Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 931) (1895 05 28)
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\ ——— ae SS = : \ \ S | & _ WS . \ (AV a a ut S85 lh Wn Wace ena 1 {nt |! (nl Aca ln) Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, May 28, 18¥5. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No, 931. a Year. No, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 5 cents. Vol. IVI. OORT IN VELVET; : iw A Stet Ath St rae ‘\ ‘S SD : a A LGED oak > Bic Burk’s Bure, BY WM. R. EYSTER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘THE TIE-TO SPORT,” ‘FARG FRANK,” ETC., ETC. ( CHAPTER I. BILLY BIRD'S BROTHER. “Say, sport, be you really goin’ dowg thar?” ‘It’s so reported, little man; and the soon- er I get there the better it will please me.” ‘* Glad ter hear thar’s a chance fur one man ter be happy, but mebbe you don’t jest know what sorter a seckshun ov Paradise yer a THE SPORT FIXED HIS EYES FIRMLY ON THE FACE OF THE GIANT droppin’ inter, Ef I war you, an’ you war
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me, I’d jest turn round an’ go somewheres else. If it’s a hard ole hole fur me, whar'll you kim in at?” The sport laughed lightly, and yet he gave a keener glance at the boy than he had yet taken. There was something -o about him that said he was not exactly talking to hear himself talk, and the trav- eler was quick to take notice of such things. “Pretty tough camp, is it? Sorry for the news, for I am of a retiring sort my- self, and don't like to have neighbors of the other stripe. Now, if they were all like you. Strikes me you just about hit my gait.” “If I do, you must be a holy terror.” The sport paid no attention to the inter- ruption, but went on: ““ Modest, retiring, unobtrusive, shy, not at all inquisitive, timid rather than other- wise, and a lad of strictly truthful pro- Clivities. Yes, I am inclined to think you fill the bill. You must be my long-lost brother. At least, if I had one. What shall I call such a paragon?” _ * Billy Bird, if you want to put on style. i) ff we should happen to be pards, jest plain q Billy. I heard you war comin’, and kinder thought I might like you myself. Shake, pard!”" The boy extended his hand. with the cor- dial ease of an equal, and the sport in black velvet grasped it in the same spirif, though the look of amusement had left his ’ face. : “You heard I was coming, did you? f Must be something of a spiritualist, for until this morning I didn’t know I was on the way myself.” ; “This mornin’ yer met an old coon on \ a claybank with one wall eye jest what’ ther trail forks. on the, top ov ther long divide. f He stopped yer fur a light fur his pipe, ee ‘and you axed him whar’ ther left-hand b trail’ went to, and when he told yer to i Black Gorge, yer laughed, an’ said ‘Jest ez well thar’ ez anywhat’, an’ hyer yer be. ; I war kinder cur’us ter know ef you war j comin’, and yit I knowed in course yer € » would,” & _. As the boy reeled off this extraordinary rr | story, the stranger sport’s expression rH ’ changed from one of good-natured anuse- " ment to one of intense surprise. , The place where the trails crossed, on the M top of the long divide, was fully forty miles away, yet everything had there hap- pened just as the boy narrated. wonder, however, for his voice had the good-natured smile had come back to his . lips. eo eek > “Tf you don’t mind showing your back ee to a friend, suppose you turn around once. ‘oe Just a glimpse, you understand, and I'll ong hold my hands ’way up over my_ head a _ while you are doing it if you say so.” ae “Oh, me behindus are jest ez good look- aad in’ as me befrontus, an’ you kin keep yer wy han’s whar yer blamed please. Ther ole lady put that patch on ez a fair mark ter Y ‘aim at, but I ain’t afeared you'll try ter i give me a h’ist.”” ie As he spoke he turned slowly around, 7 } lifting the tail of a ragged and mile-too- A big coat to show the big, square patch on : 4. the seat of his pantaloons. — * * Ahem! That makes it as uncertain as Be -. ever, You're sure it’s sewed fast?” Bee elo" What's fast?” ee “That patch. It looks mighty much as | ~~ though it might be a door. The fact is, I am inclined to think that if you are not oS : “his Satanic Majesty himself, you are one x of his imps, and T am looking for a three-| TR ~pronged tail.” ; . Sear oa pies into a laugh this. #me, and ts ‘eyed the stranger with keen enjoyment. poe -* Then it all war’ true?” ——EE He hed a double-barrel shotgun. | When he spoke he showed nothing of, same suspicion of humor in it, and the] The Sport in Velvet. “True to the letter; but, how in the name of all the fiends did you come to know it? I could believe that the man had been sent there to turn me off on this trail; but how could you: know the exact words I used when [ made up my mind? silly, my boy, there’s something singular about this thing, and I'll haye to see into it a little.” “Sing’lar ain't no name fur it. But, say, pard, you ain’t ‘give me no handle yit, an’ ther spooks furgot ter menshun it. ** Spooks, eh? That must be it. And they drew the line at my name, did they? I’m glad to know they have some modesty. Call me? How does Methuselah strike you as a name for an all-around sport? A number one, native built, and American register?” * Hits me hard. it ’d kill me, sure. s’uthin’ sweeter?” “Oh, yes—Sugar Bill, for instance, Fix it to suit yourself. I haven't any particu- lar name of my own, but I'll answer to *’most anything if I only know the reason why.” * Bt don't edzackly fit,” answered Billy, scratching his head in some perplexity. “You ain't percisely that kind ov a tough; but ef yer likes it let her go at that. When yer comes ter Black Gorge yer kin take yer ch’ice, an’ ef folks don't like it you kin fight fur it. Reckon we've chinned hyer long ernough, an’ ef you'll straddle yer mustang, we'll be gittin’ on inter town,” ‘But you haven't told me yet how you came to be possessed of that wonderful bit of intelligence, and I'd like to know if you are as wise about all strangers com- ing to town as you seem to be about me.” “*Pends on mam. When she gits inter -one oy her spells she kin say a heap; an’ it’s allers true. That’s her biz. Jest ea you sed: She kin talk with ther sperrits, an’ she’s beginnin’ ter make it pay. They kim) ter ax her "bout things, an’ she makes ‘em spud out their coin. One oy ’em kim this mornin’, an’ I laid back sly an’ easy an’ got ther hull oy ther buzzin’. So thar’s some ’un else besides me expectin’ yer at ther Gorge, er thar'abouts—an’ it ain't mam, either. She never knows what she’s bin sayin’ when she gets through.” “Ah, then some one was asking ques- tions about me? That is strange. I have no knowledge of any one at Black Gorge who by any possibility could or would care to ask about me. Who was it that inquired?” “Oh, kim off. Yer axin’ me ter let down on mam’s biz. I give it away too much, ez it are, Hev’ ter lay low an’ keep yer eyes Ope, satie way ez I do. You jest run yer own clam wagon till trade gits slack afore yer axes me ter blow yer horn, Be yer comin’ ?” Billy gave a whistle, and the pony which had &gen browsing around came up to the call. His master tumbled into the sad- -dle, and the sport swung himself on the - back of his mustang. Think ernother one like Can’t yer think oy | Down the guleh they could see the bud- dled camp of Black Gorge. It was still a mile or more distant, but in that pure, clear air, it was plainly visible, and the sport held-his horse a moment, with a light touch on the rein, while he took a view of the place and its surroundings. “Ain't much ter look at, but et’s a heap sight better ner it looks, an’ ef yer spry with ther pasteboards an’ kin shoot quick, thar ain’t no reason why a man with a move on shouldn't do well thar’) Ther jedge plays a mighty stiff game, an’ it makes him mad ter hear ov 4 limit. But then, ez he allers wins, I dunno how it} would be ef he run ag’in’ some one would make him bussel. You kin try ba jan’ see.” ae | beat it wasn’t for one thing. I reckon Black Gorge is like most places of its kind. It takes money to buy land, and when I was looking down into the valley, about the time you hailed me, I was thinking how I was going to raise the price of a supper. ‘The fact is, I'm dead gone broke, and the limit don't interest me as much as how to raise the first ante.” Billy looked at ‘him inquiringly. He let his eyes run all over the young man in velvet before speaking again. Then he seemed to have made up his mind. “Ef I reely thought you could han’le ther case, I dunno’ but what I'd stake yer myself. , Pm lookin’ fur a pard thet’s a man all over, an’ clean white, ’sides not bein’ afeared ov anything on two legs er four. Fer sich I kin afford ter pay big wages. How’d yer like ter sign a scale fur a week er two? Then, ef we pulled bie tergether, I might give yer a stiddy job.” Billy talked with all the grandeur of a millionaire, and yet had all the looks of a young vagabond who lived by his wits and wore cast-off clothing. The sport was more serious than ever. “Say, kid, that yarn about the spooks is sticking in my craw, I suppose, and I can’t think all this chin of yours is. nonsense. It’s a fact that I’m open for ’most any kind of a job that is square till I can get on my feet again. Of course, I have this mustang and my tools, but I don’t care to part with ‘them, though that was what I expected to do if the worst came to the worst. If you can keep me afloat till I strike something that pays better, I’m your man.” They were not in so much of a hurry as they thought about going down to’ Black Gorge. “Now yer shoutin’! Put ber thar’, pard. Put her thar’! An’ ez it'll be convenyunt fur you ter ‘pear ez my long-lost brother, wich you spoke about a bit ago, an’ ez thar’ can’t well be two Bills in ther fambly, we'll hey’ ter reorganize that name a trifle. How’ll Sugar Sam suit?’ “Oh, anything in reason, so no one ever heard it before.. Now, what’s the layout?’ “Ob, I ain't certain an’ sure yit. We'll find that out, later on. Ther f’ust thing are ter git ther old lady ter sling out some grub, and after that we'll float ’round town and see what we can pick up. Guess I kin find ernough ter keep yer busy.” ‘Brother goes, then. ‘Let’s be moving. To a lad of your penetration it is hardly worth while to remark that in the absence of dinner the scant breakfast I ‘had ren- ders the need of a supper actually pressing. We'll try 4 whirl with the old lady, any- how.” NAMES, §) Without delay the two cantered down the trail at a lively pace, and went sweep- ing into town. They came just in time for business. anf In front of the Arcade there Was a swaying crowd, listening to a man who was making them an address from a box. He was well dressed, of commanding appearance, and though he spoke without ee he seemed to have the crowd with m. { “That’s ther jedge,” said Billy, as the \ < - / 4, -) two came racing up. ee “Bt’s part ov yer ob ter back fher _ other man.” . : 1 4 NECKTIP SOCIAL, analy Judge Lane was a representative and — His leading man of Black Gorge. PRE is! He came there with the rush, and pros- pered in a twofold way. He owned the ~ tt mining property in the district, and from the first had played the atiffeat game of cards put up in the camp, and the men — . whom he met were all chiefs. As @ result, he had the finest residence. ay | CHAPTER II. RE We
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in the camp, and the handsomest Jady in it to preside over his table. The lady, however, was not his wife, Dut his niece, who had made her appear- ance shortly after the judge’s great clean- up with Oro Jack, and was very popular with the inhabitants. Although the judge might have been al- calde of the camp on its first organization, and mayor later on, when it had become more thoroughly Americanized, his title was one of courtesy, for he had sternly refused all such honors. But as there was no ‘reason save his modesty that he was not a judge, people for the most part thought he must be one, and so spoke of him as “the judge.” The speech he was making now was not exactly a Fourth of July oration. There were three prisoners in the heart of the crowd, and until the judge com- menced speaking there had been very lit- tle doubt as to what was going to be done with them. ‘ ‘They had been captured just at the end of the town, along with three horses which belonged io three inhabitants of Black Gorge. The usual thing would have been ta string them up at once, but in this case, as the men had yielded without resistance, and two of them had little to say for them- Selves, while the third insisted it was all a mistake, the party was brought in by their captors, to have some sort of a pub- lie examination. Unfortunately, as it seemed, Black Gorge was inclined to have the frolic off-hand, and the examination afterward. The erowd collected with the average myste- riousness attending such proceedings, and before the case was fairly stated the cry arose to hang them. To this the owner of one of the horses was» the first to object, and he was not very positive in his way of doing it. It started a conservative movement, however, and just as Billy Bird and the sport rode up the judge was making an address on the subject. “T'm not sure that it is a good thing to ‘be too hasty,’”’ Lane was saying, “though T will admit that in all the camps I Was ever in that was the rule. ““Tt’s about the only way to keep such characters out of a town, and when I was younger I generally went with the crowd in such things; but I have got old enough now to want to have a dead sure thing in front of me before making up my mind. Even then I,am not certain but what, at a first offence, it might not be well to start the thieves out of camp with a rope around their necks, and a warning that if they ever return here again there will be will jing hands to pull upon it.” “That's good, sound talk, and a heap of logic in it,’ chimed in Bidwell Sloan, the sporting gent who ran the Arcade sa- Joon. “A hanging-bee like that just rips the town all up for a week, and we can't really afford to have one, though, of course, if you‘all think it-must be so, let her went. I can stand it if the rest can. Don’t you think, judge?” - “The matter is not in my hands. T only want to caution the people that after the fun is over it is too late for regrets.” “And we'd better hear what they got to say,” threw in a helping voice from the crowd. Ae “They can probably tell a little better lie than the rest of us could imagine, and as they appear to be pards together, they svill all be apt to stick to it, and it will be hard to catch them napping. All I wanted to suggest was that judgment had per - haps better be tempered with mercy, and the fellows simply banished.” e ' _ *'Phar’s suthin’ rotten "bout it,” whis- -pered Billy to the sport; “but, blamed ef The Sport in Velvet. I kin see percisely what it are. Kinder looks ez though. he wanted ter hey’ ’em hung, and didn’t jest darst ter do it.” “All right. You’re the boss. Which side are we to chip in on?” asked the sport, without more than average interest in the question. though we would have to fight the town.” ther blame cat hops. We're sorter neu- tral, with a strong leanin’ ter ther hoss thieves ef two on ’em-warn’t so’ blamed disrespecterable.” The two alluded to by Billy were hard- looking cases, and that was a fact. The third prisoner was .ragged and weather-beaten, but a good deal younger, and his face did not bear the stamp of dis- sipation like those of the others. He had been evidently waiting to hear how things were going, and now he broke in: “T told you before, this was all a mis- take so far as I am concerned. I had nothing to do with the horses, and I never saw these men until a few minutes before the crowd came out and captured them.” An ineredulous murmur went up from the crowd. ' “Tt is the truth. I was tramping along when I met them, and they stopped to speak with me. While we were talking you Men came, and, without giving me a chance to explain, dragged me here.” * Oh, my, how thin!’ murmured Bidwell Sloan, who was something of a liar him- self. “Tt is the truth! Every word truth!” The young man singled out the speaker with his eyes, and spoke angrily. Proba- bly, he did not realize the danger he was in. “What war’ ye doin’ chinnin’ so com- fortable-like with sich ez them ef ye war’n't pards?” asked the owner of one of the horses. ? “T was tramping, I'll admit; but that is no crime. I came here in search of an uncle of mine; a man by the name of Lane. + Perhaps some of you have heard of him. I understand he came here with the first settlers.’ “Come, young man, you have overshot the mark there,” said the judge, calmly. “T believe I am the only Lane in this ave- nue, and I came with the rush. but no nephew of mine ean you be, since I own no such article. Better stick to the truth, or even my influence, which I would be glad to give to a young man who for the first time has been drawn into bad ways, cannot save you.” “You?” said the young man, looking sharply at the judge. For a moment he stood silent after that one word, and the crowd gave a general grin, while the two older prisoners winked at each other in spite of the situation. “Say, jedge,” said one of the guards, “it looks ez though this might be a sorter fambly matter, an’ we don’t blame yer fur not, wantin’ ter own up ter sich a durned crooked Lane ez that. ) Jest you run this hyer thing ter soot, an’ Black Gorge aint’ a grumblin’. Say ther word, an’ we'll turn ’em loose, er string ’em up! Et’s all ez you say.” The crowd laughed. fe It was a cold, cruel laugh, but it meant that the rage for blood was abating, and that there was at least a fighting chance for life with the culprits. Lane had not been appealing for mercy very strongly, and to the notion of Billy Bird he had got more than he bargained for. Neverthe less, he gave his judgment promptly and without a sign of irritation. “You prisoners had better take advant- age of the opportunity without any more such efforts at excuse. If they didn’t strain you, they might cause the crowd to put in enough assistance to make it a sure ai 5 “Whichever way it’s to go it looks as |! * Oh, we'll jest hang back an’ see how | thing. The sentence of this court is that you leave this camp on foot; and at once, | and if you are found again within a ten- mile limit within twenty-four hours you will be hung by the neck. If you return later on you will be shot on sight.’ *'Thankee, boss, that’s white, an’ ther pure quill. We'll take yer edvise, an’ next time we travels ’round Black Gorge we'll do it on foot.’’ a The second of the trio said nothing, but ducked his head in a modest attempr ata pow. Without parley they started off through the lane that was opened for them through the crowd. The third, the younger man, did not seem to be in any haste. If appearances went for anything he intended to make a speech. He straight- ened himself up, and looked around him With an air of courage that did not seem to be at alla sham. He eyen glanced at the box from which the judge had made his brief address. “ Better travel, young man, while the way is open to you,” said Bidwell Sloan. “If you prefer the rope, it’s here, and it wont’ wait long.” There was no mistaking the temper of that crowd, and the young fellow glared around, picking out, face by face, the men who had been foremost in the affair, his gaze resting longest of all upon the face of the judge. Then he, too, turned away, but not in the direction taken by the two ruffians. Directly the opposite course did he take, and he strode away with a quick, springy step, totally unlike the slouching, hangdog march of the others. It struck the crowd. “Say, there can’t have been any mis- take about it, can there?’ asked Sloan, who was a judge of men by virtue of his profession. - ; “There might have been,” replied Lane, “if he had left my name out; but when he rung that in it was a sure enough thing the fellow was a fraud, even if he wasn’t a horse thief. Let it go at that.” “Let her go at that, sure ernough,” whispered Billy Bird, to the stranger sport, who had been silently noting the princi- ples of Black Gorge justice. “Et’s gittin’ on to’ards dark, an’ et’s time fur grub.” He led the way from the crowd, which seemed to have paid them no attention, and went directly to a cabin on the out- skirts of the town. ' The two pieketed their horses, and then Billy preceded his guest-into the cabin. “Git a russel on, morm; hyer’s brother. Sam kim ter visit us. He’s hungry ez a b’ar, an’ kin eat fur three.” *Tt’s tiddy, Billy, all riddy. Didn’t ther speerits tell me. Make yerself at home, Sammy. Yer me long lost ch-e-ilde.” CHAPTHR If. BILLY BIRD BECOMES A BOSS. As Mrs. Bird offered no particular evi- dences of affection, her greeting did not — cause the sport any uneasiness. He observed that the rough table was set for three, and that the bacon on the stove was done to a turn, and was being kept hot, while the aroma of the coffee was peculiarly grateful. Billy motioned him to a chair, and seated himself, while the old woman hastily slid on the supper. Before it was fairly on the table Billy had fallen-to, and his companion did not hesitate to follow his example. When the edge was a little taken 0 his appetite the sport looked around, though not in an inquisitive or offensive manner. | ~The shanty was not large, but it seemed: to have two rooms, and, though every- thing was cheap, it was clean, and there —
