Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 867) (1894 03 06)
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a=—iiwis4in, Gye alalalatalal oor wy af 3 \ DP we “Ulalalalalalalalallalalals = it ait ee it a == March 6, 1804, Priof)/ YyvIv No. 867. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents Vol. XXXIV, ‘ ——— ie RAY MME eer \S &. aeeeniny The Cowboy Smugeler Smash-up. te A Romance ot the Gold Ghouls cf-Ca ifornis, BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, SND PQ S CHAPTER I, POINT DESOLATION, A HIGH, rugged promontory, jutting out from the mainland in the shape of a horn, was the abiding place of a strange and mysterious DEAD-SHOT RALPH WAS SUDDENLY BROUGHT TO A HALT BY THE COMMAND: people, ‘* HANDS UP, PARD!” The point formed a safe harborage a mile back
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‘ from the sea, in a sheltered inlet, and half a league off-shore there was the protection of aragyed reef which seemed to break the in- - ward rolling waves of the Pacific at low tide, and over which when in fury there was a wild surf that rolled in to split against the recss or dash on up the inlet to a sandy beach: ; 4 The horn like point of land was known as Point Desolation, and a strange community had made its home there for, as well as being seamen, its people were also ranchers, hav- ing cattle-ranges -back among the plains and mountains, r Bold and expert sailors they were, as well ¢ as splendid riders and huntsmen. Suspicion had fallen uponrthem as being ay wreckers and smugglers, but no proof had been found against them. Numbering several hundred souls, they were under a chief beyond whose word and decision there was no appeal. They had a fleet of stanch, swift boats with which they fished and ran cargoes to San Francisco and other points along the Pacifie Coast. At the time that Point Desolation is pre- sented to the notice of the reader great excitement prevailed there. Men. women and children stood upon the cliffs gazing seaward and down the coast, and conversing in earnest tones of - some event that had happened. ur c The people, dressed in a picturesque ‘cos- tume—hnalf-sailor, half-frontier dress, were fe = rs ~—-. | children as well as men. What had caused their excitement was the fact that one of their young: men, a dashing, handsome fellow, skipper of one of the fleet- est of their boats, and who stood at the head of the youths of the community, bad become | _. jealous of a new member of the sgttlement, and, his nature being warped thereby, had turned smuggler, had lost. his vessel cap- ee tured by a revenue cutter, and then, chal | _ schooner and his own reckless crew, Ma His rival was a youth who had been wreck: ed upon the coast, and, adopted by Chief a Karl Kenton, had become .a favorite, with ; all. e Bh, He had been left for dead by Mario, his - foe, though only stunned by the bullet, and | had put to sea in another vessel, the Idle. _ -‘Wings, in chase of the fugitives in the ©) chief's schooner, the Sea Pearl. +4 With him had gone Chief Kenton’s pretty daughter Pearl, who had secreted herself on | board to make the cruise in a spirit of ad- | venture. . ‘oes ' Coming back from the mountains, Captain Kenton had gone also in chase in the swift sloop, Racer, and thus the people of Desola- tion Point were watching and hag for _-—- néws, asthe revenue cutter Rush had put '___ into the hafbor, in search of Marlo, the Cow- boy Smuggler and his men, and learning the | __ situation had also gone off in chase of the _ three vessels, the Sea Pearl, Idle Wings and Bere RACER io aA 7 . i, Standing upon the piazza of the chief’s | house, now and then raising a spyglass to | __—ciher eye as she glanced down the coast, was - @ woman whom one would not have ex- |. pected to find 9 dweller among such *'. people. 4 She was a woman who scarcely looked _ thiriy. with a face of remarkable beauty and swectness of-expression, She was dressed in black, wore a jaunty ~ gailor hat and looked like one raised in re - finement and luxury. et “I do hope the cutter will overhaul the x _ fugitive smugglers before either Ralph or - my husband does so, for I | stake there, since Pearl ran off on the : 1G, > ; 7 \ Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. & bold, hardy ana intelligent set, women and | | mizzen rigging and once more leveled his |?“ gee her now and we will catch her in | lenging his rival to a duel, had left him for y dead, and escaped to sea with the chief’s | fi ! taken by their own people, who had discov- have my all at Sea Pearl, and a combat might take one of the three from me, and I have become as at- own son. ** How strange it was, too, that when the cutter came in here yesterday I should find !.glers, and the pursuing Idle Wings under in her command my own brother, whom I | young Ralph Rollo, or Dead-Shot Ralph, the have not seen for fifteen long years! chief's adopted son, and yet swift as the ‘Well, I told him all, and that the man I } steamer was going it would be impossible married and whom both he and father be- | to come up with them before nightfall and lieved was a murderer anda forger, was not | then the threatening storm would surely the guilty one they deemed him, and I know | break. brother Edgar well enough to feel that he But the sloop, then ahead and near, Cap- will do all in his power to atone for the | tain Yerger ordered to come to, and her skip’ wrong done my noble husband. per to board the Rush, “No sail in sight yet; and I long so for ‘Send him to my cabin, Mr. Wynn,” he some news of the absent loved ones,” and | said to the officer of the deck, thus musing. Valerie Kenton, the wife of The sloop was at once hailed by the officer. Captain Karl Kenton the Coaster Chief, pass- ‘‘ Ho the sloop, ahoy!” ed to and fro, ever and anon leveling her ‘Ay, ay, sir.” glass to catch a longed-for sight of a return- ““What sloop is that?” ing sail on the distant sea. ‘The coaster Racer, from Point Desola- ' tion.” CHAPTER II. “« Whither bound?” A STRANGE MEETING, ‘In chase of a smuggler, the leading A TRIM. little steam vessel-of-war was | schooner you sce ahead, sir.” bounding along southward, in full view of ** Ay, ay; come to, and then come aboard the California Coast, and with lookouts alow | the steamer.” and aloft eagerly scanning the waters far “Ay, ay, sir,” and the sloop swept up and wide, on the day following the scene at | into the wind and lny to. Point Desolation, ; Then a surf: skiff was lowered from her “Sail ho!’ decks into the sea, the man at the tiller The cry cawe from the foretop and there | sprung in, and seizing the oars, sent it rap- at once apperired on deck a handsome man ie toward the steamer, of thirty-six dressed in the uniform of a e was a man of really noble and com- captain in the United States Revenue Service, | manding presence, six feet in height, broad- for the steamer was a cutter. shouldered, and as erect as a soldier “Ay ay, my man, what do you make her He wore a sailor suit of blue, a gray out?” called out the officer as he leveled his | slouch hat, top boots, and a belt of arms—a glass forward, very picturesque costume, ie ~ “Sheis a sloop, sir, and crowding sail, He stepped on board the cutter with the bound southward and two leagues off shore,” | air of a man who was dignified, courteous, was the answer. : but not humble, and as he raised his hat ‘‘Then she is the craft we are looking | politely to the officer of the deck, he said, in for,” said the officer, and he ascended the | a voice deep and rich in tone: ; ** Your captain would see me, sir. “*T am here,” “A splendid-looking fellow that,” mut- other vessels were sighted far ahead. _—_—_———— eee glass. — a few hours,.though she is running rapidly. “The others must be leagues ahead of her, though,” said the captain, and return- ing to the deck he ordered the chief engineer to get a couple more knots an hour out of the steamer, . The craft was a fine one, carrying one long gun mounted forward, and three twelve- pounders to a broadside, with a crew of sev- ety men. he captain’s cabin was commodious, luxuriously furnished and fitted up in a manner that indicated a refined taste and scholarly occupant, for there were books, works of art, a piano, guitar and other evi- ; dence that the commander intended to make | There stood Captain Edgar Yerger, with | his sea home comfortable in the extreme. his hand extended, and the look of one who The cutter had lately destroyed a smug: | humiliated himself from a sense of duty. | | gler yacht, while the crew escaped, and tt At last the Coaster Chief spoke, and in a was discovered that it had been manned by | ]ow tone, in which there was some sur- Marlo and his crew, from Point Desola- | prise: tion, and who were known as the Cowboy “Now, Captain Yerger, let me ask you Smugglers. \ : . how it is that you kn w that you have Visiting the Point in the hope of captur-! wronged me, that I am innocent save for ing Marlo and his men, Captain Edgar Yer- | what I have told you?” ger had discovered in the wife of the coaster| |“ Because, Kent Carleton, I have seen my chief his sister whom he had long mourned | sister,, whom I have so long mourned as as dead, i ! dead.” From her he had learned that the Cowboy { Smugglers, finding that’ they were to be the cabin. As he entered, Captain Yerger arose to meet him, and starting back, the. Coaster Chief cried in surprise: brother of my wife!” ‘Tam, Kent Carleton, and I knew that I was to meet you, and I offer you my hand. I have wronged you, and I ask your pardon for my acts in the past,” said the cutter’s captain earnestly. The skipper of the coaster sloop had stood gazing upon the cutter’s captain with a strange look in his face. Karl Kenton, as he was known to the people of Point Desolation,’ gee | ‘‘T have, for I put in there in search of ered their lawless acts, had cut out the ! chief’s schooner, Sea Pearl, and put to sea, | the Cowboy Smuggler Marlo and: his men. while Ralph Rollo, the captain of the cap- | ‘She sent. for id we met face to face, tured craft, had followed in the Idle Wings, | and she told me alj; of your absolute inno- and the chief had gone also in pursuit in the | cence of forgery charges and other crimes, next swiftest vessel. , and that is why I hold forth my hand to With the extra speed added, the cutter | you in friendship, and asking your forgive- Rush: fairly flew over the waters and soon | ness for my doubt of you. . : drew near enough to the sloop to see that “Tt is willingly granted, Edgar Yerger, | she was being crowded with all the sail she | and I shall appreciate your friendship, for I could stand up under, and that her decks | have always liked you, and in the face of were crowded with men. apparent proof of my guilt, a dying man’s _As the day wore on there was every pros- pect of an approaching storm, while, just doubting me. : he ~ ak ’ ; t tached to the youth as though he were my | as the sloop was within hailing distance two There were the fugitive Cowboy Smug? tered the officer as he ushered the man into ‘‘My God! you are Edgar Yerger, the ‘*You have seen Valerie?” asked Captain — confession, I could\ not censure you for
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Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. » “ Let us be friends,’’ ashore, wreck the Sea Pearl and take to the | At length they dashed into a chaotic mass ‘*Gladly,” and the hands of the two men} land for safety.” of water and Marlo cried in warning tones: were clasped, after which Captain Karl} ‘‘ You are right, Marlo, for we could not | ‘* Ho, men, were are in the surf. ‘hae / said: fight them off with the advantage the guns ‘* Cling to the life-boat for your lives!” a j ‘But let me tell you that Marlothe Smug | would give them.” But as he spoke a large wave rolled land id “\ gler is in the leading craft ahead, and my ‘** No, we could not, so pray forthe storm, | ward, the life-boat was lifted upon its crest ai / . own daughter and adopted son in the for that boy Ralph Rollo is not to be easily | and it was tossed bodily up into the air and 4 be schooner that is pursuing him, so there ¢luded or beaten off—but is not that a wo- | fell bottom upward. *s must be no desperate combat in which my, man on board?” There was a wild shrick from despairing fi child, or that noble boy may be killed, so [| *‘ It is Pearl Kenton as I live.” lips and the boat went surging landward, a beg of you to press on in chase and capture’ ‘* Then her father is there too,” only one of its occupants clinging to it, ita Marlo yourself.” ‘* No, he could not have gotten off so soon That one was the man Marlo and he clung Ry © ** | will do so, and your vessel can follow, | in the Sea Pearl, though I suspect that he is | with a grip which death only could shake i while you go with me.” in that craft far in her wake.” off. Mg ‘And still as Captain Karl, the Coaster So the two talked together for some time On through the breakers the life boat was ‘Chief.” longer, when the smuggler captain began to | hurled and Marlo still clung to it. “If so you wish it, yes,” was the reply, regard the gathering clouds more attentively | At last it touched the bottom and was then and once more the cutter gave chase to over-| and his face to deepen with anxiety as he saw | dashed upon the sands shattered to atoms. haul the vessels far ahead. that the sea and sky were putting on a very Marlo had sprung fory ard the moment it [po eee angry look. touched, and struggling, swimming, fighting At last Marlo felt that he dared carry sail | off death he had made his way out upon the CHAPTER III. no longer; darkness was coming on, the | beach and staggering beyond the reach of . yo bigs Erte storm was about to burst in allits fury, and | the waters had dropped down upon. the i j rei tint Bite toast 1 4 the words were upon his lips to take in can- | sands completcly exhausted. us am Tur vessel that had been leading those! Vas when down from the black, trailing He had jain there for x long while before " Z that were in pursuit was a very pretty craft clouds came a stroke of lightning and the; he could gain strength to creep away. ba re of some forty tons’ burden” mainmast was riven in twain as the bolt de- Then he had gone back to the line of be The eraft carried at her peak u strange| Scended upon it with deadly and appalling | woodland, and taking a flask from hispocket 9 flag, for it was a red field in the center of | effect. had placed it to his lips for a long pull at the ; * which was a spur of gold. The crew grouped together about the mast | contents, i yaya a re Upon the deck of the schooner were some | fell dead in their tracks, the belmsman was This had seemed to reyive him, and mak- + 2 twenty men, and their dress was more that | struck down, and Marlo was hurled to the | ing a bed among the leaves he had lain down a . of cowboys than sailors. deck with stunning force. ; to almost instantly fall asleep. od They were all armed with a belt of revol- When he arose a few moments after his When he awoke the sun was shining, the - Mc vers and bowic-knife, and around the masts | vessel was a wreck, his crew lying dead | storm had blown away and though the surf aq were their rifles. about him, and Sawyer and one other seem- | still fell heavily upon the shore the sea had ‘a \ The commander of this craft was a young | ed to be all there were alive, while the flames | lost its terrors for him. ad } man with a face full of reckless daring and | were bursting forth to consume the craft, There upon the beach lay the charred hull, i stamped with dissipation, though he could | and the storm was howling down upon | all that remained of the Sea Pearl, and hee aK, | not have been over twenty-one or two. them. ae: ; and there were scattered the bodies of his a His brow was clouded now, and he had an **Quick, the life-boat! It is our only ; crew burned beyond all recognition. a «hae anxious expression resting in his eyes, chance for life,” cried the Cowboy Smuggler, Neither Sawyer or the other man in the a ult The young captain would glance aloft at | and he and his. two men sprung to the boat, | life-boat were to be found, and Marlo felt. Ye the vast quantities, of sail he was carrying, | lowered it from its davits and springing into | that he alone bad survived the wreck. ia fy aad then down upon the sea, to end with a | it went shoreward borne upon the foaming Offshore he saw the schooner Idle Wings | 4 r look at the heavens, ' | waters driven before the storm. lying to, and a boat was coming ashore from. a WY: Then his gaze would be cast. astern where her, Nee alt he he beheld a schooner in chase and about a CHAPTER IV Then, to, further off lay the steamer is couple of miles distant. ; which he had been observing the day before ‘e ) Far astern of this vessel he saw a smoke CAST ASHORE. and another craft which he recognized asone =. "hia from a steamer and a tiny white speck indi-| Mario the smuggler leader had realized, | of the coaster fleet. 