Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1002) (1898 01 05)

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_ Copyrighted, 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. AN — - ¥., POST OFFICE. __ ___ January 5, 1898. ) No 1002. PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY. 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. iil 5.00 A YEAR. Dx esL.Brocen le SS har een Ga. Vol. LXXVIL

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b ee) 4 ? - EEE ty : ; Copyrighted, 1897, by BEADLE AND ADAMS. _____ ENTERED AS SEconp CLASS MATTER AT THE NEW YORK, N. ¥., POST OFFICE, ____ January 5, 1998. A ‘ : ;, rer EN GES? EET 7 () PUBLISHED EVERY BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, TEN CENTS A COPY. | LXXY lI | 0, a WEDNESDAY. 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK, %5.00 A YEAR, 0 . *, : “ “KR 4 — = — = < ITY SAM DASHED BOTH FEET, WITH STUNNING FORCE, S

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‘ ie 4 life rs = olin, _— ~ Silver City Sam, The OR 7 The Death-Watch of Gopher Slope. BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR., AUTHOR OF ‘‘SPARKLER SAM,” ETC,, ETC. CHAPTER I. THE BRAND OF THE SABLE HAND. ‘‘] say, pardner, maybe you can tell— Holy smoke!” It was only an imperfect glimpse at first, but surely that was a human being resting against yonder gray bowlder; and what is a man’s tongue for but to ask questions when in doubt? So Samuel Sheldon reasoned, and begin- ning to feel an uncomfortable doubt as to whether or no his intended ‘‘short cut” would prove such, or turn out to be ‘‘the longest way around,” he sent forth a cheery, good-natured hail, only to stop short after taking a couple more steps, breaking off with asharp ejaculation, For, instead of coming face to face with a fellow mortal, he was confronted by a grue- - gome corpse! Only an imperfect view, as yet, but the ugly truth was past doubting. A corpse, and that of aman who had died in bitter agony, or of mental torture. Cool. brained,strong-hearted, steady -nerved though he surely was, Sheldon recoiled, hauds dropping to his pistol belt as he flushed a swift, almost apprehensive look around, Not a living soul was visible, nor did a sound break the silence which seemed natural in that lonely region, Alone with the dead! A brief-lived hesitation; then Sheldon moved around more nearly in front of the body, stopping short to view that now un- _ pleasant spectacle. For such it surely was! What had once been a man of middle age, powerfully built, with long, muscular limbs, and a face which had been far from uncome- ly in life, but which now bore the impress of— Gods! ‘*Tt looks like Satan’s grip!” The dead man was half-seated upon, half- lying against, a gray mass of rock, just as though he had been overtaken by death while resting after arduous exercise. Around his middie was still buckled a cartridge-studded belt of webbing, lending support to’ a sheath-knife and a brace of heavy revolvers. Upon his head still rested a cowboy hat of pearl-gray felt and buckled band of clear leather, cocked over one ear in jaunty fash- ion; becoming enough in life, perhaps, but seeming grimly grotesque, just now. His shirt of gray flannel had a gayly-em- broidered front, but the smoked pearl but- tons were misplaced, the flaps were turned back, giving a fair view of that broad, hairy bosom, over the center of which now dis- tinctly showed a black right hand! Justas though a man had dipped into a pe of dingy black paint or dye, then pressed t against the sensitive skin! That brand was enough to awaken power- ful curiosity, surely, yet Samuel Sheldon hardly gave it a passing glance; for his eyes caught sight of another brand, where those etty fingers seemed to have fairly buried themselves in the flesh as they closed about _ » that muscular throat. Yes, the grip of Satan, for what mortal being could have made such a terrible brand as this? i] ‘“‘Choked to death!” muttered Sheldon, after a brief scrutiny, then casting another half-apprehensive look around the place as he added in barely audible tones: ‘‘ May the good Lord have mercy on his soul!” curiosi High-Roller Detective; oy 2 Silver City Sam the High-Roller Detective. And then he saw something more! Hidden until now by the long, loose locks of iron-gray hair, Sheldon saw the metal- bound haft of knife or of dagger, the blade of which was buried in flesh. A strong and a sure hand dealt the blow, sinking the blade to its hilt at the junction of neck with shoulders, below the left ear. At sight of the weapon, Sheldon stepped impulsively forward, one hand going out to grasp that hilt if only to investigate further; but ere he could do more, a sound caused him to make a half-turn, hand dropping to his Gwn belt of arms as he caught sight of moving figures. At least two armed men, one of whom called forth in gruff tones: ‘*Steady, thar, stranger! What sort of game are you up to, anyway?” ‘* Steady goes, and you don’t want to waste your shells, either!” came swiftly from Shel- don’s lips as a business-looking revolver slipped smoothly forth from its scabbard. ‘‘Flag of truce for choice, but if it must be shoot—” “Keep your linen on, pardner!’” cut in the other as he stepped in front of his more belligerent comrade, an empty hand show- ing as he added: ‘‘ We're not hunting a row, just now, and if you can show clean hands—” ‘* And they want to be mighty sight cooler than those poor Jonah felt, too!” With those words came a half-shrinking, half-vengeful glance toward the dead man, but hardly such a look as would have been given if this had been the first view of that sable brand. So reasoned Sam Sheldon, and a touch of suspicion made itself felt in that fleeting second, ‘You know him, then?” ‘* We did know him, yes!” ‘‘Changed mighty nigh past knowing, though, now! Those black paws—here’s hoping they don’t fit your size, stranger?” Sheldon flushed a bit at that poorly-vailed hint, but spoke up promptly: ‘*T’ve had no moreto do with man or mark than you—if so much! I wason my way to Gopher Slope, afoot. I took what I was led to believe would pan out a short cut, and it brought me here. lcaught sight of— Well, of that, hardly a minute since. I hadn’t even touched hide or hair when bn chipped in; and now if you mean to insinu ate that I did this, you'll eat your words or chaw lead in a holy hurry!” “Go easy, Jack! Don’t mind Ellison, stranger, for his grow] is mighty sight worse than his bite. And—Cain is really croaked, then?” “If you mean this poor fellow, I should say so! Who was he, and what in time does this—ugh!—mean?” Sheldon shivered as he called attention to those ugly brands. stepping a little aside as he spoke to give them a fairer view. Surely this was not their first glimpse of the strangely-marked corpse? And yet, why ‘pretend that it was? The two men—both rather young and of ordinary appearance—slowly drew closer to that gruesome object, and to those watchful eyes they betrayed more curiosity than awe or grief. A brief silence; then he who had been culled Jack Ellison spoke, in low tones: ‘‘Caugbt it right where he lived, eh, Esau?” ““You bet! Better have stood up to the trough and drawn his rations with the rest of them. Instead—this!” ‘« Shows that a fellow can’t run clean away from his, luck, Gray!” ‘‘Not when his front name’s Jonah, any- way, Jack!” A short laugh followed this, sounding strangely out of place in such ghastly com- pany and Sheldon could not.refrain the query ‘“Who was this poor fellow, strangers? nd, what about these ugly marks? Seems as though you'd either seen or heard of the like, before?” The two men turned his way, gazing keen- ly, before making answer, | ‘‘Maybe you wouldn’t mind setting a copy, sir?) You're new to these parts, that’s plain enough.” ‘Well, yes, far as that goes, though I’m hardly a tenderfoot. My name is Samuel bes Sheldon, and I’m last from up-country. Some people call me Silver City Sam, for short.” “From Silver City, eh? And yet you never heard tell of anything like this?” with a quick gesture toward the branded corpse. ‘‘Never heard of the Skeleton Rider, or of - the Death-watch of Gopher Slope?” ‘‘What! You surely don’t mean— I set all that down as guff for pilgrims from Green- - ville!” ‘This don’t look much that way, does it?” ‘Surely not! And yet, it’s mighty hard to believe any such wild yarn as that of a living skeleton of fire, and—what cause had this poor fellow given for such a horrible punish- ~ ment, though?” ‘*Nothing worse than to shinny on the wrong side. A right good man as the word goes, too! Eh, Jack?” ‘You bet ye! His own Jonah, though, And to think we laughed at the poor fellow when he said he’d gone to his own funeral three nights in succession! Something in it, eh, Esau?” ‘* Begins to look sort 0’ that way, for an ugly fact!” The two men stood gazing upon the brand- ed body with half-listless curiosity expressed in face and attitude, while Sheldon covertly studied them both. His earlier suspicions were dying away, now, and he could comprehend why they should betray so little amazement at that ghastly discovery. If all wild tales were true, this was not the first victim of red knife, and sable right hand! - As though satisfied that Jonah Cain was past all mortal aid, the two men drew aside, willingly accompanied by the man from Sil- ver City; and Esau Gray took it upon himself to more frankly answer the questions asked by Sam Sheldon. ‘* He tried all he knew how to cheat death, poor Jonah! He threw up a paying job and racked out in the dark, last night, thinking to foolish the Death-watch; but, this is the way she panned out!” ** You think he had warning of what was to come, then?” : ‘*Sure! Had it for weeks and months past; just such warning as every man connect- ed with the Coupon Mine on Hindoo Hill has” been given, time without end! But, twas only of late that Jonah began to lose his nerve, and after that—well, it’s the begin- ning of the end with a fellow of his caliber.” ‘“Tben this demon—the Desth-watch, as you term it—doesn’t deal his blows at ran- dom ?” ‘* Which?” ‘He acts on a regular system, and only attacks those interested in a certain bit of | property ?” The two pards interchanged swift glances, then Esau Gray answered: ‘‘Something of that sort, yes. Cain was superintendent of the Coupon, under Absa- lom Nesbitt. Getting double pay on account of the risk and extra responsibility, but— well, right here you see how the wholething — panned out!’ Three pair of eyes turned toward thesilent - shape which added such a spice of morbid interest to the grim tale, being hinted at rather than told, and neither one of the trio caught sight or sound of the approaching ~ peril until it was too late to avert or méet it © fairly. ; Stooping low and silently stealing alon between yonder gray masses of stone an scattered bits of dingy shrubbery, came seve- ral armed prowlers. ‘Nearer still, until they could wholly com- mand the unsuspecting trio, then came the harsh command: ‘‘Throw up your hands, all, or we'll ~ blow ye through!” CHAPTER II. SILVER CITY SAM PLAYS A TRUMP. No surprise could have been more complete than this, and the trio whirled about only to find themselves covered by a half-dozen cocked revolvers, gripped in brown hands of half as many determined-looking men. “Steady, all of ye!’ harshly added» spokesman, his strong face looking espe ly forbidding, as it showed in par Ga -

