Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 891) (1894 08 21)
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4 3 3 a : \ \ . y ‘ S . X N ‘> \\ \ "= y « . x \\ uf AY \ \ X N . \ \ | X . Y A \\ im \N \\ \ N \ Xy \ A S S \ K iN SN . NAMEN WOE WOO LEI, Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1894, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, August 21, 1894. | $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 891. a Year. No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 cents. Vol. XXXV. = — oe stents ees ee A \ Ny Uy a Nie H/F ANS a > ———s eadwood Pick, Jr. Dead-Sure Game; PISTOL POLLY of NUGRERYILLE BY ED. L. WHEELER, AUTHOR OF “ DEADWOOD DICK” Novynis, ETO, CHAPTER I. ROsy POSY AND THE TOWN HALL, THEY called it Rosy Posy—this thriving mining-camp Not a very startling name, as the names of mining-camps generally run, but it answered the purpose. It was not what might be termed a bonanza “GET UP HERE, AND PUT UP YOUR PAWs!” CRIED DEADWOOD DICK, AT THE town, nor yet a mushroom sprung from any SAME TIME PULLING ON THE LARIAT, CL, W. PRAY: Norwood, R. I.
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= ¢6 Big _ tothe mayor bluntly, \ f [a seer ee (particular boom, yet it was withal a lively scitlement that considered itself of some im- portance. Rosy Posy snuggled at the bottom of a rugged mountain gulch, the latter a kind of golden belt that extended for some distance in both directions from the camp, holding out rich inducements to the brawny wielders of pick and shovel almost anywhere along the bottom, : Here, then, lay the reason why Rosy Posy existed as the thriving camp described. It was not much of a city—in fact, it ap- peared but a small village to the stranger who looked upon it for the first time before entering. Generally, it did not take more than twenty-four hours to convince the aforesaid stranger that it was about the biggest place of its size that he had ever struck in his life. ed Posy boasted of only one hotel, the Jen” by appellation, but it had several saloons, chief smong which was the ‘‘ Pro- hibitionist Headquarters.” Then there were a couple of general-supply stores, a banking and exchange office with an Express Office in connection, and the post-office. ‘*But, greatest of all, Rosy Posy had a brand new Town Hall, recently finished, which was pointed out to the new-comer with pride—pardonable pride, for not an- olner camp in the gulch had anything that could begin to compare with it! True, Nuggetville, further down the gulch, could boast of a school-house, and Satan's Pocket, above, of a church, but when it came to the matter of a public hall, these towns were not in it. This public institution was the outcome of a thought born in the fertile brain of Mar- shal Mackerel, the mayor of the camp, W ben the school-house at Nuggetville was announced, Rosy Posy turned a glance of envy in that direction; and when, later, it wis heralded that Satan’s Pockct had a church, then the galootsof Rosy Posy awoke a to .the fact that something had to be done, | and that in a hurry, Now the above-mentioned Marshal Mack- cerel was high-cockdlorum of the town, both by right of office and because he was a par- ticularly ‘‘bad” man—or was so held to be, and his people demanded of him that he should do something that would put the rival camps away back in the shade; so, when the | mayor had worn his thinking-cap fora day or two, he made the Eh ramets that they should build a Town Hall, a suggestion that was hailed with a whoop of delight. | “You see,” the mayor explained, “ef we havea Town Hall we ar’ bound to git all Nuggetville and Satan’s Pocket will have to take a back seat. Nuggetville to school, and our wimmin all the way to Satan’s Pocket fer their churchin ; and now, by scat, we'll make them come to us fer their ’musement!” The marshal’s proposition was sustained, |. and it was so ordered—with a vim that awoke the echoes in the gulch, | _ And the outcome was, as said, the Town Hall, all complete and ready for business or earn just as the order of the day might e; but, now that it was done, it began to look asif it would prove to be a white ele- pbant on their hands, ! It had been opened formally, of course, ‘but on that occasion not a man from either Satan's Pocket or Nuggetville had honored Rosy Posy with his presence, and the deni- zens of the latter place had to chew the cud of their chagrin with the best grace possible. There was the Town Hall, but, what were they going to do with it? Vexing question! ' ' One day, when the stuge was iate and all the idlers of the camp were lounging around in front of the hotel and saloons awaiting its arrival, one Barth Dimund put that question ey Our kids have ter go to. | et fer Big-foot Ben hyer to turn round.” mayor, wildly. . the shows and sech that come this way, and \. fhe | Somebody hold me! hear what she says?” countenance, ‘*« What ar’ we goin’ to do with that Town Hall?” he demanded. ‘**T kalkylate we'll have to git up a play o’ some sort, out o’ home talent,” was the off- hand answer, “You hev hit et, by ther great gosh- away!” cried Dimund, struck hard with the idea. ‘‘ We'll talk et over an’ see what kin be done. But, no time now, fer hyer comes ther hearse, The stage was coming at last. More than that, it was bringing with it a personage who could and would make use of the new ‘Town Hall to better advantage than the mayor's thought could have made possible. With the vsual swing and flourish the “hearse” drew up in front of the Big Hen and stopped, The passengers alighted forthwith—such as were booked for this place, for the stage ran on to Nurgetville and as a general thing some of the passengers went through with it. This was not the fault of the people of Rosy Posy.. They generally gave out the report that Nuggetvill. was not much of a town, and if they—the passengers—had any respect for themselves they would stop at Rosy Posy and be done, with it, and, this sometimes had the desired effect. On this occasion all the passengers save one got out at Rosy Posy. The exception was a young woman, riding inside, who merely put her head out aud inquired: ‘*Gentlemen, is this Nuggetville?” ** Nuggetville!” roared the mayor, prompt- ly. ‘Don’t insult us, lady. Nuggetville can’t hold a candle to this place.” *“T beg your: pardon sir; | didn’t know.” “«Then it’s time ye did, by seat!” said the mayor, doffing his hat and stepping for- ward, speaking in a kindly manner. ‘' Do ou mean to tell us that you are goin’ to uggetville?” : 4 Sea eit bs? _ ‘Well, I s'pose you know what you ar’ doin’, but if you ar” merely out for pleasure, and don’t know the place, 1 would offer ther proposition that you stop off right hyer and hang up yer hat at Rosy Posy. I don’t want to run down my neighbors, but you might go further an’ fare wuss, ye know.” “Tam not on pleasure, sir, but business, and I understand that Nuggetville has a school-house—” ‘‘ An’ you ar’a schoolmarm?”, “Oh, no,” smiling; ‘*1 teach dancing—” ‘Oh! ka-whoo, ka-whoop!” yelled the 4, “Why, sir, what is the matter?” asked oung woman, her eyes open wide in wonderment. i , **You ar’ a dancin’-master?” ‘Well, yes—or that is, I tench dancing.” | «© An’ I take et you ar’ ‘lookin’ fer a locate, a place where you kin open a school?” “That is just my plan, sir.” | “Oh! ka-whoo, ka-whoop, ka-whoop-ee! Barth Dimund, do ye “ Yes, I’m takin’ et in, marshal,” The young woman looked from the one to the other, a puzzled expression upon her Marshal Mackerel turned to her again in- 16s ie ““ And you wanted ter git the use of the school-house at Nuggetville fer that purpose, be Yes, sir,” ¥ -** And opena evenin’ school fer dancin’, of course,” — ae ‘« Phat is the jdea, sir. Do you think I can get the school-house for that purpose?” “ Why, bless yer heart, gallie, that ’ar school-house at Nuggetville ain’t no bigger'n a cigur box sot upon its side, wi’ winders an’ doors cut in, an’ thar wouldn’t be room in |. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. y ‘ - as a ae ‘the He jerked his thumb in the direction of a ~ big fellow who stood near. The young lady bad to Jangh merrily, as she surveyed the size of this man’s stogies with a swift glance, ** Well, have you anything better you can offer, sir?’ she asked. — . “Lady, jest look ’e thar!” With a step backward Marshal Mackerel spread out his hand with a flourish in the di- rection of the new Town Hall. The young woman had to put her head further out in order to sce the building, and as soon as she beheld it un exclamation of ad- miration sprung to her lips. “My! Whatisit, sir?” ‘‘That’s our new Town Hall, galliec, as spick, span an’ clean as a new pin, you bet!” “And do you mean that I may have that building for the purpose of opening a danc- ing-school? I can hardly believe you mean it, sir.” ‘‘Thet ’ar’s jest what I do mean, though, none ther less,”’ the mayor declared. ‘‘ This hyer’s the place you ar’ lookin’ fer, lady, and you couldn’t ’a’ found a finer buildin’ — no, by scat, not ef you had et made to order!” CHAPTER II, ANTICIPATING A BIG BLOW OUT. THERE was a whoop from the crowd, and without further parley the young woman | alighted from the stage. She was not more than eighteen at most, with a well-rounded figure and a pretty face, with a fresh, rosy complexion. She had laughing eyes, and a weulth of brown hair that fell upon her shoulders in profu- sion. She wore a jaunty hat, and her dress was of serviceable material, semi-masculine in cut, as far as waist and jacket were con- cerned, while the skirt, of ample fold, was just short enough to disclose her shapely fect to good advantage. Altogether, she was ‘a charming specimen of her sex. “T accept your offer, sir,” she said ex- tending her hand as soon as she was on the cd “T take it that you are the mayor of the town,”’ “You have bit et right on ther head,” ade. n proffered hand, . clared the mayor, taking the “ And this is the leading hotel?” __ She indicated the Big Hen, as soon as she could disengage her shapely hance out of the mayor's rough grasp. © That’s whatet ar’, gallie,” the assurance. “We call et ther Big Hen.” fe “What a name! Why do you eall it that?” ‘* Because thar’s pey of room under its wings, ma’m,” spoke up the proprietor of the “shebang” himself, from the steps. Again the girl’s merry laugh rung out, and the stage having by this time been re- lieved of all the mail and Express matter it had brought for Rosy Posy, the driver was prepared to go On to his destination. ‘*Wull, ye have got about all I had,” he declared, ‘‘including ther pootiest gal that ever Shouldn’t wonder ef thar was a ruction over to Nuggetville when they come ter find out about et, boys, But, that ain’t no funeral o’ mine, you bet!” xi “That's what’s ther matter,” agreed Mar- shal Mackerel. shun about et, send ’em to me, Jonas.” “ That’s what I'll do, sure.” The driver cracked his whip, at that, and the stage went lumbering on down through, gulch, while Marshal Mackerel politely conducted the fair stranger up the steps and j into the hotel. Me ‘© You'll find us plain an homely, mi wo * ' got aboard this hyer old hearse., - aiiintins ‘Tf they want any inferma- he made apology, ‘but we az’ all gers, every inch. ‘All what ain’t feet,” muttered Big-foot | Ben, aside, r ) . ‘Mackerel led the way right into the bar-— ———
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| | a SE ees: ET ae ~ ~ ced ay. 4 . - —- 5 wie etisalat Game, 3 room, which answered the purpose of office as well, and the young woman followed him with that easy and carcless air which is found to perfection nowhere clse than in the wild and woolly West. Joseph Juchert, the proprietor, had pre- -ceded them into the room and had already stationed himself behind the desk where he kept the register. And the register, by the way, was a home- made affair, The girl was really the coolest of the three, -and she took up the pen and set down her name with a flourish that a master of pen- manship might envy. ‘‘There you have it,” she said lightly, shoving the register from her. ‘‘ Now my room, if you please, and IJ’ll wash up and take a rest, for Iam badly in need of both, I ‘assure you.” The name she had penned was: Lucy Love. ‘That ’ar’s a lovely name, darn me ef it ain't!” declared the mayor, as soon as his eyes took it in. ‘‘’Most as lovely as its owner, by scat!” ‘‘No flattery, please,” chided the young ‘woman. ‘‘Herearesome handbills and post- ers, by the way,” taking them from the grip she carried. ‘* You can oblige me by filling in the blanks and handing them around.” The mayor took them eagerly, and while the pretty stranger went off to her room he, “the mayor, turned to his friend Dimund, ‘What d'ye say now?” he demanded. “« Ain’t we right inet? Well, I should say ‘so, by scat! We'll advertise at Nuggetville cand Satan’s Pocket; that’ll be our first move, you bet.” The whole camp was filled with suppress- ed excitement. Lucy Love’s name was passed from lip to lip, and every man jack of them began to -cileulate upon the cost of dancing-lessons. . There was a general inspection of old stogies, and tallow was at a premium for the rest of the day. It was safe to prophesy that the dancing-school would be a success, Very little if any attention had been paid to the other passengers who had arrived by ‘the same stage. . One of these was a young man, perhaps ‘twenty-four years of age. There was nothing about him to attract more than passing notice, yet a close ob- sserver would have noted that he was hand- some, With a fearless face and a pair of eyes ‘that it would have been hard to surpass. He wore a slouch hat, blue shirt with a tie knotted at tie throat, plain jean trowsers and rough but shapely boots, into the legs of which the mentioned trowsers terminated, He had a mustache, and if he carried. any- thing in the way of weapons they were not to be seen. \ This stranger was a very quiet, unassum- ing fellow, and when he registered at the Big Hen, some time after the young lady had done so, the few who cared enough about him to learn his name found that he had written it Dick Bristol. Tt was vot until supper time that Lucy Love putin her appearance again, and then she showed herself upon the piazza of the hotel immediately after the meal. Dick Bristol was there smoking a cigar. «Ah! do I find you here, sir?” the young lady greeted him. “«T guess you do,” was the smiling answer, “Tt appears to me this is my corporeal self.” “Ha! ha! To be sure; but I thought you were going to Nuggetville, and it* appears this place is a mile or more short of there, Did you change your mind?” ** Yea,” ‘‘Then your business was not pressing your’: oy Well, no; the fact of the matter is, I have no business; I am merely putting in Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure ‘*Dq,you mean you are out of employ?” ‘*That’s putting it into plain English, Miss Love, I thought if this was a likely-looking enough place for you it ought to be for me, so I lighted off the same as you did.” The young woman had taken a seat within a few feet of him. **Well, how would you like to engage with me?” ‘* With you?” with a show of surprise. ‘*That was what I said,” smiling. ‘What in the world could Ido in your line? You want a partner toteach the art of dancing?” ‘* Ha! ha! Not at all, sir. Ican do all the teaching; what I want isa manager and some one to preserve order, and I think you will fill the bill first rate if you’ll try it.” ‘** All right; I'll do it.” ‘*The people here seem to take to the no- tion of a dancing-school.” ‘‘They’d be worse than heathen if they didn’t, with yourself as teacher,” was the gallant rejoinder to that. ‘*] see they are fixing up their new hall for me, and have made quite a display in front with the bills I gave them, No doubt there will be a great time here to-night when the school opens.” ‘Not a doubt of it, Miss Love. What's more, they have sent notices to the two neighboring camps, ard there will probably be a general turnout from those places, Now that Iam your manager, will you _per- ve me to make a suggestion in your inter- est?” _ You certainly have that right, sir,” ‘“‘ Well, I would charge a good stiff admis- sion fec, if I were you, and you’ will lire your pocket well the first night.” “You may be right.” — ; ““Tknow I am right. Give it out that you will give the first lesson free, in order to form a good class, but charge an admission into the hall, for everybody will be eager to see the class formed,” ‘That's true; I wish I had had you for manager long ago, Mr, Bristol, Will you attend to it for me?” ‘Certainly; but, how came you to choose me for this service?” ‘*T like your face; and then, too, the way you handled that insulting fellow at the last relay station, on our way here, gave me confidence in you, I must thank you again for that service,” ‘Pshaw! do not mention it again; it was nothing. I’m sorry I’m not better dressed for the honorable position you have given me, Miss Love, but I'll try to take care of your interests all the same. Hello! what have ‘we here? Looks as if it might bea delegation from Nuggetville, and 1’ll bet that’s what it is, too.” CHAPTER III. THE DELEGATION FROM NUGGETVILLE. Dick Brisrot and Deadwood Dick, Jr., are names synonymous Hence there is no need to say to the read- er that this man was none other than the Deadwood Dick, Jr., famed in romance. He it was, but a stranger in thistown of Rosy Posy—in fact, he was unknown in this section at the time of which we write, though his name and fame were no stranger there. That he was here on business may be taken) for granted. But. to the matter in hand, As he spoke, Dick called attention to a number of men who were approaching up the gulch in a body. They were coming with astride that seem- ed to bespeak business, and were excitedly talking and gesticulating among themselves as they approached, and through a force of habit Deadwood Dick felt to make sure his weapons were on call, So demanded Marshal Mackerel, just then appearing from the bar-room, He had turned in the direction of the young woman on the piazza, but noting the directiun of her gaze and Dick’s, had follow- ed it. ‘* It looks Ike a delegation coming here on business, sir,” said Dick, in answer to the in- quiry. 