9 ty \ ( cating another sailing craft. the moment that he regained his senses, that | “It is the Racer,’ he muttered to himself. wie ve ‘Sawyer, [don’t half like the looks of the | there was but one means of escape for him- | ‘‘ Yes, they are coming ashore from the Idle a je skies, for I beheve we are going to have a/| self and his comrades who had.not been | Wings to count the dead and sce if any one ] | -very nasty night of it,” said the young skip- | stricken down by the Binns stroke. survived the lightning stroke, _ ; Woe per, addressing one of his crew who was| He saw that the Sea Pearl was dismasted, | ‘‘ Well, 1 am the sole survivor, I believe, “ag be nearhim. and that she was doomed to burn up within | cast ashore here without food and no help Le i ‘«7¢ will be the better for us?” a short while, the flames fanned into fury | near; but it is far better than to be in their et t “Perhaps, if yonder smoke is not the cut- | by the gale. power, for then would I be strung up to the Ga KY ter Rush in pursuit also of us,” His eyes fell upon the life-boat and it | yard-arm, ars Le ‘«-You fear it may be, Captain Marlo?” would certainly be safer in the storm than | ‘Yes, that is the cutter Rush, and she ae Loe ‘Well, [ can see no other reason fora | would the wrecked vessel. . went to Point Desolation after me and m aa ',. steamer being in this locality; but how is it | He gave a glance at his crew, but they lay | men and fortunate was I to escape ewe | ct the best sailor I ever saw hold a tiller.” The gale was driving them shoreward, and | to take to flight, for.1 will not be taken. sates %«T must admit that, much as I hate him, they had all noticed that the coast was a ‘No, not I, and I will not die, either, not ag ‘but how it was that my bullet did not. kill | sandy beach. I, for I will live for a cruel revenge upon | him in that duel I cannot understand. Icer-| The life-boat would live in any sea they | that boy.” at Yi, tainly supposed he was Cems Rh iy” knew, if they could cling to it, and they |. He watched the boat’s crew go from body igs “Had there been a bullet in his pistol braced themselves for the!struggle before | to body and gather them up. ie -/) though he would have killed you, Marlo.” | them. Then graves were dug on the sandy shore, ; “ile 2 t* Yes, for he isa dead shot; but I knew Higher and higher leaped the flames upon back beyond the reach of the waters, and | better than to face him with a bullet in his | the little schooner, and its blazing canvas | the charred remains of the dead smugglers | +, © pistol— See, the Idle Wings still gains on | and spars lighted up the sea all about it. | were decently buried. UE DD ope a - But the darkness and sea shut out all other Then the crew returned to the boat, and it ae oe ““ She does indeed, but the storm will strike | sights, their purster not being seen any- | put back to the Idle Wings, which at us before she comes nearer—ah! see there, | where. | stood away down toward the cutter Rus ~ Marlo, they have those guns taken from the | ‘‘T only wish he has gone to the bottom, | and the sloop Racer, _ wrecked barque Rainbow on board, for my } muttered Marlo between his clinched tecth. From his hiding-place the wrecked man glass reveals them distinctly.” | They could not see the shore, and so drove | watched the Idle Wings run down near the Marlo bastily glanced through the glass | on in» the darkness not knowing what was | cutter, and a boat put off for her. SPY ae, and cried: ye before them. nye vibes | After the three vessels had remained for — By Heaven, but you are right, Sawyer, On, on they went, the waves times ; some time near cach other, the fugitive saw nd glad am | indeed that this storm is com- } breaking over and filling the Me Nee: | them start on arun northward. ig up, for those guns would bring us to | however, shook them off and rode 6n as cigoain his clinched fist he shook it after — “and no mistake, or cause us to run | bravelyas before. * | _} the vessels, while he oe eat a pe SEE ae TA ORO cma ma Se , : Py eta ts H : f ‘ og SN WE SEE LS, ey. le y BN gh ee Woh ay cg Oe : ? . ote Ai siege Se cg hia ete
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- sea were chill, his clothes were still damp 4 Dead-Shot Ralph’s shen nc aan ESS ‘*One of these days, Ralph Rollo, we will meet again, and then will I demand full satisfaction for all my sufferings at your hands.” Se CHAPTER V. THE WRECKED MARINER. THE man who had escaped capture by the wreck of his vessel from the lightning’s stroke, stood gazing after the retreating ves- sels as they sailed back up the coast until they had disappeared from his view. ight was not far away, the winds off the and he had no food, ‘*T am in a very dangerous situation, that is certain. ‘‘ Bruised, wet, hungry and wretched, the sole survivor of my crew, cast upon a deso- late shore and with no help near. ‘But, surely I have not escaped all that “sheet to die here now, no, indeed, it cannot “But I have this left, my best, my on! friend,” and with this he unbuckled his belt and poured out upon the ground a lot of gold twenty-dollar pieces, ‘tI was a fool not to search the. bodies of my S shipmates as they came ashore, for the al a esd and the men under Ralp Rollo got it. ‘*But if I stand here and talk to myself, anges my misfortunes, I will never get help, must go and seek it.” So saying he cast another long look over the sea. ‘*Good-by, old ocean, a last farewell, say I to you, for I guess we part company for- ever, ‘** Yes, [have no craft, no crew, and the age is too far advanced fora man to make gold from oy fear deeds upon your bosom, road as it is ** Now 1 shall stick to the shore, shall seek gold amid the mountains and upon the broad pene: for gold I must have, asI was not orn to be a pauper. xe Farewell, old sea,” and he kissed his ‘hand in a dramatic manner to the ocean, ; 73h oo through the foliage an raised his hat in salute and then turned his back and walked awa He moved on and after a short walk came into a trail that led from the shore back to- ward the mountains. And on he went until the shadows deepen- ed and he had to halt as he could no longer follow the trail, Looking about him for a place of refuge for the night he saw rising before him a wa ‘i and which he had at first taken for a cliff of rock, seen through the foliage. As he neared it he said: % Nett of the old Spanis “ I will sleep here and begin afresh in the morning, though I begin to feel faint for want of food,” He entered the old ruined chapel and craw]- ing upon some rocks laid down to sleep, orn out as he was he sunk into a dream- less sleep which lasted until a ray of sunlight shone into Missions, as I is face. He awoke with a start and started to arise when he found that he was stiff and sore from head to foot. He was’ a forcing himself to sit up, in spite of pain, when a horseman rode into the ission and glancing about said angrily: ‘She is not yet here.” The wrecked mariner was shielded from view by his position, but could see the horse- man distinctly. At first he was about to call out, but hear- wg. the man’s words and seeing his face he ita As he did so the clatter of approaching hoofs fell upon the ears of both, for the horse- man said in a an eager tone: Tex fad . sey > Seah Ae Pama rd Sats ARs . Wes fly i wit phat std ot dD ne eae sian ant eee we oes ’ PR cc BBN So GEE haces is 1 gee Fe is ee SER Ue Napa ti aR AGRDR ies st we 6 Meee renee asm <aeraaRe tna ‘‘She is coming now.’ The man was superbly scone: the trap- pings of his saddle and bridle being lavishly adorned with silver, while he was dressed in the suit of a Mexican courtier. Under his broad-brimmed sombrero was revealed a very dark, handsome face, but with a look of evil in his eyes. As the wrecked mariner looked from his place of concealment a horse and rider dash ed into the old Mission. The rider was a young girl, with a wealth of red-gold hair and large lustrous dark eyes, while the other features were perfect, all forming a very beautiful face, Her form was exquisite, robed in a habit that fitted it closely, and was embroidered in silver thread. A sombrero and black plume was upon her head, resting jauntily upon one side. ‘““Ah! you have come at last, sweet Seno- rita Lulita,” said the horseman, bending low in his saddle. ‘* Yes, Senor Marco Fuentes, I have come to show that I was not afraid to meet you in this lone Mission, and also to say to you again, and for the last time, that you can never win my love, that our friendship ends here, this day, forever. “Now, Senor Fuentes, you have the an- swer which you told me you would exact from me here to-day, and I bid you adios.” As she spoke s e started to wheel her horse, when, quick as a flash, a lariat held by the horseman was cast over the head of the animal she rode, dragging him back on his haunches, ‘(CHAPTER VI. THE RESCUE. Tue maiden had not observed the lasso held by Senor Fuentes, and neither had the wrecked smuggler done so. It was therefore a supprise to both of them when the spirited horse ridden by Se- norita Lulita Samos was suddenly reined back upon his haunches, and was thus pre- vented ioe flight. ‘*Ho, Senor Fuentes, this is your game, is it?” cried the young girl, and she wheeled her horse directly toward the man now, while she continued: “I am prepared for your treachery, so unrein my horse or die!” and the beautiful irl leveled her pistol at the head of the Mex- can horseman. But the man was not in the slightest de- gree awed by the act, for he laughed lightly and replied: ‘“‘T have a spy in your household, Senorita Lulita, and your pistol is not loaded, so Il have no cause to fear your deadly aim. 4 She raised the weapon quickly, saw the truth of what he said, and asked, with no comment upon the fact: ‘* Well, you desire to make terms with me, I see?” se I do. ” ‘« What are they?” “TI have loved you since the day I first saw you, and I ask you to beeome my wife, Lulita?”’ ‘ ** You have told me that before, and asked the same thing a number of times, always receiving, the same answer that I give you now, that I do not love you, that I will never become your wife.” ‘* And yet you owe me your life?” ** Ah! that is the basis you put it on is it?” ‘‘ For argument’s sake I will say yes.” ‘Well, you did rescue me from a band of cut-throats I admit, and hence you deserve 2’ reward, more than being invited to our home and being made welcome there as a friend. “People have said that your ranch was a blind, that you were a gambler and much ' more that is bad; but my father liked you, A pea “as ates CRG ae te ibibh. ind aed oo Ca supposed, and so allowed you to be often our guest. ‘*Now I know that he owes you large sums of money, that he is in your power from his geiobiiog debts, and yet when you demanded that he cancel the debt by giving you my hand in marriage he drove you from his house, ‘‘This shows that he did not care for you. ‘‘T received your demand, for your note was Dome more, to meet you here *o suve my father from ruin worse than death. ‘‘T have come, and I have given you my answer. ‘““Now, you hold me captive as it were, and if you demand pay for saving me from the outlaw band I am willing to pay you out of my own fortune, which you have discovered is independent of my father’s riches. *‘Name your price?” ‘Your hand in marriage,” ‘*Further talk is useless then, for let me tell you, Senor Fuentes, that I would rather die than become your wife.” “Then let me tell you how deeply you are in my power, girl, for lam chief of the outlaw band who captured you, and [I planned that ye rescue upon my part. ‘‘IT am determined you shall become my wife, or I destroy your father within twenty- four hours, and will force you to wed me secretly and defy you to bring me to punish- ment. ‘* What do you say now, girl?” “That I believe you capable of being beg you claim, doing all that you say you Ww ” ‘*And you will go to Padre Jose with me and let him make you my wife?” “No, I will die before I will so degrade myself, so do your worst, Marco Fuentes.” “Well, I shall take you to the retreat of my outlaw band, and there hold you captive until you have changed your mind, ‘*Come, you must go with me, for'm men are within call to eahence my comman I will call them.” | But as he uttered the words, and placed a whistle to his lips to baie a call, there came a whirring sound and a large stone struck him fairly in the breast and he fell like a dead man from his saddle. At the same moment Lulita Samos saw 2 form climbing down from a pile of rocks, and heard the words: ‘‘Don’t be alarmed, senorita, for I will befriend ry igh It was Marlo the Cowboy Smuggler, and ic sight of him, the maiden uttered a cry of "Yiarto walked with seeming difficulty, and sa ‘‘T am a shipwrecked mariner, senorita, who took refuge here for the night, and heard all that passed between you and that. man, ‘fam suffering, half starved and hardly ia to move, but I will defend you with my ife ** No, no, you seem scarcely able to move, and that signal, cut off as it was by your blow, will bring this man’s band to his aid. “Come, mount his horse and we will fly for our lives! “T will aid you to mount, for, poor senor, you seem very ill.” She slipped from her saddle as she spoke, led the horse of the outlaw leader to a pile of rocks, and, as Marlo was really suffering greatly, ‘aided him to the saddle, Then she released the lasso from the neck of her horse, and said, as she leaped lightly into her own saddle: “T hear them coming, senor, so it is a ride- for life for both of us, ‘*Come, follow me!” and the young girl dashed out of the old ruined Mission follow- ed by Marlo the Cowboy Smuggler upon the: betas of the fallen eee leader, ; ) a t “Ay fe ioe as e ee Bis aud. + Ae OEE AR sO ae an i i ea
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} pie senor?” suddenly asked Lulita. 1 “ a CHAPTER VII. THE FIGHT. __As the young girl dashed out of the old Mission, with Marlo the fugitive smuggler riding close behind her, mounted upon the splendid horse of the chief of outlaws, there came into view a dozen horsemen riding rapidly toward them. They were coming up a valley and about a couple of hundred yards distant. is saw the maiden, then the horse and rider following, but at first appeared to mis- take the latter for their chief, as they drew rein, A second glance however showed them their mistake and one called out in Spanish: ** Halt there! halt!” But the fugitives did not halt, only Lulita Samos urged her horse the faster and called to Marlo to do the same. With this, the horsemen gave a wild yell and rode rapidly forward. They halted an instant as they reached the entrance to the old Mission and beholding their leader uttered wild cries of anger and excitement, Then, while several dashed into the ruin, to the aid of their chief, the others pressed on the more rapidly in an endeavor to over- take the fugitives. At first it seemed to Marlo as though the movement of the horse was breaking every bone in his body, so racked was he by pain, ———e—e———Xxe—<SOX—aOa——eV—OSSS Ney and he almost decided that he could go no further but would drop from the saddle and meet the outlaws, accepting whatever fate was in store for him, As he became warmed up from his ride the pain grew less intense and soon he felt that he could readily bear with what he had to endure for hours longer. The outlaw band was well mounted, and they urged their horses to full speed, so that they galned upon the fugitives for awhile. @ , As she saw however that the outlaws were creeping up too close she said: ‘We must jncrease our pace, for they are getting wig pistol range.” ‘* Yes, senowita, it is well not to let them get near enough to cripple our horses.” “ Now when we get over that ridge, we will let our horses out at full speed.” The horses responded willingly and well to the urging and when the outlaws came again ‘in sight had gained on them all of a hun- dred feet. = When the pursuers had supposed the fugi- tives were doing their best before, and now beheld how they were being dropped be- hind, they at once opened fire, and their aim, was at the legs of the horses, to cripple ‘them, The bullets fell thick about them, and one clipped the flank of the horse ridden b Marlo, while another cut into his shoulder, He reeled, but held on, while Lulita cried: ‘*Oh, senor, youare hit!” ‘But slighily, and in my present condi- tions the bleeding will help me,” he coolly replied, — ; Their horses were now at full speed, and fleet animals both of them, and possessing great endurance they very rapidly went ahead beyond pistol range. 