Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 962) (1895 12 31)
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m0 a) ; a yy eee it “LX Fat et at | b; SX = = la i a at Pl a a i a i a a 1. as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. ¥, Post Office, ___ Copyrighted 1895, by BEADLE AXD ADAMS, — SS lll eS ™™ SS ; a 7, ei Price, 5 cents. $2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS, ./ ry No. 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, ‘ J HUNT HY lve RNY = ¢ I it 7 > Wy " j be ss 009; FLIP-FLAP!” AND THE QUEER SHOWMAN GRINNED WI8 DELIGHT ATT HIS ELECTRIC KNOOK-OUT, = | | a a ax? oy ae one, | (
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AT HARD PANS: OR, The Stroller Showman’s Shake-Up, BY WM. R. EYSTER, AUTHOR OF ‘‘ DANDY DARKE,” ‘‘ FARO FRANK,” ‘* HARRY WINKLE’S LONG CHASE,” ETO, ‘ CHAPTER I... THE WONDERFUL WHEEL, “ Trp ws a case, mister, an’ I'll bring yer luck. I’m Little Limberleg, ther boy with ther glass nose. Mammy’s dead, an’ daddy’s dead, an’ ez fur me—look at me! { speak fur meself, I war blowed up in ther big 'xploshun, an’ that leg’s bin soever sence, Ican’t work; I don’t keer ter play, an’ all round it’s a thunderin’ bad fix fur : por ov my size. W’ot yer goin’ ter do’bout t The benevolent-looking stranger, with the long, flaxen locks, and the e-blue eyes, re garded the boy with a mil 7 curious gaze, while Little Limberleg swung his right leg back- ward and forward and around in a bewildering sort of way, that suggested that it was either without a bone, or was a fraud altogether. With a leg like that it seemed a happy miracle that the boy could crawl, let alone walk, other- wise ha was better-looking than the average, having an intelligent face, clear, ferret-like eyes, and a sturdy form. ‘*Jewhillikins! Ef that’s a nat’ral leg, an’ kin be put to ary use, it’s a wonder an’ no mistake, Kin’ yew walk on it? Ef yew kin ther’s a fortin’ in it, an’ no mistake—sure ez my Dame air Amariah Azariah Holdfast, Why, ther’s men by ther cord ez would give a dollar tew see that leg. I'll yive two—ef yew take it off.” “Yer thinks ther fints onscrews, does yer; an’ ther hull thing a frand? Ye’r’ mistooken, stranger. It’s jest ther natur’ ov ther b’aste, Ef it’s charity yer bin a-thinkin’ ov don’t wait no longer. Bin three weeks toa day sence I hed a squar’ meal, an’ two sence I tasted water. It’s coin I’m afther, an’ not good advice,” Azariah Holdfast was a likely-looking object for an appeal of this kind to reach, He was tenderfoot all over—tall, gaunt and ungainly in build, and with the unmistakable look of a man whose proper place was in the rural districts. It seemed as though, if he had any business in Hard Pan, it was peculiarly un- fortunate, That camp was of the kind that swallows such men at a mouthful. Limberleg was pretty certain that he saw the hand of the stranger go into a ket, and come out not altogether empty. He held up his hands and Azariah cast @ coin. But, even as sharp a boy as Limberleg will sometimes slip upon asure thing. He saw the coin—it was a great, big, old-fashioned dollar of our daddies. He saw the motion of Holdfast’s hand; saw the dollar leave it and come spinning toward him; and he made a grab accordingly. The trouble was that when his fingers closed thedollar was not there! It spun past his hands; he heard behind him a low, silvery laugh, and turning, saw a . Birk with a coin in her hand. Azariah had pitched it with a double curve, and never having had a chance for practice on the twist, Limberleg did not ‘‘ get onto him” at the first trial. But, the girl troubled him more than the loss of thecoin, He had hitherto seen no girl, and had not suspected her presence, Who was she. and what was she doing in the company of Azariah Amariah Holdfast? She gazed at the boy; smiled; nodded; and then threw the dollar down at bis feet, “There, Little Limberleg, if you need it you may haveit. Father did not mean to make you feel badly, or angry, but it is a way he has, WwW hen you know him better you will laugh too.” The ee? scratched his head, looked at the coin, and at the two—first at the girl, and then at Amariah, ** A kitten she be, Amariah, full of fun, an’ velvet on her paws. Mebbe there’s claws, too? Does she bite?’ and without wai for an an- swer, he bent over backward, slowly and with ect balance, until the to of his head touched heels, and his body and formed a perfect imitation of a round “*O.” Down went his hands, up went his heels, and Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan upside down he marched on his hands toward | Flip-Flap Fred oldfast, holding the dollar in his moutn. When he was within a yard he came rigbt side up with a thump, and extended the coin. ** Take her back, mister, take her back! I don’t d’serve it, A boy ez kin be fooled that easy o’rt ter be starved, an’ that’sa fact, An’ Azariah, I’m hungry, an’ that’s gospel; but i ain’t jest so shoal on ther bar thet f ean’t whack up ther price on a squar’ meal al’a’secoad-class hash-house when I git ter Hard Pan. That what I tole yer war all bizziness; this here be suthin’ else, See?” He drew a handful of coin out of his pocket, shook them in his two closed hands until they clinked together noisily, and then sent them rattling back to their place, Azariah had calmly taken bis dollar again, and was vgs Bogen listening. He did not seem surprised at the display of capital made by Limberleg; nor did he when the boy began to revolve with a succession of back handsprings, that increased in rapidity until he seemed to go around the patch of level turf like a turning- wheel. Twice, or almost twice, he made the circuit; and then suddenly stopped in front of the girl, ‘* How’s that, little one? Fur a poor offling, can’t I sling on style? W’ot I war tellin’ ther old man war all guff. I’m Fairy Fred, ther boss boy ov North Ameriky, an’ I’m goin’ inter Hard Pan ter make a fortun’, Now, who be ou?’ i wad ak looked inquiringly at Amariah, who nodd Meantime the boy went on: ‘*T cottoned to yer at fu’stsight. Thoselaughs ov yourn—silver bells ain’t nowhar! An’ them eyes! ’Lectric batt’ries nowhar, neither. I’m all gone, right off ther han’le. Pat it thar, retty pard, an’ ‘sider me yer solid fr’en’ till eath, Wot did yer say I'll call yer? I'd orter know, ’cos you an’ me’s like ter run in one ring —fur a while, anyhow.” The girl was still smiling as she answered: ** You talk too much, No one can get a word in edgeways. Iam no pard of yours, and I do not know that ays are my friend; but, I like you. I shall tell you who I am because father says I may; but, don’t be foolish. He may take a notion not to like you, and that is always bad for little orphans. Suppose he blew bad luck at ou-—you would lose your money, you would be hungrier than ever, and you couldn’t turn any more wheels, or anything. Oh, father Holdfast ean be a terrible man when he wants to!” ‘*W’o’s ther chatterbox now?” Ov all heaps ov talk *thout sayin’ nothin’ this takes ther cake’ Maybe you noticed that I war slightulally irreg- ular in my opticks—w’ich makes me a trifle hard ov hearin’, Say it a leetle slower this time; an’ not much more ov arything else, Me mind’s kind ov weak an’ wanderin’, | reckon; dunno ez I kin take in more at a time.” “Funny Fanny!” and she looked at him gravely as a judge while she pronounced the two words, The boy gave a quick glance over his shoulder at the spot where Azariah had been standing, but the man was gone! and Fairy Fred—or Little Limberleg, as he had first called himself— was alone in the dingle with the young girl. ‘* Honest Injuv, be that yer reg’lar, go-ter- dinner name an’ han’le?” ** Honest Injun.” “That’s funny, Fanny! Our names be purty much ov a muchness, an’ a good bit alike, 1 hey a strawberry mark on me arm—hev you? Might be my Jong lost sister, don’cher know,” ‘'No, Little Limberleg, I have no such mark on my arm, and you are not my brother. Don’t be foolish. What are you going to do at Hard Pan?” ; ‘Goin’? ter turn wheels an’ flip-flops, an’ make my everlas‘in’ fortun’, When a git in ther fine touches I jest throw ’em all cold; I parellize ’em, I break ’em all up, an’ snatch em bald-headed, But I say, Fan! don’t it strike you ez a great pity thet ye’r’ otherwise ed? Ef I hed a likely-lookin’ leetle gal round ther hat w’ile I war more like you ter trottin’ ’bout, heels up, I’d rake in a hea ov ther dust. You couldn’t be indoosed ‘*No, Freddy, I think not, I have enough to do without that, You have never tried Hard Pan, lam not sure that the partnership would y. They may not care for your wheels and Rip tape. Then what is to of yout The town is a wicked one, It = up young children like you as though they were early onions. I prefer Azariah. Perhaps, if you in ey My to ask sr rag would take as en we cou together more each other, Shall I speak to him about it?” “Don't ‘know "bout that, Mebbe Amariah may makea fortin’, but whar, oh, whar would | J kim in at? W’ot mought he be doin’ thar? | Now IL see him, an’ now I don’t see him. Thar’sa myst’ry ’bout bim, an’I ain’t so sure it wouldn’t pay ter foller it up. You cert’ that er wasn’t dragged off frum yer home in child- ood’s happy hours; an’ that ther’ ain’t no rich rient realy ter stack up a big pile ov duckuts ur me a-bringin’ yer inf You aiv’t no kith ner kin ter Holdfast, that I'l] swear to.” “‘Don’t swear, little boy, or the fish won’t bite.” Little boy, nothin’! I’m bigger an’ older ner you be; an’ ther fish w’ot I wants ’ll come soon ernuf.. Don’t come peekin’ an’ peerin’ inter yer Uncle Ezra’s affairs. ‘*T think you are as anxious as [ to peek and peer. But we don’t mind it one bit. Stay with us to-night, and look us all over. Azariah will give you a bed under the wagon, and in the morning we will ali go into the town together, You shall have some supper, too, if you are a good boy. I think that father Holdfast has gone to start the fire now.” “Then you ain’t trav’lin’ afoot-back! Good! I war thinkin’ ov makin’ a camp meself, an’ don’t mind j’inin’ forces. You kin furnish ther grub, I'll stake up mp blet te, an’ we'll sbeer.an’ sheer alike, ’Bout whar may that camp be?” ‘+ Come and we willsee, It seems tome that I can smell the smoke already. Can’t you?” ** I smell fresh meat, an’ 1 reckon he’s a-cook- in’ ovit. Lead on, me noble nibsess. I would- n’t d’zert yer—fer less ner a dollar.” At the further end of the dingle some huge trees concealed the bend in the banks of the shallow ravine beyond. Still further on there was a small, natural amphiteater, where the fire was built, over which was toasting the fresh meat whose presence the boy had so promptly discovered, Fred’s 6yes were as quick as his nose. As he came in sight of the fire, with Azariah bending over it, he gavea start. He had discovered the resence of come @me alse. and he caught Fanny y ths arm as hispered sharply into her nobody! Ther’s some one a peek at him afore this ~%, ear, ‘* Say nothin’ else there, an’ I w. thing goes fur’der,” “ All right, little Limberleg ; but I did not think you were such a coware,” “ Coward goes tell I kin find Gut Sa'thin’ bet- ter. But ef that’s ther kind ov frien’s Amariar hez I dunno eal want ter j’ine his combination. Ah, he’s snookin’ ‘round this way, Good- mornin’!” and without waiting for answer he slid off into the bushes, in spite of the warning whisper—almost a cry—that Fanny sent after him. Nevertheless, he heard it—and understood it when he heard a deep grow], and saw an immense ee] slowly rise up, until it stood erect and facing im. CHAPTER II. A BOY FOR THE BUSINESS, BEARS havea certain unreliability about their tender mercies that makes them objects of in- terest to the boy of moderate bigness, Some- thing of the same kind has been observed con- cerning the nature of the boys, but that does not count for much with the bears. Fair® Fred was not overwhelmed. The bear had evidently been routed from a snooze, and if it had been untamable, or very fierce, it would doubtless have interviewed A mariah before this, Naturally enoug), the Hf being in the habit of thinkin papery decid at once that this was Amariah’s property, Bat, how was Holdfast’s chattel going to take this intrusion? There was some risk. Fred hak gn ‘aauiiae ** Easy by jerks, old fellow hispered «Ht I could ’ford it I'd ran—hard. now Lain’t runnin’, an’ ef ther’s ary ser’us diff’- rens ov 'pinyun I’d jest ez soon talk it over some other time. Stiddy, ez yer be! Nevertheless, the bear advanced. He was in no very good hamor, and to Fred he looked as though he had an eye to busivess. It wag some- thing of a relief when he saw Fanny glide past 9m and fearlessly lay her band on the head of © animal, “Down, Dandy, down!” she said in a whis- per; and without ‘a second’s hesitation Dandy the ground, Ti fellow, un Lie still there, old + thd ~ The bear gave a little sniff of regret, as if to say that the friend might nevertheless be very good eating. Then he ws Silent, while ut, jest carat
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away. As they left Bruin and the camp-fire behind, Fred did not object. After awhile Fanny halted, ** What d» you know about Nestor Northrup?” she asked, looking keenly at the boy as she spoke. Pt Don't know nothin’ ’bout him; but I war mighty much afeared that he might know some- thin’ bout me/ He’sa snooper frum ’way back, an’ a bad man on wheels, ef these fone ov mine be wu’th much, W’ot’s he doin’ td He has business with father, and will hardly notice a boy like you, If you wish to keep out of his sight remain here a while, He will not stay long, and when he is gone I will come and let you know.” ** That’s ther prezact size ov it, ef he kin tear hisself away frum sich fascinating s’ciety ez yourn in a reasonable time. An’fur Dandy —keep him whar he won’t git hurt. I’m offal tender-hearted, but I can’t a bear,” pares Fi. Sa seemed as though she was always laughing—nodded—and went away. Then Fred, after carefully looking around, went away also. Ge crept, Hecrawled. He glided. oiselessly and by slow degrees he wormed his way toward the fire, and the two men that were talking together. His curiosity got the better of his fears—if he had any—and e acted as though he was willing torun a few risks to gain a little information. The conversetion was in a low tone, and yet loud enough for the listener to hear the most of it, after he got into position. The visitor, whom he had recognized as Nes- tor Northrup, was king. “That sort of talk is played out, my friend. You may as well confess, You followed me here, If I had not friends who keep me posted on all that is going on, you would have kept wmtepty uiet until the time came for you to strike, If [ find you within twenty miles of Hard Pan by this time to-morrow night, you will turn your toes up to, the daisies, never md what don’t mean; end Iam saying all of is, “T want tew know!” answered Amariah, quite coldly. ‘‘ Yew have bin sayin’ a lot ov stuff, more or éss Latin an’ Greek. I don’t know uy Such man ez yew menshun; an’ ez fur yew, I never see yew afore,» Ef yew fool round ther bizziness end ov a ho’net, yew’ll be apt tew find out how sharp-set he kin be when he’s in right-down airnest.” ‘Pooh, Cyrus Dawling! You were a coward then, and you are a coward now! I am not afraid unless you shoot at my back; but I have no time to watch you. The easiest plan is to give you fair oavsing: Then, if you don’t get —down you go!” ** An’ what will I be doin’? This air a free country, an’ I reckon I'll stay, Now, ef yew hev ary occasion, yew kin set up, an’ hey some supper, Ef yew ain’t, I’d jest ez soon yew pped my camp, onless yew got suthin’ more important than all that.” Nothing more important—for you. There may be some other things that I might men- tion, but for a man that seems as dead bent on sudden death as you do,I do not think it is worth while to speak of them. If I have not said cna to warn you—beware!” Amariah looked coolly after the retreating feure untilit faded from sight in the evening gloom. Then he busied himself with his pots and kettles, as if he thought there was no here- after—or~none, at least, in connection with his late visitor. There was @ person who thought he had not heard all that could be heard; that person was Little Limberleg. He kept very quiet until Nestor. Northrup had passed his hiding-place, and then followed silently. It was not hard to do; andhe had hisreward. By and by Northrup halted and gave a Jow whistle, which was an- swered by the same kind of a sound, and he was joined by a man who had evidently been in waiting. It wag pet but the boy crept nearer, until Northrup could almost have touched him with an ordinary cane, if one had been in his hand. By that time the first burst of confidence was over, but there were still poe enough to pay Fred for his trouble. The first thing he heard was: “Yes, dead sure, I gave bim fair Hoehag too. For the sakeof the girl he may takeit, If he was alone I would le on it that he would make a straight plunge into Hard Pan.” “ And make th hty lively for the bo if he is as brisk as ceeter, irl did you? No mistake there?” You saw the ening him, though, All the good of that was to put him on his guard.” ** Rudge! told him he must look out for me he'll close his eyes to-night, See that you 8 your lambs ready for the frolic.” They separated without discovering the pres- ence of the boy, and departed in different direc- tions, After be was certain that they were out of hearing Fred arose, and made his way back to the spot where Fanny had left him, @ was afraid that she had come for him in his absence, and was trying, as he went along, to frame an answer that would suit her questioning in such a contingency. He found, however, that the girl wos talking in a low tone with Azariah, and so interesting was their conversation that the two had forgotten their supper. What more likely than that they had forgotten him? He coughed slightly, as a means of attrac their attention, and saw the girl turn tow him with a start, She said something to Hold- fast, and then came gliding back. “You must forgive me for not yt bony’ my peng sooner, but the time faster than knew. Come, Iam afraid that you are al- most starved. You should not have waited af- ter you saw that the man was gone,” = Roches that’s what Dandy thought. He war kind ov encouragin’ me, but I ’magined I or ly introod. I mou’t be hungrier, but then I'd be a-starvia’,” He spoke as though he meant it, but his re- mark hardly drew the sympathy that one would have thought the occasion deserved, Fanny actually looked at him with suspicion ; but led the way to the improvised feast, Fred followed his conductor, and took a seat at what he could but confess was a much more bountiful board than he had expected to see, The supper was a matter of business with the boy, and he wasted no time in remarks, When he had finished he was full, and for a little time thereafter was silent, sitting by the side of the fire while his entertainers put away the frag- ments of the feast, and the articles of table use, After a time Azariah came and sat down be- side him, and produced a pipe. He was thought- ful, and not inclined to talk. As for Fanny— she had retired to the wagon. The wagon was canvas-corered, and was pda by a lantern that swung from its roof, The boy had not a chance to see inside, since the curtains were down; but the vehicle had a com- fortable and at the same time a Gypsyish look, that made it very attractive to his young eyes. “Yew don’t smoke?” queried Holdfast, after a long silence. ‘*Nary smoke! Ain’t old ernuf ter use it ter advantage, an’ bin kinder savin’ it up fur a new oo Sages Hage eee Neher ac ov tg be other- se pu nigh played out. begin ter smoke when my Leards grown, an’ ther nat’ral *looshuns ov youth ain’t ez strong ez they be at Nothin’ like keepin’ a leetle capita! ter ‘all back on,” Amariab looked him over again, with new interest, The little touch of philosophy was a revelation—if it was founded on fact. “Tf yew keep in with Amariah a while, mebbe yew will never learn, an’ then yew will miss one good thing in life. Better begin now. “Think Dll be cut off in ther bloom ov m youth, eh? Don’t reckon so. Bin throug everythin’ thet kin phaze a boy ov my bigness —fire, bullits, water an’ alli—an’ here I am yit. Ther’s nothin’ fur me ter try but old age; an’ that’s along way off. Atleast, I’m a-gamblin’ on it, Ef you're willin’, I’m agreeable; an’ we'll make a boss team, an’no mistake,” “I’m not denyin’ thet I hev some idear ov takin’ yew in tow. I might find use fur a boy ov yewr style, ef I war sure thet I could trust him. An’ ef, after tryin’ him, I found I conldn’t, it would be mighty bad fur that boy. Yew think thet you sabbe?” “Mister Holdfast, I cottoned to you an’ Fan ther minnit I see’d yer. I got ez much nerve ez ther next boy, an’ [ don’t talk fura cent. T: me; ef I don’t pan out ter suit, why, I’m Little Limberleg, ag’ip, an’ you kin paddle yer own canoe “T hey give yew warnin’, an’ ef yew live threw tew-night, an’ suit, we'll go tergether in ther mornin’. “Good chance ter hev our throats cut, hev we? I ain’t afeard! I hey a weepin, an’ kin 3 take keer ov me an’ Fan, ef you xin look out fur yerself, Signs do look ez though ther’ was goin’ ter be blood on ther moon.” The boy took a revolver out of his bundle, thoughtfully raised the hammer, and made the cylinder revolve until he was sure that every barrel was in working order. Then he thrust it into a receptacle that was under his jacket, and looked up inquiringly at Ama- ria h. ‘Yew may understand thet ther’s danger; but yew may not know thet ef it comes yew must dance ez Azariah whistles,” ‘* Ef you're ther boss P Any kin spread ther lay- out ter suit yerself. hat do yer think are goin’ ter be ther trouble? Ary thing in ther natur’ ov a gang?” “Yes; a gang thet will be ‘round tew-night to take Fanny an’ kill Amariah. £f they find any small boys lookin’ on, they will be goin’ fur them, too.” “That's re Sevcig like - see, Heva rye ter keep yer D, aD corpusses . Im erly Azariah, an’ ef they kin ated 7 I kin, Bring on ther gang.” CHAPTER III, EBENEZER CROFUT HAS STRANGE VISITORS. HARD Pan was brisk and populous. As a mining center it was catching all the floating pulation that was unattached, and that by Lon or crook could get there. There were solid citizens, who bad come to stay; and there were others who only wanted to skim the cream off of the pickings,and then goon, There were miners and mines; gambling-houses and f compra roughs and rough Fea pee all in addition to the ple and places that made up the solid part of the town. Ebenezer Crowfut came early. He brought a little capital, which he had embarked purely in a mercantile venture. He had we be- —_ his expectations, and when this story pro e was one of the responsible business men of the place, who was generally respected as an honest man, and a prosperous one, The rougher por- tion of the community let him alone altogether, and the balance delighted to do him honor. When he first settled in Hard Pan some one dubbed him ‘‘Old Slow and Sure,” and he was sometimes called that name yet, The day this story opens he was sitting on the stool that was behind his desk in the little cud- dy-hole that had been partitioned off at vhe rear of the store, and which was known as the office, A knock on the side of the partition, near the door, caused him to look up from the books that had been claiming his attention, ** Come in!” he called, and the door opened. As he heard no step he naturally looked up over the desk, In spite of himself, and his usual serenity of nerve, he gave a little start of surprise at what he saw. Standing on the threshold was a lady, dressed as he bad not seen a feminine or years; and holding by the hand a girl. They stood in silence, loo timidly into the room, and Mr, Crowfut’s invitation to enter seemed to have startled them. The elder looked down at the younger, and the child answered by a reassuring pressure of the hand. Then they advanced a or two, and were standing in the middle of the office, the door of which the child closed behind them. Over the top of the desk, Mr, Crowfut and the lady looked at each other, until the gentle- man broke the silence. “Sorry madame that I cannot offer you a ons Is there any way in which I can serve ou ‘*T hardly know how to approach you, sinée itis with what must seem to you a curious re- quest. Ihave heard you spoken of, Mr, Crow- fut, as a man of honor, as well as of charity. I desire to—” The sound of hasty footsteps bebind her inter- rupted the lady. She ceased speaking, and looked back over her shoulder, just as the door opened, and a singular looking man appeared, his eyes fixed full on hers, Without a word the lady threw up her hands, sn in what seemed a dead faint fell to the oor. “Dear me!” cried Mr. Crowfut, addressing the man, rising as he spoke, and starting to come around the desk; ‘* what does this mean? Who are you, and what are you doing here?” ** This means, sir,” answered the man with the : aed es, ‘that you were almost the prey of @ wiliest, most designing adventuress that ever lived, Ifshe had ever told you her story, and she has a different one for every place, you would have been lost.”