4 ‘*Wull, they’ll find us to home, I kalky- late,”’ the mayor snarled, ** And the latch-string out, eh?” ** You bet!” The men from Nuggetville—for as such they were recognized—were now near at hand, and in a moment more one of the num- ber called out: ‘*Come right out hyer an’ show yerself, Marshal Mackerel, fer we hev come on busi- ness, you kin jest bet on’t! Come right out hyar, an’ tell us what ye mean by sech—” “Shut up!” thundered the mayor. ‘* What's the matter with you?” ‘*Matter enough, by hokus!” ‘“We.l, spit out what you’ve got to say, and done with it. If you have come hyer fer trouble you'll git all you want, you kin *pend on’t,” ‘““We have come to demand a ’splanation from you, that’s what we have come fer, an’ you kin bet that Bill Milligin means business this hyer time, sure as my name is Abe Arnold!” ; ‘* What do you want me to explain?” ‘““Why you rebbed ther stage of passen- gers what intended to come to Nuggetville, an’ what had paid their fair clean through, by hokus!”’ ey. “You ar’ talkin’ through your hat, you confounded walkin’ distillery 0’ bad bug- juice, you!” stormed Marshal Mackerel, al- lowing his ire to rise. ‘‘We have taken no passengers from the stage.” ‘“You li— That is ter say, ef, ef that’s ther case we hev been misinformed on ther subject,” was sharply begun but quickly modified, npon the mayer's reaching for a gun. ‘* That's jest what we have come hyer to find out about, Marshal Mackerel, an’ Bill Milligin wants ter know.” ‘*Then why didn’t he come and find out?” *‘ He sent us.” ‘‘And suppose it was so, what would he * do about it?” ‘*By hokus, he’s comin’ over hyer in force an’ clean you out, Town Hall and all, and don’t you forget et!” ‘‘He is, hey? Well, you just trot back and tell him that he will find us to home, and with our guns loaded for bear, every time! We don’t scare worth a cent, we don’t, and he’ll find it out so!” Lucy Love had risen to her feet, some- what excited, and now stepping to the edge of the piazza, she said: ‘Will you let me explain this matter, sir?” ‘‘Hillo! you ar’ the gal what’s goin’ to Varn these hyer galoots of Rosy Posy to dance, be ye? Darn me ef you ain’t a posy yerself, an’ no mistake!” ‘‘Compliments are not called for, sir. I merely want to tell you that neither the mayor nor the people of this place are re- sponsible for my having stopped! here, and you cannot hold them to account for it,” “Then ther driver don’t tel) a straight story, that’s all,” ~ « What has he told?” “That Marshal Mackerel coaxed ye off.” ‘Well, he did not. He merely called my attention to hisnew Town Hall, and finding it just such a building as I wanted, I accepted: it »”» ‘ “You wasn’t the only passenger that was booked through, though.” “T am the other, sir,” spoke up Dead- wood Dick, ‘fand you, may as well under- stand right here that you have no claim upon me, none whatever. I go where I please, | time.” ‘ Hillo! what’s this hyer?” when I please, and how I please, and I ce 3 Ao ana b peng aoa EY ni, * \ AJ en { K ‘ : * ‘ Shine Via a a | SS AT y : : v" i. } ; ‘, ; + " i en ’ { f af ‘a Ad x s : Cae ae * ty ft ‘ Ay hed hag) Spey PKs Oe ah ie ‘ iP ees Fi 1 v ieee Oe a ake Bis He ie os BS ys. ; th : ‘ $ a = ee ‘ Sa 1 al oe" Fes
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4. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, « tainly owe nothing to your town of Nug- getville,” ‘“You talk big caliber fer a little gun, sonny.” Dick smiled in his grim fashion. “Tf you don’t want to take my word for it, come. and measure,” he invited. ‘‘I am open to inspection. If you fellows came here for trouble, you are likely to get into it, clear up to your ears.” ‘‘You come out hyer,’’ roared Abe Ar- nold--as called himself, ‘‘an’ see what trouble you will git into!” ‘*There is no occasion for any trouble for anybody,” spoke up Lucy Love, desirous of making peace. ‘I certainly had the right to stop off here at Rosy Posy if I so elected, and I acted upon my rights, Let me extend a cordial invitation to your people at Nug- peal to be present at the opening of my ancing-school this evening.” ‘* Ata dollar a head,” chipped in Dead- wood Dick. ‘‘ We'll be hyen, don’t you doubt et,” as- serted the baffled gern for the delega- tion from Nuggetville. ‘‘ We'll be hyer, an’ et won’t be no dollar a head, nuther, you bet!” ‘* No dollar, no dance,” taunted Dick. ‘* We'll show ye, blast ye! Say, who be you, anyhow, young feller?” “Well, I wasn’t much of anybody half an hour ago, but now I hold the office of vusi- ness manager to this lady.” The mayor, as well as the delegates, looked at the speaker in something of surprise, as did also Joe Juchert, Barth Dimund, and others; and Abe Arnold broke out into a laugh. Z ** Wull, you ar’a daisy-lookin’ duke fer a manager, you ar’!” he cried. ‘‘ You don’t Jook as if you could manage a side-show to a penny circus. you dont,’ Deadwood Dick flushed, and to the young lady he whisperd: f. ‘* You see how itis; my appearance brings disgrace upon you, Miss Love,” **Do not let that trouble you, sir,” was the spirited answer, ‘‘I know you for what you are—a gentleman.” ‘*Ha! what do you know about—” He was not allowed to finish, for just at that moment a chunk of turf, thrown by “Abe Arnold, caught him in the neck with some force. ‘“‘Let’s see what you are good fer, any- how,” the chief of the delegation cried as he flung it. ‘‘If you have got the spirit of a cow you will paw up dirt and bellow, at this my opinion of you! Ha-ha-ha!” And the others laughed with him. Dick coolly shook the dirt from his neck and shirt, and started down the steps. “Take care, sir,” cautioned the young lady. ‘' There are five of them against you. _ But, there is the mayor with you, and no doubt all the rest. self.” Dick glanced at the girl, and their eyes metin a peculiar manner, ; ‘‘Don't worry about me,” he answered. *T could not put up with that, even if they were twenty-five against one.” He continued on down the steps, and out in the direction of where the five men from Nuggetville were standing, and these five had their hands at their bips, with guns in their grasp. The mayor had already leaped from the porch, but hesitated, seeing that the five were ready to draw their weapons. The others also hung back. ‘*Take care!” warned the mayor. what they’re up to?” ‘*You keep out of it, sir, and let me deal with them,” responded, Dick, in a low tone. He walked out to where the five were standing, with his thumbs thrust under bis belt and with an air of utter carelessness and Still, take care of your- ‘* See _ unconcern about him, | Nee ea TY Sits re ee > One Lan Re Re TEE The five evidently knew not what to make of it, and their leader looked puzzled. As headvanced, Dick stooped and grabbed up a fistful of sod, and continued straight on and up to the leader of the delegation, spite of the fact that the fellow drew his revolver. ‘Keep off,” the fellow warned, ‘or by hokus I’ll give ye somethin’ wuss’n a chunk 0’ dirt, by a mighty sight! D’ye hear? By ther Lord Harry ef I don’t let ’er go at— Whoup! Ouch! Ugh! Splush—sh—!” And he ended with a choking sound that made the crowd laugh. CHAPTER IV. A STROKE FOR ROSY POSY. Drapwoop Dick had quietly and wisely weighed all the chances, and had taken action accordingly. In the first place, he did not believe one of these fellows would dare to shoot, for if he did the chances were that they would never get outof the place alive, After picking up the bunch of sod, Dick had walked straight on, and when within a evenly of paces of the leader he made a eap, The revolver was brushed aside, and, in that instant, the new-comer had Abe Arnold by the neck. : And in the same moment the clod of dirt was jammed into Abe’s mouth. It was quite probable that never before in his life had the fellow felt a grip like unto this of the young man into whose hands he had fallen, for the clutch on his throat almost paralyzed him. He tried to uttera whoop, then he gave a squeal of ,pain, followed up with a grunt in the same breath; that was followed by a choking splutter that set the onlookers to laughing loudly at his expense. The next moment Dick gave him a fling off that sent him upon his back, ° Abe Arnold's friends had just awakened to the realization that their duty was to assist their partner in distress, and sprung forward to do so, but they were just a trifle too late. ‘Back all of you!” and the manager con- fronted them with a brace of revolvers drawn. Back they fell—every man of them with weapons in hand; but Deadwood Dick had the drop on them and they were helpless. It was a rule that would not ‘work both ways—at any rate they could not be certain that it would; if they had not dared to shoot Dick, for reasons aires they had no assur- ance that he would hesitate to shoot them. ** Kill him!” spluttered Abe Arnold, having got the clod out of his mouth, ‘* Go slow about it,” cautioned Dick. ‘Fill him fullo’ holes!” “« Don’t try to, that's all.” ‘‘ Make a porous plaster of his skin, by hokus!” “Take care that you don’t get converted into a porous plaster yourself.” Abe was scrambling to his feet, trying hard to see, for some of thedirt had got into his eyes as well. By the time he got upon his pins he was able totake in the situation with one eye at lenst, and what he saw did not thrill him with delight. «What yer mean by jammin’ that inter my mouth?” he bellowed. * Just what you meant by throwing a lump of the same at me, perhaps,” Dick re- torted. ‘‘ Dose for dose is my law!” “Blast ye, I’ve a notion ter chaw you all up! D’ye hear? Chaw ye all up, by hokus, an’ spit ye out!” “With a dirty mouth like that? Oh, no, thank you; I respectfully decline to be chawed, I’m not in the market for the chawin’ process at present, my friend,” The crowd whooped with delight at the fellow’s expense, . Dick did not for a moment relax his watch ad ‘now I'll do my best to uphol an tine - a. age hes pT AICS Aye cote” 9 upon the others, but kept them under cover while the Nuggetville delegate talked. ‘* You ar’ a ding-dang rip-stavin’ coward, that’s what you ar’! D’ye know et? An’ I kin chaw ye all up into little bits afore ye kin squeal, ef you'll put up that ar’ gun!” “You alarm me, sir—dreadfully !” ‘*Yas, an’ I'll harm ye, too, Ly hokus! I'm a tiger right out of ther jungle, when ye git me mad, an’ I’m half mad a’ready!” “Ts that so? I took you for a billy goat!” At which the crowd whooped it up again, ereatly to the disgust of Mr. Arnold, and his four comrades. The four put up their wea- pons. ‘‘Come on, Abe! Le’s git home!” one urged. ** Not by a ding-dang sight!” the Nugget- ville gladiator bellowed, ‘‘ Not till I have taken satisfaction out of the hide of this hyer striplin’, you bet. Now I’m goin’ fer your ia 5 sonny!” ‘*Let me know when you have got it, will you?” * You'll know et, by hokus! You kin bet: you will) You jes’ put up that ’ar gun, an” see what'll happen next!” ‘All right! Just give up your weapons to Marshal Mackerel here, and I’ll do the same, and then I’ll be at your service.” ‘*Do ye mean fair?” ‘* Nothing else.” . ‘* And I'll see to it that there is fair play,” the mayor promised. The crowd had circled, by this time, around the two men and the others from Nuggetville. ‘* Better a darn sight come home,” again suggested one of the four, ‘‘We have got into a hornets’ nest an’ ther best thing ter do is to go out ’fore we git stung.” ‘«There’s horse sense for you,’ added. Dick. ‘¢1’m doin’ this hyer,” bellowed the would: be whacker, ‘ You hold your jaw till I ax ye to putet in, Den Hiker. Come, young feller, put up that weepin an’ let me git at ye, fer I’m dyin’ now ter git a taste of yer blud.” 4 ‘All right, I'll oblige you, You four get out of this ring, and some of my friends will keep an eye on you to see that you don’t chip in. That’s right; and now, Mr. Splurge, give up your weapons tothe mayor.” “Hyar they ar’,” growled Arnold, handing over his guns, “ And your knife, too,” reminded Dick. Such a weapon was forthcoming, and was surrendered, and the homely, bearded tough slightly pale, was ready for the fray. “Mayor, here are my weapons, too, and the credit of Rosy Posy,” said Dick. ‘‘If I get the worst of it, Just plant me under the willows by the brookside and scatter a few sunflower seeds around, will you?” , ‘ “No danger of your gettin’ done up, I guess,” laughed Mackerel. “Thar ain’t, hey?” roared ugly Abe. ‘I'll show him in jest about two holy seconds, by hokus! Take that fer a starter, dang ye!” and the bad man from Nuggetville led off with a rouser from the shoulder, but Bristol brushed it aside deftly. ‘*T’]l show ye, blast ye! Take this hyer, then!” but again the blow was parried. ‘Yes. but you don’t get itin, Mr. Splurge. What’s the matter with you? This is the way to do it.” And Dick let out his left, and head-over- heels went Mr. Abe Arnold, to the intense delight of all who were there to witness it— save the four. Up he got, with a commingled roar and bellow, and at his foe he blindly rushed, — What happened would not be easy to describe. There was a swift commotion in which two pairs of arms and legs took pro- minent part, and when it was over Ugly Abe again lay upon his back, — “ ntti, ee 2 —— == SF : Aish gOS a ay - 4 — re