4 Seeing this the outlaws drew rein, and then Luiita said: “They have given up the chase, but we will press on just as rapidly, for I am anx- ‘ious to know what that wound of yours amounts to,” , ‘It is but slight, senorita, [am sure,” ‘*T think you have suffered enough, senor; but rest and help lie before you, and a most ‘cordial welcome awaits you at our hacienda, _ “*Had those men come on they knew they ‘would have to face our people of the ranck, and that they did not wish.” “Do you think you killed Marco Fuentes, “‘Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop, == =i (a‘é!UOSG ‘“‘T knocked the breath from his body and the fall stunned him, that is all, I fear,” ‘* You have rendered me a service, senor, and words can never thank you for it, but never will I forget it, 1 assure you,” ‘‘T was fortunate to be near to serve you, senorita, and I can almost now feel glad that my yacht was wrecked, though I can but feel deeply that I was the sole survivor.” ‘*We were struck by lightning in the storm, my yacht took fire and was driven ashore, ‘**That is my story, senorita.” “Well, senor, lam glad to welcome you to my home, for there it lies, and there comes my father to meet us,” and she pointed to a gentleman riding toward them and mounted upon a mule handsomely caparisoned. He had just ridden out of the gateway of a walled-in hacienda that was now visible in the midst of a luxuriant growth of trees half a mile away. CHAPTER VIII. AN HONORED GUEST, Tne Hacienda Samos was an old structure that dated back over a hundred years, Senor Samos’s grandfather had written “Don” before his name, and was a famous Spanish naval officer. The owner of the hacienda, at the time of Marlo’s coming was Enrique Samos, and he had, with what had been bequeathed him by his forefathers, works of art, paintings, a large library and elegant furniture, with a stable full of carriages and horses. His acres were numbered by the tens of thousands, his house was very Jarge, extend- ing over severalacres, with its piazzas, plazas and wings, while the finest of gardens was near at hand, The cellar was filled with rare old wine, costly silver service was upon the tables and a host of servants stood ready to obey the slightest wish of the master and his beauti- ful daughter. Then there were extensive outbuildings, large herds of cattle, hundreds of horses and every indication that the master was a man of vast wealth, Senor Samos had traveled much in the Eastern States and in foreign lands, and he had met and loved a girl who dwelt in far away Boston, and who returning that love | had become his wife. She had died when their little daughter, Lulita, was but afew years old, and from that day, when he laid his loved wife away in the grave beyond the hill among the orange groves, the Senor Samos had made the child the idol of his life. Dwelling some leagues away from the Hacicnda Samos was a young man who had purchased a ruined house and a few cattle. - He was a handsome, intelligent fellow, calling himscif a Mexican, though he spoke English without an accent, and looked far | more like an American, Still he had money and soon became popu. lar in the very extended settlement in which he had sought his home. One day he had rescued Lulita Samos from a band of outlaws, and from that time became an honored guest with her father, The outlaws, it was said, had sought to kidnap her, and unless the ransom they de- manded, which was enormous, was paid, they would put, her to death, he maiden ‘treated her rescuer kindly, and the daring he had displayed in single- handed attacking a dozen desperate men was the talk of the haciendas for a hundred miles around. Lulita herself asserted that under her res- cuer’s deadly aim she had seen four outlaws bite the dust, but when a force went to the | scene they found the band gone, and their dead had been carried with them, while their trail had been most skillfully covered up, so as pursuit was useless, The hero of Lulita’s rescue at once fell desperately in love ‘with her, and he was a very frequent visitor at the Samos hacienda The Senor Samos was fond of a game of cards, and often until dawn the two men were wont to play for large stakes, At last Senor Marco Fuentes told of his love for Lulita, and begged her to become his wife. She kindly but firmly refused, And so it went on, these frequent con- fessions of love, and firm refusal, until at last the man received his decided dismissal from the young girl. He kept away for several weeks, and then wrote her a note, asking her to meet him at the old Mission, and it would be the last favor he would ask of her, He stated in it {hat it would save her father from ruin worse than death, The result of that meeting the reader has seen, and the man who came forward to meet Lulita and the wrecked mariner was Senor Samos, He was a fine-looking man of forty-six or eight, his dark hair just beginning to thread with silver, He looked with some surprise at Marlo, mounted wpon the horse he knew to belong to Senor Fuentes, but greeted his daughter pleasantly with the remark: ‘Why, my child, I did not know that you were away from the hacienda until I saw you coming over the bill and rode to meet you. **You have ridden hard I see, and lam to have the pleasure of welcoming a stranger.” ‘* Yes, father, a stranger whose name even Ido not know, but who has saved me from a fate worse than death, and he is ill and suf- fering, while he also has been wounded,” said Lulita earnestly. Senor Samos turned pale at her words, but extended his hand to Marlo and answered quickly; ‘*Senor, you are more than welcome, and I can see that you are ill, suffering, so come with me to my home where you shall have every care.” ‘YT thank you, senor, for Tam in great pain I must admit; but permit me to intro- duce myself as Julius Marlowe, a gentleman yachtsman who was wrecked on your coast, and who, in seeking a refuge, met your daughter,” ‘*No explanations now, my dear’ senor, | for yonder is a place of refuge and you shall be our most honored guest,” said Senor Samos and they rede rapidly on to the hacienda where the wrecked smuggler soon found himself in the most charming of oe and every kindness showered upon im. CHAPTER IX. ‘HOMEWARD BOUND. Tue scene changes from the Samos Haci- enda back to the Pacific Ocean. The little schooner Idle Wings, which had pressed on after the smuggler and seen him gu to his doom, had afterward, when the day dawned and the storm had blown over been signaled to come near the cutter, which the young skipper afterward boarded aleng with his fair young “ mate,” as he called Pearl Kenton, who had hidden on board to get a chance to be in at the capture of Marlo the Smuggler. a A After a stay of some time on board the cut- ter, where a strange scene occurred in the cabin when Pearl was told that its. com- mander, Captain Edgar Yerger, was her mother’s brother, the Idle Wings spread all sail for the return to Point Desolation, the Racer following in her wake. The helm was in the hands of the young skipper, and seated near him was Pearl Ken- ton. The youth who commanded the destiny of the pretty schooner was scarcely over seven teen though he appeared to be older, —_. i ee a Be eal 4 a ' a
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wens ¢ Liichone stead coe sn ae Oe 6 His fair companion was a maiden on the verge of fifteen and a little beauty. er dress was picturesque and richly em- broidered, she wore a sombrero with a plume in it, and her face indicated strength of character and intelligence beyond her years. As the daughter of the chief, Captain Karl Kenton, she was known as the “‘ Pearl of the Sea” and the ‘‘Mountain Pearl,” for she could ride a horse, shoot a rifle or revolver, throw a lasso and follow a trail as well as she could sail a boat, and she was an expert in doing that. Half of the year she passed at the ranch of her father up in the mountains, and when there was wont to ride, herd cattle, hunt, shoot and enjoy herself as much as she could with outdoor sports, The time she passed at the sea, at the cabin home of her parents, was devoted to a sea life, for she would go cruising with her father in his schooner, visit San Fran- cisco and thoroughly enjoy the life of a sailor, Such was Pearl Kenton when she is pre- _ ' , or) ‘Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. ‘‘She burned here and there, Pearl, but the splash of the waves put out the fire, and then the hull went ashore, as you know.” ‘*Yes, and you said the bodies were burned badly?” ‘* Yes, beyond recognition.” ‘“How many?” **T found three on the hull, so caught that they could not wash off, and sixteen upon the shore.” ‘* Nineteen ?” “e Yes.” ¥ ‘‘And how many had Marlo aboard with him?” ** Just that number, I believe.” ‘**T thought there were more.” ‘7 think not.” ‘* Well, somehow I cannot get rid of the thought that Marlo is yet alive.” *“T should always fear him, since he has proven so wicked.” ‘He would never dare come to the settle- ment again, Pear].” ‘‘Not openly, no; but I fear he would do so secretly.” told, with old Mother Magic, the Witch, the only one to care for him.” * Well, I have thought too, Pearl, that Marlo did not come of the lower classes; but. whatever he came from he certainly had a. great deal of evi} in his nature.” ** Yes, he had a bad heart; but, Ralph?” ** Yes, Pearl.” **Do you know I have my own idea about you too?” ** About me, Pearl?’ ‘Yes, I believe you too have a secret you have well guarded; I believe you are not what you appear.” ‘* Why Pearl.” “‘T mean it.” ; “Then, Pearl, I will tell you my secret,” CHAPTER XI, RALPH’S STORY. “‘Do you mean it, Ralph?’ The tone of Pear! as she asked the question was one of surprise as well as doubt, For two years the youth had been at Point. sented to the reader upon the deck of the Idle Wings, when returning from the chase after Marlo the Smuggler in her father’s schooner the Sea Pearl, named after her, Desolation settlement, and certainly in that. time, claiming him as her brother, the young girl had become well acquainted with him, He owed to her his life, he always sought. ‘‘Then you fear him so much?” ‘* Not for myself, Ralph.” “Why, then?’ ae For you.” Fi eee > — + a 5 erie usenet ny ae a a aa a sori Sag Steer ——~ and which she had seen go to its destruction upon the coast. Ralph Rollo was her adopted brother, and had been since the vessel on which he had been a sailor had been dismasted in a hurri- cane and then driven ashore upon the reef off Point Desolation, Then had Pearl Kenton, with a crew she had secretly gathered to risk the danger, run out in the Sea Pearl to the rescue of those upon the wrecked barque, which was rapid- ly going to picces. Urged by Pearl, whom he idolized, Mario had made the attempt. but hud failed, where the young girl had been successful. Ralph Roilo had sprung from the wreck with a line about his waist, had reached the little schooner, arope had been drawn on board and thus many had been saved. From that night Ralph Rollo and Pearl had been devoted to each other, and the boy sailor, with no home, no country, no place of refuge as he had said, willingly cast his lot with the dwellers at Point Desolation. He had been adopted by Captain and Mrs. Kenton as their own son, and never had he given them cause to regret the kindness thus shown him, And from that night of his failure to rescue the crew of the wrecked barque, had dated the intense hatred of the young sailor Marlo for Ralph, and his determination to get rid of him. From the moment that he looked upon Ralph as a rival, Marlo had been a changed en whole nature seeming to undergo a change. He had begun to go down hill, and he plotted the destruction of Ralph his rival, until in the end his own destruction came, _ for he turned to smuggling, and became an outlaw. CHAPTER X. A HAUNTING FEAR, Tue Idle Wings went smoothly on her way over the mocnlit waters, so lately lashed into Het 8 by the tempest, i th his hand upon the tiller Ralph guid- ed her skillfully, while Pearl sat near him enjoying the beauty of the scene. #, * Do you really think, Ralph, that Marlo _ is dead?” —**T do not well see how he could have es- eaped death, Pearl.” “You think the lightning killed them all?” ‘*It must have done so, for the two masts were shivered 10 kindling wood, and the deck fy splintered too.”” owas P D Loc n the schooner burned to the deck 25% ‘Why, [had no thought of that.” ‘« But he will never forgive you.” ‘*Granted, but I do not care.” '“ His duel with you, when he forced Berkley to put no bullet in your pistol, shows what he can be guilty of.” ‘*Had I known your dread in this inatter, when I was ashore burying the dead, I would have been more particular to indentify ‘each of the bodies that I saw, so as to con- vince you that Marlo was among them. ‘But the task was a terrible one, charred as they were, and I was anxious to get it over with.” ** You did but right, Ralph, and I will try and dismiss the feeling I have, though it seems to have taken possession of me and I fear we will hear of Marlo the Smuggler again.” “Don’t think so, Pearl, for I am equally as sure that we will not. ‘‘But now tell me what do you think of finding your uncle as you have?” ‘“*T hardly know what to think, Ralph.” “You are glad to have found him?” ‘Oh, yes, for he appears to be « fine man and 1 like him greatly.” ‘‘T have the same opinion of him, that he is a manly fellow, Pearl, and I like him,” ‘*T have often thought, Ralph, that father had some secret motive of living at Point Desolation. ** You see my parents have educated me, and that gave me the power to think for myself, . ‘*T have seen that my parents are differ- ent from all that we come in contact with at the Point, that they are educated, refined and like the great people I have read of. ‘‘Secing this I have wondered all to my self how it was that father and mother dwelt among those who were nof, their equals, and seemed to shun the outside world. ‘‘T have seen mother weeping af times, | when she thought no one saw her, and I have noted the look of sad resignation upon her lovely face, ‘Then I have seen that in father’s eyes that told me he had a secret he wished to hide, and I have known at times that he suffered sorrow.” ‘¢ You are a close observer, Pearl.” “Oh, yes, I suppose I am, Ralph, for I ‘know that Marlo was not born to the life he leads. “T have always felt that some of our people kidnapped him when he was a boy, and never dared take him back to get the ransom which had doubtless influenced them to take him from his home. ied _ ** He never remembered much of his home, or appeared not to, and so grew up, I am her aid and advice, and he had seemed never to keep anything from her and from her parents. In answer to the young girl’s question he answered with a smile: ‘Of course I mean to tell you, Pearl, and you shall be the judge of whether I acted right or wrong.” ‘“* When am I to hear your story?” “Now.” ‘Tam all attention, Ralph.” “Well, little sister, I do not know who my parents were, but I presume they were English, as I was found off the coast of Eng- land, though I have often wished that 1 was an American born.” “So do I.” - ‘*T was picked up, Iam told, by an army officer dwelling upon the coast, and who was retired, and well-to-do, kept his yacht. ‘‘He found me in an opqn boat, at sea, and took me home, adopting ‘me as his son, though he was a bachelor. ‘He had a pleasant, comfortable home, and did all he could for me, though he was a stern, selfish and unlovable man. ‘* His housekeeper managed nie, or thought she did, and I had first a governess and then a tutor. “ T had horses at my disposal, and learned to drive, ride and fox hunt. " ‘There was an old fisherman upon the eoast whom I looked up to as a great man. ‘He taught me a great deal about the sea and boats, and I regarded him as my best friend. ‘‘ Well, some miles from where 1 lived was a grand old house, the former owner of which had been murdered, with his wife and several of the servants, while the house had been robbed of a large sum in gold. ‘They never found the murderers, and the old place was left to go to ruin, and was called haunted, , “There was a missing heir to it, so they said, and until he was found the place was allowed to goto decay. ° ** Well, one night Old Ben, the fisherman, dared me to go to this place, Harcourt Hall, and remain there until midnight, all alone. . ‘‘IT was to go by day, take a piece of chalk with me, and draw a mark upon the floor of each room, to show that I had gone all over the house. ‘Then I was to go into the library, await there until night came on, where ¥ was to remain until I heard the village clock strike twelve. “ Then I was to light a candle, and leav- ; ing the house was to go home, while he at. dawn was to go there and seeif Thad done =) as ] said I would, and if the candle was still «| Se oe
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burning, which it would be if I had n lighted it before midnight. ‘* Well, Pearl, 1 went, leaving my horse in a clump of evergreens, and I walked from room to room leaving my chalk-mark. *“When I reached the parlor I glanced from the window and saw two horsemen coming. ( “They were Sir Gurney Gladden, a wild, dissipated young man, and his gamekeeper, Barney. k ‘‘T nad had trouble with both of them, . when Barney sought to punish me .or hunt- ing near Sir Gurney’s grounds, and I did not wish them to sce me there, so hid from them,” CHAPTER XI. THE RUNAWAY. ““T pip not know what had brought those two men, Sir Gurney and the gamekeeper, to ( the Haunted Hall, as it was called. b ay.'t? “Knowing that they had threatened to : catch me some day and lay their whips } upon my shoulders 1 had an idea that they had come after me, having seen me go ) there.” ‘“*T had been hunting, so had my shot-gun Lhe me, so of course felt able to protect my- self, ‘They entered the house, then came in- to the parlor where I was and be together. **T discovered that Old Ben, the man I be had sent them there to kill me.” ** Why, Ralph!” *‘Tt is true, for they hud some motive for getting rid of me and deliberately plotted my murder, ,“‘ At last, just as it was growing twilight, Sir Gurney approached the alcove to look out and see if he could see me coming, while Barney was at a front window. SSS Se ee — t< — — EE ‘ a and kill me. Well, Pearl, I knew that they wanted to kill me, and so I leveled my shot-gun at Sir Gurney and warned him off, _‘* Thad to fire in self-defense and Sir Gur- ney fell dead, ting “Barney, the gamekeeper, sought to pre- ventmy going and I fired the other barrel at him and he fell also, ‘“‘T left the house then, mounted my horse and rode home at full speed, ‘The out til away, so I went to my room, packed my traps, got wh had saved up and fled. eben ianpetiatd ; **T feared that IT would be tured and hung for murder; ‘So Iwas frightened into flight, and now as it has made a man of me lam not. sorry that Lleft, though of course the cloud hangs over me go where I may, Pearl,” f ‘* But no one knows that you killed them, Ralph?” said Pearl in a sympathetic way, “Oh, yes, for I wrote & note to the captain telling him all, and left it on his table for him, Then I went to sea, was wrecked, and was picked up by a vessel bound for China, pursued, cap- fortune put me on the barque Rainbow,” ‘Now you know my secret, little sister,” ‘Yes, and will keep it; but is there no more. to tell?” that is, that it is time for you to turnin, for loss of .leep will dim your pretty eyes, Pearl. ** When you awake I guess I can show you _ Point Desolation—good-night, little sister.” ee eis OY Oe APA XO. the eee oS fC See RoRN, Tue words of Ralph were fulfilled, for Hel iy ne iy $e Pea? 2 i eam eat mh oe ii bal ae ot | gan t~ talk | lieved my friend, was a traitor to me, for he | ‘‘He saw me and started» back, while he | at once called to the gamekeeper to come | “And thus I wandered about until good } “Yes, there is something more to say and | ° Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop exclusive use, after it was found that she had come on board the Idle Wings to be in the chase after the smuggler, the distant point of land looming up ahead was recog- nized by