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J —EE aed we r a ; Po Aen ER en a " = _— * ‘ther rooderments handy. was no indication of biting poverty. He mentally decided that he might have found a very much worse place to pass the night in, but he was by no means sure how he would like to have a boy of Billy Bird's caliber for a boss. “Queer sort of a circus that,” he re- marked, as he saw the boy look up fin- ally as though he was ready for some conversation. “ Looked as though there might be something behind it all. Ever see any of the gang before?” SreeeDe © “T thought they weren't quite as much strangers as some of the crowd tried to let on. The judge, now. He struck me as knowing a heap more than he wanted to say; and the two who went off to- gether gave him a side glance now and then as if they weren’t sure what he wanted, but thought they ought to be.” “Oh, T ain’t sayin’ thet ther jedge must be a Side pard, though it began ter look a leetle like that way. It’s fu’st 'pearance hyer fur them ducks, an’ I reckon it’ll be ther last. Bi'n a year since I seen ‘em, an’ that war at Boot Jack, a hard ole town, down on ther border. They wat’ cattle thieves an’ rustlers then, an’ they don’t look ez though they bi’n gittin’ much higher up senee. Wish't’ I knowed more *bout ther other duck. What's ther jJedge got ag*in’ him?’ “T'll never tell.” “Then that’s one oy ther things you kin sot yerself ter find out. Ef I know ary thing, that young galoot ain’t goin’ ter stay bluffed, an’ he’s got bizzness in Black Gorge, spel’t with a great big B.”’ “And you expect to be helping him in it?” *Dun’no’ yit, but it looks that way. Can't set up ther seegars, but thar’s a pipe ter top off with,” said the boy, as they rose from the table, and pointing at a shelf. “Don’t smoke much meslf, but hev’ Got ter fill in ther time somehow tell things flare up at ther big Arcade, whar’ I'm goin’ ter take ye fur ther evenin’s divershuns.”’ When it came to doing her duty at the table, Mrs. Bird seemed to be a silent, every day sort of a mortal, wholly uncon- cerned about such things as spooks and spirits, and the sport paid no particular attention to her in this everyday sort of a mood. She seemed to recognize her son as the man about the house, and he went and came without question, according to present appearances. ; “ Lucky sort of a sport, be ye?’ asked Billy, when the smoke had begun to roll upward from where they sat, outside of the door. “Not particularly, or I wouldn't be here. Generally a hitch somewhere about the time I think I have a cinch on some- thing.” “What's yer vanity? Does yer yearn most fer buckin’! ther tiger, er do yer cotton.down to short keyards ez a reg’lar thing?” “Well, Billy, I generally blow in at the tiger what I win at the other games, and if I didn’t get a sort of living at it as I go along I'd have had to quit long ago, As a speculation in that line I am afraid you have not made a success.” “I’m not thinkin’ "bout that. What Tm after are ter make out whar’ I kin put you ter work so ez you'll lose ther least money. I ain’t a Goulderbilt er a Maskor, an’ I don’t want yer ter swamp me while yer gittin’ inter ther swim ov Black Gorge s’ciety.” ; “That’s it, is it? Don’t worry. Give me a ten as a starter, and I can hold my end up for an evening or g. I'll only chip when I feel it in my bones that it’s coming my way. As long as I do that, - things keep on a tolerably even keel.” The Sport in Velvet. He named the amount a little doubt- ingly, but the boy seemed relieved. He drew out a wallet and handed out two fives in a way that showed it did not hurt him. “I’m thinkin’. you never heared ov Billy Bird. He ain’t much ter look at, but he’s a good ’un to go, an’ when there's coin afloat he allers gits thar ez well ez a bigger feller. Down on ther border they knowed me; an’ they ain’t prezackly ignorunt hyer. If I shoose to take a flyer at ther Areade you bet Sloan ain’t a barrin’ me out. I kerry a weepin, an’ when I’m erowded she talks.” The conversation stretched itself along until the evening was fairly advanced, and without anything more definite in their arrangements, the two sauntered off toward the Arcade. The Areade was the principal saloon in town, though there were several others which in some respects crowded it close. Bidwell Sloan, who ran the institution, was a sport who was generally liked, and he knew how things ought to be done. He was supposed to deal a square game when he had the box, and never refused to stake a man he had cleaned out with the ecards. As to the saloon, he always allowed the boys to have their little fun as long as they let those alone who were not in it, and did no permanent damage to his property. On this particular evening the Arcade was doing a rushing business, as every one was there to talk about the horse thieves and their trial, and discuss the probabilities of the outfit taking it out on the camp for their somewhat ragged treatment. ‘ No one seemed to have ever seen the three strangers before, and there was much speculation as to where they came from, and where they were bound for. The barroom was full, and the game in the adjoining room had not opened yet, though it was long after the time when the dealing usually began. The dealer was there, sitting listlessly behind the table, but the layout had not yet been spread, and the young lady who, at present, was presiding over the des- tinies of the bank did not appear at all impatient for the labors of the evening to begin. And a young lady it was who at pres- ent manipulated the cards at the Arcade. Miss Ila Arbelle was as well known in Black Gorge as was her employer, and, being of the other sex, was even more popular. Concerning her past life little was known, for she had made her appearance behind the table one evening without any previous announcement, and dealt the cards with a skill and grace which ap- peared to indicate long practice and thor- ough knowledge of the game. Bidwell gave no satisfactory answers to any questions in regard to her, and though some professed to believe it was because he knew nothing to tell, others thought that therein lay the greater mys- tery. She had the appearance of a mystery. Tall and stately, she had the color of perfect health, and her black eyes shone with all the fire of youth; but her face had in repose a sadness about it that had been often remarked, though men were careful how they commented on it. Miss Ila really seemed to have an uncertain temper, and though usually mildness it- self, she carried a revolver which on sev- eral occasions had been used with pre- cision. By some it was thought the judge was more than a little interested in the young lady, though his attentions had ' pear to notice been by no means marked. Siill, the few words he sometimes let drop seemed to indicate there might be something of an understanding between the two; and perhaps the idea saved Miss Arbelle from other attentions which would have been distasteful. Lane was not a man to be interfered with unless one wanted to take large chances. The curtain between the saloon and the gambling hall was partially thrust aside, and when Miss Arbelle glanced through the opening, as she occasionally did, she could see a good deal of what was going on. She saw Billy Bird enter, and along with him the stranger. At sight of the latter she gave a start, faint perhaps, but one that could have been noted had one been watching her. Then, from time to time she glanced into the saloon again, and always her eyes sought the stranger sport as though she was studying him for a purpose. The sport lounged in easily, and very much at home in his marfner. He was not certain haw the presence of the boy would be taken, for he was not receiy- ing everything the lad told him exactly as gospel, but he hoped, that in such a mixed company the youngster would not be too fresh. If he kept his sharp tongue moderately quiet it was likely things would go on ‘tolerably smoothly, even if Black Gorge was a town of. ex- ceeding toughness, and the Areade not exactly a missionary station. The proprietor happened to be in their path to the bar, and Billy wasted no time in putting matters on a proper basis. “ Evenin’, Mr, Sloan. Brother ov mine, this hyer be. Sam, by name, an’ big ez outdoors by natur’, Brung him round ter-night ter git a sight ov yer manajh- ery, and ef he don’t seem ter be growlin’ too loud he may take a hack at yer tiger. W’'ot’s yer limit ter-night?’ “Evening yourself, Billy, and glad to meet a brother of yours. If he strokes them gently he won't be apt to find our caravan at all vicious. The limit hére, Billy, is generally the roof; but if you think there can’t be enough chips stacked up under that we'll j¢ck it up a foot or two, and let you pile them on. Desperate player is Billy, but we let him have a turn now and then for good luck.” The latter part of this was addressed to the sport, who listened with a smile, and made a few remarks. Then there were others who had something to say, and in a few moments ne was altogether at home. That is, he was at home as far as he was concerned, though it was just as it happened with the others. There were some who were Cordial; and there were a few who looked as though they did not take kindly to the late arrival. Why that might be he did not ask,‘nor did he ap- He held his own counsel until a movement started for the other room, and then he went along. The layout had been spread, and Miss Ila Arbelle, box in hand, was about to open the game. “A few chips, if you please,” said the sport, as he threw down ten dollars. _ And then he placed them all on the queen, CHAPTER IV. WON ON THE TURN, The queen won. “A good omen!” said the man in vel-. yet, as he drew in half of his chips, and left the rest as they were. Then the queen lost. “Queen again. I may as weil find out how the lady feels toward me. I suspect she’s kind of off and on. But if | | ee
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ef 5 i time I may as well quit.’’ , Billy Bird had followed the sport to the table, and stood at his elbow. looked on a little grumly when he saw the whole of the capital he had furnished for business left to the chances of the turn of a single card. When the queen | He | won again he felt better, and when he saw her win for the fourth time he | strongly suspected that it was his gman’s night on. After that, however, the sport did not play with any particular recklessness. Five and ten-dollar bets he made. Sometimes he lost, though oftener he won. In the course of an hour he was about a hun- dred dollars ahead of the game, when he decided to pull out, for that seemed to be the signal that Billy was making. “Chips are as good as a draft, I guess; and I'll just hold on to them and /finish my game later on. Come, Billy.” He swept the checks into his pocket, and with a nod to the dealer, and a more Sweeping one to the vlayers, turned to leave the room. Sloan was not present, and if he had been he was not the sort to object, though it might look a little young in the evening for a true sport to leave. Still he had not hit the bank hard enough to go far toward breaking it, and the other players, who would have only been too glad to leave off winners to the Same tune, could have nothing to say. * Don’t be in too big er hurry ’bout goin’ home ter mam, Jest kinder sashay ‘round a bit tell yer sees ef thar’ ain’t goin” ter be some fun. I tho’rt it war’ time ter pull out ov ther game, but ther s’loon’s good ernough Yur a few minnits yit, I'm beettin’ thar’s goin’ ter be d’velopmeuts.” “You little rat!’ muttered the man in velvet to himself, and then looked up at the party just entering the door. The instinets of Billy Bird were a queer thing. Perhaps the spirits had some- thing to do with them in this case, too. Certain it was that it looked as though there might be some sort of a racket if the new comers were to be judged by their appearance. The leader—for there was quite a com- pany—was a man of: herculean build. ““Hoop-la! Hyar we be, Big Burk! Out ter paint ther town red. I’m lookin’ fur the crimson, an’ ther rest kerries ther buckits. Whar’ am I ter begin ter let out ther flooid elixur? It'll take a heap, an’ ther night’s monstr’us early.” “T jest b’in a yearnin’ fur ages ter hev’ some ‘un call Burk down, an’, sport, I reckon et’s your job,” whispered Billy, without moving his head, however. “T b’in a thinkin’ ov tryin’ him myself, but kept a puttin’ it off. Keep yer peep- ers peeled, though. He ain’t no slouch, an’ Sloan hisself hannles him with kid loves,” It was plain the crowd were not strang- rs to the regular visitors of the Areade, and their advent was taken as a matter of course; and by some as a pleasant yva- riety, Bidwell Sloan showed no par- ticular disgust. . Watehing him it was not hard to see that he recognized Big Burk as a mighty chief, with whom any war would be a fight to the death, but who, meantime, Was a profitable customer, who should be - allowed a certain amount of latitude. ae a fe * Walk up, you two-legged critturs, an’ Wist. We'll tetch Biddy, hyar, lightly, an’ then go on to ther next place, but afore ther night’s over we'll hey’ a he-ole jamboree, an’ don’t yer furgit it. rally itchin’ ter carve a few chunks with some gerloot thet thinks he knows what’s _ what, but thar’ ain’t no chance fur that hyar.” I’m. The Sport in Velvet. she don‘t smile on me at least half the He stared around as if in the vain hope that some one would take up the chal- lenge, yet no one cared to respond. * Big Burk, an’ sp’ilin’ fur fun! Won't somebody only try ter salt me down? He kin have five) minnits’ start an’ all ther weight he chooses. Any odds I kin give I'll give fur jest a squat’ mossel ov fun.” : No one cared to give him the morsel of fun for which he was pining. The sport set him down at once in. his own mind as one of those terrors who periodically | must have a brawl and a debauch, though otherwise only dangerous when willfully affronted. If no one crossed him he was likely to go after a spell of harmless bluff, The a seat, while Billy stood near, his eyes glistening, and a broad smile on his sun-burned face. At the loud invitation nearly every one had moved up to the bar, and the sport might have done so, too, had he been sure he was included. He found there was no doubt on the subject a little later. Burk’s gaze sought him out. » “Stranger, yer o’rt ter hey’ heard me shout, but ef yer deef I mout cut a hole ter let ther sound go in. I sed, kim up an’ hi’st! . Ef you've no objeckshuns We're a waitin’ on yer.” “No objections in the world. man in velyet sank into Only too modest to push in where I wasn’t sure I was invited. Tappy to join you.” The sport’s smile was a wonderful con- trast to the frown of Big Burk, the giant, and he aruse with an alacrity which called forth something of a laugh from the spectators. “ An’ now, liy, kim out fur w’unst an’ drink with yer Uncle Benjamin. . He ain’t so good lookin’, but thar’s a mighty sight ov him, an’ all good, solid meat.” The curtains which ordinarily closed open, and Miss Arbelle as he stood at the bar. The young lady did not change color at the address, though her black eyes seemed to give a sudden, vicious snap as she slowly rose and glided forward. “That’s right, Miss Ily. Yer Uncle Benjamin thinks héaps ov yer, an’ when he sets ’em up fur ther crowd he ain’t goin’ ter leave you be left out in ther cold. Name yer drink an’ Biddy’ll set her up.” “You infernal villain!’ was Miss Ar- belle’s answer. ‘If there is no man here to take my part, I'll take it myself. Speak to me once again after that fash- ion and I'll shoot you dead where you stand.” sat facing him CHAPTER V. THE SPORT TAKDS A HAND.’ Miss Arbelle’s hand held a revolver as she spoke, and she evidently “meant busi- ness.”” For a moment the dropping of a pin could almost have been heard in the Arcade. Then Burk himself broke the silence. He turned his back squarely upon Miss lla, while he raised his two great paws. “Whoop! hooray! Ain’t she a daisy? Thar’ ain’t ther man livin’ hez ther pluck ter say what she said ter Big Burk, an’ she jest chanted it off as though it war’ goin’ ter tickle me ter glory.” The sport fixed his eyes on the face of the giant. “ Stranger,” he said, in a soft, low, voice. “T don’t know much about you, but from what I have seen it strikes me that the lady was about right, and if she don’t shoot I'll do something else quite as ef- fective.” ; ‘One man ter talk to at last! Consider et all said. How’ll yer hey’ et, an’ whar’?” | He looked the sport over while his arm , } the way to the other room were : went back. A second more, and he might have’ cast the knife, but he had not alto- gether forgotten Miss Arbelle, who was behind him. * Hold!” she exclaimed. “Try that, and I drop you before the blade can leave your hand. Fair play, sir, or take what you get.” The handsome sport was nattily dressed in a suit of black velvet which set off his figure and complexion to A charm, but he did not look like a dude, and the fact. of his being the champion of a woman would put all Black Gorge on his side, for the moment, at Teast. He controlled himself by an effort, and his hand sank once more by his side. “I’m riddy ter hear reason, ef you two want ter talk et. Arter that I'll be goin’ fur blood an’ ha’‘r, so yer better cut et short an’ hey’ ther fun soon over. You may scoop me, but you kin bet yer bottom del- lar thet ther boys’ll bey’ ther dead meder- cin’ on him,” “ Excuse me, miss; but if it's Same to you it would make things a heap more comfortable if you draw out. If this man is a chief, he is going to act like one. If he dony, I reckon I can take care of my- self. I’ve always done it up to the pres- ent time.” * Now yer shoutin’! Start even, an’ ther best man gits ther onder holt. Git yer Weepin out, an’ then we'll sail in.” 3illy gave a sigh of relief and softly let down the hammer of the derringer in his side pocket. Miss Arbelle had spoken just in time to save him from taking a hand in, and under the circumstances he pre ferred to remain in the reserve. Miss Arbelle did not put away her re volver, since she was not yet sure what was the intention of Big Burk, but she fell back a pace or two, watching the sport in velvet rather than his huge antagonist. For a brother of Billy Bird the stranger was acquitting himself very creditably. His eyes never left thé face of the giant, but with a deft, easy motion he threw off his coat and stood there, a young Adonis, in his shirt-sleeves. ** Look out fur me! I’m a comin’! shout- ed the giant, evidently eager for the fray. It was a fair warning, and Burk sprang forward, his knife high upraised. The movement was quick, but the sport all the leaped like a line of light, a bright blade. appearing in his hand. With wonderful certainty his knife struck that of the other with a sharp cling, forcing it upward and causing the Hercules to swerve. - ; The sport did not pause, or appear to attempt to recover himself, but darted past, aiming a swift blow as he went. The stroke severed the belt around the waist of the other, which, with the array of arms it carried, fell to the floor, and a swift kick, sent it into the hands of the watchful Billy. Burk wheeled, and it seemed as though he had caught his adversary napping. Straight downward | he struck—a -blow which would have split a dollar had it hit it fair; but it) strueck—nothing! The young Apollo pivoted a little on his left foot, swayed backward a trifle, and, with his hand drawn back so that it al- most rested against his breast, felt the blade as it came down, guided it outward, caught it by a sudden turn, and scoring the huge hand deeply, twisted the weapoit fairly out of Burk’s grip. At that moment he had the bully totally disarmed, and altogether at his mercy. A shout went up fre the men of Black Gorge, The stranger was, to a certain extent, their champion, though, had it turned out the other way, they would probably have been shouting just as loudly. Billy Bird’s nominal brother slipped his knife into its sheath, and, with folded.
