and Fannie were mar- ried. It was a double wedding, for Ethan and Amy joined hands at the same time, Old Disaster was present and danced jubilant- ly during the festivities which followed. De- — spite his age and the “‘ terrible disasters” through which he had passed, the old man was remark- ably spry and “‘light on ther hoof,” as he ex- pressed it. Minos St. Orme and Ashley Conagan went into business together, St, Orme’s strange wild spells vanished, never to return, and in a few years both he and Conagan laid by enough 33 to retire from business and enjoy life, Eben Stone is dead. He never succeeded in — iy securing a fourth fortune; but Jabez Cobb — made a lucky strike, and is now taking life easy. : ‘d cI Old Disaster is still living, and declares that _ he is good for a long time to come, ee yet THE END. ele : : ot WERE Peer 1 AM yy . F Vas i oe Seay Ne § MP de aN iat it ae 4 lee ol ED ~ ‘ BLN Satay, Mea? Pe ria. OU Te 3 ea Tt Rl Palys nef : ree erry! sud Rae MSN ce
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Tuesday. BY EDWARD L, WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela. Dick, the Prince of the Road. Dick’s Deflances or, Double Daggers. Dick in Disguise; or, Buffaty Ben Dick in Hin Castle. Dick’s Bonanza; or, The Phantom Miner. Dick In Danger; or, Omana Oll, Diek’s Kagles; or, The Pards of Fleed Bar. Dick on Deck; or, Calamity 4 ne, the Heroine Dick's Last Act: or, Corduroy Charlie. Dick in Leadville. Dick’sa Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. Dick as Dotective. Pick’« Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 1 Deadwood 20 Dendwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwoed: or, The Pieked Party. 195 Deadwood Bick’s Dreamy; or, The Rivals of the Road, 201 Deadwood Dick’a Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. ae? peoemecs fe Boom Lor, ey Jane’s Adventure, eadw oo ck’s Dea eal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Tougha, b 44 peewees piexe Btvide tor, Eke Spirit of Swamp Lake. 8 Deadwoo ch’s Dea ra 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deal; or, The Gold Brick of Oregon, 821 Dendwood Dick’s Dozens or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 847 Deadwood Dick's Ducats; or, Days in the Diggings. ee ponawood wiek Genteneod't or, The Terrible Vendetta, ecadw oo eck’s Clahn. 405 Deadweod Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’« Diamonds, 421 Deadwood Dick tn New Yorks or, A “Cute Care.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. bir} rp phan bien’ ort, see Crimson Crescent Sign. ead woo r.’4, Deflunce. 45% Deadwood Dick, Jr’s Full Hand. 459 Deadweod Diek, Jr.’s, Big Round-Up. 46% Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, A471 Deadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. af Bentvecd pice: fr nas aciese™ woo ck, Jr.y In Deadwood, 491 Deadwood ees Jr, Compact. ek. Jr.’s. Inheritance, dr.’a, Diggings. Jr.’a, Deliverance, » Jr.'s, Protegee. dr.’a, Three. dr.’a, Danger Dack& Jr.’«» Death Hunt, pentrees pi eadwood Deandwoed Deadwood Deadweod Deadwood Deadwood Deadweod Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Dendweod Dendwood Deadwvod Dick. Jr., Afloat. Deadwood Dick, dr., in Denver. Dendwoed Dick, Jr.’*, Deeree. & Deadwood Dick Jr., in Reelzebub’s Basin, Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Ceney Island, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Leadville Lay. Deadweod Dick, Jr., In Detrolt. Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cineinuatt, Deadweod Dick, Jr., in Nevada, Deadwood Dick, Jr., in. No Man’s Land, Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. Deadwood Dick, Jr., Iu Buffalo. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent 654 Dendwood Dick, Jr., Among the Smugglers. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Inauranee Case, Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mtnea, Deadwood Dick, Jr., ta Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Deadwood Diek, Jr.’s, Discovery; or, Found a Fortune, Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Dazzle. ' Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. > Ye-dwoed Dick, Jr., at Danger Divide. > Dendweod Dick, Jr.’s, Drop. A Deadwood Biek, Jr., at Jnek-Pot. Deadwood Dick Jr., in San Francisco, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Still Munt. Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. Decdwooed Dick, Jr.’s, Disguise, Deadwoo! Dick, Jr.’4, Double Deal. Dendwooi Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwateh, Deadwoo'!l Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deathblow. Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Desperate Strait. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Defeat. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dark Daya, Deadwood Dick, Jr. Defied. Deadwood Dick, dr.’a, Double Device, Dead weod Dick, Jr’.s, Deaperate Venture, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Diamond Dice, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Royal Flush, Dendwood Dick,’ Jdr.’s, Head-off, Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival. BY WM. G. PATTEN. Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktown. Violet Vane’« Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out. Violet and Dalay, the Posy Pardes. Violet Vane’s Vows; or, The Crafty Detective’s Craft. Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Out. Violet Vane’s Verdicts or, The Game at Coffin City. Violet Vane, the Ventriloquist Vidoeq; or, Sport va. Sport. Violet Vane, the Vanquished: or, The Life Strugg'e. 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate, Violet 449 Vhe Diamond Sport; or, The Doubla Face of Bed Rock, B19 Captain Myatery ¢ or, Five in One. 681 Paley are the Sport from Denver. BST Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iren Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures. 619 The Boy Tramp Detective: or, The Double Grip Witness G41 Dismal Dave’sa Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt. Claw 651 Bound Bey Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective. 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special. 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot, 7 , BY COL, A. F. HOLT. 917 Weadlight Warry’s Flyer: or, Duke Derby. $78 eacuent Harry’s Wazard; or, The Lightning Express wtective. 391 Meadlicht Marry’s Haul; or, The Railroad Pards, 727 Headlight Hurry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. 59 Headlight Harry’s Heritage. 94 Heudlight Harry’s Hunts or, The Cache of Gold. 99 Black Buckskin: or, The Masked Men of Deeth Canyon, 19 Kenneth, the Knife-King; or, The Doomed Six. 4 Little Lightfoot, the Pliot of the Weods. The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator. j Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Resebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob's Chaliennes or, Cinnamon Chip. 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver Doll’s Victory; or, Skul) and Crossbones, 255. Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 296 Denver Doll’s Drift; or, The Read Queen. 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer$ or, The Life Lottery. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker; or, The Rivals of Red Nose. BA9 Yreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle Ben, 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-RBoy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter. 244 Slorra fam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister’s Devotion. 248 Slerra Sama Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 255 Sierra Sam’s Pardys or, The Ange! of Big Vista, 258 Sierra Bam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kits or, The Mysterious Miner. 889 Kamgaroo Kit’s Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Ont, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guld Rifle, the Sharpehooter, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective; or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the apes Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective. 161 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective. 226 The Arab Detective ; or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp, 291 Turk, the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Hickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia, 648 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Hat Harry, the Base Bal! Detective, 426 Sam Slabsides, the Beggar-Boy Detective. 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26. Cloven Moef, the Buffalo Demon; or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf or, The Girl Dead-Shot, 45 Old Avalanche}; or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, 58 Jim Bludsoe, JIr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team, 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp. 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza Bill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bosa Bob the King of Boetblacks. 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevaday or, The Sierras Scampa. 181 Wild Frank the Buekskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apolle Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbe Joe, the Boy Patrol: or, The Rival Heirs, 209 A No, 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. 808 ’Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; er, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B80 Little ufck-Shot 3 or, The Dend Face of Daggersville, 858 Firat-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Scoret of Slab City, BSB Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 488 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeance, 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler; or The Tribunal of Ten. BY J. 0. COWDRICK, Broadway Billy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. 