her at once as ‘* home,” Astern of the Idle Wings a league came the Racer, which Captain Karl was in com | mand of, and that the two vessels might run into port together, Ralph shortened sail. The Racer began to overhaul the Idle Wings then, and the two passed through the break in the reef not a cable’s length apart, and came up the inlet abeam. | Upon the point were seen the coasters, men, women and children, and flags were | flying to welcome back the two pursuers of the Cowboy Smugglers, though it was sup- posed, the Sea Pearl not being along, that the fugitives had escaped them. The little fleet was also decorated with / flags as the vessels lay at anchor in the har bor, and Ralph answered the salutes with two shots from his guns on board the Idle Wings. The first boat ashore carried Pearl and Ralph, who went by the Racer and took off the chief. At the landing Mrs. Kenton stood, and she greeted Pearl with mild reproach. for running off on the chase. ‘*T could net help it, mother, indeed I could not, for I tried ever so hard, Forgive me,” “Well, Pearl, I will forgive you; but you made me very anxious about you. ‘‘ Now, husband, tell me of the smug- glers.” ; ‘*They are at the bottom of the sea.” ‘Ah! you overtook them then?” | ‘No, though Ralph well-nigh did so, and saw them go to their doom, for it was Heaven that punished Marlo and his men, as the Sea ' Pearl was struck by lightning, then hurled | ashore in the storm that struck us.” ‘A just punishment, Karl; but are you sure that no one escaped?” ‘*Ralph feels certain that all met their ' death by the stroke of lightning, and were then thrown ashore.” ‘Did he see Marlo?” ‘‘T believe so, for he buried the bodies, and so reported to Captain Yerger,” ‘“Ab! you saw Edgar then?” “Yes, and he told me of his visit here, and | now knows the truth about me,” | “Somehow IL believe that Marlo is alive.” ‘© Why, Valerie?” **T cannot help it, for that man was surely | not born to die as he did ‘Marlo is a bold, bad man, one w to murder Ralph. ‘*T believe tbat Marlo yet lives,” said Mrs, | Kenton emphatically just as they reached their cabin, the husband and wife having | walked up together from the shore. ' ! “And L believe the same, mother,” said Pearl, who overheard the remark, — » ‘It is hard for me to believe, for I saw the bodies washed ashore and buried them,” re- marked Ralph, who had walked ahead with earl, ‘ _ ‘Well, should he be alive, which I cannot believe, we bave nothing to fear from him,” yet ho tried | Captain Karl said. “Let me change the subject, Karl: what change in our lives will the meeting of my brother make?” ‘I do not wish to change our lives as they now are, at least for the present, Valerie, for remember, your brother has got to place the proofs of what he wishes to have the court undo before I care to be known as other than I now am, Kar! Kenton the Coaster Chief. - thy ‘These people have been good and true, } faithful to us, and the acts of Marlo and his.men have brought distress and suspicion _ THE \ upon them, so I do not wish to desert them | and go to my ranch, _ When Peari came on deck in the morning, , until all goes well again,” tay "aspen eabin having been given up to her | | ‘And Tagree with you” 4 7 See SE ee ee ee EE ee wholly, Karl, and an we will while here better their condition all in our power.” ‘Yes, and begin at once, and place them more in communication with the world; so Ralph, I bave a mission for you to perform?” ‘Yes, sir. lam ready.” { “It isto go to San Francisco, and, if you cannot find a craft to match the lost Sea.. Pearl, have one built that will do so, forT must have a good vessel, one that shall beas © before, the Pearl of the fleet, and I leave it to — you to get such a craft.” ‘* ll do my best, sir.” ‘“T know that you will, and in the mean time we will run up to the mountains for a few months,” said the Coaster Chief, CHAPTER XIV. THE GOLD GHOULS, Tne stone which was hurled from the night retreat of Marlo the Smuggler, in spite of his weakness and suffering, was well aimed, as has been seen. It was so severe that it knocked the breath out of him and dropped him fron: his sad- dle as though a bullet had passed through his heart, } When he returned to consciousness hig men were bending over him, “Are you killed, captain?” asked a rough looking fellow in a tone meant to be kind. The injured man arose to a sitting posture and looked about him upon the eight or nine men gathered there. Uy ‘Who. bit me?’ he asked with an effort. ‘A hard-looking. customer, senor, whom we saw ride away on your borse with the young lady.” ** Where is he?” ‘*Antonio and some of the boys wention , after him, senor, while we saw you lying here and came to your aid.” ) ‘‘ Te took my horse?’ ‘*Yes, senor; but where did the bullet’ . enter?” ‘**T was not shot. Me) ‘‘T heard a sound, just caught a glance of astone, and it struck me fairly in the breast.” “‘ Yes, senor, but let me see how badly you © are hurt,” The shirt was opened and there was visi- ble a cut and bruise larger than a man’s hand. ‘‘[ don’t think any bones are broken, senor, but it was a mighty hard blow.” ‘“We must not remain here, as all of old Samos's cowboys will be down upon us,” ‘* Where shall we go, senor?” ‘Take me near the ranch, and you men go to the retreat,” Be ** But, senor, will not the Senor Samog come there after you, for he will know from the senorita that you are not what you have appeared,” “Do you think man and girl?” “TI fear not, senoft; but we will soon know,” . i “Then I will await here for Antonio's re- turn, and see if he captures them,” “Tf not, Senor Captain?” ‘‘T shall go to my ranch and brave it out,” Tt will be dangerous, senor.” “T will take all chances, for I do not care what the girl suys,)I will deny it,” ‘* But there will be the one, senor, who Antonio will capture the i wounded you.” ae ‘Ah! true, he must have overheard.” & | | ‘* He surely did, senor.” a “Who is he?” ae “None of us knew him, senor,” i “Well, Pll have it out with him, too, Bie and go to my ranch.” ** Suppose they come in force, senor?’ ‘Well, you can go from here to the re» — treat, and I will take your horse, Sanchez, — 1 leave the retreat, . my ranc pial ae t ; * *'To-night you can al d come one by one to val } h, where lL ie eee 4 Ne
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ae a aaa aoe ee FST Ss fee Wty bP a beat ty {et i Wey. will have a hiding-place for you, and if they come to take me they will find that I have those near to protect me.” ‘* That will be well, senor; but if Antonio has the girl and your assailant?” ‘Then we wili all go to the retreat and I | ask no favor of any man, for our fortune is made, and the Gold Ghouls, as they call us, Sanchez, wilt have struck it rich, yes we will no longer need haunt the trails and risk _ life to get our fortunes,’ and the chief of the -Gold Ghouls seemed elated over his pros- pects. The band werea lot o1 outlaws, acknowl- edging as their chief a man who had the name of being an honest ranchero, but secretly was a spy and laid traps into which he led the unfortunate travelers who carried gold or jewels about with them; committing mur- der when resistance to their demands was made, _ Thus they had come to be known as the Gold Ghouls, and though no shadow of sus- icion had ever fallen on Marco Fuentes as ing connected with the outlaw band, he had boldly confessed to Lulita Samos that he was their chief, and Marlo from his hiding- place had overheard this conversation. ‘** Yet, in the face of his assertion, the dar- ing man intended to return to his home and have it out. After a wait of some little time Antonio and the others who had found Lulita and Marco, were reported coming back. Dashing into the old ruin, Antonio called out: ‘‘T am glad to see yousafe, Senor Captain, for I feared you had been killed or seviously wounded.” ‘No, I am hurt, but not seriously; but they escaped you, Antonio?” ‘*They did, senor, in spite of all I could 0. ‘ ‘*Then I will mount the horse of Sanchez, while you go with the men tothe retreat, and to-night, single, come to my ranch. ** Be off, for old Samos‘and_ his cowboys will soon be upon your trail,” and ten min utes later the Gold Ghouls had parted from their chief. CHAPRER XV. THE SMUGGLERS’ PRISONER. “ Senor Jutius MARLOWE,” as Marlo the Smuggler, was pleased to be called, found himself in most luxurious quarters at the Hacienda Samos A priest, who was a physician, had been }- sent for, and soon came to administer to his sufferings, while a servant was placed at his beck and call, Marlo had said nothing to Senor Samos regarding the affair in the old ruined Mis- sion, and was surprised, as he lay in his rgom, to have his servant bring him a note. He quickly read it, and it was as follows; ‘*SenoR MARLOWE:— * ** For reasons J cannot now make known to you, but will at some future time, I beg of you not to tell my father the name of the man from whose power you rescued me, or even to describe him. “You may say that I told you that it was the band known as the Gold Ghouls who had me in their power, ‘“‘ Do this for me and oblige forever, ** Yours gratefully, / “Lutita SAMos,” Marlowe smiled as he read this letter over. He smiled the more as he read it over and over again, and at last muttered: ‘A secret between us; well, that is a} good beginning. ) ' “ Well, she is very beautiful, very lovely, -and very rich, I take it. eh _‘ T have fallen into a bed of clover, and I _ will make the best of it, for I came well re- commended by having served the girl so _ ‘well and hence her father, ‘Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. ‘*Marlo, you may find it to your interest to turn honest and become a gentleman,” and the man laughed as though he enjoyed the situation immensely. With wine, food and his wounds and his bruises dressed, he sunk to sleep, and when he awoke it was late in the afternoon. He felt so much refreshed that he sat up and ate his dinner, and later was joined by Senor Samos in a glass of rare old wine, and then the ranchero said: ‘* My daughter tells me that in her morn- ing gallop, she was captured by the Gold Ghouls, an outlaw band that infest our trails, sometimes raiding our ranches, and that you Spb her, though your weapons were use- ess.” ‘‘T was wrecked in my yacht, senor, upon your coast, and I alone survived,” rf Then followed an account of his nighi’s adventure on shore, rescue of the ranch- man’s daughter, and pursuit by the Gold Ghouls. ‘*Senor Marlowe, I owe you more than words can express, for my child is the one idol of my life,” replied the ranchman. ‘* Some time ago she was saved from those same Gold Ghouls by a neighboring ranchero, Senor Marco Fuentes, and it seems they have marked my child for their prey, knowing that 1 would give my entire fortune for her release,” ; ‘* Why do you not hunt these outlaws down, Senor Samos?” : ‘‘We have tried to do so time and again, but they have eluded us.” “‘T would like to see what I can do to rid the country of them.” “*You, senor?” **Oh, yes, for I have served as an officer on the frontier, and being ashore now for an indefinite time, would be pleased to undertake the work, if I could get the aid I need,” **T have a score of cowboys, senor, brave as lions and who know the country well, who are at your service,” ‘Then I shall take the trail as soon as I am able, for I am fond of adventure and be- lieve that I can meet with success.” ‘*Senor Marlowe, you are a friend in- deed, and may command me as you deem fit,” was the remark of Senor Samos. CHAPTER XVI LULITA’S SECRET, a THe next day Marlo was well able to join Senor Samos and Lulita at dinner, and the meal was a sumptuous one and most en- joyable to all three. And after dinner while Senor Samos rode out over the ranch, the maiden led their guest to an arbor in the flower garden. ‘‘I brought you here, senor, to explain my note to you,” she said in an embarrassed way. , ONO need to explain, senorita, for your word is law, and my pleasure to do as you you request.” ‘« But I desire to explain, senor, and to ask your advice and aid.” ; .** Both are at your command, senorita.” ‘*Well, senor, to begin, I will tell you that Senor Fuentes isa comparative stranger, dwelling uponan old ranch he purchased some fifteen miles from here. ‘He rescued me, as all supposed, soon’ after his coming to our vicinity, from the Gold Ghouls who had captured me, and he boldly dashed in upon them, killing several as I then believed.” ‘* Unfortunately I could not return the | love he offered me, and so he sought to en- trap me and did so. -T believe that you overheard what passed between us in the old Mission?” ‘All, senorita, and your splendid nerve won my warmest admiration.” : ae Thank you, senor, ‘Then, overhearing what you did, you are aware that Senor Fuentes is the secret leader of the Gold Ghouls, that his pretended rescue of me was a plot, aud the men who fell were unhurt. ‘‘He has won large sums of money from my father, who is greatly distressed at his losses, for he fears that Fuentes will make the giving of my hand the means of cancel- ing the debt, and he is aware that I do not like him.” ‘‘T can well understand the situation, senorita,” ‘* Now one of our men who was over at the Fuentes Ranch, told me the other evening, that Senor Fuentes had returned to his home, and stated that his horse had fallen upon were, injuring him severely, ‘‘T feared that my father had recognized the horse, and so told him you had found the animal astray, which accords with the story which the cowboy also told Senor Samos as well as myself. ‘Now I know that his boldly going to his ranch means that he intends to defy me, assured that I dare not tell my father, or doing so that he dare not act against him, in his power as he is.” ‘It would seem so, senorita.” ‘* Now, senor, my father isa man of un- doubted courage, and did he know of the insult to me, his indebtedness to Fuentes would not restrain him from going at once to him and demanding satisfaction.” ‘“So I fear, senorita.” ** Fuentes is a dead shot, and a perfect hand with rapiers, and my father’s death would be the result of such a meeting, and that is wh I wrote you asking vou to keep the secret,’’ ‘“*T will do so, senorita, and more, I will be glad to arrange this matter in my own way. “*It was my fortune to serve you, andI have told your father that I am anxious to hunt down this band of Gold Ghouls. ‘*T shall plot first, and act when I am ready to strike a death-blow. ‘Devoid of my beard, I make a fair look- ing priest, if I don the robes, and the gown will enable me to hide my weapons. “I speak Spanish, as you may have ob- served, as I do English, and I shall, thus disguised as a priest, seck the ranch of this man Fuentes, feign illness, and ask shelter for a few days. : ‘‘Heis a Catnolic beyond doubt and will not refuse a padre of his church.” / “You are a strange man, Senor Marlowe.” **One whom I! think you will some day understand better, scnorita.” was the low re- ply, and the eyes of the young girl dropped under his ardent gaze. f CHAPTER XVII. THE OUTLAW CAPTAIN AT HOME, Tue bold leader of the Gold Ghouls was as good as his word to his men, for when he parted with them at the old Mission, while they went to their secret retreat, he took the trail to his ranch. He had _ half a dozen cowboys, a couple of servants, a Mexican and his wife, a hundred head of horses and a small herd of cattle. When he arrived at his home, on the after- noon of the day of his attack on Lulita Sa- rnos, he was suffering considerably from the blow of the stone hurled at him. He dismounted with difficulty and was glad to lie down and have his Mexican ser- vant apply soothing bandages to his bruised and cut breast. ‘Any bones broke, Juan?” he asked anxiously. ‘‘T think not, senor; but the blow was a very severe one, and had the stone struck higher up would have killed you,” answered the Mexican. ‘« Well, do all you can for me, Juan, for I must get out of this soon.” ‘« Yes, senor, in a few days.” or” ead Se mat vinS eo cede ie 2), pres g et we % ey pin at 1D Oe ane Be ON AD At. AER PANES cr Re ae Regt Si LR a age ayaa 2 ln Ei : —