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| & The ee in Velvet. | arms, stood facing the astonished Sam- | real hog luck; but still, four hundred of an | same, and the young man had no difficulty: : f son, evening is not a half bad thing. If I could } in recognizing it. He listened with some A ; Burk hesitated for but a moment, while.| keep that up for a month or so, you'd | interest to hear what answer would be s| f he gathered his wits and forces. With a} be a little Croesus on whee Is, and could given. Listeners never hear any good of i snarl of rage he launched himself at the | buy a mine, or go to ‘Frisco.’ themselves, is an old saying, but he knew smiling sport, aiming one griping set of “What yer talkin’ about? Don’t see | that Miss Ila had been w arned, so that she fingers at his throat, while with the other | where min. You played yer own game, | might reasonably be expected to speak. for ? | | 4 after his fist. I didn’t make any agreement about any | ime as your son, He is the same the spir- i The blow sent Burk rolling percentage. The chips, are yours, and I! its spdke to me of this morning. I re- i reckon you can get your money out of | cognized him this night when he ¢ame into ij again, he held his head lower, gazing | them if Sloan don’t ¢ go broke to-night. It] the Arcade, and it was partly in the hope he sought to catch him by the breast. The Apollo seemed to shake himself, and | then send the whole weight of his body around him in a dazed, uncertain way. This time it was the stranger sport who opened the attack. Wicked as a wildcat he sprang inside Burk’s pretense of guard, canted him over his hip, and then, rising, with a wonderful effort, threw the giant clean over his head—a most amazing per- formance! Burk went sailing through.the air, and never stopped until he had landed in a heap behind the bar, his head doubled un- der him and his heels in the air. | “That much was all pure fun!’ shouted the sport. ‘The rest to come is business over and | over, and though he scrambled to his feet | und I reckon are spry ernough ter hold on to yere own scads.”’ * Come, Billy. You put up the coin, and Was all in the day’s work; and so was the rustle with that overgrown extract of now and bones. But if you hadn't wanted it I don’t think I would have bothered with him to-night. It will just set the camp up to find me something hard, and so interfere with business. The next fellow will be thinking he can shoot, and when you have that kind of thing on board you sometimes meet with an accident, and hit to hurt.” “'Thar’s lots oy that kind thet would be a heap sight better fur jest some sich mis- shunary work; but let her go at that. ) his ear, * Old lady,’ she answered, “it is useless for you to attempt to palm the man off on of meeting him that I came here. ‘They said he was to help me, and told how it happened that he came this way, or. ‘ather, would come. If it prove that the truth was told in that, I can believe the rest,’” “Ask him, then. I know nothing of him. Billy told me that he was his brother, and I asked nothing further. Bil ly is a good boy, and I care not to doubt his word.” Mrs. Bird had lain down without remov- ing her clothes, and the lamp was burning dimly. She moved to the table and raised of the pure quill variety. Move hand or | I’m more afeared ov the’r sendin’ in a dead | the wick. Then she knocked faintly at the ' foot against me or my friends and I'll} center frum behind.” door of the other room. drill you through and through! _ Billy, “Tl risk it on Burk. He’s not that “Be with you in a minute!” responded. 4 guard my rear!” kind. I've used him up at his best, and | the voice of the sport. As he spoke the splendid athlete was there’s no danger of his trying it again.” In a few minutes he came out, and } tsp if i had felt that I ne a streak of The OWe hale ‘nevertheless, about the about the matter, and would mxe made ty Q leaning over the counter, pistol in hand, “That's so. He's squar’, ef he does | bowed low but silently to the lady dealer 1 : watching keenly the giant, who had begun | train with a bad gang. He wouldn't hev’ | of the Areade. [ ‘ to struggle. kim ter-night ef he hedn’t b’in started; She looked at him keenly as she spoke: 4 “Rah fur § Sugar Sam, an’ that’s him!’ | but who started him, an’ how kin yer “ To-night you took up my quarrel with: x shouted Billy, pointing at the sport the | make it out thet you war’ ther meat he | that drunken fool, and 1 thank you for itt t instant he had Jeaped upon the bar. war’ arter?’”’ yet, I would rather you had waited. J can ; “You hearn what he sed—that big “Give it up, Billy. We'll know when | care for myself in the presence of a crowd, : brother oy mine? I’m doin’ oy it, an’ thar’ | the time comes. Let’s go to bed.” and you may have made more than one | don’t want. none ov you ter furgit ‘it. “Bed goes. But, sport, yer does take | dangerous enemy by interfering.” } rp * / Burk ain’t dead yit, an’ ef yer waits a min- | ther cake. ‘You don’t seem ter keer fur “Fresh, as usual, probably; but. I 4 nit you'll know ef he’s cracked a bone.” | nothin’.” chipped on general principles. Saves your i The big cowhide boots disappeared, and “That's a fact. Probably as much for! own chances for the next time. Burk shortly afterward the face of Burk rose} you as for anything. We make an odd {| himself will be all right, unless I am mis- 5 4 above the level of the bar. pair, but I think it’s a good one to draw | taken in the measure I took of the man. i ' ‘‘Pard, I ain’t on it half ez much ez 1 | to.” And, as for the rest, I can’t see how I ; war’, an’ ef you'll play quit I'll say I'm The two went into the house, after look- | trod on any of their toes. Surely, Sloan 4 5 done, I ain't ther kind ter go bu’st ‘cause | ing after the horses, and in a few minutes won't be kicking over the little clean-up I I won't know when I've got ernough. | both were asleep. I made to-night?” { 34 , What'll you an’ me take ter drink, an’ By and by the sport awoke with a har * No, Sloan will be more apt to act pe a leave all ther rest out ov that deal? After | If seemed as though hours had elapsed, | your friend, and Burk is not as bad as he . 5 q we git through, ov course it goes up all, and he was uncertain whether it was | looks, though’ he would have killed you A NAY q around fur ther house—an’ ef thar’s ary morning or if he had been aroused by | this evening with the greatest pleasure. by 4 party thar ez don’t want ter drink with a] some sound that was unexpected, though | I would not have minded him myself, had i man ez hez b'in squaly downed he |} he had an idea that he had heard a single | it not been that others not of his class — i needn't.” rap. might have thought they had the same eae ee He held out his hand as he finished “ Lay low, an’ keep dark. Mebbe et’s a| right. It was as well to take a firm stand, Ba 1s speaking, and without hesitation the sport | visiter, an’ mebbe it’s ther speerits. They're | at the outset. Now, sir, it looks as though, 4 Bah took it. He understood that, ufiless some: | both so thick round this shanty you can’t | without any intention of our own, that fate i “he ae thing came up between them to be a new | tell t’other from which,” intended we should work together in some he sy cause of war, Burk would be bn to his} Mrs. Bird was evidently awake also. | things, and be, after a fashion, friends. | a word. ‘They heard = turn and mutter some- | To make sure, will you tell me how you Ae “All right, Burk. I guess you and 1} thing. happened to come to Black Gorge?” ft E “yh --¢an live in the same camp, and I don’t Then there ‘dame a perfect hail of sharp It was a question the man in velvet had it Bee Kes mind sampling Sloan's hardware at your | raps, sounding as though given on iti been expecting, and without hesitation he ut a ed expense. After that 1 must leave you for | table in the adjoining room, where the old’ told how, drifting along the trail, a chance ae the present. I was just on my way home | lady slept. encounter had turned him aside in this di- et Be By when your coming stopped me.”’ “Come in!” croaked Mrs. Bird, and ihe rection. ti as? The two touched glasses and drank to-'| two heard the opening and ¢losing of the The particulars were the same as those Br: i gether. Then the Apollo in velvet gave a | outer door. already given, with some few additions, _ 1 5 4 beckon to Billy, a nod to all around, and 4% | could not come sooner,” said a voice, | which added nothing to the strangeness By kat ms avent out into the night. M _ | which 'the sport recognized with some sur- | of the story, ’ sphaert Bape ers) ; ote prise as belonging to Miss Arbelle, of the| ‘It was all true, then. Mother Bird told Ds CHAPTER VI. Arcade. me of it as it was happening, speaking epee? MRS. BIRD’S VISITOR. ‘Do you think they will have anything} from a trance, but I doubted. She said, site It was early in the evening, according to | more to say to-night ?” too, that I was to tie to you, and that, pull- eS, the notions of time held by the sports at} “Yes, dearie. I asked them after I} ing together, you would be the means of. the Arcade, but Billy Bird and his friend | heard you at the door, and they said they | working out the problem I came here te P went straight home. Billy had some judg- | had much; but I am not sure—I am not} Black Gorge to solve. . ment about such things, and though they | sure. The conditions are bad; and my two “So far as I am a free moral agent I } were both wide enough awake, he knew | sons are in the next room, They will hear am at your service, but I may as well say. eae il *; that after the ride of the day and the | it all.” | / at the outset, that I bartered, myself away - is labors of the evening rest and sleep would Mrs. Bird did not speak like the saine | to Billy for a trial week of service, and if eae be grateful to the sport if he could be in- | woman who had greeted the sport on his | he needs me I do not know that I could 2a ee ‘duced to take them. arrival, though the tone of. voice was} draw out of it sooner. And Billy, who is Bes by : sone old man,” asked the latter, as | about the same, Whether it was because shrewdness itself, is not inclined to put Bae | : . they'strolled away, “do you think I'll fill | she was under the “influence,” or because | much confidence in the spirits when it. “ong ane a vad _ the bill, or do you want to turn me adrift? | at that time she was, after a fashion, play-|is a matter of foretelling events. This ~~ ini > ite _ Not such a big thing as it. might have | ing a part, was not apparent. evening he was positively disrespectful =
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ane get ie ee ies -- a etre Se RY Re aT ree ne me blush if it hadn’t been that he only confirmed my own experience.” “Yet, with such a proof in sight?” “Oh, that is all very- well, with some- thing in hand to go on, but unless Mrs. Bird is a touch above the ordinary you will ‘find her spirits can’t make a much closer guess than we poor mortals. That by way of warning. As I told Billy to-day, I am dead broke, and loose at both ends, I’m ready to take hold of anything, and one thing is as good as another as long as there } is bread, meat, and a spice of adventure init. I’m not one of the kind that likes to handle a pick or till the soil for a living, but I ean fall back on such things as those if nothing else offers.’ ‘1 will trust the spirits in this thing, and, surely, the contract with the boy must have been made by way of a joke. What employment could he give you?” “'There’s a good deal of hard, solid busi- ness about a boy when he chooses to get down to it, and William has managed tq keep me pretty well employed. The best thing you can do is to call him m. IL left him sitting on the edge of the bed wait- ing for it.’ It took nd urging to induce William to enter. He came sliding in as though he had expected it all along, and gave a careless nod to Arbelle, “Fix it ter suit yerself, pard, but you got ter take me inter ther circus. That's fur why I headed yer off. Ef not, we'll run our own clam wagon, an’ let them toot’ ther horn ow another route. “T am not afraid to trust you at all,” said Ila, looking over the boy with a thoughtful glance. “1 know that you are wise beyond your years, and have courage and skill at many things. I will want you to be silent on what you may hear, and take no steps that may reveal nfy objects or arouse sus- picion. As I need you I will use you, and perhaps, before you get through, you will wish you had backed the other side! I Suspect there will be the wealth and strength there—in the start, at least.” “Wouldn't give a cent ef it war’n’t, an’ ef I know brother Sammy, which I think TI do, he feels about ther same way. Go ahead with yer pointers.” “ Well,” explained the girl; “I eame here _ to find the proof of the death of my father, . * eae ‘ Nei ria a but I begin to believe he is not dead at all, The spirits say not, and though it may be as you say, and they do not always fell what to us seems exact truth, it seems strange that he could be dead and they not know it.” She turned to the sport and addressed her words to him. The two other listen- ers sat back with the air of persons who knew all about what was coming. Mrs. Bird had received ‘this confidence before, while Billy had, in one way and another. picked up a good deal of information in the matter. “So far as I can speak with certainty, the last real knowledge I have of him dates baek a number of years, and he was then a partner of a man who, I believe, is living here now. © According to all accounts they were ‘not making a fortune then, but when I took up the trail it was natural that I should start at that’ place. There I learned that the two had left about the same time, but with this difference: Hiram Lane could be traced, but of my father, Hiram Wisdom, nothing could be heard from that day to this.” . t “Such eases occur. It is a chance if you ever hear of him again. Were I in your place I would give it up and wait on fate. dt is the only great revealer.” _ The Apollo in velvet spoke soberly, even ‘somberly, but his words had no effect. “Wate will speak through me. At first. as I said, I believed he was dead. Since, # | | *T supposed so, of course. The Sport in Velvet. 7 then I have received vague hints, and have put them togetier. It may be that he is worse than dead, and that the man who was his partner could point to the spot | where, still living, he is entombed. I have tried to make sure, but so far without sue cess. IT am going to make another and a desperate effort to unseal the mystery, and the spirits have said that you were te help me. If I understood aright they have also prom#sed success.” “Much obliged to the spirits for suggest- ing my name; but don’t you think you are running a great risk on their say-so?” “No, not after what I this night saw, and what I have read of you. That woman you protected up at Fernandez! It was just a chance, some would say, that the paper describing it came into my hands, but when I saw it I thought you would be the man to help me,” “Ah! And with that to start on, you asked those same spirits where I was, and they answered that I was on the way. I understand better, now, though it is queer | enough as it is. As a general thing they don’t speak about strangers to everybody.’ “But you are with me. If we win there will. be justice done, and there will also be a fortune saved, and your reward will be worthy of your work.”’ “As Billy says. For the present he’s the consulting member of the firm.” * An’ Billy says yep, with a great, big eas: And now, if it is not too soon in the game, would you mind telling me whom you think we will have to buck against?’ “I am coming to that. Judge Lane is at the head of the lot, and behind him are men of all grades, from Bowie Knife Burk down.” . t CHAPTER VII. A SINGULAR POWER. It was no new thing for the judge to pass 4n evening at home. Since he got on what seemed to be the fair road for wealth, he was not so keen to reasonable chance of getting through the town without being invited by Lane to sit down to a friendly game. This evening he had not made his ap- pearance at any of the saloons, nor had he been visible on the streets after the dispersal of the crowd which had gath- ered in the matter of the arrested horse- thieves, Nevertheless, he had not been at his own home all the time, for exercises had al- ready commenced at the Arcade when he came strolling casually into his house, and after a little promiscuous knocking about the house, seated himself by the well-lit table to read the newspaper which had come over that day in the stage. On the other. side of the table sat his niece, engaged with some fancy-work,. Things looked very cosy in the little room, and the judge showed at his best. He did not seem altogether at his ease, as the evening rolled on, however. Sey- eral times he got up and walked across the room; once he went to the door and, looking out, listened. If his niece, Edna, had been near enough to him she might | have observed his ear was turned toward | the Areade. No signs of promiscuous rioting rose on the night air, so Lane settled down ‘to his paper again, and after that to a book, while Miss Edna dozed in a ¢hair oppo- ‘Site to him. It was a little late for her, | but this evening she had no inclination to retire. Later on, a cautious rap at ue door did not cause her to open her yes. > + { pick up fortune at the table, and'a tender- foot with a bulging wallet could stand a The visitor was a keen-eyed young fel- -farther. low, rather neatly dressed, who was in the judge's employ. His name was Chet Taylor. Lane looked up at him as he stood by the table. “Well?” “'Phat’s as you take it. have been worse.” “You don’t mean to say he got away with Burk?” “That's what they call it down town, though there was no great harm done. Handled him like a child. Took his knife away, knocked him silly, and threw him over the bar.” “The deuce!” “He is a corker, and that’s a facet. After that they shook hands and the Stranger went away laughing. The worst of it is that Bowie owns up and is will- ing to swear by the man in velvet.” “ But did they have no quarrel? Noth- ing to stir up bad blood?” “Nothing to amount to anything. He Was the easiest man to pick a fight with you ever saw.” “And there was no one else had the sand to take a hand in?” “Wasn't time for it. Besides, that little rat that calls him brother was watching from a corner with a derringer in. each fist. and Bidwell Sloan and Ar- belle had their sixes out, waiting for a chance to take a hand. They had the edge good, but we knew what they were going to do when the time came, so we passed, too.” A few questions from the judge brought out a full history of the affair, and he frowned as he said: “It was understood that I only wanted the fellow’s comb cut, so he could be laid off for repairs, but the next time the boys will have to go at him for good. Where is. he now?” It really might “Down at Bird’s, snoring the snore of the righteous. We trailed him there, and I listened at the window before I came over. Uuless it is very important, its bad medicine to tackle him there.” * Yes, yes. Some day there might be 4 suspicion aroused unless all the work is done openly and above board. There will be time enough when everything else fails. I'll see you about it to-morrow. temember, I am trusting you elean through in this thing, but it goes no Good-night.” ; Taylor went away well satisfied that his tidings had been taken so calmly. He knew more about Lane than most men—that he was an unpleasant man when in his white wrath. The judge turned to Edna, and saw that between half-closed lids her eyes were gleaming on him. “The real hard play has begun,” he said, quietly. ‘1 do not like to do it, but I think I had better send you on a little excursion. Perhaps this sport is snor- ing, and perhaps he is dreaming, but TI want to see how he takes it, if he isn't. That boy would worm an opinion worth hearing out of the angel Gabriel, if he was awake,” “As you choose;’ but to me it seems like a waste of power. Do what you will,” and the girl leaned back in her chair and stared for a little while straight im the eyes of her vis-a-vis, who was, meantime, making certain passes in front of her face. ‘ It was not the first time something \of the kind had happened, so that it was but a brief time until the girl medium sank into a sleep far different from a nat- ural one. : : “Go to Mrs. Bird’s cabin!” the man ordered. “Do you see him?’ “T see him.” » ; : “What is he doing? ay A, es ee ie ee Pa ee F ea a on Mi