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4 Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. * **But, sir, she did not tell me her story, although she had my permission to do so, You interrupted ber before I had a chance to judge for myself. By what right did you do that? { must say that tuis intrusion is unwarrantable << sd part. What have you tu say for your- se And while Ebenezer Crowfut was speaking a was also gathering the lady up from the oor. She did not seem to be senseless, but rather as though some violent shock had deprived her of all physical strength. One thing was remarkable: the child appeared neither alarmed at the appearance of the man nor at the sudden faintness of her elder com- ion, who, from the resemblance of the two aces, Crowfut susp2cted of being her mother. Ebenezer was couscious, also, of a strange thrill passing through his frame as he lifted the lady from the floor and placed her on the stool which he tad lately occupied, That was not the kind of a resting-place he would have chosen for her, but it was the best that his office afforded, and it gave him an excuse to support her in the half-reclining position that he had caused her to essume, somewhat wedged into the corner of the office, with the child and himself barring out the man who now stood at the end of the desk, sur- veying them all with a stranger smile than ever. ‘¢ You have your hands full now, Mr. Crow- {nt, and if you are like the generality of man- kind you would not listen to my story with any- thing like an unbiased mind while you have your arm around that rer, When sbe ig will- ing to come to her senses I will be happy to tell you whatI knowabouther, Shethen can affirm or deny, as she pleases. My name is Jarvis Jackson, and by profession I am a detective,” “ Well, sir, what have Il todo with your pro- fession? I have no desire to arrest any one. I shall not interpose, if bg can show me any au- thority, if you arrest this lady right here in this office, But if you have no such authority, and have come here solely for the purpose of malign- ing her, I want you to goout before I throw you out. I have succeeded in taking care of myself this far in hfe, and I fail to see that I need your assistance at this late day.” ‘* On, dear, no, sir. If had no idea of meeting the lady in your office, I did not know or sus- pect that she was within a thousand miles of this, My business is of an entirely different character. LI only warned you as a matter of duty. If you think this is an intrusion I will withdraw, though it was a matter of some im- ortance that I wished to speak with you upon. was directed to you by a gentleman named Mackenzie Murdock who seemed to think that I would be at least decently received.” ; ‘* If you have letters from Mr. Murdock I will look at them if you will call again in the course of halfan hour. At present my time is occupied. Good-morning!” Jarvis Jackson was just as iron-clad as to his feelings as the rest of his profession, and there was no signof affronton hisface. Heonly gave another cold glance at the lady, and, without even the ceremony of a bow, took his leave, When he was fairly out of hearing the lady seemed tobe able tospeak, She smiled a little wanly at the gentleman who was so stout in her defense, caught the child up and gave it a long, lingering kiss, and then went on with her story as though there had been no interruption, “Tam here, Mr. Crowfut, in search of my husband, There are several men who are inter- ested in my not finding him, It means over fifty thousand dollars tothem if Iam unsuccessful, or if they can prevent his seeing this child. In ad- dition, there may be a Jarge sum, or there may not, that he has accumul ted by his own labors —for hebas been in the West for a long time, without making a sign.” ** And your husband’s name, madame?” ‘What name he may now bear [ cannot with certainty say, and I almost fear to suggest, lest I cause some innocent person to be viewed by you with an eye of suspicion, Heaven knows that I do not wish him any harm! The name by which be was known when he married me was Simon Sanford,” Ebenezer slowly shook his head, He did not remember any man who answered to that name, **The request Ihave to make of you is no doubta strange one, but I see no other way to provide for the safety of the child. I came to you to beg of you to take her under your safe- keeping for a few days—perhaps weeks—while [ go on in search of my lost husband. I cannotat present watch over her and protect her, while I am engaged in this work, With you I feel as- stay, an’go whenI sez go, Yew got that writ sured that sbe would be safe,” | down in yewr di’ry?”’ The request took Mr. Crowfutby surprise. He ‘‘ All down but nine; set’em up ter suit jer- had prepared himself to hear a plea for money, | self.” orsomething of that kind, and was already de- “Ef yew camp with me tew-night, yew will bating within himself what the answer should | sleep under the waggin an’ stay thar tell Amariah be. He would rather bave heard such a peti- | sez come cat. Ef yew move afore, I wouldn’t tion, too. Then he could be done with the lady, | wonder ef thar war a dead boy ov much yewr who had impressed him peculiarly¥iéven av his | style ov bigness. An’ef yew begin tew sling first glimpse of her. Pi | lead without orders—w’ich same chance it’s To say nothing of the inconvenience, the re- | dubersome ef yew git—yew will hev ther con- ception of the child into his family would with- | sarndest spankin’ yew hev hed sence the fu’st out doubt bring them into intimate relations | time yew played hookey frum school, an’ yewr with this stranger, such as he did not care to | mammy found yew out.” have established at the present time, ** All right, Amariah; I kin foller orders ef it Mrs, Sanford wa him with an air of pain- | bu’sts bizziness—unless lightnin’ strikes your ful interest. She saw the troubled look in his | way. Then reckon I kin boss ther job ter suit eyes, and that he was not inclined to favor her | myself. I wouldn’t bea mite surprised ter see request, ou turn toes up afore mornin’, an’ never know- ith much earnestness she continued, giving | in’ at all how big a fighter I kin be, Oh, you'll him no opportunity for the negative that was | losea heap ef you don’t let me have a teeny on his lips. chance ter hump myself afore yer starts ter ‘‘ Wait a moment. Do not speak until you | climb ther golden stairs, Say! yu't I give hear me further. I do not believe that you | '’em jest one round fur good luck? I really ain’t would do a thing of this kind for pay, if you re- | shot a man fur a week!” fused for the sake of humanity. YetI wish to| ‘* Yew will do nothin’ ov the kind—an’ yew convince you that it is not a charity I now ask | don’t want tew half ez bad ez yew let on, Jest of you—so far, at least, as money goes, At lay yewrself down, an’ ef yew kin sleep straight the same time that I place my daughter in your | threw it will be all the better. What happens charge I wish to put ten thousand dollars in | will be none ov yewr bizziness,” your hands. Then,no matter what happened It was no use to talk to Amariah with the idea to me, she would not be a pauper; nor would | of obtaining information. He was not of the Se be a loser from having befriended the child, | kind to be pumped, even by so shrewd a boy as emember, it is not your wealth I have need of, | Little Limberleg. but your protective care, while lam embarked Seeing this Fred gave up. He was very tired on a mission that, from what [know of the man, | after his bard tramp, the bed under the wagon or men, ibs pee against me, may well end in ) looked quite inviting when Amariah spread it my death, ave you the courage for the un- out; and so, under the vehicle he crawled, dertuking ?” stretching himself out and giving a sigh of re- lief. For a time he felt that he had never been wider awake in his life, If he had only known he was going asleep perhaps the surprise might have kept his eyes Ps Unfortunately, just when he least expec it they closed suddealk ‘* If the child was really and truly an orphan, I would have the courage to defend her against the world—or die trying. If youchoose to place the girl in my care, never offering to see ber or ) me again until the time that you are to finally take her away, she may remain. Otherwise, ; ye I ae have ane ~ vo with ie ee ngee | res a hea = see onan Geek hed mucin ibenezer spoke slowly, and wi s eyes | he en a plunge through the gate of dreams cast Swen, as eboush he was thinking as | and was all unconscious of bis surroundings. hespoke. There was a slow, steady doggedness | Above, in the wagon, ail was silent. There about him that said be had made up his mind, | had not beer a sound from it for an hour. avd would not alter it very soon, Everything went to show thaf the camp was The lady caught him by the hand, ‘A thousand thanks, my friend, if such I may be allowed to call you! I could have asked nothing 0H eg ag eget whatever story you may tell it must no the true one, and see iat Mer Pea Rega your roof, she | making it so Hens 9s er ng Begs approach mus calle ura e. Should you meet , without being clearly visible, et, of what use me by any chance, in the mean time, xan to be | was the precaution that had evidently been taken ee A res, Lane. I do — think Mes pase was Mp on - watch, and the eyil- wi ca on to recognize me, however. In | doers were on the move this package you will find the money of which I| The night went by until the hour had arrived spoke, ll you look it over to see that it is | for the ‘‘ lambs” to be on hand. ot yak Be geod gil and give. Crowes | Half © doseh ton ‘opt aealy through th 6 ’ ve Mr. Crowfu ilen rou e as little trouble as possible. As for you—I shall bushes that surrounded the dings: unti er ane i ire eae oo , ‘, may be able to oe ee the open space where Amaria’ oil the wre ° we *) camp. Hurriedly the lady took her leave. Before Nestor Northrup was there, and so was the — in pies < she vhs gone, and re er iden eee he 4 held the og oy Mey child was sitting demurely on the stool vaca e la gave a low nt as he saw that the by her sneeper, ene at her guardian with wear a 4 shadow, and ong to reach ita curious and unblinking eyes, roa of light would have to be passed. Evenezer returned the gaze with interest.| ‘‘ Looks as if he was as much of a fox as ever, He was actually frightened at the rapidity of _and not very much off eet whispered Be ae enh of which be tad Mineiedly | * Ie he ls cote Mite mith: & vite money, the an a e is waiting for us with a can figured up, with a clutch that showed how ner- — a rian ile ele are can, get to vous he was. : im. Unless we can rout him out—and he’s too “Well, rs ina he said, trying to Sc gre . ag for that—we.can’t do any long range pista leasantly, ‘‘I suppose you and | are going ng on account of the girl, Maybe you would great friends, for a time. How old are | phe step over od 806 if he is at home—and oul” ; t any figure tha ‘Fifteen years old; but, if you please, mam- | you will find him there, ma said it would be better if no one knew it but | “‘Onmy soul, 'hompson, I believe that you yourself, I do not lock so, and if it is not told, | are afraid!” responded Northrup, in the same no oe would suspect cS With my other dresses | euerded tones. ; te. If he i on I am quite a woman. ‘We can wait a few momen e is on ** Bless ae soul!” exclaimed Crowfut, looking | the lookout he will be making the ro nds before her glk s bin i ae — eiy than ees long, to see if there ‘a 7 wee a mihnar 5 ou wou \e ow won ve nm | he don’t come out I will tea ay in. stetadea ” acme: dale men to do more than follow me, and do their share of the work as soon as they get there,” : “ That's the kind of talk we like tobear, If you hadn’t shown up to him to-night the thing would have been safe enough; but as you put was conscious of, or suspected danger. The wagon stood under the shadow of the tree by which it had been halted, bunt the moonlight erp into the little dingle surrounding it, you want to name that CHAPTER IV. A WARM WELCOME, Tux bold front of the boy seemed to amuse Amariab, He smiled and listened; but when Fred ceased speaking he had no explanations to | him on his guard it is no more than square for offer, but several cautious, you to show us that he bas not taken advantage “Very , small boy; very good! I like tew | of it.” ; see spunk, an’ ef it waz yewr camplopine yew| ‘ For that matter, 4 man of his kind is on his would fight ’em desp’rit, accordin’ tew yewr own ard all the time; but to-night he will be pet- sort ov style, But this air my camp, an’ I’m ting all the sleep he can, so a8 to be ready to cay e a long run to-morrow. I wouldn’y won- Y privates what will stay when I sez buried deep ir slumber; and that tiaj.o soul in it.
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4 te ar wilt «+ the girl away, and your fellows can in of t! Wi © !y, one ear all the time turned to catch the \ : ‘ers vould be any difficulty in making the at- t rd ft hort over tiem; and yet there was no sign that Pa J na - a he voice of the stroller grew stern, and from : " n />e thances that you seem to be afraid of, at at Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. iad it in mind to strike out for Dandy ie ls about the sort of place that would | had marched his men, He did not fancy the | . for a refuge. Like as not he knows | job of carrying them back, and they did not look oys over there don’t like my style, and | as though they would be able to move for an ~ ould be tolerably safe,” | hour, even if some of them were not dead, | 1p spoke in a reflective way, the words | Without attempting to start an argument with o be addressed to himself, rather than | the man with the drop, he said as much, mpanion, Thompson understood it so,| ‘‘ Dead, nothin’! They will be ‘round an’ | ‘apson was curious, and could not resist | kickin’ in ther fligpova lamb’s tail. I jest want | : ing for a question, | yew out ov ther’ way when they begin tew jump. | see here. If he knewthat much before- | Yew mow » git hurt, Jest shoulder Nestor | sy didn’t he go there straight, and what Northrup travel. Ther rest will be along | me drifting downhere for? If he knew | when ye™ git thar.” wera here, and he didn’t mean fight, why Without a murmur Thompson did as he was .t 9 stay away? He might have known | ordered. He picked up Nestor Northrup, slung | vould have to cut and run,” | him over his shoulder, and away he marched tell,” answered Nestor, witha shrug of ke Now, Little Limberleg, ef yew air good fur ulders. anything yew kin hev a chance to show it,” con- isa queer sort of a fish anyhow; and ifit | tinued Amariah, as he saw that Thompson was for a cowardly streak when it comes to | out of hearing of the low tone in which he ae might no doubt be a dangerous man, | spoke, -@is DO use to waste time here, Iwill} ‘* Wich ther same will do ter gamble on,” re- | sponded a voice from ‘under the wagon. “* RE you'll tell me how ter do it 'thout gettin’ knocked silly 1’\1 come out ov ther coop an’ take ther heels off ov them jolly roosters while you’re a-countin’ them out, They’re no good j+st now, but ef they come to they might think they was still in ther pit, an’ try ter git in a foul blow.” “Tt air safe ernuf. Scramble out an’ take these strings. Tie’em hand an’ foot, Flip-flap, while I keep ready fur’em with ther shotgun. It won’t do ter let the Philistines hev a chance,” and the queer showman grinned his delight at his electric knock-out. Fred had wakened at the right time, and had seen about all there was to be seen while the fun lasted, Now, he crept out without the least hesitation, took the cords that Amariah threw to him, and proceeded to obey orders in @ very thorough manner. In a few moments he had the men entirely helpless. Then he looked up for further instructions, *‘T hev an idea, now,” said Amariah, looking at bis captives, then at the edge of the dingle where the two were supposed to be, and then at his wagon. “‘T think I will load ’em up an’ take ’em along!” The idea pleased the boy. He laughed softly, nodded his head, and began to turn up his sleeves, as if anxious for the work to begin. And Azsariah was in earnest in the matter, After a little more delay he went inside’ of the Wagon, made a few arrangements, and was ready to store away his cargo. The binding bad been done effectually. The men, now conscious again, could squirm, and make the task of more or less difficulty, but they could offer no effective resistance, hen they attempted to demur Amariah coldly offered to turn on the battery again, under guarantee that there would be no more trouble, As a result they allowed themselves to be hauled into the vehicle without opposition. Then Amariah gave a whistle so low and soft that it could hardly have been heard a hundred yards away; there was a sound of horses’ feet on the turf, and Fanny came up quickly with the team that had been hidden so socurely it had wholly escaped the eyes of Northrup and his men, ** And now fur ther triumphal march ter Hard Pan,” legzhed Limberleg, in high glee as Ama- riah gave the signal to start. » Mm you see me go into the shadow, bring . -nesquietly as youcan, We must tr .@ the old fox by surprise. You and .1e@ work, You must be sure, however, 3 done.” thead! The less you say about that part usiness the better.” » they talked they watched the dingle - rs gsound from the spot where the wagon a ading, butso quiet was it that Thom an to be ashamed of his caution. As ip turned away, all followed him at the »of but a few paces, 1 not take long for them to cover the stance for which the moonlight streamed viah had detected their presence, or that somplete surprise, under the tree, the wagon was visible It was built something after the man- anambulance, It had a cunvas top, and here was a seat on either side that served iby night. Atithe rear end was a door, 28 now open; and from within came the of long, regulr breathing. victim was all ready for the sacrifice! y had to-<io was to throw themselves in onAvnariah, Their weight alone would igh to crush him dewn. They were even tell to a certainty exactly where Hold- it elessly the gang launched at the wagon; ething tnexpected and terrible followed. aa noiseless fla.e the whole place became s day, while the gang was flung back, as 1it had run with full speed against a solid 3 and there they lay, the most of the men aless where they dropped, and one or two sill had the use of their lungs howling loud h to speak for the rest, Northrup was in the advance, he had the t of the full shock, and dropped a little er asleep, if anything, than the rest, mapson, however, was more fortunate, He * received a lighter shock, or it did not the same effect on him. After the first antary yell or two, he recovered his senses sh to understand that if there bad not 4 stroke of lightning, it was the next thing and that they hadrun into a network of i that had given them the benefit of a 1 CHAPTER V. THE HONEY GATHERED AT THE ‘*‘ HIVE.” g electric shock! In front of the ‘‘ Hive” saloon three strollers ren he looked up at the wagon, he saw | halted, just after the dusk of the following eve- fast standing in the little doorway, with a | ning came down, Amariah was there; Fanny le-barreled shotgun in his hands, the muz- | was there; and so, also, was Fairy Fred, the boy with the limber leg, The screeching of the catgut, as Amariah tuned a violin, announced their coming to those inside; and without, quitea crowd of loiterers had already gathered, If Amariah was not al- ready acquainted with his ground he had cer- tainly made a most judicious guess, Nowhere else in Hard Pan would be have hit upon a spot where be would bave stood so good a chance to gather in coin, and at the same time receive de- cent treatment for himself and his protégés while gps ae the avocations they were about toessay. The Hive had all sorts of patrons; but the king-pins of them all were men who were the exponents of fair play, who did not allow non-combatants to be imposed on while within the precincts of the saloon, In this they were only backing up the pete, Harry Harper, who had annow his tentions when he had opened the house in the first place; and with their assistance had been f which was pointed toward the group in opleasantly careless sort of a way! . swow!” grinned Amariah, as he caught sye of Thompson, ‘ef this don’t jest beat reation! Yew fellows must hey run ag’in’ patent, double-geared, back-actin’, bu’glar- £ hoss-net, Fog Ef I'd ’a’ knowed, an’ hedn’t bin in sich a ding-basted hurry, yu’6 hev showed yew ther way out. Ez it guess yew won't need furder instructions. caer ’em tergether, an’ git ’em along outen ze, fur [ don’t feel like er foolin’, an’ et * foolin’ does go furder I'll begin ter shoot, v kin onderstand that, er I’d be sayin’ I’d be -1 @ heap sight wuss.” way he looked along the gun, which he ught toa poise without raising to his shoul- it was pretty plain that he meant ail that aid, if not more, hompson looked to his rear. It was some little distance to the line of trees from which he : able to carry out his intentions ev2n better than ————— ee EEE he had hoped for, Yet there was no place in the town—and there were ‘‘ places” by the score—where there was more fun going on; or more popular with the men who wanted amusement, and were to oe tueir money, and get the worth of it. with the right changeback. Harry Harper sold whisky for a living, and kept several games run- ning for profit; but he was not only willing but anxious to provide other incidentals, for the sake of entertainment, pure and simple. So it was that when Amariah stopped outside, and flourished his bow, Harry, who happened to be lounging at the door, invited him in, and by so doing made him free of the house. Amariah nodded to the invitation, played a few bars of a lively tune on his violin, and then, extending his bow with a flourish, ina solemn voice repeated: ** By innocent amusements we thrive, Here comes a load ov honey for the hive,”’ Then he gravely marched through the door, followed by Fanny and the boy. ** All right, now. If you have a occasion walk up to the bar and saturate, s for the kids, I sapposs they don’t indulge, or I wouldn’t slight em. We will treat you white here, and we want the best you have in the shop, regard- less. Do your level best; and if you don’t suit, stop when you get the hint, After that you can look around Jike any other man; or go away when you havea mind to. While you are at work you are my guest, and the man that treats you bad settles with me, Now, that makes you at home. Blow on your fiagers and get to work as soon as you have a mind to, Only, don’t pass around the hat until we have a chance to see what your lay is, and what you can do,” ** We do our best, and study now to please, Drink only in our hours of ease, O’er the whole earth we gayly roam, And find with all mankind a home. Live while we live, and this our only plan, Man’s proper game—diverting man,” So answered Amariah, beaming mildly arouad on his audience, @ glass of whisky in his hand, which he emptied in the orthodox fashion by way of peroration. “A very good game it is,” remarked Mr. David Collins, who was one of the listeners; ‘* but for a steady article of diet I should prefer draw- poker,” ** This the exception proves the law, Condemn him not whose inner instincts turn to draw.”’ chimed in Amariah, ** Thar’s even some men who kin hold up their eends at all both. Frum the one they turn tew the other ez nat’ral ez a bumblebee takes tew clover. I play ther fiddle myself, w’ich air good ernuf. With tumbling Fred and dancing Fan, It’s time, I think, the sport began,” When Amariah spoke he had a dialect of his own; when he spouted dogzerel he had a er tone, and a pronunciation that was in the main correct. He turned away from Dave Collins with a bow that indicated that nothing more need be said, drew the bow sharply across the strings of his instrument, and looked at Fred, who dropped on his hands, made a revolution or two that cleared space before them, and then began a clever contortion act, interspersed with neck-springs, hand springs, and winding up with a back somerset from a handkerchief which he had thrown on the floor, and on which he again squarely alighted. The performance was more than good-natured- ly, it was delightedly received. Amariah proved to be a musician of no mean skill, and the boy, in all his movements, kept time to the violin. Of course there had been some kind of a re- hearsal during the day, but Fanny herself, who watched the boy curiously, appeared both « tonished and delighted. He was even more clever than she had believed. When Fred had finished his act and retired, Amariah played on his violin, and furnished some fine music, the like of which had seldom been heard by his audience. Such sweet sti as he evolved actually brought the moisture several eyes, and softened some of the stoutes' When he glided into a waltz movement Fred opened the c'rcle a little wider by throwing ring of cart-wheels, and inte the middle of the vacant space glided Miss Fanny. When she entered the Hive the girl had worn a cloak that reached to her heels, This sh dropped at Fred’s feet_as she moved forward and appeared in a neat, becoming costume, fit ted for the work. In time to the music sh floated around the ring, turning as she wer her arms outstretcbed, thus marking out th ni