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_ -+— ee = = ‘ ‘for Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. ‘chapel wing are put in order, for the men will be here to-night to remain for a week or more.” ‘* Yes, senor, all will be ready for them.”’ ‘*And have El Cinto prepare extra food for them.” ‘Yes, senor, she will; but how many will be here?” , “* A dozen.” “¢ Yes, senor.” ** And you be on the watch for them, so as to put their horses out with the ranch herd, and let them take their saddles and bridles with them,” *‘T understand, senor.” ; Having finished dressing his master's hurt, the Mexican called his wife to bring his dinner, and then he was left to rest for the remainder of the day. After nightfall the woman, El Cinto, appeared with his supper, and found him feeling easier. She looked to the bandages with gentle hand, and at his request sat down and sung him, accompanying herself on the guitar. She then rose and left with a soft good- night, and the man dropped off to sleep. hen he awoke it was daylight and Juan stood by his side. ‘* How does the senor feel?” **Much better, though I still have pain.” “That will pass away under my treat- ment, senor.” ‘* Did the men come last night?” ** Yes, senor.” “They came singly?” ** Yes, senor.” ** And are in the east quarters?” ** As you ordered, captain.” “Well, put one of my cowboys at the ranch on the watch, and let him report the coming of any one, for I may have visitors,” “I will, senor, and while | have gone after him El Cinto will give you your breakfast.” Juan disappeared and the woman soon after came in with a tempting meal which the outlaw ate with considerable relish. He had just finished his breakfast when Juan entered and reported that one of the cowboys had been placed on watch and would report the coming of any one. - Thus the day passed, and the next and no one came, But upon the third day the cowboy sig- naled that some one was approaching the ranch. Juan went forth to meet the visitor and re- ported that a good padre, who was ill, begged shelter and age for a few days. “Bring him in, Juan, for his presence here will be in my favor,” was the reply, and soon after Padre Angelos entered the pres- ence of the ranchero. ! t CHAPTER XVIII, ‘See that the secret quarters in the old a Thank you, my son, and you, too, look ill. ** Are you suffering from fever?” ‘No, padre, I had a heavy fall from my horse, that is all; but no bones are broken and Juan and his wife are bringing me around all right as they will you, so com- mand them for all you need,” ‘*Thanks, my son, and Heaven reward ou,” and with this the worthy padre fol- owed Juan to the room assigned to him. It was near that of Fuentes, as he had said, and it was a very comfortably fitted up chamber, while both Juan and El Cinto did all in their power to make it cheerful and add to the comfort of the visitor. He laid down for rest, but was able to sit up and eat a very good supper some hours after, to the seeming delight of El Cinto, Then he walked in to see how his host was and paid him quite a long visit, after which he retired to his room, asking not to be called until late the next morning as the long rest would benefit him greatly. But had his host known that the padre did not retire, but concealed himself in a recess of the dark corridor and watched there, he would have been anxious about his visitor's intentions. While waiting there a man passed along the corridor bearing a dark lantern. The Padre Angelos, as he called himself, at once followed him with noiseless tread. He saw the man stop at what appeared to be a solid wall, and leaning against it at a certain place it slowly turned on a pivot and he entered. ; The secret opening thus disclosed turned back into place again and the padre retreated to his recess and waited in the darkness with the patience of an Indian, In a short while he saw the glimmer of a light at the end of the long passageway and the man bearing the lantern reappeared and was not alone, 5 He was accompanied by one wearing boots and in a cowboy dress, The man bearing the lantern the padre now saw was Juan, ‘ They passed the padre’s door on tiptoe and entered that leading into the rooms of the outlaw ranehero. At once the padre stepped to the door, slowly opened it and stood ina curtained alcove. He had aqbserved this curtained alcove when in the outlaw’s room, and that the door leading into the corridor opened without the slightest sound, so he took advantage of his discovery. Upon either side of the alcove hung cur- tains, falling over closets in which Senor Fuentes kept his clothing. Behind one of these curtains the padre took up his position and listened. The bed on which Fuentes lay was not twenty feet from him, and he heard the words: PADRE ANGELOS, ‘Send Carlos here, Juan, and return in an hour to escort Sanchez back to his quar- THE man who entered the presence of the | ters, for he would never find the way there outlaw, ranchero was one whom no one | in this old rookery, splendid trailer though would suspect of not being what he repre. | he js,” sented himself. : “Yes, senor,” answered Juan and he left He was in the garb of a Mexican padre, | the room. his face was clean shaven and he had the “Well, Sanchez, no one has come from look of one who devoted his life to good | old Samos’s hacienda yet to capture me, so deeds, ; you and your men have not been called up- But he appeared to be suffering, and |} on,” said Fuentes, ; quickly dropped into a chair as he entered “* We are ready when we are called upon, the room with the remark: : senor,” “Pardon, my son, but I am ill. “IT know that, Sanchez; but the girl has “The blessing of Heaven be upon your | not dared tell her father that I was the one home, and may you be rewarded for the | who sought to kidnap her.” shelter you give me ” ‘“ Tt must be go, senor.” “Do not speak of it, my good padre, for I ‘“‘Thave just sent for Carlos the cowboy, am ever glad to extend hospitality, especial- | for I dispatched him im disguise to the Samos ly to one of your cloth. ’ | Hacienda and he has returned half an hour But you look ill and must suffer, so Juan | ago and El Cinto is giving him his supper.” will take you to your room, which is not far **He went to see what he could find out, fromgmy own, just across the corridor.” Senor Captain?” bis ee at . Con ( Scala teal aia aa a Sk Ss Be tle a <a Ri ha te ce ha tii Ce Tals al.) 2 clay i at a ** Yes, and I wish you to hear what he has to say. “The truth is, Sanchez, I wish to know who that man was who gave me the blow I I am now suffering from, and thus thwarted my well-laid plan to get the senorita into my power,” ‘Yes, Senor Captain, I will be glad to know myself who he is, and if he is still at the Samos Hacienda,” answered Sanchez. ‘‘ That is what Carlos was to find out— ah! here he is now,” and as the Outlaw Ranchero spoke Cowboy Carlos entered the room, CHAPTEP XIX. - A GOOD LISTENER. THe man who entered the room was a tall, slenderly formed man with thin, dark face and piercing eyes. ‘Well, Carlos, am glad to see you back, and I hope you have news,” said the ranchero. The cowboy replied in a sharp, decided tone: ‘*T have all the news I could get, senor,” ‘You went to the Samos Hacienda?” ‘Oh, yes, captain.” ‘“You saw Anita, your sweetheart?” ‘Yes, senor, but she is too devoted to ne Senorita Lulita to get anything out of er. ‘*T believe she would give me up to-day to go with the senorita.” “But you got what news you could from er?” ‘“Oh, yes, senor, Anita told me that her mistress had been attacked by the Gold Ghouls, and but for her rescue by a wrecked sailor, who had slept all night in the old Mission, the outlaw chief would have kid- napped her.” “A wrecked sailor, Carlos? ‘**Did you see him?” **No, senor,” ‘“Did Anita describe him?” : “She said he was a very handsome young man and brave as a lion, and if the senorita did not fall in love with him she was greatly mistaken.” “T shall have something to say there, I think; but tell me how the young man was treated ?” ‘ © With lavish hospitality, senor.” ‘*And heis to remain there?” ‘* No, senor, he left at \dawn this mora. ing.” . i! ** Ah! and where did he go?” ‘“‘He was to go to San Diego, Anita said, senor,” ‘“Then the Senorita Lulita did not tell her abe that it,was I who attempted to kidnap ner?” ‘*Tt seems not, senor, for Anita said t was the Gold Ghouls.” ‘‘ Well, Carlos, I wish you to go to the coast, near the old Mission, and see if there are any signs of a wreck there.” _ ans ‘*T will start at dawn, Senor Captain.” — ‘Return as soon as you and make your report,” ‘** Yes, captain,’ Carlos then took his leave, and the outlaw ranchero turned to his lieutenant and asked: “© You heard all, Sanchez?” ‘Yes, captain,” «* What do you think?” ‘““That you were right, senor, that the senorita dared not tell her father it was you who attempted to kidnap her,” ‘* Yes, there are reasons why she dare not tell a you do not know, Sanchez. “‘Butif she does not tell, then Iam in no danger of a visit from her father, at the head of a score of his herders, and so I can allow you to return to the retreat to-night.” “We are a little crowded, senor, it is true but then you had best be sure, and wait unti to-morrow night, for then Carlos will have ix : | “a \ \ pe an ee Pane h
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returned from the coast, and perhaps can give you some information about the wreck,”’ ‘‘T believe you are right, Sanchez, so you can remain here in hiding with your men until to-morrow night. “Then I shall make a demand upon the Senorita Lulita, and if she refuses, her father must compel her to become the Senora Fuen- tes,” ** Should she refuse still, senor?” ‘‘Then her father is a ruined man, San- chez, for 1 hold his notes for sums amount- ing to nearly all he is worth, and the seno- rita is rich enough to make her marry me by foul means if she will not by fair, and to do so,we must make a captive of her.” ‘* Yes, senor, once in your power, you can bring her to terms.” ‘**So 1 believe.” ‘But you must, upon your return to the retreat, hold your men in readiness to obey my bidding at an instant’s notice, as I may need you.” “*T wilt be ready, senor, never fear,” ‘*Well, I will see you to-morrow night be- fore you depart with your men, and hope to give you more news. ‘““Now here comes Juan, and he will escort you back to your quarters.” The man then left with Juan, who en- tered with his lantern, and as they disap- ' peared in the corridor, Padre Angelos came out of his hiding-place with the muttered words: ‘‘Tama very good listener, I think.” ' CHAPTER XxX. THE PADRE ACTS. Ir may have been the wind from the open- ing of the secret door, but whatever it was it caused the door through which the padre was escaping from his secret hiding-place to slip from his hand and go to with a bang. ‘¢ Whois there?” cried the outlaw ranchero, sternly, and at once came the answer in gen- tle tones: ‘‘Do not be alarmed, my son, for it is I, Padre Angelos.” : **Ah! padre, I supposed you were asleep.” *T could not sleep, my son, and so rose to seek you, and see if you were still awake, that I might talk to you. “‘T saw two men going up the corridor, but did not call to them. **Do I disturb you, my son?” ‘*Oh, no, padre, I'am glad to have you with me. . ‘* Sit there in that easy-chair.”’ The padre obeyed and began to talk upon different subjects until Juan returned, and seemed surprised at beholding him there. **T could not court slumber to my eyelids, my son, so come to keep the senor company, yet fear I disturb him.” ‘** No, indeed, padre, and I beg you to re- main as long as you wish,” quickly said the outlaw ranchero, while Juan set to work “i dressed his master’s injury for the night. : hen Juan took bis leave, and soon after the padre said that he was growing drowsy, ~ and would return to his room. He did so, and as he threw his bed, said: E ‘‘ Now I can sleep, for there is no need of further watching to-night, - ** To-morrow night Sanchez and his men go, and then I will have the ranchero at my mercy, just where 1 wish him to be.” It was bright sunlight when the padre arose, and Juan was there to help him, and look after his wants, he The ranchero, Juan said, was still unable “ies Sg * 2-2 = = = - Se > ee ~ === ary ere ier é himself upon all right in a few days, . The padre ate a hearty breakfast, ex- to leave his bed, but he hoped he would be. _ pressed himself as feeling rested and much | improved, and told Juan that upon the mor- | Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. longer, padre, and we all are glad to have a holy man in the hacienda,” said Juan. ““Thanks, my son, but my duties call me away, far to the northward.” After his breakfast the padre’ strolled about the hacienda and the grounds, and seemed most deeply interested in all that he saw. Juan served as his guide and gave him a general insight into the place and its history, as be had heard it. At dinner the padre dined in the dining- room and El Cinto served him and was exceed- ingly attentive. As night came on the padre paid a visit to the Senor Fuentes and had his supper in the room of his host. He took his leave early to go to bed, and retired to his room where he knelt down by the door his ear to the key-hole, listening to every sound heard without. “There he goes now to fetch them,” he muttered, and soon after he heard the steps of a number of men going back along the corridor. ‘It isthe outlaw band leaving the haci- enda. chance to act.” He waited for a long while, showing re- markable patience, and at last opened his coor softly. He erept along the corridor to the door of the ranchero and listened. All was silent within. ‘‘They have gone,” he muttered. Yet still he did not touch the door, At last he decided to act and knocked lightly. ‘* Who is there?” It was the voice of the outlaw ranchero who asked the question. ‘‘Padre Angelos, my son.” ‘* Come in, padre.” Thus invited, the padre entered. As on the night previous he took the easy chair, drawing it nearer to the bed, — ‘¢ How are you feeling to-night, my son?” ‘Much easier, my good padre.” “Tam glad, for you will be able to be out ina few days.” ‘‘Oh, yes, I am now, I suppose, only I do not wish to take any chances,” “You are right, my son. . ‘‘But may Lask you just how you were hurt?” wnt ‘*My horse fell with me, throwing me upon a rock, which struck me here.” T see, and it was a bad fall.” “Yes, padre.” ‘¢ Well, my son, do you see this?” As the padre spoke he took from beneath his gown a revolver and leveled it full in the face of the ranchero, who lay flat upon his back. ero, . “Tt certainly is, my son, and loaded and cocked, while the muzzle covers your heart, ayd the weapon is held in the hand of as desperate a man as you ever met. “Do you understand, Marco Fuentes, that acry, a whisper, a movement to resist will be the signal for me to pull trigger and kill you?” The low words of the padre were spoken with deadly earnestness, and the prostrate man saw that he was in the power of one who meant all that he said. ? His first thought was that the priest had gone mad from fever. But then there came across him a sudden thought and he said ina voice of amaze- ment: ‘Great God! you are no priest!” CHAPTER XX1. - THE RANCHERO AND THE PRIEST. Padre said: 4 J | upon his asat and wholly at his mercy, the ty oy : . 3 Wei" 1s Nene ir yey Pash TO bas € Ses * When Juan has gone then it will be my, ‘Tt isa revolver, padre,” said the ranch-— Ax the words of the ranchero, lying flat. | but unheeding it the padre left the room, locked the door behind him and going across uN ss ‘You think Iam no priest?” ‘*T know it.” ‘“Then be most careful if you feel that you are dealing with a wolf in sheep’s cloth- ing.” “That is what you are.” ** Granted.” i ** Who are you?” “Padre Angelos.” . ‘What do you want here?” | **T came to visit you.” : ‘You do not know me.” “Far better than you suppose,” “Well, what is your business with me?” ** Just this, open your mouth!” “*T will—” ‘* Silence and obey!” , The ranchero did obey, and quickly the ! padre thrust a gag over it. « “Now hold up your hands, clasped to- gether.” “T will—” ‘Obey or die!”’ f The ranchero did obey, and quickly upon the wrists were snapped irons. The ranchero groaned, and the padre said: ‘** Now I will adjust that gag, so that there will be no outcry. He drew the gag down over the mouth until if was thrust into it, then made the straps fast back of the head. ‘You can hear if you cannot resist or ery out, and let me tell you just this, that I will kill you if you utter a word while Carlos is here, for he just arrived, © ‘*T will talk to him, and you are to pre- tend to be asleep. ‘*Now disobey and you settle your fate.” The padre quickly drew the cover over the man up to his mouth, and taking a seat, in the easy-chair, picked up a book. ‘‘See, here comes Carlos, so do as I tell you.” A moment after into the room stepped Carlos, just returned from.a long ride, I~ Be —- =F ‘* Ah, my son, do not speak aloud, for the f senor sleeps, after a day of suffering, and he ' asked me to take your report when you re- turned, only spenk in a whisper.” Carlos obeyed without a thought that any- } thing was wrong, and said: ‘*[ went to the coast, father, please tel) the senor when he awakes, and found there the hull of a small but pretty craft, which had been partially burned. ‘*She had been stripped of all of value in - the cabin, and back upon the shore among the pines were nineteen newly-made graves, “IT could find no trace of any one con- nected with the vessel, other than the graves, and a trail led from the coast to the old Mission, a trail of a man on’ foot. wi *“There was nothing of value about the rt wreck, sir, and so I returned to report to the senor.” ‘“‘ All right, my son, you have done well; but the senor wishes you to go to-night after 5 oe the men who just left under Sanchez.” iis ‘*T met them some miles back, father.” } “Yes, but go after them, keep on witly a them to the retreat, and to-morrow night. bring them back with you.” ‘*Yes, senor.” ‘* Juan will be here to senor said, ‘Now get your supper and a fresh horse, my son, and then depart, for so said the senor.” look after them, the ‘Yes, father,” and with a low bow Carlos | Y departed upon his errand. p22 | ‘* Now, senor, as you are safe for awhile, _ ; I wil) leave you and go for a little visit to Juan, for I reconnoitered the place well to- day and know just where to find him.” A smothered groan came fromtheranchero, ad | the Plaza knocked at a door of a wing of the 4 ‘ PU 5 aN cies fa : th , f : is ty ' fy es bs ie i ms Sem % ely Pare LAS SE NOM yl oe ote irk ye! Dae ne Bid cities OR sit Metre an ae aS zt ie Barbi’: ry ‘ rx ts
