Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 904) (1894 11 20)
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\ TRF _ A. OWA o Hay Ts Tl Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office, Copyrighted 18, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, November 20, 184. Vol XE, $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, To 904. Bi toi 5 cents. . f\ ) rfl \l {| /) Myf", / | i ! Mp wo rs WE \\ ‘Ss OR, RUCE-TREY == The Five-Spot Sport. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. —__— CHAPTER TI. os FS oo SMES SSQX AN ADVENT IN A SNOWSTORM, EZ ea eE TT , THE camp of Whoop-up, about a two . Ty nf VT Wr A hk S&T j saps ‘ Be DEUCE-TREY LIFTED CLANCY UP BoDYeMD ty LING uae OVER pis HHAD, days’ journey, on horseback, from Virginia SENT HIM HEAD-FIRG® prin TE REELT!> Re City, was a ‘ whooping” town. wt be VER) Sp dan 4 t MS! ne ; — fi
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~t\ . startled by a resounding knock at t - out and see,” knock, on a night like this, if he could open _ the door himself. At to the 1 to stay.” As yet, however, the place had not ex- perienced the ‘‘boom” that usually comes to most mining-camps, sooner or later, al- though every citizen stoutly maintained that it was close at hand. . The night which marks the opening of our story was about as bad a one as the camp of Whoop-up had ever experienced. It was winter, and along in the afternoon a snowstorm had set in with a force that bade fair to make it the deepest snow of the season, By nine o’clock the snow was body deep toa horse, on the level, and not a citizen was to be found out of doors, although for the most part they were congregated in the Cocktail Saloon, where they were amusing themselves in various ways, after the ap- proved fashion, Outside the wind’ was howling, and the snow-ghosts dashed up against the windows, or brushed past, wild, weird and fantastic. Inside all was mellow light and goodly cheer. Said “Buck” Williams: ‘*Et’s goin’ to be a ‘bad ’un, an’ you kin tell yer folks I say so.” Williams, by the way, was the proprietor of the Cocktail. As everybody agreed with him in his view, he was not disputed. . The bar of .the saloon was being well patronized, but the chief center of interest seemed to be the green-cloth tables; and of these, particularly that one where the “‘ tiger” held sway. Py 35, - Here several men were engaged in'gam- bling, and as they were leading citizens of the camp their stakes were by no means trifling. is There was Samuel Bergman, chief cwner and manager of the Squint-eye Mine; Robert. Terrell, chief clerk and cashier of the local bank of which Henry Hurston, another of the players, was the head; and others whose names will be mentioned further long, _ Suddenly every man in the room was front door, ; ; * Walk right in!” sung out Buck Wil- jams. - teas Gut the knock was repeated. ** Come in! come in!” the proprietor shout- ed at the top of his voice. Again, however, came the knock, this time londer and more imperative than ever, and every man looked at his neighbor, “What, kin et mean?” questioned one “« Fire-eater rig ‘* Open ther door an’ see, Fire eater,” or- dered Williams; but, the direction was un- necessary, for the fellow had stepped for- ward to do so, even as he spoke. The door was thrown open, a great bank of snow came tumbling in, followed by a cloud of the same propelled by a gust of wind, and also by a man on horseback, muf- fled to the ears. Every man was on his feet in an instant, and ejaculations of surprise were heard on every hand, In his hand the rider held the heavy-han- dled whip with which he had knocked. Horse and rider were alike covered with snow. ** You were slow about opening your door, landlord,” the rider complained. ‘‘1 can tell vou every minute counts one, out there, gentlemen; if you don’t believe it, just step ‘We'll take Fire-eater Flip. | ** Thought yer could open fér yerself,” ex- plained Williams: ‘‘ Didn’t know yer was mounted. L[hollered fer yer ter come in right off ter oncet, soon’s yer knocked.” _ ** Not likely that any man would stop to yer word fer et,” assured I couldn't reach the latch, But, no matter; here we are, and y the looks of things I guess we have come %% , LTrade-Mark. The stranger had slipped out of his sad- dle, and was proceeding to unbutton his coat | ger; but et’s lucky Grudge an’ and shake off the snow. He had thrown off his sealskin cap, and his face could be seen. A young man, maybe twenty-five years of age, he had black hair and eyes and a dark mustache, ‘‘ What about yer hoss?” asked the pro- prietor. ‘¢ Just what I meant to ask, soon as I got around to it,” was the response. ‘‘ Where can you put him?” ‘Thar ain’t no place, ’cept a shed back of the saloon, I reckon he'll have to take his chances there, ef et ain’t snowed full.” “That the best the camp can do?” ‘IT opine et aire.” «Then ny horse will have to stay right where he is for the night. We'll put him oe there. in that corner, out of the way, an pis eae ‘*Ha! ha! I’m durn’d if that ain’t cool, anyhow! Make a stable of the Cocktail Saloon? Well, I reckon not. Stranger, I wouldn’t keep yer hoss in hyer fera ten- dollar yallerbird!” ‘*T’ll give you twenty dollars for that cor- ner for the night.” \ ‘Yer couldn’t have et fer fifty!” “Tl give you sixty!” ** No!” ‘*‘T’ll make it seventy-five, spot cash!” Still the answer was no, but the new- comer noted that it was not spoken in so positive a manner as before. ‘Tell you what I'll do,” he said quickly: **T’ll give you an even hundred dollars, not acent more, Take that or nothing. 1 am going to stop here, and my horse is going to stay with me,” . “Wull, seein’ that it is a most durnation nasty night outside, I’ll let ther critter stay fer that figger.” ’There was a laugh from the crowd, im- mediately. ee ’ “You area man of business, Buck, sure enough,” observed Henry Hurston, ‘‘ You know a hundred dollars when you see it.” As the stranger had by this time cast off his rubber garment and overcoat, a better estimate of him could he formed, and not a portunity. He was well dressed in. a suit of dark stuff, anc had on a pair of tall topped water- proof talf boots, with his trowsers folded jn- side the legs, of course. He worea ‘‘ b’iled” shirt and standing collar, and on the bosom of his shirt, which did not show a wrinkle, flashed a diamond pin, . This pin was peculiar in itself, and at first glance one might think that a stone was missing, but'such was not the case. It was shaped like this: * * 4% * Core utah * Where the stone. was apparently missing there never had been a setting. t The man drew aroll of bills from his ocket, counted out the one hundred and aid it on the bar, and that done, gave atten- tion to his horse. He took off the saddle and bridle in a mo- ment, while the landlord was putting away his peck then he led the horse to the cor- ner which he had paid for, while comment ran round the room. ‘Now, where is the man who wants to make five dollars by procuring feed and bedding for the animal, and taking care of him?” the sport asked. . Fire eater Flip was prompt to sing out: ‘*I’m yer bower, at that figger.” ‘All right. Here is your money; and now, landlord, you can fodder me, if there I suppose you have got something stored away. in the larder.” . . ae \ man in the room but was improving the op- is anything to eat in your. shebang, and where’ before,” answ ‘** Oh, yes, thar’s somethin’ epee strar ggins g in a stock before the storm.” “* Who are Grudge and Higgins?” ‘‘They keep the only general store o camp at present affords, sir,’’ spoke up Her ry Hurston. ‘ We are provably safe againg getting starved out, evenif we do get snow ed under.” ‘‘ Well, that’s good, anyhow, I take this isn’ta regular hotel, eh, landlord?” ‘‘ Et is, an’ etain’t, Et’s the nearest thin to a hotelin ther camp.” ‘' Well, trot out the feed, please!” ‘Yes, ter besure, “You, Ben, go an’ kic that Chinee in ther kitchen, an’ tell him t git up somethin’, double quick. By the way, stranger, what’s yer name?” ‘*T am called Deuce-Trey.” “* Deuce-Trey ?” ** Yes, Deuce-Trey, the Five-Spot Sport. ‘* What ther deuce fer a name is that, any how? D’ye hear what he says his cognome aire, boys?” The game at the faro table bad been at standstill ever since the first summons at tb door by this stranger, and the name had bee heard by‘all, since all were attentive. “ The deuce-trey, as you see, sir,” rejoin ed the sport, as with his finger he indicate the pin on his bosom, ‘‘ and from it I tak my name—Deuce-Trey, the Five-Spot Spor Who will come up and take a drink wi me?” . CHAPTER II. THE PLACARD AND REWARD. THERE was no need of a second invitatioy Every ‘‘galoot” in the place was o hand promptly, there being a grand rush fq ‘the bar at the sports inquiry. ‘‘Hal! ha!” the Five-Spot Sport laugheg ‘*Tsee you are not at all backward her gentlemen. Set out the stuff for them landlord, and take it out of this,” flipping a double-eagle upon the bar as he spoke. *“ like to do the right thing when I arrive ‘stranger in a strange camp.” ‘‘Tkree cheers fer ther Deuce-Trey!” on man proposed, and while they were bein given the sport’took a seat at a vacant tabl ty the wall, where he awaited the coming o Bissuppert vi, Fe “MRS > During this time one man in the room ha been observitig him keenly, and this on was Robert Terrell. fare. He now cashed ‘in his few remaining chiy and pulled out of ‘the game. Crossing over, he took a seat at the sport table. ae . ‘TL beg your pardon, stranger,” he said “but it seems to me that I ought to kno you; your fuce is certainly familiar.” ‘Quite likely you have seen me som pial the Five-Spo Sport, pune ‘‘T have traveled up an down the world quite a little in my time.” ‘May I ask where you are from?” ** Oregon.” “Ts that your home?” ‘ ‘‘T am as much at home here as anywhere, sir.” “‘ Which politely tells me to mind my owr “ins ain i not meddle with yours, I tak t;?? : : ‘You are putting your own constructio: upon my words, sir.’ th Seog “*) Wall, no matter; I find I was mistaken I took you to be a gentleman of some dis tinction whom I knew by'sight a couple o years ago. Beg your pardon for pushing myself upon you.’ pS ‘*Oh, don’t mention it, But, whom dig you take me to be?” eS eas The man leaned over and said in lowei tone: ‘* Deadwood Dick, Junior.” “T have heard of the fellow,” said the sport, in his same easy manner, ‘‘ Some ing of. an outlaw, I believe. I certainly feel flattered—” ; ee % 7 ‘
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and **No, no; you have in mind the original Deadwood Dick, who, I believe, did have some such stigma upon his nime. Dead- wood Dick, Junior, isa detective, one of the keenest in the world.” ‘That is better, then; still I cannot lay claim to any such distinction as that, Mr,— _Mr,—” ‘*My name is Robert Terrell, sir.” “You will have to admit that you were mistaken, Mr. Terrell.” ** Yes, it is plain that I was mistaken, Mr. —Mr. Five-Spot Sport. Pardon my intru- sion.” ‘Don’t mention it, Mr. Terrell.” The chief clerk and cashier of the local bank arose and walked away, and just about that time a typical Chinaman entered by a rear door, bearing atray of eatables which he set down before the stranger. It was a meal good enough for any hungry mortal, and the savor of the bowl of steam- ing coffee was particularly grateful. This bowl was a big one, and it rested in a saucer large in proportion. - **You havee anysing more?” the Chinee asked. _ **No, nothing more, thank you, John,” the sport answered. ‘‘This is a repast good ' enough for a king.” _ While the sport was speaking the China- man lifted the bow] of coffee from the saucer, _ replacing it immediately, but giving time _ enough for the sport to catch sight of a bit ie of paper under it. ~ ‘You savvy?” he asked, in lower tone. ~ “You catchee on?” _ ‘All right, John,” the response, ‘‘ and thank you!” __» The sport looked at the Chinaman search- ingly, now, and his eyes followed him as he _ shuffled out of the room. **Say, landlord, what’s the name of your heathen?” he called out. _ ** We call him Chin Shang,” the answer. ** Well, you can set it down for a fact that he is a good cook, anyhow; I know that be- _ fore I tackle his viands, just by the smell of them.” a ‘f The sport fell to, then, getting down to __ yusiness in a way that proved he was hun- e2YV; > In the mean time Robert Terrell had joined ih ~ bis employer, Henry Hurston, who, also, had drawn out of the game. +s “That man isa mystery, Mr. Hurston,” observed Terrell. _ “A mystery? In what way, Terrell? He seems like an open-hearted fellow, I think.” “He may be all right, of course, but I doubt it. [made an effort to get at his name, but he would not disclose it. Simply calls himself what you heard.” _ Which he undoubtedly has a right to do.” “TJ admit it; but, he is reticent respecting where he hails from, and I have my suspi- ions that he isn’t straight. Do you think he can be that fellow, Howard Smithy ?” “* Hal” The banker uttered un exclamation and » looked searchingly at the stranger, and from ant . ‘ , ' him turned his gaze to a placard on the all, - . y This placard, which was dated some months back, set forth the offer of a re: ward of five thousand dollars for the arrest _ of one Howard Smithy. / - Smithy was described as a man twenty- six years of age, about five feet ten in height, weighing about a hundred and seventy pounds, with black hair and eyes, adark mustache. Certainly this stran- ger filled the bill pretty clonely. From the ‘aged Hurston again turned his eyes upon ‘man. y -* What do you think?” asked Terrell. “The man certainly answers the descrip- tion. How did you come to think of it so pro cook depreciated. mptly?” A reo. tell the truth, I have had an eye open for him ever since that notice was put up here; not that I ever expected to see him, but if he did come my way I meant to go for that reward.” ; “‘ And you are going for him?” . ‘“‘T mean to find out whether he is the man or not, if possible.” ** Well, I don’t blame you, for five thou- sand dollars is not to be picked up every day. But, go slow.” ‘** What do you mean?” ‘He looks like a man of sand,” “The poster describes Smithy as a nervy fellow,” ‘* Let’s see: this robbery took place about five months ago, down at Tucson, Arizona?” “Exactly. The cashier of the Gold and Silver Bank put sixty thousand dollars in his' pocket one fine morning and skipped out, and that was the last of him, so far as we know.” ‘That is the whole story in a nutshell, Terrell. I'll tell you what 1’ll do for you,” “ What’s that?” **T’ll sound him when chance offers.” ‘‘T wish youwould. I can’t wellapproach him again, to-night.” Meantime the Five-Spot Sport was pushing right ahead with his repast, apparently pay- ing no attention to anything else, He was not unmindful, however, of the attention that Terrell and his companion were bestowing upon him, and _ rightly judged that their conversation was concern- ing himself, The placard on the wall was behind him where he sat, but he noticed that Terrell’s companion was looking at something inter- esting in that direction, and resolved to learn what that something was when he got up from the table. ~ Nor had he forgotten the bit of paper un- der his cup. . Removing the bowl he placed it just out- side the saucer, between it and the men who were observing him. . He went right on eating, but, as he did so, he examined the bit of paper in the saucer, to read this brief message: | ‘* Want to speak to you. ** CHIN SHANG,” » The sport naturally felt surprise, but did not show it, and when his meal was finighed he replaced the bowlin the saucer and rose from the table with a satisfied air. ‘Yes, landlord,” he declared, ‘‘ your Chinee is a good cook, and that supper is worth a tip. I’m going out and give him one, if you don’t object Where is your kitchen? All right; this is the way. ello! Chin Shang, where are you?” CHAPTER III, THE MYSTERIOUS CHINAMAN, WuiLe. speaking, the sport opened the door by which the Chinaman had entered the room. It jed into the kitchen of the establishment at once, and Chin Shang putin his appear- ance immediately in response to the sport’s eall. ; The sport had pulled-to the door, after him, a little, but not enough to close it tightly, and in voice loud enough to be heard. by those nearest to the door, he addressed the Chinaman: “That was a good supper, John, and I want to thank you for it. Here is something to shove into your pocket,” and he gave the Chinee a coin. eh ** Allee samee not muchee goodee,” the ‘‘No have many t’ings to cookee :nuchee nice.” And then in lower tone: *’ You read the note?” ‘There was no pigeon English about that! ‘Yes, and that’s why I’m here. What do you want to say?” “No time now; must see you again, I know you, and I want your help.” “You know me?” ' pn oe ae | ; iin 4 5 nd ill aaa Oa Smithy,” en cee ons ' Ie aed ter Rance) We eee Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. ‘*Yes; you are Deadwood Dick, Junior.” The Five-Spot Sport smiled, as if at the ~ mistake thus made again. ‘‘ This is the second time I have been taken for that person since I arrived,” he said, ‘Ha! is that so? But, no time to talk now. Look out for yourself! See you later.” And then louder: ‘‘ Allee samee Chin Shang thankee ’Melican man, and tly to pleasee him evely time.” “You're all right, John, you bet! Land- lord,” as the sport stepped out into the main room again, ‘‘ your Chinee is a brick, from: the ground up, and I have made myself solid with him. Hello! what’s this? Some- body is wanted, I take it, by the looks of this.” He referred to the notice of reward, which just then caught his eye—apparently by chance, though he had purposely iooked to learn what it was that Terrell’s companion had found so interesting, a few minutes be fore. This was it, undoubtedly, and he rightly guessed the drift of their con- versation, “That notice has been up here a consider- able time, sir,” informed Henry Hurston. ‘* Yes, I see it looks rather like a back number.” : ‘Never seen that reward before?” ‘*Would not like to say, positively, sir, A fellow sees a good many such notices, in the course of his travels.” ‘*Then you are a traveler?” Mie 4 -): Raa ‘‘Ever been. down in that part of the country?” ‘Yes, I have been in Arizona, Good stiff . offer, five thousand; wouldn’t object to pick- | ing that up, myself.” us ‘*Mr, Sport,” and the banker rose and stepped leisurely forward, ‘‘ the more I look at you the more I am struck with your like- ness to the description given of this man . Shy SA emilee hageNmirie ‘Yes, decidedly|,..Height, weight, hair, . - -eyes, mustache—really you appear to fill the bill!” “J don’t know but you are ri; ht, sir,” withthe utmost nonchalance, ‘That is ‘about the way you would have to describe me, I guess. ut, there are thousan of. meén of the same general make-up.” Ye ‘*Oh! undoubtedly, sir. Do not think for ~ a moment that [ would insinuate that you | are Howard Smithy, the defaulter,” “Not going to take offense, sir, chance offers,” ‘* A phrenologist?” **So I said.” . ‘“What do you want with one of those fel- lows?” dst | ‘Why, your friend there) toqk great detective a few moments ago, and now you have likened me to a thief Quite a joke, Mr.—Mr,—" ‘Hurston—Henry Hurston.” / ‘Quite a joke, Mr. Hurston,” The sport had looked toward Terrell as he spoke, pointing, too, and fora second the chief clerk flushed slightly, ‘« Mistake all around, it seems,” he remark- me for a ed. / sine _ i ‘‘ Decidedly,” assured the Five-Spot Sport. : s,. But, I think I'll consult a phrendlogist as soon as . Hal hal hal “For Mr. Hurston there is some excuse, — ax, however; for you, none,” banker, Easily enough. You had this descrip- ea ae tion of the placard to go by, while - ; Terrell, I am wrong; you said eg that detective, and that I m.’ att It could be'seen, by those keen enough read it, that Terrell did not take kindly this. : tit i nS as Se > ) At that moment all attention was drawn to the faro table, ORR aah, A | rel had nothing— But, pardon me, tad Mr, Ter- a sf t ¢ ‘‘ How do you figure that out?” asked the ad ay rf froeltiea 3h tke