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The ssatatatelboe in Lidistinca ” “ Listening. “Who to?’ “To a woman who is talking.” “Is the woman Mrs. Bird?” “No, for she sits opposite, listening also. Her face is turned away from me, ” and I do not know her voice. “What is she saying?” It is not necessary to give the words of her answer. Parrotlike, she followed the conversation, repeating it as it fell from the lips of the speakers. “The judge ‘would have learned no more had he been in the cabin himself. But by and by which was a puzzle, yet been met with. In her vision Edna saw Mrs. Bird fall back in a trance, while the sport moved forward and took her hand. From that instant the picture began to blur, while the voices faded away into 2 Whisper which did not reach her ears. Edna looked up wearily. “It is no use. There is one there stronger, beyond whose thoughts I can- not go. Wake me up. While her trance lasts I can learn no more.” Lane made the necessary passes, and the magnetic sleep of the young woman was broken. He sat and looked at her while she rested, for the trance into which she had been thrown seemed to have exhausted her strength. When she looked up inquiringly he be- gan to narrate the things she had told him. To her they were altogether new. “What do you think is the meaning of the cloud that came between you at the close?” he asked, with some appearance of anxiety. “Tt means there is a will at work now as strong, or stronger, than yours, and that it suspects, or is prepared for any contingency. It is diamond cut diamond, and with such work on both sides there is no telling what sort of a mess we may something occurred such as had never expect. So far, you know, I have claimed that I drew a line around some things you know of, but it may be I cannot acey it-up. In fact, we had better not talk times when we know they are in ater The judge looked thoughtful and an- swered nothing. The same idea had struck him. There were two sides to power which nowadays is and strange complica- tions might indeed arise. After a little he took his hat and went out. It was not necessary that Edna should know what this singular called hypnotism, he had in view. She was fully in his confidence, Wut there was something he had to think of, and he wanted to do it unbiased by the arguments, pro or con., of any one else. He did not attempt to conceal his move- ments, and so it was not strange that he met a man who was tacking up and down in the neighborhood of the house, half in- clined to see if the judge would admit a caller, and just as certain that it would be bad policy in) his present frame of mind to make the effort. The man was Burk, and he squarely in front of the judge. “Say,” he said,- speaking in a tone that was low, but which showed consid- erable excitement, “that thing is off. He's a better man ner I be, an we'll let et go at that.” “Tt don’t strike me that way, though, and I'm going to hold you to your work. I heard the whole story, and from what they say you were just to full of benzine to down a fly.” “Drunk er sober he kin hold over me ary day in ther year, an’ I know et. Ther knife are my best holt, but if he could wax me out at that, whar’ would I kim in at with ther shooter, w’ich he travels on? Ef you'd on’y see him pull them guns ov halted ‘hissen when he rolled me over ther bar you’d say ther same.” “Pah! What sort of a show will you have if the boys once think you’ve lost your sand? You can’t stop! You've got to down him, one way if not another.” * Bt can’t be did, an’ I’m throwin’ ther job,” was doggedly responded. The big bully understood all the judge meant to imply, but it was not enough to Shake his resolution. “No, but you are. not!” persisted the judge, sternly, holding up his hand in a commanding way, which seemed to rivet the attention of the other. “If I can't trust you in this, I can’t trust you At all, and it’s time for you to retire.” “You know you kin!) You—know—I— never . throwed—off—on—yer,” Burk be- gan, earnestly, up "9 but hesitated as he went along, and finally spoke almost like a man ina dream. The movements of the judge evidently controlled him, mentally as yl as physically. ‘I know what I can do when I make up my mind,and I have done it now. Answer me! Will you finish the job as it was laid out for you?” . “It'll be as you say: -the work?” * Now, if you can find your man, But be watehful! It is just as well that you should not be seen.” “And ef I can't find him now?’ “ Wait and watch for him till you ean.” “ Jest ez you say, boss; jest-ez you say!”’ the giant acquiesced. ‘Remember that I will always be with you to see you do your duty. You can- not get away from me. Wherever you go When shall I do 1 follow, and just as I say, so must you do. Go!” The judge turned away, and retraced his steps to his home, looking warily around him to make sure he was not ob- served by any late prowler, while Big Burk, still under the influence of the spell, or whatever it was, headed straight for the cabin of Mother Bird. He reached the front of the building just as the door opened to let out a line of light, and, looking up, he saw Ila Ar- belle standing on the threshold, the stranger sport at her shoulder. CHAPTER VIII. THE RETURN OF THE EXILES. The judge, seemed fated to have visitors this night. Hardly had he returned from the meeting with Burk, and once more seated himself at home, when there was a knock at the door. Edna had retired during his absence, and as he had locked the door when he entered, he went to it himself. Burk might have followed in spite of his or- ders. “You must excuse my late call,” said a voice, whieh at first was not familiar to him. “I only reached here a short time ago, and might not have troubled you to-night had I not seen that you were awake and up.” “Who are you? Itseems to me you are a stranger both to the camp and me.” “Never mind who I am; what I want is a little talk about a matter which may turn out greatly to your advantage, There's millions in sight.” _ “Come in, if you wish, but tread care- fully if you don’t want to be brought down on the wing.. I have to look out for myself pretty sharply, and am taking no chances.” “Oh, I am as peaceable as a lamb, and you will think so too when you hear what I have to say.” The visitor slipped in and the judge closed the door, which he locked. “So you don’t recognize me?” asked the ZF | stranger, turning so as to face Lane squarely. *“ By Heavens! TI believe you are one of the horse thieves, back again in spite of the warning! Steady as you are, or down you go!” His pistol was out and covering the stranger before he was done speaking; but it did not seem to awaken any terror. “T understand whom you mean by that, and it didn’t require any great skill at guessing to hit the mark; but, so far as the horse thieves were concerned, there may have been two of them, but Vil swear there were not three. It. looked to me like a game set up to get an un- comfortable visitor out of the way, though how you knew I was coming, or anything about me, is more than I ¢an under- stand.” “The camp thought it knew enough to give you a hemp necktie, and I showed my ignorance by speaking a word for you, and saving your neck. I suppose I will have the work to do myself. If you have any confederates within hearing you will be dead before they can reach you, if I see a single move to harm me.” “Oh, come, judge. You are hardly the coward you want to make out, and you didn’t believe a word of what was said there in front of the saloon. I am an un- comfortable man to have around, and you would be willing to take a little risk to be rid of me. If you are Hiram Lane, I am your nephew, and if you are Hiram Wisdom, where is my uncle?’ * You said something of the kind this af- ternoon, but I believe it was as a scheme to account for your presence here. What have I to do with, your folly? It will not protect you, and I warn you to leave the town faster than you entered it. It is not too late for the court of Judge Lynch to reorganize, and at this time of night you can be sure they would show no ier ge The visitor threw himself carelessly into a chair. “See here! Vll go youa ‘ies shake on this thing. You have the dice all loaded, and ¢an shoot seven or eleven just ag it pleases your royal nibs, while I’m down almost on my uppers, and would stand a inighty poor show against you. I’ve got a proposition to make.” ‘ “Tll hear you out, for the sake of peace and quiet. Then I must insist on your leaving my house; and I tell you I will not interfere again, even if I see the boys have the rope ’round your neck.” “Oh, I have played bluff myself, more than once, and I know the game when I see it. I was bound to have a good look at you, and from what I have seen I can swear you are Not Hi Lane, and I really. . believe you are his old side pard, Hi Wisdom.” “You can swear, eh? “Don't you wish you knew? the young man, with a wink. “Go on, then. It is all part of the same story.” “ There’s a little fortune coming to Hi Lane, and another one like it’ to his un- worthy nephew, only I daren’t make my appearance for fear of a little past non- sense which might land me in the state prison. Still, I can give you a heap of in- fluence to bolster your claim, and all I want in return is my half, which you can collect for me.’ “Why, you saitbted you! Out of your oe mouth -you are LSemricead, If there ras truth in what you say, you would ‘be me as a cat’s-paw to pull out of the coals for you the fortune you could not reach! The boy you are playing to rep- resent died years ago, and it is useless- for you to try to palm yourself off on me, or the world, as the original article. I How?” : ?” answered
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—_— know your game now, and it will require no effort on my part to checkmate it. Begone!” | “All right, captain! derstand each other; I think we un- and as long as I live you'll not play a winning hand. Nor will I be hung for a horse thief. So long!" Just one thing protected the young man at that moment. It was a little thing, but for the instant it seemed like a great one. He had said that afternoon, in the presence of the people of Black Gorge, that he was the jadge’s nephew. If his\ corpse was found there the time might some day come when his slayer would be called to account for it in a way the judge did not care to con- template. He looked sullenly at the young man as he swaggered carelessly to the door and took his departure. “It is Allen Lane, without a doubt!” muttered the judge, as he listened to his receding footsteps. Then they suddenly ceased to sound, and, an instant later, there was the sound of a pistol shot, and a low moan. After that, a hush! He could guess that something had hap- pened, to Allen, Lane, and right at his door! He did not know whether to be glad or sorry, and feared to go out to in- vestigate, lest he might be tangled in something which would work to his harm, He listened a little, and then hastily made his way to the rear door, and so around to the corner of the house. Two men, a little distance away, were bending over a dark form, which the judge knew was a human body. They seemed to be rifling the pockets, which were not turning out any great quantity of phader. “Et’s ther galoot, sure ernuff, but I war’ mighty much afeared we'd made a mistake when he drawed so blame quick. Ef he hadn’t got it solid he’d hev’ tried his iron; an’ I reckon he could ’a’ made et count.” “Dry up on that, He’s not doin’ much shootin’ now, an’ that’s w'ot we're keer- in’ fur. What’ll we be doin’ with ther stiff?” The judge recognized both voices, and hesitated no longer, but stepped forward, though with caution. “ Better slump it into the Red Branch, and say nothing about it. Vl try and keep my peace; but you don’t want any of the town people getting a glimpse of you. They meant what they said this afternoon.” - His answer to the question was wholly unexpected, but their ears were as sharp as his had been; ‘Ez you say, boss. But et was kinder ‘lucky we war’ hyar ter ax fur a line ov interduckshun to them yer knows oy. You kinder furgot that,and when we war’ scootin’ out ov town it war’ too late.” “The password is ‘Cairo,’” answered Lane, in a low tone. “Now, off with you, and never speak of this again, 1 will see you to-morrow.” As he spoke he drew back hastily, and returned to the house by the route he had come. There was no need for him to run Yisks. These men had relieved’ him of an incubus of their own accord. “Short an’ sweet, but we might er done W’uss. Strikin’ a snag we'll douse him in ther corps long ef. we find they’re goin’ ter hurry ther mourners. Ketch hold! The worse-looking of the villains took | hold of the body, and his partner did not hesitate. With the ghastly load between them they strode off toward the wooden structure which bridged the sullen stream { , } i Ef we kin make et ’thout. flowing between deep banks at the south- ern end of the town. The sound of a pistol shot at any hour of the night in Black Gorge was not such a singular thing as to attract attention, and they pursued their way with plenty of confidence, especially as the route would not take them through the more thickly settled part of the town. They reached the bridge without let or hindrance, and moved out to its very center. There was a low railing at the sides, and on this they balanced their burden for a moment before dropping-it; then it was pushed over and struck the water with a sullen splash. The men went on over the bridge, but as they left the one end, Judge Lane stole away from the other. A desperate curiosity had Gaused him to follow and make sure of what was the disposition of the body. CHAPTER IX. BILLY TAKES THE TRAIL. Big Burk looked up at the pair he could see in the doorway, and recognized his quarry. Had he been thoroughly himself, he would have taken a steady aim and brought down the sport, for he was a cer- tain shot with the pistol when he took his time. But he was acting something like a man na maze, who has been Wandering around until, when he sees light ahead, it takes some time to know what it means. The Apollo did not at first see him, and it ywas Miss Arbelle who caught a glimpse of the moonbeams glinting off the steel of a polished barrel, and, springing back, dropped her hand to her bosom. Though she uttered no sound, the warn- ing movement was not lost on the man at her shoulder, who stooped suddenly, and just in time. There was a flash of light, and a bullet went crashing over his head. The lead was so close to its mark that it cut through the crown of his hat, and bare- ly missed creasing the skull. Big Burk evidently thought he had done his work, as the victim stumbled to the floor, his arms spread out in front of him, his body motionless. Without the least haste or excitement he strode away, never noting that the hands stretched out toward him each held a weapon, and that the ham. mers were back and the tubes in dangerous line with himself. Nevertheless, Miss Arbelle would have fired first had it not been for a warning hiss. She held her hand, and the sport arose to his feet, and, stepping carelessly out into the moonlight, gazed after the re- treating figure with a puzzled look on his face. * Something queer about it,’’ he said. “Not very. He came to get even.” “No; unless I am more mistaken in the man than I ought to be. He's a killer, but I don’t believe he is an assassin.” “That may be your idea, but mine is that he has neither merey nor honor in his Composition.” The young man shook his head, “Let it go at that. It seems you were the protector this time. My thanks, for he certainty meant it. Come on, though, for it is barely, possible the sound of his revolver will awaken more snakes, and the ; | Sooner you are home the better.” branch; but you bet we don’t kerry tifer | “Tam not afraid, but you might think it an insult if I asked you to let me go by myself,” She stepped down and joined him, Then the two walked silently away. They saw nothing more of Burk, and the Apollo left Miss Arbelle at the door of her boarding place and strolled away. He did not feel much like sleep, and yet it was rather late for a stranger to go on an exploring tcur through the saloons which were hloiding their very hardest patronage at this hour of the night. He sauntered aimlessly around for a_ little, and was on his way to the cabin of Mrs. Bird, when he heard the pistol shot which brought Allen Lane down. It created no excitement, and perhaps no one besides himseif and those particu- larly interested noticed it at all. It was not altogether curiosity which led him to walk in the direction of the sound, for he fancied Burk might. be continuing his midnight merrymaking. Instead, the man in velvet found some- thing like a funeral, and dropped in at the tail end of the procession, keeping himself well in the shadows wherever it was possible. He did not recognize, then, the two men bearing the body, but he was sure of the judge, little as he had seen of him, and wanted to know what was his object. As a result, when the judge left the bridge on the one side and the two villains on the other, the spy was hiding a little off the trail, and without delay slipped down to the water, though it was not the pleas- antest kind of an undgrtaking. “Til try it for good tuck, though it’s ten chances’ to one there is pothing-in it,’’ he muttered. “The poor wretch may not even be dead, and anyhow, I want to see who he is.” Luck favored the sport. The body had risen to the surface, and had been flung toward the shore by the water. He drew it out, and felt the heart with a curious Sensation. Something in it, or about ‘it, gave him the instant knowledge that the person was not dead. When he had man- aged to: get him out of the gulch, up into the moonlight, and given a sharp look, he recognized the young man as being the individual who had claimed Lane as his uncle, and had shortly thereafter been ban- ished. “It’s a pretty good backload to tote, but I guess I may as well take him around to Mother Bird. I don’t suppose there will be any one but myself particularly inter- ested in saving his life, and it might make trouble if I dropped him anywhere else. Here goes!” The sport swung the senseless nian on his back and stalked away. The next day there was no hint upon the street that the exported wickedness of the Gorge had dared to return, and there was nothing unusual to be seen around Mother Bird’s cabin. The man in velvet kept his own counsel, The fact that he had a badly wounded stranger on his hands was enough to ac- count for his not being seen on the streets much during the day, if the citizens had only known it, and he was just as well . satisfied they were not aware of the fact. Big Burk had disappeared, but there was nothing to remark in that, as he only came to town of evenings, and by no means regularly then. His headquarters were at the Rolling Thunder mine, where he man- aged things for Judge Lane, who! was principal proprietor. It was supposed he had retired there after his failure of the night before, and the town was not alto- gether sorry.. Billy Bird and his pony were missing, but no one seemed to notice that. Billy came and went as the spirit moved him, and there was only one thing certain about him. He was sure to turn up where there was fun going; and if any one made. coin out of it, he was sure to get a share proportioned to his years, if not in excess. The sport, who was getting the benefit of Billy’s introduction by having to an- swer to the name of Sam Bird, was seen. __