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rer eee ma Fo a hacienda, and where a light shone in the window. ‘*Come in,” said a voice and in the padre stepped. Juan was there, seated at a table eating a late supper, and a bottle of wine was before him. The cowboy had gone to his own quarters to get his supper with his comrades, and to exchange his horse for a fresh one. Cinto was present waiting upon her hus- band. , “Ah, holy father! I beg pardon, for I thought it was one of the cowboys,” cried Juan, ‘*No, Juan, itis I, and I have come to have a talk with you and with your wife.” ‘Yes, padre, Iam glad,” and Juan placed a chair for the padre and then said hesita- tingly “If I might make so bold, holy father, to offer you a glass of wine?” . ‘Not now, Juan, for [ wish you to listen well to what [ have to say.” ‘* Yes, padre.” ‘“You are nota man that cares to hang for your crimes, I feel certain.” ‘*Oh Madre de Dios!” cried the man in terror. ‘‘Now I happen to know just what you are, and also the Senor Fuentes, and I wish to save you from dying at the rope-end, so I have come to tell you that you had better do as 1 advise.” ‘‘T will, padre, I will, Heaven bless you!” ‘‘Well, your master is going with me to- night on an errand he dare not put off lon- ger, and I wish you to go and saddle two horses for us, two of the best, and bring them to the door of the senor’s room, | “Then do you tell the cowboys in the morning that the senor has gone to the re- treat, and when the men come to-morrow night from there, led by Carlos, do you put them in the secret quarters and await our re- durn, ‘ ‘‘Do you understand, Juan?” ** Yes, senor.” 3a “Then go and obey my bidding, and when I come back to-morrow night I wil} see that you escape the fate that threatens you, that of being hanged.” “T obey, holy father, I obey,” and the man quickly left the room, the padre not re- maining, but going out also, and crossing to the door that opened into the apartment of Marco Fuentes. re CHAPTER XXII. A MIDNIGHT RIDE, JuAN was terribly frightened at what the adre had said to him. He did not understand it all, did not pre- tend to, or seek to; but he knew that the crimes of his life richly deserved punishment, and so he sought to do the bidding of one who promised to save him. ‘ He went quickly to where the Senor Fuen- meee arg epee Seem oe ea ‘*Then go there now,” Juan obeyed with alacrity, and the padre taking the key from his pocket unlocked | and travelers, raided ranches and concealed the door leading into Marco Fuentes’s rooms, | your acts of crime most skillfully, There lay the outlaw ranchero as he had | left him, and going up to the bed the: padre la marriage with you, to get her fortune, and you would bave used your power over her said: “You are to dress and come with me, ” senor. The man could not but obey, and aided by the padre he was soon dressed and ready for the ride they were to take. ; _ **You have some notes here of the Senor Samos, so I will see where they are,” The ranchero groaned and fora moment | Fuentes, the outlaw ranchero.” seemed about to spring upon the padre. But the latter divining his intention said quickly: ‘Don’t do it, senor, for I will kill you, | and am your superior in strength if it came to a test,” The ranchero stamped his foot savagely and saw the padre unlock his desk and hastily look over the papers to be found there. ‘‘Ah! these are just what I wished, and as I see the figures they represent they do indeed call for a large fortune. ‘There is gold here too, yes, quite a snug little sum, and as you will not need it I will just take it in my keeping, for I see there | sound sleep, by.a voice calling outside of his. are several thousand. dollars, a sum well | worth looking after. ‘* Now, senor, we will ride, for we have quite a journey before us, if I remember aright.” The padre led the way to the door, and Fuentes drew back as he saw the horses, ‘“*T will aid you to mount, senor, as your hands are ironed.” But Fuentes still hesitated. “* Come. I will stand no nonsense, and I do not intend to lift you, so mount or you will feel the point of my knife to encourage you on,” Thus urged, the outlaw! ranchero mount- ] ed with the padres’ aid, and springing light- ly into his saddle the latter led the way from the hacienda. ; ; He hesitated after leaving until he got his bearings, and then said: “Yes, this is. the trail that leads to the Samos Hacienda,” ; He saw the start the outlaw gave at his words and said: ‘“ Yes, we go to the home of Senor Samos. “It is a midnight ride, but we will get there by dawn, and I am sure that the senor will riko us welcome, ‘‘When we are well on the trail, out of hearing of your cowboys, I will take that gag from your mouth for I know how unpleasant it must be.” After a ride of a mile the padre halted and removed the gag from the mouth of his pris- oner. Fuentes gave a sigh of relief, and as soon as he could regain his speech he said; «* Now tell me, man, what all this means?” Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. LS | manner nervous in the extreme, ae a 0 rl a | ‘You are the outlaw leader that has de- fied detection for so long, robbed the coaches: ** You sought to force Senorita Samos into father to make him urge that she should be . | your wife. Py: ‘‘Discovering that she hated you, then you determined to kidnap her, hoping to bring her to terms once she was in your . clutches. ‘aM ‘You see that I know you well, Marco. — ‘Again I ask you, who are you?” say- agely said the prisoner. “‘T am the man who saved the Senorita. Lulita from you, the man who gave you the blow in your breast that knocked you from your horse, _“*T am no more a padre than you are, Senor Fuentes,” and the man laughed as he beheld in the dim light the intense surprise: of the prisoner at his words. CHAPTER XXIIL DENOUNCED. Tre Senor Samos was awakened from a. door and telling him that a holy padre with the Senor Fuentes had just arrived and desired an audience with him, He arose and quickly dressed, ordering his servants to show the visitor into the library. There he joined them and discovered the Senor Fuentes with a face very pale and The padre he did not seem to know. é But the latter stepped forward quickly and said: *‘ Are we alone, senor?” “We are, Senor Padre.” “TI took the liberty of also sending a message to your daughter, Senor Samos, asking her to come here, and the servant | who gave us entrance is a faithful oneI be~ lieve Ihave beard youg say, sothat whatis = | said will be a secret for the present.” at “Certainly, padre, but what can cause this night visit tome and the calling up be- fore dawn of my daughter?” ‘“As I see that you do not know me, Senor Samos, so I will introduce myself as. your late guest the Senor Julius Marlowe, who assumed this disguise, which Senorita. Samos obtained for me, to run to earth the man who sought to tear her from you, and— gain your wealth by robbery.” The wonder of Senor Samos at this was: reat, and as Senorita Lulita Samos just then entered, explanations followed while Fuentes stood by in silence. ‘“*T pray you explain the situation fully, Senor Marlowe,” Senor Samos said, ‘*T can readily do so, senor. ee: ‘I decided to track out the band known cS fo as the Gold Ghouls, and the Senorita Lulita Soy SS ‘*T will tell you all when I bring you be- 7) tes’s horses were kept, forimmediate use, and —_—$——$— se w ‘saddled and bridled two of the best. fore the Senor Samos. was my ally, for as will be shown later, she . 'Phese he led to the Plaza, where he was “Do you mean to do that?” wished to keep from you the secret of who | Ae met by the padre. sw‘ Yes.” her kidnapper was. ay You said nothing to the cowboys,| ‘He is my friend.” “I went in my disguise to the ranch of . oA Juan?” Fe was” Senor Fuentes and found him in bed suffer. a ey. ‘Not a word, padre.” ‘He is now.” ; ing from a severe injury he had _ received, ! ty You have done well, for when Thave| ‘He will not be when he learns that you; ‘“‘I pleaded ill, and intruth I am not yet | ae fy promised to save your life Ido not pledge | area card-sharp, and cheated him out of his | recovered fully from the hardships 1 went ee a e myself to protect others, so keep to yourself | fortune, thus securing from him the notes through and injuries I received, ; E ee it a have said.” he gave you, répresenting about his entire; ‘I was received with hospitality, and | Sh a ‘Yes, father; but you will save my wife?” | fortune.” ” _ | given pleasant quarters, from which Tat © Ip, a “T will see that no war is made upon a] “ Whoare you, man?” 4 ane —— my plot to see just what Senor _ | woman, Juan.” f ‘‘One that knows you as you are, a card- | Huentes was, } ait a ; be Ah, ps holy father, many thanks,” | sharp, an outlaw, - ani of the Gold | ‘‘ He had concealed in his ranch adozen _ “Now keep’ your tongue between your | Ghouls. men of his outlaw band.” 4 | teeth, and to-morrow night put the men in| “Tt is false.” {Outlaw band?” E j ih 4 the secret quarters when they come and say ‘It is true, for they have been concealed “Yes, senor, of his outlaw band, for he: ’ eae V2 + the captain will return later. {in your hacienda for several nights past, | expected an attack from you, if Senorita — "Phen await our coming in your own | awaiting an attack from Senor Samos, did | Lulita made known who her kidnappers tied quarters.” ‘ahs his et tell her father who was her in. | were.” pian: Ne eT will, padre, T will.” tended kidnapper. “(He expected an attack from me?” i | Bik 5 we Ci Fh . sf yy i": militar me ect : a ea aa ae i a se sia a i pan a ae ® p reer i LL ME Ty ST ALE See OLE Me ore EN
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“Yes, Senor Samos, for I denounce this -man Fuentes to you as the leader of the Gold Ghouls, and the man who attempted to de- prive you of your daughter, and whom I ‘struck from his horse with astone,”’ * My God!” 7 ‘‘T denounce him, Senor Samos, as a card- | _. sharp as well, and one who robbed you in a - playing with you, thus cheating you out of i -your fortune. H ‘‘He got you to give him your notes for your gambling debts to him—” a ** Alas! this is tog true.” ‘* And he would have ruined you if you had refused to sacrifice your daughter by ber hand in marriage to him,” ‘Villain! it is true, I can see your devil- try now; but alas! he holds my notes for nearly all 1 am worth in the world.” b ‘* He did hold them, but here they are, as I took them from his desk. ‘‘They were gained by fraud, so are not legal and I give them to you, Senor Samos.” ““Thank God!” and the ranchero eagerly seized them, glanced over them and said in a low tone: . ««They are all here. 3 ‘“‘T am saved! i” “To you, my dear senor, I owe it.” ‘‘T have done what I deemed only my i} duty, senor, to my host.” . H . ‘He robbed me! he took my gold from } my desk,” cried Fuentes. arlo smiled and replied: “The Senor Samos and his daughter will never believe that I can be shown to bea common thief, Fuentes. ‘‘I took from you those notes, for you ; gained them by fraud, and more you are an FY Outlaw, the leader of the band of Gold 4 Ghouls. { { ‘Tf the Senor Samos does right he will de- | liver you over to the cowboys on his ranch to be punished as you deserve, for the Senorita Lulita is here to say that you were ¥ her kidnapper.” q “Ig there no mistake about this, my ee child?” ig ‘‘ None, father, and he told me he was the ’ Chief of the Gold Ghouls,” | ‘And why did you not tell me of this, ' Lulita?” ' ‘Because, my father, I knew the man held your notes for a large sum, and I feared that it would bring ruin upon you, while, if you sought to punish him, he would kill mes OU. a? ‘*So I asked Senor Marlowe here, my pre- server and yours, father, to keep the secret, oo and then it was that he set forth to discover if all that he could to condemn Senor Fuentes. ‘He has certainly done so, and it is now shown all that he is.” ‘‘T thank you from my heart, Senor Mar- -__ Jowe, and I leave the prisoner in your hands,” - gaid Senor Samos, ‘*Then, Senor Samos, I shall take him to those who will see that be does no more harm and will be punished for his crimé8,”’ : was the remark of the young sailor who had g denounced the ranchero as the outlaw chief Bs’ which he in reality was. CHAPTER XXIV. . TO FACK THE GOLD GHOULS. z Tm Senor Samos was deeply moved by yall that had occurred, He grasped the hand of the sailor, who, an outlaw himself and a fugitive from justice, was playing such a bold game against a fel- _ dow-criminal, and was more than profuse in his thanks, He told Marlowe to take his prisoner in |, ‘a = keeping, to do with him as he deemed ips) Mest. ’ aN a ' . "YT will escort him to the camp of your cowboys, and see that they guard him to 4 rey place where he will do no harm | — ** Phen I will return to your ranch in time 40 accept your hospitality for breakfast, after f Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. which, still playing the part of Padre Angelos, I have another duty to perform.” ‘‘T leave all in your hands, senor, and you have but to command my ranchmen to serve you as you deem best. “Their camp, you know, is three miles from here, and I will expect you back to breakfast with us, for the Senorita Lulita and myself will be awaiting you.” ““Thaoks, senor. *« Now, Fuentes, I am ready.” Seeing that he was still to be left in the hands of the man who had so cleverly kid- napped him, Fuentes became greatly alarmed and appealed to the Senor Samos for mercy. , But the ranchero was deaf to his entreaties, and then he pleaded with Lulita. But she coldly turned away with the re- mark, as she left the room: ‘* We will expect you at breakfast, Senor Marlowe.,”* ‘«Gome, Fuentes, I will stand no nonsense, so come with me.” The man uttered a malediction upon Senor Samos, his daughter and his captor, but was led out of the room, forced to mount his horse and the two rode away in the early dawn, taking the trail to the camp of the cowboys some miles away. ; Just three hours after Senor Marlo re- turned, still in his garb as a padre. Senor Samos met him at the Plaza en- trance and gave him a warm welcome, con- ducting him himself to his room. . ‘* Well, Senor Marlowe, you left the prison- er with my ranchmen?” ‘* Yes, Senor Samos.” “My daughter and I have been talking over the great crimes of that man and it has shocked us both greatly. ‘“Why, the authorities will hang him as ‘soon as he is proven to be what you have shown him to be.” ‘Trials are expensive, Senor Samos, and the worst criminals often escape through some technicality of the law, while innocent men are punished.” “It is often true, senor, but he can never be cleared when tried.” ‘He will never be tried, senor.” “What?” . roy no court would ever try him.” ce hh!” j “* He has alread ‘Your words senor.” ‘7 will explain, Senor Samos, by saying that Fuentes was taken to the camp of your ranchmen. ‘*T called them together and told them just what he was guilty of. ‘7 then said that 1 would leave his pun- ishment for them to decide upon and unavimously the verdict was that he should been tried, senor.” ave a strange meaning, die. “JT asked him if he had any wishes he would like carried out, and he sold me his ranch, making me a bill of sale of it before the ranchmen as witnesses, and trusting me to pay the purchase money to one whom he named and gave the address of to me. ‘‘T then bade him farewell, and left him with your ranchmen, two of whom were s¢- lected to start with him for the settlement, to deliver up to the authorities.” “ Then—” ¢ ‘His sentence was that he would never reach there, for the men who were his guards were to see to that.” ‘© Ah! they will shoot him then?” ‘‘No, hang him, for that was the sentence, senor.” ? ** Well, all T can say is that he richly de- serves his fate. . ‘‘But about his band, senor?” ‘ST will return to his ranch after breakfast, senor, or rather to my ranch.” ‘* Not alone?” ne ‘Oh, yes, for I have nothing to fear as I will still be Padre Angelos.” “é Yes.”’ ; ‘I will acquaint the cowboys with the fate of their master and chief, and 1 believe they are innocent of any knowledge of what he was secretly. ‘‘So I can leave them in charge of my ranch, as it now is, and I will try and dis- cover if I can find out aught regarding the band of Gold Ghouls. _‘* Without their chief they will doubtless disperse.” , ‘So [ think, Senor Marlowe; but come, let us now go in to breakfast where the Senorita Lulita awaits us.” It was a tempting repast, and Senor Samos and Lulita did all in their power to entertain their welcome guest, Toward noon he took his leave, and reach- ing the Fuentes ranch before nightfall found Juan anxiously awaiting his coming. Escorted to the rooms of Senor Fuentes, by Juan, the new master made himself per- fectly at home while awaiting the coming of the Gold Ghouls whom he bad determined to boldly face to carry out his plot to the end. CHAPTER XXV. EL CINTO’S STORY. Tuer pretended padre made himself per- fectly at homein the haciendo which he had purchased npon a promise to pay to a person, the name and address of whom were given him by the outlaw chief. Though the promise was made to a dying man, as it were, Marlo, the Cowboy Smug- gler, as he is known to the reader, had not the remotest idea of keeping it. He had the paper giving him the property, and it was a foothold for him he was glad to possess. He would keep it, bnt pay nothing, for the owner was even then a dead man, so why should he, equally as great a rascal, pay good money for what was his by possession? So the thought never came to him of do- ing what he would have termed so foolish a thing. The man Juan was in a flurry of excite- ment over the return of the padre, for he still believed him to be what he represented himself. What would the return mean to him, he asked himself and his wife a score of times that day. When El Cinto came to Marlo with his sup- per he said very pleasantly: * JT wish to have a talk with you, El Cinto.” “Yes, Senor Padre.” “You are this man Juan’s wife?” ‘*7 am, senor,” ‘You donot love him?” “* Ah, senor!” ° Z “‘T repeat it, you do not love the man.” | ~ ‘“Why should a wife not love her hus- band, padre?” “* For various reasons; but it is true.” “¢ Senor!” ; ‘Ts it not so?” ** T hate him!” The words came savagely from the lips of the woman, and her eyes flashed with a ma- lignant light, ‘* Why do you hate him?” | “Well, Senor Padre, I may as well tell you the truth, ‘ “Tama Mexican and of a good family, ‘too, Juan I did not know until I was twenty. “As a girl of fourteen I loved a youth and he loved me, : ‘““We vowed to be married some aay, for though a herder, he was 4 truant from home and my equal in birth, ‘‘ But my father lost large sums of money in gambling, and he was well-nigh ruined. “ He would have been sold out but for one who killed his largest debtor, and obtained the papers he held of my father’s. : was chief herder on my father’s ranch, .