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4 _ *Curse the luck!” the mine-owner had loudly exclaimed, bringing his fist down up- on the board withacrash. ‘‘Did any one preure such an infernal run as Iam hav- ng?” ‘* What's the matter, sir?” asked the Five- Spot Sport. “Matter? Everything is the matter! I have not won a single draw to-night, with. half the afternoon added to it. If I stay in any longer this fellow will have my mine, and everything else I’ve got.” Bergman was one who had not left his seat, or rather who had resumed his seat, immediately after the excitement attending the arrival of the Five-Spot Sport had abated. *“Your luck ought to turn, if you stick to one line of play,” averred the sport, as he stepped forward. “The trouble is, he has been jumping all around,” explained the dealer. ae every time he jumped he missed, e Vdd “* About the size of it.” “Don’t know but I'll try hand at this, myself, just for pastime,” observed the sport, and he sat down by the table. He brought some money to light and made a liberal purchase of chips, and the game be- an—or rather continued, and at the first raw the stranger was a winner, Bergman lost again. “T’m going to follow you, sir,” he de- clared, savagely, ‘‘and see what luck it will bring me.” ‘‘Just as you like about that,” was the suave answer. At the next draw both lost. And fso it continued to the next, and the next, and for several turns, ‘‘See here, what is your name, sir?” queried the sport. ‘‘Samuel Bergman,” was growled, .*Glad to know it; I was beginning to think it might be Jonah,” os The mine-manager flushed furious and leaped to his feet, his eyes flashing with anger, "hile “* See here, George Clancy,” he cried, con- fronting the dealer, ‘‘are you dealing a per-: fectly square game?” pie Ks straight as a string, Mr. Bergman, I assure you,” responded the dealer, a good- looking young fellow of about twenty-four years of age. “You need have no doubt of that, sir,” as- sured the Five-Spot Sport. ‘‘ At any rate, he has done nothing crooked since I sat down et or if he has, J have been unable to de- Clancy cast a glance at the stranger. “Tam fis you are able to judge, sir,” he said. ‘‘ lam not responsible for the run of luck Mr. Bergman has had.” ; “This is evidently not your night, sir,” remarked the sport, turning to the mine- / owner. Wi deal ; ‘Tt seems not; but, by heavens, if I don’t play faro 1 can play poker, and as you have taken half my pile to-night, Clancy, I dare * you to try me at poker from now till mid- pe night. a : 2 ts “Tf you insist a it, sir, and if the | other players are willing that I should close the bank,” as as I have only ) * That is hardly fair to me, ‘just begun,” explained the sport. ‘* How- ever, I won’t kick if you will let me take a a hand with you atthe new game. Whatdo you say?” — ' _ “T’m agreeable,” assented Clancy. | ** And it’s all the same to me,” coincided De aR “ ee poker let it be, and I’li come in, too,” urged the bank cashier. Pie? i oad faro lay-out was quickly put out of _ sight and th new game. 6s wide ta aia ie oun ts ti Needless to say, able was the center \ ae from that) moment, st some * tall” playing was looked for, and it was . . t bis. ga c i Dp aa T it, anyhow. e players took their seats for the player.” rey. Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. destined to become a good deal taller than any one anticipated. That game has to do with our story. CHAPTER IV. “A NOVELTY IN POKER PLAY. Tr fell to the Five-Spot Sport to deal. The four had agreed that it should bea game without a limit, just to make it inter- esting. Five dollars was the ante, and this alone was enough to make it a game of considera- ble interest, to say nothing about the other feature. The ante was put up all around, the cards were dealt out slowly, and each man of the four looked at his hand. Some called for two cards more, discarding, and others for only one, The betting was not heavy, and Bergman won the pile. Thus it went for a time, moderately, until finally, upon Terrell’s second deal, things began to liven up. Neither he nor Bergman took any other cards, and when the betting commenced these two dipped in heavily. The Five-Spot Sport and Clancy pulled out, leaving them in possession. “‘V’ll lift that just five hundred dollars,” said Terrell. putting up the dust as he said so, ‘And I'll boost that up an even thou- sand,” cried Bergman, ‘‘I think I have got you where I want you this time, my fine fellow. What do you say to that? 8 it scare you?” ** Not a. bit, sir. and another on top of it.” ‘‘The deuce! But, I am in to stay, and I'll give you another lift. “I havea notion that you are bluffing.” ‘Don’t fool yourself about that, Mr. Here is your thousand, Bergman.” ‘I'm bound that you sha’n't fool me about . Here is your thousand, with another along with it.’ ‘* Ha! that is what 1 like to see, sir. Now it begins to get exciting. I will see that thousand, and put just five thousand dollars on top of that. Now, sir, raise it again if you dare.” “Thunder!” the mine-owner exclaimed, his face growing somewhat pale, ‘‘ That is bigger than my pile.” | ‘Your paper is good, sir, in the presence of these witnesses.’ : ‘* Well, curse it, you shall not scare me off,” jerking paper and pencil from his pockets, ‘‘I’ll give you my name for the five thousand, just for the satisfaction of seeing what you are betting on.” With trembling fingers he wrote the re- quired words, flinging the paper down upon the center of the table when he had done. “There,” he cried, ‘‘show down your hand!” _ : This the cashier did, promptly, disclosing three jacks and a small pair. -“Ourse the luck!” cried the mine-owner. * Just big enough to beat me, and no more. Here I held three tens and a brace of aces!” With an immense expression of relief up- on his’ face, Terrell drew in his winnings, and the deal passed to Bergman, who took oak cards with trembling hands, his face pale. . ‘If 8 man can’t winsomething on his own deal,” he said, ‘he had better drop cards for good and all.” -“T hope you do not mean to insinuate that I did not deal fairly?” Terrell, queried, in an angry mood. ; **Not at all; I otherwise.” “Let me know it when you do.” ** You'll never do it a second time, with e,” of doing it . Bergman, [ama square did not catch you doing ' j ¢ : Sos $$$ The mine-owner dealt out he cards, slowly and carefully, and without the least showing of any attempt at crooked work, and the players took up their hands and looked at them. ‘‘Tam well satisfied with what you have given me, sir,” announced Terrell. ‘‘The same here,” chimed in Clancy. It was not so with the Five-Spot Sport. He threw down his cards and called for a new haud altogether. t The play began, and when it came around to Terrell he coolly dropped a cold ten thou- sand dollars into the pot, looking at Berg- \ man as if to say—‘‘Come and see me if you Hy” dare!” “Curse you, I know you are bluffing now,” cried the mine-owner, ‘‘Tll take some of it out of you, by Jericho!” — Bringing forth his paper and pencil again, . he wrote his I. O. U. for fifty thousand dol- @ lars! ne The Five-Spot Sport and Clancy dropped. their cards as if they were hot. “JT don’t want that,” observed Deuce- # Trey. vs ‘Nor I,” chimed in Clancy. “That is a good big slice of the Squint~ eye Mine, I take it,” remarked Terrell; ‘* Tt, will take about my whole pile to call you.” ‘Put up or shut up!” cried“Bergman, im- patiently. ‘‘Oh, I mean to put up, don’t fear! Tit put it on paper, same as yours, and my name is good for about that amount.” This was done, and the mine-owner was. required to show his cards. e had made a clean bluff; he had only a small pair. . Terrell held four treys. me! ‘‘Ha! ha! ha!” the cashier laughed. “It did not work that time, Mr. Bergman. If Me you will be reckless you must not squeal.” The mine-owner's face was now like death, and the perspiration on his forehead showed the intensity of his excitement. ‘‘No man can say he ever heard Sam § Bergman squeal,” he declared, ‘‘I’I}make B you squeal, though, before we are done witl this thing. Deal up, Deuce-Trey, and we'lk try it again.” . “I guess you and I are not in this thing, Mr, Clancy,” the Five-Spot Sport made re~ | mark, as he shuffled. ) ah ha “That .is the way it looks,” was the re- sponse, : The cards were dealt. At first the betting was light, but it gre’ heavier, between Clancy and Terrell, and Bergman and the Five-Spot Sport drop out, ras ‘T seem to have got in it, at last,” remark~— ed Clancy to the sport. He dropped twenty thousand dollars om the board! pee Quite needless to say that the interest of | the crowd was centered upon this table. Every man of them stood silently around, some on chairs and others on tables in ordes to see over the heads of those who stood op the chairs, and not a word was spoken save by the players. ely ‘And you will find that you have fot into a bad place, my friend,” remarked Terrell, as he met the bet and ran it up a good deal | higher, ‘‘J£ you are bluffing you will fiad — that you have run up against the wron man, and if not you have got to hold a stiff hand to beat mine.” \ ‘a Clancy said nothing more, but played # again, _ oe eThis time he came down so Leavy that it. called for Terrell’s pile, and with face some- — what pale the bank cashier put itup, Clancy won, with four eight-spots: against | rrell, ° | three aces and a pair of kings. “Curse my luck!” growled Te guessIamoutofit,now.” oa 0, we'll give you a chance, I gue ancy encouraged, | Pa _ He handed some money back to the bro! ‘ ‘ 2 ” , P 4 i ‘2 rh
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_ «clerk, who accepted it with a look of great relief. The Five-Spot Sport sat apparently only half interested; Clancy, the gambler, was cool and possessed; but Terrell was now ex- cited, and Bergman was nervous and had an expression of desperation. For a little while the interest was only or- dinary; then eame what was to be the most eran exciting play of all, It came on Clancy’s deal, Terrell threw down his cards in disgust, | after drawing three fresh ones. The others i had made no change, except Deuce-Trey, ay - who took one card. Re, Bergman, the mine-owner, opened the ‘ae fight by putting up all his remaining inter- est in the Squint-eye Mine, saying to Clancy as he did so: ‘looked to see what Clancy would do. ‘*T’m going to raise it fifty thousand dol- larg higher,” the gambler informed them. -. "Phat is too much for ycu, Mr. Bergman, ‘but if you want to call me you can put up our aughter’s hand in marriage against by ‘Now, call me if you dare! If you raise it, rah Ill put up my coat, hat and boots, and by i _ «@verything else I’ve got in the world. But, a are you going to stay in, Mr. Five-Spot A Sport?” (Wig “That is my intention,” was the quiet re- Bo, sponse, , =| ORR From an inner pocket the sport brought | ‘forth a pocketbook, from which he took ae money enough to pay his way in; then he ‘And [ll do it, by Jericho!” the mine- owner cried, desperately. ‘‘ Here, I'll put that in writing for you,” making haste to pencil the promise, which he dashed down ae upon the table as soon as written. ‘* There, eh). confound you, now let me see what you have oy ot! But the Five-Spot Sport was yet to be heard from, CHAPTER V. GOING FOR THE SPORT. _ CLANCY now showed a little of excitement, spite of the fact that he was a professional. _.. For some time he had been trying to win ‘the hand of pretty Lillie Bergman, the mine- _ ©wner’sdaughter, but without success, — _ Here, now, was his chance, at last, to force Nahe he had not been able to get by favor. ‘Little wonder that he could not quite con- _ eal the excitement he felt. Dieat As for the crowd, every man was almost breathless, é Clancy looked at Deuce-Trey. _ ** Are you out of it?” he asked nervously. - ** Well, hardly, though I have not the ~ amount of your raise in cold cash.” ‘Itis cash or nothing, now!” cried the gambler, excitediy, “If you can’t -put it _ up, drop out. Ha ee / “Thank you; but IT am in it, as I have said, “I'll put up what cash I have, and my name for the balance, for T am well able o back up my—” ‘Your name is no good here,” asserted Clancy, eager to force the sport out of the contest, ‘ You are a stranger and nobody 7: . a fact, you Ne seem tohave no name. Money talks!” as the sport “gi a five-shot revolver to’ ig argument, ‘T’ll put y I have, and call you, and ’g ‘stake was put up and you cannot claim that—” rdon, sir, but if I win this ' 0 Mr, Bergman when he made Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. “Banty, the handy man around the saloon. the remainder of this night, éf not fer a good | —w “ How is ther fuel, Ben?” asked another. ‘Got lots of that,” was the reply. ‘‘Got half a cellar full,” i ; spots in this gun that say so! The Five Spot Sport is not to be bullied out of his rights, you bet!” Clancy had to ‘‘ take water,” but there was a dark look on his face. Deuce-Trey dropped his pocketbook upon the pile in the center of the board, and looked to learn what cards the gambler held. There was nothing left for Clancy to do but to show down, and this he did, but not with all confidence that he held the winning hand, Ip fact, his face was the picture of anxiety. He let fall his cards, face up. They were four queens and a king, and at sight of them Bergman dropped back in his chair with a muttered oath, A look of exultation instantly lighted up Clancy’s face, and he turned instantly to the Five-Spot Sport, eagerly demanding: ~ “Can you beat it?” For answer, Deuce-Trey showed his hand —four aces and a jack! The crowd instantly drew a breath of re- lief, and one man among them proposed three cheers for the Five-Spot Sport. The cheers were given with a will, while the men sprung down from the chairs and tables upon which they had been perched, ha the sport and Clancy had risen to their eet. ‘ Clancy was glaring at Deuce-Trey as if he would like to rend him, The Five-Spot Sport had one hand on his winnings, while the other still held his five. shot revolver, \ ‘« Well, what do you mean to do, sir?” he demanded, as soon as he could make himself heard, ‘‘Do you acknowledge that I have won fairly?” ‘You have won,” the gambler admitted, ‘but I won’t swear bow fair it was.” “Tt was upon your own dealing, sir.” “Tl toss off with you, for that bit of paper against every dollar I am worth in the world.” ‘Which may be a very meager sum. No, thank you; I prefer to keep my prize, and now I am naturally eager to see What man- ner of lady my future wife is, I may be willing to sell out after I have seen her.” ‘*No fear o’ that,” cried’ Fire-eater Flip. ‘« Little Bergman is ther finest bit 0’ calico’ this hyer camp ever seen.” ‘*Ha! glad to hear it. If that is the case YH hold fast to my claim. No disrespect to your daughter, Mr, Bergman,” “T’m glad you have won, sir,” declared the broken mine-owner, “Yet I’m a stranger to you.” ** Which this other man isn’t,” With an oath Clancy gathered up what money he had left, while Deuce-Trey was gathering up his winnings. “‘T wish you luck with your prize, any- how,” the gambler remarked, ‘‘ That bit of paper is one thing, but ] imagine the young lady will have something to say about it, for all.” “That will be between her and me,” Deuce-Trey calmly answered, The game was at an end for the night, and a glance at the clock showed that it was after midnight. . “teh Not a sound came from without, and now . that the excitement within was over, and the intense strain removed, it was noticeable in great contrast with the noise of the storm as it was again recalled. et ‘‘ Hello! is the storm over?” cried Henry Hurston, . All glanced toward the windows for the answer, and great was their surprise at what they saw. ", ; very window was a solid blank of white. ‘‘Snowed under, by thunder!” cried Ben ‘“Then we ar’ all right in that respeck, How is ther whisky; Buck Williams?” ‘*Plenty of it.” ; “Then we ar’ all hunk. Let ’er snow ef it wants to; we kin hold ther fort till it 1s over, I reckon.” 4 ‘But, this will hinder me from getting = home,” urged Samuel Bergman, anxiously. a ‘* Lillie is all alone, save for the colored wo- man, and she will be greatly worried if she t is awake.” 14, He stepped to the door and opened it. 4) Nothing ‘but a white wall of snow was there, with the imprint of the door upon it. ‘‘Durn me ef et ain't purty serious,” de- clared Williams. ‘‘ This hyer is ther deep- ha est snow we have had this season, an’ no i] tellin’ when we will git out of it,” 1 ‘* Well, no need to worry,’ added Hurston, at ‘for Grudge & Higgins have got ina good store of supplies, and we are safe against being starved. There’s nothing to be done but to make ourselves comfortable.” ] ‘«T guess you are right,” agreed Bergman, ‘*T wish I had another stake to put up, we’d have another game.” Nitti ‘“We had better have a game at sleep, 1 am thinking,” suggested the Five-Spot. Sport. ‘4, ‘* Easy enough for you to say, now that ih you are flush,” 4 '* You are right,” cried Clancy. ‘““By the way, Hurston, are we going to allow this ty stranger to come here and clean us up as he 4 . y . | has done?” B4 ‘* Don’t see what's tbe use of crying about . it, now that itis done,” was the philosophi- = cal response. jet e “*T mean, are we going to let him get away | with our wealth?” hs ** No danger of my getting away withany- thing, I guess, by the looks of things out . there,” assured Deuce-Trey. hu . ‘* We don’t know him,” declared Clancy, tik ‘‘and the question has been raised as to whether or not he isn’t the runaway cashier _ Wy from Arizona, I for one don’tfeellike giving = up so easy,” MNO Mi ‘Well, what are you going todoaboutit?” = demanded the sport. ae a Clancy and Terrell had been holding &@ hurried whispered consultation, fee * You should have been debarred fromthe = games.” ne 8 “You were willing to take some of my money if you could get at it,” : if ‘The money does not matter so much, but here you have fleeced Mr. Bergman completely.” ip gala yea ‘Bergman can take care of his own mat- ters,” that gentleman spoke up, “Tam not squealing yet, George Clancy, Plead | your own case, but leave mine out of it, if ei you please.” ia rN r ‘‘ All right, sir; but, here is this fellowa | stranger, holding your written consent tohig =| marriage with your daughter.” — AMT W, 1 ** And you heard what I had to say about that, did you not?’ AGS ** Well, if ee are willing to giveup, we are not,” said Clancy, be and Terrell draw- ing their weapons simultaneously. ‘‘Up with your hands, stranger, for we mean to — know more about you before we let you geé away with our pile, you can bet on that!” ‘ t; | CHAPTER VE ye DEUCE-TREY'S TRADE-MARK. Se : a “Ty you arerobbers here, why did younot — roceed to rob me at once on my arrival?” emanded the Five-Spot Sport. | He had made ae pee drawing his _ own weapons, though a quick man would — “You are right, fer a drink,” echoed Fire- | ee stood eater Flip.‘ Hyer we have got ter stay fer deal longer.”