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; Ew G weet eos: tye Pee ne &: ny The boy lingered, however. a4 be something yet to come, and he was not The Sport in Velvet. once or twice, and was supposed to be ex- ploring the town, but as the majority of the inhabitants were pursuing their daily Avocations, not much attention was paid to him. He was liardly expected to,be on hand before the evening amusements fair- ly opened. It was preity much the same way with the judge. If public opinion had been con- sulted, the answer would have been, he Was moving about much as usual, and no one would have thought he had such se- erets as those of the past night to hold locked in his breast. There was one secret he did not know; but if he had heard of it he might have | been uneasy. When Big Burk fired the unayailing shot | at the man in velvet, Billy pronounced , himself as very much on hand, and slip- ping out of the window, executed a flank movement. He had Burk at his mercy, | and if he had not had a cool head for a youngster would have brought him down. When he noted the manner of the man he decided there was no hurry, and when he made sure his friend was unhurt, and was inclined to allow the giant to go about his business, Billy dropped quietly in be- hind the big slayer, having an idea that he would find out sometfing, but what it might be he hardly knew. As Burk’s legs were long and Billy’s short, the boy found he» would have to move over the ground at what, for him, was a lively gait. He kept trotting along, however, and the result was, the chase took him out of the town and over the Red Branch. Big Burk was going straight out to the Rolling Thunder. Billy sighed, but kept trotting on. He mentally said that. as he had chipped into the game he was going to play the limit, and he had more in view than find- jing out why the giant had taken a felon shot at the Sport in Velvet. He fancied he knew how far he had to go, and he was not mistaken. The *Roll- ing Thunder was several miles from town, . and the boy had passed it often in the course of his wanderings. It was a place where visitors were not allowed, though as yet it was not noted for being a big strike. It was paying for it- self, if reports were correct, but there was a big prospect ahead. Burke strode on with his machine-like tread, and never halted when a voice chal- - lenged him. He said something which Bil : ly did not exactly catch, and then went on 7 into the cabin which stood at the mouth of the mine. It looked as though the chase had come to an unprofitable end. There might mistaken. eA By and by two men came along the trail ' from town, passing so near he could dis- tinctly see them in the bright moonlight. - They halted cautiously enough at the- first challenge, and this. time Billy heard b the word “Cairo.” 4 Oia they, too, passed on into the build- Pa at, SRS, ; -... * By ther holy hedge-hog} Et’s ther two - -‘hoss thieves! What in guns an’ powder be | they, doin’ at ther Rollin’ Thunder? This hyer child hez got ter find out!” nef the, mine. of the men had gone to town with Big Burk, and probably had not yet returned. He thought it was possible to slip into the mine and hide, or at least find out if there was anything he ought to hear be- ing said within the cabin. He hardly knew which he wanted most to investigate. ‘The very thought that Visitors had been practically barred out of the Rolling Thunder made him believe there was something there which ought not remain hidden, and this was a chance he had been longing for. He stole for- ward on his hands and knees, and slipped into the rear of the sentinel. Once in the shadow of the cabin he was safe for the present. By this time all was quiet within ex- cept for the heavy breathing of Big Burk, | who was in a troubled sleep. There was a , light burning, and, squinting through a crevice, Billy saw the two men crouching over a low fire on the hearth, pulling si- lently away at their pipes. They remained so for some time, until one of them had emptied his pipe. out the ashes. “Fur that job, yes. But it war’ a clos- ter squeak fur our necks than I barg’ined fux,”’ * Squeak, nothin’. He stayed right by us, didn’t he?” * But he knows a heap; an’ that bit ez ended at ther bridge war’ beyond orders. Wonder what'll kim next?” *Suthin’ red, you kin bet, wouldn’t want us out hyar.” ‘*He’s a keener. We got ter step soft er we'll git in er tangle.” “Ther noose ain't run yit fur my netk. Tl die a shoutin’.”’ “All ther same, don’t trust him.” “You'd be a blamed fool ef yer did, You bet he ain’t a trustin’' us. Ef we got over his traces he'd shoot, an’ ex- plain to ther crowd arterwards.” “My idear, prezackly; an’ ef it comes ter that I count on shootin’ a-trifle fust. But not ez long ez thar’s good coin an’ easy quarters a goin’,”’ “What yer s'pose he's got fur us out hyar 7?’ “Can't prove it by me. Mebbe ter mount that big galoot over thar.” “Don't keer, so et’s s'uthin’ easy. Bet- ter bunk in. Thar’ seems ter be free beds an’ I’m tired ter death.” } The only person in the cabin. with them was Big Burk, and he was. evi- dently sleeping. Now and then their whispers were incautiously distinct, and Billy caught a good deal of the conversa- tion. They turned in now, and, judging there was nothing more to be learned here, he stole away toward the niouth of er he look a leetle out. I Being shrewd, and posted on such things, Billy knew where to look for a Jantern, and found one without much difficulty. Soon he was threading a tun- nel, which led him deeply underground. The lad had seen some little in his time. and heard more about mines and mining, and as he went along he was more and more of the opinion that if the owner of the Rolling Thunder had found surface indications at the outset, there was every BL. 4 CHAPTER X. chance that it would end. in a big strike. - —E SEORPT OF THE SHAFT. | A good deal of work had already been ‘Billy Bird was not provisioned for & done—more than he had expected ‘to ‘campaign, and he would have liked to find—and it did not look as though it friend as to where he was to be found, Bk have left word with his newly made for he suspected there might be big dan-— ger prospecting for mysteries around the Rolling Thunder. _ ‘ $till, he knew that to withdraw now might lose him the chance which he - thought was open after‘a fashion. Most , the rocky floor, and then up to look at had been done either. AM. “Hillo!” he exclaimed, suddenly, and held bis lantern, first down to look at without some profit, the side of the tunnel. “*Pears ter be a chance fur a sorter. flood, an’ that door’s ter shut ther water Ny ore “ Boss pays well,” he growled, striking rich since Unele John died.” | . ms Wisdom—thet’s more like it; but yer ——$——_—____ a out. Are it jest a spring, er kin thar’ be a river thet’s liable ter bust in some day?’ There was a framing of masonry let in the side ‘wall of the tunnel, and a heavy door fitted into it, which appeared to be almost watertight; but under the edge the water had forced itself out, and was keeping the ground moist and sticky. * Et’s a door, sure ernough,” he con- tinued, examining the planking narrowly. “Fur w’y, an’ fur wich, an’ fur whaz’- fore? Mebby they want ter keep a spring handy ef they’s ever berseeged in hyer, but it ‘pears like a heap ov trouble on a blamed small chance. Jest e% well hey’ walled her all up in cement, an’ made a sure job. Ill look at that ag’in.” He hated to leave a mystery in his rear, but so far had found no hiding place, and he had not penetrated to the farthest recess. He went on in his search. But half an hour later he came back. He had found nothing he would not have expected to find in any other mine from which the workinen were temporarily ab- sent. He had not even found sure traces of the bonanza he was looking for. They seemed to be down to ore, but whether it was worth six dollars a ton, or sixty, was more than he could say. Only, there was no. glistening mass, such as he thought of in his dreams, and it even seemed possible that the rock was bar- ren altogether. , As he approached the neighborhood of the door in the wall he thought he heard the sound of a footstep, and immediately turned down his light and hid it under the breast of his coat. There was no mistake about it. Burk, the giant, was coming along the passage with a lantern in his hand, though Billy. did not recognize him, nor did he .see that the lantern sas not lighted. Burk was moving along with the freedom of one who can see just where he is, and where to plant his feet. In front of the door he stopped, and a ino- ment later the buge panel swung back, and a faint glow came out into the tune nel, as though the way had been opened to a room in which there was a low-burn- ing. light. ; The light revealed for a, moment the form of a man, though it was to be seen but dimly. That gave the boy his direction and distanees,. and he hurried forward, drop- ping his feet like an Indian, swiftly. but -noiselessly. He was not surprised when the shadow and the light both vanished, but. was de- lighted to find the door, had not been com- pletely closed. It struck him that the little ooze of water was purposely _al- lowed for a blind, but he had no time to think about it. He pulled at the door, _and it opened for a few inches, so that he could hear what was going on at the other side. : “What did yer say yer name war asked the voite of Big Burk, though its or sounded somewhat strangely to the oy. f 9 are . L—ane,” “The words dropped out weakly, hesi- . tatingly, and in an accent of terror. “Don't know yer own name, eh? Reckon we kin teach it to yer afore ver | So that’s it, are it? gits out ov this. ' Reckon we'll hey’ ter go ter diserplin’.” “No, no! For Heaven's sake! I’m mad; I know that, and sometimes I for- get. That was a pard of mine, Wis- dom is my name. Funny, ain’t it? Me, he! Hiram Wisdom—same in front, — don’t you see, only I was the sharp one, and that’s that reason I’m going to be aie, hy" “Eh apres “ TJ—don—I—I—think it’ is Hiram
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pilin’ on some ov that jimerack foolish- ness we don’t want ter hear. Now, tell i us s’uthin’ ’bout that pard ov yourn, j wich the same war’ Hi Lane.” Then in the same weak, shuffling voice the prisoner, for such he undoubtedly was, began a strange, wandering story, y but which had the element of truth in it somewhere, though now and then he mixed up the two men who figured in it after a singular fashion. Once or twice f Big Burk corrected him, and then he went Sailing off for a while, straight enough.” “Yer breakin’ ‘in better, an’ yer begin- nin’ ter say it a heap better, but yer don’t know et well.enuff ter say et to the king. It'll hev’ ter run smoother than that ter say it right loud. Ef yer wants ter git out ov this hole yer wants ter say et right off ther han’le, ’thout a/ hem er a haw. An’ ef yer don’t ther next time— ; look out! Thar’s yer grub, though I *most furgot et. Make et last tell I gits *round ergi’n, an’ it'll be tough times ef ary thing happens ter me.” Big Burk came to the door, and push- ing it open, stepped out. As he did so, Billy, without having pre- f meditated it, slipped past him, crouching ' low. Then the door slammed to with a crash, and he kneny he was locked in with P a lunatic. / CHAPTER XI. THD SPORT FROM*BAD LUCK BAR. Of course the judge was aware of the failure of Big Burk in his attempt on the sport, a He could see there had been a miss in the matter when the latter made his appearance on the street, and he would have liked to know the full particulars ¢on- / cerning what had happéned, but did not care to exercise his powers in that direc- tion just at present. ‘Big Burk, in his waking moments, would know nothing about it, and there were certain limits to the investigations which he should make through means of his sin- gular power. That had to be reserved for special occasions. Miss Edna, speaking simply as an every- Y day individual, had said frankly that she did not care to be tested too far about unimportant matters, and so the judge had to be satisfied with results as they ap- peared on the surface. , He was talking about it early in the ‘{ evening, and had there been any one to ! overhear the conversation, it would have been thought he had a yery worthy as- sistant. matters with as much coolness as Lane Fa himself. “The time has about come to get to work,” he was saying. “ All the rest has been merely prelimi- nary. I suspect we had better run the 7 risk, and play the game with the cards Pea we have in our hands. The idiot won't speak of the one thing we want him to speak about. We have ‘ried force, threats, | the power—everything. I tell you, I am ‘half inclined to draw off Burk, and leave him to his own reflections. Curse him, he has. been fully warned.” obs |. “ ©urse him as much as you please, if it will do you any good. But the fact re- ~~ mains that there are two or three points on Which we need considerable enlighten- somewhat t Wt APS ge out anything about them by fair means / or foul. The mine—which promised to be / such a bonanza, and which was the origi- nal motor in the game—seems to have _ there was any, has petered out. If you expect to work the game as we have laid it out it will have to be done soon. It is for you to say whether we shall take the By 5 chances.” | I, hai ' me weg \ | i The young lady spoke on serious, ‘ment, and we have not been able to find ‘been but a pocket, and the little lead, if: i — eee. —_— PH 2 aS Seg of The Sport in Velvet. for this stranger who, it has been re- vealed, is interested in it, and will stand in our way, he is only ‘a mortal, and the third time will be the charm.” ‘*Let us hope so. But he is dangerous if you have told me truly what I have said when under thé spell. That he came at all is dangerous, and that he should win against odds is worse still. If he was looking for Hiram Lane why did he ndt apply at once to you?” “Pell me something of his reasons, if you can,” answered Lane, with a shrug of his shoulders. troubling me, and I suspect will have more or less to do with his early retirement from labor at Black Gorge. Perhaps, though, I can find out. If I can 1 will let you know. Hold yourself ready for an early move, and if we fail, why, it was a stake worth playing for.” The judge went out without waiting for an answer. He was apparently as cool as ever, and yet he had the fear on him which at one time or another comes to the lawbreaker. He had gone on, and on, and on, until now there seemed to be no end to the work before him. ; Down at the Areade things were well under way when' he stepped in. He came and went there as it suited him, and Bid- well.Sloan, if not a friend, had been some- times an ally. A doZen men were there who had known him for a long time, and though they were not hankering for a game with him, they did not object to an occasional effort at draw, with a mod- erate limit. But they had to be pretty well warmed up before they would sit down to make a night of it with him. They knew his strength at the game too well. ¥ Abe Brandon was one of them. He had a half-interest in a claim which had made him a living from the day he first struck pay rock, and which he hoped some day to sell for a little fortune when capital came that way. . Meanwhile, he was looked at as one of the solid men of the town. “Just the man I wanted to see,” said Brandon, as the judge approached the bar, where he was standing. “There’s a new sport in town, and we want to stake you, and set you at him. He won a tidy little pile off of Bidwell’s. table last night, and the boys will die if they don’t get a chance to find out what his judgment is worth on an ace full.” “Oh, come, Abe. I'm getting too old for that sort of thing. I've about tied up on the pasteboards. You can’t expect the proprietor of the Rolling Thunder to flip at the crack, or play penny poke with every hobo that runs’ up a shoestring on Sloan. That will do with the boys, for the sake of old times, but I’m not roping in the stranger who sits down within our gates. It wouldn’t look, bon ton.” “Shucks! Five hundred of a stranger’s money is as good for you as five hundred of mine, and that was just what it cost me the last night we went in for swelled heads together. Besides, for the honor of the Rolling Thunder, you ought to try him a whirl of some kind. He just wound up that big foreman of yours in so tight a> knot it looked as though he would never get untangled.” 5 “If Burk is fool enough to monkey with one of the Bird family, he deserves what he gets. Billy is an elephant on tin wheels—what did he think his big brother was going to pan out?’’, tae “That's so!” laughed Abe. “The boy is a holy terroy, and I wouldn’t wonder if this same brother, at his age, could have given a chap of his size one or two in the game and come out jaybird. All right. knowdut what I'll have to tackle him my- . “Yes—a thousand times, yes! And as “ Thatis what has been’ If you’won’t I don't self. I was looking for him, but he hasn’t shown up. From what they say I don’t think he's hard to get acquainted with.” * Oh, if you’re going for him I wouldn't mind looking over your shoulder and tell- ing you what to play.” “Nixey! I put up my own coin and guess on the worth of my own hand. I won’t lose any more, and may make a dollar or two when I pocket the whole of the stakes. See?” “ Steady on that!” warned Sloan. “There he is now.” The Sport in Velvet came gliding into the room, as he came taking a quick in- ventory. ‘He seemed to search out Lane first of all, and in some occult way understood he had been talking about him. That did not trouble him a particle, and he was ready for whatever might come. Perhaps he would sooner have seen Burk there, because he began te connect him with the disappearance of the boy, and it was reilly he for whom be was looking. . He made his way to the bar, and nodded. to Sloan, who still stood behind it, and the result was an introduction to both the: , judge and Abe Brandon. “One of our principal men,”) added Sloan, “who sometimes condescends to enlighten us poor mortals as to how to lay poker. If you have any yearnings for high art in that direction, you couldn't strike a better man to give you a lesson.” ‘Glad to meet him,” answered the sport, eoolly; “but if there are any lessons going in that line I generally expect to give them myself. Fact is, I have about gone out of the business in disgust. But with a chief. or two or three chiefs, for that matter, I don’t mind taking a hand. . There is al- Ways some fun then, and sometimes a lit- tle profit. The challenge was so open the judge ‘could not have slighted it if he had chosen, and the fact was, he didn’t want to. It had been part of his idea to have the stranger drop into just such a bit of amusement, while seemingly anxious to avoid it. Sloan moved around from be- hind the bar, and the four sat down.. As they threw around for deal they be- came aware of a fifth individual standing at the table, a natty-looking young fellow apparently but little more than a boy in years. To the judge the appearance seemed un- weleome, but Abe hailed him with pleas- ure. ’ “ Hi, Chris! Around again? How are things over at the Bar? \ You are just im time to make a fifth wheel, and that’s a mighty important thing for easy going, im spite of the books. Pull in.” The young fellow smiled, and sat down - on the chair which happened to be vacant. “The Bar is running on a full head of steam, but the boys begin to fight shy of yours truly. Ace, as usual My deal; what’s the limit?” ‘ He gathered up the cards and the game- began, Abe,barely taking time to‘ give the young man a sort of introduction to the sport. Bra “ Chris Matter, from Bad Luck Bar. He generally carries the luck of his camp in his pocket, and when he comes over here that whole city goes broke. _He knows the cards by name, and don’t you forget it.” The man in velvet nodded, but said little. He knew he was in a game whigre | he could expect no merey, and was Not sure the whole four were not in a combi-- nation to beat him, with this young fellow’ - brought in for some special purpose. He attended strictly to business, and played. | his ecards as he got them, all the time on. | his guard, _ cerned as any of them. . very one seemed very much at his ease, stakes were light, and nobody winning or — d, though seemingly as uncon