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biip-F lap Fred at Hard Pan encroach upon the circle, Around the bottom of Fan’s skirt was a row of little bells that tinkled as she muved, and in her hands she held castanets, which now she | struck in time tothe notes of Amariah’s violin. | lection would have The violin gave sweet sounds; Fred stood look- limits for the crowd, that seemed inclined to ment, CHAPTER VI. ““ MURDER’S THE CHARGE,” THERE was a novelty about seeing such a treasurer that produced a good deal of merri- Perhaps the general amount of the col- n larger if Miss Fanny had passed the wash-basin herself, but it is not ing on with bis eyes full of pleasure; Fanny | so certain that there would have been such glided, whirled, swam and posed, the very pic- | unanimous donations, even after the hint that tureof youth, beauty and grace; while the crowd | Harry had given. looked on with too rapt an attention to niove a | hand, or utter a sound until the performance came to a close, Then there was a clapping of hands, and a chorus of delighted exclamations that fairly shook the roof, The exhibition, brief though it was, had taken the audience where they lived, and no one was at all slow about expressing his satisfaction, ; If {there had been anything of a stage, no doubt the coin would have begun to shower without further invitation; but throwing coin on the floor in the Hive was not altogether the best way for it to reach its intended destination, bigh-toned resort though it was. And then there was something about Miss Fanny that did not altogether agree with the idea of a hat being passed around by her, a ay friend,” said Harry Harper, tapping Amariah lightly on the back, ‘‘ there’s big money in all this; but you don’t want to give them any time to cool. liect your taxes early and often, Go for them now; and go for them by and by when you can catch more tbat have come in. As long as you do any work, Hard Pen will pa heavy for anything she sees, and if you don’t hit it large I am a Dutchman,’ ‘Thanks, my friend, but the gentleman that slings the hat hasn’t yit arrived, He had 4 sore head, an’ mebbe it war ez well not tew bring him into the cong tion of the onrightewous. Pre- haps he will ye, and prehaps he won’t; but, ** Money’s no object when the fun is high, Gaze now—we’ll tap your purses by and by.” Then Amariah began a series of sleight of hand tricks, such as are common enough to those who have seen jugglers at work, but done better than the average, Meantime he kept up a fire of rhymes and quaint remarks that amused the crowd and attracted attention to himself, For over half an hour this exhibition lasted, and there was no dropping off of the audience, On the contrary, at the expiration of that time, the room was packed almost to suffocation with en- thusiastic spectators, who cheered to the echo, There was nothing small about Harry Harper but his size, and he was anxious that Amariah should nig be substantial reward for the amuse- ment he had been furnishing. As Holdfast made no move toward regis» it, he spoke again, and this time he spoke to the crowd: “* While they are leaning back, taking a rest. would be as good a time as any to pass ‘around the hat; and as the gent won't do it for himself, maybe we ought to do it forhim, I move we have a committee, and do the thing up accord- ing to Gunter. If there is any snide here that wants to take in the circus all for nothing, it will be a good chance for him to sneak out now before the committee starts on its rounds, An when he goes he needn’t be in a hurry about coming back again. If there is any one kere that left his purse at home he can call around on me and his face will be good for a small loan to put in the box.” The suggestion of Harry Harper was just the thing to hit the crowd in their present humor, and would have no doubt been carried into exe- cution instanter had it not been for Amariab, who held up his hand and shook it vigorously, in token of dissent. j “A minnit, gentlemen, jest a blessid minnit. My treasurer’s a-comin’ now, an’ he'll ‘tend tew that part ov the performance, I kin trust him with untold gold. Ef he don’t drop it we kin bet that be won’t smuggle none ov it for ‘his own use, Thar ain’t no nobler work thau - Dandy, nowhere, He’s jest honest frum ther ground up. An’ thar he is now.” At the rear door of the saloon sounded a loud “Woof!” and in stalked the bear, on its hind legs, holding in its fore-paws an immense tin wash-basin. He had no other preliminary re- marks to make, for with a comical gravity be turned to the first man he met, and presented the basin. “ We've done our best to treat you fair, Now drop your pence, nor monkey with the bear,”’ chanted Amariah by way of warning; and amidst a general hurrah of laughter, Dandy be- ‘gan to pass around the contribution-box, and Preceive a generous answer to his tacit request j for coin, 4 a. gz pr —— ee | lectle | work in I don’t care how long you stay. a Dandy had nothing to say about the size of the gift, but a gift he wanted from everybody; and he asked for it very much after the@manner of the stranger with a horse-pistol that one meets after dark in a lonely lane, re for a friendly loan, The man that drew tack without first chinking something in the pan was saluted with a grow! and a showing of teeth that was a little trying to tke nerves. With the laugh so generally against him, the man thus honored by Dandy’s protest could do nothing save shrink away with a growl of his own, or else reconsider his determination and drop an offering where it belonged, The three or four who had attempted to escape the treasur- er were ‘marked out pees well, though the audience did not catch on to Dandy’s meaning until the second protest gaye them a chance to consider what it was about, ‘* Very good, Dandy, very good,” said Ama- riah,” ving the basin from the bear. 5 % think that many ov ’em got away this time. We'll put ther proceeds in ther sack, an’ then yew kin show them what yew know yewrself.’ Gravely from his pocket Amariah drew a two- bushel sack, into which he poured the collec- tion. ‘¢ Didn’t spect tew git it full ther fu’st time, gents; but in ther course ov ther evenin’ we kin ther a good bit ov Se anes Sit down on it, Fred, tell I put Dandy through his paces.” But Dandy did not wait to be instructed as to what was wanted of him. He went to work on his own account, after he had soberly watched the Peering of the coin into the sack, First be turned a succession of clumsy sonrer- sets around the outer edge of the ring, much after the manner that Fred had done, As he was as heavy as a good many boys, and some- what clumsy to boot, he made the floor shake, and no one wanted to be in his wry when he came down, Then he righted himself and pe raded around the ring on his hind feet, after which he reversed himself, and made the prome- nade with his hind feet in the air. By this time Amariah had put his coin in the keeping of the boy, and had got his fiddle again. He drew the bow sharply across the strings a time or two, and then began a waltz movement, Dandy was right side up and was bowing to Fanny, who courtesied and stepped forward. Very protectingly did the one paw of the bear drop to her waist, and away they went slowly around thecircle,in very good time to the music. Asa dancer Dandy proved himself a success. After that Amariah called him up, and pro- ceeded to put him through a round of tricks, none of them very wonderful, but altogether making quite a creditable performance. en, with a flourish of his hand, he caused Dandy to sink down by the side of the boy, while he brief- ly addressed the crowd, ‘“Thet closes the evenin’s entertainment, so fur ez we be consarned, Ef yew strike us to- morrer night thar will be a entire change ov reformance, Thankin’ yew one an’ all, an’ Mr. urper most ov all, we bid _ yew all good-night.” ‘‘ Business may be over, but there is no use to be in a rush,” answered Harper, ; “If you will just let me get a little pty ac is, ’'d like to have a little talk at you. Maybe you could explain a story that some of the boys were talking of this morning, that seems mighty mysterious, ‘Tm a man ov myst’ry,” answered Amariah, with a slow shake of bis head, ; “Ef Lkin onravel arything thet’s aggitatin’ yer mind I'll do it an’ welcome, but I ain’t got long tewtarry. Ther night air's bad fur ther kids, an’ Dandy likes tew keep airly hours.” The conversation bad not attracted much at- tention, and Harry saw that the stream had set in for the bar, where the force of tumbler-jug- glers was large enough to accommodate the tronage that might now be expected. He eaned confidentially toward Holdfast. ** Just about sunrise this morning there was a man coming in from the Flat, where he had been wasting bis time over an all-night game, He saw a wagon stop at the edge of town, anda man and a boy begin to unload what looked like a pile of stiffs. ey were straight as pokers, ¥ a and when they were corded up by the side of the road you couldn’t tell them from a beap of rail- road ties, Then the man and the boy got into the wagon and drove on into town. Do you know anything about what it all meant?” ‘¢ Reckon they warn’t so very dead? Eh?” ‘That was the queer part of it all) When he went to investigate he found they were all sitting up, growling like so many bears with sore heads, As he got nearer, they all got “p and marched off together in the direction the wagon came rom. Softly did Amariah laugh. ‘They were bad men-—-in their minds—and eeeeg onto my camp last night, I didn’t keer tew ‘em loose, an’ so brung ’em along till I didn’t need tew watch ’em ary longer. Then I kerried ’em out, and piled’em up alongside ov ther road, ez you say, like so much cord- wood, **Good for you. But you want to keep your eyes wide open while you stay around this burg. ext time they won't be so Fi wed about movin: into your camp; but they will take a pod dea. surer plan—a sitting shot as you go by. You know who you were dealing with?” ‘“‘Bz wal ez ther next—mebbe. Ef I don’t keep a weather eyé open, it won’t be fur too much confidence ’round ther gang. But aller same, it may be I can’t allers hev sich luck, Ef so be, I’ll hey ter passin ther checks an’ let them go on with the’r game,” Amariah winked shrewdly as he g rend: and left the impression that if he did not look after the parties it would not be because he would not have both eyes open, and watching for them, ‘Glad you know the sort that were onto you —and if you got away from them, and hada chance to take their uggage when you went, I ae you are no man’s fool as long as you now something of the sort of ground you have to travel over, I thought I would give you a wink, anybow. Be glad to see you any F Bib come in when you feel like it; and if you want to start the show go’ don’t wait for an invita~ tion. You are free of the house, and can’t well ithe Ur long as you meander arcund the lng long! Hope we will ‘see you ail 1 y The conversation had taken bub little time, and was well meant on the part of + but it was not the bestthing in the world to havo delayed Amariah, even that little length of time, w'°n he was all ready to depart, and would have been a dozen rods away. That is, it was not best for the peace and quietness of the Hive. To Avariah it did not make so much differences, as no doubt the party that was aneking. him could have found him on the street as well as in the saloon; and either lace was about the same to Azariah Holdfast. fis little troupe was bunched near the rear of the saloon, where a door in the end of the build- ing opened back into what would have been a yore f there had been a fence around it. He d intended to make his exit in that way, since it would save pushing through the crowd that filled the front part of the room; and it was at a wink from him that Fanny had led the way in that direction. When Harper and Amariab turned to separate, her hand was on the latch, and in another instant she would have led the way outinto the night, er eyes were keen, however; and something that she saw at that moment caused her to more than besitate, To the surprise of Fred, she not only pushed the dcor, which she had slightly opened, back to its place, but as quickly turned the key in the lock, and then shot a great bolt that was above the lock. She was not only not going out herself, but she did not intend that in e present any one élse should either go out or in, There was no doubt a reason for the move- ment, and Fred loosed around in search of it, He had a quick eye, too, and thought that he could detect if there bad been any change in the look of affairs, that might betoken danger. Without a doubt there were some new faces in the front of the room, and their owne!'s were drifting along es though they might be in a hurry to pass through the crowd, but at the same time were anxious not to attract attention to themselves. fe : Then he looked toward Amariah, to note if ho was aware of the intrusion—and saw that he was, since one of the intruders had alread reached him. In front of bim was standing a great, burly-looking fellow, looking him over in a critical sort of way a a reminder of a rofessional air about it. 4 He was not a very pleasant-looking sort of a fellow, either. He was broad of face, and broad of shoulders.
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~ He hada dirty fist, that looked heavy enough to floor an oxif the muscles above it undertook to send it on that duty; and he was larger around the waist than about the shoulders, which was ais fr a good deal, is face was covered with a stubby beard of several inches in length, that looked as though it had not made the acquaintance of a comb for weeks; and the long hair that stuck out from under the battered old black hat that was drawn tightly down on his head was even more matted and tangled. ‘‘ Yer name’s Amariah Holdfast, ain’t it?” asked this fellow, suddenly tapping Amariah on the shoulder, to call attention to him and his query. My Sich air ther current report,” responded Amariah, coldly looking the fellow over. Of course, this intrusion meant mischief, and Hold- fast was not to be taken off his e ** Sometimes knowed ez Cyrus Dawling?” ‘*Not ez lam awareov. An’ now, my frien’, mebbe yew would answer a pair ov questions? What air yewr name, an’ what do yew want? I hev no time fur tomfoolery, an’ ef ther re-sponse ain’t ontirely satisfactory t shell hev tew tear eet away, even ef su’thin’ rips in ther opera- un. The conversation attracted attention. The burly man was a stranger to the Hive, and his looks were not in his favor; while Amariah, as a protégé of the proprietor, had the call on the sympathies of the house. The stranger from the door bad got considerably rearer by this time; but so had a number of those who had seen the performances, **T don’t mind givin’ my hannle, an’ my bizzi- ness. along with 1t; but it’s because ther gents ez hangs ’round this shebang may feel kinder an int’rest; an’ it'll ’splain things to’em az they go pest I’m Happy Hank, ther lightnin’ detec- tive frum Gideon’s Bar, an’ I want to talk with you mighty bad—an’ so does ther c’rowner ov that rustlin’ burg. Ef it’s all ther same ter you, Pll jest take you in now, an’ you kin hev ther conversation later on, Murder’s ther charge, an’ ef ther’s arv foolishness my men ’1l use the’r irons, CHAPTER VIL DANDY HOLDS UP HIS END. IF the face of the taan had been unfamiliar to the frequenters-of the Hive, the name was not. Hank varoy, otherwise Happy Hank, had a wide-spread reputation. It was rather a stretch of courtesy to call him a detective, since no one had ever heard of his doing any remarkable work in ferreting out the authors of any mys- terious crimes; but as a hound to trail down the game that once was started, he was known as one of the boldest and most successful deputy- sheriffs in the West. When he marked a man it was not so certain that he was guilty, but it was a reasonably gure thing that Hank would run him to earth before he lost the trail. Amariah seemed to be familiar with the name, though its announcement did not appear to dis- concert him at all. ‘¢ That's sayin’ a heap,” he retorted coolly. ‘‘Ef yew be Happy Hank, an’ ef yew hey a warrant fur Amariah Holdfast, it’d be ther p’int Ov wisdom tew play coon an’come down. But ez Thevy.my doubts ov all both, ’'d advise tew keep yewr hand off my shoulder, an’ yewr irons where we cain’t see em, tell them questions be settled.” The man had been watching his chance, and thought he sawit now. His answer to Ama- riah’s warning was a spring, quicker and more vicions, than an ordinary observer would have ex of a person of his build, is hand shot out, and seemed to bury itself in Amariah’s neck, while there was a rush that almost brought some two or three of the strange men to his side. Then, without any effort as it would seem, the advantage was reversed. The fingers touched Amariah’s neck; but they never closed there, Down slid Holdfast unptil his head was almost on a level with the waist of the other, and then as suddenly and easily he straightened up again, with Darby in his grasp. With a sudden shake he flung the huge y away from him, and turned toward the men who were supposed to be Happy Hank’s partners. arby fell with a crash and lay motionless, As he sdruck on the broad of bis back no bones were broken, but the breath was so completely knocked out of his body that it was several minutes before his choking gasps subsided and he was able to sit up aud stare around in a half- bewildered sort of way. i In that time there was a change in affairs Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. that made it seem less than ever like his night on, The glance that Azariah took showed him that the men of the Hive were going to give him fair play, even with detectives, They had marked the strangers at last, and without the delay of an instant had swung in front of them in a de- termined sort of way, and the appearance of re- volvers was the signal for action, as prompt as it was bold, as ‘Tf you pli , gentlemen,” said Harper ad- vancing, & ooter in his fist. ‘¢When thére is a racket in my house 7am the man to interfere—and as long as they don’t break things, I generally want to give two gen- tlemen who have a difference of opinion a chance to fight it out. Whileit isan even thing between those two, and nobody getting killed, you will please keep on the back shelf. If you don’t I will be under the painful necessity of using this gun myself, You hear me whisper?” As several others were whispering for fair play in the same vigorous manner there was a altin the rush; and all this gave Amariah a chance to renew his attentions to his fallen ad- versary. It was done so deftly that no one saw what he was about, when he leaned over and swept his hands over the breast of the gasping man, Nevertheless, in that hurried motion he had drawn from its hiding-place in an inner breast- ket a bundle of papers, When Hank camea ittle to his senses Amariah was*coolly looking over his capture, and seemed to be paying no attention to its owner. A glance or two was sufficient to make him acquainted with the contents of the package; and then he hastily thrust it away, before any one had observed that it wasin his on, and just in time to evade Happy Hank’s first glance. ‘It strikes me yew ain’t makin’ half ther noise in ther world yew sot out to do,” he remarked to the slowly-rising man, ‘“*Ef l war yew I would be shootin’, shoutin’, an’ jest a-makin’ folks think merry war ter pay inside, Then, mebbe, yew could git what yew kim arter, w’ich war not me, bya long sight,” Amariah gave a suspicious glance toward the door at which his little flock had halted, Fanny caught the look, and nodded reassuringly, She also pointed at the bolt, as much as to say that she understood, and was not to be caught nap- ping. On one side of her stood Fairy Fred, while on the other was Dandy, his face as solemn as that of a bear could well be, If it was on her account Amariah was anxious, he could see that she had looked after herself as well as the circumstauces would allow, He answered the nod of the girl with another of the same kind, and turned again to the burly gentleman who at last was slowly rising from the floor. The by- play had taken but a moment, ‘* Dollars ter dimes yer can’t doit again!” ex- claimed the fellow, as he regained his feet, and taking a step forward without a sign of anger in either face or voice, “Yer caught me off my guard, an’ did what no man I war tryin’ ter collar ever done afore, I ain’t bearin’ malice; but I want ter know ef you be a better man than Happy Hank. It may be it’s gittin’ time fur him ter go inter some other biz, Efit are he oughter know it.” ‘“Twouldn’t do yew a mite ov good, honey, I kin tell yew, without ary braggin’, that yew hev met a man thet’s jest ez good ez Hank Darby ever war er will be. I don’t say thet. he’s ary better, cause ernuf’s ernuf, an’ ary more would be hipgerty-hop. I don't pile it on tew thick when ther fax speak for the’rselves.” ‘* That ain’t puttin’ up good money on it, A fair show, an’ I kin down yer—an’ hyer’s ther dollars ez sez 80,”’ In his fist the man shook a roll of bills that looked to be of large denomination, and he seemed to be in the deepest earnest. ‘‘ Thanks fur ther chaince tew amuse ther boys, but I ain’t a prize-fighter, an’ I only let out ther links when I see my gizzard’s a-’pendin’ on if. Yew hed better go hum afore su’thin’ happens, an’ ther’ won’t be money in it far no one, neither.” ‘When I go home Ill be takin’ you along, dead er alive. I give yer ther chance ter break my neck an’ make money a-doin’ ov it. More fool you fur not takin’ ov it, Now—han’s up! I’m a-goin’ fur you ter on lf And then arose suddenly the wildest uproar that bad been heard in the Hive for many a day. The little conversation, brief though it was, and the sight of the money that had been produced, called the attention of Harper and his friends from the men they had intercepted to the men ey SS Si LD who were the center of the affair. The result was something that wasa surprise to the most of the spectators. There was no general or par- ticular attack, and it was hard to see who was the object, or what, of the assault. But there were yells and something worse than yells; there was the rattle of fire-arms, and what seemed to be a deadly struggle going on in the center of the room. Fairy Fred had a chance to understand what it all meant—at least, be thought he did, Inthe height of the din, when a sound could not be dis- tinctly heard for any distance, and two or three girls could have yelled at the top of their uns without attracting attention, the door at h back was tried, cautiously at first, and then with a firmer hand, When it did not yield a heavy body came against it with a bang that threaten- ed to burst it from its hinges, Harper knew what he was about when he put up his building. The doors were framed to re- sist a-siege, and there was no sign of giving. Again the assault was made—and again with- out result that was visible on the inside, Some one was seeking to make a hurried entrance; and some one had heen beffled, Fanny heard the sounds and looked at Fred. ‘‘ They don’t catch us asleep,” was what her eyes said; and just then Fred darted forward like a battering-ram, his head held low down, and aimed fairly at the stomach of aman who was hurried] phehing toward the girl. The fellow held a blanket n his hands, and though it was doubled up so as not to be readily noticed there was no doubt in the mind of Limberleg what it was for. Nestor Northrup had, prob- ably, something to do with this, and the object was the capture of Funny Fan. This man was doubtless to throw the blanket around the head of the girl, and hand her out to the man or men now trying to enter by the rear door, He reckoned without Fred. The hard little head had caught him on the spot it was aimed at, and the breath left his body at once. “ Tell Dandy ter sitdown onhim! We ain’t no place ter run to, an’ ef we hev ter stay here we may’z well sive what we get till we see what we'd better do with ’em,” Fred had tumbled along with the man, but was on his feet in an instant, spluttering as he arose. . The suggestion was not without its value, and Fanny acted upon it immediately. By the time that the fellow had his eyes open evough to take any notice of outside affairs Dandy was squat- ting unconcernedly on the spot that bad just been made sore by contact with Fairy Fred’s crown, As nothing had been said about sittin down easy, Bruin had plnm himself so solid- ly that the man underneath, without knowi who or what he was, thought that some one dropped on him who weighed a ton, And when - he fealy got sight of the long, hairy face, the grinning jaws that displayed @ savage array of teeth, and the long tongue that was ap out so near to his face, it was no wonder tha great was the scream he gave when the idea flashed across his mind that he had over the lest river, and this was one of the denizens of the lower regions. The yell had no particular effect on Dandy. He kept his seat, and only suffered. his eyes to wander across, toward Amariah, He would take an order or two from Fanny ; but he recog- nized Holdfast as his real master. Amariah was sufficiently busy just then to have nothing to supgest. The man who had an- nounced himself as from Gideon’s Bar was giv~ ing him a surprising ameunt of employment, This time there was no nonsense. e struck ponderous blows, one after another, Any one of them would have settled the question of Amariah’s resistance if it had taken effect; and Azariah had full occupation for a little while in seeing that they did not connect. Still, the wonder-man did not draw a weapon, Though there was a good deal of shooting going on, no one so far gave any signs of having been hit. It was possible that there was a go d deal of fuss and feathers about the affair—though Holdfast had a sbrewd idea that if the oppor- tunity offered itself there were men about who would not hesitate to kill him. The room, bow- ever, was rapidly darkening with smoke. Some one was burning a good deal of bad powder, In the face of the rain of blows Amariah kept his wits about him, and waited for his time to come. Atlast it seemed that the line of friends, on whom be was depending, gave signs of waver- ing.. Having waited for some time to seo what was the meaning of all this before going into the fight, it began to look as though they were making up their minds to stay out altogether, and to step out of the way.