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Se SS a, i>” ~¥ i _ that bulldog of yours, pardner, can’t you?” Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. 3 polished tubeof death. ‘‘ Make a kick, and it'll be your last one this side of glory!” **Pon’t shoot, Castle!” quickly exclaimed Esau Gray, at the same time lifting his emp- ty hands in compliance with that stern com- mand. ‘ You know we’re not—” ‘‘ Hands up and steady, all!” was the al- most savage rejoinder. ‘‘ Riddle ’em, boys, if they even bat an eye crooked!” ‘*Tf you reckon we hurt Jonah—” * Button up, Jack Ellison! We’re not thinking, so much as knowing, just now, and without— Steady, now, I tell you!” Though taken so completely by surprise, the man from Silver City showed himself fairly sensible, since his hands went aloft in prompt obedience to that command, leaving reason or urgument to follow later on when @ better opening was afforded. And yet it was only man to man, but the odds were wholly with the latest comers. Each had picked his man before taking de- cided action, and now at least two of their number had eyes for only those, leaving the ‘burly leader to do the talking for all. His guns were covering Silver City Sam, and his face looked more like shooting than soothing, just then. ‘** All right, and hands are up,” Sheldon said, placably, as he suited action to words. *‘And now—touch lightly on that trigger, my dear fellow!” “‘T’ll touch it heavy enough to send you kiting over the range, my pretty bantam, unless you walk mighty straight!” “1 wouldn’t mind taking a bit of a walk, far as that goes,” half-humorously returned the Silver City representative. ‘‘ But, how can a fellow walk when you’ve got him nail- ed so mighty tight, pardner?” ‘* Well, you tote your lip with you, any- way!” ‘* Why wouldn’t I, then? Isn’t this a free country? And I’m both white and free- born, if I do sing the tune myself! So— eh?” *‘T’ll make you sing out of the other side of your mouth, first thing! Keep those hands up, I ‘say, or I’ll lay you out too cold for skinning!” “‘Give me a yeast-cake if you want ’em any higher, Top-lofty!” a bit snappishly ‘came the retort; but, rather than provoke a shot which he saw no chance of either avoid- ing or returning in kind, Sheldon stretched _ his arms an inch or two higher. Meanwhile Gray and Ellison were rallying from their disagreeable surprise, and at that break, the first named called forth with well- simulated eagerness: “You, is it, mates? We've found him— right yonder!” He made a partial gesture in the direction of the branded corpse, but a harsh warning cut both speech and motion short. “‘Go easy, there! Hold ’em steady, or Tll jay you out for an early breakfast, Esau!” i **Oh, come, now! boys!” ‘ ** Try to kick too hard and we’ll make it whole fare, and I’ll punch your ticket for This isn’t half fair, - Kingdom Come!” grimly warned his par- ticularadversary. ‘‘ This is business, Esau!” “ You’re mighty righty she am!” confirm- ed the last one of the surprising trio. *“‘Chaw on that, Jack Ellison, and don’t swallow the warning in lump, neither!” *“What have we done to deserve such treatment as this?” indignantly persisted Gray, his face angrily flushed, his temper dangerously heated, yet forced to stand in barmless attitude before those armed hands, ‘*Well, that’s what we're going to find out. If poor Jouah could do the talking, maybe we wouldn’t need any further evidence, - though!” This was an ugly insinuation, and Gray paled a bit at first. He even seemed to shrink back asthough from amenacing blow; but only for a second or two. “Don’t you say that, Dick Lane! Don’t you even dare to insinuate that we had aught to do with Cain’s death!” “If I do say it, reckon I know how to back up my words, Esau Gray!” ‘Easy; don’t rub it in too thick, gentle- men!” sharply yet placably interposed the ' rom Silver City as he realized how critical matters were growing. ‘‘ Muzzle _ These words were directed toward Perry ae te, wh he ino Castle, since he apparently acted as ‘‘ boss” of the triangle for that occasion. ‘** Keep your linen on, stranger,” he surlily growled, then adding to his own comrade: “‘Steady, Dick! Don’t bite unless you just have to; but then make your teeth meet through all!” “That’s what 1 will, matey!” By this time Silver City Sam was begin- ning to wax hot and his blood to leap’ more rapidly than usual through his veins. Peace was all well enough in moderation, but there was such a thing as carrying sub- mission to force entirely too far. Conscious of having committed no wrong, it irked him severely to put up with treat- ment like this, and there was a touch of anger in his voice as he spoke again: ‘*You can’t say we haven’t acted clean white, so far, Mr, Castle, if that’s your right name,” ** Don’t let my name worry you, stranger!” ‘Nor its owner, either. And so—what have we done to merit such treatment as this, pray let me ask?” Castle gave a swift motion of his head to- ward the near-by corpse before replylng in words; ‘* What does that mean, then?” ‘‘That poor devil has come by his death through unusual means,” was the grave re- sponse, ‘‘but if you mean to insinuate that 1 had aught to do with that death, you— lie like a cur!” That break was barely long enough to lend particular emphasis to the words which followed: spoken coldly, evenly, but with dauntless courage and matchless nerve, con- sidering how terribly the odds were against the Silver City representative. A hot flush shot into that bronzed coun- tenance, but Perry Castle did not pull trig- ger, although Sheldon more than half antici- pated a shot in response. ‘‘T'd lift your roof for that if you stood with a gun in your fist, stranger,” slowly de- clared the Gopher Slope citizen. ‘*That excuse needn’t stand in the way,” quickly retorted Silver City Sam, his blue eyes catching a glitter as of sunshine on ore steel. ‘‘I’ve got both gun and st—’’ ‘*And you'll have a leak in your roof, if you don’t go slow,” curtly cut in the burly citizen. ‘‘ Jonah Cain has been murdered like a sheep-killing cur, and somebody’s got to pay for that; pay big, too!” ‘Oh; come, now, Castle!” impatiently cried Esau Gray, rallying once more. “‘ Joking’s all right in its place, but this is carrying a jest entirely too far!” ‘*A joke, eh? Well,” with a grim curling of his heavily mustached lip, ‘‘it’s a joke that’ll kill quicker’n scat if you so much as try to kick against it, Esau!” ‘* You’re mighty right, thar, too!” gruffly spoke-up the third member of the surprising oes ‘* Who fixed up pore Jonah like that, eh?” ‘“Who? Why, the Death-watch, of course!” almest mechanically answered Gray‘ with a fleeting glance toward the dead man agaist the rocks, **And who’s the Death-watch?” bluntly demanded Perry Castle. “Surely not us!” interposed the Silver City delegate, taking his turn. ‘‘ You sure- ly can’t think that way, gentlemen?” “Why wouldn’t we, then?” retorted Castle, still keeping his left band at a level with cocked revolver, though he replaced its mate in scabbard at hip in order to use his right hand for pulling a plug of tobacco from his pocket. ‘‘ Somebody surely plays the Death- watch, and we stumble on you fellows right here with poor Cain—branded all to a blis- ter!” A curious catch in his breath caused that brief break, and his eyes flashed swiftly from side to side like one more than half expecting a far from pleasant vision to break upon their field. Silver City Sam felt sure of one thing: this burly fellow had been a firm friend to yon- der dead man while in life. ‘* Why wouldn’t you, isit?” he demanded, quickly ‘‘ Because that'd be a fool’s idea, and you don’t look that way, exactly. Why, man, dear, l’ll prove that we’re not the Death-watch, or lose my good money!” “* What do you mean by that?” ‘** Just this much: l’ve got a bet up that a are é Sy atl ae tec erage eit ae gg aia ag cette eet aaremratiascenrteareenceasiaeamaeieetaaiaseen al EL yes Ican break this Death-watch hoodoo, and show up the Skeleton spook in its true colors. That’s what brought me to this part of the country, and now I’ve seen a fair sample of tke devil's work, I'm more than ever eager to tackle the job in downright earnest!” Sheldon spoke like one in thorough earn- est, but a sneer showed upon the bronzed - face of his adversary, and an insult lurked in that drawl: ‘*7’m something of a liar myself!”’ Possibly the ending might have been just the same, but that sneer certainly hastened matters, for, as Perry Castle relaxed his . vigilance in a certain degree, he met with the surprise of his life. Knowing that any attempt to lower his hands to grasp a weapon would surely warn the burly fellow, Silver City Sam took other action. Leaping into the air and dashing both feet with stunning force against that - broad bosom, sending Castle reeling back- ward, knocked fairly out of time, and all so suddenly that the fellow had no chance to make use of the deadly weapon he still grip- ped in his left hand. : Quick as a cat the Silver City Sport - alighted safely, then whirled and leaped upon the other members of the party before they could fairly realize that aught had gone wrong! With a hand to each collar he jerked them backward, kicking feet from under them, — dropping both men with stunning force up- on the stones, at the same time crying out sharply: ‘*Pull their teeth ‘before they can bite, pards! Disarm and bind ’em in a holy hurry, now!” He set the good example himself, looking after Perry Castle in person, twisting the revolver out of those partially unnerved fingers, then slipping the buckle which held that belt of arms, tossing all aside for the time being. ; ‘*Go easy, there, mates!” came his stern warning as he saw signs tbat hinted at un- necessarily rough usage beyond. ‘‘ We’re not in the butchering business, remember!” - ‘* Confound ’em for dirty whelps!” vicious- ly growled Esau Gray. ‘‘Only for you they’d be twisting hemp for our throats; now we'll play even or know the reason why!” ‘*Don’t you make me show you the reason why, gentlemen!” still more sternly warned the Silver City delegate. bind, but if you go beyond that—better not!” ' No very ferocious threat, surely, yet it seemed quite sufficient for his purpose. After that recent exhibition Silver City Sam found no difficulty in making his voice - heard or his wishes understood. Willing hands make swift work, and be- fore the surprised surprisers could raily from their fall, they were put past the power of harming othcrs; their weapons removed, © their arms securely bound behind their backs, while Samuel coolly addressed bewildered Castle with the query: : ‘* Well, old fellow, how do you like it far as you’ve got, anyway?” CHAPTER III, THE HIGH-ROLLER DETECTIVE’S PLATFORM. ‘“T’Lu be upsides with you for this, if it takes a hind-leg off!” : ‘*Nothing like chewing the rag, is there? Shall I hoist you up on end far enough to make your kicking count, gentle saint? Your foresight was bad enough, pardner, but your hind-sight— Go ‘way grief!” © Silver City Sam feltin the humor for chaf- fing, a bit, but, curiously cnough, neither Perry Castle nor either of his comrades in bonds appeared to appreciate his playful ° wit. The big fellow gave a sound which was at Jeast half a curse, and wrestled with his bonds after a fierce fashion; but ’twas all” labor spent in vain, and merely served as food foramusement on the other side. Sheldon stood by with carelessly folded arms, smiling at those futlle efforts, speak- ~ ing only when Castle had given over the at- — tempt to gain his liberty. € wear and tear on your feelings, ies Spal Ae ig “Disarm and ~ “No use, eh? Icould have told you as ‘much at the jump-off, and so spared the

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4 Silver City a fe a a | Why dear boy, I filled my copybook with | that very motto, fas bind, fast find!” *T'll find you, right where you live, too!” | ‘Right where I’ll keep on living, then. That's pretty much what's the matter with you now; you’ve found me just once too often,” asserted the Silver City delegate, his voice turning stern as he added: ‘You tried to play the bully, and only | proved yourself an ass. You thought to win a little cheap credit by jumping a stranger from behind, but, what have you made by it?” ‘Tf you didn’t have a hand in wiping out | Jonah Cain, why kick?” ‘*Why not kick when a John Donkey set us such a pattern?” retorted Gray, plainly enjoying this phase of the situation far more completely than he had the opening chorus, **Would you have us wait until up a t:ee before to kick, Castle?” ‘“Well, if you could prove you didn’t—’” | ‘* What chance did you give us to prove | that or anything else?” Silver City Sam ask- ed, sternly. ‘* When we opened mouth, you gave us the muzzle of a gun to chew on, Now, you do the listening while I sing, please! ‘‘)f you’d acted even half-way white, yon fellows wouldn’t be in this pretty little hob- ble. ‘* We'd done nothing to merit such usage, and no person knows that better than you do.” ‘* Wasn’t you here, ’longside him?” ** Certainly; and our being here, without trying to hide cither it or ourselves, is ample proof that we had no part or lot in his taking off. Any fool could tell you that much, Csstle, but that’s right where the shoe rubs on your corns! ‘You seem to be a pretty decent sort of fellow, for the class you race in, Perry; but, there was one thing omitted at your first coming into this world; you were born without good sense, and you’ve been grow- ing no better ever since!” ‘I ]l pay you off for all this, curse you!” ‘Curse not, lest thou be overrun witha mighty foul breed of chickens, Perry Castle! As you seem fond of advising your betters: keep your linen on, my pretty fellow!” “If lever—” **Of course you will; but, what of it? Just now you can’t, while I can, and so— see the point, do you?” Silver City Sam gave a chuckle as the dis- comfited bully writhed in his bonds; but he had a definite point in view, and wasted little more time in getting at it. **T told you -the neked truth, although you didn’t see fit to_ take it in for gospel, gentlemen,” he added, addressing allin place of merely the leader. ‘My name is Samuel Sheldon, better known, perhaps, as Silver City Sam, from my more recent stamping-grounds. ‘For lack of a more paying business I’ve been acting as a detective, but finding my- self out of a jcb, and hearing no little con- cerning the lawless doings of your Skeleton Road agent, your Death-watch, your Black Hand and Bloody Knife outfit, I had about made up my mind to take a ramble down in this direction just to see what grain of truth might be sifted out of the mountain of chaff, when a certain gentleman whose name needn’t ‘worry you, just now, offered a bet that de- cided me to take a a) ld any way. ‘** Right there you have my pedigree, gen- tlemen, as far as it can possibly concern yourselves, and put a mighty sight clearer than I’d ever given it, so long as you held the drop. ‘« Now, one or two words further: **T’m going on to Gopher Slope, and I’m going there as Silver City Sum, the High- roller. Those who don't savor my styJe can do the other thing, and if you’re still in the humor for fault-fin to town, stick up your sign and let it be known of all men that you have business with a fellow of my dimensions.” **)ll find you unless—” ** You surely willif you really wish to find me, but you want to improve the drop bet- ter than you have the one you stole out here.” . ‘Give me half a show now, and we needn’t ait for getting back to town, curse you!” ‘In a dreadful rush, aren’t you? Like to oblige such a pleasant-spoken tramp, but, ding, when you get back | | your lesson in good manners! ** We're going on to Gopher Slope, and I hope to meet you there, one and all. If you really think I owe you aught, after tak- ing the trip with your hands past getting into fresh mischief, I promise to pay the | score in coin of your own election. ‘‘Tf you manage to pick up a glimmer of | common sense on the way, as I really hope you may, and are willing to call it square, you'll find in waiting the hand of a white +man both ready and willing to meet you on the dead level. ‘Now, letyour legs do double duty, since your hands and arms are out of the game for a bit. Here’s your tools: make a better use of them in the time to come, or one of these long'come-shortlies you'll buck up against the wrong man, and get everlastingly sali- vated: yes, you just will, now!” While speaking thus, Silver City Sam re- placed the belt of arms about Castle’s waist, , Securing it snugly in place, then serving the | other men after a similar fashion. Gray and Ellison frowned at this, and | seemed to think the fellows were getting off entirely too easy, but Sheldon paid them no | attention, drawing back only when his work | was done to his liking. ‘* You can begin to lift foot whenever the | humor strikes you, gentlemen,” was his ad- | dition as he drew back, dusting his hands lightly. ‘Hope you’ll make the run on schedule time, without accident or break down, And if you should cHance to run up ‘against this Skeleton, Ghost, Death-watch, | or Devil’s Emissary, pray give him my com- pliments and tell him to get ready for the judgment-day!” Turning away, without waiting for retort, Silver City Sam slipped a hand through an arm of each of his newly-made friends, leav- ing the branded corpse and the bound men , to their rear. At first both Gray and Ellison seemed loth to leave, but both quickly yielded to that master-will, and by the time they lost sight of the quartette, all ill-humor seemed blotted out by boisterous mirth. They ee heartily over the utter dis- comfiture of Castle and his fellows, congratu- | lating the man from Silver City on his adroit turning of the tables, ‘‘A neater bit of work I never saw!” \de- clared Esau, enthusiastically. ‘‘ And now— holy smoke! If Castle has to mosey all the way tothe Slope with his fins hobbled—if he | hast» get help from some of the cits—glori- ous Moses!” ‘He'll swell up and bu’st with pure shame!” ' *‘Or break his fool’ neck trying to get at you to play even, stranger!” amended Esau. ‘**Of course you were stuffing him about be- ing—er—all that, eh?” “ You think I was lying to him, then?” | ‘Oh, I don't know as I'd call it just ly- |ing, but, even if you did, what matter? What call had he to know anything at all about your business, anyway?” “None at all, if I hadn’t seen fit to give him | the information of my own free will,” quietly _ returned Sheldon, letting his hands eA away from their arms as they came to a trifle more difficult ground. ** That’s what I said; and I don’t blame you for foolishing the fellow, for—” **But I told him the naked truth,” inter- rupted the Silver City delegate. ‘‘My name | is Sheldon; I’m last from Silver City, and I follow the trade of detective.” ‘*Do you really mean all that, man?” | €OrT surely wouldn’t say it. Why not? | Don’t you need some one of that sort to | straighten matters out in this section? And | I’m going to get at the bottom facts of this Death-watch business, or lose the number of | my mess while trying.” For a minute or two after this bold declara- ' tion, silence reigned. | Both Gray and Ellison seemed afraid even to talk of the Death-watch, or to give any additional particulars, such as might be of | interest to a detective seeking to solve the dread mystery; but, after a while Esau spoke out more plainly: “Of course I’m trying to wish youall good luck, Sheldon, but I’d rather ’twas you than !me! It’s doilars to doughnuts you'll feel the ' red hot hand if you tackle the goer ‘Silver City Sam laughed lightly as he press- ed ahead in the growing dusk, plainly feel- ing no superstitious thrills such as apparently troubled both of his present companions. Just there the broken ground made far | from easy or smooth traveling, but the end eS a ee ee ee eee SQ. ___._. 