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de Pope t head Wook’ Dick. Jr’s, Trade-Mark. ae : \ Clancy. ‘‘ We are merely demanding what is our own.” ‘** And we arrest you on suspicion that you are Howard Smithy,’”’ added Terrell, ** Well, in the first place, J have nothin belonging to either of you, and in the secon pow I am not Howard Smithy. If you ave any proof to the contrary, just bring it out,” ** You have our money,” growled Clancy. ‘‘Nothing of the kind, sir. It is my money, now. I risked mine against yours in lay, and if chance had fayored you | would ave been without a dollar now, almost.” “* That's right,” spoke up Fire-eater Flip, “that’s right.” ‘**Do you call it a square deal, buys?” de- manded the sport. ‘‘ Was it not a fair game, all the way through?” ‘ ‘You bet et was!” was the shout. The Five-Spot Sport had fixed the big majority all right by his treat earlier in the evening. ‘* Still, if you are determined to have fur- ther satisfaction,” the sport continued, ad- Srene his foes, “ I'll tell you what I'll 0,” ** What will you do?” ‘T'll separate my original money from my . winnings, and we’ll shoot off for the balance; best shot to take the pile. Are you pretty good with the revolver? What do you say?” ** That’s fair enough,” shouted Ben Ban- ty, eager for the new fun, ** Do you mean to put up that mortgage oe the giri'’s hand, too?” demanded the gam- er. “* Not by a good dea’, sir.” ** Then we won’t hear to any such arrange- ment. Up with your hands, now, or suffer the consequence.’ Everything seemed to favor these two con- federates, just then. 3 The sport was apart from the rest of the crowd, between them and the door that opened into the kitchen. The crowd was on the right, where they had gone to look at the snow when the door was opened—it was open yet, by the way; and the two men with guns in hand held the center. Deuce-Trey raised his hands, seeming in no hurry about it, but as they came up, it was noted that a five-shooier had leaped to each! . ‘“* Now, then, blaze away!” he invited. Neverin the world were two men more amazed than were George Clancy and Rob Terrel just then. . And, in the same moment, the door open- ing into the kitchen was fiung open and Chin Shang, tle Chinaman, sprung in, and took his place beside the sport, he having also a gun to the fore! ‘** Allee samee me too!” he ejaculated hur- riedly. ‘*’Melican tleat Chin Sbang all light; Chin Shang stand by ’Melican man evely time, you bettee!” The crowd had made a hasty scramble to- ward the end of the room, to get out of the way of chance stray bullets, for it certainly looked as if there was going to be a battle. ** What are you going to do about it?” de- manded the Five-Spot Sport. ** You are our prisoner,” declared Terrell, but not with so bold an air as he had been _ wearing. tg : * ba , I must say. S Dence-Tre fl as , going to be, either, without a fight for it. | them up to account for it, if you happen to me.” | risoner? Ha! ha! ha! That is How iong have I n your prisoner, [ would like to know?, Put.up your guns, now, or we'll open fire es Your - and have some music here!” ** You bettee!” Clancy dropped his arm with an oath and returned his gun to his pocket. my Seeing that he was alone, then, Terrell did the same, and the Five-Spot Sport and his _ Chinee friend held the floor. Tam no man’s prisoner, yet,” assumed r y; ‘and, what is more, I am not Just step aside from between me and that | find me with my toes turned up, I'll let. door, please,’ . He motioned with his revolver, and Clancy and Terrell stepped to the left. No sooner had they done so than the sport’s | them off this time, but if they ever jump me again it will -be their death-signal, I givedue notice.”’ At that moment the top of the bank of weapons began to bark, and five shots were | snow caved in, tumbling down into the fired in rapid succession. room, and a gust of wind following it. He had fired straight at the open door, and | proved that the storm still raged. all wondered what it meant, but in the next moment, when they surged forward to see, they saw as it were his trade-mark there in the white wall of snow! There were five holes, appearing like black spots on the stainless snow, arranged in per- fect order like this; * * * * ‘There you have it,” the sport declared, as cool as ice. ‘‘ That is merely to show abe that I can shoot a little bit, so you will now what kind of a snag you are running against.” He proceeded coolly to reload the empty chambers in his guns as he spoke. Terrell whispered a word to Clancy in that moment, and as one man both made a spring forward upon the sport together. They had hold upon him before he could move to defend himself. ‘* Whose prisoner are you now, Howard Smithy ?” demanded Terrell, exultingly. ‘‘I guess you will find that—” ‘‘That I am all alive yet!” finished the sport, as he roused to action, . j But, the Chinee was not idle. He leaped forward and pulled at Clancy, and the crowd was turning, with angry growls. With a sudden movement, just how it was done no man could rightly tell, the Five-Spot Sport sent Terrell headlong into the bank of snow in the open doorway, and turned im- mediately to seize Clancy. The Chinee was still clinging to him, but he let go as soon as he saw what the sport’s intention was. | Seizing him, Deuce-Trey, lifting him up bodily and whirling him over his head, sent him head-first after Terrell. How the crowd whooped! There they were, buried in the snow, with only their boots and a portion of their legs visible! ‘Who will take a drink at my expense?” asked the sport, as if nothing had happened. The crowd as before made a dive for the bar, cheering us they did so. The sport tossed another coin to the pro- prietor. ; ‘‘Those fellows will have your life for this, sir,” said Bergman,- with some con- cern. **Not if they give me half a chance for it,” averred the sport, with assurance, ‘‘ I'll have a word to say to the boys about them, when they get out of their cold bath.” ‘*You bettee not while Chin Shang is alound, allee samee!” cried the Chinee. ‘*Me puttee bullet into ’em quickee, they go to play any tlicks on my fliend.” ‘‘Much obliged to you, John,” and the sport bowed approvingly. ‘* Heapee welcome!” By this time Clancy had floundered out of the snow, and Terrell followed him imme- diately. The Five-Spot Sport was waiting for them, gun in hand, and as soon as they were upon their feet he held them up short, say- ing: ‘* Now, you fellows, I want to give you a bit of advice: Don’t you ever try that trick on .with me again, or you won’t come out with whole skins, ] warn you, And you, boys, give attention.” ** You bet!” from the crowd. “If anything happens to me know who my, only enemies are. \ here, you Bring i a LS The snow was cleared up and pushed out, as much as possible, and the door was. closed. ‘Well, landlord, good-night,” said the Five-Spot Sport. ‘‘I have made friends with your Chinee, and he has promised to make me up a good bunk in his domain, You, Fire-eater, look well to my horse; I trust him to you.” ‘* I'll do that, pard, you bet!” With a wave of the hand, then, Deuce- Trey followed the Chinee out of the room into the kitchen, leaving his two enemies to: plot against him at pleasure, : CHAPTER VII. CHIN SHANG’S STRANGE STORY. Tue Five-Spot Sport closed the door, and he and the Chinee—as we have continued to call him—sat down by the fire. ‘‘T invented that little piece of fiction im order to get a chance to talk with you,” ex- plained the sport. ‘‘ You have awakened my interest and I want to hear your story.” ‘‘Tt was no fiction, as you can see,” speaking in low tone, and the pretending Chinee pointed across the room to a place where he had arranged a couple of beds, an extra one besides his own, ‘‘I have pre- pared a bunk for you, and meant to ask you ‘to accept it.” ‘‘It seems we both thought of the same scheme, then,” ‘S.¥ea:” ‘Well, your story. What have you got: to say to me?” ‘**T have nothing to say to you, until you have acknowledged that you are the persom I have taken you to be.” ‘‘ And you take me to be Deadwood Dick,, Junior?” 0, ‘*Then you have seen Deadwood “Tl have.” ‘*Where and when?” _ . ‘In Silver City, two years or so ago.” ‘“Yes, I was there about that time. Well, my friend, I am Deadwood Dick, Junior,” ‘i felt sure that I was not mistaken, But I wanted’ your word for it before I trusted you too far.” “And my word is all the got; I may be lying to you,” ‘Oh, no, you are mistaken, Dick?” proof you have Ihave plen- ty of proof, now. I have seen an exhibi- — tion of your strength and courage, to say nothing about your shooting. Besides, you told me some one else had recognized you for Deadwood Dick.” 7 ier geale “ T guess you have gota good case against: me, John—I'll have to call you that till you see fit to give me your real name.” —_- taps ‘“‘ My name is Frank Douglas.” - “ T’ll remember it.” “But, who was it recognized you?’ «Tt was the man who calls himself Terrell.” ‘* You speak as if you do not believe that. to be his true name?” ts 4 ee ‘* Well, I can’t swear that itis. You see a man wears his real name like he wears a b’iled shirt; and that is, when it best suits 7 Robert: his purpose. What do you think about the gentleman?” t “‘T have given him no thought. My mind has been taken up with another.” | NY. ‘““Yes? Who is that?” 2. ‘‘Samuel Bergman.” — . 3 “What isthe matter with Samuel?” ‘‘ Nothing, apparently; the matter is w ; ee {Oh aa . we i é ‘|
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ae ull Deadwood Dies, Jr.'s, Trade-Mark. ‘* Well, then, what is the matter with you? You told me you wanted my help.” “And sol do. I have a mystery on my too heavy for me, I am afraid.” ‘““You are a mystery, Mr. Douglas. Any one would swear that you are a Chinee, sure enough. You are made up to perfection. Are you a professional detective?’ “Bless you, no! But, I have been an actor in my day, and am at home in almost +3 any sort of make-up. I adopted this, in } coming here, because I wanted to remain completely unknown to Bergman,” 7 ‘*T see. You seem to be loaded for bear, q then, and this man Bergman is your ie game.” : ‘No, his daughter.” ‘** Hal” ; “Tf she is his daughter—and now I have additional proof that she is not!” “This grows in interest, Mr. Douglas. I te havea claim upon that lady myself, now, as 7 a maybe you are aware.” ‘* Yes; and that is the very thing I speak bes. of as proof, Do you think any man would aut, put up his own flesh and blood as a stake at | ~ ¢ards, like he put up his daughter’s hand in : marriage?” ‘*All men are not alike. Some men will do anything, particularly when on the losing | side in a desperate game.” Co **Maybe so; but I don't believe any man Oe would do that,” ' «Who, then, is this Lillie Bergman, if she is not the child of Samuel Bergman?” “She is Delia Douglas, my own daugh- ter!” _ ‘Whew! Worse and worse complicated! Don’t you know whether she is your child / or not?” , ‘* T can swear that she is, sir, but I cannot prove it.” '. ‘And that is what you require of me— help to prove it?” * 'That’s what I want.” ‘It may be more of a job than I can ac- complish, if you have been unable to do it yourself.” ; ‘*Deadwood Dick, Junior, can succeed - _-where other men fail utterly, I believe you -___ ean clear up this mystery for me, if any man _. fn the world can.” s ‘Well, I hope so; but that remains to be geen, my friend.” + ‘Jam glad that you have a claim upon the girl; I was dreadfully afraid Clancy - would win that time.” 4? “Yes, Iam glad of that, too. I ‘don’t like the looks of the fellow a whole lot—- so to say, and I think such a weapon in ' his hand would be bad for the girl, How old is she?” — . . a “She has just turned nineteen,” y a iy i * . ~ ae daughter or Bergman’s?”— _ here is more mystery, sir. She Jaughed in my face when I came here openly and as. serted my claim, some weeks ago,” “And how long since you saw your daughter? You see, you have not given me the facts in the case yet. Was she a child wher you lost her—if that was it? Give me the particulars.” . “She was about fifteen years old when she was suddenly missing, and I never saw her again or heard tell of her until I found her, by chance, in the possession of this man Bergman, And she is my cbild; I can swear to it; look at this picture, and then decide - when you have seen her.” | ‘The pretending Ci.naman produced a photograph from under his blouse. ~ Dick—needless longer to deny his identity —took it and looked at it critically. _—s ** A very pretty child,” he commented, TT can easily imagine the changes which mS r years would naturally bring to such a 1,and I am prepared to recognize Miss man, if things are as you think.” ‘And you will be willing to swear it is the ’ 4 : i hands that I am trying to solve, but it is” _ Does she know whether she is your] : " _—_ same person, Iam sure, But, to prove it— | her hand? Were there other lovers in the there is the rub.” ‘*Was there any reason why Bergman should steal your child?” ‘* None that I know of, sir.” ** And any reason why your child should deny you, as her father?” “Even less,” ** Well, here is a riddle with a vengeance. But, I am flopping around in the dark, Mr. Douglas, Give me the particulars before we tuke another step, and while you are do- ing so I will straighten out my money and stow it away. Can you lock that door there?” The disguised man stepped to the door and secured it. Dick took his money from his pockets, then, where he had hastily put it, and began to sort it out, and while he didso he puid particular attention to each bill of that which had recently come into his possession. And while he was thus engaged his compan- ion told his story, more at length than we shall quote it, : ‘‘I was married twenty years ago,” the narrator began. ‘‘ My wife was a mystery to me from the hour of our wedding. She was away from home about as much as she was at home, but\always at her mother’s house when absent, My employ asa travel- ing actor, with very irregular places, gave her some excuse for this, I found no fault. At length, at the end of a year, our little girl was born—at my wife’s mother’s, ‘‘This was some distance from my own home, to which I had taken my wife imme- diately after our marriage, and in order to go to see her on the occasion of this event I had to get relieved from engagement, You can understand how it was Ispent a couple of days there, and then returned to the com-, pany, ut the same time preparing things at home for the weicome reception of my wife and baby as soon as she was able to join me there. I never saw my wife again!” ‘* She died?” **Not so. She disappeared—disappeared as utterly asifthe earth had opened and taken ber in, as we often hear said. Strangest | made no mistake, of all, she left the baby—proof, I thought, that she had not purposely deserted me—and I knew of no reason why she should do that. Her mother knew nothing about it andj|and laughed to secrn. almost went wild with grief; and you can field ?” ‘*She had admirers many, for she was a good-looking girl, but her mother gave me the assurance that I was the only favored one, It is useless to try to find a clue; I have spent years in trying to find one,” ‘*] guess you are right, at this late day. What concerns us now is this later mystery, the disappearance of your daughter,” ‘* Which was just as mysterions as the disappearance of the mother. But, Jet me finish my story.’’ ‘Yes, proceed,” ‘* Well, as I said, for fifteen years she was the idol of my heart, I kept my home, hav- ing a housekeeper, and Delia grew up un- der my eye. We loved each other dearly, and I made everything of my child—the same as I appeared to be everything to her. 1 educated her, and she was still attending school when she disappeared, ‘“*That was about four years ago. She was suddenly gone, and not.a trace was to ba found of her, search as I would. It almost drove me mad. When I was forced to ac- knowledge it useless to search further, at home, I suld out my place of business—for I had dropped out of theatrical service long since; and then I began to wander from place to place; hoping to find her by chance.” \ ‘‘ With little chance in your favor, I should say.” | So 1 thought; finally, in Virginia. City, I found my child, and caught her to my breast with delight. It was on the open street; but, what was my amazement to have her give me a slap, and scream for help in a way that was startling. I was amazed, and tried to claim her as my daughter, but she refused to recognize me, and then I was told that her name was Lallie Bergman, and that she was the daughter of Samuel Bergman, a man who had been a resident of Virginia City for about three years. I was balked, but 1 held, on, ‘Well, I thought it over, and the more I thought the more I was convinced that I had Hadn't I ought to know my own child? There was no room for a mistake, and I followed the man here, again pressing my claim, but I was driven out My child declared she had never seen me in her life before that imagine, perhaps, the state of mind I was | day in Virginia City, So what could I do? in. Every effort was made to find my wife, I went away, but 1 was soon back again, in but all in vain, and from that day to this I | this disguise, and here I have been since, have never seen her, Where she went to | hoping for something to turn up that will has always been and always will be a mys- | help me out. There, sir, you have the whole tery, Ihad my child, however, and for fif- | matter, and now let me ask you what you teen years she was the idol of my heart.” CHAPTER VIII. THE CAMP SNOWED UNDER, At this point in the man’s narration his | ever heard,” he declared, think of it?” Deadwood Dick had listened with absorb- ed attenion. . ‘It is about the most remarkable story I voice grew husky, and he passed the back of | feature that your wife and child should both his hand over his eyes. | have disappeared in the same mysterious Deadwood Dick, Junio7r’s, sympathy went | way.” out to him, for it was evident that the man was deeply moved by the recital of these events of the past. ‘* Yours is about as strange a story as I ever listened to, sir,” said Dick, with evi. made. '* Strange, indeed.” . ‘Have you any theory to advance in ex- planation ?” ‘* None.” ‘And you have not the shadow of adoubt dent feeling, during the pause the man | but that this Lillie Bergman is your daugh- “Truth is ever stranger than fiction, sir,” the response. your missing wife?’ ‘‘Not the slightest clue, sir. She was ter, you say?” ‘“*Il am sure of it.” ‘Have ‘ is! Deadwood Dick, and notice particularly the gone; that was the only thing we know | chin.” about her.” **You had no enemy at that time, who would put her out of the way, or steal her away from you, out of revenge?” . ‘*Hadn’t an enemy in the~word, to my knowledge.” *‘Had she any such?” es" ‘‘Have Iasked you if you had a rival for ! light of ner life, Ithought.” ae, tO oe Ke a gk TG eee iets Nee wo pp c's Dick complied, ‘ ‘I see,” he said; ‘‘a peculiar double dim- ple—something I never saw before, to my recollection,” ‘hak ‘kh’, a Las - “That is it, and. Lillie Bergman has the \same chin. Oh, there can be no doubt of it —and yet, why will she not recognize me, me a was the ) when she loved meas she did? ‘It isa strange — ou any proof—but, you said you 5 ‘* And you had no clue to the mystery of | haa ha | Se rm x ‘Just. look again at that photograph, — < a aay } pe Yara 1 a iy ~ yy a! ' Ay ey! Co) ‘ f he st ‘ i\ i es Vie Jie het 3 eee \-< aa