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At that suspicion Amariah only waited long enough for Hank to strike once more, and then he cross-countered terrifically. From the shoul- der out went the blow, straight as a die, and the result was all that te could have wished for. Hank was lifted fairly off of his feet, and driven solidly into the crowd, that was thus thrown in- to some confusion, With a sharp whistle and a snap of the thumb and finger, he turned to Dandy; and Bruin lum- bered forward. A gesture and the bear rolled heels over head through the window, and with- out the delay of a second, Amariah and his pro- tégés followed. —--- = CHAPTER VITI, AMARIAH MAKES A TOUR OF INSPECTION, THE day following the affair at the Hive, the prs of Holdtast’s appearance, the exhi- ition which he and -his companions had given, and the singular finale to the evening’s enter- tainment, were all well known in‘the various saloonsand places of resort in Hard Pan. What it had all been about was more than was gener- ally understood; but it was considered that the spectetors had got the worth of their money, and that Amariah had shown himself to be a wonder of a man. There was some curiosity in regard to Happy Hank, moreover. He had risen from the floor, stared around, learned that Amariah had van- ished, and then, without a word of either anger or regret, bad taken his departure. The men who had seemed to be in collusion with him had also managed to slip away without being called to book for the little damage they bad done, and the vast amount of noise they had made, The following morning nothing was to be seen of them; and some casual inquiry revealed no traces that might show which way they had gone. It was a case of mysterious disappear- ance; andif Amariah had also been missing it is likely that public opinion would have sus- ted Darby and his men of having followed im up, and got away with him after all. The retreat, though it was deftly managed, had, of course, been noticed by some, and had been looked on as an injudicious move, If Amariah wanted fair play, and everything open: and aboveboard, he would have been more apt to have it if affairs came to a crisis at the Hive than in the loneliness of his own camp, which was understood tobe somewhere outside of, though near the town, But Amariah was not missing at all. He turned up, strolling through the town, with the small boy at his heels. He made several pur- chases at the stores, did not seem at all alarmed about his safety, asked few questions; and final- ly dropped in at at the office of Ebenezer Crow- t ut. When Amariah knocked softly at the door, Crowfut requested him to enter, although he had a visitor at the time. Perhaps if it had not been for the visitor, he would not so readily have admitted him. Jarvis Jackson had returned; and after show- ing the letter from Mackenzie Murdock, had opened up a conversation that was not alto- gether pleasant to Kbenezer, since it was in- terspersed with questions that, though care- fully worded, seemed to have a bearing on the lady visitor of the preceding afternoon, “Tam not a detective, Mr. Jackson,” he had just said; ‘‘and though an old settler, so to speak, I have never made it a matter of habit to keep track of the other inhabitants, I have been doing a cash business, and the going and coming of the population, in the main, has been of little interest to me. I would be glad to ac- commodate Mr, Murdock in almost any way that was in my power; but this is entirely out of my line.” ‘But there are thousands depending on it!” exclaimed Jackson, ‘‘I might almost say mil- lions. It is not ‘ag. Be matter of rizht, but a matter of money. © person who sets me, or those who employ me, on the track of Simon Sanford, could almost command his reward, Look at it in its pecuniary sense, if you will not ja any other,” For all the sign his face gave, Ebenezer Crowfut might as well have never before heard the name of Simon Sanford. He showed no sigan of recognizing it, at all events, He thought that Mr. Jackson was very much mis- taken if he imagined he could draw out of him anything of what Mrs, Sanford had told him by such roundabout methods as this; and if the man was actually in search of Simon San- ford, why, as bis interests and those of the lady a’ to clasb, he was committed to the other e. . riup-maap rrea at rard Pan. It was just at this juncture that Amariak Holdfast came in, with a bow and a scrape. ‘Excuse me; but this air Mister Ebenezer Crowfut, 1 conceit?” Witiiout the smallest attention to Jarvis Jackson, he addressed the merchant, who did not evince any impatience at the interrup- tion. “You are correct, and if you have any busi- ness I will be at your disposal in a moment or two, I have been inter@iewing this gentleman; but we have little more to saysto eac.: other. If you will take a seat I can at to you soon.” Since the previous day there fad been a slight change in the furnishing of the room, Ebe- nezer had seen that circumstances could arise in which the poverty of his office in fixtures would be a disadvantage, and had introduced a couple of common, hard-seated chairs, One of these was already occupied by Jarvis, Jackson, and without hesitation Amariah him- self of the other. Nevertheless, it was not in the Holdfast nature to wait for anybody. ‘*Mebbe it would be a heap sight ther quickest tew git rid ov me first off. Ef you know what I want tew know I might be prevailed on tew stop awhile. Otherwise, an’ ef not, time air money, an’ I better be goin’. This gent looks ez though he didn’t think he could git threw in no sich time ez yew menshun, an’ so, mebbe, yew hed better cast yewr awrickulars in this d’rect- shun, an’ let him be considerin’, Hope 1 don’t intrude, all ther same,” There was something ludicrous about the way that Azariah threw in this afterthought, that made Crowfut smile, 2 ‘*No intrusion at all. Business is business— and you would hardly cali here without it. If you will state the nature of yours I will be able to judge better whether it should take precedence of that of this gentleman. Unless, indeed, it should be of a private nature.” ** Nothin’ that ther bull world mightn’t hear. Azariah Amariah Holdfast is not a man ov secrets. I wanted tew ask ef yew ever knewa man by ther name ov Simon Sanford?” An exclamation of disgust rose to the lips of Ebenezer. Here was a third party in search of this Simon Sanford—and they all came directly to him—as though he knew anything about the man! ‘* It makes no difference, then, if that be your errand, {can dispose of you both together. I have jast been trying to persuade this gentle- man that I know nothing about such a person- age; and from what little I bave heard of him am very glad that I don’t, These men that hide, and have to be hunted up, and all that, are generally unmitigated rascals, And that is the class to which I am inclined to think that your friend belongs. If you will both accept that as an answer, and take your departure together, you will be doing me a favor. I have some- thing to do besides worrying my mind for remi- niscences of Simon Sanford, ‘*Tben yew really believe that ther’ is such a pusson?” Amariah managed to get a great deal of mild incredulity into his tone, and meantime looked at Jarvis Jackson in a reproachful sort of way, as though the remark was intended as much for him as for Ebenezer. “Eh! Bless my soul! And so there is a doubt of it? Glad tohearit. Thought the name was not familiar. Glad you called, since it gives me a new idea, Mr, Jackson, I must first be satisfied on this point before I can listen to any suggestions about overhauling my memory, and looking through my old day-books on any such a wild-goose chase, Very good suggestion, that. Js there sucha man? Take it out with ou, Mr, Jackson, and look it over. When you and any proofs call again, Anything that I can do for my old friend Murdock will be done most cheerfully; but before [ go further in this I must know, is there such a man?” The merchant spoke rapidly, and cheerfully, The point was well taken. hen Jarvis Jack- son furnished proofs of the existence of such a man—past or present—he would no doubt at the same time unvail enough of the past life of that individual to give a more satisfactory ene: tion of why he was being hunted now. it was well enough to say that there was mou.ey in it, Of course, there was, or this trouble would be saved—but so far} no one had explained why the man was missing, or why bis return was an ob- ject worth working for. However loyal he might be to the lady, Crowfut was not above the f, of human nature, and his curiosity was more than ever excited by this brief and pertinent query. Jarvis Jackson did not think it was conclu- sive. On the contrary, it opened up the w subject again. He cast a glance at Amuriak which, however, was not exactly one of grati tude, and began at Ebenezer: ** Bless your soul as much as you want to. but listen to sonse a little, at the same time The only way to prove that there is such « person is to find bim; and the only way to d that is to go back to a starting-point where w: have him sure enough, and then trace hin along down to the present time, or note wher be drops out. It is certain that he was here ir the early history of the place; but the early set tlers have mostly gone the way of all flesh. Those that are left behind are unaccountably unwilling to try to refresh their memories; and some of them seem to have no memories at all. You, Mr, Crowfut, could aid me if you would and I believe that you will if you think the matter over. I know that [approached you at an inopportune time, and in an unfortunate way, for which I feel like again apologizing, If you will allow me to call once more, perhaps by that time you will have somewhat modified your views, At present I shall only say good- morning. You can conclude your business with this gentleman at your leisure.” Having said this in a deprecating sort of way, Jarvis Jackson bowed politely and took his departure. ** Very good hit, that, of yours; and served the purpose of getting rid of that man, whom I confess I do not like. Was it a chance shot, or do you really know something about this wanted man?” ‘* It air no wonder yew don’t like Mister Jackson. Most people don’t like a detective, an’ be hez his bizziness writ on his face, fad T- not prezackly a chaince shot, sence it w ly aimed, an’ hit about whar I wanted it tew oO. § hev an eent’rest in Simon Sanford’s af- ‘airs—sich ez itis—an’ I’m ’most main anxious tew find out whatI kin about him, Eza open secret, I hev his darter in tow, an’ I’m lookin’ round tew see ef I kin dew her a ood, I've heard thar’s money sumwhar; an’ don't know arybody wants it wuss than ber an’ Amariah Holdfast,” ‘*Her daughter!” Ebenezer was ouce more astounded. Here was a secon! daughter—was this also a genuine article, or was it made to order?. And was Amariab an indepeitent investigator; or was he in the employ of JarviawJackson?” ‘“‘Excuse me. sed bis jarter—not her She’s a estimable young lady, an” Kin walk ther tight-rope like a, leetic angel. I hed thort ov bringin’ her along; but I hed ter leave sum’un ter keep Dandy straight, an’ ther boy sin’t quite ez well quainted with ther b’ar, ff yew want ter see her 1 kin bring her ary time yew men- shun; er we'll be happy ter see yer at bum— ourhum, Arter that, I'll hev a propersition ter make,” **Good heavens! Here is another of them, “one eigae was it that you thought of propos- ing? ‘* Knowin’ ez I do ther kindness ov heart ov Ebenezer Crowfut, I hed thort p’r’aps you’d be willin’ tew take ther leetle gal inter yewr famil a bit, ez a boarder, while I look ’round after th missin’ dad ov kern.” ‘Of course. Never heard anything more modest in my life. She walks the tight-rope, and performs a trained bear. She is exactly the style of young lady that I have been yearn- ing for in my family, no doubt. Certainly, sir. Shall be glad to accommodate you. Bring her along at your earliest convenience. And if you find this scallywag father of hers, bring bim along, too, I might add that the opinion of my wife, who has the internal ment of my residence, might not be exactly the same as mine; and to make the matter a fixed fact it would be as well to get her views on the subject; he as far as 1am concerned you need not hesi- “Glad to hear that you have not altogether forgotten her,” shouted a shrill voice, ‘“Mrs, Crowfut is here to speak for herself, and she puts her foot down hard, and says, no! CHAPTER IX, FANNY IS NO1 FOUND AT HOMRE, Mrs. Crowrut was a lady who had her own way when she wanted ft; and she generally wanted it all the time, In the r of Laura Lane she had accepted the statement of her hus- band without expressing a, opinion at all, or indeed giving it a second thought. When he asked if the daughter of @ customer of his cold spend a few days with them she had simply assented, her mind being Occupied just then
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with other things, Then Ebenezer brought in the child, at whom his wife looked in a far-away sort of manner, and the introduction of the stranger into the household was complete. She was not noticed again, that evening, save to have pointed toher the sleeping accommodations that were to be hers; and for this she was thank- ful. Like Mrs, Crowfut, she had her own thoughts, upon which she did not then care to have others intrude. But the next morning Mrs. Crowfut discovered that the child was not so much of a child as she had thought. Fortunately, at the same time she took a liking to her or she might have made it uncomfortable for her liege lord, and (supposed) master, who had either allowed himself to be hoodwinked, or else had attempted to perform that operation upon her, The two had some little conversation together, and then Mrs. Crowfut took her guest out for a walk, which had the office as one of its stopping places. And thus it happened that Mrs, Crowfut was there to speak for herself when Amariah made his proposition, A woman who has roughed it for a dozen years of frontier life, even as the wife of a gradually prospering merchant, generally means what she says, and what she says is remarked in earnest that can hardly be mistaken, After the way she suited the action to the word, and brought ner foot down as she spoke, Amariah would hardly be hopefully able to repeat his request, Nor did he, The appearance of Mrs, Crow- fut was a surprise for which he had not been at all prepared. He did not attempt to combat her resolution, or even frame an excuse, ‘** ll see yew later,” he said to Mr. Crowfut, with a bow; and motioning to the boy of the limber leg he led the way out of the office, leav- ing the proprietor unable to tell whether any- thing he had said had been in serious earnest, but inclined to believe that it was gi joke on the part of the long-visa man, If not, what was the meaning of this duplicate daughter, and why was she brought to him? He scarcely heard the voice of his wife, de- manding to know who that man was, and what nonsense it was that he had been gabbling. A sharp, ‘‘ Eh?’ recalled him to his duty, and he tried to frame an explanation that would not give him away én regard to the young lady who was standing th@pe Peyarding them both with an amused look4n her handsome young face, ‘i ‘* The idea of that man taking my house for a ottel, ©f what was worse, just an ordinary boarding-house! Did it as coolly as if I had to work my fingers to the bone for dollars and cents! I’ve seen some rough times in my life, and I have followed Ebenezer faithful and true through thick and thin, but I never got down to taking boarders, and I hope I never shall, I haven’t too good an opinion of human nature as itis,and by the time I had ‘a gang around me for a week I wouldn’t have any faith at all left, in that or anything else. It was.a blessed thing { was here. I saw it in his eye. Crowfut was just going to say yes again, when he saw me, H@\had said yes and no doubt he meant it, But with his wife before him he couldn’t well help remembering her, and so, as a second thought, and to save his crazy old head, he must talk about consulting ber, And a man would have said, no, and kicked him out for the impudence, Come, Ebenezer, what have you to say for yourself?” For an instant Ebenezer was tempted to tell his wife the whole story, and see what she made of it. She could understand, then, the meaning of the words she had heard him utter, Second thought came to hisaid, however. He remembered that when Mrs, Crowfut was in a mood like the one that her now, com- mon sépse and reason were alike thrown away on her, He might succeed in turning her away from Laura; but Was all the good he could do by 0 - Hence, Ebenezer was silent. Amariah chuckled softly to himself as the two went away from the office. He had wisely re- frained from saying anything to Mrs, Crowfut, and go escaped without hearing the loud opinion that she would have been willing to give con- cerning his proposition; but he could very well imagine it, and it afforded bima great deal of amusement, When they were out of earshot of the building he laugbed a little louder as he to Fred e ‘ ‘"T reckon thar’sa pair OV ’em at it, hammer an’ tongs—ef Totaae ait's tew astonished tew take own part. It’s fun amazin’ jest tew ne what he’s thinkin’ ov, an’ how he’s tryin’ w straighten out ther hank. Ther darter oy Simon Sanford! Wal, now, he must think ther woods are full of Simon’s relations, and all ov ! | | Flip-Flap Fred at He "em didn’t wheel out for cam too long while ther’s sich men ez Hank Darb skootin’ ‘round on ther outside ov ther clearin’. “Guess Fan could take keer ov herself,” an- swered aie! though a question had been addressed to . ‘** An’ with Dandy ter help her I sh’u’d say she’d make it mighty lively fur arything less thana Rang. An’ it’s that same gang thet tried ter make a strike last night, that I'd afeard ov, if 1 war tryin’ ter borry trouble.” ‘*Never mind that gang. It didn’t amount ter much anybow; an’ it’s got other fish tew fry afore now. I opine thet they begun tew run ez soon ez the got out ov sight, an’ ain’t done go- in’ yit, Mig ty frisky fellers be those same lambs, but they’s allers willin’ ter frisk outen m mighty much out, ther way ov danger when they think it’s, around, ‘*Couldn’t tell a feller suthin’ bout them lambs, mebbe? Kinder seems ter me they’s a interestin’ lot, an’ ther’ might ’a’ bin money in ’em ef we'd ’u’ held on ter ’em when we hed ’em. Say, Mr. Holdfast, why didn’t yer think ov that? Hf they’s part ov ther gang ov road- agents ez bez red yr bre smash round these re- ons, I’ve heared ther’ were a big reward fur em, dead er alive. W’ot were ther matter with you an’ me rakin’ it in?” **The matter ov blood on it, I want tew do my killin’ on my own account, er not at all, An’ ef we’d’a’ hung in tew’em, I reckon they would ’a’ got away all ther same. Yew see, they hed pards in ther bushes, thet wouldn’t shoot tell they hed tew on account ov ther girl; but sooner than see the’r pards run in they would massaker haff a dozen girls, an’ make not more ner two bites apiece on us.” **Oh, bosh! How could they hev hit ther gal without ther chance ov hittin’ the’r pards same ezus? Amariah, I’m afeard ye'r’ playin’ a deep game; an’ it beho’ves yer ter open out, clean down ter bed-rock, Then mebbe I kin offer some sorter a suggestion,” ‘* Small boys want ter be seen an’ not heard, Yew kin tumble tew a charm; but when yew try ter take road-agents I sh’d think yew war clean off yer base. Better puta button on yewr lips an’ let me do ther thinkin’,” ‘*That ’pends suthin’ on yer hevin’ ther brains ter do it with. Ef 1 were sure ov them I'd not he chinnin’,” ‘““Yew hush! We're gittin’ nigh ter camp, an’ yew dunno who may be a-prowlin’ round. I ain’t ready tew give ary points away tell I’m outen danger. Ef I could ketch ’em,it might make shines a heap easier,” ‘All right. I'm dumb ez a clam. It won't be long I'll hev ter hold in, fur Fan likes talk ez well ez ther next one,” Amariah made no audible answer, but gave an impatient wave of his hand, that enjoined silence with a good deal more force than if he had shouted ever so loud. Limberleg remained uiet, and the two approached the spot where the wagon was almost hidden in the dense thicket of bushes which Ameriah had selected as his camping-ground. No signs of the lambs” there. There was utter silence instead. In fact, the silence was too intense, Fred looked around him with an anxious glance. Fan ought to be stepping out to meet them, but somebow he did not look, for her. Something was telling him that she was not there. When Amariah stepped into the wagon Fred followed bim with serious eyes, and waited to hear the very words that floated sadly out to him a moment later, « y ginger, Limberleg, ther- gal’s not tew hum!” Neither man nor boy was of the excitable kind; and at this announcement Fred felt a eat deal Jess like talking than he had done be- ore, Hestepped hurriedly forward, and peered into the ambulance, There was nothing there that looked as though there had been visitors during their absence, and there was no trace of anything like a struggle in the neighborhood of the wagon. Perhaps there was nothing wrong after all. He turned away his head, and called softly: ‘“*Fan! I say, Fan!” ere was no answer, Then Fred slowly made :: circuit of the spot looking narrowly at the ground, in search o any footprints, or traces that might show what happened. If Fan was not in the neighbor- hood of the wagon it was certain that something had happened, Fred remembered the last po. Amariah said to her on leaving. She was n be ef I’d bin so keerless, knowin’ how ther land d Pan. a-steerin’ fur Ebenezer Crowfut’s. But ef I | to go away from the ambulance; and was to t a extry spoke in Jarve Jackson’s | kee Guess we'll strike | Ho now. I don’t keer tew stay away | and if he was now gone there must be a reason 9 Dandy within hearing. In fact, after that, ast hud chained the bear under the wagon, for it. “Peers