5 of that journey came far sooner than Sheldom expected. The weight of a mountain seemed to fall upon his head without warning, and he sunk to the ground like one smitten by death! CHAPTER IV. AN UGLY BUSINESS, Tur heavy hand of Esau Gray dealt the blow before which Silver City Sam fell in- sensible! For several minutes the two pards had b2en preparing for just such an ending of that tramp through the dusk, their covert glances and significant sigus being covered by the increasing gloom, The trick was all the more easily turned because its victim had not the faintest suspi- cion of the truth; as why should he? Less than an hour earlier he had, unassist- ed, set the knaves free from a humiliating if not actually dangerous captivity. So far they were deeply in his debt, and while he hardly mistook either for an un- fledged angel, Sheldon certainly never dreamed of their committing such an act of shameless treachery as this. ; Swift and sure Esau Gray struck, his clubbed revolver crashing down upon that unguarded head, felling the High-roller De- tective like one smitten by the hand of grim death. As he fell, Silver City Sam was covered by that active shape, those sinewy hands grip- ping his throat tightly to guard against a possible outery. But the precaution was useless. A convul- sive shiver ranthrough that compact frame; the detective was past the power of fighting for his remnant of life, just then. ‘‘Don’t let him yelp, pardner!” excitedly cried Ellison, at the same time flashing a keen look around on allsides. ‘‘ If Castle or the boys should have dogged us—” “Don’t you believe I will, boy!” muttered Gray, kneeling upon his victim, one hand maintaining its vicious grip, while its mate came back to the knife at his hip, ‘Ill soon put him past bleating; never you wor- ry, now!” The ugly-looking weapon flashed forth to rise with deadly intent; but, ere it could fall again, Ellison gripped tight that wrist, and hurriedly spoke: ‘** Hold on, pard! No cutting, man!” *‘T’ll sink such a shaft through his fool’ heart as will—” ‘* As will twist a rope for both our necks, you hot-head!” harshly interrupted Ellison, just then by far the cooler-witted of the twain. ‘Put up the sticker, pard, or I'll lend you a bat ’longside the cabeza for keeps!” “ Didn’t you say to silence him?” **Of course, but did I say to advertise it to all the Slope?” ‘*Who'll be any the wiser after the wolves have had their fill?” ‘* What’s the matter with Perry Castle and his pards?” Gray gave a surly growl at this, drawing back from the throat of his senseless victim, but still fingering his steel, thirstily. ‘‘How’ll they find out more than they know already?” ‘**Give me half a chance, and I'll make you see it with my eyes, Esau. Is he knocked out of time?” “*Didn’t I hit him?” “Of course; but such fellows sometimes tote a mighty thick head on their shoulders, and I’m not taking any chances, now.” “‘There wouldn't be even the ghost of a chance by this time, if youhadn’t caught my hand, blame you!” Eison bent lower over the luckless detec- tive, satisfying himself that Silver City Sam was indeed insensible to all that was going on; and not until then did he see fit to more olearly explain bimself. ‘‘Of course I said yes when your eyes asked me about dum ing the fool,” he said, picking up the thread where it had dropped. *“‘Itisn’t his sort that we want blundering about these digging just now.” - >, aa Frnt : - " « by ee OS | ee Pets SP OD SES

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Silver City Sam, Detective. ‘wandering, unless as a ghost. wouldn’t he?” ‘*Touch lightly on that, pardner! As for out part in the little job.” ““ You mean?” ‘Well, Castle and his mates saw us leave in company, didn’t they?” ‘Of course. But—” “Wait. Don’t you reckon Castle will look for this duck, at the Slope, to play even for his upset, back yonder?” ‘* Well, he’ll hardly find him there, I’m thinking!” ‘“‘You’re not thinking, and that’s just what’s the matter with Esau!” bluntly de- clared the other. ‘‘ If you’d stop to think, you'd never even dream of writing your signature with a knife, that way! If any person asks for the fellow, of course we don’t know, since he gave us the shake just after leaving Castle; and when he’s found— for Castle will hunt the country with a fine- tooth comb but that he'll find his game— why, an accident!” ‘*You’re right, pardner!” frankly admitted Gray, putting up his knife with blade un- stained. ‘‘Anaccident goes! And, of just what sort?” “That’s dead easy. Fell down an old shaft, of course!” ‘*Kicked there by the Death-watch, maybe, because of his making such hefty brags!” supplemented Esau, with a malicious ehuckle. First making sure that the detective was still insensible and unable to help himself, the two knaves made a brief scout, to guard against the bare possibility of being watched in their infamous actions by bound men; then they returned to pick up Sheldon be- tween them, hurrying him away through the night, now fairly descended over the near-by mountains. Five minutes of this conveyance seemed sufficient for their purpose; ther Gray took full charge of the limp shape, supporting it upon his shoulder while moving along, leaving Ellison to keep a wary watch on all sides. It was murder most foul they had in con- templation, and rough, wild, even lawless though that section was, both knew well ane. what swift and sure punishment would be meted them for such a crime, if it ‘was discovered. Presently both men came to another halt, and as Gray lowered his burden to earth, he spoke in pipeey panting tones: ‘As well here as anywhere, don’t you reckon, Jack?” **T reckon, yes. Pick your way, and don’t - leave any more marks than you just have to, although it’s odds the rain will wash mal every such sign long before morn- n ey? '. “All right. I'll do the dumping act. You keep off, as there’ll only be one set of tracks if it don’t rain. His, of course, as he walked into the shaft in the dark!” With a low chuckle the heartless knave again lifted his burden, moving cautiously forward for a few rods, then coming to a halt at the mouth of a deserted shaft. With one last look around, Gray let Shel- don fall, leaning over the edge of that gloomy opening until he heard the body strike, far below the surface, apparently. That done, he carefully picked his way back, stepping only on such stones and spots of bare, hard-baked dirt as he could see wy 1 _ the glimpses of light furnished by the fu moon now sailing along throug masses of stormy clouds. Thoroughly content with their atrocious deed, the pair of plausible rascals hurried away frofh that section of the hills, plainly well acquainted with their surroundin broken - since they showed’ no doubt, no hesitation as to which turn or bend to make, All was now darkness complete as the storm-clouds thickened overhead, yet they 8 CO! “The Boss, for rocks! ‘Wonder what he’ll hhat we've been doing?” ¥ pant both seen and saw, it appeared, short- *y: ‘ __ A low signal came from out the gloom. ~ Tntant veply was made, and Esau muttered poo fide eae . *>"~o sere ** And that’s why I meant to put him past ‘Say it’s good leather, of course; why He’d make a} wouldn’t he?” nice running-mate for the Skeleton, now | the High-Roller ** You tell! But ‘he’s so durned cranky at times, that— Here, sir!” CHAPTER VY. THE SKELETON ROAD-AGENT. Removtine his silk hat, Absalom Nesbitt “It’s worse than a stack of black cats | pushed his nearly bald head out of the low- this fellow, sbut off his wind as quickly as | down cellar!” came a deep-pitched voice, the | ered window, calling out sharply: you like, but don’t advertise to all the world ; owner of which came up an instant later. ‘“‘T thought ‘twas you, lads, and so— What luck?” ‘* Big luck! ** What?” ‘“‘That’s what, for a solid fact, sir! We just stumbled across what’s left of him, by pure accident; didn’t we, Jack?” ‘For sure we did!” ; “‘And there it was: on breast and on throat, too! And eyes fairly popping out of his head! Ugh! If I'd been born nervous, reckon I'd own a bucking night-hoss for a solid month to come!” Jonah’s croaked, Boss!” *«Thereit was?’ echoed the Boss. ‘‘ There what was?” ‘«The black hand, no less! Jonah thought to skip the country and so get off without paying penalty; but— Well, he met up with the Death-watch, ali the same!” ‘*That’s what he did, now!” A low, soft chuckle followed that grim an- nouncement, and he who was termed ‘‘ Boss” spoke in careless accents: ‘** Well, that much is taken off our hands, then. Jonah is worth heap sight more to us dead than living;so, peace to hisashes! And the fellows out hunting for Cain? Didn’t you stumble across any of them?” By way of answer, Esau gave a tolerably accurate account of their adventure with the ty from Gopher Slope, though giving Sil- er City Sam hardly as much credit for that neat turning of the tables as the High-rolier Detective deserved. The Boss showed a stronger interest in the stranger than in aught else, and in response to his questionsconcerning the detective, and what had become of him, Gray added the telling of the latter act of violence. **Of course we didn’t want him snooping around just now, sir, and so we just watched our chance and squelched him,” ** You what?” ‘*Put him to sleep for keeps!” Instead of the warm praises which Gray evidently expected from his chief, he was fairly overwhelmed by a flood of denuncia- tion, the Boss seeming fairly beside himself, for the time being. ‘Just now, indeed! Just now, when we need all the cover we can find to work under! Just now, when Absalom Nesbitt is all eyes and ears and the keenest of wits. Oh, you fools!” r Not until then could either of the lesser knaves slip in a word of self-defense, but as their master broke off to grind forth an- other grist of imprecations, Jack Ellison thrust in his oar, hastily explaining the light in which he viewed the matter. First making it clear that Sheldon was a detective, he told how he had been disposed of, leaving no signs behind which could betray their agency, then adding: ‘** When we both swear he gave usthe dirty shake before the accident happened, who can say we lie? And, didn’t he act as our friend when he gave Perry Castle the grand dump?” “That puts it in a different light, fora fact, and 1 reckon I did my kicking a bit prematurely,” admitted the Boss, adding: ‘*Well, what’s done can’t very well be un- done, and so we'll make the best of it. Keep your own counsel, and don’t talk the matter over even between yourselves, ‘‘Now, best make your way back to the Slope, and bunk in there, after letting a few solid citizens get a glimpse of your sweet mugs.” ‘** Any particular reason, sir?” “Well, we'll act as though there was, at any rate. For one thing, Il have a notion the Skeleton Rider means to be abroad to- night; and if so, it'll be just as well to have a clean record to show the curious. Under- stand?” ** You bet we do, Boss!” “All right, then, Pull-foot, and play it down to a fine point.” With that the speaker moved off through | in surmising that you reside at Gop the darkness, and the two pards resumed | Slope?” Ay Sac ress toward the mining-town of | ‘‘I—eh? Beg your pardon, Miss—” Gopher Slope. ga de fess White. 