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~-y Both eyes were fast closing up, his mouth ‘was bleeding, his shirt was torn half off, ‘and, taken altogether, he’looked as if he had been having a tough tussle with a wild-cat, or worse. While Dick, he stood with arms folded, not a mark upon him anywhere. And the excited and delighted crowd cheered madly. CHAPTER V. NUGGETVILLE AND PISTOL POLLY, ‘‘ Wet, gentlemen, do you think he will do to take home?” / So asked Deadwood Dick, as soon as he could be heard, addressing the four others from Nuggetville, “Bf he was done upany wuss, et wouldn’t be worth while to take him at all,” Den Hiker made answer, ‘‘ Kin we borrow a shutter to carry him on, Mayor Mackerel?” no the crowd whooped and yelled, at this. ‘‘ We'd be most mighty mean, ter refuse that,” responded the mayor. ‘‘Take your pick of shutters or doors, ‘ceptonly them of ther Town Hall. | ‘‘ And give our respects to Bill Milligin, our mayor,” added Barth Dimund. “If i wants any further infermation from this quarter, tell him to apply in person next time, instead of sendin’ sich delegates!” ‘** You ber darn!” The four were in no amiable mood, but, wisely discreet they wanted only to get themselves out of a bad box, A shutter was brought and the insensible ladiator was stretched out upon it on his ack; then his four comrades laid hold upon it and bore him away down the gulch, the crowd giving them a parting cheer. The mayor had surrendered the man’s ‘weapons, and also gave Deadwood Dick his revolvers, ‘‘Give me your hand, boyee!” he exclaim- ed. ‘* That ’ar was the neatest I ever seen done.” — ‘‘That was nothing,” said Dick, giving his hand. ‘‘ That fellow was only a bag of wind.” ‘« An’ you ar’ a sack o’ sand, by scat!” ‘You bet he ar’!” *« | hope no trouble will come out of it, for your camp here, mayor,” Dick observed. ‘¢ Let ‘em make trouble ef they want to,” was the response. ‘‘ Ef they want more of the same medicine, they know whar ther doctor's office is, I opine, But, what’s yer - name, pardner?” é ‘«* Dick Bristol.” ; ‘* An’ you ar’ travelin’ with this young lady?” ‘* Happened to come here by the same stage with her, that’s all. She has employed me ‘now, however, a8 her manager.” ** Wull, ef she has hired you as her knock- -er-out, I ’prove of her choice, by scat! We ar’ goin’ to keep order in the dancin’-school Lat or know the reason why, you kin et.” ‘Glad tohear you say it, mayor, That means that 1 am sare of your support in that direction.” “You bet.” } Thus talking, they returned to the piazza and the crowd dispersed. The young woman was standing there to welcome Dick and congratulate him, and the mayor sat down with them. Meanwhile, the four men from Nuggetville were lugging their fallen champion wearily homeward. Abe did not show any signs of regaining conscivusness on the way, but he did show signs unmistakable of the rough treatment he had received. ‘He ar’ pooty bad used up, ain’t he?” ob- served Den Hiker, once whey. they stopped Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, ooo eee eee SS a\>——vaowmovws ‘You ar’ right he ar’,” agreed Tom Yet- ter. ‘¢ An’ I doubt whether Mayor Milligin will reckernize him,” remarked one Dave Bur- dock, another of the four. ‘Ef he don’t, we'll have ter swear to his ‘dentity, that’s all,” chimed in the fourth and last of the party—Mose Hefner. The others laughed, und when they had rested and changed places around the impro- vised stretcher they continued on their way. When they neared their destination they were discovered coming, and the word was quickly passed. A crowd quickly gathered, in which Bill Milligin was prominent. ‘They ar’ luggin’ in a dead man, sure as 8 live, mayor,” one man declared positive- ‘“*Et looks like et,” the mayor agreed. ‘*No doubt it’s Abe Arnold, an’ them cusses up at Rosy Posy must ’a’ gi’n him his pill.” “ An’ ef et’s so—” “‘They’ll git more pilis of ther same kind ’n what they kin digest, an’ don’t you ferget et!” ‘*That’s what’sther matter, Yes, et’s Abe, sure enough, fer he is ther missin’ man out of ther five. We'll soon know what’s up, now.’ About this time the laid-out man began to come to, and when the shutter was set down in front of the Bungalow Hotel, he sat up and tried to see. ‘‘ Wh—wh—whar is he?” he feebly de- manded. ‘‘ Let me finish him, by hokus, while I’m ’bout et! Let me at him again,” scrambling to his feet and staggering arvund almost like a drunken man, ‘‘an’ see ef I don’t chaw him all to hash! Et’s blud I want an’ blud I'm goin’ to have, you bet!” “And it looks asif you had got a dose of it, too,” assented the mayor, in a tone of disgust. me ‘* What, you here, Milligin?” cried Abe. **You darn fool! they have just brought you home on a shutter.” ‘*Wh—what? Home on a shutter—me! Well, I guess not, by hokus! What ye talk- in’ bout?” “If you could open your eyes so as to look around, you would know what I’m talking about. What’s the meaning of this? Abe went lookin’ fer fight an’ he found et; that’s bout the size of et.” ‘** Marshal Mackerel knocked him out?” ‘No, et wasn’t him,” ‘*Who then?” ‘‘ Young feller what kem by ther stage, an’ what seems to be partner with that pooty gal ther driver told us ’bout.” : ‘““That’s et, hey? Well, ‘I ruther opine that same feller will have a chance to take a fall out o’ me this evenin’, if nothin’ bu’sts. Wear’ goin’ over thar, boyees, you bet!” “‘ An’ they’ll be ready fer us, too.” ‘‘Did they say so?” ‘“‘That’s what they done, an’ ther gal has sent a speshul invite fer ‘Nuggetville to be present at ther openin’ of her dancin’- school.” ‘We'll be thar, you bet!” ‘Bet yer life we wull!” roared Arnold, td be thar wi’ both feet an’ loaded fer ‘ar!” ‘You'll have to git your peepers open first,” sneered Milligin. ‘‘ You ar’ a fine specimen of a delegate to send out on busi- ness, and then to come home in this fash- ion!” ; **Thunder! what could ye expect? Thar was only us five ’gainst ther hull camp o’ Rosy Posy!” ‘Bah! didn’t you hear what Den said?” ‘* What did he say?” ‘“‘He said one man done you up, an’a young fellow at that,” a was twenty onto me all to oncet, ef thar was one!” ‘* Well, have it your way,” said the mayor, ‘But, that woman at the Bungalow is wait- ing to see you,” ‘“That’s so! Had fergot bout her, I kin find ther raych,” He could see just a little out of one eye, and making the best use of that he found his way to the hotel. A woman was on the piazza, evidently awaiting his coming, and when he had mounted the steps she took a pinch of bis sleeve and led him into the house, where she put him on a chair, ‘* Well?’ she demanded, ‘‘Et was her!” the man declared, posi- tively. ‘“You will swear that this young woman who has come to Rosy Posy is the original of the photograph I showed you?” “‘Sech is ther case, sure enough, an’ I'll take oath to et on ther pootiest deck o’ cards you ever sot eyes on in your life, Pistol Polly. She’s ther gal you ar’ gunnin’ fer, no mistake.” Guess — CHAPTER VI. PISTOL POLLY’S SCHEME. Anp who was this Pistol Polly? She was a woman under twenty-five years = age, and not by any means devoid of good ooks. With her handsome face, however, she had a hard expression, which was natural to her, but which she could chase away in an a when she chose to put on her usual smile. Here, with this man Arnold, her face was in its natural pose and the hard expression was plainly discernible, She appeared pleased at what she now heard. . Well, as you are certain on that point, Abe Arnold,” she said, “everything is all right. But, tell me, did you see her before you had the fight, or afterward?” “1 tumble to what you're drivin’ at, Pis- tol Polly. I seen her ’fore the fight. IfI hadn't, I guess I wouldn’t seen her at all, if it’s*true what they all tell me.” ‘* Well, it’s true enough, and the more fool How do you have got for you to do, now?” ‘**Hadn’t any idea of gettin’ into a fight. I mistook a young fellow fer a milk-an’-water kid, and threw a chunk o’ sod at bim an’ took him in ther neck.” “And then you found he was more’n you could handle, eh?’ ~ “Do T look as if I handled him?” ‘* You look as if you had been run through a thrashin’ machine, that is how you look,” ‘© Wal, he was the thrashin’ masheen that done et, an’ nobody else, though I wouldn’t ’mit et to the crowd. But, you kin bet Pll git even with him fer et fore he gits out of this hyer gulch.” ‘And did I understand Den Hiker to say that this young fellow seems to be a partner of this Lucy Love?” “‘That’s about ther size of et, Pistol Polly.” . ‘‘ What's his name?” “‘ Heard ’em call him Bristol.” ‘Then there will be two for you to tackle, instead of one.” ‘Ther feller and the gal both, hey?” ‘Exactly. But, I’m half afraid to trust you, now, You are out of trim for impor- tant business.” “Think so? Well, Iain’t then, I'll have my other peeper open by the time ther sun goes down, an’ then let that galoot at Rosy Posy look well to his health!” *‘T hope you will be all right, then, As TI have taken you into this thing I don’t want any one else to have a finger in the pie. I What's happened, boys?” you for getting into a fight. ‘*Wull,” said Den Hiker, ‘‘et means that | expect to carry out the rest of the work I es $0 reat. ‘‘ Then he’s a blame liar; that’s all, Thar | have reason to believe that I can trust you, x . } ti ‘ \ h 4 - ; . | 3 aes i * *, + A ‘ 4 he 5 ee Wiese nts ee v my Cte \ at i ‘ \ rey wer ¥ inet
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well.” **Kive hundred, you said.” ‘*That’s the figure, five hundred dollars; | and I’ll make it a hundred more if you can put this fellow Bristol out 6f the way.” ‘Then that hundred will be a clear an’ 62 epee ne En te Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. ee NN ee ee ae | ee rr - and if you serve me I’m going to pay you | or words to that effeck. That is ter say, he perlitely tells you to go to blazes, and that he’ll do as he pleases!” ‘* An’ that was the word he sent, was et, curse him? He feels his oats sence they have stuck up that shanty they call a Town Hall. But, we'll make him tnke water be- clean present, fer I'm goin’ ter do that job | fore he is a day older, an’ don’t you forget anyhow, you bet! He hasr‘iled up ther tiger | et!” that’s in me, an’ nothin’ but his blood will make ther beast down,” The woman broke suddenly into a peal of laughter. ‘* What's broke loose now?” the whiskered tough demanded, with a voice something like the subdued roar of a lion. ‘*T was only comparing your assertion with your appearance, that’s all. You said he had roused the tiger in you, while it looks to me as if the tiger was turned into a scare- crow, Ha! ha! ha!” ' The fellow’s hideous face grew more for- bidding still, as he tried to frown. ‘* Don’t you go ter make no fun o’ me, Pistol Polly,” he warned. ‘* Bless you, Abe, that’s not making fun! You simply don't know how comical you look. But, now to business.” ‘“‘Well, what is ther business?” ‘* You will be on hand at the opening of the dancing-school in Rosy Posy?” “*That’s what I’m goin’ fer, you bet. And ef that smart Alex gits in my way he is goin’ to hear somethin’ drop—” ‘* Just what I’m afraid of, You will get into trouble with him and he will do you up for fair, and then where will your five hun- ey be? I want you to attend to business rst,” ‘‘Wull, ain’t that business?” “Ttmay be the business that will finish youif you don’t go slow about it, that’s so.” “Then how d’ye want et done?” “Couldn’t there be a inystery there at Rosy Posy, don’t you think?” “ What kind of a mystery?” ‘*A murder mystery,” in whisper, “Thar might be, I s’pose.” ‘Tf this girl should be found dead in the morning, couldn’t it be made to appear that this fellow Bristol had done the deed?” “* Mebby.” ‘*And how, much money would it be worth, do you think?” **A cool thousand, in clean cash, and rot a penny less, Not that I'm sayin’ I'd do et, mind ye,” ‘And not saying that I’m offering any such reward for the service, You are nota fool, Abe, nor am J]. I have got justa ‘thousand dollars laid by, however. You understand ?” ? “*Reckon I do. _ eyes open, I’m your domino.” ‘Then there is nothing more to be said. See that you keep sober, and that you say nothing to anyone. I am putting a big trust in you, Abe Arnold.” he womun had risen, and now showed the be out.of the room. Ny r en tee took on a dark look immediately, as he*disappeared, ; ‘Tf he will only serve me,” she said to her- self. ‘‘ My interests here are too great for ‘me to throw them up, and yet it will speilall if Lucy Love comes here—as she certainly will if she learns that lam here. But, curse her, she shall be removed from my path!” In the mean time Mayor Milligin had been” waiting for Arnold to come forth, * Well, what have you got to report?” he demanded. ‘‘ What apology did Marshal Mackerel make? What did he say about taking advantage of us the way he has been doin’? That's what I want to know. If, you was foolenough to git licked, that was - your fault,” “Et was, hey? Wall, he said as how if you wanted a dose of ther same medicine you knowed where to find ther doctor, an’ that T could tell you so with his compliments If, I kin git these hyer CHAPTER VII. SOMETHING OF A COUNTERPLOT, A cLoup was appearing on the horizon, as yet no larger than a man’s hand but of de- cidedly sable hue. Where the cloud would burst and what the damage would be, remained to be seen, Mention has been made of the leading saloon at Rosy Posy, the Prohibitionist Head- quarters, and itis to that resort that atten- tion is now invited—and a pretty hard place it was, A curious name for a saloon, and the more so for a mining-camp saloon, admitted; but it was only a name, after all, though there was a good deal of it. In fact, the front of the saloon had not been able to contain it all, The painter who had done the lettering had missed his calculation. The name began 9]l right, and ran along all right for several letters, and the point could be seen where the artist had first dis- covered that he was going to be cramped for room, for the next letter was just a trifle smaller than the first three or four. And the next was smaller still, and closer to the rest, and so it ran until the end of the line was reached. There the letters stood as close together as it had been possible to place them, and they were very thin at that,-but even that last measure had not saved them from slopping over, and in order to read the whole sign the curious,one had to step around the cor- ner and view it frum the side. But, that was only a matter of passing moment and did not amount to anything. Enough of the name stood in front to enable any one to guess the rest of it, - The entrance was on a level with the strect, by a door that would have done better service as the door of a barn, and the bar was the most conspicuous object in sight, at first blush. It was astructure of rough planks well spiked upon a strong framework, and be- hind it were some shelves of similar planks stoutly braced. _, On these shelves were bottles of many sizes and kinds, ; Upon the boarding of the shanty itself, over the mentioned shelves, the name of ‘the saloon was repeated in smaller letters— the artist had evidently painted this after doing the job outside, and had measured his space. ree then, under this sign, and in brackets, were the words: (Wuat's Proursrrep? WATER!) The proprietor of the den considered this a huge joke, and on one or two occasions when temperance advocates had wandered into the place, deluded by the sign without, he hud enjoyed the joke to the full. Further back, beyond a space that was | left bure for dancing, were some tables and chairs, and at one of these tables were two men in whom we have interest. , One we have scen before, Barth Dimund, ' The other was 8 man who had come by the stage, as an outside passenger, and who had not registered at the hotel, He was a man of ragged hair and unkempt beard, but who had a pair of keen and flash- or beard in color, for they were of the black- est. ; His hair and beard were of a rusty color. ing eyes that did not agree with either hair - Sn m2 He was roughly clad, carried a reyolver | face decidedly pale, in a swinging holster at his hip, and might. have been taken for a rough cowboy from a. pretty tough section of country. A close observer, however, would have noted that his hands gave the lie to this im- pression, for, though dirty enough, they were soft and evidently unused to hard knocks and rough usage. ‘*And that is the way you expect to find her, eh?” Barth Dimund was just just say- ing, “That’s the way. The little gal will run her down, sooner or later, and then I'll step: right into the fortune and bag the game, See?” ‘* Yes, I see, and I see alsoa snag in your way, too.” ‘“*A snag? What’s that?” “This man who ealls himself Dick. Bristol,” **T have been thinkin’ about him, and I have got his goose over to cook all sight.” ‘‘You may be all right if you have, but you have seen what that fellow is made of, and you will do well nof to run up against: him, that’s all 1 have to say.” ‘‘ Not the first time I have seen him show his muscle.” * What do you mean?” Thereupon the stranger related a cireum~ stance that hai occurred at the Jast relay station, where a big bully of a fellow had offered insult to Lucy Love and Dick had taken it up for her. ; ‘* And then what is your iatention with re- gard to this young lady?” asked Dimund, ‘“‘T’ll marry her, of course, if she’ll have it. *‘Ha! ha! Well, that’s a cool proposition, I must say.” teehee, Wet ‘What's the matter with it?” ‘‘A good deal—with you. Do you think for a moment she’d wed you?” ‘3 ‘‘She won’t get a dip at the fortune any other way, that’s certain.” .“* According’ to the story de> have told me, she will come in for it all, soon as she gets the papers from this other woman, whem she discovers her.” ‘* Yes, soon as she does—which she never will by the way. I tried to find her, but: failed, and then I took up the task of follow- ing this other, for it takes a/woman to fol- low a woman, every time,” ‘* You mean you think she’ never find: her?” . in and take the papers, and she will have to» dance to my tune or not at all.” “ And what about the other party?” . “She'll not be in it at all. for her treachery to me in the past, you bet!” ‘*There’s one thing strikes me as peculiar in all this.” J ‘And what's that?” aie “That you should make a practice of go- ing about and telling your private affairs to. strangers—for instance, me.” _ ‘* That's where you make the grandest mis-. take of your life, old loss.” ** But, you have told. me.” ** Yet, I don’t muke a practice of doing if, You are the exception, and I have told you eye I know you and because I want your elp.’ Barth Dimund gave a start. ‘* You know me?” he gasped, “LT rather think I do, my friend.” ‘Then you have greatly the advantage of me, that’s all, My name is Barth Dimund, as I have told you, and yours, you said, is Joel Hicks?” sort of give-away tone about the name you have chosen.” Beis ty . Both were speaking in low, earnest toner and now Dimund leaned over the table, his > M 4,2 ‘* No, no; that she'll never get the paperst: She’ll find the woman all rieht, but I'll step: - ll pay her off ‘© Joel Hicks, that's what I said, and that name fits meas well as Barth Dimund fits. . you, if not a good deal better. There is a
