Beadle's Half Dime Library (no. 990) (1896 07 14)
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oI mu LF D DIME! rear (OA ial aL a er True rina Wal fl el | --PPrrrrr | Ll | Pri “I mw Vitti Z ZY, Entered as Second Class Matter at the New York, N. Y , Post Office. Copyrighted 1896, by Be: pLE AND ADAMS, July 14, 18v6, : 2.50 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY BEADLE AND ADAMS. Price, No. 999 ¥ : cme, Vol XXXIX, . ° a Year. No, # WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, 5 cents, Sherif Huntvayo ia | Ten HARP NUMBER ()NE. “*I AM THE ONLY AUHORIZED DETECTIVE ON THE TRATL! you ANE 3 . | IMPOSTOR!” SAID STEELE SHARP NUMBER Tro, THE MYSTERY OF A DOUBLE.
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his forehead, reeled and fe Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. SHERIFF HUNTWAY, Of Montana; OR, ‘STEELE SHARP NUMBER ONE. BY ED, A. WICKS. CHAPTER I. A FORTUNE LOST, Forty thousand dollars! _ It was a large sum of money, but there it aay in two dingy brown piles before Grudge wuTrave, j His countenance was seamed and brown, al- most of a color with the parallel heaps of bank- notes that lay smoothed out before him on the greasy pine table, His large nose had once been of the Roman type, but an accident had broken the bridge, giving it a wide spread across the by no means prepossessing countenance, The man’s bosom rose and fell with deep emo- tion as his small, beady eyes regarded the heap of money. . *¢ All mine!” he muttered. Then be caressed the pile with a knotty hand, and then—crash ! Glass rattled to the floor; a missile rolled across the table and pivoted for a second, then lay still before the eyes of the astonished man, who had i 2 to his feet at the first sound, revealing the fact that he was armed with a revolver. He drew the weapon as he glared at the win- dow through which a ragged hole was revealed, The tallow dip flared, making weird shadows on the ribbed wall. No further sound, however, broke the silence, and the beady eyes of Grudge Grave rested th the missile that had so startled his medita- ) tions, He proceeded to examine the now harmless thing. A stone, long and smooth, fastened to which by cum-resin was a strip of yellow paper. ‘Somethin’ on that, sure,” muttered Grave, as he bent his shaggy head a little nearer, “I uin’é no scolard, and them hyeroglyphics hain’t the evenest, nohow.” With scowling brows the man regarded a few written words on the paper. After considerable study he made them out, and then read in a low voice: ** You is watched |” ‘‘ Confusion!” snarled he. ‘* What galoot got up that scare? Watched, eh? Wal, ’twon’t do ’em ri4 good, not a hooter,” and he disgustedly flung the stone messenger into a corner, Once more the man resumed his seat at the table. It seemed that he believed a friend had hurled the warning through the window for his inspection, and that he was in no immediate danger of interruption by enemies, Grudge Grave wasa cautious-man, however, and he was now determined on getting the two heaps of bank-notes out of the way. ‘Don’t see what Zonk wants ter come sneak- in’ erbout in this way fur. Why don’t he come in Jike er man and tell me what he’s discovered?” muttered Grave, as he put a set of knotty fin- gers over one of the money piles, Suddenly he started to his feet, He still clutched ‘the money in his right band, but his left dropped to the butt of his revolver; the sound of a step outside fell on his ear. It may have startled the grim treasurer, for there was a wild look in his glistening eyes, as he turned them toward the window. oe Ab!” ‘The revolver slid back into its place, and a grimy hand went Sm A dull thud sounded, — Grave grasped heavily to the floor. Not a sound issued from his lips. Was the man of money dead in the midst of his spoils? : The tallow dip sputtered and grewdim. A face peered in at the window for an instant, then it was gone. _ Soon the door opened and a man crossed the threshold and stood in the little room. A pair of sharp eyes glared about, and after resting a moment on the prostrate Grave, turned to xable on which bank-notes were scattered in reckless profusion, a ‘*The stone was well eimed,” muttered the intruder, as he strode to the table and began eagerly helping himself to the money, He was not long in doing *his, when, without bestowinz a second giance at the senseless form on the fluor, be left the house. Soon after Grudge Grave stirred. A groan fell from his lips, one brawny arm moved, and he sat upright. He struggled to his feet, and glared about him | like a wounded tiger, He could see nothing, since the tallow dip had burned out, Striding across the room, he com- menced to explore a small corner cupboard, A burning match applied to a fresh dip soon produced another light. - Then Grudge Grave sprung to the table. A ery of rage fell from his lips: ‘** Robbed!” The one word resounde through the room, Turning the table over, Grave gazed under it. Nothing met his gaze but the unclean floor. #* Who has done this?” grated the strong man, trembling in every limb. ‘It must be Zonk. Ill find him if I follow to the ocean, curse him!” He burled the table from him savagely and strode to tbe door. His hand touched the latch, then he started back with a stare of stupid dis- may. Tbe door had been pushed open from without, and several gleaming rifle-barrels were thrust into the face of the house-owner! Grave still grasped the tellow dip in one hand, He saw the terrible danger that menaced, and was quick to act, He flung the burning dip fullin the faces of the riflemen, at the same time dropping like a flash to the floor, : Of course the light was extinguished, but the movement of Grudge Grave only precipitated his doom, There was a grand rush into the room, and several men fell over and upon the prostrate man, pinning him to the floor, Al- most at the same instant the light of a lantern was flashed upon the scene. “ “ Don’t let‘the rascal escape!” cried a ringing voice, ‘‘ Hold him fast! can manage his ugliness!” Struggle as he would, and Grave was a pow- erful man, he could not free his pistol arm, and soon the lantern-bearer bent with his knee upon the falien man’s chest. ‘*No use, Grudge Grave; we mean business,” sternly. T’ll soon fix him so we said the borderer’s captor, ‘* Cowards! let me up.” ‘‘Inamoment, I must fix you a little first.” Fay the speaker prod a pair of hand- 8. The blood-stained visage of Grudge was hid- eous with rage at the sight of these, ‘* Don’t you dare put them on me, Cliff Hunt- way !’ hissed the discomfited man, “Quietly, man, quietly,” warned the young man. ‘I think you’re not in a position just now for issuing orders. The handcuffs were secured about the man’s wrists, when Huntway permitted his prisoner to rise to his feet. He presented an unpleasant sight as the rays of the lanterns were cast on his face. He rattled his boncs and gnashed his teeth while the glitter in his eyes was like the glint of 1, i ‘ We tracked you here,” proceeded the leader of the six men who had followed into the room, ‘and it will be the wisest thing you can do to make a clean breast of it, Grudge Grave. In the mean time, boys, search the house.” Clifford Huntway was a tall, well-built young man, with a brown mustache and gray eyes. He had the honor of holding the office of sheriff for one of the most thickly-settled counties of Mon- tana. He had thus far proved himself a most efficient officer, and the people were well pleased with him in consequence, The time for a new election was drawing near, and the young sheriff waseven more vigorous in the prosecution of bis duties than usua The posse made a thorough search of the log structure without results, and so reported to the sheriff, ; ; ; The latter turned to his sullen prisoner. ‘*-You hear the report, Grudge?” **T reckon I do.” -“ What have you to say on the subject? You have the stolen money, and it will be well for you to diszorge.” ‘* Ef you know so much, what makes yer ask questions?” growled the prisoner. - | wish to know where you have hidden the money. If you answer my questions honestly your punishment will be much the lighter.” “ Wal, I dunno,” muttered Grudge, ‘‘ It looks ~tonie like Is that so?” ‘* A bout so.” ‘Ef l tell ye whar the money is, ye’ll let me go scot free?’ COs And the beady eyes of the man bent a keen, peculiar glance into the face of the sheriff. ‘“*T couldn’t promise you that, but—” ‘Then my clam’s shet,” sullenly declared the unsavory prisoner, ‘‘Very well. We'll find the money anyway, and you'll never see the light of day again,” de- clared the sheriff bluntly. ‘* Boys, take your prisoner and bear him to the jail.’ ‘* Jest a moment,” protested Grudge, as strong hands were laid upon him. ‘I reckon I'll tell about the chink.” ‘“‘ Very well, speak quickly,” urged the sheriff, “Jest open thet cupboard-door ag’in, and pull that ’ar loose nail outen one corner of the bottom,” One of the men obeyed, when, to his surprise, a false bottom fell out, revealing a canvas bag. On opening this it was found to contain about a hundred dollars in go)d and silver coin, ‘*Tt’s only a little store, but ye’r’ welcome toit, gents, ef you'll jist take these ’ere shackle~ offen me and let me go,” said the prisoner. ** Confound you!” exclaimed Sheriff Huntway, “‘ that isn’t the money we were looking for,” “iv’s all ’'ve got—w’ot I’ve saved from my honest ’arnin’s,” avowed Grave. A puzzled look overspread the face of Hunt- way. He called one of the men aside, and after a short talk with him, turned again to the prisoner. : ‘*The money we seek is that stolen from a messenger who was bringing it through from Helena, The messenger now lies at the point of death from injuries received. You had a hand in that robbery and perhaps murder, Grudge Grave, and eould tell us all about it if you would.” ‘Tl don’t know nothin’ about it,” grunted the prisoner. ; The sheriff at once gave orders to move off, and soon the house dark and deserted. Ten minutes after the departure of thesheriff’s posse, the cabin door was pushed, open and a new-comer entered. CHAPTER II. A STARTLING ANNOUNCEMENT. THE room which the person entered was dark asa pocket. The stranger scratched a match and set the tallow dip going. Then he glanced keenly about the room, A smoota face and slender form stood revealed sar tly that of a boy of eighteen. He wore a garb cf coarse goods, and might have easily — taken for a countrvman just from the ™m. “I saw the posse an’ followed them here,” muttered the boy. ‘ They bave taken theterror of Pine Forks to jail, but they did not get the money, Why not?” The question seemed a puzzler, ‘*T think there’s'no danger of my being inter- rupted,” mused the youth. ‘‘I am determined to find the stolen money and save Valerie if it costs me my life.” The boy now proceeded to examine the interior of the cabin. He went through the cupboard from which Grudge Grave’s money had been — and made a thorough examination of the a. “ As the boy proceeded with his work we noti a slight plead arg between the shoulders, re- vealing the fact that he is deformed. The make- up of the coat, however, almost effectually con- cealed the slight defect, ‘*No money here,” muttered the searcher, after a close investigation. ‘‘I am quite sure that Grave had the money, however he may have obtained it, Everything depends on the wounded messenger, He must have recognized his assailant, and should he recover, the mystery would be quickly revealed.” From, the cupboard the boy went to other — parts of the cabin, Ina back room he discoy- ered a trap-door. He opened this and flung the raysof thetallow dip below. A small cellar was revealed, the floor littered — ; with boxes and barrels. Placing A you wanted to compromise Mr. Huntway. he, his candle on the floor beside the ~ : open trap, the boy lowered himself into the — cellar; then, seizing the dip, he proceeded toex- : plore his surroundings. The apartment was © | small, and the boy was not long in examining it MEE ts a Wis boxes: io fos api one 0 e boxes he found new and strange to him, sigeny uf > \
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~* purgiars’ tools, I do believe! I'll appropriate these; they may aid me in my search.” He placed the tools ina smali box which he carried under one arm. Having satisfied himself that no money was concealed in the celJar, the young detective pushed up his box of burglars’ tools preparatory to leaving the cellar. ‘*’ve made one discovery, at any rate. This Grudge Grave has been a bad man in the past, and his companions must be of the same stamp. { don’t believe the stolen money can be far from here, and I mean to find it out soon, Valerie.” He put up bis handg and clutched the sides of the opening above, but recoiled and staggered away from the trap, At the same moment a dark object whizzed into the cellar from above. A man’s face peered into the cellar, a faint impression of which was fixed on the brain of the boy ere he fell insensible beneath the iron weight that had been hurled at his head, ‘*There, I guess Bart Bartlee won’t trouble the world any longer,” growled a voice above the trap. _ Then the assassin knelt at the edge and peered pelow. He seized the tallow dip and thrust it down into the cellar, He saw the boy insensible and bleeding on the ground, ‘*Bart Bartlee, if you had not meddled you would never have met with this fate, Iam a desperate man, and will not be thwarted.” he man turned from the door, closing the ~~ hen he stood for a full minute in a thought- ful attitude. ** Yes, I'll do it; it’s the safest way,’ muttered e, Then he drew a heavy box over the closed trap, and proceeded to pile on wood, stools, everything handy. A little later, when the man left the cabin, a satisfied smile played over his features. He had not been long gone when ared tongue of fire pierced the ribbed wall of the Montana cabin. It was soon in flames. At a safe distance the assassin and incendiary watched the conflagration. Soon Grudge Grave’s cabin would be a mass of smoldering embers. ‘Tis well,” muttered the man who watched near, ‘‘In the cellar of the cabin will be found a skeleton, all that is left of Barton Bartlee, the boy who conceived the idea of finding the man who assaulted and robbed Granger and Long- wood’s messenger. ** Ah! you were smart and keen as a brier Bart, and I would have spared you, but it would have been dangerous to my future, and so you ‘died |!” And now the flames leaped toward the gra sky, illuminating the woods for many r around. “T must notremain,” muttered the villain who had caused this destruction, ‘‘To do so would invite ruin,” He hurried from the spot, perbaps troubled deeply at the wicked deed he had just per- formed, A little later a mounted man galloped from the vicinity and passed into a wagon road that Jed into an open country, along the base of a mountain, directly into the Western town of Pine Forks, This was the county seat and a village of sev- eral hundred people. It possessed the push and energy of most Western villages, with very little refinement such as we find in towns of like size in the Hast. Pine Forks had sprung into existence within two years, and at the time of our story was **booming.” Several cattle-kings resided here, the most noted being Granger & Longwood. messenger from Helena, while png forty thousand dollars to this firm, was assaul and left for dead, and the money taken from him, The robbery created no little excitement at Pine Forks, and Erastus Granger, senior mem- ber of the firm, at once offered a reward of ten thousand dollars for the arrest and punishment of the robbers, Jasper Flake, the meesenger,was not killed, as supposed. He had been conveyed by the stage to Pine Forks, where he lay in an insensible state at the house of Mr, Granger. The large amount of reward offered stimulated search, already, not six-and-thirty hours after the crimg, a score at least of Pine Forks’s citizens were looking for the robbers. One of the most determined outlaw-hunters was Clifford Huntway, the young sheriff of the county and an unfavored suitor for the hand of Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. 7) Valeria Granger, the pretty niece of the great cattle-king. Ten thousand dollars would place bim on a sure footing,the young man believed, and he secretly determ:ned to win the reward. A thorough investigation of the circumstances of the crime led thé sheriff to suspect a noted - young tough named Grudge Grave,whom he ar- rested as already recorded, but a little too late to secure the stolen fortune, as the reader knows, A gray-haired man sat before his desk in one of the most imposing dwellings at the Forks, The room was furnished with real elegance, as the owner of the dwelling had brought with him from the East most of his household adorn- ments, and took great pride in the ostentatious show of his taste to those who were permitted to enter his parlor and library, the latter being his usual office, or place of transacting his busi- ness, It was Erastus Granger, the great cattle-king of Montana. He had been writing, but just now had laid aside the pen, and pushing back his big arm- chair, seemed deeply meditating. ‘¢ But for the loss of this money I should not hesitate,” mused the old man, ‘I don’t know but what it will injure my pre? materially. Of course there is little hope of getting the money back, even should the robber be cap- tured.” At this moment a visitor was announced. It proved to be the young sheriff, who bowed low before the great man of Pine Forks. ‘Sit down, Mr, Huntway,” said Mr. Granger. **Do you come with news?” ‘* Yes,” answered the young man, as he accept- ed. the invitation to be seated, ‘*T have made an arrest,” ‘* Indeed |” ** Grudge Grave is in jail, and I feel confident that he is one of the robbers,” ‘* Why do you think so?” ‘To-day he was exhibiting a good deal of money while in liquor at the Open Hand Saloon. I kept an eye on him, saw him 1n consultation with Tub Zonk, and beard the nameof Flake mentioned, These villains know all about the pean’ f as you'll find when Flake comes to ea ** Ah! but I’m afraid the wounded messenger will never speak again.” ** So bad as that?” ‘* Yes, But what about this arrest?” ** As ) said I think I have the right man. He made a desperate resistance.” “Yes. Did you find the money?” “ No.” ‘*T care more for that,” declared the cattle- king, with clouded brow. _ ‘*The loss of this money is an injury to your business then?” Mr, Granger glanced furtively about for an instant, then bending forward, he laid his band on the arm of Huntway, and said huskily; ** Unless I regain the stolen money inside of a fortnight, J am ruined!” the cattle-king ex- citedly answered, CHAPTER III. THE INDIAN DOCTOR, IT was a startling announcement made by the Montana cattle-king. The young sheriff regarded him in evident surp) . ‘*So bad as that, Mr. Granger?” he said finally. I supposed you had enough to tide you over. I am sorry, and if it lies in my power the money sball be returned to you.” f “Do not whisper this to any one, Clifford,” warned Mr, Granger, ‘I confide in you only, that you may make a more determined effort.” ‘*] understand,” returned the young man, rising. ‘‘ It may be possible to get a confession from my prisoner. At any rate I shall do what I can to save you.” In passing from the house the sheriff encoun- tered a young woman in the. hall—Valeria Granger. ‘* Ah, I am glad to meet you,” cried the ambi- tious young sheriff, putting out his hand. ** Do you bring news?” Valeria was a tall, bandsome girl, with black hair and eyes, and would have adorned any par- lor in the land. She accepted the proffered hand. ai Yes ” He then related how he had tracked Grudge Grave toa cabin in the woods and nmtade him a prisoner. ‘* L know all about the situation, Valeria, and will save your uncle,” ** Save my uncle?” “yh 1 ‘ vale et 3 IN AIESAGE ee? =e In Bcdipedh wana » bal? The girl opened her eyes in wonderment, ‘*T mean I will rescue the stolen money,” uttered the sheriff quickly, somewhat confused. Hehad promised to keep the old man’s secret, and here he was revealing it to his niece, ‘*T trust you may succeed, although I have but little hope,” retorted Valeria. The young sheriff regarded her keenly, He would have given something to read her thoughts. He was desperately smitten, yet did not know how the beautiful ward of Erastus Granger felt toward him. ‘** Valeria, I would like to ask a question of most vital import to me,” cried the young man, suddenly, - Again he took her hand and glanced into her eyes. Her face paled suddenly, and she drew her hand away forcibly. ‘*T hear uncle calling—I must go.” And thus she left bim., He was pained and puzzled, Of latehe had great reason to 99pe. Valeria’s sudden coolness to-night dashed cold water on his hopes, : ‘*T'll win the ten thousand, and then she shall be mine,” he muttered, as he hurried from the house, Early on the following day the Grangers had another visitor in the person of Rollin Longwood, Mr. Granger's partner. He was a man past thirty, of medium size, and rather handsome. He dressed well, sported a diamond on his shirt-front, and had a smile for pier ig, £ He wore a blonde mustache, and there was al- ways 4 pleasant look in the mild, blue eyes, Rollin Longwood had been less than a year in Montana, and he seemed unable, or at least ur- willing, to conform to the rude ways of the border, © Although dudish in attire, the junior membrr of the firm of Granger & Longwood was net lacking in courage. e had thrashed one bull , and crushed another, when he was permitted t- go his way undisturbed. Rollin and the sheriff were friends, although it was whispered that Valeria might be the means ~f creating @ coolness between the two. ‘*How is Flake this morning?’ questioned Rollin, confronting Valeria. ‘*No better.” , Hasn’t regained his senses yet?” ‘No, ‘Well, thisis bad. Ill consult Erastus about employing another doctor.” ‘*Can you find another?” queried the girl. “T thought Doctor Wise was all the medicine- man Pine Forks could boast of since Barrow died,” ‘*T believe he is, but there’s an old Indian doc- tor a few miles west of town. He may know more than Wise.” ‘*] do wish you would send for him then, I am afraid poor Flake will die.” i if he does the secret of the robbery goes with him.’ ‘*T suppose so, although the sheriff has arrest- ed a man on suspicion.” ‘* So I have heard,” Rollin passed into the room occupied by Mr. Granger. The latter had been seriously troubled with rheumatism of late, and on the morning in question he was unable to leave his chair with- out assistance, “ Ah! it’s you, is it; Rollin?” uttered the old cattle-king. ‘“‘I am glad you havecome. You have been to Helena?” ‘* Not yet,” answered Rollin, seating himself. “Not yet? I thought you intended to employ a detective in this case. It’s hard lines if we don’t find the stolen money, Rollin, as you know,” ‘Yes. The money must be found,” agreed the young man. ‘I'll go to Helena to-day. I set out last evening, but thought better of it, and returned, How is Flake?” “‘ He’s going to die.” ‘*T hope not.” ‘** He’s doomed, I feel sure of that, unless some- thing can be done. Dr, Wise says there’s no help, and I am of the same opinion myself. He furtber says the man may arouse sufficiently to talk before the final summons,” ‘¢ Ah! that will be something gained!” “Yes. If Flake only apoere we may learn the name of bis assailant, The robbery was per- petrated at midday, and it seems to me, unless the villains were ised, Flake must have recognized them,” “True, I hope he may recover sufficiently. I would advise trying another doctor.” ** Tf we could find one.” Rollin mentioned the Indian doctor, and Granger concurred in the desire to have him sent for, ale & BP Soh ee . e SRS iS xe