1 am going to their prot 4 “A 45 ea : ‘and YY et ‘‘Give them a touch of the silk, Johnny! We're almost an hour behind the schedule as it is!” ** All right, boss; the silk goes, daisies!” At crack of wnip the double span of mules quickened their pace as they breasted that long sta in the dusk, and the mining-mag- nate of Gopher Slope resumed his position in- side ‘‘ the hearse.” ‘* Beg pardon, ma’am,” with a half-bow toward the one lady passenger <a that trip, ‘*but I’ve got my reasons for wishing to keep as near the schedule time as possible, this trip.” “Is it very much further to town, then, sir?” asked a musical voice from behind the gray vail. : ‘* Further than it should be at this hour,” with a touch of acerbity which, to do him justice, Absalom Nesbitt rarely displayed while in the presence of a representative of the fair sex. ‘‘Only for the harness giving way—but maybe we’ll make it, even yet!” ‘Surely there can be no doubt as to our Git thar, ‘safe arrival, sir?” ‘* No, no; tbat isn’t just it, ma’am.” inter- posed another of the passengers. ‘‘ We’re bound to hit the Slope all right, only—’” **Let me make it clear, Constant,” spoke up'the speculator in miming property. ‘‘ You see, Miss—” : ** White.” ‘*Thanks. You see, Miss White, it’s some- thing like this: For nearly a year past this section has been cursed by an infamous thief road agent who rigs himself up to frighten weak-nerved fools of—” “ Touch lightly, thar, Nesbitt,” interrupt- ed Constant. ‘‘ As good men as you be hev took skeer at the Skeleton Rider afore this. and here’s hoping your little trap will slip up: not that I’m dead in love with that red-hot critter, but because I’m thinkin’ heap sight more of my own good!” ‘‘The Skeleton Rider!” echoed Miss White, with a nervous little movement. ‘‘ What a strange title!” ‘It’s a mighty sight stranger critter as totes the title, ma’am,” gravely asserted the veteran miner, with an ominous shake of his frosty pow as he took a glance through the window on his side of the coach. ‘I won't go quite that far my own self, but—waal, thar is them as swear he’s plum’ the Old Boy himself!” ‘** Only the fools I spoke of, a bit ago,” in- terposed Nesbitt, with an impatient gesture of his plump hand, and a frown wrinkling his brows. ‘‘ It’s & man, easily enough, not the devil; and when the whole truth is laid bare—as I’ve sworn it soon shall be—those who've been loudest in their croakings about ghost or demon, will hangtheir heads in pure shame at having been so thoroughly fooled. You mark my words, Orin Constant!’ - ‘“That’s all right, Mr. Nesbitt. You’n me hain’t goin’ to quarrel over the Death-watch, I'll holler louder’n anybody when the pesky critter comes by his uppance; but—waal, ef it’s just the same to you, sir, here’s hopin’ we'll not see hide nor hair of him this trip!” “Tf we do—well, let itdrop, since you pre- fer it that way. ’ For several minutes silence reigned within the Gopher Slope stage, twilight rapidly deepening into night as the vehicle rattled alon. freight. The portly, fine-looking Absalom Nesbitt seemed strangely uneasy for a man of his habit, casting frequent looks out at window as though anticipating the coming of en ie or some stirring adventure; and it is possible — over. the lonely trail with its living — that this restlessness hindered Miss Avis _ i White from sinking into the drowsy repose — which svon becomes second nature to one doomed to travel after such a primitive — fashion. i sadn A low sigh or two, then her musical voice ; made itself heard: “T be, [Key pardon, sir, but, am I correct " - ¥ LB ie + oe, 2 ree

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. Miss White.” ‘ing nearer the vailed passenger, smiling not, gentlemen?” Silver City Sam the High-Roll er Detective. Slope, where I’ve been led to believe mining | property is paying good returns on capital wisely invested,” came the extremely busi- ness-like explanation from those vailed lips. *‘ If [might ask the question—” ‘‘Any information I can give you, Miss White, is heartily at your service,” volun- teered Mr. Nesbitt, ‘‘An’ what the jedge don’t know ’bout mines an’ minin’ property in these yere parts, ma’am, hain’t wu’th botherin’ the pritty head of ye over; no, she hain’t,. now!’ declared Orin Constant, with hearty good will. “Thanks! Of course 1 should expect to . pay for any services rendered, or advice acted upon. And if I should conclude to invest my surplus capital—” ‘* My services are entirely at your disposal, “*Thanks, once more. Your name was given me when I made some inquiries, over at Silver City.” ‘‘Coupled with no evil compliments, I trust, Miss White?” asked the magnate, lean- blandly the while, hardly like one in doubt as to the forthcoming answer. A low laugh told him his pleasant little jest was appreciated; then Miss White spoke a gain: *T hold little faith in flattery, Mr. Nesbitt, and so—pray excuseme! Enough that I was advised to consult with you before making any permanent investments in mining proper- t Tig ‘*T shall be both proud and happy to serve you in any way, Miss White. If you have formed any definite idea as to what manner of investment you would like to make—” “Well, sir, hardly that far, as yet; but I did think— Can you tell me aught about a certain property known as the Lucky Strike?” Innocently enough that query sounded, yet a sudden chill seemed cast over the other passenger, and Nesbitt drew back like one who had unexpectedly encountered a cold bath, while heated. An awkward silence followed, lasting long enough to make the young lady feel anything but at her ease, as her slightly chateadiad voice proclaimed when at length she spoke again: ‘*T beg pardon if I’ve said anything Iought ** Ahem! Waal, ma’am, it hain’t jest that, ye see, but—ahem!” ““ Who advised you to ask me about the— the Lucky Strike?” demanded Nesbitt, as Orin Constant broke down in a stammer. ‘*No person advised me. I merely chanced to hear the name mentioned while at table, and the oddity of it struck my fancy. IfI’ve made a mistake, in any way, Iam sorry for it, sir,” averred the young lacy. Absalom Nesbitt drew a quick breath— was it of relief?—as he heard these words, then added in more natural tones: “Don't think that way for another mo- ment, Miss White. It was only surprise which caused me to start, for the mine now belongs to me, individually, and the name has long been changed to the Coupon.” " Your property? By purchase, may I as ) Almost sharply came the query, but, be- fore an answer could be given, the stage was | | | brought to a sudden, even violent halt, and above the startled cry of the driver, rose a clear, stern challenge: ‘* Hands up!” With a low, grating cry Nesbitt thrust head out of window for a look ahead, catch- ing glimpse of a glowing skeleton outlined | against the dark background, just ahead of | the stage in the road! One glimpse; then he drew back, hand fly- | ing up to mouth with a metal whistle through | which he blew a shrill, prolonged blast, at | the same time dropping between the seats | and crouching close to the floor of the | coach as his portly build would permit. “*The Death-watch !” ‘*The Skeleton Rider!” “The Black Hand!” Pee 2 In confused chorus came these cries from the startled passengers within the stage; but, above all sounded that stern voiee from without once more: “Steady, alll No harm shall befall any ‘one of you, save Absalom Nesbitt! All others go scot-free, but /e must pay toll to—” Si apa he of The road-agent cut himself short at that point, for the rapid clatter of iron-shod hoofs made itself heard, coming up from the rear as though in response to the whistle sent forth by the mining magnate of Gopher Slope! Around that abrupt bend in the stage-road dashed a squad of armed horsemen, and the moon just then broke through a rift in the storm-cloud which obscured the night-lamps in great degree. Looking grim and even ghastly against ‘that dark backgroand, the Skeleton Rider sat his now snorting steed, every bone in the human frame outlined as by bluish flame, flickering after a ghostly fashion and render- | ing that a truly terrifying spectacle to or- dinary mortals. Barely long enough to see that these latest comers wore the garb prescribed by Uncle Sam for his Boys in Blue, then the Skeleton Road-agent wheeled his steed to gallop swiftly away, followed by whistling bul- lets as Nesbitt fairly roared forth his com- mands: ‘*Down him! Kill him! Take him, dead | or alive!” ; The Man of Fire turned horse abruptly to the left, dashing into a narrow pass between the rocky hills; and as he so vanished, the armed force came up abreast the stage, where one horse stumbled and cast its rider with stunning force. Marvelously quick for one of his massive —not to say clumsy—build, Nesbitt jumped out of the coach, caught the rising animal by the head, then sprung into saddle and dashed away after the rest of the #:. guised force, adding his excited cries to their voices. ‘*Press him hard, lads!” he shouted at top of his voice, as both heels played a savage tattoo on the flanks of his appropriated mount. ‘Take or kill him, now! Double reward to the lucky man who downs him for good and all!” ‘We've got him, or just as good as got him, don't you worry, boss!’ pantingly assured one of the riders, as they forged through that narrow cut and came out where they had a more open field for the chase. z The full moon “was sailing swiftly along through those thick yet broken masses of dark clouds, lending light sufficient to distin- guish the Skeleton Road-agent as he raced on in advance, an indistinct blur of ghostly fire just then, but growing more distinct as obstacles ahead forced his steed to turn at a sharper angle, Then the pursuers could see that ghostly framework of—surely it was naught more than bones, lit up by the bluish glow of phosphorescent decay and loathsome corrup- tion? ‘If he isn’t the devil himself, then he must be his spook!” involuntarily broke from one of the armed force as that wild chase swept on under the storm clouds, ‘*Send a bullet true, and you'll hear bim give a mighty human howl!” fiercely cried the magnate, opening fire with his revolver, though still riding in the rear of his force “To your guns, men! Pour in the lead! You surely can kill or cripple—horse or man, what matter? Only down ’em for good, curse ye!” Once again the silver orb showed itself, and yonder raced the Skeleton Road-agent at tients pace smong those thick-lying rocks, his bony framework glowing as with renew- ed luster! The pursuers raised carbines and poured in a hot fire—streams of ruddy flame split- ing the darkness, and many pellets of lead whistling through the night in quest of flesh and blood where naught save bones and cor- ruption was visible! Then the moon passed beneath ‘a dense cloud, casting all below in semi-darkness; yet that glowing skeleton surely ought— Heavens! That, too, had vanished on the instant, and not even an echo of those swift-fleeing hoofs came to the amazed pursuers! CHAPTER VI. MAN, GHOST, OR DEMON? Tus sudden vanishment seemed like a transformation scene in a spectacular play, y \ in to Ke; EMT EE Rey ioe Ske De AW to { | but for a brief space those in hot chase of the Skeleton Rider believed themselves the vic- tims of that vailed moon, Blinking as they dashed ahead in hopes of again sighting the chase, it took nearly a minute to convince them of the fact: the Skeleton Road-agent had surely given them the slip, just as it had so often foiled other excited pursuers. ‘‘Now I know it’s the devil!’ exploded. one of the armed squad, jerking up his pant- ing horse and so throwing the rest into brief confusion, ‘«Ye lie!” fairly howled the mining-mag- nate, urging on his mount with heel and doubled reins. ‘‘ Hunt him up, boys! Hunt him up, I say! Five hundred dollars cash to the man who first finds and puts a red mark on the slippery hound!” Himself setting the example, Nesbitt soon had the man-hunt in full swing, the squad separating and skurrying hither and yon to increase their chances of once more sighting their ghostly game. For, now that cooler reason had chance to come uppermost, one and all argued after prettv much the same fashion: the outlaw had shrewdly taken advantage of that van- ishing moon to seek cover, vailing his ghost- ly light after some as yet unexplained man- ner, hoping to be passed by in the heat of the chase, thus giving him time and oppor- tunity to foil his enemies once more through doubling on the back-track! This really seemed to be the most sensible: as well as plausible explanation, yet all their beating of coverts failed to rouse their game in that vicinity, and though it seemed im- possible for a shod horse to have continued flight across that stony tract unhea d, such must have been the case. So Absalon Nesbitt declared while fiercely combating the growing superstition which bade fair to render his armed force worse than useless against such an enemy; and he himself set a good example by pressing the search through steadily widening circles. Few persons who had only met the man in every-day life would have recognized the bland, suave, smiling magnate just now. The polish of recent years was cast aside, and he more -nearly resembled the bold, blunt, aggressive prospector of nearly a gen- eration since, By urging his men on, promising them ad- ditional reward for capturing or slaying the enigma who had caused so much trouble and inflected much serious loss of late, Nesbitt kept his men to their work, himself doing as _. much as any two of the others. He had so surely counted on success this. night! He had baited the trap so adroitly, caus- ing it to be known yet seemingly taking so many extra precautions against the truth leaking out! Time and again this Death-watch, this. Skeleton Road-agent had vowed to take toll from every shipment of money or money’s worth in or out of Gopher Slope by Absalom Nesbitt, usurper of the Lucky Strike, alias the Coupon Mine on Hoodoo, Hill. And now, baiting his trap with a package of money, Nesbitt caused an armed force to quietly follow the regular stage for the Slope, disguised as soldiers, ready to close in at his signal and kill or capture the notorious. Man of Fire. It had all seemed so easy, so certain of success! But— ‘‘Rout him out, boys! You've got to find him—just got to find the demon, I tell you!” Words easily breathed, but far less easily made good! Nesbitt certainly did all man could to bring about that end, in his fierce disappoint- ment paying little heed to the danger he himself might be running through separating too far from his men. ; And so it came to pass that, without sight or sound to give him Kirn! the mining magnate was surprised by his deadliest enemy ! : With a pantherish leap a dark shape pounced upon the rider, gripping throat so tightly as to effectually smother all outery, then twisting him from the saddle to strike earth with stunning force. the frightened horse from running away, one hand gripping reins as with the other he Les fe rh oS fg ey f pt aie x. At the same time this assailant prevented euler e ee oe my

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Silver City Sam. the High-Roller fairly dragged Nesbitt to a clump of scrub- 1e C- by bushes! Here the horse was tied; then the insensi- if ble speculator was half-carried, half-dragged a away frém the spot, making no sound which id could draw notice that way from any of the n now leaderless squad of pretended soldiers, r Just how long a time passed while he é lacked his senses, Absalom never knew, but iL . when consciousness slowly came back to him, he lay in utter darkness, his feet free but his arms effectually bound. Ashe gave a muffled groan and strove to | | for one so defiant but a few minutes before. rise, a weird light suddenly showed close before him, causing him to shrink back and . cower there on those cold stones, for the min- ute a victim to superstition. A skeleton outlined in bluish flame, perfect even to the minutest details, the fleshless jaws parted in what seemed tole a grin of fiendish triumph, while little twists of flame writhed and crawled in and out of those eye- less sockets! _ A few moments thus; then the Man of - Fire moved closer, his bony paws moving forward, to touch and then search the per- son of his now helpless captive, __ That touch which might have still further . horrified some men, served in goodly meas ure to restore the briefly shattered nerve of the magnate, and he writhed desperately as he strove to burst the bonds which held his arms impotent for the time being. “Let up, you infernal fraud!” he panted as he strove to foil those groping hands, ’_ ** When I have reclaimed my own, Absa- lom Nesbitt,” came the deep-toned answer; and, a moment later, those fire-lined mem- bers withdrew, clasping a fat wallet. ‘Said I not re should never pass in or out of Go- pher Slope without paying full to!l?” ' A half smothered curse was the sole re- sponse to this taunt. _By that strange light Nesbitt could see his captor stowing that pocketbook away somewhere about that weird disguise—for now, more than ever, he was convinced that this Skeleton Rider was mortal man instead of ghost, spook or demon, Squatting therein front of his prisoner, his phosphorescent frame seeming to wave and waver from side to side, giving each op ara bone a snaky semblance, the keleton Road-agent spoke again, his deep- pitched voice sounding fairly sepulchral there in that cavernous den. “Said I not that your ill-gotten gains should never profit you, Absalom Nesbitt? Have not I sworn by all mortal beings hold sacred to never permit you to rest in peace and quietude until you had purged your black soul of past crimes and made full res- be titution to those your devilish arts have brought to want and’even worse? “‘T repeat that sacred oath here and now: those stolen riches shall never prosper or benefit you! Confess your awful sins, make ample restitution tre it is eternally too late!” One hand of “fire was uplifted in addi- tional warning, the bones quivering with that curious bluish glow the while, and then its mate was thrust forward to rest lightly upon the sweat damp brows of Ab- salom Nesbitt. » . Man of iron nerve though he surely was, the speculator shrunk and shivered before that cold and clammy touch, so different from what one would naturally expect from a fiery skeleton like that! A low, mocking Jaugh came from those grinning jaws, at this recoil. ‘Bah! Coward as well as criminal? Or —was it the Hot Hand you expected to feel, ; Absalom Nesbitt? Did you think even fora y moment that I would stoop so low as to— Quiet, you cur!” . Again that skeleton hand came down, but now to grip and bruise as though each fiery bone was made of finely tempered steel, that rh force relaxing only when Nesbitt ceased his efforts to burst his bonds, With an evident effort the hampered man ‘Tallied his nerves, and in defiant tones cime the words: i ** You lieif . ie isn’t le ee ee as « . ‘ you “ hint that the Coupon ally my ow roperty. I bought and pall tonite . ___“ With the price of blood, then! But you are the liar, Absalom Nesbitt, for the truth ig notin you! The Lucky Strike is mine— ts all mine, by every law of man and justice! 4 - You call it the Coupon, now, but—” | world, else. | Itis the Coupon, and it belongs to me | alone!” defiantly asserted the mine-owner, partially raising himself upon an_ elbow, bound though his arms were. ‘‘ Mine—all mine! And I'll defend it against all the Ay! against man or devil!” **Man or devil? Hal ha! ha! I was a man, lama devil! A devil? Yes, and you }made me such, Absalom Nesbitt] Upon your evil head lies the foul wrong, you das- tardly assassin!” ‘*Who are you, then?” demanded the prisoner, his tones grown strangely husky *“WhoamI? Who was I, then, rather! ‘T'was a man, then, working for home My wife, my child, my home, my—my poor even? Gone—all gone! And you— / and my loved ones; but now—where are, they, you demon? Where are they, now? you robbed me of all, of everything that goes to make up a happy, peaceful life! ‘““Murder? Worse than that! You killed, yet you condemned to live on through a never-ending term of mental and physical torture! You slaughtered, yet left sufficient vitality to—to what?” A bony hand raised to pass lingeringly across that fire-lined skull, then the voice went on, fiercer, more menacing: ‘* All this I was—all this was I blessed with in those days, ages and eons ago! All this I had, but was most foully robbed of! And you—to you I owe the loss of every- thing, Absalom Nesbitt! ‘‘Is it cause for marvel that I‘ vowed bit- ter vengeance? Do you wonder that I now exist solely in order to wreak upon you the vengeance you merit because of your dast- ardly crimes? Or that—ah-ha, ye demon! - “TI foolishly thought to prolong your tor- ture, Absalom Nesbitt, but I was wrong—lI can see that, now, for—hark, ye devil! Do ye hear it? Ha! ha! ’Tis the death-knell sounding for your last hour, dog!” Those fiery hands grasped Nesbitt’s throat with awful force, and a startled cry came from out yonder utter darkness the next moment, CHAPTER VII. POSTPONING THE HOUR OF DOOM. Tur Skeleton Avenger gave a start at that sound, turning to look in the direction from whence the cry proceeded, but without slackening in the least his terrible grip, hold- ing the miner-owner helpless as an infant be- neath his knees. Vainly Nesbitt struggled, a sensation of horror overcoming him as he found himself so helpless, Until