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Sr ewniles ~* wee - ge - t “*Look here,” he demanded, ‘‘I want you to speak right out plain.” *“That’s what I'm trying to do,” ** You accuse me of wearing a false name.” “Your real name is Henry Snow—” ‘Sh!’ with a glance around, and witha | ‘* Don’t mention thatagain, But, who in wonder face like death. if you value your life! are you?” ‘* Joel Hicks.” Dimund dashed: his fist down upon the table with force, and ripped out an anathema, as if he cared not who heard, but his words that followed were as low-spoken as ever, or more so, ‘“You have got an unfair advantage of me,” he complained. ‘If you want my aid you have got to show your hand and meet me on the level,” ; ‘«And [am going to hold it, too—the ad- vantage, I mean. 1 want your aid, and you have got to give it—do you nail fast to that _ fact? I want your help, and you have got to lend it.” ‘** And if I refuse?” © ‘‘The worse for you, that’s all.” ‘* Well, curse the luck, you have got me, that’s sure.” ‘‘On the other hand, aid me to establish my claim, and I'll divvy with you.” “To what amount?” “* Say a quarter.” **Done. Give me your hand on it, who- ever you are, and it’sa bargain. But, I fail to see how I can aid you, unless you have a scheme laid out.” ‘* Well, I heard you remark that you had seen somebody whom this Luéy Love looks like, Have you thought who it is yet? There may bea clue in that to enable us to get in ahead of her allin good shape, after all,” ““You have it, by Harry! The one I had in mind was a girl called Pistol Polly, who hangs out at Nuggetville. I'll bet she’s the one you are on track of.” CHAPTER VIII. ° TRYING TO PLAY A DOUBLE HAND. _ Tuts man who called himself Joel Hicks gave a sturt of surprise and uttered an ejacu- lation of delight. He brought his dirty fist down upon the table with a thump, and voiced his satisfac- tion, after which he leaned forward to say:. ‘* Tf she’s the one, Hen Snow,,the game is nearer than I thought it was, and we are sure of it, All I want is a little help from you, and I'll pay you for it, you ean de- nd. “ Well, you take care not to call me by that name aguin, or you will hear somethin’ drop; d’ye hear?” “All right, Dimund; I'll take care,” **See that you do. And now, how much will there be in this thing for me?” *‘How does five thousand cold stones strike you?” “Til go to the devil for that amount!” ‘Then to the devil you will go, for that’s the price, if you do the job and do it up brown for me.” “ And what’s the job?” «To put this Pistol Polly out of the way,” cautiously whispered, . “The deuce!” ; “That was what I said. She has got to o, orI won't be in it. You don't know what a devil she is, when she wants to be.” “ You talk as if you do know something “And do. But, this is not to the point, Will you undertake to do the job for me?” . “Yes, for that price.” about her.” ‘Then it’s a bargain. You know this |. Pistol Polly ?” “ce Certai aly. ” ‘« And you can arrange it so that I can get a look at her?” “That will be easy; I'll go over and bring her here to the dancin’-school to- night.” ‘* No, the deuce! That won’t do!” Why?” ‘““That would bring the two gals together, don't you see, and they might do each other up.” ‘*But, Polly could come dtsguised.” } “*And then what good would seeing her | do me?” “You are right. Well, what do you | suggest then? You seem to have a head for | planning.” ‘* Let’s both go over there to Nuggetville, and you get me a chance to have a good look at her face and I 11 mighty soon decide wheth- er she’s the critter or not.” “Done. Come along,” They rose and left the room, and half an hour later found them in Nuggetville and at the Bungalow Hotel. Joel Hicks went ahead and entered the bar-room, and Barth Dimund coming on a little later, applied at the main door of the shebang and made inquiry for Pistol Polly. She was there and soon made her appear- ance. **Good-evening, Mr. Dimund!” she greet- ed. ‘“Same to you,” was the easy response. ** Any objection to sittin’ down here on the piazza for achat? I’ve come over a-purpose to see you ” ‘Not the slightest objection. Rather chat with you thin witha good many men I know, Barth Dimund, But, how is it you can tear yourself away from Rosy Posy this evening?” “Why?” **Isn’t the Town Hall to be opened, with & young lady to give dancing lessons? Seems to me it with bes a red letter night in your camp’s history ” ‘ ‘ “Yes, maybe it will, but, business before pleasure, you know.” “Then you have come to see me on busi- ness?” **T have.” “And what is it?” “You have not forgotten our former talk?” ‘*No; but, surely you have gotten over that foolish idea, haven’t you?” ‘‘That Llove you?” in low tone. a bit of it. I want to know will marry me,” ‘“‘What’s the use? I’m free, and I mean toremain so. I like you, and I’m willin to let you love me all you want to, but don’t propose to give any man a monopoly | of my regard,” ** Not again if you **You did so once,” The woman gave a start. ‘* What do you mean?” she demanded. “Just what Tsay. Are you free to marry if ner would?” She paled a little, but her answer was quick, “Yes, I’m free, No man has any claim on me—or if he has I'd like to see him try to | foreclose, that’s all.” _‘* Well, now, see here, Pistol Polly: I’m either for you or against you, and I bad rather be on your side. There is trouble hatching for you, and I can be of use to you, if you'll let me.” “Til let you, certainly, but what are you | talking about?” =, | «You'll let me, no doubt: you would willingly take my services, for nothing; but, lam not going to have it that way.” ‘*T fail to hold fast, Barth.” ‘Then I'll try to give you a better grip. soyoucan There is a fortune at stake, and | you want it.” ) She gave another start. ‘‘And. I want a slice of it myself,” the man immediately ndded. ‘As it stands naturally, you come in for only a small share | of it Ican make it possible for you to get the whole.” ‘Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. aa PE a a a ae ee ee SS She was now pale to the lips, and looked at Dimund wonderingly. ~ * You see I know what I am talking about, Pistol Polly,” that worthy boasted. ‘* Now it is for you to say whether I shall be for you or against you.” ! ** What are your terms?” ‘“Murry me, and give me a half share with yourse!f, and I'll see to it that you get every dolinr of the fortune.” ** And if [ won’t do that?” ‘‘Then I’m on the other side, and shall have to work against you, for a considera- tion.” Pistol Polly’s face settled into a hard, grim expression, nnd with her lips drawn in a firm line, she said: ‘Then you want to force me to terms to suit you.” ‘*T want to give you the chance to accept my regard and be my wife. I care not what your past is.” “* And if I’m not free?” ‘* By Judas, I won’t hesitate about making’ you so!” **T wouldn’t object to your doing that for me, but I’m not in the matrimonial market ™ ‘*Then you refuse my offer, do you?” ‘‘How much are you getting from the other side?” ! ‘No matter; I will make no other terms with you than I have offered.” -** And suppose I deny the whole matter, and tell you that you are on the wrong trail, what then?” ‘‘It won’t work. I have got the facts too straight, my pretty Polly, for that. Whether you know it or not, that young woman at osy Posy ison the tall hunt for you, and she is likely to find you, too,” ‘ “Tell me, how came you by all this knowledge?” Lal Sh!” A man had come out of the bar-room and was sauntering toward them, a fellow with a — tangle of hair and bushy whiskers, e came on, passed them, strode to the end of the piazza and back again, and Fea peared, saying never a word and seemingly paying no attention to the couple seated there, ‘* Knows enowgh not to intrude where he isn’t wanted, anyhow,” growled Dimund, ‘Now, as you were saying, Pistol Polly?” ‘‘1 demand to know how learn all this.” ‘That don’t matter, so long as I do know it and you know that I know 11,” ‘‘No, it matters not, for I am going to defy you. Go ahead and do your worst, will share neither with you nor any one else!’ “You will have nothing to share, my pretly Polly.” ; ‘* All right; so be it! One thing is certain, I don't care a fig for you, and I, would not marry you anyhow, so that dog is dead, Now, what are you going to do about it, old man?” “You'll find out. to your sorrow, curse | you!” growled Dimund, rising and turning away. ‘‘I have made you a fair offer, Pistol Polly, and you have seen fit to make me your foe rather than accept it, You'll hear something drop before this thing is end- ed.” CHAPTER IX, OPENING THE DANCING-SCHOOI.. Trey had spoken in low tones, Dimund— 7 you came to Tree for one reason and the woman for another, — and they could not have been overheard. Dimund left the piazza immediately and strode off up the gulch, while Pistol fac looked after him with hatred, and her lan rested on a pistol. ‘“‘T’ve a notion to drop him,” she grated. | “7 would, too, only that I might get into trouble, and that wouldn't pay, at this time, ae geta chance at him pretty soon, no oubt,” pi
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—_ « | Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. Pistol Polly was a well-known character. She was not a lovable creature by any means, good-looking as she was, And she was one to stand no fooling, as more than ene man could testifiy, and as some others could not—owing to the fact shat she had made them ready for ‘‘ planting.” She was not called Pistol Polly for noth- ing; she had the lives of at least three or four men to her account, and the rough characters of the gulch took care not to make themselves too familiar. Her pistol was ever too handy. On this occasion she toyed with the weapon for a few moments, while she looked at the retreating form of the man who had just left her; then she removed her hand, with a sniff of disdain, ‘‘Not worth the risk to do it,” she de- clared to herself. ‘‘ But, he’ll get it, that’s sure. I’d give a good dealto know how he came by that knowledge. Can it be that— But, no; he hadn't any more brain than the Lord allows the average man. And it isn’t likely that she would take such a fellow in as partner. ‘There’s mystery back of it all.” She paced the piazza for a few moments, then entered the h.use in a manner to sug- gest that a thought had struck her, The next moment Joel Hicks came forth from the bar-room and hurried up the gulch, When he reached the outskirts of the camp he fell in with Dimund. The latter was waiting. “Well, you got a good look at her, didn’t ou?” Dimund asked at once. ‘‘ You saw that 1 held her attention.” ** Yes, I got a good look—one half as good would have done the business just as well.” “* And she’s the gal?” ‘* She’s the one,” ‘* Then that much of it is settled.” “But, you seem to be friendly with her; what’s between you two?” ‘‘Ha! ha! That’s a fine Of course we’re friendly, an of the same kind.” ‘‘Not a doubt of it,” sullenly. ‘I’m nothing to her any more, and it is a late day for me to kick. But, Ill pay her off for the whole score. You don’t mean to back out, do you?” ‘* Not by along sight!” ‘*Good enough! Then, we have only to work the scheme with care, and we'll be all hunk for the rest of our lives.” ‘«That is tosay, if the other one will marry ou, which, ip my opinion, is not at all like- How aah yan going to plan itif she kicks over the traces?” “Let her kick, if she wants to, once I get hold of the papers. { can prove my marriage to the other, and if both are out of the way, and I produce a kid to\come in for the property— See?” *“ You seem to know what you are talking about.” ‘* Bet your life I do!” uestion to ask, she has more Rosy Posy was in an uproar and a blaze of light / “Torches burned here and there along the main street, and were numerous in front of the Town Hall. That institution shone forth resplendent, from the numerous lamps within, and an eager crowd was at the door ready to pour in -as soon as it was opened for their admission, Said Bir foot Ben: ‘“’m in a fever to git in thar an’ sashay around a leetle.