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4 **7"li send a messenger for the old fellow im- meuiately,” declared Rollin Longwood, as he took his departure. *“*Do you think of visiting Helena to-day?” questioned Valeria, as the young cattle-king was leaving the house, ‘“*T had thought of it.” ““T should so like to visit the city. If uncle will consent I mean to keep you company if you do not object.” ‘*T am very sorry,” said Rollin, ‘‘ but one of my horses has fallen lame and I am compelled to proceed on horseback, Besides it is the quicker way, and 1 am anxious to have a detec- tive on the scent at the earliest possible mo- ment,” The young man departed, Valeria watched his retreating form, and found herself secretly admiring him, ‘* He isa splendid man, and yet there’s some- thing about Rollin Longwood that I do not like. 1 know Clifford Huntway loves me, Ab! it is trouble enough that I see in the near future. Which shall it be, the rich cattle-king, or the humble sberiff?” The future alonc could answer. As for beau- tiful Valeria she was undecided. Flake still lay in a semi-conscious ccndition, when a queer-looking personage halted before the house of the cattle-king, and dismounted from a sma)! mustang. An old man, bent with the weight of years, Jong hair hanging about his ears, a grim, bronzed ta‘e, and you have the new-comer as he ap- proached the door of the cattle-king’s house, ‘* This is Mr, Granger’s house?” Yes,” suid Valeria in answer to the old Indian’s inquiry. ‘*I was sent for to see sick man,” gtunted the stranger. ‘*T am from the Lost Canyon, west The old doctor carried a small leather sachel, old and worn, in his band. Valeria admitted him to see her father. Mr, Granger seemed glad that a new doctor had ar- rived to look at Flake, and at once bade his daughter show him to the room where lay the injured messenger, attended by Tim Quales, the cattle-king’s Irish servant. ‘A bloody Injin, eh?’ muttered the servant. **T don't like the looks of the haythen nohow.” A small dog rose from where he had been Iving at the feet of the Irishman, and growled at the red doctor, ‘Keep quiet, ye spalpeen,” commanded Tim, and he emphasized his words with a kick that sent the dog howling from the room, ** Now look at poor Flake and tell usef he’ll git up ag‘in.” The last words were addressed to the Indian doctor. Flake had been shot in the head, and at pres- ent was hot with fever. He had opened his eyes but no intelligent look was in their depths, After feeling his pulse, the old Indian opened his bag and produced from its depths several small paper packets, From these he produced powders of several colors, and dropped them, one by one, into a glass of water that Valeria had brought for the purpose, Stirring them well with a spoon the Indian doctor turned to Vuleria and said; **Give one spoonful in half an hour, then every two hour after dat.” Immediately the red doctor shut his grip and moved to depart. In answer toa question from the girl, the doctor shook his head and said; ‘Ve tel) better to-morrow. If ’live, den he it well.” A little later the Irishman’s dog sneaked into the room, He growled at the Indian as that worthy passed out, Tim did not reprimand the brute this time, but bimself followed the doctor from the room, At the end of half an hour Valeria gave the sick man his medicine, and then left the room for a minute. When she returned she saw tho little dog, with his fore paws on the chair, drinking from tie tumbler containing the new medicine, **Get down!” screamed the girl. The dog fled from the room down the hall, an’ out the open door. Valeria debated about throwing the medicine away, and finally con- cluded to wait, Salf an hour later Tim came, looking trou- bled. ** Jack is dead, miss,” Jack?” *©My poor dog. I jest found bim dyin’ in the rden, foamin’ at ther mouth. He got p’izened do believe.” ' ** Poisoned!” exclaimed Valeria springing ap white and startled, CHAPTER IV. THE FATAL RING! “Drip you ever know Tim Quales ter lie?” said the Irishman, trying to frown, “Ohl I rape there is some mistake,” cried Valeria, ‘‘ Where did the dog get poison, and— Ohi Heaven!” The beautiful girl sunk to a chair, white and faint with an awful suspicion, She thought of the new medicine, a spoonful of which she had iven the wounded messenger, Tim’s dog had rank from the tumbler and died immediately after. Had the old Indian made a mistake and left poison in the glass? : The thought completely overpowered the girl for the time. While the two regarded one another in a state of perturbation a man entered the room without the formality of rapping. *¢ Ah! Doctor Wise!” exclaimed Valeria. ‘‘I am glad you have come. We are in terrible trouble.” ‘Tn trouble?” snp good doctor gazed from one face to an- other. ‘*Yeg,” said Valeria, falteringly. ‘‘I fear a terrible mistake bas been made with regard to the medicine,” **T never make mistakes, miss,” ‘Not you, but the other doctor,” said she, quickly, ‘* The other doctor?” Old Dr, Wise elevated his brows and regarded Miss Granger as though he fancied she was out of her mind. Of course explanations were in order, and the doctor listened while Valeria told how and why the Indian doctor had been summoned, A frown rested on the brow of Dr, Wise at the last, He made no comment, however, but at once set about examining the patient, who seemed to be sleeping heavily. ‘* He is really in a bad state,” declared the old physician, ‘‘ but it may be from causes aside from the medicine.” Next he turned his attention to the tumbler andits contents. He first smelled, then tasted, at the last making up awry face. He shook his bis head. “Dm afraid something is wrong,” he finally declared. ‘* You did wrong in sending for an- other physician without commiting me, I ought to throw up the case, but will be lenient for once.” It was plain to be seen that Dr. Wise was angry. He left medicine in another tumbler, and took the first away with him, ‘*]’}l be back in an hour,” he declared, as he hurried away. Dr Wise was not long gone. He returned to announce that the medicine left by the Indian contained a deadly poison, although it would require several spoonfuls to kill au adult, The dog had got enough to “Jay him out,” as the old aaa expressed it, grimly, but he hoped to save ake, Valeria was deeply moved at the incident,of the morning, and obeyed all the instructions of Dr. Wise to the letter, Af er several hours’ work the girl was pleased to see Flake revive from the effects of the poison, and then she went to her uncle with the facts, The cattle-king was angry at the outset, when he learned of the base attempt upon the life of his trusty messenger. “The Indian may have made a mistake,” sug- gested Valeria. ‘I don’t suppose we would justified in ccndemning him unbeard,” ‘*T do condemn him,” declared the rheumatic old man, vehemently. ‘‘ It was no accident. understand why some one desires to put Flake out of the world before he regains his senses. He can tell that which will ruin some one in Pine Forks, rest assured of that, Ob, for a good detective! Be careful, Valeria, and nurse poor Flake tenderly, He must be made to speak.’ Valeria had never seen her uncle so deeply excited before. She feared that fatal results might follow did he not become quiet in mind, At this juncture she was glad enough to see Sheriff Huotway approaching the house. He came in and requested an interview with Mr, Granger. Valeria left them togetber and returned to her patient. “So you think it necessary to employ a detec- tive on the case,” said Huntway, after they had conversed for some time, ‘* Yes, wemust find one, my boy; we must.” “11 tell you what, Mr. Granger. Ihave a prenenitien to make,’ said the 2 hc sheriff, his ace aah ay and ‘his eyes glowing. e : Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. | “Ttis highly important that you recover the forty thousand dollars stolen from Flake a few days ago?” “You know how important,” groaned the cattle-king. ‘*Yes, I love your niece, Mr. Granger.” as ie In spite of his rheumatism the old man half- started t» his feet, a flash stealing through his wrinkled cheeks, ‘*Piease don’t feel angry,” urged the young sheriff. ‘‘I know how you feel on the subject, and in fact 1 do not know that Valeria cares a straw for me, but with your consent, Mr. Granger, I mean to win her for my wife,” “Sir, sir, this is presumptuous!” thundered. the eattle-king, trembling with wratb. ** Not if I restore the stolen money,” “What do you mean, young man? How can you restore what you haven’t got?” “*T believe I have a clue. If you promise to throw no obstacle in the way between your niece and myself I will find the stolen fortune, I think you will find in me the detective for whom you have longed,” There was an eager light in the eyes of the ambitious young sheriff as he gave utterance to these words. For an instant only the old cattle king hesitat- ed, then he put out his hand and clasped that of his young friend, ‘As sheriff of this county it is your duty to push this matter, Mr, Huntway,’ avowed Gran- ger, ‘‘butif a promise not to interfere between pr and Valeria will add stimulus to your search give you the promise, The girl knows her own heart. If you restore the money I'll use what good offices I possess to further your suit.” “This is more than I asked,” declared Hunt- way, elatecly, ‘‘ Rest assured that, before the fortnight is out, the robber shall be under ar- rest, and the stolen money returned to its right- ful owner,” Clifford Huntway left the house, bowing and smiling to Valeria as he passed out. He baiwon a victory, and seemed quite enthused over the prospect, The old Indian doctor did not come again. His poison failed to work on Flake, although it killed the Irishman’s dog, and Tim registered a vow to get even with the ‘‘ bloody Injin” some day if be had to search the whole Territory of Montana over. Two days passed. Flake began to mend, and Dr, Wise declared it as his opinion that the wounded messenger would eventually recover. Rollin Longwood returned from Helena with news that he had employed a detective who promised to undertake the case the moment he heard of the reward offered. ** Steele Sharp is a keen one,” declared Rollin, ‘* and it’s my belief that he'll soon find the rob- ber. Llinterviewed Grudge Grave in prison and feel sure that although be may know something of the robbery, he is not the principal in the c me, With Sheriff Runtway and the noted Steele Sharp on the trail, Mr. Granger felt that it would be scarcely possible for the robbers to es- cape, And Flake would soon be able to speak, A revelation from him would brush aside all doubts, lt was late at night, five days after the at- tempt at poisoning, Valeria sat in the room occupied by the sick man, having relieved Tim but a short time before, the latter in the land of dreams not far away, snoring lustily. Valeria was tired, too, from her ceaseless vigils. Sbe would not give place to other watchers while able to fill the place herself, she was 80 merry anxious to hear the first words that might fall from the lips of the wounded messenger. If he should die the robbers might never be discovered. Ab! how momentous were the meee — hung on that one man’s brittle thread of life Deeply thinking, Valeria soon fell into a Owse. Her pretty head nodded—she was asleep! And then'a dark figure stole through the door into the room, A man in mask! He paused when near the middie of the room, The breathing of Valeria told the night-prowl- er that the girl slept. Swiftly and silently he crossed the floor and bent over the form of Flake, The wounded messenger’s eyes were open, and glared into the face of the mask, A wild cry rung out, asa knife gleamed above the bosom of the man on the bed! Valeria sprung up frightened, and intensely q 4 " # ‘|
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ae NE te I, we het gem os startled. She saw the hand raised, with a in ignorance of this second attempt on the life gleaming knife in the fingers; then, with only of the wounded messenger, the thought of her charge’s safety, she flung her- | self on tne would-be assassin, at the same time raising the house with her screams, She seized the assassin’s hand and tugged with all her strength. Tim camerushing in only to be felled by the fist of the mask, as, with a mad outh, be dashed from the room, leaving two trophies in the hand of brave Valeria—a knife aud a ring. Almost fainting the girl sunk to a chair. Her face was ghastly as she held Bp the prize —a glittering ring. The knife had fallen to the floor, and Tim yet lay insensible, ** Ab! that ring!” exclaimed Valeria. Her breath came in hot pants, while a deadly faintness seized her. She recognized the assassin’s ring, for she had but ) tely seen it on the finger of Clifford Hunt- way CHAPTER V. STEELE SHARP, DETECTIVE, For some minutes the startled Valeria sat like one in a trance. . The fatal ring she slipped into a pocket, and then staggered to ber feet. Had Flake been harmed? This was ber thought now, as she picked the &nife from the floor and examined the blade, its brizhfuess was untarnished. She breathed easier, Approaching the bed she gazed at the face of Fiake. It was purple, and he seemed dying. Hai he recognized in the masked assassin his assailant of the road? “ss Help 1”? Tne cry fell in husky accents from the lips of Valeria, Tim bruised visage ruefully. ‘* Be the powers! show me the nan who struck | dian made a mistake as you know. Tim Quales and I’li bu’st him to smithereens, bad juck to the divil!” ‘*On, Tim, Tim, something awful has happen- ed!” cried Valeria, clinging to the arm of the irishman. ‘‘ A masked man was in here just now, and attempted to murder poor Mr, Blake.” ‘Nonsense, ye was dr’amin’, me darlitit,” de- ¢lared Tim, soothingly. » He, however, listened to the girl’s y, and made an inimediate search of the premi-es with- out making any discoveries, The would-be as- Bassin had made good his ener. He had left behind, however, a memento of his presence that might Jead to bis identity and arrest. “Don’t tell Uncle Erastus,” warned Valeria, when Tim returned from his fruitless search, **T¢ can do no good, and he’s feeling bad enough already.” ‘*’m mum's a bisket,” said Tim, who, it was evident, doubted the story of the attempted mur- der a3 told by Valeria. Quiet soon reigned at the bouse of the cattle- ki g. _Tim, after making sure that the doors were all locked, returned to bix peaceful couch once more, and was soon snoring as loud as ever, And now Valeria examined the knife once more. This might prove a clue to the assassin, Ah! bat she had a clue in the ring she had torn from the finger of the masked man. clue that startled and troubled ber deeply. sprang up at this time and rubbed his | face. About noon Rollin Longwood came in, and was closeted with his partner fur an hour, When he came forth he met Valeria, who was still pale from the experiences of the previous night. ‘“*You’re not looking well, Val,” said he. ‘*T'm afraid you are overtasking your strengtl watching poor Flake, Why not lect Tim take the whole charge of the fellow?’ He seemed seriously interested in her welfare. “IT cannot trust Tim,” she answered, simply. As he was about to depart, however, she laid a detaining band on his arm, and looked up, with a strange appeal, into his face. ‘*Mr. Longwood, [ would like to ask youa question.” et -ertainly,” smiling, ‘‘a dozen if you like, al, ‘* 1G was you who recommended the Indian doctor?” “ Yes.” ** And you who went for him?” ‘“*T must answer no to that,” he returned, smiling.. ‘‘I was too busy that day, and as a gentleman was to pass near the old doctor’s home I sent word by him, The Indian came, but seemed to do more barm than good. [ have been sorry since that I recommended him, The old fellow seems to have lost bis cunning, I know that he was once a good physician.” The troubled look deepened on the face of Valeria, She could not repress a tremor of voice when she inquired: ‘Who was the gentleman who carried your request to the old medicine-man, Mr. Long- wood ?” ‘* Clifford Huntway.” Her face blanched, and she recoiled as though stung. It was with difficulty that she retained command of herself, ‘*Why are you so particular, Val?” he ques tioned, suddenly, bending a sharp look into her ** Do you imagive anything 1s wrong?” ‘*No, I suppose it’s all right, but the old In- You did not see him when he was here?” “*T did not.” *T did not like his appearance.” **You may be prejudiced against the race.” **On the coutrary, lam prejudiced in favor of the red-men, This one was not a fair speci- men. He was bent with years and hideous of countenance,” ‘*Bent with years—hideous of countenarce?” cried he, excitedly, ‘* You do not mean that. Good gracious! I saw Indian John not six months ago, and he was still tall, straight, and agile, his eyes bright as of yore, although his hair was gray. ou have not described the In. ian doctor at all, Miss Val. Surely there has m some mistake, Huntway sent the wrong man,” “I believe so,” articulated Valeria, faintly. She tottered to her room, aud sunk down with an inward groan, while Mr. Longwood hurried from tie house about his business, doubtless deeply impressed with what he had heard from Valeria Granger. Guilty! That one word rnng in the soul of poor Valeria, and had reference to Chff Hunt- way. She took out the ring, and examined it closely. There could be no mistake in it,” That nigbt, Valeria, while watching in the It was a | room occupied by the wounded messenger, went to the window, and opening it, flung the knife During the rest of the night the poor girl was | she had wrenched from the hand of the night- uneasy and deeply troubled. The ring bad once | prowler into a clump of bushes near. been on the band of elit Was the sheriff then an impostor?) Had he robbed the messenger, and converted the fort thousand dollars to his own use whilé pretend- ing to be an officer of the law? was a pertinent one, and it gave Valeria the deepest trouble of her life. She looked into her own heart now and read the truth—she loved Cliff wd Huotway. “id cannot be, it must not be; there is some mistake, { am sure of that,” murmured poor Valeria. The longest night must bave an end. hen morning dawned Valeria regarded her- self in the glass to see a white, haggard face, and eyes that showed all her trouble. She felt provoked at therself for those telltale signs, The knife she had wrested from the hand of the assassin she concealed in her trunk, For the first few hours she was like oneina dream, andetermined what course to pursue, and kept faer own counsel. Tim said nothing about the might adventure, and so Mr, Granger was left ** It will not be found at present,” mused she. ‘““T know my duty, and should it ever be neces- sary to produce the knife, I will know where to find it, The ring I will keep, Circumstances The thought | are weaving a web about Clifford that may down him. Ah! if that man is guilty, then have I been most terribly deceive! !’ On this same evening Mr, Granger received a visitor, a stranger, rather stout in build, dressed in a coarse, gray suit, carrying a wide-rimmed hatin bis hand, A heavy mustache graced bis lip, and his eyes were keen and dark. He was rather below the medium height, and heavy through the shoulders. ‘‘This is Mr. Granger, I believe!” said the stranger, as Tim bowed him into the presence of the cattle-king. “i am Mr, Granger; and you!” oy Am Steele Sharp, of Helena.” Ah! the detective!” exclaimed the old man. “Sit down. Iam glad to see you, sir, glad, in- deed, ner said he had spoken to you, Sit down, sit down.” The detective obeyed, Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. - a III A A RE CHAPTER VI. SOMEWHAT MYSTERIOUS, ** My partner sent you here?” “A gentleman spoke to me about a certain case—the theft of a large sum of money I[ think,” returned the detective, ** Yes, yes, exactly,” muttered the old catt!e- king, hurriedly. ‘‘lt was my partner, Rotv: Longwood. We need a detective’s services ba:i- ly, very badly, 1 assure you. We have been robbed of forty thousand dollars.” ‘* A Jarge sum, indeed,” “Large enough to cripple us materially,” d»- clared Mr, Granger. ‘‘I have offered ten thou- sand dollars for the return of the money.” ‘* And capture of the robber?’ supplemented Mr, Sharp. ‘“* Well, yes, I suppose that comes in naturally enough, although 1 care much more for tie money. Of course it will be a hard matter to get the one without the other.” ** Presumedly.” *€ You will undertake the case?” ‘* First state it, and then I will see.” **T sup Rollin had done that.” Mr, Granger still petted his right leg, which was in a swollen condition from rheumatism, and he was not in the best of humor, although he tried to appear civil. ‘‘He merely made mention of it, and said I would get all needed information from you. Fact is l was too busy to listen on the day we met. I never undertake a case witbout a fall knowledge of the situation, so far as it is bie to obtain it, You must confide eve g to me, absolutely, Mr. Granger.” ‘*T am willing to dothat if you will promise to make a success of this affair.” returned the cattle-king. ‘*T have never yet failed.” This was said with no little assurance. Steele Sharp did not look selt-confident at any rate, ‘‘Tbere’s but little to teil,” declared the old cattle-owner, ‘‘My messenger, while on his way from Helena with fcrty thousand dollars ino bank-notes on his person, was assaulted and left for dead at the roadside, and the money taken from him,” ** When did this happen?” ** About a week ago,” ** And you have no clue to the robbers?” ‘* Not in the least, The sheriff is looking into the case. He has arrested a man named Grudge Grave, whom he thinks to be one of the robbers, No money of consequence was found, however, and I think Huntway has made a mistake.” For some minutes Steele Sharp did not speak, sod seemed to reflect deep'y. At length he said: ‘‘How many members are there in your family, Mr. Granger?” ‘* But two, my niece Valeria, and myself,” an- swered the old man seeming surprised at the question, ** Servants?” ‘One, Tia: Quales, an Irishman, and as true as steel,” ‘* You do not distrust him?” ‘“‘No indeed. Tim is as honest as the day is: long; besides be Cid not leave the premises dur- ing the day when the robbery was committed, You must look elsewhere for the ent Mr. Sbarp,” declared Granger emphatically, ‘*About your own family 1 would ask @ "oo ana Valeria is the only relative you have iving?” ‘* My nearest relative, yes.” “ Her tatner?” 7) vy . ? ’ The old cattle-king started as he saw a pair of keen eyes fixed on his face. ** Valeria’s father? / Where is he?” “ Dead.” ‘* When did he dic?” ‘* Years ago, I cannot tell just how many, and he left a littie child to my care, My good wife was alive then, and we brought up Vuleria care- fullv, as an own child.” ‘*She was an only child?” The eyes of the detective seemed to trke irto their depths a strange light, as they peered iio the face of the old cattle-king. be lavur frowned, and looked aside as if annoyed, ‘*T don’t understand why these questions, si~.” uttered Mr. Granger in a vexed voice, “‘).u are a stranger to me, andI don’t know the. I am bound to give you my whole family ks- tory. tf Certainly not,” was the quick. rejoinder. “People who have secrets ought to be clise mouthed,” ** | have no secrets.” “T am glad to hear it,” answered Strele Sharp. ‘So you wish me to understand 1...