now he had been inclined to scoff at and even scorn this mad enigma as buta petty trickster of low grade, but now—it seemed more like an avenging spirit froma bloody grave! He struggled, he fought, he tried to free his throat sufficiently to shout for help to he of yonder hidden voice; but all was alike vain, and those fiery bones seemed to swell and increase until naught but a searing flame filled his awfully throbbing eyeballs. Another voice: that of the Skeleton Rider, now lifted in a taunting laugh which fitly matched that ghostly appearance, ‘But then, just as Absalom Nesbitt was resigning himself in utter despair, feeling that his death-knell was indeed being rung for the end of all, an abrupt change came over the Skeleton Road-agent, and his dread crip slackened while his crushing weight was lifted. A gasping breath brought partia: relief to those tortured lungs, but the doomed mine- owner lay helpless as a new-born babe, wholly at the mercy of this madman, this demon of the night. He was dimly consciousof muttered words; doubtless spoken for his benefit; but what they were, or what they pretended. Nesbitt i never realized. | He strove to ery aloud for assistance, but only an indistinct sound passed his fevered | lips; and ere he could do or say more, he | outer air, and, in | | | ee rss Sg SSS SSS Detective. , This told him he was once mere in the instant later, he was rudely dumped down upon some small stones, while that frame of fire shone fantas- tically above him as he lay. Again the Skeleton Rider spoke, and now his speech was plain enough. **] said that your death-knell was ringing, Absalom Nesbitt, but I was mis:aken. Wrong then, right now! Your last hour has not yet struck, for the full penalty due your manifo!d crimes remains unpaid ‘*Whatis death suchas I came so near measuring forth to you, back yonder? A few brief pangs, a short struggle, then— eternal sleep! “Ts that sufficient punishment for a foul criminal like your mother’s son? No, ten million times over, no!” Intensely fierce sounded that voice, and those fire-limned arms were flung upward in a passion-gesture. Brighter and more distinct that ghostly framework showed, tiny serpents of bluish flame curling and twisting and crawling over and around euch bone, forming a spec- tacle both gruesome and awe inspiring. “Nay, Absalom Nesbitt! Such an end- ing is far too merciful for such as you! A snarling cur ye have lived, a whining whelp ye shall die! ‘** Witha glimmer of hope to lead ye on and nerve your hand against pitiless fate, bitter disap ointment shall ever dog your footsteps and bl st your dearest hopes in life! ‘*Every hour, minute and second I will haunt you, by day and by night, in sick- ness and in health, in solitude or amidst the crowd, in town or in country, waking or sleeping—never for evea the srace you might measure by a single hurried breath ever again feel free from my awful guardianship! “* Ye shall go free, yet know yourself hope- lessly hampered! Ye may act as thonuvh your own man, yet know yourself suicly my slave—and a tenfold accursed slave \ ho lives and draws breath solely by my permis- sion! **T will foil your every plan, crush your every hope, bring to worse than naught your every scheme for safety to yourself or de- struction to your master. And then—when I have driven you to the verge of insanity— then death!” Nesbitt lay shivering upon the stones, al- though his face as well as his person was fairly wet with sweat. Never until now had he realized whit a terrible adversary he had armed himself against, openly making his brags of tearin aside that flimsy mask and showing unto all eyes the ass which dared to masquerade un- der such a lion’s skin, Up to this hour he held his own ideas as to what would be laid bare when that cun- ning disguise was fairly penetrated: but now, who was this pitiless demon? _ *‘T never—what have I done to deserve such punishment?” he huskily mumbled, his tongue feeling curiously thick, his lips too feverish for ‘clear pronunciation. A low, fierce langh was coming from that grim death-head, but at sound of his voice it ceased, the Skeleton Road-agent leaning fur- ther forward, like one anxious to catch every word, every syllable. ‘* What have you done?” echoed the Death-watch, harshly. ‘‘ What have ye not done, rather! “What was I, then, in those happy if toilsome days while wearing my hands to the very bone in work for my loved ones so far away? “Do you, ask this, Absalom Nesbitt ? Shall I tell you what I was, thenask you to — consider what [ now am?” Nearer still leaned that awesome shape, and those skeleton hands came closer, work- ing viciously, looking like snakes of crawl- ing flame as they hovered above the mine- owner's face. Losing his boasted nerve little by little, Absalom Nesbitt shrunk ‘away as far as the nature of his bonds would permit, pant- ing: , “ No—don't! I never—before high Hea- | was caught up in the arms of the Skeleton | ven I never did you or yours any injury!” Rider and hurried away—whither? across his face, and the mine magnate can mering through a rift in the storm-clouds. ‘You lie like the shameless cur you have A refreshing breath of night air came lived, Absalom Nesbitt!” sternly cried the e t Skeleton Rider, one cold and clammy-feeling a glimpse of a couple of brilliant stars glim- hand falling like a dead weight upon tha damp brow. i oy 7

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Silver City Sam the High-Roller Detective. x, “‘T never— Who and what are you, devil?” With a low, grating laugh the weird shape drew back at this, then almost croakingly came the answer: ‘Devil? Ay, Iam a devil, now, no mat- ter what ] was then! <A devil of vengeance, of hatred, of retribution—all this shall ye find me, Absalom Nesbitt! “A pitiless devil who only cumbers this once fair earth fora single purpose—to pay off the tremendous score he owes the villain who wrought all this ruin!’ Who turned him from—from what? ‘Was Lever different?’ slowly asked the Man of Fire, one bony hand passing over his death-mask, for the instant blurring and | blending together those ghostly marks, only | to leave 2!l glowing more vividly than ever an instant. later. ‘*Was I ever a man such as I sometimes dream of? Had I ever a home, a wife, a child who called me father? Did I ever— | oh, Satan confound ye for all eternity, Ab- salom Nesbitt!” he fairly screamed as he rose rizidly erect, both arms uplifted, hands cline!ied into flickering balls of bluish fire. A brief space thus; then he broke into a | low chuckle, his arms coming down for hand; to close upon the shrinking figure of his ciptive, fairly jerking Nesbitt upon his feet, then forcing him onward through the night, now seeming darker thangever since | the raoon bad buried its face back of yon- der skurrying masses, Soon the low whimper of a horse made itself heard, and pausing beside the tether- ed creature, the Skeleton Rider swung his prisoner clear of earth much as a lad might toss a bundle of oats, settling him safely ina saddle, ‘Steady, Absalom! Your bones are far too precious to risk a fall upon these un- friendly rocks in the darkness, and so— steady, I say!” For Nesbitt was mechanically striving to rectify what appeared to be an error made in that gloom; he was seated with face to the rear; but the Skeleton Rider held him in posi- tion with a hand of iron, while its mate brought a lariat or trail-rope into play, bind ins him fast to horn and cantle, again laugh- ing in ghoulish glee. AIP that’s lacking now to perfect the Rogue’s March is a brass band and shaven poll, Absalom! I might play barber, but for one thing: to touch your person with cold steel would be equivalent to killing you, and that would be a sin! No, no, you whelp of Satan! A lingering death of unequaled tor- ture: that shall be your reward for all sins!” ; Tying the last knot which completed those bonds, the Skeleton Road-agent grasp- «d the bridle-reins and moved away through the night at a brisk pace, evidently having some particular destination in view since he | showed no doubt or hesitation as to the | proper line to follow. Now and then his chilling laugh would | make itself heard, while occasional sentence | A mocking langh followed, when the an- swer came: ‘You believe I did this, Absalom Nesbité, just as other fouls will swear that this is but another sample of my dread vengeance. But ye all mistake—ye all lie! ‘*Some day, perbaps, my hand mav place this sable brand, may sead home to the seat of life a blade like unto this,” and his fiery fingers moved forward to push aside the iron-gray locks which partially vailed that metal-bound hilt from view. ‘“«The Hand and the knife!” muttered the horror smitten mine-owner,. ‘‘ Youdemon!” ‘*But not such an every-day demon as this, Absalom Nesbitt,” continued the Skele- ton Rider. ‘‘Theday may come when I will make use of such tools, but that will be only in your case, not in that of your hired emis- saries. ‘‘IT am your enemy, not theirs. Tf you wish to rightly solve the enigma of the Black Hand and Red Knife, you must look closer home than to me, Absalom Nesbitt!” The Man of Fire spoke just as though he meant all he said, butif his words were heard by the mine-owner, they surely were not heeded as they were intended. Nesbitt stared with horror upon that ghast- ly spectacie until the light began to fade, and then—ha! From out the darkness came sudden sounds, followed by the words: ‘*The Death-watch! Down him—kill him —don’t let him get away this time, but— shoot him like a mad dog!” CHAPTER YVIII. HOW SILVER CITY SAM CHEATED DEATH. BLENDING with those fierce words came the irregular rattle of exploding firearms, bright flashes briefly lighting up the gloom in that quarter, while more than one pellet of lead gave an unearthly screech as it glanced off from one of the surrounding bowlders, Absalom Nesbitt gave a hoarse scream of fierce joy at those sounds, then crouched as low as possible over the croupe of his un- easy steed, shouting aloud: ‘Kill him! A thousand dollars for his Don’t let him— Kill the devil, I tell A mocking laugh burst from the Man of Fire, and where that glowing skeleton had showed so distinctly but an instant before, now was naught save utter darkness! As though by work of magic the Skeleton Road agent vanished, leaving the sharp- shooters wholly without a ‘target to hurl their lead at! A brief pause of dismay; then the aston- ished men rallied, one of their number shout- ing sternly: “jump in, lads! Spread out and take all ye strike, dead or alive! He can’t get away! Now with a rush, ye bulldogs!” He set the example, charging direct for the spot where that ghostly semblance