- Bet my boots that ’ar gal don’t have ter give me no lessons; 1 know et all a’ready!” ***TIn yer mind ye do,” some one sneered. *« And in these hyer feet o’ mine, too, you kin bet!” “Ther goodness help ther lady, ef you evir step on her wi’ one 0’ them things, Ben.” ; ‘Don’t you worry ‘bout my steppin’ on her. Bet you adollar she says I’m the best | her appearancé from a rear room, followed dancer in ther hull darn town, an’ take et up ef ye dare ” ; **T'll take that ’ar bet!" ; ‘ All right; hyer’s ther mon; cover et.” And so they rattled on, from one thing to another, while ahey waited. Finally tbe door opened, and the man whose name they had learned was Dick Bris- tcl, appeared on the steps, ‘‘Now, gentlemen,” he said, ‘‘ we are ready to admit you, but we ask that you do not make arush. Come in orderly, and re- main on the outside of the roped circle you will see as soon as you step within. Now then, in you come, at a dollar a head.” And at that rate they filed in, orderly enough, every man of them paying his dol- lar cheerfully. The inside of the hall looked inviting. There were some seats, on the outside of the rope, and within the roped circle the floor was as clean and smooth as it could be desired, One thing that some of the thinking ones looked for on entering, and which they failed to see, was where the music was com- ing from—not that it was expected yet, but they failed to discover any-signs that it was on tap and ready for the eager and waiting pupils, But the music was all right, and would be heard all in good season, Luey Love had not come to Rosy Posy entirely alone; a man of middle age, one of the outside passengers, was.in her em- ploy. They had not been seen to speak to each other since the arrival of the stage, however, and of course this could not be guessed. And the unknown object which that man had carried under his arm, wrapped in a cloth, was a zither. Finally, when the crowd had been ad- mitted, Deadwood Dick placed another man at the door—a fellow recommended by Mar- shal Mackerel. Dick then passed around and entered the ropé circle, hat in hand, and a round of ap- plause greeted him. ‘*Men of Rosy Posy,” he said, ‘‘ you will now please come to order, and Miss Lucy Love will take charge of the hall and form her free class for this evening.” ‘**Three cheers fer Lucy Love!” ** Whoop ’em up!” And they were given with a will. ‘* Lucy Darlin’!” some fellow piped up on the tail end of the last yaup. “Thank you for your applause,” said Dick, ‘*but please hear what I have tosay and let me get out of the way. This evening, as said, the class will be free, but after to-night the lessons will be charged for. Private les- sons can be arranged for at any time.” _ “That's what I want,” cried Big-foot en. “ An’ that’s what you'll have to take,” de- clared another voice, ‘‘fer you will want the hull room to yourself when you dance!” ‘Thought you was the best dancer in the camp, Ben,” reminded another. ‘* An’ how "bout that dollar you have bet?” ‘«That’s all right,” the big fellow declared, “You wait till you see me on ther floor, then tal ”’ Deadwood Dick smilingly waved them to silence again, and concluded what he had to say in the way of brief opening address. ‘** One thing more, and I’m done,” he said. ‘‘Remember, men of Rosy Posy, that you are gentlemen, and that this is not a show, Lucy Love is a lady, trying to earn an honest living by this means, and as a lady I expect her to be treated: But, it is unnecessary for me to remind you of this, of course. Now, then, I will make way for the lady herself,/’ With another bow and sweep of his semi- sombrero, Deadwood Dick hurried out of the inclosed space, At the same time the young woman made by the man we bave mentioned. He carried his zither, now not coverel. A chair and a table had been placed for him at the rear corner of the rope inclosure, where the ends of the rope were secured to a post. ’To his place the musician stepped, while the young lady, now tastefully attired, ad- vanced to the middle of the space, where she made her bow. This was the signal for another cheer, heartily given. CHAPTER X. BIG-FOOT BEN ON DECK. On leaving the dancing space, Deadwood Dick stepped immediately to where the mayor, Marshal Mackerel, was standing. ‘* Well; how is it?” he asked. ‘‘Do you see Nuggetville and Satan’s Pocket repre- sented here yet? See anything that looks at all like trouble in the air?” ‘‘Don’t spot a man of ’em, yet,” the mayor answered, ‘‘ Everything is serene so far, and if they putin their appear I reckon we can handle ’em all right. We'll make a big try fer et, anyhow.” ; ‘‘ Well, 1 hope there won’t be any trou- ble, but if there is 1’m going to take a band in it, if I’m called on to defend that lady.” This last remark was made about the time the cheering ceased. The young woman spoke. “‘T thank you, kind friends,” she said, pleasingly. ‘‘ And now Iam ready to be- gin the business of the hour. You under- stand, you have to pay nothing for lessons this evening, but I must limit the class to twenty, for I cannot handle more of you at one time. You will now be treated to a little music by Mr. Brown.” 1 She waved her hand in the direction of the man at the table. Immediately he struck the strings, and a delightful strain sprung forth, filling the large hall with sweetest music. The crowd for the most part was made up of the roughs and toughs of the mining- camp, but under the spell of such music they forgot themselves and for the once were as quiet as lambs. When the player ceased, a sigh was heard, “Darn me ef that wasn’t somethin’ scrumptious!” one fellow was heard to ex- claim. “ You kin bet your life et was!” cried Big foot Ben. ‘‘ Had jest all I could do ter keep my feet still, they wanted ter waltz thet bad!” “You homely galoot, that wasn’t no waltz, but a polka!” ‘‘No matter; they wanted to git thar jest ther same,” The young woman waved silence. ‘‘ Now, gentlemen, who will form my first class?” she asked. ‘‘Mind, do not all speak at once, and bear in mind that I will allow no fighting for place. The first man to make trouble will bave to apologize to me.” ‘Count on me fer one,” cried Big-foot Ben, leaping out into the space with a force that made the floor tremble under his weight. ** Yas, an’ hyer’s me, too,” yelled another, The start having been made, the applicants came faster than they could be numbered, and in less than a quarter of a minute the limit had been exceeded by a dozen at least. ** Stop!” the little lady cried. ‘‘ Stop!” The stampede was checked, as she held up both hands to enforce her order, and order was restored, ‘“Now, gentlemen, form in line,” she directed, ‘and I will count off twenty of you, beginning on the right, and the rest will bave to wait till néxt class.” ‘All right, lady; that takes me in, any- how,” said Big-foot, satisfied to have it so, seeing that he wasyin the right wing of the line of applicants for instruction in the Terpsichorean pastime. .
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ee ~ a mt) a Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, 9 The others made no objection, and it was found that the number of applicants had ex- ceed2d twenty by just thirteen. ‘*T thort et was a darn big score,” declared one of. the thirteen, ‘‘ but I wasn't goin’ ter be the one to kick ’bout et. Ef she had counted from this end, we would have been in et, sure.” ‘«But, seein’ that she commenced on the right, you got left,” cried Big-foot, jest- ingly. ‘‘An’ then thirteen is a onlucky number, anyhow.” ‘« Et seems ter be, this time.” They were like a lot of overgrown boys, all of them, and they had to have a little fun in their own way as they went along. All wore rough stogies, had their hats on, and all were armed, having revolvers either in their belts or dangling in holsters at their hips, and their appearance as a whole was not prepossessing. “Now, are you ready?” asked the teacher, “You bet!” cried Big-foot. ‘‘Hold on, though, before we begin; can any of you dance at all?” ‘I’m ther chicken what kin, you bet!” Big-foot Ben declared quickly and positively enough, ** And can any others?” ‘** Et’s accordin’,” muttered one Tough- jaw Terril, so-called. ‘‘ According to what, sir?” ‘*To what kind o’ dance ye mean, ma’m.,”’ ‘‘True enough. I am speaking now of the waltz, Can you waltz, sir?” to Ben of the big-foot distinction. ‘‘That’s jest whar I git in my finest work at dancin’, you bet,” Benjamin declared boastfully. ‘‘Ef you doubt my word, jest set up ther moosic an’ see me gopivitin’ around hyer oncet.” ; ‘*T will see what youcan do. Mr. Brown, a waltz, please.” The musician struck up a tune, and Big- foot Ben began to swing himself as if to get into perfect rhythm with thestrain before he cut loose from his moorings. ‘* Let ’er go, Benjamin!” some one sung out. ** What yer waitin’ fer, like that?” _“ Keep still,” another. ‘*‘ Don’t yer see he’s strainin’ to start his feet? You let Ben alone; he’s all right,” ‘‘ Bet yer life he’s all right,” averred Big- foot himself. ‘‘ Keep yer optics onto me, ef ye don’t believe et. Now I’m off, an’ away we goes; tra, la, la—tra, la, Ja—tra, la, Ja, Ja.” And thus sirging, in time with the strain, he launched out and began to waltz—in his own peculiar fashion, He could dance—oh! yes, he could dance; but such dancing! Only a step or twohad he taken when the teacher began tosmile, and before he had made half the circle of the floor she wa laughing, . And not only she, but all who were look- ing on at the performance, for Big-foot Ben had all the native grace of a cow, at dancing, to say nothing’ about a good deal of the stiff- ness of a man with wooden legs. ‘That will do, sir, that will do!” Lucy Love cried out, ‘* How was that ’ar?” cried Big-foot, ending with a final flourish. ‘‘ Wasn't thet ’ar jest superb?” . ‘¢ Wull, et was that,” cried one of the on- lookers. ‘* Never seen nothin’ like et before in my life, old man; you take ther,palm fer - dancin’ every time, you do!” ** An’ whar’s thet dollar I hey won?” “You hol’ on till we have heard ther lady say jest how much you know ‘bout et, Ben- jamin!” demanded the man with whom he bad laid the wager. _ “ What do you say, gal?” cried Ben. “ You are a wonderful dancer, sir,” was the acknowledgment. ‘‘ You certainly have a peculiar step of your own that is positive- ly inimitable sir,” ‘What did I tell yer?” bellowed Ben, f ie Wht either!” ‘* What say, pards?” the man from Satan’s boastfully. ‘Don’t reckon you kin l'arn me anything ’bout dancin’, kin ye, ma’m?” to the young lady. “‘Thardly think I can, sir. teach those who are beginners.” ‘‘That’s what I thort. Trot out that ’ar dollar, old pard!” And Big-foot Ben proudly left the dancing- floor and went in quest of the dollar he cer- tainly felt justified in claiming, The teacher then gave her whole attention to her class, and for half an hour the room was kept in a constant uproar of laughter oc- casioned by the awkward efforts of the roughs and toughs at dancing. ‘*There, gentlemen, that will do very well for your first lesson,” said the young lady, finally. ‘° You have done well enough. You may retire, and I am ready for another class,” Just at that moment there was a commo- tion at the door, ‘‘ Hold on,” the door-tender was heard to cry out: ‘‘ you have to pay to get in here, boys!” ‘“Ther thunderashun we does! We'll sce "bout that, we reckons! Didn’t ther bills you sent up ter Satan’s Pocket proclaim that dancin’ lessons was free this evenin’?” Deadwood Dick moved in the direction of the door, and likewise Marshal Mackerel. ‘* Yes, that's straight,” responded the man at the door; ‘‘you won't be charged any- thing ter go on the floor to-night, but you have to pay to get in to see the fun, and don’t you try to get in without payin’, I had rather Pocket demanded, ‘‘ Ar’ we goin’ to ante this hyer deal, or pass?” ‘“‘T think you'll anté—before you pass this door,” spoke up Deadwood Dick, at that moment showing bimself with a pair of fivers to the fore, ‘‘The admission is one dollar, boys, and we have no free list to- night.” CHAPTER XI. THE HOT FIGHT IN THE HALL. Tue fellow gave one glance at Dick, and that was enough. Dick’s steady hand, and his fiashing eyes, backing up the brace of guns, won the point in his favor, ‘*Pard, you holds a royal flush, you does,” the fellow meekly declared. ‘‘I kalkylate et will haveto be as you say. Pards, we'll have to ante, I reckon, ef we hope ter git in ” ‘‘T'm glad you see it in the right light,” said Dick. ‘*Et’s the only light we've got, pardner,” the fellow rejoined. ‘ And you and your crowd are from Satan’s Pocket?” ; “« That’s straight, boss.” Y ‘Well, you are a pretty decent-looking lot of men, I wil confess. I bave seen worse faces in a Penitentiary, many a time, You are welcome to Rosy Posy—as I will take the liberty of saying for our mayor kere, and all we ask of you is that, you observe order,” ‘Yas, but darn me ef I have I have got a dollar to ante,’ declared the spokesman of the crowd, who had been fumbling through his pockets. ‘‘I wanted ter see this hyer show durn bad, too.” ‘You say you are strapped?” asked Dick. ‘*Qlean gone dead broke, boss, an’ I swear I didn’t know et.” ‘Well, here’s a dollar I'll lend you. You have got an honest face on your head, and T’ll trust you a dollar's worth on the ex- pression of it.” } Dick thrust his hand in his pocket and gave the man a dollar. The fellow’s face beamed. ‘s Pards,” he cried, turning to his crowd, this hyer is what I call darn white treat- a Ee ment, et is! What galoot amongst ye dares to say et ain’t?” Not a man of them denied it, but one fel- low shouted: ‘« E's jest as white as snow, pardner, you bet!” “That's what I say. Ef ary feller has got anything to say contrary, let him say et row or ferever afterward an’ henceforward hold his peace, b’gosh!” “That's what's ther matter.” ‘' You hear?” cried the favored man, turn- ing to Dick, ‘‘ We ar’ with ye, an’ ef one of these hyer galoots what’s come with me dares to kick up a row, he is got to answer to me, an’ don't you ferget it. I’m Crow Bullinger, from Satan’s Pocket!” ‘‘Pleased to know you, Mr. Bullinger,” said Dick, giving his hand, ‘‘ Come in, now, you and your crowd, and we'll entertain you, The lady is waiting for this little interruption to be settled before she begins with her second class of the evening. A dollar a head, boys, please.” And so they filed in, good-naturedly, and mingled with the denizens of Rosy Posy in a very friendly manner, ‘Bristol, you are a hoss,” declared Mar- shal Mackerel, aside to Dick. : ‘I don’t know how that is, mayor,” was the answer. ‘‘I had an object in handling this affair as I did.” ‘‘And what was your object?” ‘““To win the friendly feelings of these men from Satan’s Pocket.” ‘*T knowed et, by scat! An’ that’s why I siy youar’a hoss! I see what yer game is, boy.” “T want to be prepared for Nuggetville, if they come here looking for fight. You see, we couldn’t make acertain stand against Nuggetville and Satan’s Pocket together, but with Satan’s Pocket on our side we are all right.” ‘*That’s what’s ther matter. You ara born diplomat—ef that’s ther word I am after; by scat you ar’!” ‘Tt was only a stroke of hoss sense, that’s all,” «« An’ you are the hoss!” Lucy Love was again forming her class, now, and ere long she had twenty more raw recruits in the roped ring for their lesson in dancing. It was rare pleasure to the rough fellows, to have this dainty little woman take hold of them and pull them into line, showing them how to place their fect, and it was rich fun for the audience to watch them. There was a constant rattle of pleasant jesting, when the music was still so that it — could be indulged in, but while the enchant- ing notes of the zither were sounding the crowd was for the most part still, save when an outburst of laughter ran through the room. It was about the rarest treat this town of Rosy Posy had ever enjoyed. And so it continued for another hour, without interruption, and it began to look as if Nuggetville would not come to mar the happiness of the occasion. owever, they reckoned without their host—that, is to say, without counting Nug- getville in it, those who entertained this pleasant delusion; but Deadwood Dick and Marshal Mackerel were not of the number. The doorkeeper had grown a little lax in his duties, since no one had applied for ad- mission during the past forty minutes or longer, and of a sudden the crowd was startled by hearing a loud-mouthed yell in the direction of the door, and there stood Abe Arnold! His face was swollen and discolored, and he was just able to see his sutroundings clearly and no more, - “ Whaucun !” he bellowed again, in the most terrifying tone he could bring up for the occasion, ‘‘Hyar I be, ther dancin’ dicky-bird of ther woolly West, you bett