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“s pa your child a lover?” nd: Tongs ** Well, we may as well give it up for the resent. I willdo what I canin the matter, {r. Douglas, and maybe we'll be able to get some light upon the subject, T’ll help you, and at the same time Ill be glad to have vour backing, for I am here alone and single- handed.” “No need of your asking for that, for you have it already.” : “You will continue in your disguise, of course, and you must not forget that I.am Deuce-Trey, the Five-Spot Sport.” ‘Tl not give you away, trust me for that.” Dick had by this time finished with his money and papers, and now arranged the different packages he had made in different kets. “You will not allow that paper to go out of your possession, I trust,” said Douglas, ‘Most assuredly not, sir. It is the first time I have ever held a mortgage of that peculiar kind, and I value it highly.” , They had talked in tones so low that it ‘was impossible that they could have been overheard, and now, after some further assing observations, they sought their unks. Next morning they were the first awake, » The saloon was as still as a tomb, save that no tomb ever echoed such meliifluous snorting as was heard in the adjuining room. Deuce-Trey and the Chinee opened the ' door and looked in upon the sleepers, as they were sitting and lying in almost every conccivable position, on the chairs, the tables, the bar and the floor, - The fire was burning low, most of the Jamps were out, and the air was by no means fresh. The Five-Spot Sport crossed the room to the door and opened it. Nothing there but snow. The storm had filled again the hole that had been made by the cave-in, and it looked as if the saloon was literally snowed under. Chin Shang brought a stick several: feet in length, with which he poked upward into the white mass, but as far as he could reach he could not find any outlet, not even when he stood upon a chair, is Just then Buck Williams awoke, Hello!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ what’s the racket?” _° ' *' Allee samee no lacket,” answered the Chinee. ‘‘ Time to gittee up.” ‘*Don’t know but you aire right, Chin, and vou'll have a hungry lot to get breakfast for, 100,” ** Allee samee eatee us clean out,” was the rejoinder, ‘‘ Better’ you tellee them go - homee gittee own glub.” . - » +*Not a bad idea, but they can't do it. ‘We'll have to tunnel, and it will take the whole forenoonto get xaround the camp.” ~The proprietor’s first. exclamation had - awakened others, and he now gave a yell that caused a general stir and the sleepers - began! to scramble to their feet, About the only thing they could tell, with- out, was that it was daylight. and this they told by the whiter appearance of the snow overhead, from the doorway, And it vas > eee gee GA that the storm was over, _. a Wemust be under a drift,” the Five- . Spot Sport concluded, ‘If it is like ihis on i the level, what must the driftr be?” My % ’ i “‘Jt's all drifts in these hyer hills, in a ___ gnow like this,” averred Fire-eater Flip.| And that expressed it just about right, by be fhe way. Somebody began the business of! the day by ealling for a drink at the bar, an eye- ener as ; Williams was kept busy while the cook brightened up his fire for brenkfast. fi _ There wes not cnough food in the saloon _ to prepare for such a horde, but after a time il had been supplied with a cup of coffee at Benet x a Pr rel be gly oii ee Pa a bj y 7 hay -.+y f SV aS 3 + b <M ey | Hoadwoed ——— — he called it, and for a little while | — ad ere Dick, Jr. least, and it was then that they set about | making preparations to tunnel the camp, as they called it; but first they desired to as- certain the depth of the snow. This was accomplished, finally, and it was found that the drift right in front of the Cocktail was twenty feet deep at least! It was a startling discovery, and every man felt thankful that Grudge & Higgins had just laid in a store of provisions. CHAPTER IX. GRUDGE & HIGGINS’S CORNER. Tuer work of tunneling was, commenced forthwith. It was not done with shovels, for there were not more than two of these to be had in the saloon, and one of those were broken. The men simply pushed their way into the mass, packing it on either side and above, as they advanced, thus slowly but surely making a hole through it in the direc- tion of the store. It was thought that this was the most im- portant tunnel, and they would make this one first, for upon their reaching the store depended their diuner, As all could not work in this one tunnel, however, others were begun, and of these, onein the direction of Samuel Bergman’s sane’ in the opposite direction from the rst, It was slow work, and yet the first-named tunnel was pushed forward quite rapidly, all things considered. The men in this hole had been at work about an hour, when they broke through into an open, its It proved to be another tunnel, and jus ahead of them was a man. ‘* Ha! dhe top av dhe marnin’ to yez!” So the lone worker exclaimed, and he was recognized instantly by the brogue on his tongue, 3 ; It would have been next to impossible to recognize him in any other manner, for he, like the others, was one mass of snow. “Tt's Shamus McCall,” said the foremost of the workers in the main tunnel, as they all stopped for » moment, ‘‘ Where are you going, Shamus?” ‘‘Oi am going to the store, begorra, an Oi can foind it, d’ye moind,” was the answer given. ‘It is dhe divil’s own snowstorm dhis is, to be sure. Oi have company at me shanty, and divil a whit to ate at all at all,” **Company, Shamus?” ‘*Dhat same was phwat I said.” ** And what are you doin’ with company?” ‘*It is feeding av thim Oi want to be doing, begob.” . ** Who are they?” “Two female critters dhat came to me dhure last noight almost perished wid dhe could—a mother and her daughter, I be- ave,’”’ ; j - ** And ye took them in, hey? Well, that was the right thing to do, I allow, But, no time to chin, boys. On to the-store is the word, and on we go, like so many durn prairie dogs!” And on they went, working with a ‘will, Finally they broke through into an open- ing of considerable extent, and before them was the door of the store, A space some twenty feet square had been shoveled out, about ten feet in height, the snow having, been removed somewhere— probably it had been carried into the store and thrown into the reur cellar. But, this was not all. On the door of the store big letters, like this: A DOLLAR A, POUND ALL AROUND — ODE: GRE sich) Fs aay) * _ under an’ turf!” ejaculated the Irish- man, the firstone tosightit, = * / a) 7 2s. Trade-Mark. was a notice, in. Se eee ee ee — empty handed, — ‘ “ What’s the matter, Shamus?” asked the ~ others. They looked, and a howl of indignation went up immediately. ‘«Ther blamed thieves!” roared one man. i ‘They have got a corner on everything, an’ - they mean to make,” They had guessed the situation at once, Grudge & Higgins were a puir of hard-fist- ed fellows, and they had recognized this as _ their chance to scoop a fortune Up long before any one else in the camp, they had cleaned a space before the door of their establishment, put up the notice, and were now within awaiting customers at the named rate. Not on!y so, but they were prepared for trouble as well. They had cut some loop-holes on each side of the door through which they could use their guns if it became necessary, ‘“‘Hillo! Grudge! Higgins!” So one fellow sung out. ‘* Hello!” came the answer from Grudge. ‘‘Come, open up, there; we want to get some rations.”’. ‘*We are open fer business, boys; come up one at a time and say what you want, and we'll hand it out.” ‘** You'll hand it out! Dol game yer ug- ly pictur’s, what’s ther matter with open- in’ up ther same as usual? We ain’t no dogs, ter have rations handed out to us, by thunder!” ‘* Well, that’s our rule this mornin ‘* An’ do ye mean ter say that everything is a dollar a pound?” ‘*That is the price, to make it fair to ,” . everybody, an’ you kin buy! or leave eb = alone.” ¢ it The men who had worked so hard to teach the store looked at one another like a — lot of whipped coyotes at bay, and knew not what to say. : VN ‘‘Be hivvins, it is robbers ye are!’ cried Shamus McCall. \ one ‘*Wuss’n hoss thieves!” added another — an. . vp ‘*We can’t help it,” declared Grudge, ‘We have put on our price, and itis going | to stand.” ** But, you will starve us out in less than — a week,” argued one honest miner. ‘‘We — 44 got ther dust to stand no sech racket as © that,” of V5 iy ‘*That is your misfortune, then. We have. only got just so much stock, and it has got — to be made to go just as faras it will. If we sell at theold prices you'll eat it up in no time.” eee | m i ‘‘Dhen it is out ov charity ye are » up dhe price, is it?” demanded McCall. — ‘* Look at it any way you please,” was th ; e A reply. ea n W ell, begob, robbery or no robbery, O: f i have company at home and must have some- thin’ to ate, so here goes,” ot sate With that Shamus produced his money — pouch and advanced to the door, where he made his purchases and came away again, while the crowd stood and debated the situa- tion, NY dal oh ae ‘‘How much did you spend, Shamus? one man asked. Wer yt Rony ‘Six dollars, allana,” the answer. ees davsugar,a **And what did ye git?” “A pound ay coffee, a poun pound av pork and three av flour—too much = fur dhe money, begorra!” | et There was 1 howl when this information — was given, and the door of the store was closed in haste. ‘ =) Sgt Ae ia <7 Shamus made his way toward ho through the tunnel, and the others presen followed his example, returning to the oon, } j q : f ‘ Of these, one was Ben Banty, W: handy man.” at Sa ell ea _‘* Where’s the grub?” the propriet Cocktail demanded, seeing bis ma vy 1; \-
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**Grub nothin’!” growled Banty. ‘*What’s ther matter?” “Ther grub is out o’ sight, that’s all; a mah dollar a pound all around, You didn’t give 5 es a me money enough to buy grub fer a sick man,” F The situation was explained, forthwith, and Tepe the indignation of the citizens of Whoep-ap i aa hardly knew bounds. They swore by all nets their gods that they would go dowm end lynch the two skinners, oat i And they went without delay, ee ‘Whereas there had been only a uozen or so leas at first, there were now thirty or forty, and ha when they reached the store they filled the space in front. The leading citizen of the camp, undoubt- edly, was Henry Hurston the banker and he stepped up tothe door and demanded ad- mission. 7 ea ‘* What do you want?” was asked, i ‘“‘T want this door opened, that’s what, and goods sold at the usual price. The peo: of Whoop-up demand it.” ‘Well, the people of Whoop-up kin go to blazes, and you along with’em. We. are open fer business, and our price is on the door. If you Want to buy, say what you want.” And there they were. . ‘The two storekeepers held the fort, and a ~~ couple of guns through the loopholes proved that they held something else besides. The people of Whoop-up were in.a bad situation, truly. Not only were they snowed ' ainder, but they were likely to be starved : out as weld; two men had their fate in their hands. After some parley, the crowd withdrew sand returned to the saloon, where they pro- «ceeded to hold a covncil of war—for war it must be, and now for the first time the Pive- Spot Sport took a hand in the affairs of the “camp. Just how it, would terminate remained do be seen. nti, cat i? CHAPTER X. THE FIVE-SPOT SPORT'S SCHEME, _ Tur Five-Spot Sport, however, took no rt till invited to do so. He had been holding back, to this time, as ‘if not wanting to put in his voice in the af- fairs of the camp. _ ** What do you say about it, Deuce-Trey ?” _ demanded Samuel Bergman. “ You are as silent as if you had no interest at stake. You are in the same boat with us. Can’t you help us out?” Hardly know whetker my advice would be worth anything or not,” the sport re- _ sponded. ‘I did not want to chip in until Twas consulted, for I thought you might think I was taking too much upon myself. _ I don't approve of your line of attack, to be- ; ~ >. n with, ~ “You don’t? why not?” “Somebody is bound to get hurt.” “Well, won't somebody get hurt, any- how? We have got to have food, and this a di consider what is not to be done. Some one here has suggested burning them out. That will never do, for you would bura up the store of provisions at the same ON DO Ae a ea _ “'Phat’s so, that’s so!” - ia ‘4a level fire, boys, no fire; ther sport’s hea level!” ~pt we “And then it will not do to besiege them y ott oa if they find they are losing they spoil their goods in five minutes.” Then what in ther durnation is goin’ to '?” cried Fire-eater Flip, _* Let us first ; iv, Wd OOK < oss CF SCO Deadwood ‘“We must use strategy, my Christian friend.” ‘* That’s easy ter say.” ‘* And it is not impossible to carry it out, provided we go about it in the right man- ner.” ‘*There is sense in what the sport says, boys,” said Henry Hurston, ‘‘ Let us hear your plan, Sir Sport, and we'll lend our aid in carrying it out. If we can outwit the ras- cals, so muck the better.” ‘* Well, a small crowd, say a dozen or fif- teen men, must remain in front of the store and keep up a demonstration, to hold the storekeepers to their post of guard, and at the same time let others go and buy, as things are needed, thus keeping their sus- picion from being aroused.” ‘*Good enough, good enough!” ‘‘In the men time, others must bore an other tunnel around to the rear of their store —I suppose there is some way of getting in from that direction?” ‘‘Hooray! That is ther idee! We have got’em now, Deuce-Trey, and you kin bet high on it. If we don’t make ’em sick of this job it will be funny, But, et will be no fool job to go in an’ tackle ’em.” ‘‘T'll attend to that part of it,” promised the Five-Spot Sport. ‘‘ You get me into the place and I'll do the rest,” ‘* Allee samee me helpee "Melican man, he lettee me,” spoke up Chin Shang. ‘* All right, John, if you want to,” agreed the sport. ‘* You area pretty clever heathen, and those soft shoes of yours will come right into play.” ‘** You bettee.” So it was arranged. A dozen men were sent, to the store to keep up the appearance of hostilities, others went to make purchases, and at the same time still others commenced werk on the new branch tunnel, In the mean time Samuel Bergman was anxious to reach his cottage, and was urging the men to hurry with the tunnel in that di- rection, He put his hand to his pocket to consult his watch. .- |“ Thunder!” he ejaculated. ‘‘ I have lost my ticker!’! ** What’s that?” asked Hurston, ‘«My watch is gone.” Hurston felt for his own, and that, too, was missing, ** What does this mean?” he angrily de- manded, ‘‘i hadmy watch in my pocket last night.” ¢ “ Yes, by thunder, and so had I!” cried George Clancy. ‘‘ Heavens! my money is all gone, too, the little I had left. been going on here?” “There is a thief among you, I should say,” remarked the Five-Spot Sport, “Have you lost anything?” ‘No; I slept in the Chinaman, you know, and thie door was locked. . ‘* Well, who is the thief? Let us get hold of him, and 1’ll bet he’ll swing in a hurry!” It was an interesting an ment for those present, | There. was the Five-Spot Sport, the Chinee, Robert Terrell, Samuel Bergman, Ben Banty, George Clancy, Buck Williams, and several more, and they looked at one an- other in an inquiring way. ‘‘T venture ter say et.ain’t none 0’ us,” said Buck Williams. ‘“ Unless et was ther Chinee,” one. man suggested, looking hard at the supposed } Cele: . ; stial, 1 ‘‘Chin Shang no stealee,” declared the Chinaman, earnestly. kitchee, allee same likee Deuce-Tlay Sportee. cat Shang square-toe Chinaman, evely time!” “Well, we'll find out who it was, by rated George Clanc Harry.” aA « And it won't be hard to a6, either,” put kitchen with the ‘*Me sleepee in the Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. . 3 What has exciting mo- —_ eS in Terrell. ‘* We can name every man who was here last night.” And forthwith they began naming them, and a list was made up. It was plain that some one of the number had played the thief during the time all the rest were sleeping. But, who was the one? ‘‘ How are ye goin’ to git at the i lg man?” questioned the proprietor. ‘ The guilty one has had plenty of time to hide his plunder in the snow, now,” ‘* And most of the men are out, too,” add- ed Hurston. ‘* Well, we'll make an effort to get at the bottom of it. you can bet,” cried Terrell. — “The man mean enough to doa thing like that is too mean to live.” ‘«] quite agree with you,” spoke up the Five-Spot Sport. ‘‘Onething at atime, though,” reminded Hurston. ‘* We have got the business of bringing these thieving storekeepors to time, now, or many aman in this camp will go hungry for dinner.” ’ y “You areright,” agreed Bergman, “‘ and I am likely to be one, for I have been cleaned out completely, as you all know.” — ‘* But you have got your prospective son- in-law to lean on,” sneered Clancy, “‘And he is welcome to lean,” spoke up the sport. ‘I know you refer to me, Mr, Clan Cc hes Sl I refer to you. You may find that your prospects are not so bright after you huve seen the fair lady, however, I fancy she’ll have something to say.” a ‘Probably; and yet I fancy my chances are as good ‘as yours would have been, had you won the stake. But, no matter, and I prefer to have nothing to say aboutit further | than necessary.” | The sport turned away. : eaet looked after him in a way that showed he had-no love for him. | pai In about half an hour a man came into report that the rear of the store had been successfully reached, Penh adald Gr ‘‘ Now for business, then,” said the Five- = Spot Sport. ‘Keep the interest of the two _ $7 rascals centered to the front,and Tlldomy ~ | st to surprise them, Come on, my Chinee : l ss one ** You bettee, allee samee.” A did They left the saloon and followedthe man =~ who had brought the word, others fromthe — saloon going after them, andeverybody was eager to see how the Five-Spot Sport’s — scheme would work. Wks ce we The man conducted them through a very hy narrow tunnel, a mere hole through the — snow, to the rear door ofthe store. vs oe ee Have you tried the door?” the sport ask- e q ° ' l ** No; didn’t venture to touch et.” “That was right. I’ do so now, but course it’s fast.’ ’ And ofcourse it was. ay 5 ‘ vee at ee . , <3 CHAPTER XU, if! Whiten FORCED TO COME TO TERMS. — Here a new difficulty was encounteret These doors were secured wit same as the one leading into the store, py thie vi : , ‘f *-