ter me ther lambs may hey win round after all. What you make out ov i Amariah? Yer wants ter talk quick, fur ¢e ther’ ain’t a explanashun most mighty sudden yer Uncle Ezra will ter begin ter git ready ter go on ther trail. He’s a boss when it comes ter playin’red Injun, I ain’t sayin’ more ner ther law allows ter make yer feel bad, but lay, I'd be a-kickin’ myself frum here ter way- back fur doin’ ov it. You said it were all right, an’ I were a-trustin’ ov yer, ’cos I thort ey knowed ther ropes an’ it wa’n’t my say-s0; ut you kin bet yer bottom dollar thet I ain’t trustin’ nobody ag’in when Fairy Fred’s around, Talk = man! *ot yer got ter say fur yer- self? Ef you can’t take keer ov a girl like Fan better, she wants a new g’ardeen; an’ when I gits my han’s on her—w’ich in course I will— she’ll hev it; an’ it’ll be Fairy Fred.” ‘* Ef talkin’ will do ary good, I sh’d say no doubt yew will git thar with both feet; but it ain’t so easy tew see how talk’s goin’ tew do food in this case. I kin only say I thought I ed it all safe. Mebbe Fan wandered away. She’s one ov the wanderin’ kind—monstr’us strange how that gal will wander sometimes— an’ may be back while we’s a-talkin’ ’bout her.” ‘**Not much, Amariah. Ef I war in ther guess bizziness ez big ez I be sumtimes, I’d say thet yer wa’n’t half ez sorry fur this ez I be; an’ ef yer made me fightin’ mad I'd say thet yer left her here pu’ppus ter be took. Ef yer don’t like that—we both hev weepins, big he kin pull ez quick ez yer wants to, Fairy Fred’s ready fur you.” There was an honest indignation in the tone of the boy that told how much in earnest he was in his charge; and he looked more angry than ever when Amariah, for answer, burst into a fit of laughter, that was none the less hearty because it was done under bis breath, so to k, ‘*T might ’a’ knowed ther’ war no flies on Little Limberleg! I don’t say yew’r’ right er wrong; but ef ther right party hev got her, it’s ther best thing fur both ov us,” CHAPTER X, THE FRISKY ‘* LAMBS.” From what has already been said concerning Miss Fanny it has probably struck the reader that she was nota young lady given to nerves, and that she would not at all afraid to be left by herself fora few hours, when she had Dandy and her reyolvers for her protection. She waved her hand to Fred, as the boy looked back over his shoulder, and watched the two depert with a smile on her a When they were out of sight her first move was to loosen Dandy, and call him out from un- der the wagon. ** Much good you would do me there, sir,” she said, patting him gently on the head. ‘“T would have to crawl under the wagon after you, and by the time I got you loose it would be too late, We'll put youin position now, and then you will be all ready for any prowlers that may come around. There! That will do better, Lie down, sir, and stay till you are called for, I hope that 1 will not need your ser- vices, but if I do you will be on hand.” Dandy sniffed around lazily, and threw him- self down on the spot pointed at, which was be- hind the nearest tuft of bushes, where he would be mear to the wagon, but screened from the view of any one approaching the camp by the regular route, Having begun in this manner it is no wonder- ing matter that Amariah’s injunctions were otherwise and totally ed. With Dandy to watch it the wagon would be safe from any prying intruders; or else’ they would have to make enough noise disposing of the bear to call her to the spot. Without any a a thought of danger to herself, Fanny strolled away, look- ing from this side to that, as if greatly interest- ed in noting what sort of a region they had reached, Everything was lonely enough to suit the test eremite in the world, As far as could seen there had been no one near for ages, The turf that was scattered here and there among the trees and bushes showed the marks of no footsteps of either man or beast, and save for anoccasional bird that fluttered by in the tamest eI imaginable she saw no signs of any living ng. Very aimlessly did she wander, or seem to; cg
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10 but she completed the circuit of the camp before striking off at a tangent; and unless her keen eyes had been deceived there had been no one ~~ themselves in the neighborhood for some 2, The course that she finally took led her over something like a natural path, along the crest of along roll in the ground. When she had fol- lowed it for half a mile, or something less, she found herself on the bank of a small stream, The water was clear, and though shallow it was retty tolook at. She sat down with her hands mn her lap and gazed at the water. lt was a ore lace, early in the morning, before the eat of the sun had penetrated to the spot, and it was the most natural thing in the world that she should linger there after once having courage to reach it. After a while the low murmur of the stream as it went over a little ripple of sand and gravel appeared to act asan opiate. She settled into a more comfortable position, her head drooped forward, her eyes closed, and a listener could bays heard the low, long breathing of the leeper, or ten minutes or so there were no other sounds to be heard, and her rest was unbroken. Then there was an intruder, A man crept silently around the nearest clump at her back, and with his eyes fixed steadily on her, ap- proached with crouching, stealthy steps. His presence remained unnoticed. If Dandy had been there no doubt he would have given her timely warning; and the manevidently ex- something of the kind, for, from time to e, his eyes wandered away a trifle, while he explored the surroundings, to make certain that she was alone. He even loosened his revolver that was in his belt, a thing he would scarcel have taken time to do if he not had a suspi- cion that she might not be as entirely alone as a gra? that when it would hold her helpless, firm but did not hurt. At that her eyes opened, and she tried to arise, a loud cry coming from between her lips. Instantly the other hand of the man passed tad her lips, while he spoke in a low, gruff ne: ** Not a word, purty; nota word, There won't be a mite ov harm done yer, bless yer purty face, ef yer only lis’sens ter reason. I don’t want ter be rough; an’ ef yer gives me ther wink thet you'll be reas’n’ble [ll take my paw off yer trap an’ give yer a chance ter breath’ twice afore yer talks once. But don’t yer go teropen yermouth fura yell. There ain’t no show fur nobody ter hear yer, but I’d shut off ther wind, hard, on jin’ral princerpuls. Now, is yer goin’ ter bea good gal, er hey J got ter make yer one? You oughter see how it are yerself.” iss Fanny, after that first expression of alarm, was not as frightened as the fellow ex- pee to find her, and when his hand loosened a ttle from her mouth she quietly drew her lips away from his paw, “If you please, don’t be violent. I know very well that Iam alone, and that if I cried ever so much it would not bring any one to my aid. All I ean do is to listen to what and the less trouble I give, no doubt the better it willbe. What do you want?” ‘They sed you was a gal ov sense, an’ now (Pll swear to it. Ov course I ain’t alone, an’ ef ary one did come it would be ther wuss fur ’em on her shoulder, in tened a trifle more or the present it was when they struck my pals in ther bushes, Ther | hull, dismal fact are that ye’r’ wanted, Ef it war my say-so [ wouldn’t bother. yer a blessed minnit, but yer wanted bad, ez yer must hev uessed long afore this, I don’t think ther’s Ber least danger ov ary harm, an’ mebbe thar will be a heap ov profit. in it, so I'd jest advise yer ter come alony without worry, It can’t be no wuss than draggin’ round ther country in a cart along with a ragged ole lunatik an’a bear what may eat yer up ary moment; an’ ef [ ain’t mistook ther © i it’ll be a heap sight better, Ive knoweda leetle gal like you when she went away, ez come back in silks an’di’mun’s, Jest remember that, an’ come along.” **T don’t want any silks and diamonds, and I would sooner be with Dandy and my father than with any one or anything else in the world. But if I must go, I will, Only remem- ber that Lam going back to them as soon as I can; and that they will be looking for me, If they find you with me, they may be angry enough to do you serious harm, Amariah can be very cruel when any one interferes with me; and Dandy would eat you up if I gave the word, Better let me go, Or, if you daren’t let me go, y ou have tosay; | Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. . then, perhaps, by and by, you could slip away and tell where I am, Then he would be your | friend, and give you very much more than the other man, I am. ready now. Go as you please.” Fanny — after a style that was almost in- fantile, Asshe was also dressed for the part, it appeared to be allin good faith, and the man | looked at her after a puzzled fashion. | “Well, ef you ain’t a cool Onel Blessed ef I don’t feel like bein’ yer friend, aryhow, Ef I thort ary.one war goin’ter do yer harm, I'd turn yer loose an’ die a-shoutin’. I jest would do that, honey. But it'll be all right, an’ you ever so much better off than traipsin’ the camps in that ole wagon. Come with me. I’m goin’ ter treat yer well, an’ don’t yer furgit it.” He spoke with a heartiness that was par- tially reassuring, and though he shifted his grasp from her shoulder to her hand, which he held so that there was no danger of her breaking away by a sudden effort, ne was careful that the clasp of his rough paw should not hurt her, and she was guided rather than led away from the unlucky spot she had chosen for her meditations, The fellow was a stranger, or he might not have been so easily deceived. Fanny was not ep older, but she was wiser than she looked, and it was her plan to throw the man entirely off his guard. She succeeded so well that he never noticed, nor suspected that she had left behind something to attract the attention of Amariah when he came thither in search of ber, She was really wiser than he, because, when she saw that his course led along the bank of the stream, she expected him to take to the water, and thus leave it uncertain which way he had gone from the spot. But he bad no fear of immediate pursuit, and was inno haste. Fora mile or more he picked his way along what was nowhere a very un- even trail, until he came to the mouth of a small gorge. Here he halted and gave a low whistle. The signal was answered immediately yc! the game sound, twice repeated, and then Fan’s captor whistled once more, in a peculiar man- ner, At once there was a sound of horses’ feet, up the gulch, and then another man appeared, siting one horse, and leading two by the bri- dies, ** Come at last, bev yer!” said this man, as he rode up to the two, ‘* Got ther kid, too. Glad ter see it. Begun ter b’leve it waz goin’ ter bea water haul. Climb in. It’s time ter be goin’, an’ it ain’t no small ride we’ve got ter make afore sundown. Tell that time I won’t feel sure my neck’s safe on my shoulders, Thar’s double chances, an’ both ov ’em ag’in’ us.” ** Tell me su’thin’ I don’t know,” growled the first man, as he swung Fanny or: the back of one of the horses, ‘* An’ now, little al, jest member w’ot I bin a-tellin’ ov yer, an’ don’t try ter make trouble. | [know yer kin ride, ’cause I’ve see’d yer at it. | Ef yer tries ter git away, Tom, here, kin swing a lan’ rope, fur all thet’s out; an’ I kin stop a hoss ef it kills hossan’rider, Here we g’:; an’ | you see thet you keeps betwixt us twotill fu . er | orders.” ‘* An’ yer ain’t goin’ ter rope her on?’ asked | Tom, with disgust in his tone, ‘She'll be a- comin’ slip-jack on us afore we've gone a mile.” ‘* Did ther captain make me ther boss—er you ) —ov this outfit? She’s a gal ov sense, an’ ain’t goin’ to give her frien’s ary trouble, when they’s tryin’ to be good tober, You lead off, an’ I'll keep my eyes on her. I'll bet she follers like a darlin’, ’ With a grunt the other led the way, and Fan- ny, who was much surprised at the confidence that was being bestowed upon ber, spoke to her horse, gathered up the reins, and followed with as little exhibition of feeling as though she had been the companion of these ruffians all her life, The way led through retired places, and secret spots. Here and there turns and d& nti 2 were made at points where their footsteps left no marks, While they journeyed at their leisure, they were wary all the time, It would puzzle a good trailer to follow them, unless he knew the | point for which they were aiming—and that was something that neither Amariah nor Fanny had any knowledge of. Still, the only sign of nervousness that the girl ave was in occasionally glancing backward, hen she did that the man in the rear smiled rimly, but said nothing, Aslongas her glances oe no one but himself she was weleome to ook, They made one halt, that lasted for several hours. In that time they bad a cold dinner, Nene Ne ee ee ee Se en . . ne and the horses a rest, in addition to what they could pick up to eat, and the long drink they | took from the spring that seemed to have had no other visitor since the times to which the memory of man ran not back, When they started again they all felt the better for the rest, and the pace was faster than it had been. They crossed a lonely plain, now; and at length, just as night fell, entered a defile that led into the heart of a desolate chain of hills, And as | yet there were no signs of any pursuit, nor any indications of their destination. CHAPTER XI. AMARIAH BEGINS TO SHOW SENSE. Farry Frep had a little body, but his heart was large. For a moment he was sorely tempt- ed to use the revolver that he was so free to men-~ tion, The remembrance that Holdfast was a man of resources, and would hardly be taken off his guard, had nothing to do with his refraining from expressing his indignation in that forcible manner, But it had never seemed that Amariah was @ bad-hearted sort of a fellow, or ove that would do a mean action and then glory init. If Holdfast had been silent, or even angry, Fred’s suspicions would have speedily ripened into certainties, At thatlaugh, and the strange declaration that followed it, though Limberleg was at first angered it was only for a moment, Then he began to think that there was a mystery behind this, and he choked down his wrath, and spoke in a more friendly tone. ‘*Reck’n you knows best what’s what; an’ ef er comes up ter ther scratch J kin foller, yit. But yer don’t want ter waste too much time 4- leffin’, What I wants ter know is, w’ot yer’ go- in’ ter do?’ Thet’s all sent, Freddy. I’m _a-goin’ tew foller, tew see w she goes tew. Ef yew be a ‘ood boy yew kin come tew. But re-comember, i's not funny whar I[’spect tew go, Thar kin be no backin’ eout ef yew start onto the trip. An’ ef yew try tew buck I shell jest leave yew alone tew starve, er die ez ther fates ag. jh Air yew with me cl’ar threw, er not? Yew kin take my hand er leave it alone jest ez you please. Ef yew do yew want tew foller me, an’ not say another word.” : ‘* Good ernuf, Azariah, Ef yew talk thet way I kin see thet ther’s ter be more fun than yer wants ter let on, an’ ez Bis it’s fur FPan’s sake yer kin count me in, “Bub when it’s a choice itwixt Amariah an Fan PU siay with ther gal. Now, ef yer wants ter take me ez pardon them figgers here’s me hand fur ninety days on- loss other wise deeseharged,” The boy held oué his hand as he spoke; and Azariah grasped av without any guslitying speeches, The two, who seemed to have come together so entirely by chance, and to be 80 strangely assorted, could join in the search for Fan with perfect confidence in the good inten, tions of each other. There was, very little to say after that. Amariah looked over the inside of the wagon for a minute or two, arranging a few things for an absence, Thev he wrote a sbort note, which he folded and tacked to the door, It merely said: ‘* Wan has bin taken, ard Lam onthetrail. Ef J am not here ter-night move things.” “ Yew see,” he said, to Fred, who was eying the operation of posting the notice with an in’ quisitive look, ‘‘ Sich things ez these waz liablt tew happen, an’ I have arranged according Some one will be out frum town tew-night ef bt don’t bear frum me, an’ onless ther Lambs m dies with things afore he comes, which I don*: think they will, he will ste ’em put whar thes will be safe tell we git back, Now, I’m read be aye Y The boy laughed and waved his hand. Tb bundle was safe in the ambulance, and the res of his belongings he had on his person, He wat. always ready. { - Then wi ewr eyes on me, but stand sti tell I give yew leave. [ must look around a bi : | tell ’m sure ov ther trail.” ; The boy had failed to find the track wher’: Fanny had lett the wagon, but Amariah ha: | | little trouble, Perhaps it had been noted before . | and he only had to verify his belief. Atan a pee = . signal, and with Fred fo | rate he soon gave the ied the way without th’ « i the ground over whicl), least hesitation pe Renin & bing ce ly 4 i there the boy himself conld s¢'. where her light footsteps had fallen and ae they came to the bank of the stream he saw ‘ne once where she had been sitting, and the marl! » left by a man who had evidently been at tl | same spot. lowing cautiously he
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- i _. Fiip-Flap Fred at Hard Pans Fred at Hard Pan. 11 Of course there were no evidences of a strug- F course Gure ware nocrueomstctastrans | Shey werent uae et na ghee nea ot ec aoa gle, nor any indications that the girl had re- | seethe mountain chain beyond, They were at the edge of the plain, and could There was no ceived harm, To Fred this was a satisfaction; question about the trail just then, and the road and he seemed to think that Amariah would at once follow on the plainly marked trail. But Holdfast was in nohurry. Though the footprints of the two were soclearly to be seen he looked elsewhere also. He made a circuit of the spot, in so doing discovering the tracks made by the fellow as he approached the girl, He considered a little, carefully noting this track, asif to be sureof knowing it if he saw it again, and finally turned to Fred, “This air going tew be a longish job, an’ one we hed better ondertake on hossback, Ee yew don’t bo tew brash yew might foller on slow ontil yew come tew a puzzle, an’ I'll go back fur the ponies. When yew can’t find wich ways ther track goes, stand still. I'll be along short- ly an’ help yew out, Things seem ter be a workin’’bout right, but wecain’t tellyit. <A long about sundown we'll know more, ef not sooner. **But it ain’t no time sence they left here. They’re a-walkin’; what’s ther matter with our runnin’? Ef we don’t lose time we kin ketch ’em on foot,” argued Fred, “An! it wa’n’t no time afore they crawled inter saddles, It don’t pay nohow, ter senda boy ter mill, Run along, an’ ef yew ketch ’em ve ’em thunder an’ lightnin’, but don’t try ter ‘ool Amariah, He knows sign when he sees it ez well ez ther next.” Amariah had the best of the argument, such as it was, and went back for the horses, while Fred hurried along on the trail, which socn disap- from even his keen eyes, and he had quite a search before he found it egy By that ¢ time Detarinh was close behind Once in the saddle and Fred had hopes of go- ing on at a great rate. Instead of that their progress was Sp cautious, and more slow than ever. hap roached the little gulch with the caution of an Indian who feared an ambus- eade, Evidently he was not a reckless man, nor was he one who overlooked the fact that his life was sought as well as the li of Fanny. Once more the traces were distinct; pe this time it was ‘evident that there was more than cae hiomee engaged in the affair. Amariah went where eon et horses had been hidden, and joule over the groun He took so much time to it that Fred nm to be impatient, and ex- pressed his independent opinion after his free and easy way,~ ‘* Don’t hurry me, Freddy... 