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ep rc 2 a ag Oe AOE o mr, is fe rf i i “a i t} { ia 12 Josing much, when the judge proposed a jackpot, and the sport opened with three kings. CHAPTER XII. CHRIS FROM BAD LOCK BAR. “* Five.” “Ten.” “Twenty.” ‘)Eorty.” ‘*Make it good, throw in about ten more for a question, and wait to see what you are going to do about it.”’ “You can’t win if you don’t bet, and sometimes a bluff is better than a big hand. I’m out.” “The more money you put down the less you takes up, gents. I got you this time and so I won't crowd you. Tl just see that, even, and have the agony over.” Abe was inclined to be cautious, and though he held a good hand, he did not propose letting the game get away with him in the outset, or before he saw how luck was running. He placed his cards face down on the table, leaned back, and tried to look unconscious. The Sport in Velvet knew all about the luck, and was simply playing his hand ac- cording to its value in proportion to the ' size of his capital, while the judge and the man from Bad Luck Bar were in- clined to crowd up the stakes. In the opinion of the frequenters of the Areade, the judge would have been the dangerous man, but the sport decided in his own mind that Chris Matter was the one to watch. He was certain that at all times fle played a strong hand, or he would never be admitted to a deal with such high- flyers, and to-night it seemed more than ‘likely that he came with a purpose. Still, it had not been his deal, and, closely as the sport had watched his ecards, it did not seem possible he was holding out. He met the raises with a promptness that argued complete confi- dence, going a trifle better each time, and it was only when he had nearly the whole of his capital on the board that the judge called. The sport threw down four kings. Promptly Chris Matter stacked the deck and discards together on the table, at the same time with the other hand whipping out a derringer. “T’m not saying a blamed word except “Count the ecards.’ There’s something rot- ten somewhere.” “Rotten or sound, that’s hand, and there don’t any of you want to disremember,” said the sport, slowly and calmly folding his arms, without a single motion which looked like drawing a weapon. “The rest of you show up what you got for a starter. After that you can count up two or three decks if there is noth- ing in your cards that takeg the money.” With his empty hand Matter turned over’the cards which lay onthe table be- fore him, disclosing four queens, The judge threw down an ace full. “Your hand takes the money if it’s a square deal, and it’s you and Chris for that. I have nothing to say.” * Oh, count the cards, and tell us what ‘it all means,” answered the sport, with a careless smile. loan, as you are out of it, suppose you run them off.” Sloan looked serious. He understood the judge better than most people, and thought he saw some- thing dangerous behind it all. Still, as he was sitting out of range, ‘and had been called on for his help in what seemed to be a dangerous deadlock, he could not well refuse. He gathered up the cards, and, first the size of my _There’s only fifty a SELL EE RE SE ATCC ONCE A ET OTT I TT caus si ll in pi diva nit aniceaine up the spread out on the one at a time. Around was almost the silence of death, for nothing could be heard but the faint flip, flip, of the cards, and the suppressed breathing of interested men. In some way the news had spread all over the saloon, and every face was turned toward the table where the five sat. “Sorry to say it,” said Sloan, anxious face, , “There's something wrong somewhere. cards here.” “ Fifty!’ exclaimed the young man from the Bar. “Don't hurry! Velvet. “We both have the drop, and we may as well let the crowd know what it is all about,” : He just wheeled himself a. little in his seat, and there, from between his folded arms, came the muzzle of a derringer which had erept out of his sleeve. * Now, where are the other two ecards?” * One of them is right in front of your chair, where you dropped it from under your knee,” said Chris Matter, firmly, never Wincing under the snarling muzzle table, ran over the rest, with an ” retorted the Sport in of the ener derringer which looked him in the face, “That's wi I cen speak for, but I wouldn't be surprised if the other wasn’t far off.” “Excuse me. I don’t know anything about that one, but the other is the sixth card in your hand.” A flush actually came into the face of the young man, but he never looked down, There was no mistaking his sur- prise, but it might only be a trap to take him off his guard. “Ts that a true bill, Sloan?’ he asked, meeting the burning gaze of the sport with a fierce stare. Bidwell was as much surprised as any one, but he reached over aad spread the cards of the young man farther apart. There, nestling snugly beneath the last one which had heretofore been visible, was a wretched little deuce of diamonds. “True it is, but the blamed little thing stuck like wax. You must have over- looked it when you skinned your hand.” “Or been too busy flipping that card under the table to see :t,” retorted the sport, in an amiable tone, which almost made one think he took the whole thing as‘a joke,” “ But, being the biggest hand out, any- way, I guess four kings will take the money.” “Not by an infernal sight! gritted Chris, will have to be settled if we shoot for it.” answered the sport, just *Phis thing ‘Some other way, “Shoot goes,” as cool. “Let Bidwell throw around, and the first jack takes the money and the other man gets the shot.” “Anything to settle the question be- tween us. After those two cards being where they were, we can't both draw breath in the Arcade long without one of us going down.” Sloan took up the deck. There were no interruptions’ from the outsiders, though they were craning their neeks from a respectful distance to see What Was going on.. He was not certain but this was better than promiscuous shoot- ing and the wrong man killed. “Let me understand this. The first jack gives the money to the maneit falls to, and he has the right to a shot across the table at the other.” * Not by a blamed sight. The first yable gives the money to the man. Then the other fellow can have the shot. If you oe . ecards in the hands as said at the length of the room it wouldn’t look quite so much like murder.” Sloan glanced across at Matter. “All right. The loser has a fair shot the length of the room. Let them whirl.” Bidwell ran the cards in from the ends, gave them a shufHe, and then commenced dealing, one card to Matter and the next to the sport. “My stakes!” exclaimed the sport, as, after some half dozen cards had come his | Way the first jack made its appearance, staring him in the face, and he swept into his pocket the money from the table. ‘And my shot,” retorted Matter, deadly cool, and slowly rising from his seat. CHAPTER XIII. CHRIS MATTDPR GETS HIS SHOT. * A fellow would risk two or three shots for a pile like that,” yawned the sport, slowly pushing back his chair. “Some of you stick me up against the wall, about where he wants me. I wouldn't be afraid to give small odds that he don’t hit me, anyhow,” “Don’t you be too free to gamble on , that point,’ said Sloan, speaking seri- ously. “At that distance he can cut all the spots out of a six spot in just five seconds, And I wouldn't wonder if he could make better time if he was crowded a little. If he means shooting you had better be say- ing your prayers.” Sloan felt it his duty ,to give good ad- vice, though in all the times he had been crowded into a corner, with odds against him and death staring him in the face, he had never been known to take it, when it came in such a shape. He raised his hand and gave a gesture. The crowd fell apart, leaving a little lane to the wall at the farther end of the saloon. Through this lane the sport walked, with a quick, cat-like, springy step, and, wheéel- ‘ing at the farther end, placed himself with his back against the wall. He was a remarkably handsome fellow, and his well eut clothes showed off his splendid figure to perfect advantage. There were a few in the crowd of specta- tors who thought it a shame, but for ‘the most part the lookers-on felt little pity in the excitement of the moment. He was cOmparatively a stranger, and probably a convicted card sharp. .Their sympathies would have been more with Chris Matter had fate decided that things should he the other way. “Réady,” he said, sharply, from. the wall, and the young man from Bad Luck Bar took his position with a revolver in his hand. “TXeep cool,” whispered the judge be- tween his teeth. ‘You have only the one ‘fair shot, and I'm not sure the Gorge would stand an- other one that was foul,” “I’m as cool as an iceberg, and I know just how he will look after I have pulléd trigger.”’ “Sloan, give the word to fire.” “Td sooner not, but when two gentle- men have a difference of opinion about cards, I don’t know as there is any way to prevent their settling it. “One!” At that Matter threw his pistol hand a little forward and fixed his eyes on those of the sport. The room was a long one, Bet something he saw fixed them there. seemed as though he caught a glint of fire, flashing clear across the intervening distance. The judge noted a change come over his face, but it was too late to speak again. Sloan kept on with his counting “Two! “Three! Fire!” ; The hand of the Sport in Velvet was ising. The index finger pointed straight
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at the young man from the Bar. The posture of the whole man was one of com- mand. Matter had one evening, during one of his visits to the Gorge, given in that very room a specimen of his skill with the pis- tol, and every one knew he could place his bullets where he called them. The action of the sport was not one he could object to, nor did it seem to unnerve him, for the instant he stood with his muzzle covering the heart of the other. Then his whole frame suddenly appeared to grow rigid, save that his hand rose somewhat before he pulled the trigger. The bullet pierced the wall not an inch above the head of the sport, who smiled, nodded to all, and made a gesture as though he. was brushing something away from in front of him. * Foul play!” shouted the judge, spring- ing forward, while Chris reeled back, as though unnerved by the reaction. “Your infernal mesmerism destroyed the aim. It was no fair shot.’ “So that was what was the matter. You saw mé throw around for my life against the stakes because you thought your side pard was going to get the pile some way, and would make a divvy after- wards, Then was the*time for you to kick. If Mr. Brandon and Sloan aren't satisfied, I'll give them back their antes, but for the rest, you bet they are salted down, and it takes a man to get them,” The sport was as ready as the judge, had not Chris Matter come between them. He was pale from excitement, or some- thing else, and totally unlike the jaunty little fellow of an hour before. “Go slow, judge; this is my fight, and you don’t want to chip in too soon. Per- haps it’s not ended yet. I’ve had a shot at the sport; maybe he thinks he ought. to have one at me. If he does, I don’t know but what he’s right. Set them up on the other alley, Bidwell, and see if he can’t show a better tally sheet.” He strhightened himself up, and grew more firm as he looked at the man in vel- vet. Whatever might have affected him, it was hardly fear. “TI admire your nerve,” responded the sport; “and I don’t doubt you'd do the square thing if I said the word; but I reckon this thing has gone almost far enough. I am satisfied, if you are.” He looked around, and it almost seemed as though he could read disappointment on some of the faces there. “If I can help you out of the hole, say the word. Chris Matter won't spoil poker sport, even if it does give him the hot end of the poker.” “Thanks. I might have known it. TI think I have the range all right, and if you will just accommodate me—have you such a thing as a quarter?” . Chris produced the coin and held it up. “I’m not insisting, but if you would put - that between your lips, and stand where I did, with your cheek to the wall, I think 1 could demonstrate that I know my busi- ness, even if I don’t care to crowd mat- ters too hard when the other fellow is willing.” . Without a word the young man from Bad Luck Bar placed the:silver piece be- tween his lips and moved to the spot which the sport had lately vacated. The light from a bracket lamp with a polished reflector brought out every line in his face as he turned toward it; and one thing was certain. He showed no signs of uneasiness or fear. Once more Lane sought to interfere, though it was hard to tell whether or not he was desperately in earnest. This time Bidwell Sloan spoke. =~ .“Go slow, Hi. One act at a time. The circus ain’t out yet, and your turn may come after a while. If you interfere now The Sport in Velvet. 13 I'll do my little best to drop you myself. The youngster was too fresh, and he de- serves to learn. There is none of it very good poker-play, but it’s mighty interest- ing as a lesson in nerve.” it, and generally had a few friends who were of the same way of thinking. There was no more effort at interference. The sport took his position. “You gave the word a bit ago; suppose you try it some more. It’s not much of a show I’m giving you, but it will do till there’s a chance outdoors.” “Ready!” responded the proprietor of the Arcade. ° “One, two, three! Fire!’ There was no dwelling on the numbers, and at the order “Ready!” the sport turned his back squarely on Matter. At the word “Tire!” he spun completely around on his heel, hardly pausing an in- stant, if at all, as he threw up his hand toward Chris Matter, and fired. Before the smoke had drifted half-way down the room, he had made a revolution and a half, and was coming toward the crowd, while a chorus of shouts and the: noise of the clapping of hands arose through the building. His ball had hit the coin squarely on the edge, and knocked it from between the lips which were loosely holding it, without damage or hurt. Chris came forward, a great deal Jess excited than after his own fruitless shot. “You did it well, stranger, and I guess you are half white. We'll let it go at that for this time. This don’t seem to be my night on, and I reckon they’re wanting me at the Bar. So long; and I’m not sure I'll see you all later, Reckon, from this time on, I'll be below par at Black Gorge, and you bet I'll think twice before I wring into another game of draw when there's a ecard lying on the floor.” He swung himself away, and though more than one tried to stop him, it was no use, “And now, judge, -the age.has got around to you at last. What are you going to do about it? Speak quick, and don’t keep the procession waiting. If you mean sporting, down with the dust.” If the chief of the camp was looking for | business, the stranger sport was bound that he should have it, CHAPTER XIV. FOUR MEN DOWN. For once Judge Lane, in the presence of all the citizens of Black Gorge who hap- pened to be there assembled, took water. “ Excuse me, young man, but in such things one can’t well go back of the ref- eree, and that book appears to be closed. If you are satisfied, I've nothing to say, and will jump the game,” “That’s right. I don’t think we would have a very comfortable time. I don't kick because you spoke up for your young pard, and I don’t crowd for sheer fun. Gents, join me. The bar is free till you've all had a taste of the best Brother Bidwell has in the house.” _ The invitation did not make him any the less popular, and there were few who did not take advantage of it. For a few min- utes the Arcade did a land office business at the bar. The judge was one of those who held back. It was not probable, after what had just been said, that it would lead to trouble, ‘but it seemed more like an armed nen- trality than a peace between Lane and the Sport in Velvet. Something more might come later on. As for the sport, when he had settled his bill, he. went along with the crowd which rolled back to the gambling room. He did not eare . j / | When Sloan talked that way he meant | ! to test the strength of the dealer that even- ing, but he wanted, if possible, to get a word to her. As he came to the table, Miss Arbelle looked up and caught his eye. When she had been left almost alone by those who went out into the other room where the game of poker and the shoot- ing had been going on, she had retained her seat. She knew she had a way of chipping into a game that did not seem to be.running just right, and suspected that if she went with the rest she would be- come entangled in an affair which no doubt the sport was able to manage. It was true’ the judge had plenty of friends there, but the men from the Roll- ing Thunder had not yet put in an ap- pearance; the night was not so far ad- vanced, nor had the drinking been so deep Ke the sport should look in vain for fair play. As she looked at the sport, her lips fash- ioned no words, but her eyes said some- thing. They told him to beware, and left him to guess the rest. He knew there was trouble afloat, but he could not guess in what shape it would come. There was nothing to do but fo keep a sharp watch on the judge and be ready generally for anything else which might turn up. The game opened once more, and Miss: Arbelle drew the cards without giving any farthersign of the thoughts whichagitated her mind. She was not anxious that any- thing should happen to Judge Lane; not, at least, until she had probed the mystery which she had set out to solve, while stilt less did she want the sport killed in the affair into which her influence had more or less to do with drawing him: Several men who were cappers for the game began to bet cautiously, with an eye to starting the ball to rolling, and oneor two outsiders ventured a, few chips, but things were not in shape to boom at once. The late affair had stirred up the men, and the game was not presenting its usual attractions. “No use asking you to buy a few checks; you have a pocketful already,” said the fair dealer, looking up, “ But, if you can’t see that this beats mining two to one, and lays all over short cards, I'm sorry for your eyesight. Hit them hard, or hit them gently, but hit them some way, for there is just going to be a boom in luck. I can feel it in my fingers.” “But those fingers don’t say whom the boom is going to be for, and it’s more than likely it will be for the house,” retorted the Apollo in velvet, as he smilingly threw down a few chips on the queen. “ We'll see how her royal majesty winks to-night.” He had an idea Miss Arbelle merely wanted to engage his attention, and was willing to gratify her. The cards were slipping out just fast enough to keep up a semblance of interest in the game, and when Sloan glanced in through the arch he shook his head. It did not look as though a fortune was to be made for the house, and he had half a notion to eall off the dealer and shut the bank for the night. The queen split, and the sport looked serious. “Kind of betwixt and between,” he muttered, “with the advantage a little in favor of the bank. It’s a sign to keep eyes open and go slow.” While the game dragged along the sport heard, several times, snatches of conver- sation which were not meant for his ears, and which might have put him on his - guard, had he needed the hint. “Say? D’yer think Chris took water fur good an’ all? Looked like ther sport — could shoot all round him; but who’s ter