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ne last ot | re ba ae ; PM ' the stove in the center of the room was blaz- crowd. _ covered and silently crept nlong behind it. - Thetwo men had their eyes glued to the - gide } ; f od * sey + + 10. Deadwood Dick had looked for nothing else, however, and he had a plan in mind by which he hoped to overcome the difficulty, ** This is what I expected, boys,” he spoke in guarded tone. ‘‘ We must lay hold upon them, as many as can, and lift steadily, and something is bound to give way. We must use care to make as little noise as possible, at the same time.” ‘*That’s the plan,” agreed Hurston, » ** Lay hold, boys, ali together, and then a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull together, and the thing is done. And, even if we are heard, it will weaken the fort just so much, for the two rascals will have to defend two points at once.” ‘* But, no noise if possible,” cautioned the Five-Spot Sport, The men placed themselves along the bot- tom of the doors, Dick with the resé, and at the word from him they lifted. At first the doors appeared to be as solid as arock, but, presently, a slight creaking was heard, then up came the doors and the frame- 5 together, and the opening was before them, ‘* You know the place, Chin?” Dick then asked. ** You bettee!” the response. ** Come on, then!” But very little noise had been made, thus far, all things considered. Those who had gone tothe front of the building had been instructed to keep up more or less of a racket there constantly. , Their noise, now and then, had come to the ears of those in the rear, through the building, and it was safe toassume that both Grudge and Higgins had their hands full enough, Deadwood Dick stooped and crept into the opening under the doors, as he uttered the soete words, and his ally followed him closely, ; It was found that snow had been packed in the cellar, as the citizens had guessed. The cellar was about half filled with it, There was room enough to get over it, however, and the Chinee leading the way they soon found the stuirs, Ascending silently, the doorat the top was tried, and to his satisfaction the Five-Spot Sport found that it was unfastene:| and open- readily to his touch, and he looked into the main room, Douglas stooped and did the same. Two lamps were burning, and the fire in he two rascally storekeepers, who wanted to take this advantage of their fellow-men and rob them, were at the front door, one on either side, peering out at the shouting Dick speedily took in the situation, On the side nearest to this cellar door ran the counter, and the end was but a few feet away. The other side of the room was packed with goods, and the counter ran along to the front to within a few feet of the end, or about ~ same distance as it was from the cellar oor, Waiting a moment, until the noise without was a little louder than usual, Dick pushed open the door and crept out. His aide was right behind him, pushing the door closed again, and they gainei the cover of the counter without being dis- They were soon at the other end, — Dick waited again for louder noise from the crowd, and then looked out. loop-holes they nad made, and were watch- me crey move that was made, ‘With his five-shooters in hand, the Five-Spot crept forth as silently ns a shadow and himself behind Grudge, on the further of the door, and then looked for Chin se 4 , Ens wood Dick, savagely. iT oe ) Sayers 3 PAT ea Pra. eee : Care PALE ig MEARE A Lotta te WE ae ES a CP eee ie Bie ROSE NE Ge Ne RR Net He had been as quick and as silent in tak- bas ia place behind Higgins, , ick gave the signal, and they rose. A step forward, then, and simultaneously each gripped the shoulder of his man and poked a gun behind his ear, ‘*Don't move for your life,” hissed Dead- ‘*Give right in, or we'll make cold meat of you in about the quickest time you ever heard of in your lives,” ‘* Allee samee you jest bettee!” echoed the Chinee. The two rascals had looked around, at the first touch, with a start that almost lost them some buttons, “Thieves!” ejaculated Grudge, ‘* Robbers!” echoed his partner Higgins. ‘Yes, and you are the very pair,” cried Dick, sternly. ‘‘ Drop those guns, or I’ll let go at you at short range!” He spoke in a way to indicate that he meant what he said, and the two men, cow- ards at heart anyhow, let fall their guns with- out further argument. ‘‘ Lettee go likee hellee!” supplemented the Chinee, in the same breath, to give weight to the argument. : ‘““A nice pair of fellows you are,’ said Dick, severely, ‘‘ totry to take advantage of your fellow-citizens like that. It would serve you right if they locked you up and kept you on short rations the whole time the storm lasted.” ‘*'Taen you ain’t goin’ to rob us?” whim- pered Higgins, ‘* Tt would be the right thing to do, if it wasn’t against general principles, you ras- cal,” answered the spori. ‘* Whoare you?” gasped Grudge. ‘‘Tam Deuce-Trey, the Five-Spot Sport, and if either of you makes a move toward re- sistance while this Chinee makes you fast, I’ll set these patent perforating machines go- ing, and convert you into porous plasters in about ten secon’s, Do you savvy?” — ‘* Allee samee better had,” the pretending Chinee gave warning. ‘* You tie their bands, Chin Shang,” Dick pow directed. ‘'If they resist they will make their demise for the golden shore in the same moment,” The Chinee grinned, and set about his task, and the two rascals made not the slightest attempt to resist, for they were as thoroughly frightened as two men of their size and weight well could be.§ ln a few minutes both were securely tied; then the Five-Spot Sport opened the door and stepped out into sight. ** Hooray!’ cheered the crowd, ‘* Three yaups fer ther Deuce-Trey, ther Fifteen-Spot Sport!” Aud the cheers were given with a right good will, being heard all the way to the Cocktail. ‘‘Thank you, friends,” returned the sport, ‘*but please don’t change my name. I’m the Five-Spot Sport, not any more.” *Yus, you ar’, too,” was the shout. ‘‘ Five on yer bosom an’ ten in yer guns!” And they cheered again, ==> Their noise apprised those in the rear that the sport had succeeded, for it was plainly heard through the now open building, and they came scrambling up from the cellar in short order. Chin Shang stood guard over the pris- oners, ; ‘Hal got them, did you?” cried Henry Hurston, ** You bettee,” was the response, ‘‘ P’lices come down now.” ' ‘* Hal ba! ha! Yes, you bet they will, Chin! Where's the sport?” But it was not necessary to ask, for the banker went right on out and joined him even while asking. “Here Iam ”’ said Deuce-Trey, ‘‘and the fort is ours. Now it only remains to put in a couple of good men as clerks, and the , camp can have its supplies at the usual prices.” ‘* Usual prices!” cried the banker, ‘‘ Every man ought to have goods free, after this: trick.” ; “Oh, no; don’t let the people turn rob- bers themselves.” “Don’t rob us,” whined Higgins. He was a man weighing over two hundred pounds, and the biggest specimen of baby the camp could show. ‘‘No, put in a couple of honest fellows, men who can keep account,” said Dick, *‘ and let the business be carried on upon the old scale. Those who have already made pur- chases can come now and get their change.” ** Robbery!” gasped Grudge. “They'll beggar us!” whined Higgins. Nevertheless, that was the plan adopted, and in less than thirty minutes the store was open for business on the old plan, and the citizens of Whoop-up could re their’ supplies at the usual rates—thanks to Deuce- Trey, the Five-Spot Sport, who, with the others, then returned to the Cocktail. CHAPTER XII DEUCE-TREY TRADUCED, ° Ir was quite probable that the jubilant citizens would have carried the Five-Spot Sport on their shoulders, had it been possi- ble. As it was, they accompanied him with whoop and cheer, and as soon as they enter- -ed the saloon they proposed a drink all around » in his honor, and urged that Hurston should stand treat. Before it came to that, however, George Clancy announced that he had something to say. ae of Fellow-citizens,” he spoke in loud voice, as goon as he had gained the attention of the crowd, ‘‘ particularly those of yow who spent last night in this room, how many of you were robbed during the night?” ‘* Robbed ?” ‘‘That’s the word—robbed.” Those who had not heard of it looked at. one another in amaze, There was a\general feeling for his wad of wealth, on the part of every galoot present. It took but a few minutes to find out that no others missed anything, and no one save those first reportel had been robbed, ‘* Well,” Clancy explained to them, ‘ Mr. Bergman, Mr. Hurston, Mr. Terrell and my- self, all were robbed, and now the question is—who was the thief? We are determined to find him.” ; They were silent all. ‘We are all known to one another here,” the gambler continued, ‘‘ and there was only one stranger with us, and there is the man.” He pointed at Deuce-Trey. “Ther Five-Spot Sport!’ ** Yous ‘*Oh, no; no, no;” said the crowd, almost as one man. “ Ther Deuce-Trey ain’t no thief,” ‘* He’s ther whitest nan that Whoop-up,” some fellow added. ver struck ‘We'll stand by ther sport to ther end, you bet We 5) will!” ‘Well, this thing has got to be sifted,” be declared Clancy, determinedly; ‘‘and how many of you who spent the night in this room are Willing to be searched? You are about all here.” ‘© Yer kin search me.” ‘Yas, an’ ycr kin search me, too,” - And so the cry went around, not a man objecting. vant ‘And I am perfectly willing to with the rest,” said the sport, “Do you see an Hurston? or you, gambler. show up objection to this, Mr. - Bs r. Bergman?” asked the . No; it appears to be all right,” they Hy ‘ answered, © » Sn “Then let it begin, Who will you ap = point as searchers, Mr. Hurston?” mee a i
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ad ** You can do it yourself, if you want to,” was the reply. ‘‘ Not a desirable office.” * You are right it isn’t, and rather than force it upon any one else I will undertake ¢ time.” } He stepped forward, and the work began. bs The men seemed perfectly willing, and fe stepped up promptly, but nothing was dis- ih covered. ¥ The Chinaman was the last, that is to say, the last save the Five-Spot Sport, and he stepped upas promptly as the rest. This Lay did not, however, include the men who had 1) eee been robbed, Nothing was foutidin the pockets of the Chinee that did not belong to him, and he was cleared. ‘‘Now, stranger, itis your turn,” said TaN Clancy. : ; tbe. | | “ As well now as any time,” said Dick, i ‘*but I am not the last, let me call atten- | ea tion,” rh. “ Not the last! What do you mean?” a ‘Mean what I say. You have not yet i ad shown up, neither has Mr. Terrell, nor Mr. * ae Hurston, nor Mr. Bergman—” aes ‘‘ Well, confound yourimpudence! Asif 6 he; we would rob ourselves—” ae **Orasif I would rob you! Youcan con- we found my impudence all you want to, but if ' I submit to this indignity you have got to do | ‘the same. Do you understand that, my Aa friend?” aR “That's right, that’s right!” cried men in | _._ the crowd. vag ““Well, if, you say so, boys,” agreed ‘4 : a oS Clancy. ‘‘ But, let me call your attention to ‘| the fact that the sport was the first man that ~ squealed.” : ‘There was no squealing about it,” the { —SC Deucce-Trey denied. “es ** You were the first to raise an objection.” p>: ‘And it was a just one.” — , Sas ‘The sport was searched, and nothing was © found-upon him that any one could lay is ~—CtCts«sClanimm to. ; 2. ‘Well, are you satisfied?” he asked. | i, _ **No, 1 am not, for one,’’ Clancy protest- ed, promptly. haa ‘* Neither am I,” added Terrell. on he a bag and strap last night?” The sport bad brought such a thing with him, true enough, and it was now in the ____ kitchen where he had bunked. } £«‘**He certainly had,” cried Clancy. ‘‘ Where ‘ig that article, stranger? We may as well go the whole hog, while we are about it.” __ _* That appears to be your nature,” retort- ed the sport. ‘‘ You will tind the bag where I bunked.” ‘* Step in there and see if you can find it, will you, Terrell?” That worthy complied, and soon reap- peared with the bag in hand, giving it over © the searcher. _ Hat it is locked,” Clancy announced. ** Will you open it, sir?” *. * Certainly,” said the sport, ** Hadn’t ___-He had only a few toilet articles and some cartridges in it, and had no objection to ex- _ posing its contents. oe Rayan it, he handed it back again to .», the he did so; : -_ *J hope you will be satisfied presently, gir, that I’m not the thief.” __ Weare only making a thorough— Ha! hello!” _ Opening the bag, he uttered these excla- mations as his eyes fell upon the contents, and he pulled the bag open wide and exposed it to the view of all. - Thee, to the amazement of every behold- an "er, were several watches, a pocketbook, and other articles, | ; _ * As fine a bluff as I ever saw!” exclaimed he gambler, ‘‘ He thought by his show of ilingness to open this bag that we would eereco exntnining it, bathe got sadly. Jett, ve a y \ , ambler, without opening it, saying as the unpleasant task. Now, then, ,one at a | ee ee ee. ee | * Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. “You are a liar, sir,” said the sport, cool- ly. ‘‘This has been a put-up job on me.” ‘Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Terrell. ‘* Worse and worse,” ‘*T say it has been a put-up job,” Dick repeated. ‘‘ Does it stand to reason, that I would stoop to the stealing of these petty articles, after my fine winnings of last night, to say nothing about the risk? I was well enough heeled when I came here, and only a fool would take such a risk.” ‘* Ig this more bluffing?” demanded Clancy, ‘Here is the proof, right before our eyes, boys. You were witnesses to the fact that this bag was locked, and that he had to open it, and yet he claims it was a put-up job, as he calls it. Only fools will take any stock in such’a tale as that.” ** And let me call your attention to the fact, citizens, that these two fellows are my foes, after the events of last night, and that this is just such a scheme as men of their caliber would be likely to attempt. 1 came here alone, boys, without friend or backing, but I give you my word that I am innocent of this contemptible act,” ‘*And you know me for a square man, boys,” iterated Clancy, | ‘“‘What is more,” cried Terrell, ‘‘I am strongly convinced, citizens of Whoop-up, that this fellow is the thief advertised for on that poster over there on the wall, The description tallies to a T, and I’m willin to bet a dollar to ten that this so-calle Deuce-Trey is Howard Smithy, the bank robber—the runaway cashier!” ‘‘Have you any proof to support that?” asked tie sport. ‘“The proof is on the face of it; you an- swer the description.” ‘« By the way, so might you, if you had a mustache on your lip. How long have you been here, anyhow, Mr. Terrell?” The fellow started, his face paled just enough to be noticed, and he might have hesitated in his reply had he been given the chance, but Clancy spoke pore “See that?” he demanded. ‘ Don’t that look like the effort of a guilty man to squirm out of a tight place? Iam of the same opin- ion as Terrell, that this fellow is no other than Smithy!” ' ‘‘ Well, what are you going to do about it?” demanded the sport. Dick hud recognized that a climax was at hand, and that these two fellows were about to reach for their guns, so he produced his own and covered them as he uttered the words, CHAPTER XIII, THE SPORT SCORES THE POINT. Ir was a question to the point. What were they going to do about it, in- deed! It did not look asif they would do much of anything, just then. *‘Isn’t that further proof?’ demanded Clancy. ‘* What reason has he to draw hi guns and stand on the defensive, if, he is in- bane Innocent men don’t act that way, oys.” ‘ Pipentent and guilty alike have to defend themselves against such curs torted Dick, ‘‘ You were on the point of drawing your own pops, and I thought 1 would get there first, that was all. Now, then, what do you intend to do about it?” ‘‘That’s what’s ther matter,” cried Ben Banty. «You bettee!” echoed the Chinee, “That, is for the crowd to say,” spoke up Terrell, ‘‘I have called your attention to the fact that this fellow answers the descrip- tion of Smithy, boys; now, what will you do about it? He ought to be arrested, on the double charge, and made to prove him- se hl Ag ‘‘Tam innocent until you can prove me uilty,” retorted the Five-Spot Sport. ‘*And what more proof do you ask than this?” demanded Clancy, exposing again the said Deuce-Trey. ag you,”)re-. ik contents of the bag. ‘‘Isn’t this your watch, Mr, Bergman?” “It certainly is,” “And yours, Mr. Hurston?” “e Yes ” ’ “Take what belongs to you, gentlemen,” ‘*] certainly cannot claim the articles, and I have no knowledge how they came in my bag, although I have a strong suspicion,” ‘* Allee samee me too,” put in Chin Shang. ‘‘What is your suspicion?” sullenly de- manded Clancy. “That you and this fellow Terrell did it, out of revenge. That is the pull,” ‘* Ha! ha! ha! Well, that is about the weakest thing yet. Why, we were robbed ourselves!” * ‘That makes no difference; that is all the stronger against you. I was not robbed, and if guilty it would have been to my interest to pretend that I had been, I am not done with you yet.” ‘What do you mean?” ‘“‘Just what I say. You have pat alk these honest feliows to the shame of being searched, myself included, and now I am going to search you!” The fellows paled, both of them. “We won't submit to it,” cried Terrell, in- dignantly. “Ob, ‘yes you will!” assured the sport, “Tf you don’t I’ll be under the painful — necessity of putting my trade-mark on you, and that won’t be good for your health,” ‘‘But, what will you search us for? The things have been found, and that in your possession, You can't get out of that.” ‘‘Tll show you without loss of time, Chin Shang, you just go throug their pockets. and see what they have got in the way of keys, will you?” ** You bettee!” and the Chinee sprung to- the task immediately, Dick holding a gun under the nose of each man while it was be. ing done, Each man had a ring of keys, Clancy only afew, but Terrell quite a large number of all sorts and sizes, and the Chinee held them up to view. ‘*Good enough!” said the sport, “* Now,,. just sce if there is one in the lot that will fit the bag.” The Celestial grinned and set about the task. - He was only a minute ia finding a key that opened the bag as well as if it had been made for it. ‘* Ha! allee samee me findee him!” he cried. “* Now, who stealee watchee?” “‘That’s the question,” responded . the sport. 0 is any difference here, I think the favor is. on my side. These fellows had every op- portunity to, put up a job like this, and IT charge them with having done it. Which are you going to believe?” «We deny it,” Clancy fired back, ‘ We had no chance to do anything of the sort, and we ara not men of that stamp, anyhow. It is only a coincidence that Terrell hap-. pened to have a key that fits the bag, in a. bunch of so many. this man off it is none of our business; we have shown him up for what he is, and can do no more.” - _, “And you will have to take care that you — don’t get shown up, in turn,” warned Dick, — “You are welcome to do that; we have nothing to conceal.” Se sl bi “Maybe not.” ‘Well, Mr. Hurston, what shall it be?” asked the sport. ‘Why, it seems to stand a case without of letting it drop.” ‘“‘ What. say the citizens?” ** Let ’er drop!” was the shout, ul white, sport,.every time, and they will have~ to make out a stronger case ’n that, fore We: go back on ye! Ain’t thatso, boys?” proof positive, either way, and 1am in favor valli ‘bat 4 vs yey a \ Now, men of Whoop-up, if there — If youare going tolet aes. = et ek SI At r in A ae
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*“That’s what et ar’,” was the approval. **We owe ther sport our favor, fer the way ihe dumped Grudge & Higgins, an’ you kin ‘bet we ain’t goin’ back on him ’less we have ito ” “Thank you, boys,” said Deuce-Trey, You'll find that I'll prove up all right, in ‘theend. Now, you fellows, I warn you not ‘to run up against me again, for if you do you will hear something drop. Your little “scheme fell through this time, but 1 am on to you,” lf looks would kill, the looks of Clancy and Terrell must have struck the sport dead, cas they turned and left the room. ** How long have those men been here ‘Four or five months,” answered Berg- man, ** And Terrell is in the bank here?” ** Yes,” Hurston answered. **A relation of yours?” “‘No; but he came well recommended and Temployed him.” ** Where does he hail from?” ** Chicago.” ‘*That place not good enough for him?” ** He set out originally in search of health. the tells me, He wasin the Lake National ‘Bank there, as teller.” ** He and Clancy came here about the same time?” “Nearly so, I guess, But, they were strangers to each other, and have only re- cently become friendly.” ‘*Terrell was well fixed, I take it, by the “way he put up the good last night in the game ” ** Yes; his father was a rich man, and his estate has just been settled up and Robert came in for quite a plum. As he had con- fidence in my bank here he decided to de- posit with me.” “* He is all right, no doubt.” ** But Clancy is not, sir, and I am sorry to ‘see the young man so friendly with him. I am going to speak to him about it, and I hope the lesson of last night will open his eyes.” ‘* If it hasn’t, it will be likely to yet,” said ‘Dick, ina mysteriousway. | Just then some men entered to announce that the tunnel had been completed to Sam- uel Bergman’s cottage, 4 Then I must go home immediately and by see what is in the larder,” said the mine- “manager. ‘‘ This snow may keep us shut in for a month.” ** And with your permission I will go with you, sir,” said the Five-Spot Sport. ‘I want to talk with you privately.” ‘* And you want to see ther gal you have 1) got a mortgage on, too, hey?” “‘ Well, yes, 1 won’t deny it,” replied Dick. , ** You are welcome, of course,’’ said Berg- man, with good grace. lt could hardly have been otherwise, for ‘the sport was virtually owner of every- thing. They left the saloon together, and Berg- | man piloted the way through the tunnels in the direction of his home, for by this time the tunnels were numerous, * Nearly every citizen had burrowed his ‘way out of his cabin, or his way to it if he ‘had been out all night, and the camp was like a mysterious labyrinth, in which the i stranger could be easily lost. ly a winter passes but some camp far up in the mountain is snowed under, and some- _ times fatully for the luckless inhabitants. ‘One thing I wanted to say to you, Mr. Bergman,” informed Dick, as they plun- ged slong, *‘is this: Do not imagine thatT am going to push you to the wall, or try to so, for that is far from my intention. - "This I will Lrove to you eigooige § I think _ you will find it well for you that I won your pile rather than that gambler,” “Tam ready to believe that, sir,” was the earnest reponse, and Bergman stopped and wave his hand. Sth RAB SE at Pian aN 70 : “ Tuga | 9” This statement is no exaggeration; scarce- “Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. eee ee CHAPTER XIV. DEUCE-TREY SEES LILLIE. THE mine-owner found that the tunnel had been burrowed to his front door, after two or three false starts, and he found the door unlocked. He opened it and entered, inviting the sport toe follew, and a glad, girlish voice was heard from somewhere up-stairs calling to ask if it was he, to which the father gladly responded. Bergman, and his visitor likewise, removed the snow from his boots, and while they were thus engaged the daughter came run- ning lightly down the stairs, coming down from the very top of the house, as it sounded to Dick, but at sight of the stranger she checked her rush. ; ‘Your pardon; 1 did not know you had company, papa,” she said. ‘That is all right, my dear,” Bergman re- sponded. ‘‘This is my friend, Mr. Trey. My daughter, Mr. Trey.” Dick smiled at the mannerin which the mine-owner got around his peculiar name, lat the same time making his bow to the young lady, who was certainly good-looking if he was any judge, The light in the hall, however, was only dim. ‘* Permit me to welcome you, sir,” said the little lady, gracefully. ‘Papa, I will light the lamps in the sitting-room immedi. ately, so that you can see. But, you really ought to go to the attic and look out— Oh! what a sight it is!” ‘‘The whole camp snowed under, of course,” ‘* You will say so, when you seeit, Why, there are not more than five or six buildings peeping out through it, and it looks so funny to see the smoke from the cabins and shan- ties coming up through the snow every- where!” They had entered the sitting room, and the lamps were now lighted. . Dick had now a good chance to see.the face of the young lady, and he almost gave a start. It was the very likeness of the one he had seen—the photograph which Frank Douglas _ had shown him, allowing, of course, for the changes which four years would naturally bring. . ‘*You will pardon me, friend Bergman,” he spoke up; ‘‘but 1 am sure IT have met your daughter before—have seen her before, at any rate.” ‘« Yes?” said the girl, “Did you not live in Virginia City four or five years ago?” The girl glanced at her father, and Dick thought he detected a meaning expression in their eyes. ‘* That is our permanent place of residence, sir,” Bergman answered. *«Then I have certainly seen Miss Bergmar there— But, hold on, for that cannot be, either; that was not the name of the person I have in mind.” ‘‘What was the name of the person?” asked the girl. ‘‘ Her name was Delia Douglas.” Again the girl looked at her father, ‘Papa, there really must be such a per- son,” she spoke, ‘‘ That man was not so crazy, after all.” ; ‘«Tt certainly looks that way, now,” Berg- man acknowledged. ‘‘ But, it seems hard to believe that there could be two persons look- ing so very much alike. I cannot under- stand it.” ‘«To what man do yourefer?” asked Dick. “A man calling himself Frank Douglas, sir,” — wert “ That was the name of the father of the lady Lhave in mind. She was only a school- miss at the time, however.” ‘«Then there can be no mistake, so far as concerns two persous looking so nearly alike, J impossible as it seems. The man, however, — i was crazy in the way he insisted that my daughter was his child.” ‘‘Tt,sounds like a romance,” assumed Dick. “And it is like one, too, sir. The first we knew of such a man was when he met my daughter on the street in Virginia City one day and publicly kissed her, almost | frightening her into fits. Then, afterward, he came here and urged his claim, and we had almost to drive him away.” ‘‘J cannot blame him for the mistake,” said Dick. ‘‘ Indeed, it is hard to believe that youare not indeed Delia Douglas, Miss Bergman,” ; ‘*T hope you are not going to insist that I am she, sir.” “Ob, no, I’ll not do that, I fancy it would be quite useless, for undoubtedly you could pile up proof of your identity in a way that would speedily convince me.” ‘Tf you are open to canviction, sir.” ‘* And certainly I am.” ‘* Mr. Douglas was not.” ! eit “Do not say that, Lillie,” chided Berg- ° man. ‘I think we convinced him, although eH he found it hard to yield the point.” ‘The proof certainly should have con- vinced him, anyhow.” ‘* Well, Mr. Trey will take dinner with us, so you must see to it that Dinah gets up the om, right kind of repast.” a ‘*You can trust Dinah for that, papa; but, 5 she or I will have to go to the store, if it is — possible to get there, and 1 want to go, for it . will be such a novelty to walk under the “a snow! But, we can both go, and then you 4 cannot object.” ‘“'Yes, you may go, I will hand money when you are ready.” She tripped from the room, and Bergman turned immediately to his guest, addingin low tone: “That is, if you will lend me a little for the present emergency, Mr. Trey. Hcw do you like the name I have bestowed upon ou?” ie . ‘‘T will inform you of a better one, ere long.” Dick lightly answered. ‘‘Trey will do for the present, As to money, hereis what was won from you last night, or as much as came my Way.” ey He, took from an inner pocket a package = with Mr. Bergman’s name on it and delivered yousome it. bs ‘‘This is more than I had any righttoex = = pect,” said the mine-owner. | a ‘‘When you come to examine it,” Dick = added, ‘‘ you will see that I have retained = = only one paper.” i Sa ‘* And that one—” ADE Oe ‘Your written promise of your daughter's i: hand in marriage.” ae ) aa Mr. Bergman’s face looked dark, but he — ‘ said nothing justthen. He took some money = from the packet. A ee His daughter appeared at that moment — and he banded the money to her, and throw- — ing hima kiss from the doorway she disap-. peared and left the house in company with the colored woman. , ae ‘Tl hardly know what I was thinking , about last Light,” Mr. Bergman then said, © reflectively. ‘1 wasicrazed with the passion == of gambling, that is certain. I feel like a =» 7 monster, now, as I think of it. But, I felt 1 sure of winning, and the bait wasabig ome =~ for Clancy,” 4 Ato ‘‘He had been seeking your daughter's —— hand?” Shs ae Ne ‘Well, he will have to bid high for it now, Mr. Bergman. By the way,.you need not let it be known that 1 have restored this money to you, and the other papers which ” ory vrs tin te ee Ae re Sih > oo 1 gy & f ete an. Ah oer aoe Sit IA ok. wakes Op) Aen cH eae Re Reece Ye u A . NS Pe me Ae ey ee oo) ek mur a aa ef aes Be 8) ad a he tare Ae abbas Nab sh od hide Ae fhe) 4
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Dea “Am I not under obligation to you?” *“That has nothing to do with it. ou do it?” “*T will.” **Good enough. Now, do you know any- ving about the mystery of Delia Doug- is?” The mine-owner looked at him keenly. “Candidly,” he then said, ‘f I know noth- ig about it. 1at the person should look so much like my aughter, though.”’ “If the resemblance was only slight, it Will ould not call for remark, for that frequent- | | no clue to it thus far.” happens; but any one who has ever seen elia Douglas or her likeness would he illing to swear that your daughter is she,” **T cannot understand it. I will swear, if ecessary, that the young lady you have just en ig my daughter,” ** That is all I can ask.” ** Are you interested in the matter, sir?” * Well, yes, knowing Douglas, since you ave told me his child is missing and he is earching for her.” “‘Lhope you can clear the mystery up, en, for lam considerably interested in it iyself, now that it has been shown that rank Douglas was not crazy, as I had good zason to suppose. It is not likely that both ou and he would be afflicted in the same Lanner.” CHAPTER Xy. FIRE-EATER FLIP’S TURNOVER. Drapwoop Dick, Jr., spent a pleasant ‘ne at the Bergman cottage. He liked Bergman, the more he came to now him, and as for the daughter, he liked ir even more. Of course, he did not one known to her ewritten promise he held. He was not é man to make the father’s weakness known sthe child. It was enough that he held ae paper. Holding it, he could keep Clancy at bay, t thought he could, until such time as mat- sre could be righted. Finally he took leave and returned to the cktail, here everything was in high feather, oy had had dinner, the fire was burn- merrily, and all were happy all around. he appearance of the Five-Spot Sport is hailed with delight, and as they had just ‘en having some fun with the two store- epers, Deuce-Trey had to be told all about ' Grudge and Higgins, by the way, hud been leased, but were not allowed to resume arge of their store, They had been ) pomeanse that a just and ae account would be kept. ‘With this they had to be satisfied. They were a sheepish pair, now, after the ‘and failure they had made in the attempt rob their fellow towzismen, and had but tle to say concerning that matter to any e, They had come into the Cocktail a little aile before the Five-Spot Sport’s return, id had called for drinks, It had happened at Williams was out, and the Chinaman, oin Shang, was in his place behind the bar, he eyes of the Celestial twinkled immediate- ** Fifty centee all alound,” he said to 1em. They protested since they had made a fail- re of their *‘ dollar a pound ” experiment, Protestation was wseless, however; the ‘hinee stuck to his figure, supported by 20se in the room, and as the fellows wanted he drinks they had come for they had to put p the price, Chin Shang was still behind the bar, and vhen Dick had listened to this story, recited 'y Ben Banty, he stepped to the bar and poke to Douglas in a low tone. “* Well, I have seen the girl,” he said, ** What do you think?” It is a strange coincidence | dwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. 