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ge et 6 Valeria is your nearest living relative, and that | she came to you penniless, on the death of her | ecomplices?” father?” Again the searching eyes of the detective were | fixed on the face of the cattle-king. The latter | deep pallor, while the hands clutching the arms seemed more annoyed than ever. ! of his chair twitched nervously, a fact that did “‘T have told you all that is necessary for a ' not escape the notice of Rollin. stranger to know,” said Mr. Granger. ‘ You ‘‘What his confession was I cannot say. will please confine yourself to the casein hand | did not hear it.” hereafter, else I'l] not employ you.” ‘You did not hear it?” “Thank you. I am sorry if loffended, I'll “No. Steele Sharp knows what it is, and at try to be more careful in the future,” present he keeps his own counsel. The detective, **T would advise you to do so.” however, intrusted this to me for you—a note After a little further conversation the detec- | from the prisoner. tive withdrew, The moment the outer door With the words Rollin Longwood laid a bit of closed upon his retreating form, a change came | soiled paper on the kneeof hispartner. Thelat- over the countenance of Erastus Granger. ter took it, and adjusting his glasses, he glanced His eyes shot fire, and his teeth became firmly | at a few rudely-scrawled words. set, while muttered words fell from his lips. After reading them, he held out the paper to **That man! Who can he be? Have I met | Rollin and said: him before? What does he know of the past, ‘I suppose you know what it is?” and why was he so curious? Confound him, l **] did not read it. Shall I do so now?’ don’t think Ill employ him any great length of ‘Certainly ” time. He’s altogether too inquisitive, Il And the younger partner read: speak to Rollin, and teli him to send the fellow yo is adrift. The stolen money must be found, how- | Rast Net ee come to see me, ever, and I’m afraid Huntway won't be able to | ! don’t like layin’ in jail, Mum’s yh 0 - find the thieves.” The scrawl was rude, and ungrammatical, yet flush on his countenance had given place to a While the old cattle-king was thus soliloquiz- | ing another visitor was announced, It proved | it conveyed a hidden meaning that one interest- to be Rollin Longwood, His handsome counte- ! ed could well understand. mance wore a grave expression, as he came in| ‘| sha’n’t go near him,” declared Mr.Granger. and sat down near his partner. “T don’t see why he should send for me. The ** Weil?” questioned Granger. low scoundrel!” _ The detective is at work,” answered Rollin. ‘*T would advise you to go,” returned Rollin. ‘“‘He’s already in Pine Forks, and means busi- | ‘* You could ride over in your buggy. You may ness,” learn something of importance.” ** T suppose 50,” ‘Perhaps. [ll think about it,” decided the ‘He has made some discoveries,” old cattle-king, and soon after Rollin Longwood An)" took his departure, ‘**Come here to tell you about them.” The moment he had reached the outer air, the ‘Has this Steele Sharp made a confidant of | young man struck his clinched fist against his you, Roliin?” ee and uttered an ejaculation of anger and ** He has.” surprise. ‘*That’s more than he was willing to do with ‘*There’s something rotten in Denmark, sure- me, the rascal!” exclaimed Granger, crabbedly. | !y!” he declared. ‘ Detective Sharp has visited **To tell you the truth, Rollin, I don’t think | Granger, has he? I don’t understand this, The much of your detective, and am inclined to re- | description he gave knocks me silly. There gard him as a boaster, who never yet detected a | must be more than one detective at work. criminal, I won’t trust him,” ** Ab, but you have formed a wrong idea of the man, sir,” declared the young partner, “Steele Sharp has made a great reputation. There’s not his equal in the West.” **Don’t you believe that,” sneered Granger. ** T don’t like the looks of the fellow at all.” “Ah, but you have not seen him, Erastus. Wait—” **Oh, yes, I have,” the old cattle-king inter- rupted, quickly ‘‘He was here not ten min- i utes since, and hada talk with me about the A STARTLED MAN, case,” Ir was late in the afternoon when a vehicle Rollin Longwood seemed surprised. For | halted in front of the log jailin Pine Forks, ~ it’}l be lively music before long, or I’m much mistaken,” Mr, Longwood roomed at the principal public house in the plece, which was situated not far from the log jail, Just before he reached the tavern he met a man whose appearance affected him strangely. CHAPTER VII. some seconds be sat regarding his partner in Tim Quales was the driver, and he assisted his silence, master to alight. **Do you mean to tell me that Steele Sharp Mr, Granger seemed to forget his rheumatism called here to-night?” questioned Rollin, repress- | as he hurried forward to meet the young sheriff ing his feelings with an effort. who stood at the door. ‘I mean exactly thar.” * Certainly you may see the prisoner, Mr. ** What sort of a person was he?” Granger,” assured the young man, who, as the ** Short and stout, with a big mustache and the | reader knows, was extremely anxious to placate keenest pair of eyes I ever beheld.” the old cattle-king. ** Indeed |” As the two men entered the log structure, a Mr. Longwood seemed deeply moved, and did | third personage gliled from a corner of the not fix his gaze onthe face of his partner for some | building and pushed open the door, following time, At length he said: silently after, We have seen the last man ** The detective isin Pine Forks, and did not | before, the same who had called on Erastus intimate to me that he was going to call on you, | Granger, representing himself as Steele Sharp, He has been to the jail and interviewed Grudge | the great detective, Grave, The man made a confession,” {t became necessary to light a lamp, as the ** A confession!” interior of the jail was quite dark, A narrow Erastus Granger dropped his lame leg from | corridor ran the width of the jail, with cells on its perch on the chair in front of him and half- | one side, each cell door being constructed of started to his feet, He seemed to forget all | heavy oak plank. rheumatic pain under a terrible excitement, ‘* Tl] lock you in and retire to the outside, Mr. “Sit down, Erastus,” said the younger man, | Granger,” said Clifford Huntway. ‘ You will **Don’t excite yourself, It was natural enough | then have full liberty, and may get a confession that one villain should turn State’s evidence to | from the prisoner, You know he may peach to screen himself—” save himself.” “*It’s a lie! a base falsehood! Grudge Grave ‘* All right,” agreed the cattle-king, ‘‘ When has not confeseed. if he has, he’sa liar any- | I thump on the wall you come and let me out.” how!” vociferated Mr. Granger, flushed and “Certainly.” angry, much to the astonishment of his partner. Soon after the great man of Pine Forks was “*You surprise me, Erastus,” cried Rollin | shut in with the prisoner the third man glided Longwood, ‘I didn’t know that you had heard | from the shadows at the further end of the cor- the confession.” ridor and listened intently, A murmur of voices The eyes of the speaker fixed themselveson the | reached his ear. Kneeling, he placed his eye to face of his partner in OM fare was unpleas- | the keyhole. ant, Granger sunk back to his seat, flushed and He could see but asmall portion of theinterior, sed. and by the dim light bu from atin lam **Confound it!” be growled, ‘‘I don’t know that Mr. Granger taken into the cell wi what ails me: I guess the loss of that money has | him, the prowler was unable to make out any- turned my brain. Of course I am glad if the thing distinctly. as confessed. Has he revealed the |, After amoment the eavesdropper removed his SS eae -. Ne ST ot P ee del dhl a ees Ue en oe ONC a ay Wat: ~ are ah Ms 3 “fn. i +h ?, oo ) hiding-place of the money and who were his ac- Mr. Granger was calm enough now, and the | There's music in the air, 1nd no mistake, and. Sheriff Huntwav, of Montana. eye, and placed his ear to the keyhole, through which most of the conversation floated, ‘* You’re in a bad fix, Grudge.” **T reckon, sir, but you mou’t help me,” “IT can’t do that, What did you do with the money?” ‘*T haven’t got it,” ‘*.Don’t tellmethat, I know better,” declared the cattle-king, sternly, ‘If you want leniency ou may as well make a clean breast of this usiness to me,” ‘*T dunno,” muttered Grudge. ‘I kin swear Ihain’t got ther money now, even if I had it once,” ‘‘T am aware that no money was found on your person, or in your cabin, Grudge,” pursued the cattle-king, ‘‘ but pose had the money at one time, you dare not tell me you did not,” ‘*T admit that, . Some one robbed me jest the same, and I’m half-minded to believe you put up & job on me, boss,” ‘**I? Impossible.” __The conversation then fell toa lower key, But little of it escaped the ear of the eavesdropper, and he heard some revelations that were of the utmost moment. When at length the cattle-king thumped on the door to recall the sheriff the prowler at the door glided aside, and when the sheriff came to release Mr. Granger, the third party slipped past and crept silently into the open air. As he came forth, a light from across the way touched countenance, revealing a pale and troubled ace. ‘“‘[ have made a most important discovery to-night,” soliloquized the detective, ‘‘ a discov- ery that may lead to important results, At any rate, I am on the trail to stick till the rob- bers of the cattle-king’s messenger are brought to justice,” ** Hello, thar!” called Tim, as the detective moved past, Sharp did not answer, however, For some reason he was just now anxious not to be found in the vicinity of the jail. He hurried away, not toward the village, but down toward the lower hills south of Pine Forks. He had pushed on past the last but, and was in a lonely region, with the great hills towericg up like giants on one side, a dim outspread uf rocks and trees on the other. A. new moon was dipping toward the horizon, rendering the night less dark than it wouid otherwise have been. Steele Sharp hesitated here and glanced abr ut him as if expecting to see some one. If such was his desire, he was not to be disappointed. rs dark form rose suddenly and confronted im. Steele Sharp recoiled. ** Who are you?” he demanded, laying his hand on a pistol-butt. “Tam Steele Sharp—you are an impostor!” hissed the stranger, The next instant a pistol gleamed in the face of the man from Helena. Instantly the weapon was swept aside, and a hand clutched the massive beard of the would-be assassin, The hirsute appendage came off in tbe detective’s hand! ‘Hal [ thought so!” exclaimed Sharp. On the instant the two men closed in a des- perate struggle for the mastery. Back and forth they reeled and struggled, across the rocks, treading bushes down and sending stones rattling into the depths of a gulch close at hand. ** You shall never live after this!” grated the detective’s assailant, Not_a word fell from the lips of Sharp. He panted and struggled with the fury of despera- tion, and it soon became evident that his assail- ant was gaining the mastery. Nearer and nearer to the edge of the gulch the two went in their struggles, and it became evi- dent that one or both would soon plunge into the deep eanyon, ‘“* Mercy!” It was a wail of despair. The sound of rattling pebbles and falling of a oni body fell on the evening air, then ali was still, The struggle was over. But one of the com- batants stood there in the faint moonlight. He panted and seemed very nearly winded, ‘*My soul! but it was a desperate struggle,” muttered tbe survivor. Then ke approached and peered into the seem- ingly bottomless gulch. All was black and silent below. A faint murmur of water was all the sound that filled the evening air, and this failed t» tell of the awful tragedy that had just. taken place. ‘*He won't trouble me in the future, thank ="
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Heaven for that!” muttered the man, as he felt about for tho false beard that the band of the detective had torn from his face, He found and readjusted it, then peered into the gulch, ‘‘T wonder if he was really the noted Mon- tana Detective, or was he an impostor!” mused the man, ‘In any event, he’s out of the way. I'll not trouble myself to look after the body ; let the buzzards do that,” The Humbug Detective tightened his belt, and without a backward glance hurried into Pine Forks, not pausing till he stood in front of the village hotel, Although bearded likea pard, the man was handsome, and carried himself bravely. He entered the somewhat pretentious public house, and at once proceeded to the desk of the clerk, ‘*T would stop with you for the night,” said the stranger, The obliging clerk shoved the soiled register toward the stranger. The latter glanced up and down the page ere he touched pen to paper. He studied each name php nef then took the pen and wrote, in a run- | ning hand: “ Steele Sharp, Montana.” The young man watched the movement of the stranger’s pen, and seemed surprised when he read the name, gr ie give you the best room in the ‘house, Mr. Sharp,” said the smiling,clerk, confidentially. ** Any game in this quarterSsir?” Before the man from Helena could reply alow cough at his elbow cansed him to turn about with a feelmg that some one had been Jooking over his shoulder while he wrote his name, The man writing himself Steele Sharp re- coiled, his face blanched. Before him stood his late antagonist whom he thought at the bottom of the gulch, CHAPTER VIII, BAFFLED BY FIRE, **T am glad to see you, Mr. Sharp.” The last comer held out his hand, a smile are over the pale face that was spotted with ood, The big-bearded man seemed puzzled and un- decided what to do. At length he held out his hand, and shuddered as he felt that of the other, cold as ice, in his palm, For some moments eyes looked into eyes, in one pair a hidden menace, in the other a look of doubt and perhaps fear. ** Aren’t you glad to see me, Mr. Sharp?” de- manded the shorter man, insinuatingly. ‘‘ You ought to be. You know the murderer is not often able to—” ** Hush!” gasped the last Steele Sharp, huskily, eep a still tongue in your head, Come with me. The speaker turned away, and he knew that he was followed. “Wait here one moment.” The bearded man returned quickly to the clerk’s desk and procured the key to his room with instructions about finding it, then he went back to his companion, The two mounted the stairs together. Once in his room, Steele Sharp the second, locked the door, lit a lamp, and threw himself into a wooden chair. “Now, young man, tell me what all this means,” he demanded, in a voice of forced calm- ness, At the same time he produced a cigar, bit off the end, and proceeded to light it with great deliberation. He was evidently affecting @ calmness he did not feel. This fact was patent to the man who was watching the pretended detective’s movements er: **You know me, do you not?” questioned the first detective. **T do not.” ““We met but ashort time ago, sir, and but for pe luck I would have been killed, [I caught on a shelf not ten feet from the brink of the gulch, and was soon able to follow you to this place, Tell me what you mean, sir, by call- ing a rg Steele Sharp.” hat is my name,” returnel the other, puff- ing coolly at his cigar. ‘‘As I said when we first met to-night, you are an impostor.” For full a minute the standing man made no reply. Perhaps the cool assumption of the other dumfounded him, He found his voice at length, however, and said: ‘*You are a cool yillain. There is but one Steele Sharp in Montana and J am he, Do you dare me to the proof?” Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. . 7 The keen eyes of the speaker fixed themselves | in a penetrating gaze on the face of the bearded smoker, The latter did not flinch. ‘© You area fool, young man, to think of butt- | ing against me,” declared Sharp number two. **Tam here at the request of Granger & Long- wood, and [ do not mean to be bluffed off the ed by Mr. Granger for the capture of the mau or | men who robbed and murdered bis messenger is | a temptation that has led a score of would-be detectives to take the trail, and I am not sur- | prised that you should attempt to murder me, that you and those of your ilk might have full swing. about your business before you lose your pre- cious life.” The speaker was cool and impudent. Detective Number One leaned against the wall and regarded the other fixedly while he talked, he carried. **So, then, it is to be war between us,” final- ly articulated the younger. ‘‘I am sorry. I have been to Helena, and from there came on here on learning of the robbery of Granger & Longwood’s messenger, Jam the only author- ized detective on the trail; you are the impostor, * | and it wiil be well for you to beware,” ‘* You are aliar!” thundered the sitting man, flinging aside his cigar, and starting to his feet with his hand on the butt of a revolver, ** Sit down !” “Eb? Yes, yes; of course,” An! the bearded detective dropped like lead into ‘1's seat, a polished six-shooter flashing in his face, It was a keen eye that glanced along the bar- rel of the weapon, and the bearded man’s face changed color. He realized that he was over- mastered, ‘There! you are sensible,” said the man be- hind the revolver. ‘‘ You attempted to murder me to-night, If you are what you pretend, you are anything but an honorable detective. I think Granger & Lockwood can dispense with your services,” ‘**T don’t propose to consult your likes and dis- likes in the matter,” declared the other dogged- ly. “I have been regularly employed, and mean to pursue my own way without regard to ou. ‘*Indeed | You will please remove that What do you mean?” ‘*T mean what I say. ‘Take off that false beard. I am in deadly earnest and will brook no delay,” cried the young detective sternly. The hammer of his revolver was raised, and the man felt himself in a critical situation. To reveal himself to this man might ruin his plans utterly. “‘Patup your pistol,” he urged, “ this is tak ing an unfair advantage, one that I would scorn to take of any man, even an enemy.” ‘* Will you remove your disguise?” “ No.” For an instant this defiance seemed to daze the man with the revolver, whom we have known as Steele Sharp, **T am compelled to use force then,” declared he, ‘‘I mean to know who you are, impostor!” The speaker advanced a step. The man in the chair nerved himself for what he believed a coming struggle, when an inter- ruption broke the spell. “ Hire! Fire! The cry rung through the rude border tavern, and startled the inmates, who came flocking from their rooms, SteeleSharp turned at the sound, and the man in the chair took instant advantage of the situation. He bounded to bis feet, and dealt the young detective a blow that staggered him against the wall. Before Sharp could recover, Detective Number Two flung open the door and rushed from the room, closing and locking the door behind him, ** There!” hissed the bearded man, “‘ roast like arat in atrap, you miserable sneak! I’)l win this game now if I have to sacrifice all the lives in Pine Forks!” Then the man hurried away. It was evident that he supposed the tavern on fire when he rushed out, Steele §S soon recovered himself, and to the door to find it secured. At once etective understood the situation, His sprun the enemy meant that he should perish in the burn- nS epite at his danger, the d spite o 8 the detective smilep, and strode to the wind : **He must imagine me a weakling to think I track, Lamaweare that the great reward offer- | Take my advice, young man, and go | will perish when there is an avenue open for escape,” muttered the imprisoned man. He flung up the window and gazed out into the night. If he thought to gaze upon smoke and flame issuing from the tavern he was agree- ably disappointed. There was a brilliant illumination outside, however, but it proceeded from across the street, , Sharp soon ascertained that it was the jail. ‘** A part of the plot!” he exclaimed. ‘“‘ Grudge Grave will escape in the confusion. _ This pre- tended detective is a humbug, and I knew it. He is a friend and partner of the man in the jail. I must not permit the plot to succeed,” Glancing about him, the detective saw a rope coiled over the post of the bedstead. It was but the work of a moment for him to make one end of this fast, and the other he tossed outside. Securing the sash with a stick, Steele Sharp His face was pale, his teeth clinched, while his | crawled over the sill and lowered himself to the hands worked nervously on the heavy cane that | ground without difficulty, He burried at once into the street to find a large crowd gathered, The detective glanced about, seeking a familiar face, He saw none, His late antagonist, who had so neatly escaped unmasking on account of the fire, was nowhere visible, ‘*He has made himself scarce, of course,” muttered the detective, ‘*‘His business here was to release his partner in crime, Has he succeeded? ll investigate.” The jail was one mass of flame now, and if the prisoner had not escaped, or been led away, he had surely perished in the fire, Even as the detective moved toward the flam- ing building, a wild scream rent the air that curdled the blood of the listeners, That one shriek was all, The sound of crack- ling flames alone was heard thereafter. Th» jail burned rapidly, and was soon but a mass of smoldering embers, ‘* Where is the sheriff?” A pale-faced man asked the question, as he parted the crowd and hurried forward to the glowing embers of the jail. His hand fell ou the arm of Steele Sharp. The latter recognized the speaker as Rollin Longwood, **T cannot tell you, sir,” returned the detec- tive. ‘I haven’t seen him since the fire began,” **T just came from his boarding-place. He's not there, Has the prisoner escaped? How did the fire take place?” The de ve could not answer, Just then he was spellbound by an awful fear. ‘ CHAPTER IX, THE DETECTIVE’S FALL, Hap the young sheriff, perished in the burnin jail? This was the thought that entered the sou of the man from Helena, and saddened and alarmed him, Mr. Longwood made inquiries of others with regard to Huntway, but not a soul seemed to have seen him since night had fallep. The thought that entered Steele Sharp’s brain was, that young Huntway had entered the jul to sea his prisoner, and had been knocked down and left to perish in the fire, set, undoubtedly, by jal hand of the prisoner while fleeing from the ail. On account of such thoughts the man from Helena was in anytbing but « pleasant state of mind. He became exceedingly nervous during the next few minutes, As soon as the heat would permit, willing hands were at work examining the debris, in search of anything that might be found, At length a sharp exclamation fell from many ps. A human skeleton was raked from the ashes, and laid at the feet of Rollin Longwood and Steele Sharp. ‘*So the prisoner was burned, it seems,” said the young cattle-king. ‘‘ It was a terrible fate, even for such a manjas Grudge Grave. I know he had some good streaks about him. However, this will save a trial, and one tough is effectually removed from the community.” Steele S! did not like the ring in the voice of the cattle-king. It seemed heartless in the extreme, in spite of the fact that he spoke a good word for the dead outlaw. ‘**] am not so sure that the skeleton is that of Grudge Grave,” said the detective. “Not sure?’ inquired the young cattle-owner, in surprise. ‘‘I was not aware that {!e jail contained another prisoner than Grudge Grave, the highwayman.” **T believe he was the only prisoner,” admitted Steele Sharp. ** Then, of course, the skeleton is his,”