1 want tew see ef I can find out who was onto, ther racket. Til know better, then, how hard we will hey tew chase’em. ‘Ther’s a heapin knowin’ aforehand what sorter work air cut out fur yew. It saves hoss-flesh, an’ ther wear an’ tear Ov swearin’ when ther chaince air over, an’ ther fun lost.” Finally, however, be was satisfied that there was no more to be learned at that place, and the actual business of the chase began, More than once was time lost during the day in searching for the trail that dro Be: le opel of sight with mysterious suddenness. long s"red was compelled to admit that if he ‘had been alone he would never have been able to follow it. Sometimes Amariah searched for the tracks until ey, were eee ain he allowed his instincts to direct him diet after a careful look around, to get the lay of the land, would strike off in a bee-line for some int ahead, where he again struck the trail, this latter way he made up some of the lost time; but it was not hard to guess that they vere not travel- ing as fast as the fugitives. Fred seemed al- most wild over the idea that they were losing ground, and more than once urged more haste, “Don’t be glim-flashy, youngster,” was Ama- riah’s sedate answer. “We air makin’ ontirely tew good time as it air; an’ I’m only afeard ther good luck will play out. We kin only dew our best, an’ that’s w rot we air dewin’now. Ef yew think diffrent ’ ahead, but I won’t agree ter hunt up yer ng fur tew ke decently buried. When we ~ tellef Amariah war right.” ‘oo ¢ame to the spot where the len de, the signs were so plain that im- « ‘L6 encouraged. The fugitives bad lost Hock time there that they could not be more " at Fal hove or go ahead, and the boy expected “484 would push on at once, obAine of the kind was done. On the con- Amat ‘ah followed suit aad unsaddled his one ‘lid not take the time ee those in +. tie my ey but man, boy and beasts bad Chea “0 Co themselves, and when they , Sty By “£2 0n the chase the advantage was & _Raarlad ad n not ridden for sn hour wy VAS - “An 5 ye! vhen he opcatiig before them was almost as level asa floor. could not understand such caution. “It’s this ways, bub. Yew know, an’so dew I, thet ther’s a gang tLet would like tew take me in—an’ ther’ couldn't be a better place in all outen doors, They Kin see us fur miles, an’ ef they expect us to-tew come boomin’ along on ther trail, ez Ov course they dew, w’ot’s tew hin- der from droppin’ a man er tew back tew ley low, an’ when we come in range tew shoot plum center? Mebbe it would be best tew lay back tell dark afore we cross ther plain. We can’t miss ’em in ther dark; an’ ef we traveled a couple hours after sundown it would bring us nigh tew where they will make their camp tew- night, In the morning | .we would be right in town, an’ all dressed up.” “But. s’posin’ they don’t make no camp ter- night? har, oh, whar would we be in ther eee An’ s’posin’ this ain’t that gang, at all, Yer sed thet ther Lambs were off ther track, an’ yer wa’n’t afeard ov them botherin’ yer era W’ot’s got inter you ter be so skeery, ow an [ain't yee, but I don’t want ter make no mistakes at this stage ov ther game, I ain’t afeard ov the’r campin’ somewhar’s in them hills, ’ceause I know they got tew, onless the turns *round an’ takes ther back track. This air about ther only outlet, an’ on ther other side =. ther sands ov ther desert. Onleas they’sa better than ther averidge, they can’t travel om er than ther rest ov folks without grass an’ wate an’ they ain’t sich fools ez tew try tew 7 *‘Ah!” answered Fred, ‘Have it ter suit yerself. You seems ter know ther lay-out better than, ther man that made it. When we git back inebbee I'll hey su’- thin’ ter say ter you; but jest now you kin hev pa chance, and I'll’ do ther thi ? ez we go ng.” It was a little strange how the two stuck = — when they were all the time diff: regard to the course to be pursued, and the boy was 80 free to express his doubts and suspi- cions. Amariah was the very essence of good humor all the time, but that could hardly ac- count for the ered that he seemed to have for the boy’s com Fred did no praeiotk this; but was inclined to think that any company on what might bea desperate undertaking would be r than none, and that Amariah bad no particular ed- miration or love for him, and might quietly drop him out of sight when the opportunity came and he was needed no longer. What he had said appeared to gradually have more effect. Amariah was silent for a little, and Cara nt his time looking out over the plain before When something like fifteen minutes had passed, be reorganized his plans. ** It's more reesky, Limiberlers but seein’ yew air bent on it, mebbee we kin make ther riffle. Ef I could git °em tew b’leve thet we hed bin throwed off the. track, it would suit tew a charm; but ef they see’ us, like ez not it won't make much differens’in ther long run. We'll git on ahead, though I’m still thinkin’ thet ther time frum now tell night wouldn’t be lost ef we waited here, We've got ter stop when the dark comes down.” ‘* That’s dependin’,” said Fred, as he climbed once more into the saddle, ‘Ef we kin find ther trail, we'll foller it, I reckon; an’ it’s no use ter borry trouble "bout it till ther time comes, Here goes,” Again they were on the way, following the track of the shy: Arapai ata rapid rate, ‘If Ama- riah had more for a guide than the hoof-marks that the boy could see for himself, he said noth- ing of it; and Fred had so far seen nothing of the little signs that Fanny had tried to leave behind her to aid in the pursuit, Of course the darkness came down before they had reached the pass in the mountains for which they were aiming, but now they made no halt, since it was almost certain that they could not Iniss the way. Even when ven plunged in- to the gloomy defile, the pace was kept up until | far into the night. When Amariah drew rein again the boy was glad enough to slide to the ground and takea little of the rest that he began to need so badly Once stretched on the ground, Fred’s eyes closed without his being aware of it. He slept soundly, and there was nothing to disturb his slumbers, When he awoke again, with a yawn, the sun was shining and he was alone the desert fastness. Amariah had vanished, and so had the horses, His saddle was, fortunately, strapped Fred “i t A ary pped rig under his head, and the haversack that was: to it contained a scant supply of food. He still bad his revolver; but, altogether, he was: a very lonely boy, who found himself in a bad predicament. @ would not go back, and it: might be death to remain there or go ahead. CHAPTER XII ‘WHO HAS THE GIRL?” THERE are mysteries enough in the world, as it is; but if the facts as they might seem were always known there would be more of them. There was a large-sized oneat Hard Pan, though saw one side airy Fred and his elder companion were starting in to cross the lain that stretched between them and the moun- defile beyond, the loungers at the Hive were delighted at seeing a wagon, drawn by two horses and under the guidance of a man who looked very familiar, enter the town. The wagon was) a covered one, somewhat resembling an ambu- lance, and on the front seat was Amariah Hold- fast himself—or his operucs There certainly could beno mistaking that peculiar countenance, those long, flaxen locks, fe ar the mildly curious gaze with which he looked about him, “To make assurance doubly sure, there was the bear, Dandy was stalking along at the rear of the wagon, and languidly viewing the town, casting his glances from side to side, as though neither the place nor the people were strange to him, Straight to the Bive went the wagon, and Harry Harper, who stood in the doorway, greeted the arrival with his pjeasantest smile, “Good for you, old man! Thought you would be coming our way again, if the racket last night hadn’t scared you out of the district. Drive to the yard, and lariat your team behind the ed. We will look out for you better since we few took note of it, and so far on] of it, Just about the time that begin to understand the game they tried to set up on you.” The invitation was accepted with a solemn nod, and the vehicle turned to take up the tion indicated. stepped out of the oor way, and followed around the building. When he saw that the wagon held no other occupant his Hcy one ise and concern were plain enough, sae ing wr WA det the rest of your party oO wrong i ho “ A heap wrong; an’ Amariah Holdfast be all broke up. While i were tew town this mornin” them skipjacks got in the’r work, Ther gal’s as ther boy’s gone; an’ ther’s nobody left mariah an’ ther bear. They stole ther walk an’ little Limberleg hez gone Xn chase. I war doin’ ther same tell I sce’d it war no use}: an’I come tew Hard Pan tew look fur news.. Hey yew heared anything ov that gang, or pore, leetle Fanny?’ ‘“‘ Nary thing, Mr, Holdfast, But we did hear that those fellows that were after you last night: were frauds of the first water, and that they ski out abead of half a dozen gator 4 sher- iffs, who got there just too late t e the haul, It seems they have been in the vpR waiting for their chante at the Lambs; missed it by less than no time. Perhaps they will get your girl for you. If they don’t, say the word, and every man that has the Hive for headquarters will turn outon thesearch, Come ht in and brace vp.” **Thanks; but afore this thing to ania known, jest a word with yew, Kin we whar all Hard Pan can’t hear us?” ‘¢ Certainly, certainly,” answered Harry as he Jed the way to his room, ‘There were two wit- nesses to the conversation, so far as it had gone, who were not visible. Ina shanty just opposite the Hive, Nestor Northrup, and Thompson, of the Lambs, were prea aconference. <A noise upon the street caused them to take a peep through the grimy little window at the front, and they had a view of the arrival, which was as much of a surprise to them at it had been to Harper. ‘* Heavens! There has been a hitch some- where!” was the exclamation of Northrup, as he reco nized the face of Amariah, @ would never come here without the girl —he would sooner die, on the trail, I'd give a. hundred to know what he is telling Harper.” ‘‘ Save that and it will be twice that earned, ove: to find out® - What’s the matter with goin he won't squeal, No one else knows you; an He dares not.” ‘+ If you please, I would rather not. The way things are developing I am not so sure what he would dare to oa: e may be tired of playin ide-and-seek, and ready have all the ol t the hounds out. the Simon-pure. ot ee risks by accounts opened. We have of the way, on the trail o Lambs; there is no use in running showing what might seem a better an
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12 trail to follow. We will take it for granted that he is going to try to get some one else to take up the trail that he dares not follow him- gelf, If I had not been fool enough to show my- self when I thought that [ bad him foul I would mot have to be so cautious now, While the hounds are playing away their time on the fel- lows that he was fool enough to turn louse 1 might be Getting in my work. Now, I don’t see thatit will be safeto move until we have boosted him over the range.” ‘And who is going to carry out that little part of the programme? You had him at your mercy, down in his camp, but you were too aw- ful anxious to have a whole gang at your back, and work the thing up by moonlight, with the rest of that romantic nonsense, If you had held dow and pulled a trigger he would have been out of the damp, and the girl safe enough in our hands. If he got away with half a dozen of us, what chance do you expect to have when there is no one but you alone in the swim?” ‘*Oh, come now, you are mixing things all to hero and come back again. It was because | knew him so well that | didn’t care to try him alone. If you had brought the Lambs along with you we might have gone back and settled it perhaps; but as it was I preferred what | thought a certainty. Now, it’s a desperate case, and the risks must be run, Until I satisfied m y- self that the girl with bim wasreally the right one it would have been fool’s work to have chipped in; and it did not seem safe to let him get into Hard Panif it could be helped. I sus- pected then that there were others ready to take a hand in the game,” **And now you know it, Just whoit is that is running things from the other side is what I would like to know. Supposing it should be Sanford himself?” ** Don’t take up with any such fool’s notion. Simon Sanford is dead enough, and I’m not afraid that his ghost will rise up to take an in- terest in the affuir. The best guess that 1 can make is that it issome one who has struck the trail of Cyrus Dawling, and wants to take bim in on the old account, The money is still up for the taking of him,” ‘t And why hot help them along? That would get him out of our road, and no questions asked,” ‘¢ Because it is not so sure that the fool might not prove his innocence after all, and get loose in time to say checkmate, No, we must run it as we laid it out; and at the same time find out who is the other party that is trying*to,slip {in an oar.” ‘* And by that time find that we are a shade too late and our cake all dough. It’s a big pile of money to play for; but the risks begin to look considerably bigger, and we are not going to have the game to ourselves, All right, though, I’ve risked my life every month of the ear on chamces that chouldn’t turn out half so big as this may,and it’s not likeiy that I will show the white feather now. If we have the girl, as I suppose we have, there is that much as a starter; and the rest will follow.” ‘© We should hear from Evans to-night in re- ard to tine girl—though the coming to town of awling: alone tells the story plainly enough, We will/dispose of Cyrus to-night in some.way. To-mwrrow the balance of the work can be done here, and then this region will know us no more. And ‘if there are auy inquisitive souls who want to hook for us in a.month from now they can hunt and welcome. Keep yourself hidden until /dark, for there may be some one here who can tell you in any disguise. After that the perfor. ynances will begin, and Amariah Holdfast had better look out for his necktie.” Although there was a chance that he might be seen by Dawling, Northrup did not believe that under his present disguise he would be recog- nized,and very boldly made his exit by the front door. Helooked calmly up end down the street, and then walked slowly away, with a lounging gait that was totally unlike his usual rapid step. On the other side of the town was a saloon known as the Gem, whsre various bad men had their headquarters. Toward this Nestor bent his steps, and entered without meeting any one who cared to speak with him, At the bar he halted a moment, / ‘¢ Any one asking for me?” he queried, ‘‘No one up to the present time,” was the an- swer; and after naehig disposed of a glass of ‘* poison ” he on toa little room in the rear of the building, after the manner of a man who was well acquainted with the ins and outs of the place, He found himself alone there, and throwing himself down onarough bunk closed his eyes. Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. In a short time he was sound asleep, and was only aroused by the entrance of a man, who stumbled heavily into the room, through a side door, the key to which he held in his hand. At the scund of the footsteps on the floor Northrup came to his feet with a bound, a re- volver in his hand; though, before he had the weapon poised, he recognized his man, ‘* You, Evans? What 8 you here?” ‘‘This!” retorted Evansjhrowing back his coat, and showing a bandage acheie his breast, from under which the blood had soaked, splotch- ing the grimy shirt below with a great, dark stain, ‘tome one that can sling an arrow where he wants it, laid for usin the bushes, and when we were thinking the chance had come to get ia our work he did for us both, Ben is in a worse fix than lam; and youcan bet your life I would not have been hereif I hadn’t thought it ths og thing to carry the news if I died doing it, ou will have to get some other men for the work; Ben and I are laid out for a month.” A hearty curse fell from Northrup’s lips, while he stared at the man as if unable to entire- ly understand his intelligence. ‘* Before you got the girl? Where, then, has she goueto? Curses onit! If we had not been so busy getting the goods out of sight, for fear they mignt fall into the hands of the hounds, I would have known why the racket failed, even if I missed the shot, Yet let him getaway with you? Js that your say-so?” ‘‘Tf you wantit that way. The old coon has managed to hold over pretty good men before this; I don’t know that we ought to be so much ashamed if his cerds were too big for us, But I don’t think it was the man with the bear that did the trick. He hadn’t time to get out of town, It was more like Injun work. There ain’t many white men that can send an arrow a hundred yards and make it go through flesh and bone like this chap did; and follow it with another before the first one got to its mark. We were to scout around, and if we saw our chance sailin, We thought we saw it, and was laying out to act accordingly. ‘Then—we didn't think about seeing anything, much, for a while. [ was afraid you would think that we had made the riffle, and perhaps act accordingly, or | never would have risked my life crawling in, Now, send out for Pete, This thing may be worse than it looks, and a pew bandage on it will feel safer. There’s a chunk of a rib miss- ing, but I don’t think it carried any of the vitals along with it. ‘* [1] send him in, and see that you are cared forin the best of shapes. I reckon you did all that you could, But I would give a thousand to know who has the girl.” CHAPTER XIII. MORE UNPLEASANTNESS. ‘‘ WELL, it serves my mother’s only darlin’ about right,” was what Fred said to himself, as he raised himself on his tip-toes to look around, “*T had fair warniu’ what sort of a hairpin he was, and went to sleep while he was doin’ ther watchin’, I reckon he got tired, an’ went where he thought it didn’t need a feller ter keep his eyes quite so wide open, Now, what's left ip ther box fur Fairy Frederick? I know I haven’t ther ghost ov an idear where I be, an’ it’s a thunderin’ long ways ter water.” From the moment his eyes had rested on the spot where the horses had ‘Beh the night before, and where they certainly were not now, the boy had felt sure that he was deserted; and that if he wanted to get safely out of the fix he was in, he would have to paddle his own canoe with all the vigor that was in him. Otherwise, it was not likely that Amariah would have left the spot, however temporarily, without awakening him; and the absence of both horses was a cer- tificate that he hed no notion of coming back, The spirits of the boy rose to the occasion, how- ever; and he uttered no great moan over his un- comfortable and dangerous position. He was not at all sure that he would give up the pursuit; and to strengthen himself for whatever tasks might be before him, he first and foremost made a sparing breakfast out of the materialsat hand, Then he threw the haversack over his shoulder, placed the saddle behind a rock, where it would not attract attention in case any of the men of whom he was in pursuit should bappen that way again, and turned his attention to the trails that/he hoped to find, The course the night before had been to the south, and southward he now st It was not hard to follow the trail that lay there, and for an hour or more Fred plodded along. He was just in the unamiable mood to stick dogged- ly to whatever hs began on and despise the mos ordinary precautions, To be sure, as far as he could see, the road, if‘road it could be called, seemed to stretch out interminably before him; and if he had not seen anything of the kidnap- rs at the beginning, it was scarcely likely that e would meet them before reaching tho other end, He thought of danger, now and then; but it was not of the present. His eyes explored the ground in front, and he took it for granted that his flanks were protected by the walls of the defile, that for the most part were not far apart, and arose like the sides of a canyon. The result was that he was more than startled when the bight of a lasso dropped suddenly over his shoulders and he was hurled to the ground by a dexterous twitch that was given at the other end of the rope, ; The noose pinioned his arms tightly to his sides, and though he was able to scramble around a little, he was not permitted to rise until a man had caught him by the collur and, raising him up held him at arm’s-length while scrutinizing his face. Fred was not inclined to surrender, and as the lasso dropped from his body when he was taken charge of by this second individual his hands were again free, and he at once began a desper- ate effort to escape. His heels went up, and then back, gathering momentum in the swing. Then his feet rose again, and he turned a flip- flop that wrenched him out of the hands of his captor. Oanaly, as he landed full in the arms of the man with the lasso, who had hastily drawn nearer, there was little made by the ex- change, ‘* Ah, the little monkey!” exclaimed the man from whose hand he had escaped. ‘* Hold him tightly, and lookout for his claws. I have no doubt that he will scratch if he gets the chancy What do you suppose he is.doing here?” ‘* It is another one of the party—the boy I told you of. He must have been with the man last night, and somehow escaped. That would ,ac- count for the other horse. I don’t see how we came to miss him; but he don’t look as though he could 46 much damage,2t the worst and now we he ye him, anyhow.” ‘But it speaks poorly for the vigilance you displayed. If the twos#were camped together, I cannot sse how you were so grossly careless ag to miss him, That will have. to be investigated,” by and by. At pré@fent thereds.nothing "> but to take him along to the den. Yow will re- main here on the watch, while I return and have an interview with the other prisoner, [| will know bvotter then what to do with them both. At one time in my life 1 wouid have known what to do without considering. As we grow older we grow either a great deal cooler or a great deal hotter.” The latter part of this was more in the shape of a soliloquy than a piece of information, and the speaker waited for no answer. From a niche in»the side of the canyun he led out a horse, and taking the boy from the hands of his companion, he placed him in front, and started along the route that Fred had been pur- suing. A tter the failure of his one great effort, Lim- berleg remained discreetly quiescent. It is true that the way he was being treated hurt his feelings somewhat. They said not a word to him, and took it for granted that as he was only a boy he was to be treated with silent con- tempt. On the other hand, this gave him a chance to keep his smartness to himself, and left them to believe that if was only an ordinary boy they had cap! , whose feelings were not worth the ventilation. He could consider the circumstances of bis predicament at his leisure, and plan his course according to the develop- ments as they came, One thing he beard that gave him real plea- sure, Amariah had not deserted him, Al- though he had not believed that Holdfast could be caught napping, there was certainly some allowance to be made for him. He had had his rest broken for several nights, aud Fred kne.. by his own experience how sound a sleeper he might have been if he once allowed bimeel’ glide through the gate of dreams, Where they were going, and who these men were, was, of course, a mystery, He suspected more than ever that Amariah might have given him a valuable bint on those points if he had been so minded, and was inclined to be more than angry with the wonder-man that he had not enlightened him as to what this was ali about. It would be an extra chancein his favor, i now, if he knew who this man was who ept such a steady, yet unconscious grip on his collar, At any rate he began to believe that he Ae.