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ih 4 ! i] ¥ | } ty w4, 10' Iam hyer with both feet, an’ I have come ter stay! Whauouaup /” Deadwood ‘Dick was making in his direc- tion with lengthy strides. ; Likewise Marshal Mackerel, and some others, down the other side of the room, to nip his intention right in the bud, **Come right erlong,” the whacker in- vited, seeing them, and evidently not will- ing to submit to the nipping process as mentioned. ‘* What I have said goes, an’ you will have ther gol-darn’dest time of yer lives in puttin’ me-.out! See these hyer guns? Wull, thar’s five barks to each gun, an’a bite to every bark. Come an’ see me ef ye want a taste!” He had whipped out a brace of revolvers’ as he spoke, and held the crowd covered. **Darh me, but et’s a blasted galoot from Nuggetville!” cried out Crow Bullinger. ‘* An’ thar’s a heap more of us, too!” bel- lowed the hideous-faced Arnoid, As if this was the signal into the room poured a great crowd of the citizens of Nug- getville, all armed to the teeth and with wea- pons drawn, Even Deadwood Dick and Marshal Mack- erel hesitated. ‘** Ha! ha! ha!” roared Abe Arnold. ‘‘ How do ye like ther looks of et, ye measly crit- ters? Don’t et look as ef we have got ther bulge on ye? Wull, I sh’u’d reckon et do!” “What do you want here?” demanded Deadwood Dick, sternly. “What do we want hyer? Wehavecome to move this hyer dancin skule over to Nug- getville, that’s our business hyer!” | “Tt is, eh?” You bet! Look’e hyer, gal, you pack up yer duds double-quick an’ come Jong with us; d’ye hear?” This to Lucy Love who stood trembling before her class within the roped inclosure, She looked in a frightened, appealing man- ner, at Deadwood Dick. : “If you want her, you will have to take her,” cried Deadwood Dick hotly, and in the same instant there was a report from some- where in his vicinity. It was a snap shot from the hip, of course, and with a howl of pain the ugly Abe was seen todrop one of his guns and begin to dance in a manner that was not set forth on the programme. Nor did Dick hesitate to follow the shot. He had his brace of fivers in hand in less than a fraction of a second, and all within the same period of time they were speaking, too. Each bullet took effect, and several of those in the front rank of the mob were howling and disarmed before they fairly knew what had happened. Then Dick leaped toward them, shouting: ** At them, boys; Rosy Posy to the front! We'll see whether they wilf come here and run our business for us or not! Give them what they have come for—fight and plenty of it!” fe That’s ther talk!” supported Marshal » Mackerel, himself opening fire and following ‘* We'll make business fer the sur- ? Dick. geon an’ undertaker, you bet It took but.a moment for the surprise to pass, however, and the men from Nuggetville returned the fire. Then the shooting was general in no time, | Deadwood Dick who had forced his way to the door, now turned to see what the pros-— ect was and particularly to get sight of ucy Love. He knew she was in deadly peril, and meant to tell her to run from the room to the apartment in the rear, if she had not already done so, for it would be almost a miracle if she did not get struck. Just as Dick looked a tragic event took ace, and he saw the little ney clasp her and to her breast, reel, and fall upon the supporting arm of Brown, the musician. | ‘ ‘ / it rae sealed the f Cet Ps Sosa ea die i ate y ite wa ei er Taath) i ‘ie Ae es a) ai, ‘ gist Ot. eee ue (Ft tains Semis Mead fant iit EN ltl Gaal a oe SiN igh a Mitac AN ae — _- “ se = Fi RS: 2 a RI RE EY Ce cere pee ee ye EE “- a Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. CHAPTER XII. THE MYSTERY OF A SHOT. Nor was that all Dick had seen. He had seen whence came the shot that had done the mischief, and the hand that fired it. Just as he turned there was a flash at one of the windows, and he saw plainly a woman’s hand holding the revolver that had spoken! Looking instantly—in fact he took it all in with the same glance and in the same mo- ment, he saw Lucy Love fall as described, and with a bound he was out of the door to catch the murderess. Just as he clenred the sill, however, a fist | took him between the eyes with a force that made him stagger and almost brought him to his knees. At the same moment a revolver flashed, and Dick felt the wind of a bullet as it al- most struck his neck. He did not wait for another shot, but fired even as he was falling—or staggering as if be must fall, rather, and the man who had tried to kill him came to the ground with a groan. Dick quickly recovered and dashed around the side of tke hall, but the woman at the window had disappeared. **Curse the luck, she has escaped!” he grated. There was no time to waste, and it would be useless for him to try to follow now, so back into the room he hastened. The shots there were fewer, and the men from Nuggetville—such as were in condi- tion for it, were making their escape as best they could through the doors and windows, no matter how, eager only to get away. Dick fired no more shots. but sprung to see how badly Lucy Love was hurt. Barely a minute had elapsed, As he hurried through the room, a revolver was suddenly thrust in his face and he felt the flash as it was fired. Only the promptest kind of a dodge had saved his life, and he sighted instantly the man who had fired the shot. He was a rough fellow,sone of the five who had come over from Nuggetville that afternoon. It was Den Hiker! © amt Dick took a bead on him as quick as a wink and pulled, and to kill, but his weapon only snapped, he having already emptied it. Finding himself alive, to his surprise, the fellow gavea yell of terror and a leap, and a few bounds carried him through one of the windows and he made good his escape. . Dick noted that the fellow had lost a strip from one of the sleeves of his red shirt, from shoulder to wristband. Hurrying forward, Dick caught up the in- sensible young woman from the floor, where the man Brown was kneeling over her, and ran with her into the rear room, catling to the man to follow, The shutters to this rear room were closed, and there there they were for the moment safe, ‘*Tg she dead?” Dick asked. ‘“No, I think not; b it she’s hurt bad.” without, he set about restoring the young lady to consciousness. “It must have been a shot by accident, I should think,” said the man Brown. ‘TIT can’t believe it possible that any one of the men could be so bad as to shoot down so pretty a girl.” “Tf was n shot on purpose to kill,” said Dick; ‘‘ that | know!” “You amaze me, sir. man—” “Tt was no man that fired it, sir, buta woman, and—” ‘““A woman! Good heavens! Then it must have been— But, I forget what I am saying.” ‘* Shen please do me the favor to recollect what you were saying, and finish it, sir,” Dick requested. “Tt is a secret ‘No matter; so much the better.” arg But, it belongs to this lady herself, sir.” ‘‘No matter; I must know it. I may be able to be of great service to her.” ‘*T cannot tell you, however; she may do so, perhaps, when she comes to and is made aware of what has taken place.” ‘‘If some one is secking her life, Mr, Brown, it is a serious matter.” ‘*Could not well be more serious, I am aware.” ; ‘‘It might have been, only for the fact that this bullet was turned from its course.” With his knife Dick had ripped open the: girl's sleeve, and had bound a rag around the bleeding wound, and now she began to. come to, ; Net ‘Where am I?” she asked wonderin gly. “*You are all right,” assured Dick, gent- ly. - “Do not excite yourself, Miss Love.” ‘*Ah! I remember, There. was a fight, and— Yes, that is it; I was struck by one of the bullets!” ** But, you are not hurt badly, and will be all right in an hour, save the little wound in your arm. Did you see who it was fired at. you?” “That fired at me? bullet?” ‘* No, indeed!” ; ‘“Then I know nothing more about it. Who could have been so cruel as to try to kill me 1 ene I never wronged a person in my ife.”’ ‘‘The one who fired at you was a wo- man,” ‘« A woman!” ** Yes.” \ ‘« How do you know, sir?” “‘T saw her do it.” ; The young lady glanced at Mr. Brown, her musician. : ; ‘* Did you see her face?” she immediately asked, ‘‘No, only her arm,” said Dick. ‘TI sprung to arrest her, but got knocked down by some fellow and she was gone before I could recover.” ‘* Well, it is a mystery, and it proves that my life is in danger. Do you think the fight is over? I must get to my room at the hotel, Heavens! Iam iiereened to death!” “You must take it coolly,” said Dick. Who was the ” . Was it nota stray Dick laid her on a table, and immediately |, ‘* Yes, I guess the scrimmage is about. over, proceeded to find out, The bullet bad struck her just under the left breast, and there her dress was stained with blood. She was bleeding more from her left arm, however, and a close look at the first wound showed that the bones of her corset had’ turned the bullet aside and sent it into her arm, Dick felt to see if the bone was broken. It was not./ ‘‘A mighty close call and a mighty fortu- nate escape,” he declared. ‘‘She is not badly hurt, but has fainted.” There was water at hand, and, whilethere was hooting and yelling and firing goimg on Ne } “ yee a Ary 1s m 4i tae. al T+ » ty for the fir.ng has nearly ceased— Ha! there is the cheer of victory, and Rosy Posy has won the battle. We'll wait a few minutes before we venture ont with you, however.” Dick looked out into the hall proper. The big room was empty, or nearly so, the whole crowd being out upon the one street of the camp, And there they were whooping it upin good style for the victory they had won, for, ‘as Dick had guessed, Rosy Posy had come off more than conqueror in the fray, with thanks to Satan’s Pocket for a helping hand. Nuggetville had got more than she bad bargained for, in this instance, They had come in good force, almost ’
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GH 7s _— ph i, . -© Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. lL enough to have ‘cleaned up” Rosy Posy, perhaps, but they had run against a snag. Dick bide the girl and her compunion awai’ his return before venturing forth, and he set out to find Marshal Mackerel, who was not far away, whooping it up with his fellow-citizens. ‘Have they gone?” asked Dick. “They hev dusted, hide, hair an’ feathers!’ answered the mayor, joyously. ** Good for our boys, then, and a cheer for ' the lads from Sxtan’s Pocket!” exclaimed . Dick, and he himself cheered. | _, The others joined him, and a rousing cheer / was given, ~ * And now,” called out Dick, ‘‘I want a __ posse of you fellows to aid me in taking Lucy etre safely across to the hotel, for an at _ tempt has been made to murder her, and it . aeey be tried again.” At this the whole camp nearly went wild, and mad and vociferous were the declarations ) of what would be done if the would-be mur- _ derer happened to fall into their hands. If | within hearing, it was not likely that the | Woman would try it again just then, and } ; Dick’s object was accomplished. hei CHAPTER XIII DICK HEARS SOMETHING, Dricx, the mayor, and some others, went __ back to where the wounded girl was wait ing. They found her standing up, talking with _ her companion, and but little the worse for her experience, except the slight wound in her arm. ‘Tam allright again, except for my arm, by enitlemen,” she said, trying to smile, ‘‘ and on fhat will soon get well, nodoubt. I willnow ~ go to my room in the hotel, and Mrs, Juehert | will attend to it.” __** Aw’ we at’ hyer to see that ye git thar in Ry safety,” spoke up the mayor. ‘‘ [don’t mean ter have another shot take ye off.” “It is not likely to happen, sir, seeing that _the trouble is over.” _ Yas, but Bristol, hyer, said et was a tempt ter murder you, an’ ef that’s the case -~ et maybe tried on again,” ‘He must be mistaken, sir,” lady turned an appealing look to Dick, as if _ tosealhis lips. ‘I’m sure it must have been | astra ‘bullet that struck me.” + ** Wull, mebbe so,” ae For, who would want to murder me?” _ * Et’s a darn mean man that would try et on, by scat!” . They left the hall and made their way to _ the hotel, undera strong guard, and there and the young ndlord’s wife. ’ In the mean time the rest of the citizens | Were taking account of dumages done in the _ scrimmage, and they found quite a number _ of men who had holes in their skin made by the young lady was turned over to the care of fee a ' bullets, | © Some of them were pretty hard hit, too, and one of the men of Rosy Posy was dead. | A few of the men of Snatan’s Pocket too, were wounded, and two of those from Nug- getville were ready for planting—as they say out there, one beiny the fellow Dick had _ killed in self-defense at the steps, and the ' other was Abe Arnold, The latter, it was found, had been shot _ in the back, ® circumstance not easily ex- _ plained, unless some one had taken him on pena when he was trying to get out of - the room, And that hardly held good, for “The had been one of the most stubborn fighters of them all. . _ _“ Whas d’ye make of et?” of Dick. — “T don’t know,” answered Dick, been a shot at short range, you see.” _ Dick had taken a lamp from a bracket, asked the mayor and with it he examined the work of the " death-shot more closely, . ar ae, Rae ois em { Jf ae : ( ; tebe art \ A mm ‘ \ xe Oy po Len! ‘ ‘ Ar ae ‘ te ie ete caret eT i, is Dhaeewes aia. “Tt has” There was the mark of powder around the hole in the fellow’s shirt, showing that the pistol had been held close when the trigger was pulled. It looked like a plain case of murder, “Et was a wicked way ter shoot, ina fair, stand-up fight, by scat!” declared the mayor, savagely, ‘“Took him when he wasn’t lookin in another, ‘*Not much that he could see, anyhow, with eyes like his’n was,” some one else offered, ‘** Well, he got it, anyhow,” declared Dick, ** And, I have a fancy to find the bullet that done the business for him. Is there a sur- geon in town?” ‘Every man is his own surgeon, when ‘casion requires,” said Mackerel. ‘*Suppose we see if we can get the pill?” ‘‘I’'m ’greeable.” So, they set about the unpleasant task im- mediately, but it was discovered that it was not much of a job to do. The bullet had gone quite through the poor fellow’s body, and was found lodged in his shirt in front, and it was but little the worse for the mischief it had done. **It couldn't be in better condition for my purpose,” said Dick. ‘It will be easy to fit it to the gun it came out of, and as it is not the usual size it may not be a hard matter to find that gun.” ‘* You talk like a detective, by scat!” ‘* Well, 1 suppose detectives draw their deductions by applying the rules of common sense, don’t they?” ‘* 80 I kalkylate they do.” Dick put the bullet away in his pocket for future reference, and returned to the hotel, while the citizens set about cleaning up the gore and “ planting ” the dead men, There is a natural callousness regarding such matters in your wild miring-camp, and to be true to our subject we have to imitate it. When Dick entered the hotel he was told that Mrs. Juchert desired to see him. He had no trouble in finding her. ‘* What is it?” he asked, ‘““The young lady wants to see you, sir.” ** And where is she?” . ! ‘‘In her room, I have made her arm comfortable, and the other wound does not amount to anything. Mr. Brown is with her,” . ‘All right, show me up.” So, Dick was conducted to the room and ushered in. He found the young lady seated in a chair, and Brown occupied another at a little dis- tance from her, There was only one other chair in the room, and that had been set for the expected visitor, and Dick helped himself to it as soon as he had been greeted and made welcome. ** You sent for me?” he asked. “Yes; | want to learn more about the person who tried to kill me,” “Has Mr. Brown here told you what I Bb ian about it?” “ae es ” . ee » put ‘Then there is nothing more that I can tell, Miss Love, I did not get sight of the woman’s face at all.” , ‘* And you are sure it was a woman?” ‘‘The arm was cased in a woman’s sleeve anyhow, and—but, yes, there is no doubt on that score.” ‘* And ske fired the shot that struck me?” ‘* Positively.” ‘Well, Mr Bristol, do you think it would be possible for you to play detective suffi- ciently to learn who that woman was?’ ‘I’ think so, But, it is more important that I should play the wa ih to keep her from trying it again and finishing. you off ext time She will probably try to make a sure thing of it.” * You can do that, too.” “Yes, but in order to doit I must know ‘ Yar 1 : Pie pe ; eR: PRT 4 : ee at | sna at)’ rs Lilly | Eo Nlp! b aia lay SEANAD 7 A a i A something about you and your secret. This. woman is your foe, and you suspect who she is.” She glanced at Brown. ‘‘How do you come to know this?” she asked, ‘* By what your friend here let fall, though that was not much,” ‘*You said you had revealed nothing, Brown.” ‘‘Nor has he, purposely,” assured Dick. ‘He dropped a word and I guessed the rest. You are looking for a woman, and that wo- man is your foe. She is after your hfe, as. we now have proof, and you had better telh me what you can so that I can be on the lockout for her.” : ‘No, it cannot be possible that she is my | foe—{ mean the one I am in quest of.” “Then how do you explain her conduct?” ‘Tt must have been some one else who. shot at me,” ‘Barely possible, but why should @& stranger shoot you?” ‘Possibly mistaking me for another— don’t you. think so?” ““May have been so, but 1 doubt it. T think the one who shot at you knew you well enough, and had an object in putting. you out of the way. But, I'll find out, no, matter whether you tell me what you know or not.” ‘You are my friend, Mr. Bristol?” “Firm as a rock. You must know that. You may trust me- fully, no matter what. your secret is.” ‘*T hardly know, you are a stranger to me,. and it is only because | have taken a liking to your face that I have trusted you thus far—” See here,” said Dick, suddenly, ‘it is: time you knew just whoand what I am. Did you ever hear of Deadwood Dick, Jr, ?”” “You are not he?” . ~. 66 I am, ” ‘‘Thank Heaven for sending you to me? Yes, I have heard of you, sir, and I have: wished that I might fall in with you, Here is my hand; I will tell you everything about. myself, Brown, am I not right?” ; ‘7 think you are,” the man of middle age: answered. ‘ eh Thereupon to Deadwood Dick this girk told her story, to which Dick listened with. close attention to the end, and when finally he left the room there was a determined ex pression on his face. ’ CHAPTER XIV. TOO MUCIT MYSTERY AROUND, Ar an early hour on the following morning: a& man was looking for Barth Dimuna, This man was the stranger, Joel Hicks, and he seemed to be in a bad way about the business he had in hand, He seemed to want Dimund in the Worst way. ~ But, no one had seen Dimund that morn- ing—in fact, it could not be recalled that he had been seen on the previous evening, and where he could be no one could inform the anxious inquirer. “Pil tell ye ” said Big-foot Ben, sudden- ly thinking of something. ‘*I haven’t seen him sence you an’ him went off in ther di rection of Nuggetville together last even- in’.” Mr. Hicks seemed to give a start, and he- looked uneasy, though there was, no reason why he should, far as any *ne could see, This took place in front of the Prohibi- tionist Headquarters, and while the group were' still talaing a man came running up the gulch out of breath, wildly waving his. rms it “What’s ther eth ad with that ijjitr’ muttered Marshal Mackerel. ‘«Mavhbe he sees snakes,” suggested Dead- wood Dick. ! ‘He acts like it, anyhow.” { et rs
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12 ‘*By ther look of his face, I'd say he's bac a sight of a ghost,” declared Big-foot en. ‘*Wull, we'll soon know, anyhow.” The fellow came on, and he was recog- nized as a level-headed citizen who was not given to seeing either snakes or ghosts. He was known as Peg McGrath, ‘*What’s ther matter, Peg?” the mayor demanded as he came up. “* Murder!” the fellow panted. , “* Murder?” ** Yes,” “ae Who?” ** Barth Dimund, and he’s—” “* Good heavens!” ejaculated, Joel Hicks, - The others looked at him and found that he was pale to the lips. “Tell us what you know about this, my man,” said Deadwood Dick, ‘‘ There is a good deal too much mystery around here.” ‘* Yes, soon's I git my wind,” The fellow panted fora few minutes, while Joel Hicks rambled in an aimless way, won- dering who could have done the deed, and so on. ‘* Now, I'll onwind,” said McGrath, hav- ing got his breath under control again, ‘‘1 was goin’ down to Nuggetville, takin’ ther left side of ther gulch so’s to be in ther shade an’ thar I kem onto his body.” ‘* Shot?” asked the mayor. ‘“No, knifed. Ther body is thar in a clump o’ bushes, with ther feet stickin’ out jest enough to beseen, an’ he's got somethin’ red gripped in his hand—somethin’ like a bit o’ red rag.” ‘Let's go right down there,” suggested Dead wood Dick. *““ Come on," said Marshal Mackerel. . ~ ‘* An’ you come too, seein’ that you want- ed ter find Barth Dimund so mighty bad,” cried Big-foot Ben, speaking to Joel Hicks. ‘* Mebbe you was the last galoot seen him alive. The mayor and the others looked hard at this fellow, and he appeared ill at ease. ““What good’ll it do to sce him, if he’s dead?” the man asked. ‘‘ What did you want to see him for, any- how?” demanded Deadwood Dick. **T had business with him,” “‘ And what was that business?” ‘**T don't know as I need to tell you, sir.” “‘“You may find it for the good of your health to tell somebody, before this matter is cleared up.”’ ‘Would you insinuate, sir, that I kaow anything about the death of this man?” and the stranger bristled up in a defiant manner, ‘* No, i say nothing of the kind, but I think the city marshal here will keep an eye upon you tithwe do know something more definite about it,” was the rejoinder. ‘That's what’s ther matter,” cried Big- foot Ben, ‘‘Mebby he ain’t been runnin’ round hyer all ther mornin’ ’quirin’ fer Barth Dimund fer nothin’, Mebby he wanted to ward off s’picion in that manner, b’gosh!” ‘““You will go with us, sir,” said the mayor, grimly. And so they set out. ; Peg McGrath led the way, and in due time they came to the spot where Dimund lay cold in death. Deadwood Dick parted the bushes and looked in, and saw the body lying partly on one side, the right hand clutching tightly a piece of red cloth. Entering, Dick pulled this from the dead man’s grasp. It proved to be a piece of red flannel, and with a satisfied ejaculation to himself the de tective put it in his pocket. ‘What hev’ you found?” asked Marshal Mackerel. ‘Maybe a clue,” the answer, “That bit of rag?” | “e Yes. ” ‘*Men of Rosy Posy,” cried Joel Hicks, fairly trembling, ‘‘I swear to you that I | didn’t do this deed. If you have found a clue, sir,” to Dick, ‘I beg of you run it to the end and prove me innocent.” “Tt remains to be seen whether you are innocent or not,” was the grim answer. ** Shall I put him under arrest?” asked the mayor. ‘*IT would, b’gosh!” cried Big-foot Ben. “Thar is s'picion enough hangin’ to him, I think.” The mayor had asked Dick, but Dick was willing to let matters take their own course, and if the man was arrested there would be no harm done anyhow, Dick did not believe him guilty of this crime, at any rate. The clue pointed elsewhere, It was found that the deed had been done with a bowie, and it was quite likely that the body had been thrown into the bushes afterward, This, theory was supported by the fact that tbe bushes were broken, while no marks of any trampling were to be seen on the | ground where the body lay. And the knife, that was not discovered. ‘* What will you do with the body?” Dick asked, ‘“T'll send some men to carry it in,” said the mayor. ‘* And I'll see to lockin’ this cuss in ther calaboose,” declared Big-foot Ben, with a tight grip on his prisoner, Thus they returned to Rosy Posy, and the news having spread by this time, the street was thronged with an excited crowd eager to learn more about the mysterious matter. At sight of a pmsoner they set up a shout. ‘‘He is ther cuss what done et?” cried one man, ‘Ef he is, he’s our mutton!” “T have a notion he is, boys,” declared Big-foot, ‘‘but that ain't provin’ et, of } course, But, we'll see.” “Ef he did, et will be a bandy rope he’ll be gettin’, on me soul,” cried an Irish deni- zen of the thriving camp. ‘‘ We haven’t had a daycint hangin’ in a dog’s age, begorra!” ** You’ll lock him in the calaboose, that’s what you'll do,” ordered the mayor, ‘‘and keep him there till you hear further.” ‘“‘Dhat settles it, begob.” ‘*But, I swear to you that I am innocent,” cried the prisoner. ‘‘ Give me a fair chance to prove it, whatever you do.” ‘You'll have that, at any rate,” assured Deadwood Dick. ‘But, hello! what’s this?” suddenly cried Big-fvot. All eyes were turned his way, the few that had not been before, and he was seen to jerk the bushy hair and beard from the man’s head and face, The prisoner stood forth a different-looking man entirely. His hair was cropped close, and he had only a stubble of a few days’ growth upon his face. He looked pale, but now defiant, and his keen cyes glittered as he looked around at his captors. His face was grim, and he had the appearance of a convict who had done time. ‘‘What does this mean?” roared Marshal Mackerel. ‘Find out what it means,” was the defiant snarl, the fellow’s manner being now wholly changed. ‘But, who an’ what are you?”, ‘* Find that out, too, dash you!” ‘Lock him up, mayor, and have him guarded well,” said Deadwood Dick, ‘I am going to Nuggetville, and may have news for you when J come back. The air is fairly thick with mystery around here, and a fellow can’t draw a full breath,” CHAPTER XV. PISTOL POLLY CORNERED, Twenty minutes later Deadwood Dick was on his way to Nuggetville. = SS SS ee Ee SS a BDeadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. He had a companion with him, a young. fel- low named Ned Wyler whom, he had picked out of the crowd and taken on the marshal’s recommendation, Ned wasa dark-skinned fellow about Dick’s own age, and Dick had noted that he had little to say but was ready to act whenever action was necessary, 2d made no fuss about it. Dick wanted him to serve as ‘guide. What he wanted a guide for, the mayor could not see, for a blind man could not have missed the way to Nuggetville, As one who knew the country for miles around, however, Ned Wyler could not be beat, and so he was the man Dick had picked out, as said, and whose selection the mayor had highly approved, They went mounted, and Dick carried a lariat on the pommel of his saddle. And as they rode out of Rosy Posy they looked like a pairof healthy, high-spirited cowboys of some wealthy ranch. The guide had not thus far asked what was required of him. He had only declared that he knew the country well, and had the. understanding that he was to be paid for his services, ‘“You are not much of a talker,” said Dick as they rode along. ‘No, unless I have somethin’ to say,” was the response. ‘Then [ simply say it and close my trap again.” *“That’s not abad plan, I declare. But that’s not my nature, and I must let my jaw wag whenever I find any one to talk to. I suppose you know what is required of you?” ‘*T know that you have no need of me to guide you to Nuggetville.” ‘* We are likely to have to go further.” ‘So [ thought.” ‘Ths fact of the business is, we are going on a man-hunt.” ‘‘That don’t surprise me, though of course I don’t know nothin’ about it yet. I know you mean business.” ‘*So this fellow will find out, when I get hold of him.” ‘*There’s one question I would like to as you,” . ‘* What’s that?” ** Ain’t yeu a reg’lar detective?” “* Maybe.” ‘“‘ And ain’t you Deadwood Dick?” ‘‘Well, now you are striking close to home. How did you guess it?” : “A, pard 1 used to have knew you, and from what he has told. me I was ’most sure it was you,” ‘Well, I'm the chap. But, how is it that you kept this to yourself? Most of fellows would have let it out, whether right or wrong,” i “It was none of my business, and I thought when you got ready to let folks know, you would let it out yourself. Imf you didn't let it out, then it was likely that you had a reason for keepin’ it to yourself.” ‘Well, say nothing about it yet awhile, anyhow.” j They chatted on, Dick doing most of the talking, and in due time they arrived at Nuggetville. Dick dismounted and entered the Bunga- low Hotel, while his pard remained mounted and held his horse for him. Dick asked to see Pistol Polly. She had only just breakfasted, late as it — was getting to be, and she gave Dick an audience in the apology for a parlor. “You are the lady called Pistol Polly, I believe,” said Dick. ‘*So Iam called,” rather stiffly. Her eyes had a heavy look, ‘and her face showed the signs of late hours and dissipa- tion, : « And your true name is Mary Lovelaird,” The woman gave a great start, and her face paled. But, she was instantly on her guard, ) i ‘No, it is not,” she denied, .‘‘ What do |
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F : . ig anxious only for your good, and I believe — : — s- pf Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game. 13 you mean by coming to me presuming to now what my name is? If I have another name besides the one I wear, that is no con- cern of yours, sir.” “Maybe not. No, your name is not Lovelaird, now, that is true, since you are a married woman. Frank Tremont.” She sprung from her chair. ** Leave this room!” she cried, pointing to the door. “When I get ready,” said Dick, coolly. “Sit down, for 1 am here on business and have something tosay to you.” ** You can have nothing to say to me, and -T decline to listen to you. Unless you leave this room instantly, I shall do so. Do you understand what I am saying?” ‘*7 am not deaf,” answered Dick. “*T mean it!” “You do not seem to be going very fast, if you do.” ick’s manner as well as his words served to enrage her, and she darted to the door. To her amazement she found it locked! ‘Open this door, sir!” she cried. “‘T have not locked it,” said Dick, quietly. “But, you have caused it to be locked, and I demand that you open it!” ‘Tt do not know the combination, Pistol Polly. If you will hear what I have to say, you may find it open when I am done—” “I'll show you the combination, curse you! Will you open—” ‘*Not so fast, beauty,” and Dick had her covered witha gun, ‘'I haveheard of your reputation with the pistol, and was looking for you to draw a popper on me, I have . got there first, you see. ow, sit down.” _-There was that in Dick’s tone and manner that obliged her to obey. She had reached for a revolver, with a quick movement, but Dick had been far too quick for her, and she had not been able to carry her point, “That's better,” said Dick. talk.” She was sullen, “Talk if you want to,” she snapped. ‘-You will have to do it, if any talking is done here,” : ‘Well, that’s what I have come for, and if you won't talk you. will listen, for you can’t well get out of doing that, Now, 1 have a proposition to make to you.” She neither spoke nor looked at him. “There is a fortune at stake, a quarter of which is rightfully yours, if you will accept it, But, you want more, Now, the other party is willing to give you half, on condi- tion that you 1eturn home—” _ She looked at him now, eyes dilated. ‘*On condition that you return home,” he continued, “‘ give up this wild life, and try to redeem the past by living a straight life in the future, What do you say to it?” ‘* What on earth are you talking about?” ‘*-You know well enough.” *‘And who is this other party you speak of?” “© Your sister.” Her face flushed and grew pale by turns. “Then you know all? You know all about us, and you come from her?” a Nervously she twisted her fingers, and it was plain that her mind was busy with a problem. ‘Ha! ha! hal” she suddenly laughed, harshly, ‘‘ Iam not to be caught with chaff, sir. She does not mean it, and it is only a ‘‘ Now, let’s = laid for me. That is not the trouble at 4 a ” ’ “What trouble? What is not the trou- hile?” 4 . She cares nothing for me; she wants to get my share along with the rest, some- how.” “LT swear to you, woman, that you wrong her. She means nothing of the kind. She a I should have said—Mrs, | truly that she would surrender all, if that would save you,” ‘**Suve me? Didn’t know that I needed any saving, for I claim to know where |’m at and what ’m doing all right.” “ Prying to be funny will not alter the facts any.” ‘‘T know what the facts are.” “Then you are going to refuse the offer that is made?” ‘* Why does the hussy not come and make the cffer herself? Who and what are you, that you act for her?” ‘*] am in her employ.” ‘I took you to be her lover.” ‘‘You see here, you shall not insult that lady in my hearing, woman! She is as far above you as the stars above earth!” ‘* How pretty!” ‘But the reason she does not come in per- son, she does not care to risk her life, after the close call that was made for it last night— Ha! that causes you to pale to the lips, does it!” —_——- CHAPTER XVI. THE TRICKS OF A TRAIL. Tye woman’s face had fairly blanched. Whatever the reason, she