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8 Sheriff Huntwav, of Montana. — ee — * Not n rily,” avowed the man from | ‘‘ Now, Tub, yer think they’ll find ther dead ecessa Helena, ‘‘There’s a mystery surrounding this | man, and reckon it’s me?” night’s work that needs explaining. How came the jail to take fire?” ‘Of course I cannot answer that, but I pre- sume a friend of tie prisoner set fire to it, in the hope of effecting a rescue.” “ Sart’in.” ‘Cute, durn cute in you, Tub, I vow it was,’ chuckled the escaped prisoner. Tben they moved away, following an ill-de- fined trail that led more deeply into the hills, “1 hope your suriuise is correct,” returned the | After a little time the two men suddenly dis- man-bunter, ‘‘but I am afraid the sheriff and | appeared, as though the earth had swallowed not the prisoner fell a victim to the flames,” “Indeed!” exclaimed Longwood, ‘I bad not thought of anytbing so horrible, I may them up. The man-hunter was puzzled. He paused and examined the spot where they have wronged the sheriff, but it certainly entered had ran rh my mind that he had been negligent of duty, and thus permitted the destruction of the jail. Clifford is my friend, and I would not wrong him by unjust suspicion. Your suggestion fair- ly shocked me. This affair needs investigat- ing. ” ‘It does,” returned the detective. Rollin Longwood beat forward and touched the arm of the man from Helena, peering quizzi- cally into his face. ‘You are a stranger here, sir?” as Comparatively,” admitted Sharp. ** Where from?’ ** Recently from Helena.” ** Ah! Itstrikes me that your face is familiar, I have it now, you are the detective,” The eyes of Mr. Longwood searched the face of Sharp keenly. The detective stood as calm as” an icicle through the investigating gaze, “* Are you not Steele Sharp?” ‘“‘T am,” admitted the man from Helena. **T am glad to meet you again, sir, Your dis- guise is complete,” said Longwood. ‘I should not have suspected you, had your face not been astrange one, You detectivesare sharp, and no mistake.” At the last Rollin Longwood laughed, seeming well pleased, while his white hand continued to press the detective’s arm, The latter was puz- ziled at the words of the young cattle-king. He gazed at the white fingers clutching bis arm, gazed asif fascinated, for a moment, then look- ed away and said: ‘*T don’t quite understand you, sir.” “‘Oh, no, of course not,” and a finger nudged Sharp between the ribs. ** With all your cute- ness you cannot fool me, Mr, Sharp. Your make-up is perfect, however, absolutely perfect. You don’t look one bit like the Mr. Sharp who visited me this afternoon, I hope you are mak- ing discoveries.” And now ‘Steele Sharp understood, It was the other detective claiming his name who had interviewed the young Montana cattle-king. The detective was deeply puzzled to know who and what the fellow was, He was keen enough not to reveal the true situation to Rollin Long- wood, but fell in with his view of the case at once, “T am making some most important discov- eries, Mr. Longwood,” answered Sharp, ‘Ah! that’s good, Tell me about them, sir, You know you promised to make me your con- fidant,” declared Longwood, gooi-humoredly, his hand now caressing the shoulder of the de- tective, ina patronizing way that displeased the Helena man not a little, ‘*Not yet, Mr. Longwood. I am not ready.” «Then you go back on your promise, But I forgive you. - Detectives are queer people, any- how, and one must expect to be snubbed by them. They are what might be termed privi- leged characters.” teele Sharp made no reply, His eyes were fixed on a face dimly revealed beyond the smok- ing ruins, The face attracted him strangely, and as he saw it move away, he turned and fol- lowed swiftly and silently. Scon the man of many trails found himself far from the scene of the burning jail, shadow- ing the man who bad ventured to pause a brief moment and peer at the ruin wrought by the fire, The man did not seem to know that he was followed, since he never once looked back, but pressed on into the hills, For perhaps a mile he hurried along a winding path, then he came toa sudden halt and uttered a low cry— the cry of a vight-hawk, In answer a man stepped from the bushes and confronted the night prowler. ** Well, Zonk?” “Big time ‘mong the fellers, and I 'spect you're safe enough now, Grudge,” “Good! Til never go back on you, even in thought, ag’in, Tub. ou’ve done me a turn, and got me outen the meshes o’ ther law, and now we'll get even with some folks in Pine Forks ‘at I knows on, eh, Tub?” **You bet yer sweet life, Grudge,” was the emphatic answer, andthe two men joined hands in the starlight, Presently a murmur of voices fell on his ear, and following the sound the detective came to a fringe of bushes, beyond which the sound was plainly heard, Parting the bushes, Steele Sharp found bim- self on the edge of a small basin, the sides of which were precipitous, A fire smoldered at the bottom of the shaft, and one of the men was poking it into new life with a stick. The re- newed flame lit up the interior of tie place, re- vealing the faces of the two men plainly. The man called Tub Zonk was tal] and slender, with a smooth, dark face, straight hair, and penetrating black eyes. He looked like an In- dian, and the watching detective set him down as a half-blood, the most cunning people to be founda in the West. The brink of the basin was fringed with bush- es, which formed a complete mask to the place, A lariat, dangling from the rocky side, showed how the two men had entered the shaft. Evidently they imagined themselves safe enough here, and conversed without the least apparent concern, ‘* [ distrusted ye, Tub,” said the late prisoner, continuing a conversation that had been going on before the detective reached the place. “ And why did ye distrust me, Grudge?” *¢ Because, yo see, I bad the swag in my own fingers, and was jest selfish enough ter want ter keep it to myself. Bein’ so selfish, I lost the whole on’t.” “ And sarved ye right, pard,” avowed Zonk, as he tossed more wood on the fire. ‘‘I’d never ‘a’ went back on you thet-a-way, Grudge.” **T reckon you wouldn’t, Tub,” “No, I wouldn’t, But what became o’ the money ?”’ ** Dunno,” “ Hain’t it been found?” “*T reckon not.” ** Tell me about it, Grudge.” The late prisoner then told the story of his losing the money in his possession, and of the manner in which it had been taken from him. ** I’m blessed ef I know who knocked me over thet nightand gut the swag. Et mou’t’a’ been the feller thet I took it from,” ‘*Sure, Who was he, pard?” ** Dunno,” ‘* You’ve been a fool, Grudge, a pesky, down- right fool!” avowed the half-breed, bluntly. ‘‘ Ef you'd ’a’ trasted me, az bas allus been yer friend, we might have the swag now, and be on our way to Frisco, to live like gentlemen, ellus.” ‘OT wu'n’t you ’atsent the warnin’ through the winder, then?” Before Tub Zonk could answer, an ot ject shot down from above, crashing between tke two vil- lains, scattering the firebrands like chaff. It was Steele Sharp, who had fallen unexpect- edly into the basin. CHAPTER X, IN DEADLY PERIL, THE two villains were startled beyond meas- ure at the fall of the man between them. Both sprung aside as if frightened, and for fully a minute not a word was uttered. Perbaps the men imagined they were to be assaulted by enemies trom above, Grudge Grave was the first to speak: ‘* Did the ligbtnin’ hit yer, Tub?” ‘*Mi-sed by er squeak,” declared the other, Then both men moved forward, Each grasped a revolver. When they stood over the body of @ man, a sense of relief entered both hearts. ‘“‘Tt's a man, Tub,” ‘*Sure’s ye’r’ born, Grudge.” A groan from the object on the ground assur- ed the two toughs that the man still lived. *« Who in nater kin it be, pard?” queried Zonk, “T never see’d him afore. Do ye know ’im, Grudge?” ‘I don’t, but I reckon he ain’t here for no ood, He must’a’ been watchin’ us, He mou’t er detective.” This intimation from the late prisoner sug- gested an unpleasant train of thought to the two : / men, One of them sbuffied the burning fire- brands togetbh: r, and svon ud a blaze streannng up at one side of the busin. This iiuminet d the interior so that faces were plainly revealed, Grudge Gr.ve Lent over the jusensible detec- tive. He did nut seem to recognize bis face, but on opening his coat, be discovered a silver badge of peculiar pattern. This discovery caused the investigator to utter a low ejacula- tion. ‘© What hev you Ciskivered, Grudge?” © ‘© Look a-bhere, purd,” cried the other, as be removed the concevJed hadge, ‘“Wal, what is it? Oh! I see, a detective’s badge!” ‘‘Thesame, But this ’ere’s a pecooliar bit o’ silver,” declared Grudge, as he held the badge up in the firelight. ‘I've see’d that ’ar bit 0’ silver before.” ““B-? Hev you?” ** Yes, I hev.” ‘© Whar?” ‘*On the breast o’ the boss man-hunter of Montana, I heerd he was sick at Helena, nigh unto death, but 1 swow hyar’s his trade-mark, sure’s ve'r'born, Ef we bain’t got a bonanza, then Grudge Grave don’t know hisself.” At the last the fellow gave vent toa chuckle of delight. His companion seemed somewhat mystified, ‘‘ Ther boss man-hunter?” he queried. ‘* That must mean Steele Sharp, I low this hain’t m, ‘ Wal, it be, jist the same,” answered Grudge. ‘‘ He’n his deputies hez made us a heap 0’ trou- ble, Tub. What shell we do with the skunk?” ‘© Mebbe he’s did for as ’tis,” ‘No, he ain’t. Such critters bez nine lives, like ercat. it’s plain tobe seen that ther critter bez been doggin’ our steps, and mebbe heerd all at passed atween us.” ‘Like enough, We mus'p’t let him get away and blab,” ‘*Not much, We'll leave his carcuss fer ther wolves ter monkey vith. Til go through bis garments and see what he’s got. He may:.’t be ther great detective, but he’s a deputy, which amounts to ther same thing. Up this ‘ere way, a-lookin’ inter ther robbery of old Granger's messenger, likely.” ‘* Likely.” Grudge Grave was not long in going through the pockets of the stunned detective. He found a revolver, some money, and various papers. The latter he tossed on the fire, The money and revolver he appropriated for his own use. After this the questi: n of disposing of the de- tective presented itself. j ‘‘We mou’t put bim in the cave and let Tige loose,” suggested Tub Zonk. ‘* Jeat ther thing.” Grudge Grave placed his hand over the heart of the detective, to find that it still beat, and then he lifted the insensible man in his arms, **Open ther door, Tub, and we'll drop the gentleman into his little bed. Don’t keep me waiting.” c The man addressed sprung forward, and with some difficulty pushed aside a stone composing part of the wall of the basin, revealing the en- trance toacave. Grudge was obliged to stoop in order to enter. Passing forward a short distance, Grudge de- posited his burden on the ground, at thesideofa considerable chamber. “Thar,” he muttered, “I think we'll leave you here for the present. When wereturn I reckon thar’ll be one detective less to bother men of these mountains,” : ‘ Jn the mean time the second villain hurried to another part of the cave, ignited a torch, and proceeded to open an oak door, that was secured by a heavy padlock. ‘‘ Better git to ther entrance, Grudge,” called Zonk, warningly. ‘‘ You know Tige hain’t bad much to eat Jately, and he’s ugly. Ill keep him off with the torch till I git to ther door,” Casting a glance over his shoulder at the weird picture presented by the flaring torch, Grudge Grave hurried to the stone door that covered the entrance to the cave, and here, with his band on a hidden spring, he waited the fur- ther movements of bis cumpanion. The heavy plank door finally swung open. A low, blood-curdling grow] echoed down the length of the cave. From his position at the entrance, Grudge Grave saw a pair of gions: ing eyeballs just beyond the opening to the ani- mal’s den. The torch-bearer suddenly retreated. Thrust- ing his burning torch into a crevice in the rock at the side of the cave, Zonk hurried to the side of his evil companion. Here be paused for a moment to watch the movements of the savage
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2 ete nee ‘brute he had just given the freedom of the cave, | With a fierce snarl the animal leaped through the open door of its den, and advanced toward the spot where lay the apparently insensible de- tective. Before reaching the prostrate man, the brute—an enormous black panther— halted, crouched low, and lashed its sides with its long tail. **Come,” whispered Grudge, huskily, ‘' let’s not remain another mbdment. See the devil in Tige’s eyes! He’s mad, and wouldn’t know his friends from Adam,” Zonk did not move, however, but watched the panther asif fascinated. At length the animal retreated with an angry growl. “You put ther torch too nigh the cur,” growled Grudge, ‘ Tige won’t touch our man; he’s ’fraid o’ ther light. ** The torch ‘jl soon burn out,” returned Zonk, ea it’s only the question o’ a few minutes any- Ow Then he signified bis willingness to depart from the cave, Grudge Grava being only too glad to doso, Once they reached the basin, and saw the stone swing slowly back to place, the two breathed easier. ‘* Well come ag’in to-morrer,” said Zonk. “Old Tige ’ll be tame enough then, arter the good meal he makes off’n the detective galoot.” “That's er fact.” Grudge Grave shinned up the lariat, quickly followed by his companion, Without a word ‘they hurried away it: the darkness, all unmind- ful of tue fact that a pair of keen human eyes was watching their every movement. In the mean time, Steele Sharp, who had be- come semi-conscious before his two captors left the cave, soon became aware of his terrible 4m sition, He rolled over and raised himself to his elbow, in which position he could look the black panther square in the face, It was not a question, however, of looking the ferocious animal out of countenance; the detec- tive know that that could not be done, The uestion was, could he escape from the cave be- ore the torch gave out? If he could not, he was doomed, , Steele Sharp came fully to realize this, as he reclined on the hard ground and gazed into the yety eyeballs blazing just beyond the circle of ight, Slowly he sat aT A terrific growl warned him that the panther was aware of his movements, and was anxious to thwart an effort on the detective’s part to es- caps, ¢ Stinintiine the flame of the torsh began to grow dim, Sharp realized that he must do something at once. He felt for his revolver. He did not find it, *“*T have been robbed!” he ejaculated. ‘TI remember now of losing my balence and falling into the basin. I must have lost consciousness, This szems to be a cave, doubtless opening into the basin, If I can only secure yonder torch, I may be able to escape by the entrance,” Sharp had been sufficiently aroused to know ‘when the two toughs left the cave, and he knew they had left him to perish at the claws and teeth of the imprisoned panther. He did not be- lieve either of the wretches was far away, yeu of course they were ata safe distance, waiting the outcome, Slowly the man-hunter rose to his feet, un- heeding the alarming growls of the panther, Between himself and the animal flared the now nearly extinguished torch, ‘* | must get possession of that torch,” declared the detective, putting out his hand and advanc- ing conouty: is movement brought forth a furicus snarl from the pantber, and to bis alarm Shaip saw the creature crouch for a spring, Feeling that he had gone too far to recede now, Steele Sharp sprung quickly forward, al- most in the face of the panther, and snatched the torch from the crevice, In jerking it loose, one end of the torch struck a projection that sent it flying from the hand of the detective, almost at the feet of the black panther, Steele Sharp started backward with a cry of deadly terror, He saw the angry brute gather ittelf and leap full at his throat! CHAPTER XI. GIVEN THE LIE, STEELE SHARP believed that his doom was sealed as the panther leaped at his throat, and yet the instinct of self-preservation was strong upon him, He fell flat upon his side in the hope ee ver F vei Bead Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. to avoid the treacherovs animal. At the same moment astunning report filled the subterranean chamber, The detective lay half stunned, a blow from one of the panther’s paws tearing the cloth of his pantaloon-leg, as the brute came to the floor, The detective gazed in astonishment to see the brute writhing as if in the agonies of death, and in the close atmosphere was a strong smell of burnt powder. ‘* Back! or the brute’ll mangle you,” cried a voice, accompanied by a grasp of the arm, By main strength a hand dragged Steele Sharp from the dangerous vicinity. The torch was still sputtering dimly, as Sharp staggered to his feet and confronted his pet eg who held a light Winchester rifle in his hand, ‘* Who are you?” questioned the astonished de- tective. ** Don’t you know me, young man?” With the words the speaker ignited a match, and peered smilingly into the detective’s face. ‘* Ah!” exclaimed Sharp, ‘‘I have seen you, and it se me great relief to know that you are still in the flesh, Mr. Huntway,” and the de- tective emphasized his words by grasping and wringing his rescuer’s hand warmly. It was indeed the sheriff, whom Steele Sharp had feared perisbed in the burning jail. ‘** Wait one moment,” said the sheriff. ‘‘ There must be other torches in the cave than the one burning there on the floor, and I will find one,” Huntway examined the sides of the cavern, and soon put bis hand on what he wanted. B means of another match he had a second torc going, and by its light examined the animal, which had now ceased its struggles. A bullet from the sheriff’s rifle had crashed through the panther’s brain. ‘*A black panther,” said Huntway. ‘Not many such brutes in Montana. An ugly pet, I should say.” The sheriff then explained how he had made his way into the cave in time to save the de- tective’s life. ‘*[ discovered the basin outside a few days ago, and from indications I judged that it had been lately occupied. For this reason [ re- solved to investigate at the earliest oppor- tunity, This afternoon I left Pine Forks on a secret mission, to search more thoroughly in the vicinity where the messenger was robbed. It was late before I returned, and I took a by- path to the Forks, thus saving something in dis- tance, ‘* Just before I reached the vicinity of the basin, I heard voices. Dismounting and secret- ing my horse in a thicket, I crept forward, and discovered two men in conversation. Tuey were talking about a man, a detective, whom they had entrapped and left to perish at the jaws of a hungry pantber. I at once deter- mined to effect a rescue, although I wes anxious to learn all possible atiout the two villains, one of whom I discovered to my surprise was Grudge Grave, a fellow whom I bad left safely locked in Pine Forks jail. How he had escaped was of course a puzzle to me,” ‘*The jail was s«t on fire, and during the ex- citement Grave escaped, I suppose,” explained Sharp. ‘‘ A skeleton was found in the ruins, and I feared it might be yours.” ‘*The jail burned? Tiat is bad,” cried Hunt- way. ‘'In more senses than one is it bad. I will be blamed, as I was away. I was seeking information with which to convict Grudge Grave, however, and left a deputy to look after the jail. It seems he must have n negligent of duty. I must hurry my return to Pine Forks.” The sheriff seemed considerably moved. He woul! have said nothing further about himself had not Steele Sharp reminded him that he had not yet explained how he came so oppertunely to the rescue, ‘1T¢ won’t take but a minute to tell that,” said Huntway. ‘‘i knew exactly where to find the shaft, and learning from the conversation of the two men that the cave opened into this, I hur- ried on foot to the basin, lowered myself by a lariat I found suspended at the side, and then began a hasty search for the entrance, ““To.my great joy I found the opening. ft seems that in their burried exit the two villains neglected to close the heavy stone properly, and it swung open undiscovered by them, I at once entered the cave, rifle in hand, and by the dim light of the fallen torch sent a bullet into the head of the panther.” The explanation over, the two men proceeded to examine the cave. Nothing of importance was found, although Sheriff Huntway seemed to believe that the forty thousand dollars stolen cae from the unfortunate Flake must be concealed somewhere about the place. Reluctantly the detective and sberiff gave up the search, and retired from the cave, They were not without the fear that the two vil- lains might return and surprise them in the darkness, Nothing of the kind occurred, however, and in a lttle time the two men were on solid ground, beyond the basin. Huntway led his horse from the thicket, and the two walked on in company for some dis- tance, At length Steele Eherp halted, and said: ‘*T forget myself. I must go no further in this direction.” ** Aren’t you going back to Pine Forks?” ‘*No, my work liesin Helena just at present. I have been engaged by Granger & Longwood to ferret out the robbers of poor Flake, and, if possible, secure the return of the money.” **T am afraid it will be hardly possible to re- cover the money,” said the sheriff. ‘‘I, too, am anxious to find the robbers, and hope we may work in unison, or at least that our rivalry may be of a generous nature,” “‘ Rest assured it will be, my friend,” said the detective. ‘‘ You saved my life this night, and 1 shall never forget it. Friends we must be to the end, Clifford Huntway.” The man from Helena spoke with a good deal of feeling, at the same time putting out bis It was a wari hand-clasp, and then the two separated. Steele Sharp stood de the moun- tain trail, watching the receding horseman in the gloom, Whenthe measured hoof-beats no longer fell on the air, Detective Sharp turned his face toward the capital of Montana, forget- ting for the time that he was uparmed, only feei- ing a hyp / foreboding in his sou] that it was impossible for him to sbake off. t was near midnight when the sheriff ar- rived at Pine Forks, He realized that he would be surely blamed for the destruction of the jail; this he had steeled bimself to bear, but there was a blow coming of which he little dreamed, One of the first men the sheriff met on the following day was Rollin Longwood. The face of the junior cattle-king was serious in ex- pression, Huntway could see at once that he was dis- pleased. ‘* You suffered the prisoner to escape, or at least Grudge Grave is where he can never speak and tell who murdered poor Flake, and robbed him of bis great treasure, If you were not boo ees, Clifford, I'd bold you criminally cul- pable. Thus did the young cattle-king greet the sheriff, and at once the latter resented it. **T have not failed todo my duty as I under- stani_it, Rollin Longwood,” declared Huntway, angrily, ‘‘and I am not amenable to you in any event,” ‘*But you are amenable to the laws of Mon- tana,” retorted Rollin, with a sneer. ‘* Next fall we elect a new sheriff,” Fearing to trust himself with further speech, Clifford Huntway burried from the presence of Longwood to the residence ot Mr. Granger. The old cattle-king was too ill to see the sheriff that morning. and so Valeria entertained him, Flake wes still breathing, but had not uttered an iatelligible word, For half an hour the young sberiff sat with Valeria, and felt himself in Eden. When at length he rose to go, she detained him a mo- ment, clasping his hand tightly in hers, Sbe had listened to his explanation of his absence, and did not blame him as others did for the events of the previous nigbt. ‘*T see you do not wear the ring you once did, Clifford. Have you lost it?” She glanced at the finger on which the ring, now safe in her pocket, bed once glittered. She had determined to know the truth, and set at rest or confirm the awful suspicions that bad haunted her since that night when an attempt had been made on the life of Flake, “The ring; he said, as if not quite compre- hending. ““Yes, Surely you haven’t forgotten the beautiful ring, with the peculiar setting, you once permitted me to examine; the gift of a dear friend, you suid, long since dead,” ‘' Certainly,” he returned, quickly, ‘‘ How stupid of me nottoremember, [ lost the ring, and it has given me much concern.” ‘* You lost it” Valeria’s voice was husky, and her face sud- denly paled. : ** Yes, or else it was stolen, I think, perhaps,