514 Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Cleaing a Strange Case. B86 Broadway Billy’sa ‘Difkilty.” 657 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party. 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. 628 Broadway Billy’s Dead Acts or, The League of Seven, 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. 675 Broadway Billy’s Bests or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clever. 696 Broadway Billy tn_ Texas; or, The River Rustlera, 708 Broadway Billy’s Brand. 711 Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. 720 Breadway Billy’s Full Hand; or, The Gamin Detective. 785 Broadway Billy’« Business. 788 Broadway Billy’s Curious Case, 7b8 Breadway Billy in Denver. 762 Broadway Billy’s Bargain; or, The Three Detectives, 769 Broadway Billy, the Retriever Detective. 775 Broadway Billy’« Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. 790 Broadway Billy’s Brigade: or, The Dead Alive, Broadway Billy’s Qucer Bequest. 0 Broadway Billy Baffled, Broadway Billy’s Signal Scoop. Broadway Billy’ Wipe Out. Bilver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. Rhaata, the Gold King; or, For Seven Years Dead. The Delective’s Apprentice; or, A Boy Without «a Name, Olbuta Johny or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Diseo Dan, the Daisy Dude. 806 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Rond. h24 The Engineer Detectives or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve, 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. G71 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case, &92 The Bey Pinkerton; or, Running the’ Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Harry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 640 Bareback Reth, the Centaur of the Circle, 6AT Typewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan, the ‘* Pizenest ’? Man of Ante Bas, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS, BS9 Tom-Cat and Pard; or. The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tem-Cat’« Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone. 681 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowhoy Detective. 688 Tom-Cat’« Triumph; or, Bleck Dan’s Great Combine 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike, 568 The Dandy of Dodge: or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or. Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee. 588 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hansa, the Dutch Vidocg: or, Hot Times at Round-Up €11 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Herenes. 7 G46 Cowboy Gids the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William, the Mountain Mountebank. 665 Jolly Jeremiah the Plains Detective, 676 Stenal Ram, the Lockout Scout. 689 Billy, the Gynay Spy: or, The Mystery of Two Lives. 699 Rimple Rim, the Rfoncho Buster; or. For Big Stakes. 712 The Meameriat Sports or, The Mystified Detective, 788 Teltec Tom, the Mad Prospector, 745 Kanaasa Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. 761 Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. 778 The Ruatler of Rolling Stone. 785 Lone Wand Joe, the Committee of One. 801 Kent Kirby, the High-Kicker from Killbuck, BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm. F. Cody) 8 Kanaae Kings or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Wood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trast, BEADLE'S«H ALF- DIME# LIBRARY. ee BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, Dick Doom’s Death-Grip: or, The Detective by Deatin Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror, Dick Doom; or, The Starps and Sharke of New York. Dick Doom in Beston; or, A Man of Many Masks. Dick Doom in Chicago. r Dick Doom in the Wild Weat. Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue. Dick Doom’s Peath Clue. Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal, Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First TPal bashing Charlle’s Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captiv Dashing Charife’s Pawnee Pard, Dashing Charlle, the Rescuer. Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. Buck Taylors Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grand Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shadower. Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. Pawnee Bill’« Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. Pawnee Bill; or, Daring Dick. Rodfern’s Curious Case; 01, The Rival Sharps, Redfern at. Devil’« Ranehy or, The Sharp from Texas. Redfern’s High Fiand; or, Blue Jacket. Redfern’« Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, Red Ralph’s Rusey or, The Buccaneer Midshipman. Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor. Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebdooter’s Legacys Rutterfly Billy's Disguise. Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider, 656 Rutterfly Billy's Man Hunt. 