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- band of outlaws, Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. 13: ‘The other debtors he bought out, save one, whom he robbed of his wallet in which was the last mortgage held against my father. **For this work he demanded my hand in marriage, and my father forced me to wed him, though I hated him. “But the one I loved had disappeared most mysteriously, and I was led to believe he had deserted me. ** My husband had never seen him, but he told me that he had met him in Mexico, and that he was married. “Misfortune followed my marriage, for my father died, ae home was overburdened with debt, and was left a pauper, while my husband suddenly took flight, carrying me with him. ‘We were poor, and had to work for our living. “One day, on this ranch, my old lover ap- red before me. ‘He told me that my husband had paid a man to put him out of the way. ‘‘The man happened to be my lover's friend, and so took Juan’s money and told him to go his way. “‘T told him to seek service under Senor Fuentes, and he did so, soon becoming chief cowboy, for never having seen him, of course my husband did not know him. “ Here he has been a year, and we have both hoped that Juan would die, but he i not done so, for you know that he still ves.” “And this lover?” asked Marlo, who had listened with deep interest to the woman’s story. ‘Is Carlos, senor.” ‘* Ah! a fine fellow indeed. ‘* Well, do not worry, for my idea is that Juan will not live long,” said the padre in a tone so significant that the woman could not but understand its meaning, for she said: ‘‘ Remember, senor, he married me under false pretenses of serving my father. **T now know that he killed my father, and he tried to do away with Carlos, while he has treated me in a most brutal man- ner. ‘‘Do you wonder now, senor, that I hate ‘«{ do not, and to-morrow I will talk with you more, you and Carlos.” The woman bowed and disappeared, and having finished his supper, Marlo began a tour of inspection of that wing of the ha- cienda, He tried the secret turn-door and found that he could work it. It let him into a corridor from which stone steps led up to a room which was back of the old chapel. The room was so situated in the angle of walls that no one would ever suspect its be- ing there, while there were. no windows in the sides, all light and air coming from the roof, The room was large enough to accommo date thirty men, there were bunks around the walls, several tables and some benches, that was all. — The door that opened into the room was of iron, and heavily barred on the corridor side. . ~) - “<hig is a prison from which no man could escape,” muttered Marlo as he re- traced his way to his room, to await the coming of the outlaws. CHAPTER XXVI. THE CHANGE OF CHIEFS. Wuen Carlos the cowboy arrived after nightfall he was accompanied by the full fourteen in number, under their lieutenants, Sanchez and Antonio. They had come, according to orders, ready to give up the retreat forever, a hint having been thrown out by the padre for ' t ee ; ane ek tar : j ae yee sd eo uae ant oes eae Carlos to tell them that the retreat was known and would have to be given up. The outlaws were met by Juan and told that the master was away, and wished them to take up their quarters in the secret cham- ber again, where they would remain until they heard from him, They went at once to their retreat in the hacienda, and Carlos awaited to see the padre. He was soon joined by Marlo who said: *““You have done well, Carlos. ‘* Did all come?” ** Yes, senor,” ‘‘The retreat was deserted then?” ‘Tt was, padre.” ‘‘ Well, go and seek rest, for to-morrow I wish to sce you upon a most important matter; but Idesire that you get first two fresh horses each for these men and send them here at once.” ‘*T will, padre.” ‘You can go now.” Carlos disappeared and a moment after Juan came. ‘You saw the men to the secret cham- ber?” ‘“‘T did, good father.” “You are going after their supper?” “Yes, father, my wife has it all ready for me to fetch to them.” ‘See here, Juan.” * Yes, father.” ** As we may have to Jeave here suddenly, for you will go with me, if you have an valuables, or gold, you had better bring it and place it with your master’s and mine!” “*T will, Senor Padre.” ; Juan then departed but in a quarter of an hour he was back again bearing with him a large basket of f and a buckskin bag. This he handed to Marlo with the remark; “Senor Padre, here is all my worldly wealth, for you to keep for me.” i Pi will safe,” said Marlo and he ad. ed: ‘We will look over it together, so there will be no mistake.” He poured the contents of the bag out upon the table. There was quite a sum in gold, a few gems in a small box, some an and half a dozen trinkets of more or less value, “Quite a sum total, Juan, worth fully a couple of thousand,” said the pleased Marlo. “All of that, senor.” ‘* Now take the supper to the men and say that Padre Angelos will come soon to see them in place of the chief,” **T will, padre.” ‘* And then you get your horse, provisions for the band for several days’ travel, and come here, for I wish you to guide the men to a certain place I will direct you to,” ‘Yes, Stnor Padre, and you?” ** Will await your return here, Juan.” ‘« Yes, senor,”’ So Juan went on to the secret chamber, and when he returned went off to get his horse. The padre made his way, light in hand, to the secret chamber and suddenly appeared before the men, ‘““Men, Ihave but a few words to say to you, and it will be to the point. “I came here to try and save your chief, and came in this disguise, for I am no priest. ‘Your chief is an old friend of mine, and so I sought to serve him, and to get him to go with me to where there is much more gold to be made than here. “T wished him to take you, his faithful men with him. me ‘But Iwas too late to save him, for he was captured to-day and hanged.” A start among the men, whose faces paled, showed how they were alarmed at this news, ‘‘IT would have shared his fate but for this priestly garb. “Your retreat to-night is in the hands} ‘ : et Dee Re al Se ie 4 Re of your foes, and had I not sent for you, then your fate would have been the same as: your chief's. ‘‘l am, like yourselves, an outlaw, but: without a band, and you have no chief, so I offer to take you with me to where we can work together, a country I know well and where we can make gold in plenty, “We have not long todelay, so 1 wish yow to answer quickly what you will do. “* Will you follow me, or will you go your separate ways, and take your chances?” ‘*We will follow you, senor,” came in the voice of each man. ‘I am glad to hear this; but now I have a duty for you te perform.” Name it, senor,” ‘‘Well, I know the traitor who caused’ ron chief to be hanged, and sought to ring the same fate upon you. ‘‘He was trusted by Senor Fuentes, and little suspects that I know his guilt. “T just sent him for his horse, and for food for you all for a couple of days’ ride. “When he returns he is, as I will tell him, to guide you to a certain point several miles. from here. ‘Once there you are to hang him, and. there I will join you in a short while after.” ** We will hang him, Senor Chief.” ‘* Well, men, 4 am glad to feel that I have: those under my lead whom I can trust. ‘Now let me tell of a man who is a trai- tor to you all.” ‘* Yes, senor,” “ It is Juan.” ‘¢ Juan shall die,” came in a chorus of ‘| voices. ‘Now follow me and bring all your be- longings. : ‘We must not have dawn find us near ere,” . The men followed their new leader, and at the door Juan awaited with a horse well laden with food and his own animal stand- ing near, ** Juan, guide these men to the crossing of the trails, two miles from here, and there: await my coming.” ** Yes, senor,” and the eeapeiene man mounted and rode away at the head of the outlaw band. os CHAPTER XXVI. ON THE NORTHERN TRAIL, Iv was with a strange expression upon his: face that Marlo watched the outlaws mde away from the hacienda, led by Juan, whom he had decided to get rid of, He doubted the man, and he wanted his. money, while he hoped to make faithful friends of Carlos and El Cinto by the fate — he had determined Juan should meet. He gathered his traps together, and what. he wished to carry with him of the belong- ings of Fuentes, and put them ready by the — door. The poor fool is dead by this time so T will seek El Cinte and let her call Carlos, for. they shall know what has happened.” He walked to the room of El Cinto across the Plaza and called to her. «Yes, senor, how can I serve the padre?” “Tam going away, El Cinto, and I wish to have a talk with you and Carlos.” «Yes, senor,” ‘ ‘‘Call Carlos to come here, and you ac- company me, for I intend to serve both of you well,” ; «Yes, senor, but Juan—” *« Juan will never cross your path again,. ood woman,” “ Senor 1” “‘T mean it,” F ‘‘T do not understand, senor.” * Juan is dead,” ‘é Dead i? “ec Yes.” ‘*Oh, Senor Padre!”
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he saw he fought like a tiger. ‘* Tt is the truth.” ““When did he die, senor?” “* About five minutes ago, I take it,” ‘He was killed?” “‘He was hanged.” ** Oh, senor,” ‘* He was about to turn traitor, as I have reason to know, so I turned him over to the band to hang,”’ ‘*Can it be true?” : *“ Will you believe the testimony of Car- 0s?” ** Yes, Senor Padre.” ‘Then bid Carlos eome to me, and he shall ‘‘But we obeyed your orders and hung him up.” ‘*You did right, Sanchez. ** Ts he dead?” “Some time ago, chief.” * All right, Carlos will come in the morn- ing and bury him. ‘‘Now we start on a long trail to the northward.” Carlos saw them ride away and then went back to El Cinto with the news that she was really a widow, And on the trail northward they came to a place the next day where a rope hung toa escort me on my way to where he will find | tree and beneath it wasa newly-made grave. the body of Juan hanging to a tree.” ‘** Ah, senor, he was a bad, a very bad man, but this was,so sudden.” ** Yes, rather; but go after Carlos.” She walked rapidly away in the darkness and the padre awaited for some minutes, when she returned, accompanied by Carlos. ‘*Carlos, I wish to say to you that I hold the deed for this property purchased from Chief Fuentes before his death, for he was hanged this morning at dawn by Vigilantes. ‘That was why I sent you after the men, for they can be saved, , ** Juan is also dead, hanged by the,men to- night, as he intended turning traitor.” “* Juan, senor?” “Yes, Carlos, and that makes El Cinto here « widow. ‘‘Now LT intend to leave you in full charge of the ranch, and El Cinto will look after the hacienda. ; ‘*T know your story, for she has told me of it, and your foe, and hers, is dead, so-my advice is that you make her your wife some day after she thinks she has mourned suffi- ciently long for poor Juan. ** You bave, I believe, Carlos, two herders to aid you, so I leave you in full manage- ment, and you can expect me to visit you from time to time.” ‘* Yes, senor,” ‘“‘ Now get me the best horse that is on the place, and mount your own horse and come with me, for I wish you to see Juan hang- ing to a tree that you may vouch for it to El Cinto.” **1 will go, senor,” said the man, and his face showed that he was delighted with the prospect of wedding El Cinto, his first and only sweetheart, and in the expectation of finding Juan, his hated rival and foe, dead at the hands of the Gold Ghouls. The man soon returned with the horses, and using one for a pack-animal the pretend- ed padre put upon him all that he cared to | carry with him from the hacienda, for he intended to make himself as comfortable as possible in the life he intended to lead. Both El Cinto and Carlos were as happy as could be under the prospect before them and they thanked the new owner of the ranch over and over again for their kindness to them. At last the chief was ready, and bidding EJ Cinto farewell he said to her: “Remember, this hacienda is now the property of Senor Marlowe, who purchased it, and Fuentes has been hanged as an out- law and his band scattered. ‘You and Carlos are left in charge, and - T will return from time to time and look to _ my interest here ** Adios |” esas te With this he rode away with Carlos _ They took the trail leading to the spot n which Marlo had appointed'as a rendezvous with the men. As they approached the spot they beheld the men grouped together and saw swinging from a limb the form of Juan. | ** He died hard, senor chief,” said Sanchez. “He yore he was no traitor, and when hat he appealed in vain for mercy a. On the head: board was cut in with a knife the words: FUENTES, Cuter or THE GoLD GHOULS. Hanged for his crimes, CHAPTER XXVIII. HELD UP ON THE TRAIL, Back to the strange people whose home was on the rugged shores of Point Desola- tion, I will carry my readers, though not this time to the scenes on the coast, but to the wild mountains where their inland abodes were situated. It will be remembered that Captain Karl Kenton had decided to go with his family to’ the mountains, after their return from the chase of the Sea Pearl, and there remain un- til the new craft Sea Pearl was built, The more he thought of. going into the world which so long bad regarded him as guilty of crime, the more he shrunk from it, True, Captain Edgar Yerger.would, with the proofs of his innocence in his possession, clear the name of Kent Carleton from all stain; but he loved the wild, free iife he had led at Point Desolation and in the moun- tains, and was full of regret at giving it up. 7 But for his wife, and the daughter who was budding into maidenhood, he would never have relinquished it. But they were to be considered above all else, and so as a compromise he had said to. his wife: ‘Valerie, we will build the new craft and remain here for a year longer. ‘* By that time the story of my innocence of the crimes I was charged with will be al- most forgotten, and we will go again into the world, and bring Pearl out as a young lady, while we will see to it that Ralph goes into the army for navy, for which he is so well fitted. “Now we will go to the mountains for a few months.” : Mrs. Carleton was always ready to agree to what her husband deemed best, and, be- sides, she too had shrunk from appearing again in brilliant social life, so she was more than willing to still remain in the humble home among the coasters, and said: ‘*Yes, Edgar can see about an appoint- ment for Ralph, and a couple of years at school will fit Pearl for the life she will have io lead, for already she is well advanced in her studies.” So it was arranged and while Ralph went up to San Francisco to see about a pew craft, to replace the» Sea Pearl, the captain ; of the coasters went with his wife and | daughter up to their mountain home. Ralph carrigd letters from Mrs, Carleton to her brother, Captain Yerger of the cutter, urging him to seek an appointment in the navy for the youth, and to aid him in select- ing a vessel suitable for what she was in- tended for, or failing to find such a craft, to show him where he could have one built, for it was Captain Kurl’s intention to pre- sent her to the coasters when he should leave them, — { Dead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. After a two weeks’ stay in San Francisco, in which he was treated with every kind- ness by Captain Yerger, who was really proud of the handsome young coaster, Ralph the Runaway returned to the Point in the Idle Wings, the craft he had gone up to the city in. He passed the night in the chief’s cabin, and the next day mounted a horse, and with a couple of other animals bearin packs, of his purchases in Frisco, start alone for the mountains. He would have to go very slow, on ac- cout of his pack-horses. but hoped to reach the mountain cabin of the coaster chief be- fore sunset, for*he had heard that the trails were infested with road-agents of late, a bold and desperate band of outlaws having appeared in that part of the country within the past few weeks, and who were known as ithe Gold Ghouls of the Coast. Ralph had been warned that he had better take a strong guard with him, anda number of the young sailors had volunteer- ed to accompany him, but he had politely declined their assistance and started alone, Those of the coasters who had ranches in the mountains, had pitched their cabins along the summit of a ridge, and they thus extended for a distance of a score of miles. There was one large cabin built for those who had not homes there, and the valleys and plains were dotted with cattle, herded by cowboys who remained all the year around. The home of the chief was a four-room cabin, strongly built, with vegetable garden near, and situated upen a commanding point among a clump of pines. The view was grand in ever and the cabin was surrounded piazza. ‘ Hammocks were hung among the trees for an afternoon siesta, there were rides in every direction and walks, wild flowers were abundant and theplace was indeed a charm- ing retreat. A number of other families had gone to their mountain homes so that there was no need of being lonesome. It was to this retreat, which Pearl had named ‘‘Sky Parlor,” that Ralph was mak- ing his way with his pack-horses, when sud- denly he was brought to a halt by the com- mand: “Hands up, pard!” direction 2 —_—_— CHAPTER XXIX. A FAVOR REMEMBERED. Tue sudden challenge falling upon Ralph’s ears fairly startled him, for riding slowly along, the sultry afternoon bad caused him to drop off to sleep in his saddle. Ha saw aman over the top of a bowlder with a rifle leveled at his breast, and he felt that he was at the mercy of the one who so sternly ordered him to halt, So he obeyed, drawing rein quickly, but watching his chance to act. Sethe ‘*No funny business, pard, for I hain’t sions, as I has a dozen good men within call. ‘* Hands up!” The youth obeyed. and the man scrambling. id over the rock,’ still keeping his weapon. leveled, approached the youth. “Why, Tony, is it yow, and turned road- agent?” cried Ralph. ‘‘Lordy! it is you, Master Raiph,” said the man at once lowering his weapon, “Yes: Tony, but I did not know that. you had become an outlaw.” | “ ‘‘ See here, Master Ralph, it’s just what I am, and I don’t like the business, and J am not the man to turn a gun on you or to rob you; but I never expected to see you here.” “Why I live back on the coast, Tony, and. i , up in the mountains too, and am now going , wis } > he Wh Aest i uy A Ler ole i E ath Uh de oat ala a hai SL ane Oe Oe ee iM > oe i er “ia ns a ty —————————— ee y a broad — ox a