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ee AAS PM ae . ee 2S SUS ae ee ny in is any life left in the judge I want. The sesabnidle in | Velvet, tell? He's a leetle dandy when he starts in ter lift h’ar. ‘ “Yer shoutin’. He don’t kim over often, but when he does he allers kin make ther fur fly ef they brissel up to him; and ef yer notise, ther jedge allers stan’s ‘round ez though he war’ backin’ his game. Hez he r ‘ally left town?” “ Can’t prove et by me, but he’s mov ed his mustang.”’ “ Wouldn’t wonder ef he kim back ter git one more shot when his han’ gits stiddy.” “That’s what.” * An’ ther sport don’t seem ter keer.” The Sport in Velvet did care, but just then he was more interested in something he was watching in the game. He had believed Miss Arbelle enough his friend to give him a square deal, but just now the cards were running very strange, and he had caught a quick glimpse of a movement of.. her fingers which looked, to say the least, slightly sus- picious. He leaned toward the table, his atten- tion riveted on the box, and at that mo- ment a gang of men came _ tumbling through the doorway, with Chris Matter in the lead. The young fellow looked very different from what he did when he went away, and seemed to have recovered all his care- less courage, and something more. Be- hind him came Big Burk and two strang- ers, together with several men from the mine. “Turn around.’ sport, and test it over! Chris Matter is a hard man to beat. I’ve tried it, but I can’t stay down.” He held a revolver in his hand, but the muzzle was pointed downward, and scarcely to be seen as it hung by his side. The Sport in Velvet wheeled at the voice, his hand flying to his hip as he shouted: “Go as you picked, little one, and fire as the hat drops. Ah!’ It was a snap shot such as you read about, taken the instant he faced his challenger, and eye could searce distin- guish that he paused for aim—and then followed, just a trifle later, a loud report, that sounded as single, but which was made from three distinct shots. The Apollo in velvet dropped face downward, with outstretched hands, as though he was a leaden image flung from its pedestal by a sudden shock of an earthquake; but three others fell with him, or, perhaps, a trifle later. Hi Lane had been standing a little dis- tance behind. At the challenge of Chris he had thrown up -his own hand, and taken aim with his revolver at the back of the head of the man in velvet, while, at the same time, Big Burk, away on the other side, but directly facing him, was waiting the word to try a shot once more himself. While the sport was dropping away frém between them their fingers tight-. ened, and before the last sound died out or the waves of smoke fairly settled down on them, the four were lying on the floor. OHAPTER XV. DANDY DAVIDS, THE DETECTIVE. Three lay where they fell, but the _ fourth leaped up. Almost instantly the— sport was on his feet again. “Steady, all!’ he shouted. - “ There’s only one barrel of my gun empty so far, “nd that creased Chris Matter. The rest of it was done among themselves. If And, taking | a step forward, with both hands ona each olding a cist he LS gure Biisaiit caught the ee on the two strangers who had come with Chris and Big Burk, “Hold them there, some of you! They -can’t fix up so I won't know them, and they are the two horse thieves you ran out of town yesterday. They tried their hands at murder last night, and when we see how their work turns out there may be a necktie social in if for them!” “And who are you?’’ demanded Bidwell Sloan, covering them promptly as he en- tered from the saloon with the weapons in his hands. “You talk as though you spoke by card, but you’ve done the work here of a dozen.” “Tm Dandy Davids, teetive. I’m here on the trail of Hi Wis- dom, and if I’m not mistaken they’ve left me only his corpus.” A cry went up from Miss Arbelle, who darted to the judge before even the swift strides of the unmasked detective could take him there. She snatched his head up in her arms as he lay there, motionless on the floor, and looked down into the pale face with a the Red Hot De- long, eager stare. This was different from anything she had suspected; or was the sport detective altogether mis- taken? Then she pushed away the collar around the neck of the dying man and smoothed out the skin there as though searching for a scar. She found it, too! “My father!” she exclaimed, half in horror, half in grief. The sport interrupted. He saw the closed eyes opening under the eall, but he knew what the dun, gray shadow meant, which was stealing over the judge’s face. “One word, first. There is no time to waste, and there may be a life at stake. Wisdom, what have you done with Lane himself?’ At that name whispered into. his ear the dying man partially roused. “Ts he living?” continued Davids. The judge spoke with much of an ef- fort, in a husky whisper. ia Yes!’ ’ ** Where speak!’’ _ The sport detective stared down on him with the same look .he had turned on Chris Matter when he spoiled his shot. “ Burk—can—tell you! No one else— knows!” * Look out!’ shouted seme one. kims Chris!” The young man from the Bar was com- ing, but not after a fashion to do much damage. His hands were empty, and held out almost blindly, while he staggered for- ward, to pitch himself down by the side of the judge, pushing lla Arbelle away as he dropped. “Great Soott! Et’s ulated a bystander. © “Yes; it’s the girl who passes as his niece... I found it out at the last minute. BS oie had not known, my lead would have bitten harder.” Davids spoke hastily, to smooth the way a-trifle. “Not his niece—his wife!” said the dis- lised woman, unsteadily, and then her whole attention was centered on the dy- ing man, who, was going fast. The sport detective, seeing there was nothing more to be ming there, turned toward Big Burk. He had in some way a 5 daoualy feeling is he? Speak! You must “ Ayer \ woman!” ejac- for the giant, who, he believed, acted con- trary to his true nature because he was driven by a power he did not understand and which he could not resist. The lead of the judge had done swift, “here was nothing more to thought. be learned from him, for dead. It was an ugly little snarl, and not at all the way Dandy Davids would have liked to see. Yet he had not -been nursing Allen Lane that day for nothing, and he could the man was but admit that perhaps things might have gone worse. As for the two run-out horse thieves, they held their peace, recognizing the fact that they were in no end of danger, and cursing their stupidity for not beating a retreat under cover of the smoke. Their presence there was of itself a smal). mat- ter, but the accusation of murder fell on frightened ears. They cowered back as the sharp eyes of the detective ran them over, and then gave a simultaneous shout of horror, thinking for a moment they saw a ghost. Allen Lane, patched and bandaged, but very much alive, was standing before them, shaking a finger in their faces! They recognized the truth, however, without long delay, and the leading spirit of the two bristled up. “Say! Ef three horse thieves thet hez’ hed full pardon fall out ‘mong the'’rselves, an’ hey’ a leetle sgrap, that ain’t no hang- in’ matter; and fur this racket hyer, we ain’t did a blessed thing.” ‘““A little hickory oil would do them good, and might loosen their tongues a bit, for they may know something about Hiram Lane, the man for whom I am searching, The sport. did not care to be burdened with the men, and it was possible if the town was not directed in another course there might be a hanging to emphasize the disgust at the return of the banished one. The suggestion was caught at, and a grinning crowd hustled the two out into the night. As they went along the sport detective shouted: “While you are at it see if you can get anything out of them about Billy Bird. He has been missing since last night, and I begin to be afraid something has happened to him.” CHAPTER XVE. ‘DANDY DAVID'S ROUND-UP. | During the ‘course of his not very long life Billy Bird had managed to get him- self into all sorts of scrapes; but as reg- wlarly something turned up to get him out. overwhelmingly close there was no dan- ger he would lose his nerve, or be long kept down for want of freshness. He was unpleasantly conscious that he had placed himself in a trap at the very moment he knew its jaws were about to close, and if he should be pinched hard pte no one to blame for it but him- se He did not advance from the door, but remained peering around in the semi- darkness, which was hardly broken by the little light: of the low-turned lamp. He was not frightened, but felt inclined to be very careful until he could see what. manner of human being it was who shared. the cell with him. He heard the clink and clank of a chain, and felt a little more confident. | si It'd be blame o’kkard ter hey’ ter shoot him,’ thought the boy; “an’ T might ez wall stayed out ef thar's ter be- ary sich foolishness. | ragin’ loonytick go pawin’ over me, Bf. ther chain breaks I may hev’ ter let go.” With a noiseless step he advanced to the light and turned up the wick so that — he had a fair view of the room. Rag gave a quick spring backward, for e staring at him from the corner, which was 2 good deal nearer than he had So long as danger did not come too — Still, I can’t let = ah ht sight of a pair of large eyes — The light was placed within
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reach of the prisoner so that he couid turn it up or down at his pleasure. The man, however, appeared to be the more startled of the two. He remained glaring at the boy, without word or mo- tion. . *Reckon, frum w’ot I heared, you must Bar | be ole man Lane hisself, an’ ther jedge By may be ther biggest kind ov a fraud. I ii kim hyer with ther best intenshuns in . ther world, an’ now I ain’t sure but what ef some un’ don’t kim hyer lookin’ fur ‘me I’m a gone coon, also.” a “If they—if they find you here, boy, \ they will kill you.” There was more of weakness than lu- nacy in the hesitating tones of the pris- oner * Bless yer soul, I aiu’t afeared ov that, fur I’m a holy terror meself with | ther t irons, an’ while they’re gittin’ riddy you f. bet Pll be doin’ s’uthin’. What does make 4 me squirm are ther ehance they mayn’t find me at all.’’ “Little danger of that. Day by day, by year in and year out, that giant comes to taunt me and break my will. To-morrow iv, he will come again.” “Maybe et ain’t ez many year ez yer thinks; but I’m hopin’ strong thar’ll be one more day ov it. But him an’ Sam hev’ hed a leetle foolishness, to be con- . tinnered in our next. Ef they meet afore By he calls hyer ag*in, Black Gorge’ll be readin’ his *bituary, an’ we'll hey’ nothin’ but ther spooks ter ‘pend on.” ‘*Men nor ghosts come here, save the one, big giant, and he speaks as though the ghosts were with him. What can , you do against him?’ “Git ther drop an’ bring him ter time. Ef he won't > plug him fer keeps an’ go on ter town. Reckon you ain’t stuck up on stayin’ hyer?”’ , “No, A thousand times, no! Get me out from here and I will make you the richest boy on earth, I will have you roll in dollars chin deep. I will—”’ ay He stopped and stared suspiciously at . \ the boy as though he was afraid he might ee Te be a traitor and a spy. - ~ “Oh, I’m little, but I’m good ter tie to! Let’s take a squint at them irons. I oie got a jackknife with a file in et, an’ mebbe Ma. I kin seratech out ther rivvets. Four | San han’s ‘round are better than two, an’ ek mK mine ain’t got ther bigness I’d like ’em b ie, ' ter hev’ when I fly at ther throat ov Big Burk.” ; He spoke as seriously as if he meant it; and perhaps he did. The man in the fetters trusted him, at any rate; and the ‘boy went to work. Hiram Lane had tugged and worked at ‘those fetters many a time before, but he did not then have Billy Bird to help him. In an hour or so he stood up, as ‘the irons dropped away. “Thank you, boy! It is the first step, they say, which counts. The rest may turn out easier. There is a little food there which we must husband until Burk, vas you call him, comes again, and that will not be inside of twenty hours. Mean- time you can tell me what brought you ‘here.”” Cickt The man seemed stronger in mind and a ‘pody, while Billy was in the best of hu- 4 mor. Without hesitation he related his 4 «story. With no tools of any strength, it was useless to think of working their way out, though they did try it after a while. The day wore on; they slept, woke again, -and again slept; twenty hours, and many more than twenty hours passed, but Big pee f Burk came not. ah Dandy Davids had found his man, but he was not the man he.wanted, after all. _ Meantime, he was a boy short. The port in Velvet. He had set all Black Gorge to buz- zing, too, and it was a little hard to tell whether the people were going to make a hero or a sacrifice of him. The judge had plenty of friends, even in his death; and half the town stood by his wife, and objected to a promiseuous raid on the Rolling Thunder mine. It liad been a pretty little fight, in which the detective had come out first best; but his expla- nation of what lay behind it was con- sidered. ‘to be a fairy story by a good many. Nothing was done until daylight came. Then Mrs. Bird came to the front, at last really alarmed about Billy. * Put me under the inflooence of the sperrets an’ let me foller. I kin take his trail if it’s topside of the ground.” Saying this with much weeping, and in the presence ofa dozen or more of the men of the Gorge, brought up a little army; and the detective, who was not unaware of his own powers in that di- rection, accompanied the woman to her home, followed by the crowd. A few passes seemed to give her a second sight, and, taking up the trail where he dropped out of the window, and following it without hesitation, though the tracks of his pony led in an entirely different way, straight out to the Roll- ing Thunder she led them, and never paused until she stood in front of the door behind which the two’ prisoners were crouched. There were tools in plenty, and the door went down before a vigorous attack, dis- losing the missing boy standing there, iis revolvers poised and a look of wonder on his face. “All right, William!’ shouted the sport; but Mrs. Bird rushed in and threw her arms around the neck of the lad, while Hiram Lane stole softly out—to be stopped by the man in velvet. *“T am the true Hiram Lane,” he said, bracing himself up against the wall of the drift, and looking Dayids firmly in the face. 5 *T can prove it by the sear I have and by the scars the other has, and has not. I made the strike for the Rowling Thun- der, and since I have beem in there T have made another. The boy owns half. Stand by me!” , At that Davids held out his hand, and the true Hiram Lane fainted. : For the rest, there is not much to tell. There was a fortune waiting in the East for Lane, but it was nothing to the strike he had made in his dungeon, when he knocked down apiece of loosely lying rock; and, even though Billy Bird re- ceived his half of the stock for which the mine was bonded, Allen Lane ‘was suf- ficiently provided for. And Ia Arbelle dealt no more faro at the Arcade, but went away, sorrowing. Her father in life had disowned her so far as she could know, but in his death she wept for him. And. the sport detective, velvet | suit and all, having found his man, went away, leaving Bidwell Sloan and the rest of them to their own devices. Wisdom had been wanted for certain crimes ‘in the past, but now that he was dead he would be wanted no longer. The young widow made no fight to save anything out of the wreck, and was only too glad not to be ealled to account for any share she might have had in the plot of her artful husband. Whatever was found in their residence went to her without question, and she drifted away. Somewhere in the great cities she is to-day a prosperous ‘“me- dium,” while Mrs. Bird, although in com- | fortable circumstances, occasionally even cents per copy, or sent by mal! on receipt of six cents oncn. yet consults the “speerits,’’ and will doubt. less do so till the end of: the chapter. THE PND. —w oe Next Haur-Dmer Lisrary, No. 932, New York Nat’s Drop. BY COL, PRENTISS INGRAHAM. Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY ALBERT W. AIKEN, " 11 The Two Detectives; or, The Fortunes ofa Bowery Girly, 76 Abe Colt, the Crow-Killer. 79 Sol Ginger, the Giant Trapper. : 288 Joe Buck of Angels and His Boy Pard. 447 New York Nat. A Tale of Tricks and Traps in Gotham. 458 New England Nick; or, The Fortunes of a Foundling, 464 Nimble Nick, the Circus Prince. : 498 Taos Ted, toe Arizona Sport. a4 S10 Cool Colorado, the Half-Breed Detective. 2 518 Cool Colorado in New York: or, The Cowboy's Figh.& BY GEORGE C. JENKS, 486 Git Thar Owney the Unknown. ' ; 492 Git Thar Owney’s Pledge. TX 5618 The Demon Dector; or, Deadholi, the Kid Detective, ’ 581 Double-Curve Dan, the Pitcher Detective. 59S Flute, the Singer Detective; or, Owney in a New Role, 608 The Pitcher Detective’s Foll; or, Dan’s Double Plays a 616 The Ocean Detective: or. The Last Cruise ofthe Black Beas, a 681 The Piteher Detective’s Toughest Tussle. 786 Larry the Thoroughbred; or, Beaten on Every Side. 779 lron Hand, the Charmed Detective 854 Uncle Sam’s Detective In Chicago, BY CHARLES MORRIS, ; : 118 WillLSomers, the Boy Detective. : 122 Phil’"Mardy, the Boss Boy. 126 Picayune Pete; or, Nicodemus, the Dog Deserlire. 9 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in Rags. 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred, 152 Black Beas, Wi!) Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 Will Wildfire in the Woods. " age, the Railroad wif mi *“ 170 A Trump Card; or, Wil! Wildfire Wins and Loses.) : % oak ett; or, Mysteries of New York. i 179 Bob paerett the Bank Runner, - 188 The Hidden Hand ten Will Wildfire’s Revenge. 187 Fred Halyard, th» Life Boat Boy; or, The Smugglers, 189 Bob Rockett; or. Driven to the Wall. 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett’s Fight for Life. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the Ly J Detective. . 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. ‘ 242 The Twe ** Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang.) | 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Meas 7 egal 262 The Young Sharps; o:. Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, a 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. t 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. é Sy. 298 The Water-Hound; or, The Young Thoroughored. : 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker Clty,, wit 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote! Boy Detective. 4 = 3 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. . , 858 The Keporter-Detective ; or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, di 867 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times. x 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, ) 408 Firetly Jack, the River-Rat Detective, j 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier, “a 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. one, 482 Invinetble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret. oe 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466.Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive, ries 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty, - 488 Wild Dick Racket; or, How He hay 9 for Honom “5 : ria 501 Boots, the Boy Fireman: or, Too Sharp for the Sharpeg, “oe 586 The Secret Service Boy Detective. Raed 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. | 627 Tom Bruce of Arkanana; or, The Wolfin the Fold, 655 Plucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Rob and Sam, the Daisy Detectives, ‘ : ree The Curbstone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat, TbT Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakea. ; 869 Ned Norman, the Gamin Broker, 881 Turkey Billy, the Shine-’em-up Detective, 917 Flash ightning, the Mountain Mascot, nd BY WM. G, PATTEN. : 629 Violet Vane, the Velvet Sport; or, The Jubilee of Jacktowa 66% Vialet Vane’s Victory; or, The Jasper City Clean Out, ~ 698 Violet and Datay, the Posy Pards. 705 Violet Vane's Vows; or, The Craf! ie oh Craft, ; Violet Vane’s Vengeance; or, Wi ms 80 Violet Vane'’s Verdict; or, The Game at Coffin City. T4Al Violet Vane, the oe Vidocg; or, Sport ve. Sport. 750 Violet Vane, the Vanquished, or, The Lite a“ te. 768 Violet Vane’s Vision; or, The Fiery Hand of Fate, 489 The Diamend Sport; or, The Double Face of Bed Rocks 519 Captain Mystery; or, Five in One. ‘ 681 Daisy thare the Sport from Denver, ‘ 6ST Old Bombshell, the Ranger Detective. — 604 Tron Fern, the Man of Fire; or, Among the Vultures, 619 The Boy Tramp Detective; or, The DonbieGripWitnesa 641 Dismal Pave’s Dandy Pard; or, The Clue to Capt. Clay, 651 Bound Boy Frank, the YoungAmateur Detective => tld Vulcan, the Lone-Range Rider, 714 Old Misery the Man from Missouri. ese Clear-Grit Cal, the Never-Say-Die Detective. 789 Sam Sheridan, the Secret Service Special, 806 Cowboy Steve the Ranch Maseot. i 820 Nobby Nat, the Tenderfoot Deteetive, 886 Sharper Stoke’s Double Deal. rd} Spotter Robin New York. — 3 66 Spotter Bob’s Bowery Racket. Sa (woe A New Issue Every Tuesday. ea ge a The Half-Dime Library ts tor sale vy all Newsdealers, five. were = BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 2 98 William Street, Now York.) #ihss