13: the picture.” ‘** And so she istoo. Jcannot tell what to make of it. Whatdo you think is the mys tery?” *T could swear that she is the original of / hyer is sick, an’ I was a brute ter fergit him ther way I did last night, but I’m goin’ to try an’ make up fer et by better tention to him now.” ‘That's a good resolve. What's the ‘*The mystery is, that there are two girls, | trouble, sir?” to the sick man. sir, This oneis not your child; of that Iam certain. I watched the Bergnians closely, and there is no sham about them, on the wrong trail.” ‘*T will never believe it,” ** You'll have to.” ‘Then you feel certain there are two?” ‘“* Positively. But it isalla mystery, and ** And so you are going to leave it for me to work outalone, if 1 can? I hoped much for your help.” ‘“L have not said that I give it up. I will try to get at the mystery for you, if I can get hold of a clue to work on. 11] investigate further when opportunity offers.” ‘* All right; do so. Now, I have a word for you.” ““ What is it?” **You know Fire-eater Flip, the fellow who cared for your horse?” “* Certainly,” “He isa bad man, and a desperate fellow when aroused. He wouldn’t stop a bit short of crime, if it suited his purpose, I imagine. In fact, I know.” “* Well?” ‘‘He is looking for you, and 1 thought I would put you on your guard against him, for 1 saw him talking with ‘Terrell not long ago. <A short time after, he told me quietly to tell you he wanted to see you,” ‘* All right; he'll find me here if he comes ‘He won’t come in, He said he wanted to see you at his cabin. He has a brother there who is sick.” “‘That’s different. But, I am not afraid of him, and as I have nothing to do at pres- ent I’ll hunt him up, just to kill time, Where is his shanty?” ‘It is past the store. You go right on, and he said he would be on the lookout for you, But, my opinion is that you had bet- ter be wary how you trust him, for he may mean you harm.” ‘‘T don’t believe it. I think I have the good will of that fellow.” “All right; but look out for him any- how.” *“ Yes, I will do that.” The sport left the saloon and made his way through the tunnel in the direction of the store, The tunnel had by this time been much traveled, and it was easy traveling through it. Itwas a peculiar experience, but one not by any means new to Deadwood Dick, When he came to the store he noted that there were other tunnels on the right leading further down the gulch, and while he was considering which one he should take a man stepped out from one of them and motioncd him to follow, and Dick recognized the man. ‘*You wanted to see me, Fire-eater?” he asked, when he overtook him, “Yes, but we'll go to my shanty, if you don’t mind.” ‘*Do you mean me fair?” ‘“‘T swear I do.” Dick said no more, then, but saw to it that his guns were ready for instant use, should he need them. Presently the tunnel was nothing more than a hole, the walls of which touched their shoulders as they proceeded, and finally, after a sharp descent, they came to the door ofa shanty. Fire-eater opened it, and they passed in, There was a light and a fire, and on a bunk in a corner lay a sick man. It took but a glance to satisfy Deadwood Dick that no danger menaced him at present, anyhow.” ‘Set ye down,” invited his host, “ Jake in You were | ‘‘] am just out of a fever,” was the answer. ‘‘I’ll mend now, if I get food and care for a few days,” Dick noted that there was more refinement about this man than there was about Fire- . | eater, and that the language he used was of a little higher order, ‘“‘Tll tell ye how et is,” explained Fire- eater. ‘‘ Jake, hyer, has got a pious vein in his make-up; he’s one of them Christian fel- | lers; while as fer me, ther devil has got a holt on me big as a hog,” Dick had to smile, while he remarked that he felt great respect for Jake. “You ain’t one o’ them fellers, too, be ‘| ye?” asked. Fire-eater, ‘“* Well, [am and I am not; I’m an honest, sincere believer, but there is no open profes- sion about it,” ‘*No matter; we ain't to ther point, I found Jake nigh about froze an starved out, when I got hyer, an’ he was a+prayin’ like a good feller, not so much for himself as fer me— Durn et, he would ’a’ served me right ef he had plugged me full o’ lead,’” No! no!” the brother protested. “I didn’t say uothin’,” Fire-eater con- tinued, ‘‘ but I went right to work, an’ [had made up my mind ter do ther white thing from that minute. I had been a bard cus- tomer, and everybody knowed et. Now, one thing, 1 knowed who it was that stole them watches last night, an’ was paid ter say nothin’. 1’ll put you onto that, purty soon, after I have told somethin’ else,” ‘* It is hardly: necessary,” assured Dick: “IT know them already.” ‘““Wull, no matter; I’ll tell ye somethin” that ye don’t know, then. I have been paid! five hundred dollars to put you out of ther’ way, sport, and I’ve got three hundred of et. in my pocket this minute, What d’ye think o’ that?” “Tm not surprised, except to say that I would never have thought it of you,” Dick. responded, “Hold on, sport! Don’t judge me wrong.. I would’t ’a’ done it fer five thousand dol- lars. Itook ther offer jest ter serve you, don’t ye see? If you hadn’t done ther busi- ness fer them ‘ar mee storekeepers I reckon me an’ my brother hyer would soon go starved, an’ | ain’t ther man to go back on a friend. You used me white from ther: first minute when you got hyer last night, an’ now I'll try an’ square up ther ’count with ye!” CHAPTER XVI. SHAMUS MCCALL PUZZLED. Drapwoop Dick, Junior, gave his hand to the rough fellow, unreservedly. “Tam thankful to you, Fire-eater,” he said. ‘‘Maybe you would have been able to carry out your contract, had you been against me.” **'We won’t talk about that, pard:” *‘ All right. But, one thing, you won’t be sorry you were with me and not against me, limagine, when things come out and you learn who I am. But, enough of that for the present,” ; , ‘IT don’t keer a durn who ye aire; you ar white, and that isenough ferme,” ‘« What was the plan for my demise?’ ‘There was a death signal arranged, and when that went off you was ter go off with et. But, et won’t work accordin’ to pro- gramme, now.” ‘And Terrell and Clancy are the rascals: who hired you for the job?” ‘** Them’s the birds, pardner.” “‘ They seemed to have confidence in you.” ‘“* They thought they had me, don’t ye see.
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14 I seen ’em at their work last night in the saloon, stealin’ the watches—” ; ‘*Ha! it was as I thought. é triad ‘‘Yes, they was the boys what done ther trick, an’ when they got done I let ’em know that I was onto ’em, an’ this mornin’ they bought my silence. I s’pose it was when we : was at ther store that they put the watches in your bag.” ** Not a doubt of it.” ‘‘Well, they paid me to keep still, an’ thinkin’ they had a grip on me they unfold- ed this hyer other business to me. They are a p'izen pair, sure as you live, an’ you want to keep your eye pecled fer ’em all the time, no matter if they have ’gaged me.” “Tl try to. But, what is the death signal to be?” ** Yes, that’s a p’int you must know, so’s to be on the lookout fer et, and I will change ther programme any way ter suit you.” ‘* All right, we'll be able to give them more than they have bargained for, I fancy. The fact of the business is, we'll turn the oe tables on them and they will suffer accord- ingly.” ' ‘“ You don’t mean to kill ’em?”" ‘No; take them prisoners.” @ ‘That's better, fer lam not willin’ to go Ginter blood.” iN ‘*Not necessary. I’ll have them well in Mey seem by that time, and there will be some un.” ‘*Well, fer ther signa]. It is ter take place this evenin’, when you will most pro- bably be at,the Cocktail Saloon.” cou likely be there.” ‘‘T any to come in and lure you out, with a lie of some sort, and lead you to the edge of a big hole, to which a tunnel will be made in ther meantime.” ‘Quite an interreting programme, cer- tainly.” ‘«They will foller, and at the right mo- ment I’m ter drop down on the ground and they will open fire on you, an’ over into the hole you will go, with bullets in yer b’iler.” ; And your dropping will be the sig nal?” ‘Yes, an’ when I drop they will let drive. But, I have thought of a trick worth twovof I was sure of that.” al ** What is it?” F 4 ‘They ar’ to foller, as I told ye.” “Yes.” ‘‘ But they won’t ketch up. I’m to stop | -with you at the edge of the hole, an’ keep | Ni ‘you thar a minute till they come in sight.” iy ‘* But it will be dark.” ‘* Tl have a lantern, an’ I'll see ’em soon’s they round a bend that will be made near . the hole. They have laid it all out fine, ye N ry You will be missin’, an’ that will be all of it.” ** And what is your scheme?” ‘Well, Pl tell ye: Vl rig up a dummy there, an’ I’1l dig a niche in the snow fer you ter hide in as we go along. That will be ' rascals pass ye.” ‘* 1 see.” ‘«Then you will be behind ’em. Ill drop, holdin’ the light so’s they kin aim well, an’ they’ll peg away at the dummy, an’ I'll ush it over into the hole with my foot. . Then up I’ll get and run back towards ’em ra te light, and by that time you will § chip in.” ’ ae me aay can bet your life I will!” cried Dick, grimly. ly’ Z You will ’a’ stole up behind ’em, an’ you 3 4 the ear of each man.” “Tt is a good plan, Fire eater, and it is - bound to work. You carry out your part, and I will fall in with your scheme in a way that will make them think they have got an _ “ Allright; then that’s understood.” E * Yes,” , 2 eee j a — Cacia te 8 NO mus?” inquired Buck Williams. “ sick? Is Jake Phillips any worse?” m look at dhe young wan, dark it is here under dhe snow, sor, and phwat was me surprise to foind dhat Oi knowed her well.” just short of the bend, an’ you kin let ther will have one of yer five-spots poked under | | | way the means of clearing up the ee - —_— Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. [a Re er ee ae ee Se et ES a eT eee oooooooeoeeoeeeeeaQQqQ@®«oqoauauaaeeeeeeeeeeee eee SS Swot Dick took his leave, returning to the saloon alone, and Terrell and Clancy were there, playing a game at poker. There wiis a-greater crowd present than on the previous evening, for now all the men who had been at home then had dug their way out and had congregated at this popular rendezvous. Deadwood Dick passed through and into the kitchen, where he had a brief talk with Chin Shang. As he returned to the main room Shamus McCall came in. ‘* Begorra, Oi wish dhere was a docthor in dhis camp,” the Irishman declared with concern. ‘‘ What do you want with a doctor, Sha- o is ‘*Oi don’t know anyt’ing about Jake Phillips,” returned Shamus, ‘‘ but Oi do know dkat wan av dhem wimmin what came to me shanty last noight is moighty sick.” Shamus had before mentioned these wo- en, ’ Everybody had forgotten about them, however, or had shown no interest. ‘““ What seems to be the matter?” asked the Five-Spot Sport. ‘‘Oiam afraid it is all up wid her, sor. She was cl’ane gone whin dhey got to me dhure last noight, and she seems to kape on oin’ down, though Oi have done all Oi know ur dhe poor soul.” ‘* Suppose I go with you to see her?” ‘*T wish ye would.” “Pll do it. I’m no doctor, but I have done a good deal in the way of nursing in my time.” “ And if anything is wantin’ in the way of whisky, or anything else this hyer ranch affords,” spoke up Buck Williams, ‘‘all you have got ter dois ter come and ask fer et, Shamus.” “Tank ye, Buck,” the Irishman rejoined. ** O71 moind dhat,” With that he went out, Dick following. | ‘*‘Dhere is somet’ing strange about dhese wimmin,” Shamus declared, as they passed along through the tunnel. ** How is that?” ‘Tt is dhe youngest wan Oi spake of,” ‘“‘And what is there strange about her? Some mystery attached?” ‘Oi should say, begorra, dhat dhere was. |. It is somet’ing dhat Oi can’t git t’rough dhe head av me.”’ : ‘Well, what is it?”. **Qi'll be tellin’ ye: Ye see, sor, Oi did not git much av a glimpse at thim last noight, fur Oi gave up me bed to thim and bunked mesel’ out in dhe lean-to beyanst and left thim alone.” y - ce I see, ” f ‘But, awhile ago, Oi got me first got ur ye know how “You knew her?” *‘Dhat same Oi did—at any rate Oi t’ought Oi did.” ** But you were mistaken.” » “Dhat same Oi was, it seems. Oi could have sworn upon me oath dhat it was Berg- man’s daughter.” ** Lillie Bergman?” ‘* Dhat same; and, Oi am not yet prepared to swear dhat it isn’t, although the young lady calls herself by another name entoirely; somet’ing loike Dalie Douglas, Oi belave it is, sor.” / ‘CHAPTER XVII. | DEUCE-TREY’S SNAPSHOT. Neepixss to say, all Deadwood Dick’s ‘keenest interest was alive in an instant, and he was eager to reach the shanty. Here, most unexpectedly, h 7 come in his mystery | - ~—- ) ai ts we. co. _ € SS ‘a: >. of Frank Douglas’s wife and daughter—or, at any rate, that of the daughter, for this was she. He said little more on the way, leaving Shamus to do the talking, and in due time their destination was reached. Shamus opened the door of his shanty and they entered. \ : fhe room was one of fair size, and on a bed on one side lay the form of a woman. A younger woman sat beside her, on a h\ - stool, and a lamp ona rude table in one 4 corner made the room tight, so that every- a ts thing could be seen plainly. The young woman rose as they stepped in, She looked toward them, and Deadwood Dick recognized at once the face of Lillie Bergman! “They are twins,” he said to himself, in . ver: mind. ‘‘*It can be explained in no other » Bae way— And yet, that cannot be, for then it . Bat would be no mystery to Douglas, or should ie not be.” . a He could not understand it, and from her 4 face Dick looked to the face of, the older” woman on the bed. It was instantly plain that death had set its seal there, and that the woman’s hours of life must be few. Dick recognized in her face the same gen- eral cast of features seen in the faces of the two girls, and to the younger woman he said: “Your mother?” ‘‘ Yes, sir,” the tearful response. «What is her name?’ Dick next inquired. _ “Tt is Martha Douglas, sir.” 7 “ And yours?” ‘“‘ Delia.” ‘ “Your father is dead?” “‘Do not speak his name to me; 1 never . want to hear it!” ye Deadwood Dick was surprised, afterthe — affection Frank Douglas had expressed for his child. +4 And this mystery? It was deeper than) “| ever. If Douglas’s wife left him immedi- /* ately after the birth of her child, howcame, the daughter to know her? Why did the e child hate the father? eet es There was a possible way to find out. Dick sat down on the stool and felt of the woman’s pulse, and as he did so she opene her eyes and looked at him. ees ‘Do you think I will live?” she asked. | __ “JT would not deceive you, madam” th) prince of detectives answered, ‘‘ You hav but a brief time to live.” _ At this the girl began sobbing aloud. = ,_— “*Thank you, sincerely,” said the woman. — “‘Tf that is true, there is something I must disclose before I pass away, for my life has — been a lie for many years and I must right a wrong I have done.” | EN ‘*Mamma?’ ‘Ae ‘Tt is true, my child, it is true. Ihave © Geceived you terribly. It was your father who was honorable; | was the false one.” The girl sobbed as if her heart must break and tears appeared in the sick woman’s eyes, _ and coursed down her sunken cheeks as she) lay bolstered upon the pillows, es “Where is your other child, madam?” — asked Deadwood Dick. er Peo. Or She turned upon him with a look almost of terror in her eyes, and her breath came in gasps. ‘*What—what do manded, ; x “TI know something about your pag *— answered Dick. ‘‘If you have any ei . repair the wrong you must disclose thing.” Hi) “T will do so, I will gladly do so, n You must hear my story, and I want |. to restore this child to her father, and pe haps her sister can be found and they may be bappy. yet.” j silge «And their father is Frank Douglas?” ‘“* Yes—I think so.” i of i - “What mystery is here, madam?” = -_4 % i oye fel: oT ae “ es ’ you know?” she de- |
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it is a long / for me to tell it.” ‘And it must be reduced to writing, as ou tell it, too,” said Dick. ‘‘Shamus, have oo any paper?” ‘¢Dhat same Oi have, sor.” “Get it, at once.” Dick made ready as quickly as possible, and then told the woman to go ahead with her story, giving it in her own way, as short bee as possible but at the same time omitting bs nothing important. it was the work of an hour, reducing the confession to writing. By the time it was done the woman had grown much weaker, and it could be seen that her time was short. “Now, madam, you have made this con- fession in the presence of these witnesses,” remarked Dick, *‘Do you swear that it is true, and are you willing to sign it as the aruth?” 4 “Yes, yes; let me signit. I swear it is “: true. She was assisted, and affixed her name to the page—Martha Douglas. It was her last earthly act. Deadwood Dick folded the paper and put it in his pocket, “Would you like to see either of these amen before you die?” he then asked, in kind- ly tone. “Itis too late,” was the faint response. ‘Tt took all my strength for the confession, Besides, I could not bear their scorn, and perhaps their words of reproach,” _ Dick saw that it was indeed too late, so he Jet it pass, mat girl, who had heard all, sat in the fur- a est Corner, silently weeping. i h Deadwood Dick called Shamus out into the '* Yean-to, story, sir; it will take time ““You see the end is near, Shamus,” he _ said, “‘and I depend on. you, now, to aid me i o & certain work I have to do.” | .**Dhat same Oi will, do, sor, an’ it is any- ~ing dhat is fair and honest and, not to be «shamed av,” “triend.» Did’ you ever hear of Deadwood Dick, Junior?” - 45 : _ “Phwat! Are you dhat divil’s own de- tective Oi have heard and read so much about?” _ Yes, Iam he. Say nothing about it, but serve me well,” ' " Bedad, O’’'ll go trough foire fur ye, me _ That is enough, with what I have seen of you. When the woman is dead, make it known; but caution the girl not to be seen. I will give her a word of explanation before I go. an oe Yis.” » 4 ‘Get some women to lay the body out, and‘if there isa carpenter to be had, get him to make a coffin. Here is money for it, and no one needs to know who is paying for the service. Then, let the body be properly ar- ranged for burial. By that time I'll see you again,” ‘* All roight, sor.” Dick returned to the room and spoke to the ey: - , »% er.’ 7 , \ a _ + Dick left the house—rather shanty—and re- 2 turned to the saloon, where Terrell and Clancy were still playing. : ‘Just as Dick entered the door Terrell sprung to his feet with an oath, with revol- ver in hand. QOlancy was upon ater, reaching for a gun. \ * Cheat me, would you! cried Terrell, and lied while speaking the words, but miss- : _ - ee | Dick gave a start, for the bullet his feet only a second | Fitch ‘done. - Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. had come within an ace of his head, and he knew in the instant that he had been the tar- get and not Clancy! Terrell fired again, in the same instant, al- most, and the second bullet came even near- erthan the first, Dick feeling it graze the skin on the side of his neck asit passed. It required but a second for Dick to draw and fire, and with a howl of pain Terrell dropped his gun and grabbed his hand, and blood began to trickle from’ she ends of his fingers. Deadwood Dick had practiced one of his famous snap-shots upon him, and with good effect, _ CHAPTER XVIII. THE MYSTERY OF MARTHA HILLS. WuiL® everybody else was making a hasty scramble for cover, Deadwood Dick advanced straight upon Terrell and Clancy, with weapons covering them, **You contemptible cur!” he said to Ter- rell. ‘‘ For two cents] would put my trade- mark on you that would make you a sub- ject for the coroner, if here.” Terrell was still holding his hand ‘and howling. * What is the matter with you?” demand- ed Clancy, turning upon Dick, ‘‘I can take care of my own quarrels, without asking help from you.” “1 see through it,” retorted Dick. was an attempt upon my life.” ** You are a fool!” ‘* Maybe Tam, but not fool enough to let that pass without chipping in. The man could:not have missed you, at that range, had he shot at you, but he fired at me, I saw the second shot, aimed straight at me, and I feel the sting of the bullet on my neck,” ‘ ‘“ Yes, and there is the mark, too,” cried Buck. Williams. **T call all present to bear witness to this,” exclaimed Dick, ‘If anything hap- pens to me you will know where to begin your investigation, if you consider it worth investigating. And you, fellows, if you run up against me just once more you will repent it.”