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingdon; or, The Owls of the Overland, 570 Kent Kiugdon’s &hadower} or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; or, The Surgeon Scout, BS6 Kent Kingden’s Doom; or, The Buekekin Avenger. 845 Lafitte Run Down; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son, 555 Lafitte’« Confexsion; or, The Creole Corsair, 520 Buckskin BID, the Comanche Shadow. 625 The Kuckskin Brothers in Texas. _ 586 The Buckskin Bowerss or. The Cowboy Pirates, 585 The Buckskin Rovers; or, The Prairie Fugitive, 540 The Buekskin Pards’ Quest: or, Captain Ku-Klux,. 508 The Royal Middy 5 or, The Shark and tne Sen Cat. 507 The Royal Middy’s Luck; or, The Hunted Midshipmay 511 The Royal Middy’s Foe.. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Ferret ot New York. 454 Wizard Wills Street Scouta. 474 Wizard Will's Pards; or, Flera, the Flewer Girl. ASS Wizard WIII’s Last Case; or, The Ferrets Afloat. 429 Duncan Pare, the Bey Refugee. 488 Duncan Pare’s Plot; or, A Cabin Boy’s Luck. 487 Dnnean Rare’s Prizes or, The Sea Raider, 441 Duncan Dare’s Secrets or, The Ocenn Firefly. 402 Lacdor, the Young Conaptirator: or, The Fatal Leagu 407 Isedor’s Double Chase; or, The Boy Insurgent. 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruises or, The Wild Yachtemar 216 Rison Rill, the Prince of the Reins. 222 Bison Rill’« Clue; or, Grit, the Bravo Sport. 804 Dead Shot Dandy’s Dilemma. £O8 Dend Shot DPandy’s Doubles or, Keno Kit. R14 Dead Shot Dandy’s Defiances or, The Boy Bugler, 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chicf; or, The River Detective, 245 Merle Mente’s Leap for Life. 250 Merle Monte’s Mutiny ; or. Brandt, the Buccaneer, 264 Merle Monte’s Treasure I«land, 269 Merle Monte the Condemned. 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or," The Gold Ship” Chase. 2RO Merle Monte’s Fate; or, The Pirnte’s Pride, 284 Merlé Monte’« Pledge; or, The Sea Marauder. 197 The Kid Glove Sport; or, Little Grit, the Wild Rider, 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doom; or, Buffalo Bill, t Pony Express Rider. Ruth Redmond, the Gir) Shadower, Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scout. The Vagabond of the Mines. ? The Texan Detectives or, The Black Bravos. Pelmonte. the Young Sea- Rover; or, The Avenging Sailor) The Outcast Cadet; or, The False Detective, 495 Arizona doe; r, The Boy Pard of Texas Jack, ART Nevada Ned, the Revolver Rauger 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster; or, Pirate in Spite. 462 The Sailer Boy Wanderer; or, The Born Guide, 446 Haphazard Harrys or, The Sea Scapegrace B98 The Red Clasped Hands; or, Tho Boy Lieutenant. B87 Warpath WIL, the Traitor Guide BSS The Indian Pilet; or, The Search for Pirate Taland. 877 Nonodel, the Buy Rover? or, The Fingless Schooner. 287 Billy Blue-Fyes, of the Rie Grande. 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimaon Kate, the Girl Trailer; or, The Cowboy's Triumy 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The Her mit of Hell Gate, 111 The Sea-Devil; or, The Midshipman’s Legacy. 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier ; or, The Cruise of the Vixi 25 The Boy Duellat; or, The Cruise of the Sea-Wolf. 62 The Shadow Ship: or, The Rival Lieutenants. 24 Dinmond Dirks or, The Mystery of the Yellowstone. 17 Ralph Roys the Boy Buceunser; or, The Fugitive Yacht. ? The Flying Yankee; or, The Ocean Outcast, LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 814 Ace High, the Frisco Detective. By ©. E. Tripp, S15 Broadway Bily’s Bank Rackets or, The City Det tive’s Big Hanl. By J.C. Cowdrick. 2 816 Nendwood Dick, Ir.’ Rival. By Edward L. Wheel R17 Wideawake, the Tramn-boy Detective. By Col, A. F. Hol S18 The Muctler Rogue-Catcher, By Wm. R. Eyster- S19. Dick Boowm’s Girl Mascot. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahar 820 Nebby Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. By Wm. G. Patt 821 Brondway Rilly’s Bluff, By J. C. Cowdrick. 822 Dondwood Dick, dr.’s, Boom, By Ed, L. Wheeler. £22 Poker Jock, the Detective Sport. By Ol] Coomes. R24 Rowery Billy. the Bunco Bouncer. By Jo Pierce. 82h Marlo. the Cowbey Conster, Cy Col. P. Ingraham, 826 Rrondway Billy Among Jersey Thugs. Br J. Cowdrick. 827 The Bantam Sport. By T. C. Harbangh, ; R28 Deadwood Bick, Jr.’ Scoop. By Ed, L. Wheeler 829 The Gentleman Crook in Chicago; or, Dick Doon Shadow Hunt. By Col. P. Ingraham. S80 The Grim Lodgera in Rag Alley; or Citizen Ru of Number Seven. By Ben D, Halliday. 881 The Chicago Drammer’« Deal. By J. G. Rethnne, 882 The Poctor Detective in Texas. 888 RBrondway Rilly’a Raid. By J. 884 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Proxy. 5%! R&b Dick Doom’s Big Heul, By Col. P. Ineranam. R886 Sharper Ftoke’s Double Deal. By Wm. G. Patten 887 The Big Four of the Bowery- By Jo Pierce, A New lsaue Every Tuesday. The Half- Dime Library 1s for sale by all newadealers, fii eents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt ef six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New Y¥ orks