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was not in as much immediate danger as he had at first supposed, and felt that he could stand any scrutiny to which he might now be subject- ed with comparative coolness, He even began to wish that the man would talk a little. He | wanted to learn something about the fate of Fanny, and would have had no objections to picking up a few points as to what had hap- pened to Amariah. : But the man kept grimly silent, and Limber- leg had wit enough to remain silent, also, Time would instruct bim on these points; and he knew that he had a trick of irritating when he could do nothing more, and just now that was something that had better be omitted from the programme, For half an hour the silent ride was kept up, until they began to emerge from the pass and catch glimpses of the desert plain that lay be- yond, Remembering what Amariah had told him, Fred wondered how much longer this ride was tobe kept up. It might be that their jour- ney bad only begun, though he hardly thought so after what had passed between his two cap- tors. But just as he was beginning *to agitate his mind ,over this question the horseman turned sh Py to one side, riding straight for what seemed to be an impenetrable wallof rocks, At the same time something came down over his eyes—it was the hat of the man behind bim— and ‘he heard a grow! at his ear: ** Keep quiet, young monkey, or I will wring your neck.” In the first excitembnt of bis capture, Fred was willing to take desperate chances to retain his freedom; but since he had had time to reflect @ little, he was not certainqQQQ_===same——OO aaa .._OOVC}O(MO(OO,r,MvWO ON ees ——eowrr err ; ; | which was about as near to a dungeon as he de- sired to get, Fred began to feel more then ever uncertain about his future fate. No one trou- bled his head about him, and the loneliness and silence were oppressive. Supposing this was an unused, out-of-the-way building, and he was left there forgotien, he might starve todeath! He tried the door, and found that it was locked from the other side, He listened, but he could hear no sound. His thoughts made him hungry, and he began to wish for the havergack, which had in some way dropped from his shoulder at the time of bis capture. The day wore on, and at last darkness began to one into the room. No meals for him that day—if he was only sure that there would be any for him the next. He seated himself dis- mally on the floor, with his head in his hands, and awaited whatever was to come, When it was quite dark something did come— and in a way that was as alarming as unex- pected. He heard a slight, grating*noise; then one of the stone slabs that composed the floor dropped downward, almost from under him, and he was conscious that some one was trying to peer at him through the darkness, CHAPTER XiV. MORE LIGAT. His captors had treated Fred with kuch utter contempt that they had not even searched his clothing for weapons. As a consequence he still bad his revolver; and now he felt for it, found it, and silently drew it, his thumb on the ham- mer, ready to draw back for a shot the moment that he thought he could make it effective. _ It was just as well that be waited. Even if he had missed hitting the intruder, the sound might have brought some one to the spot from the outside, and if he bad planted a bullet in the person at the aperture he would have never for- given himself when he found out who it was that was there. After a little he heard a voice, whis- peringly murmuring his name, The sound electrified him, Tbat was the last voice in the world that he expected to hear. It belonged to Fanny! Though there could be but little doubt in bis mind, he was not willing to trust himself atonce tospeak. 16 might be a hallucination, Some ore might be counterfeiting her tones in order to make him give away his position, He waited another instant. * Are you there, little Limberleg? I was sure Isaw you brought in here, and though I have watched ever since I have not seen you go ” ‘‘ Hallelujah!” exclaimed Fred, moderating his shout to suit the circumstances, ‘I have found you at last, have I? I was mighty much afeard that they had switched me off ther trail | fur good, Wherebe yer? An’ how did yer git here?” **T guess it is I that found you, If I had not kept my eyes open and my wits very much about me you would bave been ina rerybad way. In a day or sol am afraid that you could not have found yourself, But how did you come to get bere, and where is Amariah?” ‘*1 eome ’cause they brung me,” answered Fred, ignoring the first part of her conversation ; ‘*an’? Amariah cau’t now be fur off ef there’sary *pendin’ ter be put on that part ov ther conver- sation I happened ter overhear, Amariah were with me when I lay me down, an’ when I woke he hed disappeared. Ther chaps thet took me later on sed they hed got a man w’ich war with me shortly previous, an’ they wanted ter hey a talk at him afore they decided w’ot ter do with me, Then they brung me herea hossback. Ez that war w’ot [ war aimin’ ter do—ter git here somehow, anyhow—I didn’t squirm arter I seen how ther landlay. Bin a rooralizin’ in this hole most ever sence, an’ waitin’ fur night ter throw her shadder o’er ther scene afore I begun a-lookin’ fur you. No hurry at all, ’cause we couldn’t do much tell it war dark, Now then, be we goin’ ter skip ter onc’t, or are we goin’ ter see what we kin do far @mariah? He pears ter be in a heap more danger than we be, an’ sence I knowed what way ther land lay I kin consider him ez my pard, Butafore that I jest war a-breathin’ fire an’slaughter, I thort he hed went back on me, an’ gone on ter paddle his own canoe.” “You talk so much, Little Limberleg, that it always tires my head, while | am trying to think if it is all true. Are yousure that they have h asa prisoner? That was not exactly as we intended. He was to take care of himself so as to beable to help me out if I needed its aid, .And I thought he was too shrewd to be caught an had in his thoughts—with [3y man’strap. He must have followed too thu Parbe wh be was nervous, for fear I would ard Pan. 13 bein danger, but ne did not need tobe. Fam can take care of herself, every time,” ‘‘ And perhaps, then, it war my fault, some- what, after all, I druv him on a leetle faster than he seemed ter want ter go. Sorry ef I wer too impashunt, but it'll be all rigbt now. In course we don’t give up ther ship tell we know w'ot’s become ov ther captain. What a neat, warm leetle paw yer got. lt does me good ter sbake it. Lead me out, now, an’ I'll spend all ter-morrer moonin’ over it; but ter-night be- longs ter ther bizziness that’s spelled with a big In the darkness Fanny had slipped her hand into his, but it was not at all for the sake of any mooning, as Fred called it, ‘** Keep quiet, now,” she answered, speaking & little lower, ‘‘ Let my hand guide you. There is a steep stairway to descend; and the slab through which I found my way to you had bet- ter be returned to its place, Then, if they should come looking for ie they will not know how you heve managed to disappear. 4 will take you to the room where I have been confined, and we can lay our plans as we go along.” ‘‘Guess this ain’t a case that needs much planoin’,” retorted Fred, as he yielded to the im- pulse of her hand. ‘‘ Ef we kin find Amariar we want ter do it, an’thea make tracks with ther beels all this way. I jedge these be des- p’rit cases, an’ don’t mean no good ter none ov us. Wouldn't be surprised ef Amariar war dead afore this, even.” ‘*T think not. They will not harm him until they are certain about me, And I am afraid that they did not g-t much satisfaction when they interviewed me, I knew as little as even a girl of my opportunities could know—just enough to make them want to hear more. But all the same I have not seen yet the man that I wauted to see; and if there is any mistake about him, Amsriah may be in a worse fix than he counted on, even when he figured up that he might be captured.” ‘“Strikes me ye’r’ lettin’, er tyryin’ ter let me, inter ther inside ov Amariar’s game. I might remind yer, though, thet all thet stuff’s Latin an’ Greek ter me—an’ ther roodiments ov w’ich same Lain’t yit acquainted with.” “So he told you nothing. All the better for you, then; and { won’t overwhelm you with my confidences, Now, be quiet. We are getting neat to the room from which I escaped. ‘ I want to see if I have been missed, Then, we will go on, and look for some traces of Amariah, e did not provide for such a wholesale capture, and perhaps, even if I could get away, our plans would have to be reorganized. I am not asanx- ious to escape as I was before I met you.” ‘Well, I be—ef you are along with me. Wouldn’t stay here another day ter meet ther Emp’rer ov Chiny. It’s only dooty ter Azariahr ez could keep me now. Dye hear anything?” His whisper scarcely reached the girl, who had left him in the darkness, while she ran up a stone stairway which corresponded with the one under the cell lately occupied by Fred, She was back again in a moment, “There is no one there now, and I doubt if there has been any one during my absence, had a ligt when [ found the way to your prison- room, but blew it out because ber to be sav ing, and knew the way well enough this far There is another passage that I intended to ex plore after I bad seen whether the one I took lea to you, We will try it now, It may lead to father Holdfast.” She struck a match asshe spoke, and lit a lit- tle taper, one of half a dozen she had on her when taken, It made but a ose ga of light but it was by all odds better than none at all. They could see the walls of the passage through which they had been making their way and found the opening that Fan Ixiped might leao them to Amariah, They found no difference between this passage and the other one, and followed it for about the same distance, until they came to the stone stair- way they expected to find. Very cautiously they ascended this, and discovered that at the top was the same kind of a stone door as that Fan had found to the other cell. She pointed out to him the lever by which it was opened and shut, and then extinguished the light, ‘We must be very careful now, Freddy. I am going to try to open that door, and if we are in the wrong box a box it will be indeed, I a to find Amariah; but it may be that we lonly find the men that have taken him, If they once map’ that we were here they could soon have us in worse plight than w we They listened, and could hear no sounds from the room vhey were sure was above them, but
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14 Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. that was no sign that there was no conversation going on there, The slabs on the floor fitted closely, and sound would not travel very readily there. The room might have a dozen occupants for all they could hear or know. One thing was in their favor. Judging from their experience with the stone in Fred’s room, the slab would move noiselessly, and it would be possible to open it sufficiently far to hear if there was any one moving or speaking above, without much danger of being observed, ** Not a word now,” said Fan, softly. ‘I am going to open the door a little, ‘We can tell then if there is a light, and after that must wait until we are certain that there will be no mistakes, It would not be fine to rout out some one else instead of Amariah, The king of this camp ge be sleeping there himself, for all I know. Tt is only a& guess that Amariah is confined above, Be silentnow. Ready.” Womanlike, Fanny arranged so that she had the last word. As soon as she ceased speaking, she applied her hands to the lever,and slowly the #lab over their heads rose up a short distance, ‘Then the two crouched and listened. Their caution was not thrown away. They heard voices in the room, and recognized one as bel ng to Holdfast, while Fred was certain that the other belon to the man who had brought him there in front of him on horseback, and who seemed to be the ruler of this strangely found principality. A little thread of light stole through the crevice, and from the tenor of the few words ay heard it was evident that the conversation but just begun. With breathless earnest- ness they listened, anxious to know how it was likely to be with Amariab, and curious to get a r insight into the mystery, CHAPTER XV. A REMARKABLE STORY, “ ] BELIEVE that I cannot be mistaken,” were ‘the first words heard by the listeners, ‘*‘ You are the man once known as Simon Sanford.” The voice belonged to Holdfast, but the words ‘were not hisatall, Here was the first step to- ward the solution of the mystery. The answer was waited for with some impatience. ‘Tt makes little difference to either you or me whether I assent or deny. Why should I do either? But you are the cowardly scoundrel ‘who answers to the name of Cyrus DVawling when you are not so afraid for your life as to deny your own identity. When we two meet, there can be but one result. Both of us can ny. goaway from the spot alive.” **My name is not Cyrus Dawling. If it was, I hope that I have sand enough not to deny it w ver ar, be the danger to myself an others, I will admit that I am a pretty good imitation; but now that the disguise has ac- complished its work, there is no more need for it, and it will be dropped as soon as possible.” “* And, pray, what may it have been assumed for?” was the sneering response of the other. ** A man would think twice before he would try f off for such a pack of villainous cowardice,” “Tt was to meet you. There was no other way to find you; and you must admit that you snatched at the bait quickly enough.” * Not at you, please remember. You could have wandered through the whole length and « breadth of the mi im aera in welcome, It was to find the girl whom I knew to be with you. You ought to know the whole story, I will give you just one more chance to tell the truth. If you are not Cyrus Dawling—other- seh known as Amariah Holdfast—who are ou ai: I am sometimes known as Hank sprees § and sometimes spoken of as Happy Hank, the jight- ning Detective from Gideon’s Bar. As noone else would risk the finding of you I have under- taken the contract, and you can see for yourself that I have been a little more than successful.” Fred heard the words quite as plainly as the man who had been addressed as Simon Sanford. At the singular assertion he gave a start and looked around as though he could see Fanny in the darkness. Was there any truth ia this? He would have given a dollar or two if he could have seen Sanford’s face at the announce- ment; as the next best thing be listened anxious- ly for the tones of his voice when next he yore fter what he had seen and heard he had little doubt that the presence of a detective there would bea little more than unpleasant to the sip 72 of the retreat, or was he mistaken, There was somethin like concentrated murder in the way Sanf answered, ** Ah, you own to that much, do yout Why, a must be bound to seal your death-warrant. rus Dawling 1 would give a chance for his life, hound though he be; but the detective who had followed me here, to the last place of refuge from the persecutions and outrages of the world, I would kill without hap twice before you persist in the lie, Yow shall have your chance as Dawling, or your doom ‘as Darby. Which do you prefer?” **T reckon yew will have to give me my chance ez Darby; an’ when I git through with my story mebbe you'll be willin’ tew let Cyrus slide out ov sight, even ef you don’t keer tew take his hand. Dll admit it war not ther object tew work ther riffle in exactly this way; but ez yew seem not tew hev seen the gal at all I kin tell ther story fu’st an’ yew kin interview her arterwards. Air yew goin’ tew lissen?” **Can you not understand why I did not care tospeak to her until [ had settled with you? From what my agents told me I knew that she had never fathomed the depths of your wicked- ness, and would be apt to ask that you be spared when she 2new all the cause I had for hate. When you were under six feet of turf there would no reason why I should not promise her toleave you foreveralone. You understand that I intend to kill you.” Sanford did not appear to notice that the man before him had reassumed the dialect that had for the time been gtk gr Other things were 80 weighing on his mind that the freak of his prifoner did not seem worth the notice. ** An’ so deestroy yewr last chance ov ever comin’ out inter ther world ag’in tew enjoy ther wealth an’ fambly ez yew might otherwise be getherin’’round yew. Sime Sanford, yew ain't a leetle angel—fur w’ich, considerin’ sarkum- stances, I don’t altergether blame ye—but I don’t think yer a blamed fool, square an’ solid. Air yew goin’ tew hear me?” “fe to hear a good deal before I get through with you. I intend to have an open confession, if 1 have to tear it out of you with red hot irons. You can tell me what lies you choose, if you don’t take too long with them; and then I will get at the truth in my own gentle way.” * First, an’ for’most; kin yew tell me whar is yewr darter?” “Ha, hal Where shoulf she be? You fol- lowed closely enough to know that she was brought 8s ht to my hands, when she left yours. You thought medead,did you? Surely, you would never have risked your worthless neck within reaching distance of my fingers if you had not,” **It was beca’se I knowed that yew war livin’ thet [run ther risks. Yewr darter is a-livin’; but she ain’t in yewr hands—not by a long sight. Yew got the bait I put tew my trap, but she ain’t Simon Sanford’s darter ary more than I be Cyrus Dawling. That’s trewth number one that I want yew tew recomember,” Liar!” gritted Sanford, ‘**I do not under- stand at what you are driving, but I know that you are lying, all the same, What other girl would Cyrus Dawling burden himself with? And the description was too accurate—every- thing too certain, When I heard, I knew that my daughter was once more mine, and that my enemy had delivered himself into my *¢ All the same, until he knew that you were dead, and was reasonably well sure that there was no ve of his being taken for murder, Cyrus Dawling would never have run the risks that I have done, or had wisdom enough to de- vise this plan to put himself face to face with a man whom he fears, or feared, more than any- thing else on earth. Where he is, and where ae’ daughter is, you will not be likely to ever now if you throw overboard the chance that I am trying to give you. Perhaps, if you had looked for the scar that used be on your daughter’s neck, you might have been willing to believe how you were fooled, If you can find it, | am willing to acknowledge—truth or no truth—that I am the man you believéd I was, and a liar from ’wayback.” “There is something in what you say,” an- swered the other, slowly. ‘‘ Even for the wealth that could be hers Cyrus would not have put himself within my reach, and if he been the one to fail into my hands, he would not have had the courage to have tem- porized as you have done, He would have died of fright. Let melook at your face again, If itis not the genuinein d se, it is an imita- tion such as I never could have expected to see And if this is the truth that you have been tell- ings if you have been trifling with my holie’ ections to serve your own profes’ "~~ ! think you that roe will be any the be than Cyrus Dawling would have been if fallen into my hands? **But no; I cannot believe it, even eyes told me that your words were the truth, I have had you carefully shi | too long. This is no disguise assumed spur of the moment, to suit a detective’ « It is one thing that you have worn for yeu can trace you from the time when you 4 the garb of Dawling and became Hold’ was a fool to believe you, and yet for ar you almost had me convinced.’ ‘** And will have you altogether convin’ fore I am done with you. ‘You may kno\ Cyrus took up the character of Holdfas you cannot tell, it seems, when he ha oyer tome, I want to convince you be ° reasopable doubt, because when [ hay. that, | have something still harder to. . plish. I want to make make you und: that your a wie years has been ect blund». a»? that Cyrus Dawling never w a a is my mission here, Because I could rea’) in no other guise, I ran the risks and c you in this,” There was a silenee that seemed a gre: longer than it really was, followed by th of a revolver as the hammer was being » back. The listeners could guess the dang: Holdfast was in, and yet they dared not ». pean’ interference of theirs must come to: — and would only provoke the catastropl was on the verge of happening. If they could only have seen, they woul | discovered that the detective never win: even looked as though he was in danger, t» ) t the muzzle of Simon Sanford’s revolver» -- 9 »| his forehead, and his eyes glared like tho. .* « 4 maniac, , ‘‘ Do you take me for a fool? Youhave. once too often with your life, and the en = + as well come now as a little later on. Yo: ject is too plain to deceive an idiot—such . - : « doubt you concoive. me to be, If. you-6 Dawling, then your object is either to s! ; here, or to inveigle me where the repe wil! work as well. Granted that you are Han , > : gin in earnest, To save yourself from a‘: ony evil, from which you have been or so Many years, you throw yourse” ‘9 + areal danger, from which there will be © >. ) cape. No one but my partners and I kno: ou are) living—if you except Cyrus Da Limself, who, in @ certain sense, is @ pi. since we are working this thing together. wife believes that you are living, butisno’: : She is hunting for you now, in the interes: ; Thus far, and then the detective su ceased speaking, and gazed keenly at Se. who had thrown up his hands, dropping « ’ volver from his as he did so, and sta» +) back, exclaiming in a husky whisper; “My wife! | Heavens! hat are you t me? } “The truth, If you bad been listening : . | | time that I have been trying to beat it in you would not be so rag ge now, Of @ you oe that you killed your wife; : 1 bs thé world thought that Cyrus Dawlir ; killed you. Iam not so sure that he ou; i to have done so; but, as everybody that the mix is still living; and there is ah f money, that belongs somewhere, at st : think it is about time to have the mystery ed up, I can tell you one thing: The ‘ | some other hounds on the scent of tha’ fortune, who will not be at all squeamis the means they take to get it; and if Mr ford stands in the way they will be pe willing to remove her, She was at Ha the other day, and the young lady who is your daughter was with her. If Nestor rup can get his hands on them, as be was to do when I left there, itis not very like 4 I will find either of them there, or you } living, whew I get back. He will redu » | Hayden fe 4t». to possession when he pr the hei. 20w, if <o- guardian, proves he tity -spt such a < +e, Whatare you + j collar, Atany rate. sked Sanfor is self-poss