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—o arr ME Se me, meee ey FS TTA, 10 the latter. I missed it about a week ago. I would be willing to pay a goodly sum for its re- turn.” She regarded him fixedly. Was it confusion thut sent the color into his cheek? She thougbt so, and her worst fears seemed realized. Her hands fell her side, and she walked to the far side of the room. After that she did not speak, not even to return the farewell word he uttered, as he turned from the room. ‘*My soul! he is guilty!” moaned Valeria, sinking into a chair, her face pallid with the anguish that wrung her heart at that moment, Soon after the departure of Sheriff Hunt- way, a bearded man appeared at the door, and requested to see Mr. Granger. Tim was away, so Valeria admitted the man, She had seen him once before, he having called to see her uncle, and she suspected 'that he was a detec- tive. Valeria went to her uncle, who told her to admit the gentleman at once, although not Jong before he had refused audience to the young sheriff. **T am glad to see you, Mr. Sharp,”’said Mr, Granger, the moment the detective entered the room, ‘Sit down and let’s hear what you have discovered, Huntway was here, but I refused to see him.” “You did right, sir,” returned the bearded man, who was no less a personage than the one who had encountered the first detective on the previous night, and denounced him as an im- tor. ‘*T have become disgusted with the move- ments of the sheriff, and that impostor who per- sonated you, Mr. Sharp. As I had never met you, of course it was easy enough to deceive me, ‘Certainly. I have very important news to- day, news that may shock you, sir, yet it is nevertheless true.” ‘Something with regard to the late rob- bery?” se Yes.” ‘*T am anxious to hear it.” be [ have found the robber and would-be agsas- sin.’ ‘¢ Ah! news indeed! Who is he?” Mr. Granger bent forward eagerly. ** One whom you would little suspect—Clifford Huntway!” ‘* Ha! is this true?” gasped Granger. “It is ailie/” Both men started as the fierce words fell on theirears. Valeria confronted them, white and trembling. CHAPTER XII. VALERIA IS TRUE, STEELE Suarp No. 2 sprung to his feet, and regarded the girl in astonishment, His sur- prise was evidently genuine. Mr. Granger stared, his rheumatic limb sliding from its ele- vated position to the floor, the pain, however, failing to affect him. ‘* Miss Granger, you here?” finally articulated the detective, ‘I’m astonished!” ‘*So am I,” vociferated the old cattle-king, finding voice at length. ‘‘ You have no right to call Mr. Sharp a liar, Valeria, and, besides, it is unladylike in the extreme,” Truly, her uncle had spoken the truth, and Valeria realized her position for the first time. Her soul had risen in defense of Huntway, and when she beard her lover accused of an awful crime, her indignation caused her to rush to his defense, She now realized her mistake, and was on the point of leaving the room, when the deteetive rose up suddenly and detained her with a gesture, ; ‘*T understand your feclings, miss,” he said, with a half-smile that served only to anger her, “*Itis natural for a girl to stand up for her lover, even when she knows, as you must, that heisa guilty wretch. You have the evidence of his guilt, Miss Granger—a ring that you tore from his finger not many nights ago, when, in mask, the villain attempted to silence poor Flake, and J have evidence here that will aid in the conviction of the infamous sheriff who has deceived the public so long!” With the words the detective held up a knife, that Valeria at once recognized as the one she had torn from the hand of the night-prowler, and afterward flung into a clump of bushes, How had the detective come into possession of it? How, indeed, had he learned of the rin that was even now burning a hole in her han that she had thrust into her pocket? Valeria had told no one about either the ring or the e Mr, Granger learned of these things for the Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. firet time, and he now demanded of his niece the meaning of all this, She felt obliged to explain; and so, with her own lips, helped to confirm the guilt of Sheriff Huntway. Ina moment of weakness she gave the ring into the detective’s hand, and then fled, sobbing, from the room, “Tt is a plain case; you see,” avowed Steele Sharp No. 2. ‘I will now listen to what you may be pleased to advise, Mr. Granger,” ‘*T advise the immediate arrest of Sheriff Huntway,” returned the old cattle-king, white with excitement. ‘‘ I oncerespected that young man, and, through my influence and that of my partner, he got the office he now holds, He seems to have no sense of gratitude in his com- position.” ‘*Such miscreants never have,” returned the detective, ‘‘I’llsee that your wishes are car- ried out. My only fear is that, since the jail has been dsstroyed, and there’s no strong place to put the prisoner, the people may rise up and take him from the officers. You know what that means?” ** Lynch law?” “ce Yes,” ‘*Let it come. I do not care,” retorted the old cattle-king, vengefully. The detective seemed elated at his success as he walked from the presence of Montana’s great cattle- king. In the mean time Sheriff Huntway found that his popularity had suddenly waned. It had in fact vanished in a single night, and dark looks were cast upon him from unexpected sources, While many people thought the skeleton found in the ruins of the jail was that of Grudge Grave, a goodly number believed that a trick had been played on them, and that the sheriff had connived at the escape of the pris- oner. The news floated out that Flake, the wounded messenger, was dying, and this seemed to fire the floating element to fever heat, Huntway noticed this feeling against himself, and wondered at it. Why should he he blamed for accidents, and for the suffering and death of Flake? He had put his whole energies to finding out who assaulted and robbed the cattle-king’s mes- senger, and so he wondered at the glowering looks cast upon him as the day advanced, Knots of people gathsred at different points in town, and seemed to discuss something of an important nature, When he would approacn one of these gatherings, sudden silence wonld fall upon the men, and the sheriff wondered thereat, He was too proud to attempt to vin- dicate himself from what he deemed unjust censure, and when he went to his board-place he was consumed with inward wrath, A knot of people dispersed suddenly as he ap- proached, and still dark looks were cast at him from under lowering brows, It was late in the day, and Huntway sat at an open window, smoking a cigar, his white teeth biting fiercely at times into the moist roll. “Pll just stand this foolishness no longer,” muttered he, suddenly, rising to his feet and tossing his half-burned weed aside, ‘‘ Ah! here comesa female, It strikes me that her face is familiar,” Huntway went to the window, stepped through, and stood on one end of a long porch that ran the full width of the house, At the present moment no one but himself was on the porch. He regarded the swiftly approaching girl, puzzled at seeing her so far from home at this hour, She came forward pantingly, and turned to- ward him a pair of pleading eyes, and a white face. ‘Ah! Valeria, I did not anticipate this visit. I am honored-—” s Stop! Listen!” commanded she, with a ges- ture. ‘* You must flee at once!” ‘*Tndeed?” elevating his brows, ‘‘I don’t know that I have anything to flee from. In any event the duty of the highest county officer is here, at his post of dnty.” She came nearer, even venturing up the steps to his side. ‘Oh, flee at once!” she pleaded, with a queer look, her handssuddenly seizing hisarm, ‘‘ They have planned t¢ arrest you for murder and rob- bery! The whole town is aroused, and—and the mob will tear you to pieces! Quick, or it will be too late!” He could not help admiring her in the réle of a friend. What would he not have given to call her wife! Her words seemed to explain what had puzzled him all day He did not under- stand why this feeling against himself, and he i nn _——* felt disposed to face whoever might come, cour- ageously. Flight in the face of a mob would be cowardly, ‘* Calm yourself, Valeria,” he said, soothingly. ‘There is no danger, I am the highest county officer; they dare not arrest me,” ‘* Ah! but you do not know. The detective has been active, there’s not a road leading oui of Pine Forks that is not guarded! He means that you shal! not escape.” ‘* Hey” a ‘“‘Steele Sharp.” ~ Instantly the young sheriff thought of his ad-t venture of the previous night. How couid it be possible that the man whose life he had saved had turned against him? He did not utter his thoughts aloud, hcwever. He was not pre- pared to believe the situation as bad as Valeria feared, ‘Please don’t alarm yourself, Valeria,” he said. ‘* They dare not harm me, [ have doue nothing for which I should feel ashamed. You speak of crime in connection with my name, Will you explain?” “Tt is the ring that has done it, sir, that awful ring! and the detective has it. I was foolish enough to turn it over to him.” ‘My ring?” ; He seemed surprised as he looked into her ace, ‘* Your ring, Clifford, You know how I ob- tained it. When the truth comes out, they will hang you by law, if not by Judge Lynch. Hea- ven knows how I have suffered since that night you attempted to silence the wounded messenger with a knife, I’ve hadtheringsince, I—I can- not see you hang, Clifford, Flee for my sake, even though we never meetagain, I know lam doing wrong, that I ought to turn against you, but—but I cannot. Don’t delay. There ars horses in the stable back of this house, Mount one and ride for your life!” W hat was she saying in rapid tones while ber soft hands clutched his arm? Somehow a vague idea of the truth dawned on his brain. He looked down the street and saw a crowd ap- proaching. He could readily understand that something wa3 wrong. But to flee like a coward, that was not pleas- ant to contemplate, “For your sake, you say, Valeria? Do you ¥ then care for me the least bit?” He seized her hand and penetrated her with a keen gaze, full of smothered passion. Her pallid cheeks flushed and her head drooped. He was answered, and his soul was thrilled at alook from her glorious eyes, as it had never been thrilled before. He raised her hand to his lips, then said, quickly: , ; ‘Do you believe me guilty of any crime, Valeria, even the least?” No answer, ‘* Sneak!” he demanded. ‘If you believe I could do a wrongaction I will not stir from here, but die in my tracks if the worst comes!” She looked up into his pale face and said: ‘Tell me truly, are you innocent of this crime —the robbery and attempted murder of Jasper Flake?” ‘‘f am innocent,” he returned, without a quiver in his voice. ‘J believe you, Clifford,” She put both hands confidingly in his, while her eyes filled with tears, ‘* Heaven bless you, Valeria!” He bent and kissed ber,then turned asa heavy hand fell upon his shoulder and a stern voice’ said: ‘Clifford Huntway, you are my prisoner!” CHAPTER XIII, A GIRL’S SHOT. VALERIA uttered a cry of dismay. The young sheriff looked into the dark face of astranger, The fellow had evidently come from the house, doubtless entering by the back way, thus coming unon Huntway una wares, ** Hands off !” commanded the sheriff, in en in- dignant voice, at the same time backing a ste; and looking the man square 1n the eyes, “Come peaceably, sir, and I may be able to git you to a place of ssfety before ther mob comes,” growled the man, who wes alnvst a giant in size, and from bis terrible presence had doubtless been selected for the work he was now’ engaged in, ‘If you have set the mob upon cfficers of Jaw,. you are the the one who will find yourself under arrest,” cried Huntway,sternly, ‘* Perheps you have forgotten whom you are addressing, Iam the sheriff of this county and tbe only man, save my deputies, autborized to make an arrest, Step aside and let me pass,” xs art see ne 9
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Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. } rhe 3 8 The burly man refused to yield an inch, In- . but I believe you have been deceived by some | declaring himself his friend. Was he a hypo- stead he displayed a pair of handcuffs, | one who wishes me out of the way. Criminals | crite? “711 put theso on, and then we'll talk,” said | Will you permit yourselves ‘¢T don’t know whether to trust you or not,” hate and fear me. the fellow, grimly. declared the sheriff after a moment given to re- Valeria watched the two with a startled face, For the time she seemed utterly stunned. A crisis was near at hand, however, for a dark mass of human beings was seen hurrying toward the house, and it was now evident that this was the ‘*mob” alluded to by the fellow who had attempted to arrest Huntway. Mis- chief was in the air surely, and the young sheriff realized that he must escape at once if he would, Loth as he was to flee from a danger that he | felt he had not invited, he yet believed tvat it was not his duty to permit himselt to be sacri- ficed at the hands of a senseless mob. He sah, the appeal in the eye of Valeria, and that look nerved him to desperate meas- ures, “Stand aside,” commanded Huntway, as the ar plata officer moved to put on the hand- cuffs. ** Look out! He has a pistol!” called Valeria, warningly. Scarcely had the words fallen from her lips than the man with the handcuffs went down like a log at the feet of Valeria. One instant only did the sheriff pause to grasp her eyes and said: tive,” over the prostrate form of the man he had felled and passed into the house, I By this time more than a score of men were in front of the house, rough, bearded fellows, some of them valiant through whisky that had been furnished freely by an interested party. ‘Bring him out!” yelled a voice; ‘ bring out ther sheriff!” Valeria had now regained her self-possession, end she halted the blear-eyed citizens at the porch f and in a firm voice said: ‘ ; **Come no further, gentlemen, seek is not here.” ‘‘Tt’s a lie! The young vagabond is in the hous» hiding like the sneak he is!” vociferated the man whom Huntway had knocked down, just now staggering to his feet, but with rage at his ate discomficure, “Tt is not true. declared Valeria. right to enter.” The man you Mr. Huntway is not here,” **Stand back! You have no He pressed her hand an instant, then sprung | was to save his life that I did it.” | to beled bysuch?”. “Hooray! Listen to him, lads. the darlint! Hooray fur the sheriff!” yelled Tim Quales at the top of his voice, tossing his old hat high in | the air. } | | Yells and groans fo!l»wed, and it was quite ovident ‘nt the mob was not pacified, Valeria had retired inside, but she stood at the window watching tho movementc outside with tho most intense interest. She saw pistols in desperate hands, and trembled for the safety of the courageous young sheriff who bad only con- sented to seek safety in flight to please her. ‘Oh! why does he linger? They'll shoot him yet!” moaned the alarmed gir], And then she saw a hand lifted, clutching a cocked revolver, The man who leveled the weapon at the heart of Clifford Huntway was the one who had at- tempted his arrest. Valeria almost fainted at the sight. There was murder in the man’sheart. Huntway, all unconscious of treachery, sat his horse in the gathering gloom, a conspicuous mark for the assassin’s bullet, Valeria moved a little nearer. Her own band was raised swiftly, A single the hand of the girl he loved. He looked into | sharp report rung out, A cry of pain followed, and the arm of the ‘For your sake, Valeria, I become a fugi- | murderous constable fell helpless at his side, his revolver falling to the floor. ‘* Heaven forgive me,” murmured Valeria, ‘‘ it = t ‘4 report of the pistol great confusion pre- vailed, ‘© 1’'m shot! murder!” groaned the burly con- stable, and cries of ‘‘ Huntway did it!” added to the rage of the mob. Pistols cracked indiscriminately, and in the confusion the young sheriff galloped away. With loud yells the balf-drunken toughs rushed at gant: firing as they ran, grim smile swept the face of the hunted sheriff, ‘** Fools!” he muttered, ‘‘ They’re only wast- ing their powder now,” He made no effort to conceal his movements, but galloped down the main street, passing ex- cited groups of citizens, At one point, in front of the Open Hand Saloon, a score of toughs were being addressed by an excited individual, Huntway noticed the man carefully—it was SteeleSharp No, 2, although the fleeing sheriff did ‘As the foremost of the mad mob attempted to | nof know him then, rush past the girl he felt a cold ring of steel touch ‘ his forehead, and recoiled, It was almost dark ‘when Sheriff Huntway en- tered a mountain trail beyond the confines of Valeria, white and determined, held the fort | Pine Forks, for the time being. The burly fellow who had given the zirl the lid did not follow Huntway in- to the house, evidently fearing todo o. He was a dastard at heart, and when he saw an opportunity he slipped up bebind Valeria and threw his arms about her, pinioning her hands to her ides. : i ‘¢Come on!” yelled the constable. ‘‘I’ve got ther gal fast. She can’t hurt you now.” In vain Valeria struggled. The mobsaw their advantage and ine over the porch into the house. They did not find the object of their wrath within, however, While they filled the place with oaths and rude ejaculations, a shout from the front of the house . called many of them there, A man on horseback bad halted not twenty een from the door, and stood regarding the orde with a calm mien. It was the hunted sheriff of Pine Forks. He had found the horse referred to by Valeria, and was bold enough to face the mob when once in the saddle, ““Tbar’s the critter now. Go for him!” yelled a voice, ** Hold!” called Huntway. ‘‘Men of Pine Forks, I am still your sheriff, and I have a right to be heard.” ‘* Be jabers! listen to im!” cried irrepressible oe begs who had come out to look for Va- leria at her father’s request and had but lately arrived upon the scene, Tim was a friend to Huntway and mar- pint lg this display of wrath against the young r a “Shut up, you Ipeen !”” Tim brought sie Werk of his hand across the mouth of a brawny fellow, who, quite tipsy, bad et “* Hang him!” at the top of bis voice. The w sent the inebriated individual sprawling on the ground, A laugh followed the tough’s dis- comfiture, ** Men of Pine Forks,” n called Huntway, “Tam your sheriff still, do not know why you have risen up toinjure me and defy the law, ¢ } ! | He had slackened his pace, and had permitted his rein to fall loosely, when a man darted from the bushes, snatched the bridle and thrust a re- volver into the horseman’s face! CHAPTER XIV, ESCAPE AND CAPTURE. ‘‘ QUIETLY now,” uttered the highwayman, “Litt a finger and you die!” Rather a sudden and unpleasant announce- ment, truly. Sheriff Huntway did not lose his presence of mind for anizstant. He recognized the man who had halted him and at once said, good-humoredly: ‘Put up your gun, Sharp. One good turn deserves another, and you have repaid my ser- vices by se'ting the mob at my life. I ought to love you after this surely.” There wasasting in the words of Huntway that caused the highwayman to drop his hand from the bridle-rein as though it was hot iron. ‘* Bless me, I made a misiake, Mr. Huntway,” exclaimed the man,whc wasindeed Steele Sharp whose life the sheriff had but lately saved at considerable risk to himself, Sharp’s revolver also fell at his side. ‘Didn't you recognize me,Sharp?’ queried the sheriff suspiciously. ‘““No. I thought you were a man for whom I have been looking for a long time,” ‘* What man?” ‘* Never mind now, sheriff.” And Sharp forced a laugh. “Tt was an awkward mistake, and I beg your pardon, I'd sooner cut off my right hand than offer harm to the best friend I have on earth,” There was no mistaking the earnestness of the detective’s words, and the fugitive sheriff con- fessed himself puzzled, Valeria had but this night assured him that Steele Sharp was at the bottom of the uprising against him, and now here was the detective jured tone. robbed and attempted to murder Jasper Flake, Surely you and T ought to clasp hands on an issue of that kind, you being the sheriff of the county !” surmise regarding the detective, flection, “Do you imagine I could be anything but your friend after what has happened; Mr. Huntway?”’ questioned Steele Sharp, in an in- “YT am looking after the man who Huntway was still puzzled. Cerhaps Valeria bad been mistaken in her It seemed pre- posterous to believe that a man like the detective should be his enemy, since botl were con erva- tors of the peace, Perhaps joalousy actuated the man, professional jealousy, which sometimes is almost equal to that caused by the infatuation of love, : ‘*] have been misintormed, Sharp,” said Hunt- way, at length, ‘* Although I »m sheriff-of this county de jure, I am at present not that officer de facto. You understand?” And Huntway laughed unpleasantly. “ No, 1 do not understand.” The fugitive sheriff then explained the situa- tion ina few words, An ejaculation fell from the detective’s..lips when Huntway had con- cluded, ‘T understand it,” he said, quickly, ‘‘ The: detective referred to by Valeria is the man calling himself Steele Sharp, He is an impostor. LT have not yet dropped onto his game, but 1 do know that he is in disguise, and that he has suc- ceeded in deceiving not only Rollin Longwood, but old man Grevger as well. That man is not a detective. Jum the only one who has a ight to the name of Steele Sharp, There's a ot of some sort in the wind, and your ruinisa port of the programme, Mr. Huntway.” “\It does look that way,” admitted the sheriff. “ You have lilted a load from my mind, Sharp, and I feel better now,” ‘* You will uot fear to trust me hereafter?” ‘*T wiil not.” The two men clasped hands in the dim light, and were once more friends. ‘The minds of many people in Pine Forks have been poisoned .gainst me, Sharp,” said the sheriff, slowly, as if weighing his words, ‘‘ The escaye of Grudge Grave and the burning of the jail seem to have aroused suspicion against me, and i am now afugitive. Do you blame me Sharp? OuaghtI to have stood my ground an died for a sentiment?” “Tthink you didrightin leaving town,” re- turned the detective. ‘' Miss Granger was quite right. Sbeisa noble girl, and worthy of your love, Mr. Huntway.” “ You cannot quarrel with m- on that point, Sharp,” returned the sheriff, laughing. ‘‘ My flight, however, willconvince many that I am guilty, Itis that thought alone that troubles me, ‘If you had remained, the mob, urged on by the Humbug Detective, would have lynched you, After that, even though proof of your innocence was forthcoming, it could do the dead sheriff no good. We will ferret out all this iniquity, Mr. Huntway, and in good time you can return to, Pins Norks vindicated.” The earnest friendship of Steele Sharp touched Huntway deeply. “*T thank you, ir,” he said, huskily. ‘ It is indeed pleasant to have one friend among so many enemies, You scarcely know me, and yet you trust me against great ods.’ “True, When you shot the panther and res- cued me from the hands of outlaws, that act convinced me that you could not be a friend to the foes of law and order. I believe you true as steel, Sheriff Huntway, and my future acts. shall be in conformity with this belief,” ** Again I thank you.” ‘** Please refrain. ‘© What would you advise now, Sharp?” ‘‘Tf you will listen to my advice, you will go at once to Helena,” returned the detective, ‘TI did not go there asI intended, but have written a note that I should like to send. ai duty lies in this neighborhood at present. Will you take the message I have to send?” “T don’t know, Aren't Fee in danger here, 8 ?’ returned the sheriff, hesitatingly. - “Notin the least, I shall move about Pine Forks in disguise. I’ve an inkling of things that may << rattle the dry bones of that town. If you wiil take my message to Helena, lw return to the cabin that I left but since, whereI bave a friend and a horse, and where I left the letter.” a short time