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BEADLE’S« H ALF- DIME* LIBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER. Deadwood Dick Novela. 1 Deadwood Dick, the Pnnce of the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick’s Detiance; or, Double Daggers. cortices B, a atie. 42 Deadwood Dick’s Bonauzay or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick in Danger; or, Omana Ol). 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Fiood Bar. a ponawoee ae on. wrookt $e Salawity 3 re; fhe Heroine ead woo ek’s Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. 100 Deadwood Dick in Leadville. a ger 104 Deadwood Bick’« Device; or, The Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost. 149 Deadwood Dick's Hig Strikes on’ Game ot G : eadweoo ck’s Strike; or, A Game of Gold. 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’s Dream 5 or, The Rivals of the Road. 201 Deadwood Dick’s Wards or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. se Deadwood piek's pe bore palselty Jane’s Adventure. end wo ck’s Dea cal, 221 Deadwood Dick’s Death-Pilant. 252 Geld-Duat Dick. A Road a Bowe and Toughs, oes sep phe | pe pivise a a Spirit of Swamp Lake. ead woo ck’a Death Trail. 809 Deadwood Dick’« Deals or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 821 Deadwood Dick’s Dozen; or, The Fakir of Phantom Flata 847 Deadwood Dick’s Ducata; or, Days in the Diggings. Sas ee hha] pa Pinas ey or, Lhe Terrible Vendetta. ck’s Claim, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead City. 4106 Deadwood Dick's Diamonds.” 421 Deadwood Dick in New York; or, A “Cute Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 38 a phere | cee? et brates Crimson Crescent Sign, ead woo ek, Jr.’a, Defiance. 458 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Full Hand. 459 Deadwood Dick, Jr, Big Reund-Up, Deadwood Dick, JSr.?s. Racket at Claim 10, 5s Beeaecs Bick: gre Gec'hccatee ek, Jr.’* etective, 481 Deadwood Bick. dr. in Deniweed. $8, Resdveed bok: See Poteet 600 Deadwooa Dick, Jrvs Di ings. 508 Deadwood Dick, Jdr.’a, Deliverance. 515 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’4 Protegee. 522 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’s, Three. \ 529 Veadweod Dick, Jr.’s, Danger Ducks, eae Rosewees aren fe i] atk Hunt, eadw ek, drs A, 514 Deadwood Mick, Jr., the Wild West Vidoog 549 Deadwood Dick, Jr., on Nix Mettle. Bal Weckwece'iean, Ur.’ bn Beatepe’ eadwo © r., In Boston, 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Philadciphia. Bis Bestvecd Bice! Srv kecnee™=™ S Deadwo ek, dre, oat. 584 Deadwood Dick. Jr.. in Denver. 6N0 | Syamer oi” er 5 She Paeree. afe Beat adwood ¢ r., in Beelze asin. 600 Deadwood Dick, gr, at Coney inland. 7 ead woo ek A ee : 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr, in Detroit. 618 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Cincinuatl, 624 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Nevada. 680 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in No Man's Land, 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 642 Deadwood Dick Jr.. In Buffalo. 648 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’a, Chase Across the Continent See Gectvacl Bick, Sas Teeeteniatee 666 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Back in the Mines. 672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., tn Durango} or, “ Gathered In.” Be otces Ge tee . ek, va. Da e 690 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s. Dellara. 695 Deadwood Dick. Jr., at Danger Divide. 708 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Drop. TZO4 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Jack-Pot. 710 Deadwood ; Jr., in San Franciaco, $22 Deadwood Dick, Jr’o, Dominoes: eadwoot ek r.’«, Dominoes. 728 Deadwood Dick, Jr. Dixgulac 784 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’*, Double Deal 740 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a, Deathwatch, $58 Deadwood Dick? Jr. Deathblow i r.’s, 5 THR Deadwood Dicks or.’a, Desperate Strait, eee eng fhe seren? 5 oh sone ig tes w i 'o 776 Deadwood Dick, Jrv«, Resurrection. Gf Bectvsed pict $i. "ynace Do endwo e r.y Defled, 792 Deadwood Dick, Jr’s, Double Deyice. ast Des wood Dick, Jr’ .8, Desperate emtare, ie Bestrest pee: gre Beerine™ a ng ba ey ste peot.em eadwood ¢ r.’*, Rival. 822 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Boom, 828 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Scoop. 884 Deadwood Bick, Jr.’*, Proxy. 840 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Clutch. 845 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, High Horse, 852 Deadwood Diek Jr., at Devils Gulch, 3 ; pose uoek picks axes piste tele Muatle.! ead woo: ¢ r.’s Bombshell. S70 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Mexteo, 876 Deadwood Dick, Jr's, Decoy Duck, ood Dick, Jr., in Silver Pocket. Deadwaeod Dick, Jr.’s, Dead-Sure Game, 898 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Double Drive. 904 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Trade-Mark. 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Zips ep. 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’« Double-Decker.* BY LIEOT. A. K. SIMS. 589 Tom-OCat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, The Affair at Tombstone, 664 Tom Cat’s Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detective, 68% Tom-Oat’s Gb ety oy, or, Black Dan's Great Combine, 546 Captain Castes. haparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling for Millions. 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peppermint’s Jubilee, 583 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow 601 Happy Hana, the Dutch Vidocq; or, Hot Timesat Round-Up 611 Bildnd Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 Cowhoy Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective. 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiahys the Plains Detective. 676 Signal Sam, the ‘out Scout. 689 Billy, the Gy ay Spy: or, The gh es of Two Lives. 699 Simple Sim, the Broncho Buster; or, For Big Stakes. 2 The Meameriat Spart or, The Mystified Detective, ; % Toltee Tom, the Mad Prospector. 45 Kanaaa« Jim, the Crose-Cut Detective. He Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective, s. od x %8 The Rustler of Rolling Stone, b pene i Joe, the Committee of One, f bog! K es Ly hind ps iy fe from Killbuek. etive in Texas. Ste Few denteen Detectives in Colorado, . Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler. 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. 84 Rosebud Rob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearance; or, Photograph Phil. 121 Rosebud Rob's Shaltcuser or, Cinnamon Chip, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround 281 Denver DPoll’s Victory; or, Skul) and Crossbones. 285 Denver Doll’« Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonansa, 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or, The Road Queen. BGR Vreka Jim, the Gold-Guatherery; or, The Life Lottery, 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or, The Wolves of Wake-Up. 3 B85 Yreka Jim’s ep or, The Rivals of Red Nose, 889 Yreka Jim's New Role; or, Bicycle Ben. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective; or, Dot Leetle Game. 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter 244 Sierra Sam, the Frontier Ferret; or, A Sister's Devotion, 248 Sterra Sams Secret; or, The Bloody Footprints, 258 Sierra Bam's Pards or, The Angel ot Big Vista. 258 Sierra Sam’s Seven; or, The Stolen Bride. 884 Kangaroo Kit; or, The Mysterious Miuer. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Raeket; or, The Pride of Played-Out, 89 Death-Face, Detective; or, Life in New York. 69 The Boy Detective; or, Guid Rifle, the Sharpehooter. 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective: or, Arabs and Angels. 117 Gilt-Edged Dick, the Sport Detective 145 Captain Ferret, the New York Detective, 1618 New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, 226 The Arab Detective 3 or, Snoozer, the Boy Sharp. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 825 Kelley, Mokey & Go,, the Detectives of Philadelphia, 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective. 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. 416 High Mat Harry, the Base Ball Detective, 426 Sam Slabaides. the Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures, 82 Bob Woolf; or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avalanche} or, Wild Edna, the Gir) Brigand. 58 Jim Bludsoe, JIr., the Boy Phenix, 61 Buckhorn Bill; or, The Red Rifle Team. 92 Canada Chet ; or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 118 Jaek Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Bonanza till, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Bossa Bob the King of Boothlacks 141 Solid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. 181 Wild Frank tfe Buckskin Bravo; or, Lady Lily’s Love, 286 Apollo Bill, the Trail Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young Gladiator; or, The Locked Valley. 278 Jumbe Joe, the Boy Patrol; or, The Rival Heirs, 299 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker, 808 ’Liza Jane, the Gir! Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. B80 Little Qu!ck-Shots or, The Dead Face of Daggersville, 858 Fireat-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher. 878 Nabob Ned; or, The Secret of Slab City. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 438 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher; or, A Son’s Vengeince, 486 Sealakin Sam, the Sparkler, or The Tribunal of Ten, 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Rever ue Spotter. BY J. ©. COWDPRIOK, 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, , ea} Brendway. paihe'e Boome or, Clearing a Strange Case rondway y's city. 557 Broadway Billy’s Peath Racket. 579 Broadway Billy’s Surprise Party, 605 Broadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning, 628 Breadwhy Billy’s Dead Aets or, The League ot Seven. 669 Broadway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack fn Frisco. 675 Broadway ee. ta CL or, Beating San Francisco's Finest. 687 Broadway Billy in Clover, s+ tanto he ay, i. Foran or, The River Rustlers, roadway y’s Brand, Z1L Broadway Billy at Santa Fe; or, The Clever Deal. b+ pecadwey yt des Lp poe ng or, The Gamin Detective, roadway y’s Business, 78S Broadway Billy’« Curtous Case, 758 Broadway Billy tn_Denver. ‘es read way uly Vereains, or. The Three Detective. roadway VY» the Retriever Detective. 775 Broadway Billy’s Shadow Chase. 788 Broadway Billy’s Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 786 Broadway RBilly’s Team; or, The Combine’s Big Pull. ioe eeaewey arse aeets or, ~ Dead Alive. roaawa ya ueer equcet. 800 roadway Billy Baflled, 805 Broadway Billy ignal Scoop. 810 Broadway Billy's Wipe Out. 815 Broadway Billy’s Bank Racket. 821 Broadway Billy’s Bluff. 826 Broadway. Billy Amene Jersey Thugs. 888 Broadway Billy’« Raid, 889 Broadway Billy's Big Boom, 844 Broadway Billy’s Big Bulge. 849 Broadway Billy's #100,006 Snap. rrr pooas way panes nena) or, The Bootblack Stowaway. roadway n London, S68 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. | 874 Broadway Billy’s French Game. 880 Broadway Billy and the Bomb-Throwers, 918 The Tromp Dock-Boy. 912 Train Boy Trist’s Hot Hustle, 906 Satety Sam, the Cyele Sport. 900 Jumping Jack’s Jubilee. S87 Battery Beb, theDock Detective, 860 Milver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Keys. 869 Shasta, the Gold Kings or, For Seven Years Dead, 420 The Detective’a Apprentice; or, A Boy Without a Name, Cibuta Jonny; or, Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout, 467 Disco Dan, the Daisy Dude. 506 S aeay bel Ralph. the Prince of the Road. 524 The Engineer Detective; or, Redlight Ralph’s Resolve 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 671 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 592 The Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascals Out. 615 Fighting Narry the Chief of Chained Cyclone, 640 Bareback Beth, the Centaur of the Circle, Tyrewriter Tilly, the Merchant’s Ward. 659 Moonlight Morgan the * Pizenest’’ Man of Ante Bar, 894 Arizona Dick’s Wtpe-Out. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 190 Dandy Darke}; or, The Tigers of High Pine. 216 Faro Frank; or, Dandy Darke’s Go-Down Pard« 818 The Hustler Rogue-Catcher. 888 Peker Pete’a Double Dedge, ~ 851 The Tie-To Sport 3; or, High Hustling at Sinners’ Flat, S88 Monte Saul, the Spert. 901 Diamond Dave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, 919 Crack-Shot Dats«y’s Drop, BY HAR@LD PAYNE. 848 Dan, the River Sports or, Foiling the Frisco Sharp, 892 Bowery Ben in Chinatown. 911 Bowery Bob, the East-side Detective, BY BUFFALO BILL (lon. Wm. F, Cody.) , 8 Ranege King} or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantem Spy: or, The Pilot of the Pratrie, 55 Peadly-Eye. the Unknown Scout, or, The Banded Br 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairle Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Cotforade t or, The Trapper’s Troat, 7 BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. 908 New York Nat’s Double. 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado. 896 New York Nat tn Gold Nugget Camp. S89 New York Nat’s Deadly Deal, S88 New York Nat’s Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’s Trump Card. ST7L New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls. 865 New York Nat's Masked Mascot, 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’s Kidnapper Knock-Out. 847 Dick Doow’s Ten Strike. ‘ $42 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand. 772 Dick Doom’s Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny, T7ZZ Dick Doom’s Destiny; or, The River Blackleg’s Terror. 784 Dick Doom; or, The Sharps and Sharke ot New York. 788 Dick Doom in Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks. 798 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 798 Dick Doom in the Wild West. 808 Dick Doom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in a Clue, 808 Dick Doom’s Death Clue. S18 Dick Doom’s Diamond Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. 829 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Bick Doom’s Big Haul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trali. 756 Dashing Charlie’« Destiny; or, The Renegade’s Captive, 760 Dashing Charlie’a Pawnee Pard. 786 Dashing Charlle, the Rescuer. 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the Comanche’s Captive. 748 Buck Taylor’s Boys; or, The Red Riders of the Rio Grande, 560 Pawnee BUHL, the Prairie Shadower. 18 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy. 19 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom. 725 Puwuee Billy or, Daring Dick, 692 Redtern’s Curlous Case: m, The Rival Sharps. 697 Kedtern at Devil’s Ranch; or, The Sharp from Texas. 702 Redfern’s High Handy or, Blue Jacket. Redfern’« Last Trail; or, The Red Sombrero Rangers. 668 Red Kalph'’s Kusey or, The Buccuneer Midshipman, 674 Red Ralph’s Bold Game; or, The Wizard Sailor, 679 Red Ralph, the Shadower; or, The Freebooter’s Legacy, 644 Butterfly Billy’s Disguise. ? 650 Butterfly Billy, the Pony Express Rider. 656 Butterfly Biliy’s Man Hunt, 662 Kutterfly Billy’s Bonanza. 565 Kent Kingden; or, The Owls of the Overland. 570 Kent Kingdon’s Shadower ; or, the Card Queen, 575 Kent Kingdon’s Duel; <r, The Surgeon Scout. SE Kent Kingdon’« Room; «7, The Buckskin Avenger. 545 Lafitte Run Dewn; or, The Buccaneers of Barrataria, 550 Lalitte’s Legacy; or. The Avenging Son. : 555 Lalitte’s Confession: or, The Creole Corsair. And Fifty Others. BY JO PIERCE, 89T Rob o’ the Bowery ; ot, The Prince of Mulberry Street, 415 The Vagabond Detective; or, Bowery Bob’s Boom, 452 Motapur Beb, the Street-Boy Detective. 460 The wyer’s Shadow; or Luke’s Legacy. 472 Jaunty JOG, the Young Horse-King. 494 Surly Sim, the Young Ferryman Detective, 504 Five Points Phil, the Pavement Prince, 509 Jaek J ers, the Butcher Boy Detective. 516 Tartar Tim} or, Five Pointe Phil’s Menagerie, 626 North River Nat, the Pier Detective. 688 Wrestling Rex, the Pride ofthe Sixth Ward, BAL Jeff Flicker. the Stable Boy Detective, 5651 Nick Nettle, tle Boy Shadow; or, The Old Well Mystery, 5659 Harlem Jack, the Office Boy Detective. 669 Brooklyn Ben, the On-His-Own-Hook Detective, 577 Pavement Pete the Secret Sifter. 588 Jack-o’-Lantern, the Under-Sea Prospector, HOR. Wide-Awake Bert, the Street-Steerer. 614 Whistling Jacob, the Detective’s Aid. 628 Buck Bamblebec, the Harlem Hummer, 689 Sunrise Saul, the Express-Train Ferret. nat ne 649 Gamin Bob, the Bowery Badger; or, Scooping a Slippery Set. 658 Sky-Rocket Rob, the Life-Saver. 688 Saltpeter Sol, the New York Navigator. 694 Rpley Jim, the Only One of His Kind. 706 Tom Thistle, the Road-House Detectives , T1Z Mosquito Jack, the Hustler Gamin, 726 Denni« Duff the Brown Sporla Kid. 744 Diek of the Docks, the Night- Watch. 765 Flipper Flynn, the Street Patro!. 271 Foxy Fred's Odd Pard; or, The Keener’s Huge Hustle, TEL Cast-Off Cale, the Scapegoat Detective. 824 Rowery Billy, the Banco Bouncer, 887 The Big Four of the Bowery. 846 Buck, the New York Sharper. 850 The Grand Street Arab. 855 The West Broadway Gamin. 860 The Boant-Club Mascot; or, Dan Decker’s Double Dest 864 The Union Square Baggage Boy. S78 The Street Arab’s Blind. S86 The Five Potuta Lodging House Janitor.’ 890 Ace High, the Tramp Card Detective. 895 Fifth Avenue Fred, the Valet Detective. S99 Basement Kert, the Bov Cobbler Detective. 908 Billy Blue- Blazes, the Dodger of the Docks. 907 Reddy Rusher, Kell- Boy 4-11-44, 915 Flip Flasher, Ferret, of East Broadway. LATEST AND NEW ISSUES. 920 New York Nat Trapped; or, The Texan Tenderfoot Crook-Tracker. By Col. P. Ingraham 921 The Boy from Denver; or, Fighting the Toughs of Dead- set. By T. C, Harbaugh. 922 Sol Sharpe, Detective; or, Hayseed Raniwsey’s Double Find. By Edward L. Wheeier, 928 Gold-Dust Dan’s Snap-Shot; or. The Deadwood Speca- lator’s Blind, By John W., Osbon. 924 Big Root« Bob, the Fire-Laddie; or, The Dandy De- tective’s Double-up, By J, C, Cowarick. 925 The Young Cowboy Captain; or, Rounding-up the Greasers. By T. J, Flanagyn. 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret; or, Ihe Girl Maseot’s Best Score. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 927 Kid Bandy’s Brigade in Arizona; or, Biack Vulcan’s Redwood Terrors. By O11 Coomes. : 928 Deadweod Dick, Jr.» at_Dollaryille ; or, The Irish- mau’s Sweepatakes. By E. L. Wheeler. 929 Buffalo Bill’s Crack-shot Pards or, The Tenderfoot ip the Wild West. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 980 Kuatler Ralph the Boy Spotter; or, Jigger’s Grana Bulge. Vy J. . Cawdrick. 981 The Sport in Velvet; er, Billy Bird’s Big Boom, By Win. R, Eyster. 982 New York Nat’s Drop. By Col. P. Ingraham. 988 The Two ‘Midshipmen; or, The Corsair-Chaser’s First Cruise. By T. J. Flanagan. : A New lesue Every Tuesaday. The Half-Dime Library is for sale by all newsdeanlers, hve Gente por copy, or sant by mail on receipt of alx conte each. BEADLE AND ADAMA, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York,