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{ f .» my home, for I thought you knew I was '+ gne of the Point Desolation coasters.” “JT do remember now you said so, sir, ( } when you saved me from being killed that | night in Frisco, «1 did kill the man, Master Ralph, though T said I didn’t, and his comrades intended to cut me to pieces for it, and would have done so had you not come up and saved me, “T hav’n’t forgotten it, sir, nor that you gave me some money and landed ®me at a place on the coast where I was safe, «Well, sir, all went hard with me and at last I turned road-agent and joined a band of outlaws far tothe South of here, whom } they called the Gold Ghouls. ‘y “Our chief was killed and we got another ‘}: who made himself master over usand brought us up here to rob coaches and ranches, «He said he wasa coaster from Point Deso- 4 lation and could enrich us. ‘Because he had fought a duel with his |}. rival, and tried to make a little gold by * smuggling they had turued him out and then chased him down, ‘ . “ His craft was struck by lightning and all on board save himself were killed; but he es- caped, got toa ranch and met an old friend in our chief, who got hanged, : ««Then the new chief, Murlo, he calls him- } self, brought us up here and we have not ~ done much in money-making, I can tell you. _ “Twas put here to-day to halt any traveler coming along and robhim, and you are the first I have met, and never would I harm you, Master Ralph.” _ Ralph listened most attentively to the man .-and then gave alow whistle. ' ' Then he said: — Tony, T'll-tell you all about this man » Marlo, and then I know I can see that you have a position among the coasters, for no one need know what you have been. ‘“« As for Marlo he is the \vilest of the vile as you shall hear.” he haar Then Ralph told the story of Marlo’s wick- ed deeds, his attempt to kill hit, his treachery, smuggling and escape, with the ~ pursuit that followed and the belief that * Marlo and all on the Sea Pearl had been t lost. ; ‘« So you are the son of the Coaster Chief, 4) Master Ralph?” . |“ « ‘Fig adopted son, Tony,” wes _ “And his daughter is the Sea Pearl?” pi , “ s ” “ Well! well! and you say I can become a coaster?” ‘ ‘‘Yes, Tony.” ‘‘[ thank Heaven I met you, Master RaJph, for to-morrow night the chief arranged to raid the home of Captain Kar, killing all 4 there except the daughter, Pearl, and carry ® © her off. “He spoke of another, one Ralph the chief's son, whom he was to capture and ~ torture to death. (. “Master Ralph?” “Yes, Tony.” : “ Go on to your home, and prepare for to- morrow night. 2 ‘All of the mountain houses are to be raided, but Chief Karl’s is to be the first, "struck. |. “Get your men then to ambush the Gold be! Ghouls and don’t spare one of them, _ “JT will start with them, but Pll drop out as we near the place. : * «Then, the next morning you can meet ¢ me here and I will go with you where you te a 4 Bi : j | Ralph extended his hand and grasped that. » of the man-who was so nobly returning the 2 , , 4 E “. justas you say. i " «To morrow night we will be ready for ~ the band. ang __ ** How many are there of them?” f us with the chief, but I won't | 4 F ‘ f ’ t Me t% 4 ' ail. a eee Oe evn “ee \- prt J ¥ pegs Mgr ‘ ead-Shot Ralph’s Drop. “Well, I will meet you here the day follow- ing, if 1 am not killed I will be here to meet ou. ‘Should harm befall me then Pear! will dome, and you will find a warm friend in her, for I will tell herall.” ‘*T'll be here, Master Ralph, and be sure and be ready for the Gold Ghouls, and have a surprise for them, as they are not easily beaten off,” ‘**T will be ready, Tony,” and again grasp- ing the man’s hand, Ralph rode on his way with the muttered words: ‘Now, Marlo, I will have my revenge, and you richly deserve death for this vile plot alone.” CHAPTER XXX, RALPH’S REVENGE, THE sun set the following day with the Coaster Chief and his family seated upon their piazza enjoying the beauty of the scene, There was a visitor there also, and Ralph sat not far away from Pearl. It was the night of the expected attack of | the Gold Ghouls, and. yet there appeared to be no arrangement madé@ to meet them, ‘a aes they doubt the story told Ralph by ony? Could it be that they were indifferent to the danger that threatened them? As darkness came on a man on foot ap- proached the cabin, Soon after, another came, and another, a fourth, fifth, and so on until a score of men had quickly slipped into the cabin, and all of them were armed, Soon after others began to arrive, all on foot, until a dozen more had come. These were divided in two parties, and placed in hiding at different points in the pines, among the rocks, Then a third party of half a dozen came from the cabin and took up position at an- other point of vantage. ~ The others remained in the house. Back of the cabin a couple of hundred yards was a steep cliff, and it looked sheer down several hundred feet into a foaming torrent that swept around its base. The position of the parties in concealment about the cabin was such that they could drive the attacking force toward the cliffs and there force them to surrender or rush them over to their fate. Thus passed a couple of hours and then a horseman came riding up the mountain trail. Behind him a couple of hundred yards came others, but the hoofs of their horses were muffled so as to prevent any sound. The horseman rode up to the door and called. . An answer came from within and he beg- ed shelter for the night. ‘Allright, I will be out soon,” cried the voice within. ‘ The horseman dismounted and stood by the door, revolver in hand, while the others, thirteen in number, came slowly and noise- lessly up to the piazza. ‘“Why do you not let me in?” cried the horseman impatiently, “‘ Because it would not be safe to do so, ‘Seek shelter elsewhere.” «*Come, men, in with this door,” shouted the horseman. \ Hardly had the words left his lips when there came a volley of shots from the win- dows, and several men fell from their sad dles. cee Then shouts were heard, flashes of rifles from among the pines, and men rushed to- ward the scene. ‘ “We are entrapped}, ‘*Save yourselves, men!” cried a voice, and the Gold Ghouls made a dash to retreat ine way they had come, — Be ane NL \ . i yo TE ey. : fies fas ok ete i pe ara, eke A Pep eA mo IN ty ita Wucihe: = egos Cape ee Pee lah eee But volleys of rifle-shots headed them off and they turned in terror and fled toward the cliffs. Not a man seemed to know the cliffs were there, for the pines grew to the very edge, and only as cries of horror came from those going over did those in the rear try to draw rein. It was useless, for their horses were be- yond control, and in a mass those of the outlaws who had not fallen under the fire of the defenders of the Conster Chief’s cab- in, went to their doom over the cliffs. Then men stood aboutin groups, after the short, sharp. conflict, and the day came on leaden wings it seemed. Several of the defenders had been killed, a few more wounded, but the band of Gold Ghouls had been wiped out by Dead Shot Ralph, sndAhat teok from the deep sorrow at the loss’of kindred and friends. Early in the morning Ralph mounted his horse and rode away alone. He sought the place where he was to meet Tony and there found him. ‘“‘T heard it all, Master Ralph, so all must have gone.” ‘*}iow many men came?” # ‘* Fourteen,” ‘There are six dead bodies near the cabin, and I counted eight horscs and riders go over the cliff.” Then all have been wiped out; but did you find the chief’s body?” ““No, he went over the cliff, and I have my revenge,” said Ralph, sternly. Then he turned to his companion and said; ‘*Come with me, Tony, and ajl except the chief, his wife and Pearl shall believe the: story I told, that you had escaped from the Ghouls and meeting me told me of the at- tack.” And so Ralph went on toward the cabin -with the man whose warning had saved so. much of misery and death along the moun- tain range. CHAPTER XXXI._, CONCLUSION. Tony found himself most cordially wel- comed by the Coaster Chief and his people, and told a simple story of having been cap- tured, and making his escape was coming to warn Captain Karl of his danger when he met Ralph on the trail. He was at once welcomed as one of the coasters, and every kindness was showered upon him. The dead outlaws were buried down the valley, while the fallen coasters were placed in the burying-ground of their people upon | the mountains, Tony led a party to the retreat of the out- laws, and there much booty and many horses were obtained. : The Coaster Chief decided that it was best to make a report of the affair to Captain Yerger and so Ralph and Tony were sent several days after up to Frisco in the Idle Wings, and the cutter’s commander was told the whole story. : In the absence of Ralph, Captain Yerger had heard of a pretty little craft that could be bought cheap, so he stopped the architect on the plans for a vessel and purchased her for Captain Karl. . Putting half of his crew on board. the new vessel, which Ralph at once named the Pear) of the Sen, the young skipper sailed her back to Point Desolation harbor and in the run there found that she distanced the Wings easily. - Returning to their home on the coast, Cap- tain Karl, his wife and Pearl, remained | there fora long while before going once more into the busy world they had so long been separated from, and when they did it did not take Pearl long to become a reigning | belle in society. Ae RT dhs Idle
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16 Ra'ph received his appointment to the navy, for ‘‘services rendered,” and though he afterward discovered that he was heir to a title and estates in England he preferred to be an American and so remained an officer of the United States service, and was repaid in the end by winning the beautiful Pearl of the Sea for his bride. Duty having called Captain Yerger down the coast and inland, he met there Lulita Samos, fell in love with her and in time won her heart, which had very nearly broken under the knowledge that *‘ Julius | Marlowe,” was none other than Marlo the | Cowboy Smuggler, for she had learned to | devotedly love the worthless scamp; but | then it is truly said that: “ Woman’s love will, too often, Like the ivy, cling Around a base and worthless thing.” THE END, Half-Dime Library, No. 868. The “New York Surprise ” Again | BROADWAY BILLY Shadows London Slums; OR, The Mysterious Whitechapel Tragedy. BY J. C. COWDRICE. Baffled, thwarted, beaten, the greatest man on the old London Scotland Yard force turned to the young New York Special and gave into his hand the Terrible Tragedy Without a Clue! —the mystery of which was a London Sensation; the more dense the mystery, ‘the more the incentive to the Yo New Yorker, and through the maze that soon develops, the Dauntless and Inscrutable Young American Detective works his way, until the intrigue of a daring villain, and the astounding procedure of a desperate young woman end in a denouement that is another London Sensation. To the admirers of Broadway Billy and all lovers of a first-class detective story will be welcomed as A Big Thing! Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY J. ©. COWDRIOK. Broadway Biliy Novels. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. | 514 Broadway Billy’ Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, 586 Broadway Billy’s ‘Ditikilty.” 557 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 Act; or, The League of Seven. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway Billy’s Team; or, Th 810 Broadway Billy's ipe Out, 815 Broadway Biily’s Bank Racket. B26 Heaniway Wily Atoms J Th rondway mon u S88 Broadway Billy's Raid. aioe ait 860 Silver-Maak, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys, 860 Shaata, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead. 420 The Detective’« Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, 424 Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 odiight Ralph the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Ex Detective. 571 Air-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Warry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. 40 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, $33 Seeewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward, 65 eonlight Morgan, the * Pizenest ’’ Man of Ante Baz. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, Deadwood Dick Novela, 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Detianees or, Double Daggers. 44 rem Tarn I ak - Teenie or, Buffa)» Ben endwoo ek in « Castle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o-, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana OIL. 5&7 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity ¢ ne, the Heroine aba one ree ek Sy hah or, Cordurvy Charlie. dwoo ck in Leadville, pt eeneee to he “ei ice; om The Double Cross Sign. endwoo ck aa Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Base; or, Blonde Bill. 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold, 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’a Dream; or, The Rivuls of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. 244 jeaiwond aire oom We Sears Jane’s Adventure, endwoo ckh’s Dea eal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. Lae 282 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, Ft hat hla Dicks vide ree Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead woo ek’a Dea ra 809 Deadwood Dick’» Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats 47 Deadwood Dick’a Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. py py bad ope img ae or, The Terrible Vendetta. eadwo ck’a Claim. 405 Dendwood Dick in Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinmonda, 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dusty; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr. or, The Crimson Creacent Sign. 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Defiance. a86 Besarecd Bie: ge Aisa op ; ° r -Up. 465 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«. Racket at Claim 10, 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill. tt Beivest Boe Sr raced ™ wo ek, “9 adw ood. 491 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Compact. nee peenwese Dick. een suhexitance, ecadwood Dick, Jr.’s, nga. 608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’n, De rErEnee. 615 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Three. 529 Deadwood Dick, Jri’s, Danger Ducks. 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Death Hunt. 589 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Texas. 644 Deadwood Dick, Ir., the Wild West Vidoog £A2 Denawoed Dick, Inv, in Gethames e w ’ ‘o> im otham, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boaton. Ba pestered Bie’ grv Ec ceca eaadwo CK, Fey in cago. 578 Deadwood Dick. Jr., Afloat. aa 584 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Denver. 590 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Deerec, 595 Deadwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebub’s Basin, a83 Reatused Be: $i sebohe tate endwo cy . eadville '. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Detroit, 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinnati, bry Readwaet Bisks Jdr., in Nevada. eadwood Dick, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. €42 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Buffalo. 672 Deadwood Dick, dry { ; 444 Leg para Pek 5 Lang mispevery’ or, Found a Fortune, end wo ek, Jr.’s. Dazzle. 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars, 695 Deadwood Dick, Frey at Danger Divide. 700 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*, Drop, 2704 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. ' 710 Deadwood Dick Jr. in San Francisco. 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Still Hunt, 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dominoes, 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Disguise 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Double Deal. 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deathwatch, 747 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Doublet. 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. 5S Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Desperate Strait, 764 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand. 70 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’) Deteat. 76 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Resurrection. 782 Dendwood Dick, fle Rn! ak Days. 87 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Defled. 92 Deadwood Dick, JIr.’s, Double Device. 7 Deadwood Dick, Jr’.s, Deaperate Venture. 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Diamond Dice. ata Deadwood Theks Ekg aed wl etc wood CKsy SF. end-on,. 816 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Rival, 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Boom. 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Scoop. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, tien & 840 Deudwood Dick, Jr.’s, cate ¥} 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse. 852 Deadwood Dick Jr., at Devil’s Guleh. BY WM. G. PATTEN. 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee ot Jacktown. 66% Violet Vane’s« Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Ont. 698 Violet and Daisy, the Posy Pards. + 70% Violet Vane’s Vow: or, The Crafty Detective’s Cratt. 724 Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, The Wipe-Ont. 780 Violet Vane’s Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. AL Violet Vane, the Veniriloquist Vidocq; or, Sport vs. Sport. 50 Violet Vane, the Vanquished, or, The Lite Strnggte. 268 Violet Vane’s Viston; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate. 489 The IMamond Sport: or, The Double Face of Bed Rock, 519 Captain Mystery ; or, Five in One, $81 Dals) ware the Sport from Denver. BS7 Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. 604 Iron Fern, the Man of Fire: or, Among the Vultures, 619 The Boy Tramp Detectives or. The Donbie Grip Witness 641 Dismal Dave’a Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt. Claw 651 Bound Boy Frank, the Young Amateur Detective 682 Wild Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missonri. 774 Clear-Grit Cal, the Never Say-Die Detective, 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Mascot. 820 Nobby, Nat, the Tenderfoot Detective. 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. BY COL, A. F. NWOLT. 817 Wideawake. the Train-boy Detective. 811 Headlight HWarry’s Flyer; or, Duke Derby. 678 Headlight Narry’s Hazard. 691 Headlight Harry’a Haul; or, The Railroad Pards, 727 Headlight Harry’s Siren; or, Mad Madge. 759 Headlight Harry’s Heritage. 794 Nendlight Harry’s Hunts or, The Cache of Gold. 899 Black Buckakin; or, The Masked Men of Death Canyon, 419 Kenneth, the Knife-King, or, The Doomed Six. 485 Littie -htfoot, the Pilot of the Woods. S28 The Dandy Sport; or, The King Pin Conspirator. BY COLONEL PRENTIE£ 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper K) 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand, Z72 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; o Z7T Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, Th 784 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and 788 Dick Doom in Bostonj or, A 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 298 Dick Doom in the Wild W: 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep} 808 Dick Doom’s Beath Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Dea 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. S20 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt 835 Diek @eom's Big Meul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kent 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny; 760 Dashing Charile’s Pawnee 766 Dashing Charlle, the Rescuer. 497% Buck Taylor, King ot the Cow $87 Buck Taylor, the (omanche’s 748 Buck Taylor's Boys; or, The! 560 Pawnee Bill, the Prairie Shado: 718 Pawnee Bill: or, Carl, the Mad T1Y Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, Th 725 Pawnee Bill: or, Daring Dick, G92 Redfern’s Curious Cage; o 697 Redfern at Devil's Ranch TO2Z Redferwa Wigh Hand; or. 707 Redfern’s Last Trails or, T! 668 Red Ralph’s Ruse; or, Tie F 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; 679 Red Ralph, the Sihadower. or,’ 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony tx 656 Butterfly Biliy’« Man Huon 662 Butterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 665 Kent Kingdon; or, ‘ine Owls ¢ 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower 75 Kent Kingdon’« Duel; «1,1 586 Kent Kingdon’s Doom; or, 545 Lafitte Run Downy or, The | 550 Lafitte’s Legacy; or. The Aver 555 Lafitte’s Confession; or, Thi 520 Buckskin Bill, the Comanche § 525 The Buckskin Brethers in 580 The Buckskin Bowers; or. 1 585 The Buckskin Rovers; or, 7 540 The Buckskin Pardo’ Oues 508 The Royal Middy; or, TheS 507 The Royal Middy’« Luck; 611 The Royal Middy’s Foc. 450 Wizard Will: or, The Boy Fer Wizard Will's Rtreet Sceu 74 Wizard Will's Pard; or, Fis 488 Wizard Wills Laat Case: 429 Duncan Dare, the Boy Refugee. 488 Duncan Dare’a Plot; or, AC 487 Duncan Dare’a Prize; or, TI 441 Duncan Dare’a Secret; or. 1 402 Iaodor, the Young Conspirs 407 Isodor’s Double Chase; or,‘ 412 Isodor’s War-Cloud Cruine 216 Rison Bit, the Prince of the Rei Bison BUP« Clue; or, Grit, th 804 Dead Shot Dandy’« Dilemn 808 Dead Shot Dandy’» Double 814 Dead Shot Dandy’s Deflan 607 Dead Shot Dandy’s Chicf; 245 Merle Monte’s Leap for Li 250 Merie Monte’a Mutiny : or, 264 Merle Monte’ Treasure Ii 269 Merle Monte the Condemn 276 Merle Monte’s Cruise; or,“ 280 Merle Monte’s Fate +r, The 284 Merle Monte’s Pledge: or." 197 The Kid Glove Sport; or, Li 204 The Kid Glove Sport’s Doi Pony Express Rider. 825 Marlo, the Cowboy Coaniec 781 Ruth Redmond, the Gir] Shad 686 Orlando, the Ocean Free Flag. 617 Ralph, the Dead-Shot Scou 602 The Vagabond ofthe Mine 5Yt The Texan Detective; or, T 591 Delmonte, tie Young Sea-Rove: 680 The Outenst Cadet; or, The 495 Arizona Joe; or, The Boy Pard 487 Nevada Ned, the Revolver Ray 468 Neptune Ned, the Boy Coaster 462 The Sailor Boy W andercr 446 Waphazard Marry: or, The! 898 The Red Olasped Wands; + B87 Warpath W4Ill. the Traitor Gui 888 The Indian Pilot; or, The Se 877 BRonodel, the Buy Rover; o 2kZ Billy Blue-Eyes, of the Ri 287 Lone Star, the Cowboy Captain. 229 Crimaon Katey the Girl alley; or 116 The Hussar Captain: or, The He 114 The Sen-Devil ¢ or, The Midshipm 102 Dick Dead-Eye, the Smuggier, or, 75 The Boy Duellixts. or, The Cruise 62 The Shadow Ship; or, The Rival Diamond Dirk}; or, The Mystery o 1% Ralph Roys the Boy Buccaneer; or. @ The Flying Yankee}; or, The 0c LATEST AND NEW 856 The Bootblack Stowaway; or, Bositae Walia New Yor 857 Spot ob In New Yor Baek. By Wm. G. Patten, : 858 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Keath: Doom of Satan’s Seven. By Ed, L. \ 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detect the Boy Police League. By Col. Pren 860 The Boat-Club Mascots or, Di v Jo Pierce. 861 Billy Brine, the Swamp Fox; or, * Schooner, By Chas. F, Welles. 862 Broadway Billy in London; + York Speci! By J, C, Cowdrick. 868 Dendwood Bick, Jr.’s Bombs heard’s Girl Cat’s-paw. By_Fd. L. W 864°The Union Square Baggars terbox; the Pavement Guide, Br Jot 865 New York Nat’s Masked Ma Ingraham, 866 Spotter Bob’« Bowery Racket fiom Mexico, By Wm. G. Patten. 867 D. Shot Ralph’s Drop; or, : aacap “hy Gol. Prentiss Ingrahan 6 Billy Shadows 1 Fes: Pre aaa 8 Whitechapel Tragedy. Nineg Ay al Ls Ra oy gcd ee A New lasue Every Ti The Half-Dime Library is for sale | Gents por sopy, or sent by mati on receipt ot sl . iBEADLE AND ADAM 98 William 81