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: I a ae os aan * Dt en -— eee <a te ee hy **1 will go,” finally decided Huntway. And taken be guided his horse after the swiftly- “moving Man-bupter, whose footsteps were as light.as an Indian’s, At dength the detective halted before a small cabin. Huntway dismounted and followed his friend inside, A dim light barned within. The only occu- sage the room was a negro as black as Ere- us. He grinned at his visitors,and talked with Sharp in a low tone. Presently the detective placed a sealed letter dn the hand of the fugitive sheriff, and said: “Deliver this to the one to whom it is ad- dressed. It is sixty miles to Helena, but if you have a fleet horse, you can get there. Blink here is a true man, although his skin is black, ‘You are armed?” “ Yes,” “Then go, Before many days the clouds will rol} by, and you can return,” Clifford Huntway walked to the door and opened it. He recoiled with a great cry. In front of him were human foes, and two re- ‘volvers were thrust into his face. ‘* Surrender!” cried a voice that was quite fa- miiliar to Steele Sharp. The detective took in the situation at a glance. He bent to the ear of the black, and uttered a whispered word, then seized the shoul- ‘der of the sheriff and drew him backward, step- ping to the front himself, with a six-shooter in sown good rigbt hand, ** Impostor, you here again!” exclaimed Steele Sharp, as he pbatronted. the foremust man— Steele Sharp No. 2. Tbe intruder recoiled, And then the de ective covered him with his ‘weapon. : **Call off your bounds if you don’t care to die!” hissed Sharp, fiercely. ‘“* Weare after Huntway,” stammered Sharp No, 2, ‘‘If you attempt to shield him, on your head be the cons: quences.” The detective cast a side glance over his shoulder, and saw that the negro had slipped out the back way with the hunted sheriff, All Sharp cared todo now was to detain the pur- suing men till Huntway could make good Lis es- cape. ** Huntway is our sheriff,” answered the de- tective, ‘‘If you seek to harm him, you, and wot J, are law-breakers, and I warn you to be- wore,” At this momen’ a man came limping from the rear of the house, and with a groan staggered against the Humbug Detective. ** No use, boss, he’s gone,” declared the man. “Gone! Do you mean that Huntway has es- caped? Why didn’t you and Bill shoot him down sooner! that was the order!” cried the leader of the pursuing party, angrily. ** Blast ye!” growled tiie mar, ‘* I wasn’t look- in’ for a black thunderbolt ’at took me amid- ships an’ doubled me up like a jack-knife, Bill fell over me, and the sheriff follered ther thun- d-rbolt and escaped,” A smile touched the face of Steele Sharp. He understood bow black Blink had sent the tough to grass with his head. ** You may come in if you like,” said Sharp, good-humoredly. ‘I don’t think you'll find the man you're after to-night,” The big-bearded man pushed his way into the cabin, followed by those men who had kept him company in the pursuit cf the fugitive sheriff. It did not take the men long to ascertain that Huntway bad made good his escape. Had the negro presented himself at that moment, be might’ have been roughly handled, He an wise enough to keep out of the way for the me. Detective No. 2 turned fiercely upon Steele Suarp, an angry light in his eyes, ** You have connived at the escape of Hunt- way, sir,” grated the fellow. ‘‘Do you know what you have done? You have aided a crimi- nal to escape, yes \ou have, and you pretend to bea detective. Pat!” **Don't let your disgust make a fool of you, ‘Whiskerando,” sneered Steele Sharp. °‘‘ Bab! If you attempt to touch me, I'll drop you!” The Humbug Detective recoiled at the muzzle of the detective’s pistol. He made no further advance upon the detec- tive, but left the house, muttering threats under bis breath. In the mean time, having escaped to the thickets near, Sheriff Huntway halted and con- @uited with Blink. ‘*Dar’s hosses down yender,” declared the megro, pointing toward the trail, ‘* Dem fellers what come arter you, boss, left dem dar,” The negro’s remarks suggested aniiea to the | sheriff. He resolved to appropriate one of the | acimals, and accordingly crept forward in the | gloom, and reached the side of a fine animal | without being discovered, Untying the strap from a sapling, Hunt- way vaulted to the saddle, and gave the animai rein. It was not a satisfactory proceeding, this capturing an enemy’s horse, yet, under existing circumstances, the fugitive believed himself justified. Blink uttered a grunt of delight as he saw ' Huntway ride away intothe gloom. — After going a short distance, believing him- self beyond earshot, the fleeing sheriff gave the animal rein, and galloped rapidly from the vicinity. He followed a trail that he knew well. It led him somewhat away from the proper course toward Helena, into an unsafe region, but he thought by this means to throw off pur- suit. For once, at least, Huntway had made a mis- take, as the sequel proved, Mile after mile he passed, The moon rose, shedding a mellow glow over the hills, Presently the fleeing sheriff galloped into the mouth of a narrow canyon, and entered. the shadows. He had ‘gone but a short distance when a dark object fell as from the clouds, circling about the waist of the sheriff. The next instant he was jerked violently from the saddle, CHAPTER XV, FOILED BY HIS ENEMY. A SINGLE horseman drew rein not far out of Pine Forks, and paused to read a notice posted against the trunk of a tree, **2000,.00 REWARD! ‘* The above reward will be paid to any person ving information tbat will lead to the arrest of lifford Huntway, once sheriff of this county, but now a fugitive from justice, ‘* STEELE SHarp, Sheriff.” ** So that scoundrel has become sheriff in place of Huntway,” uttered the reader, ‘‘ Could in- famy go further? There has been no election, and this scoundrel calling himself sberiff must have been appointed to filla vacancy. And he signs himself a person whom he is not. The people «f Upland county must be warned against the man they are trusting. Heavens! what a travesty on justice!” The man rode on, shaping his course toward Pine Forks, which lay but a few miles in the dis- tance, As be rode, be 8 liloquized again: ‘* Huntway did not reach Helena, that is evi- dent. What befell bim then on the road? Per- haps he deemed 1f safer tv secrete himself in the bills for the present. Jt may be as well so, I'll ut this new sheriff to histaps before many days, Pave made discoveries that will bring two men very low, Ab! revenge is sweet, and 1am soon to revel in it to repletiun,” The rider, who was really Steele Sharp, the detective, rode on his way, and was scarcely Icst to view when « second horseman halted before the placard on the tree. He was not a pleasant-looking man, and his mouth opened in a grin as he studied the ‘* reward,” ** As I told Zonk, ’twa’n't best ter put the fel- ler under. He'd be wu’th somethin’ to us, and now here ’tis. Ho! Mr. Sneruff, youll bring money to our locker arter all. I must commu- nicate ter ther new sbernff somehow, I allow *twouldn't be safe fer me ter ride inter the Forks jest yet. ’Twill be, though, when Huntway swings fur murder,” A satisfied chuckle fell from the man’s lips, Two thousend dollars were small stakes com- pared to those Grudge Grave had lost, but even that amount ‘‘ wasn’t to be sneezed at,” as he expressed it, heeling bis horse, the mountain tough gal- loped back on the trail he bad been following. Tt was late in the afternoon of the same day that Steele Sharp No, 2, the new shernff of Up- land county, sat smoking and meditating on the situation, He occupied a room in the tavern—not the one from which he he had been frightened by Detective Sharp on the nightthe jail burnt—but a larger room, more befitting bis new respon- sibilities. , A tap on the door caused the sheriff to remove his cigar. He merely said, ‘‘ Come in!” and re- sume his weed. ———— ee ee SS i esti sss gests A boy in the employ of the hotel entered and placed a se: led letter on the great man’s knee, ‘*’T was left by a man from the hills,” ; ‘Then the lad departed,closing the door behind him, The name of “ Steele Sharp, Sheriff,” was illy scrawled on the envelope. Quickly toe mighty man tore off the covering and bad the letter under his eye. It was short and to the point. ‘* MisteER SHERUFF— ‘* We've got ther man you want, Send a per- son with ther money ter Silent Canyon and we'll turn him over.” ‘* NurF Sep.” Steele Sharp No. 2 examined the letter criti- cally, He was not fully persuaded that it was a genuine coffer, ‘1t may be a trap,” muttered he, as he puffed spasmodically at his cigar, ‘That detective who is running amuck against me on his own hook, for I know Granger and the rest repudiate him, is just keen enough to get up something of this kind, I’ve no doubt he wouldn’t hesitate to fen a bullet through my heart for a song. here’s something about the fellow that seemed familiar the first time I met him, I don’t know. I don’t feel easy, anil won’t till that man and Huntwey bite the dust.” For a long time the new sberiff communed with himself, the result being that be resolved to visit Silent Canyon with force enough to make it utterly safe, Space will not permit our going into details here. With a dozen men at his back the sheriff vis- ited the spot in question, and after alittle parley Huntway, with his hands bound securely, was turned over to the officers by Grudge Grave and Tub Zonk, who bad captured him as he was rid- ing through Silent Canyon on his way to Helena two nights before. No harm came to the prisoner for whom the reward was duly paid, although dark looks were cast upon him by Sheriff Sharp and his companions, Since the burning of the jail another building bad been dedicated to that use, one of tke most substantial structures in Pine Forks, Into this pircone the prisoner was hurried and a strong guard placed about the place, ‘He must never be permitted to come to trial,” declared Sheriff Sharp to bimself, aftcr he had returned to the hotel. ‘Of course it would be easy enough to convict bhim—the ring and knife would do that, but something might turn up, with such a man as the sneak- ing detective nosing around. He is as keen a fellow as the Steele Sharp he personates, [I am well assured that he is not that detective, however.” The plotting villain whb had so snugly en- sconced bimself in Huntway's shoes spared no pains to work up a feeling against the prisoner, that had died down somewhat since the day the voung sheriff fled so precipitately from Pine Forks, On the morning after his confinement in jail Clifford Huntway had a visitor in the person of Erastus Granger, who, in spite of rheumatic twioges, had forced himself to visit the deposed sheriff, **] am truly shocked,” declared the old cattle- king, as he confronted Huntway, ‘‘to see you here, Clifford, If I had not been your friend, I should not visit you this morning.” ‘‘T seem to be the victim of untoward circum- stances,” returned Huntway, whose pale face showed the mental suffering he was enduring. ‘Tam guilty of no crime, yet here I am impris- oned Jike a common felon; it is infamous!” ** Ah! but you bave brought it on yourself, Clifford. I am astonished at your perfidy. I would not have thought it possible until con- fronted with the proof, What have you done with the money? ** What money?” “The forty thousar d dollars that you murdered poor Jasper Flake to obtaiv.” White ani stern wes the face of the old cattle- king when he put this question, _'F r heaven's sake! Mr, Grarger, do you be- lieve I did that deed of villainy ?” Huntway seemed aghast, ‘*False agony won't help your cegse in the least,” declared the old man grimly, ‘I am convinced that this is your first offense, my boy, and to show you that I am still your friend I willagree to set youfreeand give youac to wipe out this stain in a new Jand, om one cov- dition,” ** Name it.” ‘““That you return me the money you took from Flake.” ’ 4 ee eee ee oe
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‘ Wy ——~ame, a ss _~ breathed the “‘shadow” fervently. —————————————— y ‘But you say Flake is dead?” may die atany moment. You heard my offer. What have you to say to it?” **T cannot comply.” ** Why not?” *T haven’t the money.” ** Ah! you have spent it?” “No, In heaven’s name, can you not under- stand? I am innocent—” “ Fool!” interrupted the old cattle-king, angri- ly. ‘* You invite your own doom, Judge Lynch will settle your case! I will not lift a finger to prevent.” ; With these ominous words, Granger stamped from the jail in a towering passion, CHAPTER XVI, A NOBLE GIRL’S SACRIFICE, Ir was night. Clouds hung blackly athwart the heavens, and = > he flash of lightning darted across esky. A dim light burned in a cabin on the hillside, pha half a mile from the outskirts of Pine Orks, A man on his knees was at work trying to open a tin box that rested on the floor before him, He soon had it open, revealing bank-notes neatly packed in the box. He took out a package and counted the notes one hy one, A domino hid the upper portion of the man’s face, thus concealing bis identity. ‘* All here,” be finally muttered with a sigh of satisfaction, ‘‘ I’ve not rested easy of late, fear ing this money might be found, and I robbed a second time, I’ve had enough trouble over this and mean to makea bold stroke soon, When once Huntway goes under I shall turn my face from Montana forever.” Returning the money to the box, the man in mask lockea it and nroceeded to secrete the box in a nook under the floor, This done, he rose to bis feet. He gazed keenly about him, then, hearing the boom of distant thunder, he smiled and said: “A storm is coming. To-night would be a goo time to put all doubts atrest. I believe it would be a good stroke to have Huntway suicide in bis cell, Ha! ha! I bad not thought of that.” Turning to a tallow dip that burned near, the man carried it to his lips, With one band he lifted the mask from his face, just at the mo- ment the light was extinguished. **Abl my man, your race is about run,” mut- tered the shadow without. ‘‘ Before you make your bold stroke I will bring you to the balter you have noosed for Clifford Huntway.” Oat into the gloom passed he of the mask. His swift moving steps sent back a ringing sound as he burried down the hillside, and when the sound died out in the dim distance, the | watcher outside the lone cabin moved and tried it sbarply. It refused to yield. ** Tl not let so flimsy a barrier thwart me,” muttered the man, as he threw his whole weight against the door, lt still refused to yield. Suppose the masked man should return? This thought assured the prowler that be had no time to lose, Turning from the door he went to a Narrow window. He managed to break through this barrier, and quickly leaped into the sma]! apartment, Striking a match, the man soon found the loose pla box, and the window and once more stood cutsi te, ““T have the money at last, thank Heaven!” “Tl now put on the screws and fix the crime of the Flake robbery on the right person.” Steele Sharp, for be it was, hurried away in Maing direction of Pine Forks with bis prize under arm, The pot set boiling by the Humbug Detective place of ‘was s00n to foam over, On the very night that the det>ctive madea wonderful discovery at the lone cabin on the hillside, the bogus sheriff found himself at a late hour at the Open Hand Saloon, where a spirit invoked by whisky and bad men ran rampant for blood. n, quietly!” uttered the “Quietly, gentlem warning voice of the new sheriff, as he pushed his wey into the room, “No mob law will be ') permitted in Pine Forks while I am sheriff, re- | member that.” 4 ‘* Who's a-talkin’ mob law?’ growled a red- | eyed tough, as he turned out a glass of whisky t i¥ kK, Shs BG ioe ae aes ef fai? ae Ry) s \ 4 | and faced about to glare at the sheriff. ‘‘ What i ~~*No. I did not say that, He still lives, but | we wants is jeatice, and, by ther mountains, we'll hev it! Eb, pards?” **'You bet, Jack. That’s ther talk,” Mr. Sharp No. 2 did not remain long at the Open Hand. The leaven was working, and he believed that an assault would be made on the jail before morning, Of course the news of Huntway’s capture reached Valeria, and she was deeply moved thereat, She had hoped that he had made good his escape, since three days had passed with no word from him, She burried to the jail to see her lover, but was strictly forbidden entrance by the guards, In vain she pleaded. ““We obeys orders, miss,” said one of the men. . “* Orders!” she cried hotly. ‘* Who dared order you to forbid my entrance here?” “The sheriff, mum,” meekly replied the man, ‘‘ The sheriff? You have him locked up here. He never gave such an order,” ‘Is the new sheriff, mum,” explained the guard, respectfully, for he knew that Valeria was the niece of the most prominent man in the county, and it would never do to cffer her insult, **The new sberiff is a scoundrel!” declared Valeria, beside herself with indignation, Hurrying homeward, the girl passed groups of men discussing the capture of Huntway, and more than one ominous threat fell on ber ear. When she reached home sbe heard a mur- mur of voices in the room occupied by her uncle, He had a visitor surely. Deeply anxious to — with her uncle, tbe girl rapped on the oor. It was opened by Mr. Granger's partner in business, ‘** Ah, you have been absent. I came over for a talk with you, Val,” said Roll Longwood, withasmile, “1 have just learned from your uncle of the capture of Clifford Huntway.” The hour at which this conversation occurred was afternoon of the day Detective Sharp secured the stolen money from the mountain cabin, as already recorded. Mr, Longwood took the hand of Valeria and led her to a seat in the front room. “* You look pale, Val, and your hand trembles, Tell me what has happened.” “*T have been grossly insulted,” she declared with emphasis. ** Tnsulted ! thing.” _ His cheeks flushed, and he clinched his hands in anger, She explained by telling of her visit to the jail, and of the refusal of the guards to permit her to see the prisoner, - ‘*So that is where you have been, my dear Tell me who has dared do sucha to the door | Val.” A sorrowful expression overspread his hand- some face, ‘** Yes, | went there hoping to see the prison- er,” she declared, ‘*Val, tell me truly, what is there between you and this man Huntway?” questioned Long- wood, in a saddened voice, ‘I hope nothing serious, for, as true as the sun shines, the fellow is guilty. I bave myself sifted the evidence, and am now convinced, much asI hate to think so, that Clifford Huutway robbed and attempted to murder Jasper Flake.” And you get your evidence from this man and from beneath it hecr wthe tin | calling himself Steele Sharp,” cried Valeria, h it under his arm be cr: p: through | “That fellow is an impostor, and I cannot un- derstand why you and my uncle have permitted him to blind your eyes. He bas no right to the Office of sheriff, and if Mr. Huntway perishes it will not be justice, but murder!” ** My dear Val—” “Hear me through,” she interrupted fiercely, with flowing eyes and heaving bosom, ‘tI know the law-defiers are out to-day, and I believe Mr. Huntway will be lynched unless he is taken toa safety. He ought to be granted a fair trial at all events,” ** Tagree with you there, Val,” said Long wood with aseriovscountenance, ‘1 trusted Clifford fully in the past, and I should hate to see him fall happenin.” poor ; ap- pen,” admitted he, still sadly solemn. “T save into the hands of a mob.” “You know there is danger of that very thing “Yes, th rough element is filling with whisky, aud there’s no knowing what may “Rollin, you can save the prisoner, save him for a fair trial.” him? 44 Yes.” A 13 — “* How?” ** By sending him under guard to Helena,” ‘*if Ll had the authority I might do that,” he admitted, *“You would be listened to as a man of prominence. I beiieveif you urged it, Steriff Shar;', impostor and villain though ho. i+, would obey your request,” declared Valeria promptly. ‘* Perhaps. I have thought of doing this very thing, for to tell the truth I overheard a plot tu- day that startled me, a plot to take Huntway from jail, and hang him at midnight. Two- score tougbs have sworn to do this, and only what you suggest can save the prisoner. He might be spirited away under cover of darkness fo Helena, where he would be safe till the trial s set.’ This announcement startled Valeria. Her face paled, and she cried ete ‘*Oh! Rollin, tell me you will save the prison- er, tell me you will, and I will do anything you y ‘ Anything, Val?” ‘* Yes, anything that is in my power to grant!” she murmured faintly. He drew closer and dropped kis arm about her slender waist, while his eyes glowed with a wonderful passion, ‘*Will you be my wife, Val? Promise, and I'll save Huntway from the doom that threatens.” ** Your wife,” faintly. *“Yes—speak quickly, there’s. none too muck time left in which to work!” It was not the first time he had asked her to be his. He saw his opportunity now and improved. 1b. ‘Speak!’ he cried hoarsely. ‘‘ Huntway’s fate hangs on your answer!” ‘“* Yes, I will be your wife, Rollin.” Instantly he dropped his arm and rushed from the room, _‘*My God! what have I done!” wailed poor Valeria, sinking in a heap to the floor. CHAPTER XVII. THE TOUGH’S CONFESSION. THE thunder boomed loudly. A severe storm was sweeping over the hills and canyons.of western Montana, Bending over a prostrate form was a man whose face, as revealed to us by the lightning’s red glare, is a familiar one, that of Steele Sharp No, 1, he who secured the box of stolen money after the robber had departed from the little cabin on the hillside. | ** Are you badly burt, my man?’ A groan answered, The cetective lifted the man in his arms, and bore him toa sheltered nook beneath an over- hanging rock. Here he chafed the man’s hands, and lashed his face with a bush that he had plucked from the soil. Not a pleasant treatment, yet it was effectual, and on this night Steele Sharp was very anxious about certain things. ** Rouse ur, Grudge Grave!” cried the detec- tive hoarse] Me ‘* Assert yourself and you may be a man yet,’ “Eb, do you thinksof What's happened any- how?” growled the man, in a semi-conscious tone, ** Don’t you remember? You fell over the cliff, and I saved you just as you wereslipping. into eternity,” ba ‘*Good thunder! yes, I ‘member ‘at I was josin’ my grip on the bush, and \thar was an cacy roarin’in my ears—and you saved me, pa ‘I did. An instant more and you would have gone to your death.” ** Put er thar, pard,” The knotty hand of Grudge Grave was thrust out, and the detective found his paim almost crushed in the grasp cf the mountein tough. **I’m everlastingly obleeged to yer, mister,’” answered Grave, ‘Ef thar’s anything on ’arth I kin do, tell me and 1’m yer huckleberry,” ‘* First let usseek shelter from thestorm, We I remember, there’s cannot be far from a cave, one in this vicinity.” “I reckon there be,” returned the tough, struggling to his feet. He shaded his eyes from the red glare of lightning, and seemed to take his bearings at a glance. ‘Old Nick’s cabin hain’t forty rod from hyar. Come, pard, fur I hear ther rain roarin’ up ther gulch,’ Grudge Grave turned away, and the detective followed close at his heels. In the course of a few minutes the tough pushed open the door of:
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| | | I a tn mg ie < ——— ' Pvea boy in’ 14 a cabin and entered. No one seemed to occupy the place, and Grave struck a match and lit a lamp that stood on the window ledge. ‘“*Nick died two weeks ergo,” explained Grudge. ‘' Me’n ther boy planted him up yen- der a ways, and ther cabin hain’t been ’habited sence. Thar ain’t the least danger you ’n me a-bein’ disturbed here,” Then the tough turned and glanced keenly in- ; to the face of his rescuer. He gazed, winked rapidly, and seemed puzzled, ** By ther hornso’ Mars, pardner, but this ain’t Sharp, ther detective?” ‘* You have made no mistake,” answered the detective. ‘‘ You imagined the black panther finished me that night in the basin cave, but I escaped, and am still on thetrail. I’ve spotted my man, and before to-morrow at this time the truth shall be known, and the stolen fortune re- turned to its rightful owner,” “T dunno,” muttered the tough, shrinking away from the detective. ‘‘I ain’t jest prepared ter mingle wi’ such as you. Mebbe thar mou’t be a misunderstandin’,’ The speaker’s hand fell to his bip, then a low cry followed. ** Don’t alarm’ yourself, Mr. Grave,” said the detective, smiling. ‘I was mindful of the situ- ation and took the precaution to disarm you. For your attempt on my life I saved yours. Even a man in your position ought to feel grate- ful. I want toask you a few questions, and per- haps seek your aid. I believea good heart still beats beneath your rough jacket. The tone of Steele Sharp was Seman ity Grudge Grave’s countenance softened. He put out his hand, and said, as he grasped the finger of the detective once more: ‘* You're a brick, Sharp, a downright trump card. Perceed to elucidate,” Both men sat down, one on a box, the other on @ stool. ** You will understand two things before I tell you what I expect ot you, Grudge—vou ome im my. power, and you owe your life to ma,” he tough nodded without reply. **You are notarich man by any means, yet you bave many friends among the mountains of ontana.” ** You bet yer life!” “T am convinced that you know somethin about the robbery and attempted murder o Jasper Flake a fortnight since.’ ‘*I didn’t do it, pard, Til sw’ar to that,” grunted Grave. : “1 believe you utter the truth now,” returned tae detective, quickly. ‘* Pat ‘er thar, mister.” A pleased light dawned in the eyes of the mountain tonal as he once more grasped the hand of Sharp, ‘However,” proceeded the detective, ‘‘ you know something of that night’s work. I am aware that ay failed to get the money, and now the man who employed you has spoken disre- spectfully of you. Makeaclean breast of that night’s work, Grudge, and you shall not suffer for it. I know where to put my hand on the mone, and I have the fellow who se- cured it, but I would like to know all about that day’s transaction, You can tell me if you will, Grudge Grave.” ae ebbe,” ** And you will doit?’ | erly Steele Sharp bent toward the rough man before him, A sullen flame leaped from the yes of the tougb. ‘*A neat trap you’ve set for me, mister, but I don’t fall into it, not much. Ha! ha!” and Gru Grave drew back, ‘** There’s no trap but reward for you, if you will but open your lips in the interest of justice, Mr. Grave,” Something in the voice of the detective seemed $e, Eeenre the man, and putting out his hand he **As Heaven hears ye, you'll be true to me— yer won’t trap me, Sharp?” ** 4s Heaven hears me, no.” ‘*T’m hard up, and tired o’ this life. I reckon waitin’ for his dad ter come, and that boy had a mother onc’t, but she’s ‘iong © ther angels now. I want money, and I’m willin’ ter confess ’at I got a thousan’ fur turnin’ ther sheriff over, but that ain’t a primin’ to my n How much of the reward do I git for speakin’, boss?” An avaricious gleam filled the eyes of the tough now, “You shall have at least two thousand,” assured the detective. ‘What is it ye want ter know?” “All that you do about the events of that night when Vlake was robbed.” FD ee eo Cee a my car saa Taney Pe Sheriff Huntway, of Montana. For a moment Grudge Grave hesitated, At | this alone that prevented a determined assault length he said: “The game’s up, anyhow, and I’m goin’ ter leave. Ivan’t git nothin’ from the man ’at hired me to rob Flake. I'll speak and tell the hull thing, ‘That is right, my map.” **J was to have five thousan’ for the job, voss, and not ter harm the messenger; that was the bargain.”’ ‘Who made this bargain with you, Grudge?” questioned Sharp, suddenly. ‘*T won’t tell that,” returned the tough. ‘‘Rough aslam, I never yet went back on a friend, lil jest say 'at 1 was hired to git that forty thousand,” ** And you got it?” “Don’t be too fast, pard,” snapped Grave, ‘*f you know so much erbout this affair tell it erself,” ‘“*T beg pardon. I’m mum from this time on, Mr. Grave,” cried the detective apologotically, ‘*T Jaid in wait fur ther messenger, and had er pard with me. Jest afore Flake, who was ridin’ a hoss, got to us, we heerd a pistol-shot and the next minute a boss, without a rider, came tearin’ down ther trail like mad, ‘* We know’d somethin’shed happened then, bet yer life. Me’a my pard pusbed right for- ward and found poor Flake lyin’ beside ther trail a-bleedin’ like er stuck pig. ‘We've lost our prize,’ ses I to my pard, He didn’t say nothin’, but jist swore. We lifted the messenger and left him on a mossy hillock, where he was jest a-gaspin’, and I allowed he wouldn’t live long. a was powerful disappointed, and suggested that we hunt down the robbers, Wal, we did hunt, but didn’t find ’em fur a spell, It was almost night when, in sneakin’ through the woods, 1 ran upon a man countin’ a pack o’ money.” “What sort of a man was he?” questioned the detective, unable to keep silent longer. “Rather a stout chap, witt an immense beard. He’s ther present sheriff o’ Pine Forks!” ‘ ‘Hal I thought so!” ejaculated the detec- ive. ‘har hain’t much more to tell,” proceeded Grudge Grave, ‘* Thar was the money I want- ed, so | crep’ up and planted a right-hander un- der ther robber’s ear, and laid him out, I didn’t wait ter examine ther cuss, but snatched ther money and lit out, ’Twas almost night then, and I did a foolish thing, as 1’m now willin’ ter acknowledge, ‘* Instead o’ goin’ ana bidin’ the money, I went direct to my own shanty, and thar sat a-countin’ it, when I was laid out by er stun, and ther money was stolen from me, **T hadn't mor’n got ter my feet ag’in afore ther sheruff and a dozen men come onter me, and | was took off ter jail.” ‘* Exactly,” remarked the detective. ‘' Was it the night after therobbery that you sat couut- ing the money at your own table?” ‘ ‘The second night after. You see, I jest laid low fur one day and night. I thought as I didn’t git ther rhino of Flake, as was to be ther case, I wasn’t holden to ther man’at hired me, and so I concluded to keep the hull forty thou- sand, and by makin’ er fool o’ myself I lost the hull on’t.” ‘**You haven't the least idea who got the money from you?” ** Oh, yes, I hey.” ** Who?” ‘Ther chap ’at shot poor Flake, the same as is now in ag en Sy } and pretends to be er detective. He calls hisself Steele Sharpe!” 7 ome so, That man is at the end of his tether. e mystery of the t robbery is soon to be cleared up. The only danger now is to Huntway. We must save him, somehow.” Sharp rose to his feet. He placed a hand on the shoulder of Grudge Grave and said: ‘* Tell me who hired you to rob Granger and Longwood’s messenger, Grudge?” **T won’t do that. ‘My honor’s at stake.” Sharp smiled as he thought on this man’s honor! Then he said: “Tl tell you who, hired you tocommit this crime.” j Bending low, he whispered a name in the ear of the tough. ‘* Holy smoke! you've hit it, boss!” exclaimed Grudge, bounding to his feet. CHAPTER XVIII. DENOUEMENT, A NIGHT of fearful storm had passed. Rain fell in torrents during that night, and it was —— hee os ra oye ee ae 4 , J ) ea on re on the improvised jail at Pine Forks, The sun rose in an unclouded sky. Great puddles of water were revealed in the streets of the Montana town. Some of the saloons had remained open all night, and blear-eyed men lingered about these dens of iniquity in the morning. The storm had prevented Longwood from | ordering the removal of the prisoner to Helena. Early this morning, however, a light wagon halted in front of the log building in, which Clifford Huntway was confined. Two persons occupied the seat—one of them wes Steels Sharp No, 2, the Humbug Detective, at present acting sheriff of Upland county, ‘*T’ve been instructed to remove the prisoner to Helena for safe-keeping,” said the new sheriff, as he approached one of the guards, No objection was offerei, since the present sheriff had placed the guards here, and a little later Huntway was led into the open air, look- ing em and unrested. “*T prefer to remain here,” said the prisoner, when told of the decision of his successor. “Tam afraid you will not be safe here, Mr. Huntway. Granger & Longwood have both signified their wish that I convey you to Helena till the court convenes.” Huntway bowed his head and remained si- lent. His thoughts were bitter enough, and he distrusted the man who had usur his place, but he deemed it best not to comp'‘ain. The buggy drove off with a man on either side of the prisoner, ‘*Make all haste,” commanded the Humbug Detective. **I fear trouble is brewing, and we bave no time to lose, There’s bad blood around in Pine Forks, where it seems you have many enemies, Mr. Huntway.” ‘“*Tf I have enemies, it is because of you, sir,” retorted the prisoner, ‘*Of me? Goodness! I haye but done my duty,” declared the officer. ‘*T know what you have been up to, I know, moreover, that you are an impostor, and that it would give you pleasure to turn me over to the mob, Huntway spoke with no little bitterness. The sheriff did not trust himself to reply. The vehicle rattled on, passing out of Pine Forks without molestation. Half a mile beyond the limits of the town the horses came to a sud- den halt, A man had sprung from the bushes that lined the wagon-trail and the reins, back upon their tbrowiug the animals hauncbes, Sheriff Sharp stood up with a drawn revolver, while the driver seemed paralyzed. ** Quietly!” uttered the man at the reins, ‘A bullet from you will seal your doom. We want your bc eceratl You can’t cheat the gallows, as you thought to do, Mr, Sharp.” Gazing around him, the sheriff suddenly dis- covered that the road was lined on either side with armed men, a score of them at least. A gleam of satisfaction crossed the face of Steele Sharp No. 2, ‘* You outnumber us ten to one,” cried the officer, in a loud voice, ‘‘ Theodds are too great; ou may have the prisoner,” and he stepped ck of the seat and pointed at Huntway, who sat pale as death, realizing that his last hour had come, One of the party displayed a rope, which was significant. ‘*Back!” commanded Huntway, as aire’ hands were outstretched to seize him. ‘Sh : if you are not a coward, you will prevent this murder!” His appeal was in vain. Huntway was pulled from the buggy, and, as his wrists were manacled, he was quite at the mercy of the lynchers. The noosed rope was dropped over bis head, and the prisoner was led under the branches of a tree. Quite as eager as the lynchers, Sharp No, 2 leaped from the buggy, and pressed forward to witness the murder, without as much as a pro- test, ““Up with him!” screamed the sheriff, for- getting in his excitement the position he occu- ied. arr Hold, men of Pine Forks!” A clarion voice rung through the crowd, and a man pressed his way to the front. The acting sheriff recoiled as he met the glow of a pair of keen eyes. Tia, impostor again!” muttered Detective 0, 2. ‘‘Ha! it are Steele Sharp, the detective!” <9 i
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7 Ot de aimed Grudge Grave, who seemed to be the eader of the mob, _ Thenew-comer and Grudge exchanged glances. Evidently they understood each other, **l am Steele Sharp, and yonder stands the impostor!” thundered the last-comer, pointing at the acting sheriff. ‘‘ He has planned to mur- der Clifford Huntway, but he has failed. Men of Pine Forks, behold tbe robber and assassin of Jasper Flake! The bearded sheriff trembled. and shrunk be- fore the words and pointing finger of the Helena detective. At this moment the sharp hoof-beats of a gal- loping steed rung out on the clear morning air. All looked in the direction of the sound, to see a female riding like mad down the wagon-trail., She drew rein in the midst of the lynchers, her face blanching when she saw the situation of af- airs. ‘Stop this murder!” she cried, at the top of er voice, ‘Clifford Huntway is innocent! he messenger, Flake, has spoken !” ‘*What! Jasper Flake spoken ?” cried eager voices, gathering around Valeria. ‘Whom did he name as the robber and would-be assassin?” eagerly asked Sharp, * The man of all others you would least sus- pect—Rollin Longwood!” returned the girl. ** Rollin Longwood!” ** It’s a lie!” hissed the bearded acting sheriff, now trembling with intense excitement, Steele Sharp turned upon the speaker and cried sharply: ‘¢ Tt is true, impostor! Behold the robber and vassassin |” Out went the hand of the speaker, and the next instant the sheriff was relieved of his rin nee revealing the face of Rollin Long- w ‘* You're at the end of your tether, my man. The money has been found, and you cannot es- cape justice!” hissed the detective, as he sudden- 4 snapped handcuffs over the wrists of the umbug Detective, At this a wild shout went up. The noose was removed from the neck of Clifford Huntway, and Valeria slipped from the saddle to fall sobbing on the breast of her lover. A few days later, While Sheriff Huntway sat in the front room at Granger’s, talking with Valeria, a visitor entered the room occupied by the old cattle-kiog. It was Steele Sharp. ‘You are surprised to see me, Mr. Granger, ei pall “ Not as surprised as I was to learn who it was thst captured the treasure and nearly killed Fiake, J’d never thought Rollin such a villain,” declared the old man. sy Perhaps no’, and yet are you much bet- r ‘* Sir!” excfaimed the cattle-king, half starting to his feet. “Quietly, old man! Don’t become too indig- nant, for | know you better than youthink, [ know your past historytoaT. I know how you came into your first fortune, Don’t inter- rupt me, and [ll get through the sooner. Your brother died, leaving two children, a boy and irl, and to those children he left ten thousand ollars to be cared for by you as their guardian. How did you keep the sacred trust? You shipped the boy to a foreign country, and’ managed to get the money into your own hands—” ‘‘ Stop! This is false!” protested the cattle- king, angrily. - Mo indeed,” declared the detective, at the saine time removing his mustache and a wig, re- vealing a smooth, boyish face. * Barton Granger!” exclaimed the old man, **f see you recognize me after the lapse of six years,” proceeded the youth, whom we first met as Barton Bartlee, on the night Grudge Grave was arrested in his cabin. : “I came to Pine Forks seeking my sis‘er, Valeria, who did not know that she was heiress _toa fortune, Before I mado myself known to her, [found myself the center of a most excit- ing drama, and I resolved to ferret out the rob- Dery of your messenger. I saw the money in the hands of a masked man, who had taken it from Grudge Grave, your tool, I the robber as your recognized rtner, and he left me insensible, to perish in a rire Laie gs 1 revived in time to escape, and become the detective who finally was permitted to find the stolen fortune. I have had the permission of ‘Steele Sharp to assume his name for the time _ aay . ? Sheriff Huntwav, of Montana. being, since he lies ill at Helena, and was un- able to undertake the case. “T have succeeded beyond my most ardent expectations. The villain who tried to win a fortune by murder and robbery is in prison.” **And I’m thankful for it. Longwood was only a drag to my business, Barton. I'll take you into partnership with me now,” declared Granger. ; ‘* Not so fast, sir,” rejoined Barton, ‘‘It was you who planned to get possession of that money belonging to the firm, and turn it to your own private use, Your tool has con- fessed, The only thing that can save you from prisonis to give Valeria ten thousand dollars on her weddivg-day, with accrved in- terest.” ‘Good heavens! you're a detective, sure enough! I’ll do anything to get out of this scrape,” pleaded the cattle-king, abjectly. ‘‘ Very well, we will see,” Soon after, the young detective left his uncle and consulted with Valeria and Huntway, ian had ere this been let into the secrets of the past, We need not linger over the denouement, Rollin Longwood died in the Helena prison be- fore being brought to trial, Hus business was found to be insolvent, Grudge Grave left the country for good, he having atoned in part for his evil life by aiding the cause of justice at the last, Jasper Flake eventually recovered. Clifford Huntway lost his ring as stated, it having been taken from his room by the princi- pal villain in the drama. Granger, the unscrupulous uncle, was glad enough to make restitution, and Valeria’s bro- ther, known es Steelo Sharp, entered the cattle | trade with Clifford Huntway, soon after the latter and Miss Granger were married. ‘ THE END, Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. BY CHARLES MORRIS, 118 Will Somers, the Boy Detective. ase Spe Hard 5 the Boss aa KS cayune Pete 3 or, Nicodemus, the Dog Detective. 180 Detective Dick; or, The Hero in R a 142 Handsome Harry, the Bootblack Detective, 147 Will Wildfire, the Thoroughbred. 152 Black Beas, Will Wildfire’s Racer. 157 Mike Merry the Harbor Police Boy. 162 WII Wildfire in the Wooda. 165 Billy B ngre, the Railroad Boy. 170 A Trum ard.3 or, Will Wildfire Wins and Loses 174 Bob Rockett; or, Mysteries of New York. 179 Bob Hockett, the Bank Runner, yd pac ten Lgses Oh dasa Revenge. r alyard, the Life Boat Boy; or, The Smuggi ino-Hob Rockett; or, Driven to the Wall. — 196 Shadowed ; or, Bob Kockett's Fight for tafe. 206 Dark Paul, the Tiger King. 212 Dashing Dave, the panty Detective. 220 Tom Tanner; or, The Black Sheep of the Flock. 225 Sam Charcoal the Premium Darky. 235 Shadow Sam, the Messenger Boy. 5 242 The Two * Bloods”; or, Shenandoah Bill and His Gang. 252 Dick Dashaway ; or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago. 262 The Young Sharps; or, Rollicking Mike’s Hot Trail, 274 Jolly Jim, the Detective Apprentice. 289 Jolly Jim’s Job; or, The Young Detective. 298 The Water-HMound; or, The Young Thoroughored. 805 Dashaway, of Dakota; or, A Western Lad in Quaker City, 824 Ralph Ready, the Hote] Boy Detective. 841 Tony Thorne, the Vagabond Detective. 858 The Reporter-Detectives or, Fred Flyer’s Blizzard, B07 Wide-Awake Joe; or, A Boy of the Times, 879 Larry, the Leveler; or, The Bloods of the Boulevard, 408 Fireily Jack, the River-Rat Detective. 428 The Lost Finger; or, The Entrapped Cashier. 428 Fred Flyer, the Reporter Detective. 482 Invinelble Logan, the Pinkerton Ferret, 456 Billy Brick, the Jolly Vagavond. 466 Wide-Awake Jerry, Detective; or Entombed Alive. 479 Detective Dodge; or, The Mystery of Frank Hearty. 48% Wild Dick Racket; or, How He Fought for Honor, 501 Boota, the Boy Fireman: or, Teo Sharp for the Sharper, bR6 The Secret “eryice Boy Detective. 596 Jimmy the Kid; or, A Lamb Among Wolves. 627 Tom Bruce of Arkansas; or, The Wolf in the Fold. 655 Piucky Paul, the Boy Speculator. 