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cad i ** are they there together, Cyrus Dawling and the woman who was wy wife?” ‘* Scarcely.” ** Then whatis she to him? what has she been, since she has thought I was dead?” ‘ Only his sister. Even such a vagabond as Dawling is liable to have relations; and being ashamed of him don’t seem to mend matters. It would have saved a heap of trouble if she had felt the other way.” *‘ What an infernal fool I have been!” ‘© Pm not so sure of that, There is time enough et to get a heap of good out of life; and if you bet struck a bonanza in here, and laid away enough of the ore to pay the national debt, I’m way “ Yes, I have found what most men would give their souls for. I would have given it all at any time for the peace of mind that your intelligence will give me, if these things that you tell me are true. But I confess that I donot understaud this masquerade.” “* Simplest thing in the world. We have been looking for you, and figured it down that you were here or hereabouts; but we never could find you. Dawling, who was afraid to risk meeting ou, put himself in my hands, Hissister and be ung mo fe wp when he was wanted for your kill- ing;and of course they were both in disguise, You sent some one to look after Cyrus, and dropped to him and your daughter, but for some reason missed the womaninthe case, After the ove effort you made to get the girl, I knew that Ihad you. The intention was to let Fan be taken and tell you the story, while I would be in supporting distaties, to corroborate, Nestor Northrup got on the trail ofus, but he was foiled, too, though he an us some trouble with his Lamba, hen | go back I will dispose of him in short order, if you want one of the family rou into the reach of the law. If you don’t he will hardly stand on the ceremony of his going whan you come on the carpet,” ““ And my daughter—where is she now?” “Safe in the care of one of the best men in Gard Pan. You have nothing to fear for her. He does not know all the danger she is in, but the villains cannot reach her even if they locate ber. I have a goo@yman on the watch, And they think that my Fan is their game, Oh, I tell you, it.i# time that you turned up. e Haydens have a man down there looking after you—or rather, after proofs of your death. He wormed your wife’s story out of her, and for a time believed her. Then, when he got track of Dawling, he thought she had been making it out of the whole cloth, and set her down as a fraud. Now, then, if you have any doubts, you can have a talk with my little girl; end after that, the sooner we get back to Hard Pan, the sooner will all the complications that have been ruining half a princi bape be cleared up, and your wife have @ chan orgive you—th eonvin ced that the will ough I a but half n e boy that I ca iy oe ea had ray opiriten awayt Wels ef eis here; an am a te treated roughly.” Gied HORE Ne yas ee i i The boy is abundantly able to speak for him- eir, ** You bet he is!” interrupted Fred, as the door in'the floor opened, and be sprung into the room followed by Fanny. “ Wy, I'm a-working fur Mrs. Sanford, an’ I've figgered it all ont *thout it’s costin’ me a cent, Ef she hed jest menshuned suthin’ *bout Amariah an’ ther gal, et would ’a’ saved a heap ov figgerin’, but she only set me ter inquirin’ fur Simon when I got ter Hard Pan—an’ here I’ve found him an’ all ther rest. Hold on though? She did post mea leetle *bout North: rup, wich ther same I hed seen afore; an’ ther’ war a time [ thort mebbe Amariah an’ him war in ther same boat. Here’s Fan, an’ a trump she be! What’s ther matter with startin’ fer Hard Pan ter-night?” The appearance of the youngsters was a sur- prise to Sanford, but he was more amused than angered by it, He had at last given his confi- dence to the detective, and needed no corrobora- tion of theirs to convince bim that it was the truth be had been hearing. He was more anxious to hear the particulars that Darby could tell bim, and learn how his wife had recovered from what be had been sure was & fatal wound; how her black sheep of a brother came to bear the name of Dawling; and a score of other thiags that were suggesting themselves to add to his tortur- ing curiosity, et the road to Hard Pan waslong, and there would be plenty of time to talk over these things as they went along. The snggestion of was exactly to his mind, and agreed with what the wouder-man had in his thoughts—with @ proviso, Flip-Flap Fred at Hard Pan. ** The boy has the right end o’ the string. I don’t want to get my eye off of those villains at the other end too,long. I guess Fan could stand the trip—she seems made of whip-leather—but we all want a little rest first, and something like a square meal, I don’t know how your larder is supplied, but fromthe way I feel, I think it will be pretty well exhausted by the time I have had the chance to go through it, I haven't had anything to eat since last night, and I didn’t eat very hearty then,” ‘Good for you, Amariar! Even a boy ov mod’rate bigness kin put away a heap ov grub when he’s holler to his boots, Tell ’em ter lay out fur sev’ral dozen, I kin eat fur four- teen!” “TY suppose I should apologize to you two. The young lady has fared better, of course. I thought a little fasting and prayer would bring ou into a better frame of mind to tell the truth. ® will make (amende for that now. After that I will take you at gout word, Mr. Darby, pee cometer we will seek my wife aud daugh- CHAPTER XVI, THE FINAL TRANSFORMATION, EBENEZER CROWFUT had not been having altogether a comfortable time for the last few days. Scarcely did he know why, but the idea was beginning to dawn upon him that his trust was one of some importance and possible danger. Jarvis Jackson troubled him, and his wife had a good dea] to say, The afternoon of the second day Nestor Northrup appeared on the scene, inquiring what had become of Mrs, Simon Sanford, and if he knew what had become of her daughter. Without intending it, Jarvis Jackson had put Northrup up to this dodge, which was only a forlorn sort of hope, Jackson had been making some inquiries of Nestor, without any idea that he had an interest in the Sanfords, and in the conversaticn let drop something about an adven- turess, who had some scheme in connection with the case, who Claimed to be the widow of the dead or missing man, and whom he last saw in the office of Ebenezer Crowfut. That hint was sufficient for Northrup. He had his own ideas about her being an adven- turess, and thought it very likely that she might have had something to do with the disappear- ance of her daughter. As he found no trace of her anywhere else he went to Crowfut. Of course he learned nothing from what Ebe- nezer said; but with as sharp eyes and under- standing as Northrup had, the visit was not by any means thrown away. He did not see the lady—had not even hint that such a lady had an existence—but he saw Laura Lane, He went away puzzled, but very certain that he was on the right trail now. How she could have got into Crowfut’s}house without his know- ing it was more than he could understand; but there she was, or he did not know a Sanford when he saw her, “There is one thing on which it will be very safe for Mr, Crowfut to gamble. She will not be there to-morrow morning,” was his reflec- tion, as he wended bis way toward the Gem. “There ought to be enough of the boys within reach to make things very lively in case Mr. Crowfut thinks it worth his while to resist the constituted authorities—as they are or ought to be, I fancy it would be best to spirit the young damsel away without any remarxs as to my in- tentions. There is an unhealtby feeling in the air, and if I can leave the town behind me with- out giving any of its citizens an idea of which way, or why, 1 went, it will be vastly better. Yes, The best we can do is to take her quietly out of Crowfut’s keeping, {f we can find her on the street, 80 much the better, If not—his house is not exactly a castle, and I think there will be no trouble in sacking it to-night. The only trouble will be to hold in the boys. It won’t do to take any otber plunder, Some day or other it would come to light that the man that got the Sanford fortune must have been in with the Lambs, and it would be like my luck for Ebenezer to come to get even. He has the reputa- tion of being an obstinate man if there is one,” f course Ebenezer had no idea of what was in the wind; but he was careful for all that; and his charge was not allowed on the street after nightfall while his house, in spite of Nestor Northrup, was something like a castle, in its strength, if notin its size, When he built it, near to the edge of the town, be made up his mind that he would not have it captured by sur- prise, as his residence at Humbug Bar had been, the time that the outlaws invaded that town, 15 and stri itef about all its portable wealth. The building was of stone, with loopholes through which he could command the ap- proaches; and the roof was fireproof, and pretty near to being ax-proof. There was a backin of oak to the doors; and there were substanti window-shutters that could be closed in a mo- ment, from the inside. Nestor Northrup had only glanced at the house and taken in the sur- face of things, which did not make much show. If he had known how everything really was, be might not have felt so confident that he would be able to abduct the heiress, even from under Ebenezer Crowfut’s roof-tree, The evening passed on, and having closed the store, Mr. Crowfut wended his way homeward, He was unconscious of the fact that he was fol- lowed by several men, who moved as silently as shadows, and who drew near when he halted at his own doorway, Ebenezer tried the door, and found, as he ex- ted, that it was locked, As he carried a key, e was not at allinconvenienced, but proceeded to unlock the door. : The key turned leisurely, the bolt snot back— and then the worthy merchant felt himself seized 7 powerful hands, which wrenched him from his feet and flung him heavily to the ground, After that he only knew that there was a grip on bis throat, which tightened until his consciousness: fled, The assailants made complete work as they went along, since they took no chances, but bound the insensible man hand and foot. Then they boldly tried the door, and finding that it yielded, two of them entered the house, while the third remained 'on guard outside, It was too early to e t to find the other inmates of the bousein bed, Mrs. Crowfut.and Laura were sitting in the living room, having a little con-. fidential talk as the men burst in. As they came unbidden, and wore masks on their faces, it was patent at a glance that they were there for no honest purpose; and yet there was neither scream or outcry from the two, as they rose from their seats. ‘* What is the meaning of this outrage?” asked the elder lady, as she boldly faced the fellow bite had a leveled revolver pointed in her direc- ion. ‘Jest keep yer mouth shut, an’ yer hand still, an’ thar won’t be no harm done ter you, marm, But ef yer tries ary skullduggery, we're popes ter lay out yer corpusin less than alfa second. An’ you, young lady—don’t open that mouth ov yourn yer gits further or- ders. It’s lucky fur you thet you hev yer duds allon, We ain’t got much time ter wait, an’ we want you real bad,, Ef you please. hold up yer hands, an’ make ready ter come along with us, It’s fur yer own an’ comfort.” As he spoke, the fellow advanced and laid a hand heavily on the shoulder of Laura, while his companion stealthily moved around, edging toward Mrs, Crowfut, ready to make a b as soon as he got within reaching distance, It look- ed as if the two females were at the mercy of the bold intruders, Bat just then there was a sudden change in the aspect of affairs. There was a sound of voices without, though no one could catch the words that were spoken; then Amariab Holdfast sprung into the room dragging Nestor Northrup by the throat, and followed by his duplicate and*half a dozen others, including Simon Sanford, Fanny, Little Limberleg and Dandy. The bear was as grave as ever—and just as obedient toa motion of his duplicate masters, Ata turn of the hand and a glance of an eye that would not have been seen by the average human, the brute launched himself upon the man whose fingers touched Laura’s shoulders, and bore him heavily to the ground. ** Ef yew please,” said the Amariah who orig- inally appeared upon the scene of action at Hard Pan; ‘‘ this air a fambly party, an’ we don’t keer ter hey outsiders tew introod. Dandy, yew bey Captain Thompson, ov the Lambs. Js there ary one here connect d with ther law which kin as- soome ther responsibility ov keerin’ fur him? Ef not, ez his presence air not deesirable, Dandy will hey tew pe ceed tew eat him,” A grave-faeed man stepped forward and clap- ped a pair of handcuffs on Thompson's wrists, while another grave-faced man did the same fer the other outlaw, Then these two prisoners were carried away, | avin’ Nestor Northrup as much puzzled as frightened, and wondering what it all meant and what was to be his fate. He had not as yet recognized Simon Sanford. Then Amariah came to the front, looking hard at Mrs. Crowfut and the young ‘Laura, this is your father. The object of the masquerade has been attained, and if you
Page 16
16 pears cae can tell us where we will find your mother, it will not be long before the family circle is com- plete, and henceforth to exist without any mis- understandings,” ** Are you sure the time has come? There must:be no mistakes, I desire to meet my fa- ther with the respect of a daughter—and per- haps in time with a dafighter’s love—but I don’t want to losea mother. Ske is not far away, and Ican bring her soon, but 1 want to know that itis for her happiness as well as mine.” “Bring her, child, bring her quickly!” ex- claimed Sanford, for the first time opening his | sides, if you will only believe me—and the sooner it is done the sooner we can begin life anew, with at least a prospect for all the happiness that money can buy, and love bring. If I have wronged her it was because I loved her; and in the bonanza, of which her agent knows the truth, well as I have kept it hidden until now from all the world save my men, there is a fortune far beyond the wildest dreams that we dreamed in the olien time,” “* It’s skassly wo’th while ter send fur her,” chimed in Fairy Fred, slipping into the circle until he met Sanford, and bent upon him the full light of his twinkling eyes, ‘‘ She is here now, if you could only pick her out. When ‘every one else was working did you think that she would be idle? She was as far to the front as any one, and has done her humble share to- ward bringing this family conclavetogether, If Little Limberleg is no more, Laura Sanford can take his place; and her husband will know that there is little more to tell of her, since she has learned his inner secrets and knows all the truth already!” And atthe revelation, and theunmasking that revealed the woman as she was, there was not one there who at first could believe the evidences of his or her own senses. ** Oh, yon need not stare,” she continued, look- ing at Darby withasmile. ‘ Did you think I could altogether trust any man until I knew something more about him than 1 did about you? Your scheme to find Mr. Sanford was a good one, and I wondered that I had never the nerve to undertake it before. It was so good that I determined to see how it worked, so that I could judge for myself what the chances were for a reconciliation, {I placed our daughb or where I knew that she would be safe, andt, 1 threw myself in your beg, I was not sa & anes certain about this false Laura—Fanny. J° +: possible the character of Simon Sanford’s ¢ ter might be assumed only too well, ari © when he was found my own dan * ~wignt leftin the Inreh, Pardon me for ts sue) “ior: but} they were only natural. Asits sis.6 companion of Cyrus Dawling, I py." learned enough to make the assum, ''> character of Little Limberleg an «> And as for you, Simon, if you have g: over your wonder, there is no needto © that | believe all is now understood bet. » and that there isno necessity to hamper 2 © casion by reopening what'we cannot help bu: ©. sider old wounds. The time will yet come v we can laugh at their scars, but at present © but, little provocation they might bleed afres” Am Inotright?” . “ As always, my dear,” said Sauford, comin forward to take her hand, “I am afraid lips. ‘‘ There is much to be forgiven on both | oe lenge at myself if 1 undertook to embrace . a y like Fairy Fred, but, when you are reha- billed as to garb, and it is not your face alone tells me that you are my long-lost wife, I can tell you better that my affection has néver wavered, and that this is‘really the happiest mo- ment of my life.” : It seemed a little strange to his guilty associ- ates that Nestor Northup, whose connection with the Lambs could have been proved beyond peradventure, should have been allowed to es- cape; but the fact was that, for the sake of the family which had been so lately united, it was not down on Hank Darby’s cards that he should be hrought to justice just then. Sanford was not wildly revengeful, and there was time enough for him to run alittle longer race with the hang- man, and bave theending where he would not be called upon to testify. _ Without Nestor the list of the outlaws was long enough; and no oné was more surprised than Thompson to learn bow complete it was, Darby’s arrangements had been much more _ thorough than any of the outsiders had any no- tion of until the whole matter was disposed of, _ Of the Lambs who had attempted the abduc- tion of the girl, there was not one left free-footed. « he fictitious Hank Darby and his followers had been allowed to retreat far enough fromthe Hive to permit of its being done without attracting attention; then they were all arrested by the men who had been waiting for yen Instead of retiring to the fold of the ‘‘ Lambs,” as Nortb- rup and tue captain had supposed, they were on their way over the mountains er a strong guard, and were not heard of again uotil they came into court to receive their just desarts, The secret bonanza of Simon Sanford, whieh he had discovered in his wanderings when he was seeking to escape as much from himself as from justice, remained a secret for some time longer. He bad a little kingdom therein which his subjects were magnificently well paid for their labors,and in whieh bis wife queened it right royally, and bis daughter enacted the role of princess to the satisfaction of al) concerned. he true Cyrus Dawling did not give over his wanderings, though henceforth he and Dandy had nocompanions, When he felt that the rope was no longernoosed ready for his neck, and that his brother-in-law had only a good-natured ccn- tempt for the man he had once thought to mur- der, he recovered more than his old-time cour- age: but, practically, he will be as worthless as ever to the end of time. He isthe true wonder- man, and could make his imitator stare; but he never will, in all his life, put bis abilities to half tne real use that Darby did their imitation, in the little time that he, with the assistance of his daugkter, — the part in and around the town of Hard Pan. THE END, Next Haur-Dmer Lierary, No. 963 The East-Side Spotter; Turning Down the Big Three, BY WILLIAM PERRY BROWN, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 885% Monte Saul, 901 Diamond Dave; t a BY J, ©. COWDRICK, * Broudway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo, Broadway Billy’« Boodle; or, Clearing a Strange Case, 'S WUreoadway Billy’s *‘ Ditikilty.” ‘roadway Billy’s Peath Racket. Ss “eeaeay Billy’s Surprise Party. oO. roadway Billy; or, The Boy Detective’s Big Inning. -~ Svoadway Billy's Dead Act; or, The League of Seven. » vo sdway Billy Abroad; or, The Bootblack in Frisco. Away Billy’s eats or,Beating San Francisco's Finest. Billy In Clover. Billy in. Texas; or, The River Rustlers. Billy’s Brand, Billy at Santa Fes or, The Clever Deal, * Billy’s F'ull Wand: or, The Gamin Detective, ’ Billy’« Business, : Billy's Curious Case. Silly in Denver, VOhy’s Hargatri; or, The Three Detective. Ty, the Retriever Detective. ') Ty's Shadow Chase. 8) Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest, EyLiiS ‘s Teams or, The Combioe’s Big Pull. * Brigade; or, The Dead Alive, : Queer Bequest. _ ated, ‘\"« Stgnat Seoop. ~ “tpe Out, tk Racket. blu, ea Jersey Thugs. Billy 90m, « Bie Duige, 0, OVO Rnap. “ B} nlc or, The Bootblack Stowaway. y Ses tows London Slums. Broad» Mitiy's Freveh “me. Broadw i) iy apd toe bom>-Throwers. The Trvino B 912 Train Be Satety Same Jumping Battery Be’ hee ° ’ tive eee fer at t t : Shasta, the Geis Stee borSeron Yeura Dead. 420 The Detective « preniicc ' A Boy Without a Nam 424 Cibuia John; Red : © Dar mn 489 Sandy Sam, the ©: Se 467 Diaco Dan, the Do 506 ai Ralph 524 The Engineer De:. 5648 Mart, the Night Expr 571 Air-Line Luke the i 592 Vhe Boy Pinkerton; 615 Fighting Merry the « 640 Bareback Reth, the ‘ 647 Bnerrieer Tilly, the d 659 Moonlight Morgan the* 894 Arizona Dick’s WV tpe-Ou, 924 Big Boots Bob, the Fire! oidt 980 Rustler Ralph, the Boy Spe tor 985 The Ex-Newsboy Detective. (4 941 The Bowling Green Petecti 944 Cowboy CharHe’s Double, 947 The Bowery W restler; or. T) 958 Paddy’s Truiuno Card; er, Silver *) ' ifot Wusil Golden Keys, Resolve n, ~ “ABe, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 958 Buffalo Bill’s Mazeppa-Chase. 948 Buffalo Bill’a Sunap-Shot ¢ or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tal 942 Butfalo Bills Tough Tussle. 986 Buffalo Bil’s Boy. Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-up, 929 Buffalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard. 650 Buffalo Bills Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 216 Lison Bil, the Prince of the Reins. #222 Bison Bill's Clue; or. Grit, the Bravo Sport. BY BUFFALO BILL. 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand, 19 The Phantom Spy 3 or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 55 Deadly-Eye, the Unknown Sccut, or, The Banded Brotherh 68 Border Robin Hood; or, The Prairie Rover. 158 Fancy Frank of Colorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, BY CAPT, AUBRED B) TAYLOR, u, 8; A. 191 Ruffalo Billy, the Boy Bollwhacker. 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet; or, The Gambler Guide. BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 932 New York Nat’s Drop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Ga 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. 920 New York Net Trappea. 914 New York Nat’s Three of a Kind. #08 New York Nat's Double, 902 New York Nat’s in Colorado, 896 New York Nat In Gold Nugget Camp. S8SY New York Nat’s Deadly Beal. S888 New York Nat’s Crook-Chake. ST@ New York Nat’s Trump Card, STi New York Nat and the Grave Ghouls, 865 New York Nat’« Masked Mascot, 859 New York Nat, the Gamin Detective. 858 Dick Doom’« Kidnapper Knock-Out, S47 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. 842 Dick Doom'’s Flush Hand, Zi2 Dick Doom’« Death-Grip; or, The Detective by Desi W7T Dick Doom’s Pextinys or, The River Blackleg’s Terro 784 Dick Doom: or. | le Sharps and Sharks of 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 Iiamond;Deal. 819 Dick Doom’s Girl Mascot. S29 Dick Doom'’s Shadow Hunt. 885 Dick Doom’s Big Heul. 749 Dashing Charlie; or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s Firat T 756 Dashing Charlic’s Destiny: or, The Renegade’s Cap 760 Dashing Charlie's Pawnee Pard, 766 Dashing Charltle, the Rescuer. Buek Taylor, King oi the Cowboys. 787 Buck Taylor, the ( omarche’s Captive. 748 Back Taylor's Poya; or, The Red Riders ot the Rio Gre 560 Pawnee Bll, the Prairie Shadower. 718 Pawnee BU: ory Carl, the Ma¢ Cowboy. 719 Pawnee Bill's Pledge; or, 1 he Cowboy's Doom. 725 Pawnee Bill: or, Daring Dick. 692 Redfern’s Curtous Caset ™, Th Rival Sharps. 69% Kedfern at Devil's Ranch; ‘The Sharp from Tex 702 Redfern’s High Hand; or, Bite Jacket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trai): or, THE Red Son, hrero Ranger And Fifty Others. a | é , BY LIEUT. A, K. SIMS 589 Tom-Cat and Pard; or, The Dead Set at Silver City. 622 Tom-Cat’s Triad; or, Il hee Affair at Tombstone, ~~ 681 Tom Cat's Terrible Task; or, The Cowboy Detectt\ 688 Tom-Cat’s Trinmph; or. Bleck Dan’s Great Ce 4 646 Captain Cactus, the Cha } Cock; or, Josh’s T St 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Ruvtling tor Millions) > 576 The Silver Sport; or, Josh Peypermint’s Jobilee, 688 Saffron Sol, the Man With a Shadow } 601 Ha by Mana, the Dutch Vidocg; or, Hot Timesat Round 611 Bildad Barnacle, the Detective Hercules. 646 wer Gid, the Cattle-Range Detective, 657 Warbling William the Mountain Mountebank, 665 Jolly Jeremiah, the Plains Detective. | 676 Signal Sam, the Lookout Scout | 689. Bi the @ypsy Spy: or. The bests ot Two Livet 6 y Sim, ue Bronco nag . ‘or i at ort; or, The } yatified . 1 x set the Mat Prospector. 45 Kankaa Jim, the Cross-Cut Detective. T6L Marmaduke, the Mustanger Detective. Z78 The Rustler of Rolling Stone, ; 785 Lone Hand Jee, the Committee o1 One, 801 Kent Kirbys the High-Kicker from Killbue 8&2 The Doctor Dete etive in Texax, ¢ 872 Two Showmen Detectives in eo " ita 987 The Texan Firebrand; or, Brazos Shor, BY HAROLD PAYNE. ' 848 Dan, the River Sport; or. Foiling the Frisco. Sharp. 1 Bowery ha th Chinatow Det ti ower o e Enat- a ective. 952 The 'Clrens etective. % ny, ’ LATEST ISSUES. 959 The Mascot Middy ; vr, The Four Commanaate B, J, Fianagan. 960 The Broadway Sport; or, Flyet Frea’s Clear Guse: J.C. Cowdrick. Miro: 961 The Tramp" Trump-Trick; or, The Yount. M: Cristo. Gy Lieat, A. K. Sims, ‘ 962 Flip-Flap Fred at Ward Pan; or, ‘Lhe Stroller Sb man’s Shake-up, By Wm. R. Eyster. i NEW ISSUES. _ 968 The East-Side Spotters or, Turming Down the Big T By Wm. Perry Brown, yi5 964 Buffalo BU« Decoys or, The /Arizona Crack _ By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 965 Deadwood Dick, Jr's) Gold-Duat; or, Volearc Bolter. By Edward L, Wheelet by : sf = Sag 966 Fighting Jack Shubrick: or, The Dupe's Death By T. J. Flanagan. t A New Issue Every Tuesday. ? The Half-Dime Library {s for sale by all newsdeale _mate per copy, or sent by mail on receipt o1 alx cents eseh. BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers 98 William Street, New ¥