\. Clancy turned upon Terrell, to make per- fect the deception. “You area liar, if he cried, ‘ ee It ea | you say I cheated you,” You are not the man I took you to be. Take your money, and I will take mine, and we’ll stop right here,” And that, finally, after some parley, was But, Dick had shown up their game, and most of those present believed what he alleged. An hour later Shamus McCall entered the saloon and made the announcement that the woman at his shanty was dead, and he spoke to some of the miners about getting their wives to lay her out, The rest of the day passed with the usual amount of excitement, and in the evening the saloon was filled to its greatest capacity. Fire-eater Flip came in and spoke to Deuce-Trey, . é The Five-Spot Sport followed him from the room, and together they made their way along through the snow tunnels, Fire-eater carried a lantern, and but little was said, since they had a complete under- standing and both 5 Sova what was about to take place, and each was prepared to play 8 part. | | nally they came to a place where a niche had been made in the side wall of the tunnel. , Here Dick stopped, and Fire-eater ran on alone. In about a minute two men passed, stealthily, and when they had gone Dick came out and crept after them, weapons in nd, They rounded a crook in the way, and ahead were seen the figures of two men, Fire-eater and his companion, apparently, you have got one 15 and they were now standing and Fire-eater was talking. Terrell and Clancy had their guns in hand, and Fire-eater glanced their way, and seeing them, he dropped flat to the ground, holding his lamp so as to give them a good light upon their supposed living target. And, immediately, both fired, two or three shots in rapid succession. Over went the dummy, pushed by Fire- eater's foot, and it fell almost as naturally as a& man, under like circumstances. And in the same moment Fire-eater leaped up and ran rapidly toward the two men who had done the shooting, hoiding up his lantern as if afraid they might shoot him but with an entirely different purpose in view, as the rascals soon found, Just as Fire-eater came up, Deadwood Dick placed the cold tube of a gun behind an ear of each of the murderers, and they almost jumped out of their clothes at the contact. Fire-eater, too, had now whipped out a gun, and the two scoundrels were in so tight a fix that it was impossible for them to get out. Deadwood Dick sternly ordered them tu drop their guus or he would drop them, and there was no choice for them but to obey. They were marched back to the saloon, where Deadwood Dick introduced them and himself, ‘‘ Boys,” he said, ‘‘ the time for disclosure — has come, Iam Deadwood Dick, Junior, [I came here on the track of Howard Smithy, the Tucson bank cashier. He ismy prisoner here, known to you as Robert Terrell, This other is his ally, whose true name is Harris King.” Ay The cheer that went up was deafening, and, as Dick went ahead and laid out all his proofs before them, the crowd broke out again and again, Dick had identified the money he had won from Terrell as being mostly the stolen funds of the Tucson bank, and with other proofs he had picked up here and there his case was complete. It would be interesting reading, had we the space to quote all that was said and done, but we have nearly reached the limit of our space and it is therefore impossible. Suffice it to say that the prisoners were securely imprisoned in the Whoop-up lock-up, under guard, and for the rest of the evening the camp proceeded to do honor to its dis- tinguished guest. | On the following morning Chin Shang, the Chinee, had disappeared, and was not to be found. The camp was no man short, however, for Frank Douglas was there, ex- plaining that he had just burrowed his way out of the snow-drifts and reached town, statement that was taken with a good deat of salt, however. The Chinee was looked for, but he was utterly missing, and Ben woniy for the time being. Preparations for the funeral of the strange woman who had died at Shamus McCall's shanty had been going forward, and it was Deadwood Dick who proposed that the ser- vice should be held in the Cocktail, which was the largest room in the camp, and this was agreed to. f The camp had no preacher, but there was one old fellow, a pious soul, who usuall: performed such service for such of the citi- zens who chanced to die with their beots on —or otherwise, and he was called upon to— act. so that Samuel Bergman and his seeped would be present, and he had given Douglas a sufficient hint that bis presence was Te- — quired. . At the hour fixed upon the ay Babe io fn, followed by Shamus and the daughter of pe cet eg hag go gavail, — ead wor ck assu . The aged citizen read a chapt had to act as cook of the establishment Quietly, Deadwood Dick had arranged it Sd Fapy) ay
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eee Psalms and mfide a prayer, following with someneral remarks, and took his seat. were Dick then invited Mr. Bergman and his daughter to step forward and view the re- mains, at the same time motioning for the woman’s daughter and My. Douglas to doso, and these four reached the éoffin together. The instant Bergman and Douglas looked upon the face of the dead they gave voice exclamations, and Lillie Bergman cried out— ‘**Mamma!” Delia Douglas had thrown up her vyail, now, as Deadwood Dick had previously in structed her to do, and from the face of thx dead woman the four persons looked at | one another in blankest amaze. What did it mean? ** Samuel Bergman,” said Deadwood Dick, ‘* who is this dead woman?” “*She who was my wife, Martha Bergman,” was the husky response. ‘Frank Douglas,” and Dick turned to him, ‘who is this dead woman?” ‘‘She was my wife, Martha Douglas,” the sad answer. ‘** And which of these young women is your daughter?” Douglas looked from one to the other for a moment, in doubt, but Delia quickly solved the mystery for him by throwing herself up- on his breast, sobbing. Bergman looked on in a dazed manner. ** You are right, sir,” said Dick, to Doug- las; ‘‘that one is Delia. And, if she is your daughter, so {is this other, for they are twin sisters,” ** Twins!” exclaimed Douglas. ** Impossible!” echoed Bergman, “The fact, nevertheless,” asserted Dick. *‘ There is no further proof needed than their likeness to each other, and yet. 1 have other proof and the best of proof, the dying con- fession of this woman.” He displayed the document as he spoke. Impossible to quote all that passed; Dick proposed that the funeral should proceed, after which they would retire te Bergman’s cottage for the explanation. After the body had been consigned to the earth—no easy task, under the snow and with the ground frozen as it was, they re- paired to the cottage, where Dick r the confession in full. Martha Hills had been a woman eas'ly in- fluenced, and to her mother she owed her life’s failure, Her mother was a scheming woman, Martha had two lovers at the same time, Frank Douglas and Samuel Bergman, and by advice of the scheming mother encour- aged both. Douglas was poor, but Martha loved him, while Bergman was rich and him the mother favored. The mother wanted to wean Martha’s affections from Douglas atid turn them toward Bergman. She kept these two men apart from each other, and neither one ever knew that he had a rival. The girl resolved to marry Douglas, but even then the mother did not give up, and in another week forced her daughter to marry Bergman! It was, she thought, her chance for life; the girl could soon decide which she liked best, and could then leave the other mysteriously and no one would be able to learn where she was. All the circumstances favored the scheme. _ Still, the girl clung to Douglas, although forced to share her time in the company ef Berg- man; and when Douglas thought she was at | home with her mother she was really in the company of Bergman! To the latter she told about the same story she was telling to Douglas, Finally, the power of money won the fight, and Martha decided that she had rather live with a rich husband than with a oor one, About this time her twins were orn, and the scheming mother concealed ope of these immediately, which the mis- uided young wife took with her when she ductal her true husband for the man she thought was her husband just as much—her | mind being entirely under the ruling of her | lying mother, in all things. With Bergman she took up her residence {ina distant city, and the child Lillie with | her, as said, while the other twin was left : with its father, Douglas, | Thus hadcome about the great mystery. dm after years,however, the same weak mind of the woman caused her fall. Knowing she had another child, she sought it, and, jealous of | its love for her Yeal husband, Douglas, she filled the child’s mind with lies concerning him and induced the girl to go away with her as mvsteriously as she herself had gone in the first instance. : All this and much more the woman’s dy- ing confession set forth, but enough has been mentioned for our purpose. With this clue, the reader can easily unravel the little that remains unexplained. It was a sad denouement for all concerned, and yet. a joy- ous reunion for Douglas and his long-lost child, Delia, The girls strongly resembled while they looked nothing like Bergman at ali. There was no room to doubt their pa- rentage. But, in it ail, Bergman had been an innocent victim, and he proposed that | ; Douglas should join him in partnership in the mine he owned, in order that he might ! not lose the child he had always thought was his own, and in order that she might not be deprived of the wealth she had ever been accustomed to, while Delia could now begin to enjoy thesame privilege. The two sisters were already embracing each other, with all the love and sympathy twins usually have for each other. So Douglas yielded to the proposition, Deadwood Dick high] plan, and so it was settlec When it became possible to travel, Dead- wood Dick set out with his prisoners for Arizona, where he finally landed them in the Penitentiary, the right place for them. Whoop-up gave him a rousing send-off, and promised him a hearty welcome should he ever come that way again. THE END, y approved of the Next Haur-Dime Liprary, No. 905, Dandy Nugget, The Boy Shadow of No Luck Camp; OR, Captain Mascot, the King Nabob. BY T. C, HARBAUGH, a story of the toughest camp in all the Wild West, and of the career of the secret gang known as THE Buack Braps, whose aim was to get all the rich mines in that vicinity into their possession, But OLD GOLD GOLLIDAY, The Red Vigilante Chief! was there; and, calling in the Boy Shadow Sport, Dandy Nugget, to do the shadow act, he carries out his sworn “* Crusade ” in a wonderful jinale, The Black Beads Unmask! and the tough town has its biggest sensation. The story will not be ‘‘ passed”’ by those looking for the typical in true Wild West camp and mining life, and everybody who reads will vote it a big five cents’ worth of mighty fine reading, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. Wm, F. Cody). 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 19 The Phantom Spy! or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Scont; or, The Banded Brotherhood 68 Border Robin Heod; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Faney Fra=:k of Coloradot or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY HAROLD PAYNE, 848 Dan, the River Sport? or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp. | 892 Bowery Ben in Chinatown, Deadwood Dick, Jv.’s, Trade-Mark&, ; Douglas, | | B84 yi! ER" OES me pene BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwoed Dick Novels. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Pri 20 Deadwood Dick’s Defiance; . eDa v¢ } 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Builal. Ben 85 Deadwood Dick in His Caatle. Deadwood Dick's Bonanzays « The Phantom Mit 9 Deandwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Ol. ; Deadwood Dick’s Eng r, 7 Pards of Flood } 78 Deadwood Dick on De n ne, the I TT Deadwood Dick's Last Acts or, Cordurcy Charlic 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. 104 Deadwood Dick’s Device; or, Th le « LOY Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick's J or, T} G ( ISS Denadavood Dick's Home Has I : 149 Deadwood Dick’s Rig Strike; or, A ‘ 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The! : 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dreams or, The la of the Road 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The! Hil ez 205 Deadwood Dick’a Doom: or, C ulamity Jane's Adventure Rit Deadwood Dich’s« Read Deal. 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Plant. 282 Gold-Dust Dick, A Romance of Roughs and Toughs, 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divides or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake 268 Deadwood Dick’a Death Trail, 809 Deadwood Dick’s Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 521 Deadwood Dick’sa Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flat 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducatas or, Days in the Diggings. 851 Deadwood Diek Sentenced; or, The Terrible Vendetta 62 Deadwood Dick’sa Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick In Dead City. 410 Deadwood Dick’s Dinmonds, é Deadweod Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case,” 480 Deadwood Dick’sa Duat; or, The Chained Hand. ; 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.; or, The Crimson Crescent Sign, 44% Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deflance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4 Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Big Round-Up. 4065 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Racket at Claim 10, AZ1 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Corral; or, Bozeman Bill 76 Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadwood Deadweoa Deadwood Deadwood Dendwood Deadwood Deadwood 589 Meadwood 544 Deadwood 649 Deadwooa 564 Dendwood 5661 Deadwood 567 Deadwood 5T2 Deadwood 578 Deadwood 584 Deadwooa 5690 Deadwood 595 Deadwood 600 Deadwood 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective, Dick. Jr., in Deadwood. Dick, Jr.’a, Compact. Dick, Jr.’s, Inheritance, Dick, Jr2s Diggings, Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, Dick, Jr.'s, Protegee, Dick, Jr.’«, Three, Dick, Jr.’a, Danger Ducka, Dick, Jr.’s, Death Hunt, Dick, dr., in Texas, Dick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog Dich, Jr., on Mia Mettle, Dick, Jr., in Gotham, G24 Deadwood +4 Deadwood in Buffalo. Diek, Jr’a, Chase Acroaathe Continent Dick, Jr.» Among the Smugglers. Dick, Jr.’#, Ivauronee Case, Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines, Dick, dr., tu Durango; or, “ Gathered In.” Bow Sg pucevery} or, Found a Fortune. biek r,s. Dazzle, Dick, dr.’s. Dollara, Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide, Dick, Jr.’«, Drop. — 648 Deadwood 654 Deadwood 660 Deadwood 666 Deadweod 672 Deadwood 678 Deadwood 684 Deadwood 680 Deadwood 695 Deadwood 708 Beadwood TOA Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. i Z1i@ Deadwood Dick Jr., In San Francliseds ’ 716 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Still Hunt. — > 722 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dominoes. > — 728 Deadwood Vick, Jr.’a, Disguise, — oi" 784 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Deal, = 240 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathwatch, om Cr TAT Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Doublet. — yond 752 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deathblow. Sa T5S Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Desperate Stralte-— 764 Deadwood Dick, Ira, Lone Hand, = = 770 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Neteat. a ed Dick, Jr.’a, Resurrection, nae 776 Deadwood 738 Deadwood 78ST Deadwood 792 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’a, Dark Days, Dick Ir» Defied Dick, Jr,’ Double Device, 797 Deadwood Dick, Jr’, Desperate Venturest 802 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’#, Diamond Dice, oR 8 807 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s Royal Flush, i) ve $12 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Hend-off, =a 816 Deadwood Dick, dr.’#, Rival. fae yo 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’*; Boom, “ \ 828 Dendwood Dick, Jr.'s, Scoop. or Dick, 5 hain Brox . . lick, Fe'@y utch, < Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse. tnt Diek rep at Devil's Gulch. Dick, Jr.’s, Beath-Hole Hustle! Dick, Jr.’s Bombshell. Diek, Jr., In Mexteo. wei sf hy. eer badge . aks r., In Silver Pocket. 891 Deadwood Dick. Jra, Dead-Sure Game, 89S Deadwood Dick, Jr’«, Double Drive. 904 Dendwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 898 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Double Drive; or, The Riva? Mayors of Hardecrabble. By Edward L. Wheeler, 899 Basement Bert, the Bov Cobbler Detective, By Jo Pierce 900 Jumping Jack’sa Jubilee; or, The Queen’s Shadower. By J, C, Cowdrick. 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Fdge Shooter; or, Dad Grimes’ Deadly Grip. By Wm. R. Eyater. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado; or, Gentleman Jack's Rustrrection. By Col, P. Ingruham, 908 Billy Bluc-Blazes, the Dodger of the Docks. By Jo Pi-rce. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Trade-Mark; or, Dence-Trey, the Five-Spot pport. By Edward L, Wheeler, 905 Dandy Nugget, the Bow Shadow of No Luck Camp, By C. Harbaugh, 906 Safety Sam, the Cycle Sport. By J. 0, Cowdrick, A New Issue Every Tuesday- f The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdealers, *- : sents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six cents cache cass \ ee BEADLE AND ADAMB, Pui 98 William Street, !)?” S84 Deadwood 840 Deadwood 845 Deadwood S52 Deadwood 858 Deadwood 8638 Deadwood 870 Deadwood 876 Deadwood 8&2 Deadwood Circus T .