667 Bob and Sam, the Dalsy Detectives. 709 The Curbsatone Detective; or, Harry Hale’s Big Beat. {bz Detective Frank’s Sweep-stakes. BY LIFUT. Il. D. PERRY, U. 8. N. 176 The Boy Runaway; or, The Buccaneer of the Bay, 180 The Sea Trailer; or, A Vow Well Kept. 192 Captain Kit; or, The Mystery of Montauk Point. BY EDWARD 8. ELLIS. 6 Bill Btddon, Trapper 8 Seth Jones; or, The Captives of the Frontier. 30 Nat Todd; or, The Fate of the Sioux Captive. 2: ‘rne Frontier Angel. 98 The Boy Miners; or, The Enchanted Island. 182 The Munted Hunter} or, The Strange Horseman, 254 The Half-Blood; or, The Panther of the Plains. 271 The Nuge Hunter ; or, The Steam Prairie Man. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 167 Ana Scott, the Steamboat Boy; or, The ippi Pi y; or, The Mississipp! Pirates, 199 Featherwelght. the Boy Champion of the Muskingum. 228 Ozark Alf; or, Featherweight Among the Outlaws. 282 The Typo Detective ; or, Wease), the Boy Tramp. 295 Fearless Phil; or, The King of Quartrville. 24 The Roying Sport; or, The Pride of Chuckalnck Camp, 822 Nemo, the Detective; or, Kit Kenyon’s Vendetta. 840 oe the Contortiontats or, The Montana Vigilantes. 15. BY OLL COOMESRS. 146 Kit Bandy, Detective; or, Silver Star, the Boy Knight. 168 Kit Bandy {tn Texas; or, The Young Mustanger. 208 Kit Bandy’s Cateh; or, The Boy Hercules. 422 Kit Bundy’s Right Bower; or, Buby Sam,the Boy Giant 444 Kit Bandy’s Swoop: or, Little Buckskin, tne Centaur. 478 Kit Bandy’s Slick Scheme; or, Old Tom Rattler. 661 Kit Bandy’s Deliverance; or, Banner Bsn. 680 Kit Bandy’s Pard; or, Dauntless Dan, the Freelance. 791 Kit Bandy Rattled; or, The lotant Giant. , 795 Kit Bandy in Red Ruin; or, The Young Whirlwind. 799 Kit Bandy’s Big Rustle; or, Saddle King Sam. 804 Kit Band.’s Brigade; or, Dan, the Mountain Guide. 158 Jack Drew, the Nemesis. or, Eagle Kit, the Boy Demon. 182 Jack DPrew’s Drop; or, Little Hurricane, the Boy Captain. 202 Jack Drew in Deadwood; or, Prospect Pete. 27 Keen Knife on Guard; or, Antelope Abe, the Boy Guide. 81 Keen-Knuilfes the Prince of the Prairies. & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. 18 The Dumb Spy. 41 Lasso Jack, the Young Mustanger. BS The Border King; or, The Secret Foe. 871 Delaware Dick, the Young Kanger Spy, 74 HMawk-eye Uarry the Young Trapper Ranger. 88 Rollo, the Boy Ranger; or, The Heiress. 184 Sure Shot Seth, the Boy Rifleman, 148 Sear-Face Saul, the Silent Hunter, 178 Old Solitary, the Hermit Trapper. 218 Tiger Tom, the Texas Terror. 224 Dashing Dick: or, Trapper Tom’s Castle. 228 Little Wildfire, the Young Prairie Nomad. 288 The Parson Detectives or, The Little Ranger. 248 The Disgulised Guide; or, Wild Raven, the Ranger. . 260 Dare-Devtil Dan, the Young Prairie Ranger. 272 Minkskin Mike, the Boy Sharpshooter. 290 Little Foxfire, the Boy Spy; or, Old Culeb Arbuckle. £00 The Sky Demon; or, Rainbolt, the Ravger, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ranchero. 409 Hereules;: wr, Dick, the Boy Ranger. 417 Webfoot Mose, the Tramp Detective. 457 Wingedfoot Fred; or, Old Polar Saul. 468 Tamarac ‘Tom, the Big Trapper Boy. 482 Stonewall Bob, the Boy Trojan. 562 Blundering Basil, the Hermit Boy Trapper. 652 Don Barr, the Plains Freelance. 670 Norway Nels, the wig Boy Mountaineer. 778 Highland Marry, the Wizard Rifleman. BY FRANK DUMONT. 120 The Branded Hand: or, The Man of Mystery. 127 Wtiid-Fire, the Boss of the Road. 140 Blue Blazes; or, The Break o’ Day Boys of Rotky Bar. | 171 Ebony Dan; or The Rival Leagues. 185 Evil Eye; or, Tho Vultures of the Rio Grande, BY HARRY 8ST, GEORGE. 80 Roaring Ralph Rockwood, the Ranger. 44 Rattling Rube; ov, The Nighthawks of Kentucky, 9 Old Hickory ¢ or, Pandy Ellis’s Scalp. 108 Daring avy : or, The Trail of the Border Wolf, 166 Hickory Harry}; or, The Tranver-Brigade’s Spy, 172 Thunderbolt Tom; or, the Wolf-Herder_ BY CHARLES E. LAPADEE. 50 Burt Bunker the Trapper. 562 The White Buffalo. A Tale of the Northwest, BY J. W. OSBON, 469 The Rival Giants of Nowhar’. 498 Cactus Burr, the Man from Hard Luck. 587 Old Buckeye, the Sierra Shadow. 564 Powder Phil, the Boy Miner; or, The Man Without a Past, 609 Bolly Dorrit, the \ eteran Detective. 626 Little Light: ing’e League; or, The Mystery ofthe Island 688 Plucky Baul, the Boy Prospector. 251 Gold-Dust Dan, the Trail Patrol. 255 Gold Dust Dan’s Oath; or, Reckless Roy, the Regulator, MISCELLANEOUS AUTHORS, 4 The Wild-Horse Hunters. By Capt. Mayne Rela and Frederick Whittaker. L 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. By Dean Swift. 14 Aladdin; or, The Wonderful Lamp. 16 Robinson Crusoe. (27 Illustrations.) 18 Bindbad the Sailor. His Seven Voyages. 22 pe Sea Serpent; or, The Boy Robinsom Crusoe. By Juan wis. 88 The Ocean Bloodhound; or, The Red Pirates of the Carribees, By 8. W. Pierce. 86 The Boy Clown} or, The Arena Qceen. By F 8. Finn. BS Ned Wylde, the Boy Scout. By Texas Jack. 61 The Boy Rifles; or, The Underground Camp. By A. C. Irons. 95 The Rival Rovers; or, The Freebooters of the Mississippi. By Lieut.-Col. Hazeltine. 98 Rebin Mood, the Vutiawed Earl; or, The Merry Men of Green- wood. By Prof. Gildersleeve. 105 Old Rube, the Hunter; or, The Crow Captive. By Captain Hamilton Holmes. 112 The Mad Hunter; or, he Cave of Death. By Burton Saxe. 124 Fives, the Texan} or, The Young Champion. By George jerson. 128 The Young Privateer; or, The Pirate's Stronghold. By Harry Cavendish. 148 Sharp Sam; or, The Adventures of a Friendless Boy, By J. Alexander Patten. ° @27 Dusky Darrell, Trapper: or, The Green Ranger of the Yel- lowstone. By Edward Emerson. 261 Fergus Fearnaught the New Y irk Boy. By G. L. Alken. 266 Killb’ar, the Guide; or, Davy Crockett’s Crooked Trail. By Ensign ©. D. Warren. : a 298 Hed Claw. the One-Eyed Trapper; or, The Maid of the Chiff. By Captein Comstock. 817 Peacock Pete, the Lively Lad from Leadville, By Lieu- tenant Alfred Thorne. BRS The Sky Detectives or, A Boy’s Fight for Life and Honos, By Maior Mickey Free. 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover or, The Brother's Re- venge. By Ned Buntline. 265 Baltimore Ren the Bootblack Detective. By A. P. Morris. 874 Gold-Dust Tom: or, Ben’s Double Match, By@ H, Moree. 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Colonel! Thomas Hoyer Monstery. 418 Biily Bombshell, the Cliff Climber. By F. S. Winthrop. 475 The Black Ship. By John S Warner, 484 Comanche Dick and His Three Invinctbles, By Henry J. Thomas. ; B82 The Cowboy Puke. By Edwin Brooke Forrest. BS2 Artel the Athlete. By David Druid. B85 Will Waters, tle Bov Ferret. By 11. Enton. 682 The Dead MPetective’s Double. By Gerald Carlton. 721 Maverick Mone, toe Arizona Detective; or, The Wizard of Urko» Puss. By Wl] Lisenbee. 809 Don Danton, the Gent from Denver. By King Keene, of the U. S. Secret Service Corps. A New Iasue Every Tuesday. The Half.Dime Library is for sale by all newedealers, five sents per copy, or sent by im *t on receipl o1 slx cents each. “(BEADLE AND APAMRB, Publishers, — ~= 98 William Rtreet, New York
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es 6 EL Eee 3 « og ‘ Lit is oF ¢ i“ . . BEADLE’S*H ALF-DIMEs] IBRARY. Published Every Tuesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Five Cents, by all Newsdealers.. BY EDWARD L. WHEELER, f Deadwood Dick Novela 1 Deadwood Dick, the Prince ot the Road. 20 Deadwood Dick's Detiance; or, Double Daggers. 28 Deadwood Dick in Disguise; or, Buffal. Ben 5 Deadwood Dick in His Castle. 2 Deadwood Dick's Bonunzuy or, The Phantom Miner. 49 Deadwood Dick In Danger; or, Omens OIL. 57 Deadwood Dick’s Eagles; or, The Pards of Flood Bar. 78 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. Calamity 4 me, the Heroine ZZ Deadwood Dick's Last Acts or, Corduroy Charlie. : 00 Deadwood Dick in Leads ille, } 04 Deadwood Dick's Dev lee; or, Uhe Double Cross Sign. 109 Deadwood Dick as Detective. 129 Deadwood Dick’s Double; or, The Gorgon’s Gulch Ghost 188 Deadwood Dick’s Home Itase; or, Blonde Bill. } 149 Deadwood Dick’s Big Strike; or, A Game of Gold. ' 156 Deadwood Dick of Deadwood: or, The Picked Party. 195 Deadwood Dick’a Dreamy or, The Rivals of the Road, Other Novela by E. L. Wheeler, 80 Rosebud Rob; or, Nugget Ned, the Knight. : 84 Rosebud Kob on Hand; or, Idy!, the Girl Miner. BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM, 88 Rosebud Rob's Reappearanée; or, Photograph Pbfl, 981 Buffalo BIll'« Fighting Five. 121 Rosebud Rob's ¢ Salionmes or, Cinnamon Chip, | 875 Buffalo Bill's Rifle Shote, 277 Denver Doll, the Detective Queen; or, The Yankee’s Surround } ¥65 Kulfalo Bills Kush Rideg or, Sure-Shot, the High-Flyer. RSL Denver Doll's Victory; or, Skul! and Crossbones, 964 Buffalo BIll’s Decoy ; or, The Arizona Crack Shot 255 Denver Doll's Decoy ; or. Little Bill’s Bonanza. 955 Butfalo Mill’«s M azeppa-Chase, 296 Denver Doll's Drift; or. Vie Road Queen. #48 Buffalo Bill's Snap-Shot ; or, Wild Kid’s Texan Tally 868 Vrekn Jim, the oldeG: the ert or, Thy Life Lottery, 942 Buffalo Bill's Tough Tussle. 872 Yreka Jim’s Prize; or. The \ olves of Wake-Up, 986 Buffalo Bill’s Boy Mascot; or, Joe Jarvis’ Hold-ap. 885 Yreka Jim's ips or, The Rivals of Red Nese, 929 Rutfalo Bill's Crack-shot Pard, 889 Vreka Jim’s New Role; or, Bicycle ben. 650 Buffalo Bill's Boy Pard; or, Butterfly Billy. 894 Yreka Jim of Yuba Dam, 216 Kleen Bill, the Prince of the Reina, 209 Fritz, the Bound-Boy Detective: or, Dot Leetle Game, 222 Bison Biil’s Cluer or. Grit, the Bravo Sport, 218 Fritz to the Front; or, The Ventriloquist Hunter Qae" 244 Sierra Sam, theo Frontier Ferret: or, A sister's Devotion, BY BUFFALO BILL, 8 Kansas King; or, The Red Right Hand. 23 Glerre Samer Recrets ov, The Bloody Footprints. ‘lerrn Sawm’s Pard; or, The Ange! ot Big Vista. » p m py: or, The Pilot of the Prairie. 258 Sierra Sam's Sey eng or, The Stolen Bride. HA Boake en the Jnknown Scout, or, The Banded Brotherheed: 201 Deadwood Dick’s Ward; or, The Black Hill’s Jezebel. S84 Kangarov Kit; or, The Mysterious Miner. 6% Border Robin Hood 4 or, The Prairie Rover. 205 Dendwood Dick’a Doom: or, Calamity Jane’s Adventure. 889 Kangaroo Kit’« Racket; or, The Pride of Played-Ont, 158 Faney Frank of Cotorado; or, The Trapper’s Trust, 217 Deadwood Dick’s Dead Decal. 89 Death-Fuce, Detective; or, Life in New York. TAYLOR, U 221 Deadwood Dick's Death-Viant. 69 The Boy, Detectives or, Gold Rifle, the Sharpshooter, BY CAPT. ALFRED B. R, U. 5. AL 232 Gold-Duat Dick. A Romance of Rough« and Toughs, 96 Watch-Eye, the Detective: or, Aribs and Angels. 191 Buffalo Billy, the Boy Bullwhacker. 268 Deadwood Dick’s Divide: or, The Spirit of Swamp Lake. | LIT Gilt-Edged Dick, the pie Detective 194 Buffalo Bill's Bet: or. The Gambler Guide. 268 Deadwood Dick’« Denth Trait. 145 Captuin Ferret. the ! ew York Detective, ; 809 Deadwood Dick’« Deal: or, The Gold Brick of Oregon. 16! New York Nell, the Boy-Girl Detective, 821 Deadwood Dick's Dozen: or, The Fakir of Phantom Flats | 226 The Arab Detective : or, Snoczer, the Boy Sharp. 847 Deadwood Dick’a Duenta: or, Days in the Diggings. 291 Turk the Boy Ferret. 851 Deadwood Diek Sentenced; or, the Terrible Vendetta, / B25 Kelley, Mickey & Co., the Detectives of Philadelphia. 262 Deadwood Dick’a Claim. 848 Manhattan Mike, the Bowery Detective, BUFFALO BILL NOVELS. Be BY COLONEL PRENTISS INGRAHAM 982 New York Nat’s Prop: or, Ex-Ferret Sykes’ Bold Game- 926 New York Nat and the Traitor Ferret. #20 New York Nat Trapped. 4 914 New York Nat's Three of a Kind. #08 New York Nat's Donble. 902 New York Nat’« in Colorado. s?6 New York Nat in Gold Nugget Camp. York Nuat’« Bendly Deal. S88 New York Nat's Crook-Chase. S77 New York Nat’ Trump Card. STi New York Nut and the Grave Ghouls, S65 New York Nuvs Masked Mascot. 859 New York Nat, the Guin Detective. S58 Dick Doom’« Kidnapper Knock-Out, 847 Dick Doom’s Ten Strike. acks, 842 Dick Doom’s Flush Hand, 141 Selid Sam, the Boy Road-Agent; or, The Branded Brows, 272 Dick Doom’s lcath-Grip; or, The Detective by Destiny... 177 Nobby Nick of Nevada; or, The Sierras Scamps. T7T Dick Doom’s Derwtinys or, The River Blackleg’s Terror 181 Wild Frank the Buckskin Bravo; or. Lady Lily’s Love, TS4 Dick Doom; or. | hie Sharps and Sharks of New York, 286 Apollo BAll, the Trai! Tornado; or, Rowdy Kate. 788 Dick Doom In Boston; or, A Man of Many Masks, 240 Cyclone Kit, the Young G)adiator; or, The Locked Valley, T98 Dick Doom tn Chicago. 278 Jumbo Joe, the Koy Patrol: or. The Rival Heirs. 798 Dick Doom In the Wild Weat. 209 A No. 1, the Dashing Toll-Taker. r $08 Dick Toom’s Clean Sweep; or, Five Links in s Clos, £08 'Liza Jane, the Girl Miner; or, the Iron-Nerved Sport. 808 Dick Doum’« Heath Clue, BRO Little Quick-Shot; or, The Dead Face of Daggeraville. S18 Dick Doom’« Diamond Deal, 405 Deadwood Dick in Dead © i 400 Wrinkles, the Night-Watch Detective. { 410 Deadwood Dick’« Dian 416 High Uat Harry. the Base Ball Detective, Deadwood Dick tn New Yorks or, A “Cote Case.” 480 Deadwood Dick’s Dust; or, The Chained Hand. 448 Deadwood Dick, dry or, The Crineon Crescent Sign. | 448 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Deflance. \) 45% Deadwood Dick, Jr« Full Hand. \ 459 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Big Round-Up, 405 Deadwood Dick Jr.’« Racket at Claim 10. 471 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’a Corral; or, Bozeman BID. 476 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Dog Detective. 451 Deadwoot Dick. Jr., In Dendy ood, 491 Deadwoed Dick, Jr.’a, Compact. 496 Deadwood Dick Jrva, Inheritance, 600 Deadwood Dick, dros Diggings, 5608 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Deliverance, 515 Deadwood Dick dra Protegee. 622 Deadwood Dick. Jr.’a, Three. 529 Veudwood Dick, dr.’s, Danger Docks. 534 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’ Death Munt. 639 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Texas. 544 Deadwood Dick, Jr, the Wild West Vidoog 426 Sam Slabaides, tie Beggar-Boy Detective, 484 Jim Beak and Pal, Private Detectives. 26 Cloven Hoof, the Buffalo Demon: or, The Border Vultures. 82 Bob Woolf: or, The Girl Dead-Shot 45 Old Avatanche: or, Wild Edna, the Girl Brigand, % Jim Bludsoe, Jr., the Boy Phenix. 61 Buekhorn BIN; or, The Red Rifle Team 92 Canada Chet t= or, Old Anaconda in Sitting Bull’s Camp, 118 Jack Hoyle the Young Speculator. 125 Ronanza Kill, Miner; or, Madam Mystery, the Forger. 188 Kosa Bob the King of Boothl » & _ “00 ee 549 Deadwooa Dick, Jr., on Hila Mettle, 858 First-Class Fred, ‘he Gent trom Gopher. 819 Dick Doom’« Girl Mascot. } 554 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Gotham. 8TS Nabob Ned 3 or, The S.cret of Slnb City, S29 Dick Doom’s Shadow Hunt, 561 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Boston. BSS Cool Kit, the Kirg of Kids; or, A Villain’s Vengeance, 885 Dick Doom’a Big Henl. 567 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Philadetphia, 438 Santa Fe Sal, the Slasher: or, A Son's Vengeance, T49 Dashing Charlier or, The Kentucky Tenderfoot’s First Trat.. 5672 Deadwood Dick, Jr., in Chicago. 456 Seniskin Sam, the Sparkier: or The Tribunal of Ten. 756 Dashing Cherie’ Destiny: or, The Renegade’s Captive. 578 Deadwood Dick, Jr., Aflont. 918 Kit Keith, t ¢ Reve: ue Spotter. 760 Dashing Charlie’« Pawnee Pard, 6854 Deadwood Dick. vr.. in Denver. 922 Sol Sharpe, the New York Night-Hawk, 766 Dashing Churlle, the Resener. 5690 Deadwodd Dick. drs, Decree, 948 Old Iayseed Among Bunco Men, 497 Buck Taylor, King of the Cowboys 7S? Buck Taylor, the (omanche’s Captive. 745 Buck Taylor’« Eoyay or, The Red Riders ot the Rio Grands, 560- Pawnee Bill, the Prairle Shadower. 718 Pawnee Bill; or, Carl, the Mad Cowboy, 719 Pawnee Ris Pledge; or, The Cowboy's Doom, 595 Dendwood Dick Jr., in Beelzebud’s Basin, 600 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Coney Island, 606 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Lendville Lay. 612 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In Detroit. #18 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Cincinnati, BY J, ©, COWDRIOK. 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery; or, The Golden Reys, 860 Shasta, the Gold tito? or, For Seven Years Dead, 624 Deadwood Dick. Jr., in Nevada. 420 The Vetective’« A ppreutices or, 4 Boy Withours Name. | 725 Pawnee Bill: or, Daring Dick. 630 Deadwood Dick, Jr., In No Man's Land, 424 OCibuta Jonny; or. Red-Hot Times at Ante Bar, 692 Redfern’sa Curtous Caner o1, The Rival Sharpe. 686 Deadwood Dick, Jr., After the Queer. 489 Sandy Sam, the Street Scout. 69% Kkedfern at Devils Ranehy or, The Sharp from Texas, 642 Depdwood Dick Jr. In Baffalo. 467 Dixco Dan, the Daisy Nude TO Redfern’s Wigh Hand; or, Blue Jncket. 707 Redfern’s Last Trai: or, The Red Sombrero Rangers, And Fifty Others. BY T. 3. FLANAGAN, 909 Midshipman Dare, the Pirate Catcher. 4 vod Dilek 56. 'Ohane Across 506 Redlight Ralph the Prince of the Road, a4 Readeoed Dick? We Keteneithe Basteclere oT 524 The Engineer Detectives or, Redlight Ralph's Resolve @60 Dendwood Vick, Jr.’«, Insurnnce Case. 548 Mart, the Night Express Detective. 666 Denudwood Dick, dr., Tack in the Minea, 571 Alr-Line Luke the Young Engineer; or, The Double Case 672 Deadwood Dick, dr., (nv Durangot or, “Gathered In.” | 592 Phe Boy Pinkerton; or, Running the Rascale Out. 678 Deadwood Diek, Jr.’« Di-covery; or, Found s Fortune, | 615 Fichting Marry the Chief of Chained Cyclone. . . Cowboy Captain. 654 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Dazzle. | 640 Bareback Reth, the Centaur of ~ Circle, He The Toe tidakipiens The Corsair-Chaser’s Firsd t 690 Deadwooil Dick, Jr.’s. Dollars. G47 Tynewrlter Tilly, thy Merchant's Ward, Crnise. i ous Deadwood Mieke res at Danger Divide. cae erred dips Mlk ttedtive” of Ante Bas. 949 The Three Lieutenanta ane . oo D Dilek, a . atter) ob the Dock ‘ y , yg or, Th mimanders, } TOA sag hates Dek, ite Tack-Pot. S94 Arizona Dick's Wi e-OQut. b+ 3 PS eee sicke oha brick. oe ute at 710 Deadwood Pick Jr., in San Francisco, 900 Jumping Jack's Jublice, 972 Fighting Jack’s Middies; or, Dandy Dick’s Dash, 71 Deadwood Dick, Ira Still Hunt. #06 Satety pag the Cycle Sport. z . : bes Beatwoos Dich He Dominoes, 454 pene ey Bite ee Iuatle, BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS. 28 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’«, Diagutae, © frump Mock- boy >» 5s9 T Cat d Pardy or, The Dead Set at Silver City, 84 Dendwood Dick. Jr’a Double Deal 924 Rig Boots Bob, the Fire-Laddle, om-Cat and nae . io Dendwood Dick ar.'s, Deathwatch. #80 Rustler Ralph, the Roy Spotter. ane Yen 1. Knee oy gs The Cowboy Detective, $8, Bssdsces Bs hve pestuce gi Phe kzcteehe Delicate Sa Tom. Gate fetemply sre bons nt Ene ‘ f eadwo Nek, Jr.'s, Deathblow. ¢ Bowling Gree tee . 546 Captain Cactus, the Chaparral Cock; or, Josh’s Ten Strike i 758 Deadwood Dick, dr.’s, Desperate Strait. #44 Cowboy Charlic’s Double. | 568 The Dandy of Dodge; or, Rustling tor Millions, 64 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Lone Hand, #47 The Bowery Wrestler; or, The Butcher-Boy’s Backer. | ey teat 7 h Per ’ h hs enkwoed Wick, Jr.ta: Dakeehe 958 Paddy's Trump Card; or, Silver Sallie, the Girl Sport. Bre The Silver nh CP peg hha erates T76 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Resurrection, 960 The Broadway Sport: or, Flver Fred’s Clear Unse. 588 Saffron Sol, he Dutch Videeq: or, Hot Ti t Round-Up Z82 Dendwooa Dick. dra Dark Daya. 987 K1000 Reward; or, The Rival Reporters’ Sleek Scoop. | 601 Ha py Hana, the : * eu aes : meee TST Deadwood Dick Jr., Defled. ait Kantam pitty, the Corker-Ferret. ; 4 5 Fe a Berenae Cabie bees Saceatie 792 Pendwood Vick, Jr.'s, Double Device, ucky Pat, the Street-Boy Detective, © Wr okt , teban! THT Deadwood Dick, Jen Desperate Venture. 490 Broadway Billy, the Bootblack Bravo. eas Warbiiug Willem Pinine Danetives " . STO Deadwood Dick, Jr.. In Mexico. aay Kemadway Hiss oll Mandy onthe Genie Deserve, | RES Dee Rbowmen Vetectives in Colerade. .. 876 Deadwood Dick, dr’a Decoy Duck. 783 Broudway Billy's Businces, PRT The Tan Pipbrands na y S82 Deadwood Dick, Jr. in Silver Pocket. 78s Broadway Billy's Curious Case, = lade gag Senter ayy ot Seo > S98 Deadwood Dick, Frm pouble Drive = Th& Broadway Milly In Denver. NEW ISSUES. end woo ck, Jr2a, Double Drive, ! Killers ; : 5 904 Deadwood Mck, Jr’, Trade.Mark, TOS Heo ndicny Hts, the RatererDetence, mm Detective | ogy Ruffalo Bill's Lasso Throwers} ot, Shadow Sam's 910 Deadwood Dick, Jr., at Tip-Top. 7th Rroadway Pity’s Shadow Chase. Short Stop. By Col. P. Ingraham. ’ 916 Deadwood Dick, Jr,’ Doubie-Decker, 788 Broadway Billy’« Beagles; or, The Trio’s Quest. 989 Bicycle Bob's Hot Scorch; or, Shaking Up the Strees $84 Deadwood Dicky de, ue riues Fiat ENG Hrondway JEMlly'e Teums or, The Combine's Big Pull | 49 Sherif Huntway, of Montana s of, Steele Sharp Num- o end woo ¢ re B us ats > » Billy's I Th er untway, o on . 940 Deadwood Dek Jr’, Shake-up. 508 eter po rilnste Fea a pete egy FEMS ber One, By Ed, AD Wicks. 946 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Double Drops $00 Broadway Billy Raftled. 991 Two Dudes from Poomed Campt or, The One-Arnied 95t Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Right Bower. 805 Brondway Billy's Stgnal Scoop. Bors of Shakedown. By T, C. Harbaugh. 257 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Ten-Ktrike. R10 Broadway Billy's Wipe Out, P65 Deadwood Dick, Jr.’s, Gold-Dust. S15 Broadway Rilly’s Bank Racket. JUST ISSUED. ) PTL Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Oath. 821 Broadway Billy's Rlom. The Bear-T ¥ : a ee eee 826 Broadway Bully Among Jersey Thugs. ie pews Rae ee ee S88 Broadway Pily’« Raid. v Wm, R, Eyster. ; Saka gente teaterce tes” | B49 Broadway Its’. Hie Bulger Mee ea a eee riisteg br Hare Proee roadway y's Big Bulge. Score oner And, ° RYO Face Praniet ge, Dandy Darke's GotDown Parde B49 Hroadway Hilly $100,000 Snap 4. | OSS Gideon's Bands of Jolly Jack in Mexico, By W. J, Ham x e cher, ond way r, e ° Shs Poker Peta peuble Pods, S62 Broadway Billy In London. P86 Deadwood Dick, Jr.'s, Best Card, By E L, Wheeler, S68 Broadway Billy Shadows London Slums. ST4 Broadway Pilly’s French Game. S80 Broadway Billy and the Romb-Throwera, BY WM. PERRY BROWN, 956 Brooklyn Bob's Rule: or, Dodger Dot's Diamond Snap. 968 The East-Side Spotter: or, Torning Down the Big Three 974 Old Sant’« Dark Deal; or, Miner Mat’s Irop Grip.3 987 Paul, the Wharf-rats or, The Detective's Blind. By Je Pierce. A New lesue Every Tuesday The Half.Dime Library ts for sale by al! newsdealen, tre cents per copy, or sent by mall on receipt o1 six cents each. BEADLE AND ADAMB, Publitshers, 92 William Street, New York, 851 The Tle-To Sport; or, High Hustling at Stoners’ Flat, S88 Monte Saul, the Sport. Pl Diamond Pave, the Gilt-Edge Shooter, PLY” Crack-Shot Daisy's Drop, "tI The Sport tm Velvet; or, Bie Burk’s Blof. 9145 Billy Bird’« Bonanza: or, The Rook-Ravans’ Root-Ont, P62 Flip Flap Fred at Hard Pan 96% The Gtrl Sport-Shadower} or, Clark’s Close Shave, 1) i adem aT a ; bien” * j Jute “ sei , j d ¥ 4 ; pel lk ts 3 f rey Tee enter rly ° 2 = F é ToS - “ ? ees. ek . : £ ree oS ee le wa ee rm Age ree ee = =e TP hte a a — ee an