evidently had good cause to fear Deadwood Dick, now, and showed it. . Dick waited for her to speak, but she did not do so, and’ when he had given her ample opportunity, watching her evident terror, he said: “T am waiting for your decision, wo- man,” ‘*And you have heard it. I will make no terms, Let the matter rest as itis, and I’m satisfied.” ‘* But, it cannot rest even as it is unless you do your part The quarter of the for- tune had been left to you conditionally, and the condition is that you return home,” “* Never!” ‘“‘Then you come in for none of it. You are foolish, very, for you are offered an equal share, and your sister longs to redeem and love you—in truth she does love you, or she would never have followed you the way she has.” : “Pah! you let me take my own view of that, if you please.” Sf “She is even willing to forgive and for- get all that has taken place, even to the work of last night—” ‘* What do you know about last night?” ‘‘Nothing, perhaps. Perhaps a good deal,” “Well if vou know anything, prove it, that’s all. And now I mean to leave this room if I have to break through a window to do so.” ‘* That will not be necessary, for I think you will find the door open to your touch. But, before you go, one last chance— Do you re-' fuse the offer that has been extended to you W dan ‘* Yes,” with an impolite adjective out of place, . “* I do.” ** Just one question, then—can you tell me where I will be likely to find Mr. Den Hiker this morning?” _ There was a startled look, in her eyes—her face could not grow any paler than it was, and for a second she looked at Deadwood Dick in terror. The next moment she tried the door, flung it open, and was gone. Dick smiled to himself, and passed from the room He entered the bar-room. ‘‘T want to find Den Hiker,” he said. ‘¢ Haven’t seen him this mornin’,” said the landlord. ‘‘ Mebbe you'll find him down to the Blue Bottle.” ' This was a saloon that was to Nuggetville what the Prohibitionist Headquarters was to Rosy Posy—about the worst hole in the camp, and it was further down the street. Dick left the Bungalow and went in that direction, motioning Ned Wyler to follow What's the matter now? with the horses. And as he went from the hotel, Dick took care, too, not to expose himself to a shot, Where he could not help it, he looked back, with weapon ready, He had no intention of trusting to the good intent of Pistol Polly toany extent, But, then, he had not left ber unguarded, for the person who had locked her into the parlor with him was an aide. Entering the saloon, Dick inquired again for Hiker. , He was not to be found. : No one had seen him that morning, so far as could be learned, and at the same time no. one seemed to care where he was. ‘*Wasn’t he one of ther galuots what ther crowd left at Rosy Posy last night?” asked one man, ‘*No, he got off safe there,” answered Dick, ‘‘and he had business here before he struck out for pastures new, I have a ten- dollar bill in my pocket for any man who can put me on his track.” / A frowsy-looking fellow rose up in the back part of the room, saying: ‘*T'm yer nugget, fer that price.” ‘*-You know where he is?” ‘*T know ther trail he took, an’ whar he was headin’ fer.” ““That is‘all we want to know, if you are giving us straight goods for our money,” ‘An’ that’s what I am. Den had hia pocketined last night, an‘ do ye think he’d give me arock of it? Nary. If I kin blow out on him 1'm goin’ to.” ‘*Tt will be all to your advantage.” By the looks of the fellow, Dick would not have taken his word under oath, but if it. was as he represented it, then he was proba- bly. to be believed. At any rate, it was the only information that offered. Dick called the fellow out, giving him a view of the promised reward as they left the saloon, and they stepped to where Ned was waiting. ‘* Now, then, let’s hear about it,” Dick de- manded. “All right, boss, an’ I'll talk straight from ther shoulder fer that greenet you hold thar in yer hand.” ‘*Tt’s yours, if you do that,” “Vl do it, I swear. There’s more’n a week's drunk in that tenner, an’ that’s what I’m achin’ fer most.” “Well, goahead, go ahead,” “T’m goin’ now, You see, Den an’ me cribbed together in our slab slap-up, an’ when he kem in from Rosy Posy las’ night he woke me up—not that he ’tended to, but he done et all ther same.” ** Yes, yes.” ‘Well, I seen he was packin’ up, and T asked him whar he was truckin’ off to at that time o’ night, an’ he told me to go to hot. That sort o’ riled me, an’ I minded him that he owed me somethin’, which he allowed that he allus would, an’ then we had et,” ‘*Come, come, cut it short,” — ‘*Wull, we quarrcled, an’ he packed up an’ got out, an’ I follered him, on ther sly, He went to the Bungalow, where a woman handed him somethin’ at ther stoop, an’ on he trudged, down ther gulch, till I ups be- hind an’ poked ther cold nose ‘of a gun under his off ear an’ perlitely asked him to hold up a bit. ordy, I thought he’d die right thar!” ** Yes, yes, yes; but, that’s not what we want,” ‘*‘T’m done, now. That woman was Pistol Polly, an’ I s’pected that she’d paid Den fer somethin’; an’ she had, as he owned, But, he got over his scar’, seein’ et was only me, an’ finally he got in a elip at me that laid me out, an’ on he went, But, he had let out that he was trudgin’ fer Placer Village, an’ I
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‘know that he took ther trail in that direc- ‘tion. What’s more, he’s got big nai!s in his stogies that makes a star on each heel!” ‘“ Ha! that’s worth the ten, of itself!” cried Dick. ‘‘ You are a brick, my man, and if ‘you'll go quietly to Rosy Posy and be there on my return, you may get another like it. Keep sober till you see me.” Dick paid the promised sum, and vaulted ‘into the saddle. “That’s w’ot I'll do,-you bet!” the bum; mer promised, and the waved his hand as Dick and Ned rode away. “Well, we have got him, sure,” declared Ned. Ya % * : bah a i an’ nobody else ” : j ‘So I thought, and so I am not surpriseé. = But, why did she want them Killed? Cam | ou tell me that?” 4 «No, I don’t know that, fer certain, but I ol think I have got onto et, an’ fer that reason I was lightin’ out, ter save My own skin.” fies “¢ Well?” ! Sait “Ye see, [take et she had hired them to do dirty work for her, an’ to shut their HET Aig
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25 gp ania ee heads she hired me to kill’em. Then, no doubt, she ’tended to drop me herself, an’ that would do ther hull business, but I thought I had ruther drop out,” a} guess you have got it straight, Den Hiker,” —— CHAPTER XVIII. PISTOL POLLY’S REFUSAL, Ir Den Hiker had hopes that this confession would free him, he hoped in vain, for it as- suredly did not. He was forced to mount the extra horse that had been supplied in so strange a man- ner, and the trio set out for Rosy Posy, but not by way of Nuggetville. There was a way around, though it was a little further, and Dead wood Dick considered it best to avoid Nuggetville, not knowing but that the denizens there might try to rescue the prisoner, In due time they reached their destination, and the prisoner was promptly put in the calaboose. ** Where’s Marshal Mackerel?” asked Dick, ‘forthwith. ‘You orter know, seein’ that you have his hoss,” responded Big-foot Ben. ‘‘ We captured his horse, riderless, some miles the other side of Nuggetville,” Dick explained, | ‘Then the mayor is in trouble, b’gosh!” _ the big fellow cried. ‘‘He set out fer Nug- getville, sayin’ he wanted to overtake you ef he could.” “Then to Nuggetville we go!” cried Dick. “Get ready, a good posse of you, and I11l “Jead you.” ** Hooray! ENDING, An’ ef harm has come to the mayor, woe unto ther people o’ Nugget- ' ville!” ‘You bet your life on that, every time!” In ten minutes they were ready, a good number and ell armed to the teeth, and | we Deadwood Dick at their head they were 0 ‘ Nothing occurred on the way, and the denizens of Nuggetville were surprised to see them, as may be supposed, It was thought they had come for fight, and there was a hasty closing up of shops and shanties, every man jack of them get- ting out his extra gun, if he had one. They ‘believed ter were going to be called to ac- count for their work of the night before at Rosy Posy. . _ ‘ Where’s Bill Milligin?” demanded Dead- ‘wood Dick. 4 _ **He’s hidin’ under ther hotel piazzy,” some fellow disclosed. ‘Then he had better come out here and show himself,” cried Dick, laughing. _ The mayor came forth, shamefaced enough, and asked what was wanted, men- tioning something about looking for a stray cat. '. This brought forth a yell of laughter from the men from Rosy , osy, and it was so hearty that it, in a measure, reassured the men of Nuggetville and they began to show themselves, __‘* What's wanted?” the mayor asked. _ « We want to know if you have seen Mar- shal Mackerel,” explained Dick. __ **Not sence he went through hyer some “hours ago, on his way to Placer, as he said t ‘he Was goin’ Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, He slipped out of the saddle and rar into the Bungalow, ‘*Show me to Pistol Polly’s room, quick!” he demanded of the landlord. ‘* Not a min- ute to spare,” * What’s up—” ‘*No matter what’s up! Do as I bid you,” displaying a gun, ‘‘and we'll explain afterward,” The landlord obeyed now, in haste, and on entering the room there on the floor lay the insensible form of a man of middle age— Brown, the musician. He it was who had come ahead of Dick that morning, and who had locked the door of the parlor upon Pistol Polly, as described. There was a cut on his head, showing where he had been dealt a terrific blow. Dick felt for his heart. It was beating, and throwing up a win- dow he called for some of his men, In a moment Ned Wyler, Peg McGrath, Big-foot Ben, and others, came bounding up the stairs, ‘Do what yon can for this man, boys,” commanded Dick, hurriedly. ‘Bring him to and take him to Rosy Posy, and take the best of care of him, You and 1, Ned, have ‘got some more trailing to do.” Dick left the house and ran to his horse, Ned following, and there Dick made a divi- sion of his posse, He left half to attend to Brown and to see to other matters of which they had an understanding; the rest he took with him for the purpose of bringing in the mayor's body. He certainly expected to find him dead. **One of us ought to have come this way before,” Dick said to Ned, ‘‘ but, a man can’t think of everything at once.” Half a mile out of Nuggetville they found Marshal Mackerel, but not dead. He had been struck on the head by a bullet, but only creased, and he was just coming to his senses when they found him.: Dick lett Ned Wyler and Peg McGrath, and with these he pressed on, determined to find Pistol Polly at any cost. —_—_—_-— It was not until the following morning that Deadwood Dick and the others, with their prisoner, reached ae Posy. Their prisoner was Pistol Polly, pale and worn-looking, but defiant and full of venom, and now she was showing all the evil of her nature, | When they rode into the camp, out from the hotel rushed Lucy Love. | “ Mary, my sister!” she cried, ‘ Ihave been looking for you, and I want to save you! Willyou not accept the terms I have offered you by this gentleman, Mr, Deadwood Dick?” -: ‘* Deadwood Dick!” cried the crowd, Dick inclined his head in acknowledg- ment, The whoop that went up, then, was deaf- ening, almost. ‘‘ Never!” the woman- prisoner cried defi- antly, as soon as she could be heard, for you, I would not be where I am to-day, and now-you would have the people think youare a saint!” ? “Mary, you wrong me— But, the other turned upon her with a string of abuse and profanity, and the girl was Pstoad to run weeping into the hotel, ‘You are not deserving of the merey the men to take care of him, save “se Only / 15 laird, and she and this other were sisters, Mary being the elder by several years. At an early age Mary had married, against ner father’s wishes, and gone West. She had been wild, headstrong and ungovernable from childhood. She made it too warm for her husband in a short time, and he deserted her, then she became a nameless wanderer, Their father was now dead, and in his will he had left three quarters of all his wealth to Lucy, and one-quarter to Mary—if she should return at any time within two years after his death to claimit, If not, all was to go to Lucy. Mary’s husband was one Frank Tre- mont—whom we have seen as Joel Hicks, and he, hearing of this will, set out to find his wife. He failed, and then followed Lucy, who was also in search of her sister, in order that she might be genervus with her and maybe redeem her. _ In leaving home, Mary had stglen some valuable papers, which it was important Lucy should recover. The middle-aged man who traveled with her was her father’s trust- ed private secretary, who would know these papers when he saw them—and which he finally did recognize, when Deadwood Dick restored them to Luey. If these papers fell into the hands of Tremont, he would have power to oust both the sisters, and, by false swearing, place himself into possession of the property. His scheme was, to get the papers, put his wife out of the way, and marry Lucy; or, failing in that, to put both out of the way and swear that he had a son who was beir to all. Pistol Polly's scheme, ns has been shown clearly, was to remove all the others and come in for the wealth herself! But Deadwood Dick had been in the field, and he had captured his Dead-Sure Game. Pistol Polly killed herself, but the others got what they deserved. THE END. } ae Nexr Haur-Dime Lrprary, No, 892! Bowery Ben in Chinatown ; OR, Sam Ling the East Side Sport. BY HAROLD PAYNE. A light-flood on life in one of the almost unknown quarters of the Great City—the haunts of the Orient- als, Chinamen, Hindoos, Japs, Arabs, ete. Bowery Ben, the Volunteer, enters on a “mysterious disappearance” case to quickly find himself shadowing a most dangerous gang of Highbinders; but, disguised as a Chinaman, he becomes a veritable Celestial Detective and does some perilous and exciting work. The haunts of the Celestials, their anomalous and singu- lar lives, their a tonishing subtlety and infinite ras- ' cali y are brought to the full light of day, making it A Startling Expose! Around the story-heroine—a beautiful young girl —is woven the intense interest of her terrible trouble | utterly hardened against MED, is You lie through the co-operation of the ‘* Nobody.” ee hr when you accuse her of having had anything * And who followed after him?” wh : x to do with your career.” “ Wull, ‘nobody but Pistol Polly, and she u's 4 « \ Old Harpy, her Woman Jailer, “i ‘‘And you, curse you! I might have pet i ry ___ | guessed it was Deadwood Dick!” turning on ‘Ha! the risk was too great,” muttered | him inher fiercest manner. ‘‘ No other man ) Deadwood Dick, «I fear she has done for” could have trapped me as you did, you~" id poor Brown. Frere, Ned,” to Wyler, “hold | She had to be thrust into the lock-up to e | n’. : , « . x. > A 5 i ’ SAE aes ket CSS eerie A hy 4 ef eH oP DO baa Seta. nid # ee eee ae
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| ' 205 Deadwood ? BREADLE’S* H ALF- DIME+ | IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WITEELER. Deadwood Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince of the Road. 3 Sep bale pice’ Matanees or, a ag eadwoo « u ulse; or, Bullal, Ben. 85 Deadweod Dick in His Onatle. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonanza; o,, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Ol. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or, Calamity *™ Sing, the East - Side Sport, 898 Farrel feiter’s Round-up, By Dan Dunning. 894 Arizona Dick's Wipe-Outs or, Dare Devil Dave’s Denth Trap. By J. C. Cowdrick, ; A New Issue Every Tuesday. _ The Half.Dime Library i‘ for sale by al! newsdealers, five eenth per copy, or sent by mail on recerpt o! six cents BEADLE AND. ADAMB, Publishers, By Harold Payne. , 4 i he we int nad ‘ ya 1 4 < ‘ ak oie a td st et eee Se 2 wes dite rere tine. Sey Be 4 - Fox’s Sweep Stakes$ or, The Boss Counter~ — 98 William Street, New York,