had last been seen, one hand gripping a cocked revolver, its mate held in readiness for a «+ two proved how closely bis more or less | death-grapple. shattered wits clung to the idea of wrongs | t» be avenged. | p It was a painful journey for Absalom Nesbitt, in more than one sense of the term, but luckily it was of no great duration. Coming to a balt amidst a waste of bare rocks and gray bowlders, the Man of Fire _ wuceled the burdened horse around so that | acs helpless rider might gaze upon—what? | ‘* Wait, and ye shall see, Absalom Nes- | vitt!” spoke his ghostly guide, leaving the | animal ty that rock, over which he first toss- | ed the long reins. ‘‘ Now, behold what fol- lows in your evil wake!” From one outstretched hand came a bright }«t phosphorescent glow, revealinga ghastly | object propped up against yonder bowlder: | nothing less than the corpse which had given | Silver City Sam such an uncomfortable shock only a few hours earlier! ull upon that branded face shone the | glimmering light, then lowering to more dis- | tinctly reveal the sable hand so plainly im- ' pressed upon that broad breast. A gasp which told how complete was the | surprise; then a low cry of horror from the | Ups of the prisoner. ‘“* You pitiless demon! Jonah Cain—dead —murdered! And you did this, you devil | from Hades!” Here and there his fellows rushed, trip- ing and stumbling over stones in the gloom, holding but a single thought — to come to close quarters with him of the fiery frame! It was a blind and aimless charge, yet none could have done better under the same circumstances, and many would have done far less, Stung by one of those hasty shots, the horse upon which Nesbitt was bound, reared and snapped the bridle short off, wheeling to start away in crazy flight; but, fortunately for the magnate of Gopher Slope, one strong armed fellow caught at that tossing head and maintained his grip until the animal was , brought under subjection once more, ‘‘]’m bound fast; cut me loose!” cried Nes. bitt, hoarsely. This was quickly done, when he tumbled rather than sprung out of the saddle, his voice lifted higher than ever. ‘Kill that devil, men! Run him down and show him no more mercy than he show- ed poor Jonah Cain, yonder!” ‘‘Where is he gone? Who was he and— show him to us, then!” ‘‘Hunt him down! Scatter and find— he can’t have gone far! I'll pay a cool thou- sand for him, dead or living!” Surely that was incentive enongh without other inducement, and the little squad of armed citizens made close and thorough search of that vicivity, joined by Nesbitt who constantly urged them on, even after he must have felt further quest was uscless. That search lasted until none could mus- ter further hope, after which the vain quest was reluctantly abandoned for that time. The men gathered at the point where the luckless superintendent of the Coupon Mine had met his grim fate, and there Absalom Nesbitt struck a light to take a more thor- ough view of the corpse. A grim spectacle, surely! The double brand, the knife which yet re- mained in the death-wound, the expression of unutterable horror which was death- frozen upon that bronzed face: all combined tosend a cold chill creeping through each man’s veins. But this quickly gave place to a glow of flerce vengeance, and both loud and deep were the curses showered upon the Death- watch to whom alone this foul deed could be attributed. After another useless search for the miss- ing slayer, the quest was abandoned for that night, and under direction of Nesbitt, the branded corpse was lifted from the rocks and bound in place upon the wounded horse, Then, slowly picking the way through the darkness, relieved at intervals by the sailing moon, the little company took up their journey to Gopher Slope. Meanwhile, what of the Skeleton Rider? As he gave that mocking laugh, the mys- terious being crouched Jow down to earth, at the same time shaking free a thin but ample cloak from around his neck and shoul- ders, and covered by this as with a sable pall, he swept swiftly away through those thick-lying rocks which shielded his person from the fast-flying lead. His movements were so nearly noiseless as to seem fairly supernatural, and with naught to guide either aim or grip, little wonder that the men from Gopher Slope were wholly at a loss, Thus giving his enemies the slip, the Skeleton Rider hurried away through the darkness, swinging around in order to again strike the point where he had mounted Ab- salom Nesbitt upon the horse for his ride to , the branded corpse, Pausing near this place long enough to make fairly sure none of his enemies were on the right scent, the Man of Fire, still eis wrapped in his gossamer-like cloak, silently moved on to the cunningly concealed mouth of a cave; entering, he found himself once more at home. A few rapid movements served to remove all traces of that curious fire which glowed but never burned; then,he moved onward for a brief space, only coming to a halt when a sharv voice broke the silence ahead: ‘*Who’s there?” As though tbat challenge formed a signal, the skeleton of fire once, more flamed up, serving te illumine a space of several feet around the strange being who had been so busy that night; and as it moved forward a few ya ds, another shape was brought into the ghostly light. A pale yet stern face, with big eyes on the alert. face and eyes both belonging to the Silv. - City delegate! A brief silence, ag .in: ‘Who and what are you, anyway? Speak out! You can’t scare me with your hum- buggery, old cock!” A brief laugh came from the death-mask, as though its owner was pleased rather than offended by that blunt address, And then the Skelejon Rider spoke up in turn: “Who am I, do you ask?” “‘T know what men call call you, but I'd rather hear what you have to say for your own self, first. So, once more: what and who are you?” : “For one thing, I am the person who saved you from death or broken bones, this evening, early,” came the steady response, ‘© You fell down the old shaft where-—” “Fell?” echoed Silver City Sam, with a touch of indignation in his denial. ‘‘ No, then Sheldon spoke

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OT TR a a 6a ie nai EES never fell. Those dirty whelps dumped me | when I couldn’t help myself; and if I ever—” ‘Peace, stranger!’ came the interrup- tion, as one hand of fire lifted in a quick ges- ture. ‘‘I have no wish to pry into your private affairs, even as I would resent in- | quisition in my own case. So, one word fur- ther, I pray you. ‘“When you came down here, you struck | partly upon me, partly upon my good steed, and that served to break your fall, for which—” ‘“*For which I owe you many thanks, noble spook!” broke in Silver City Sam, with a vein of earnestness underlying that light tone. ‘‘Unless— I say, most noble spook!” ‘ ‘*Beware of saying too much, foolish oy y? ‘*Oh, Isay, now! If I’m a boy, where'd you get your men?” demanded the High- roller, in a tone of injured pride. But the jest seemed wholly wasted upon that strange being, and in even tones the Skeleton Road-agent spoke on: *‘ As I explained, you owe your life to me and to my horse, although we had no means of knowing what was about to hap- pen. Still, we did save you from broken bones, if no worse.” ‘For all of which I’m willing to pay full price when my ship comes in. And—when does my turn to preach roll ’round, gentle host?” ‘* Wait,” with another imperious gesture. “‘Tf ever your story is told unto men, they will call you liar unless— Yet your face is hardly that of a treacherous cur!” “Tf it was, I’d sue it for libel!” declared the man from Silver City, with an under- current of earnestness which could not be easily misinterpreted. ‘‘But, since you seem to lean that way, why have you trussed me up so cm ied snugly?” ‘‘In order to make sure my intuition was not false. First: what have you seen and heard since you regained your senses?” There was a brief pause; then Silver City Sam asked a question in his turn: “‘ Shall I answer that query as though you asked it, sir, or as if it came from the lips of an outsider?” “Should I say the last?” a te you put it ip that shape, though?” oe: ‘Then, haven’t seen a blamed thing, and I’ve heard twice as little,” came the instant response. ‘Tf I really thought you meant all that!” * Well, sir, I can’t offer my hand to back up my word, for reasons which I reckon you know just as well as I could tell you,” spoke the bound detective, ‘‘ but I'll say just this much more: “You saved my life... I’m white and free- born. I wear no man’s collar save my own, And whether or no you ask a solemn pledge to that effect, | mean to hold my hush about the manner in which I cheated the death those two precious scoundrels planned for my especial benefit.” 5 Silver City Sam ceased like a man who had fully said his say, and for a brief space silence reigned there in the subterranean re- treat. “. Presently the Skeleton Rider broke that silence with the words: st You may be no better than other men I've met, to my sorrow; yet I feek that I can trust you this far. Now, - listen, please! ; ‘* Promise me, on the honor of a man and a gentleman, that you will never teveal aught you may have seen or heard whi” | ly- ing here in bonds, That you will never seek to return to this spot, either by day or by night, on your own account or throug, the hare any other living being. “se i ‘*T give you my word of honor, and if I ever break it in letter or in spirit, may I take another tumble without your being there to save my miserable neck,” promptly promised the prisoner. His pledge was accepted, and a moment later his bonds yielded to the edge of a keen | ‘blade, and that hand of fire assisted him to his fect. ‘* Permit me to bandage your eyes for a few minutes,” gravely said Rider, suiting action to words. oe ou give me this pledge in return * for your liberty, sir?” Rae : | the “ Skeleton | a Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. Sees a exes " ee $3 9 Silver City Sam made no resistance, what- ever he may have felt, for he knew that this was escaping far more cheaply than he | had any right to expect, after all he had | heard concerning this living enigma, When his eyes were securely bandaged, he was led away for a considerable distance, presently emerging from the tunnel or cave into open air, as he could readily tell. Then, after a winding journey, he was halted while his grim guide spoke quickly: ‘* Wait here while you can count one hun- dred beats of your pulse, then you are at liberty to go your way—under oath!” After counting one hundred, Sheldon re- moved the bandage, to find himsclf standing in the stage-road, with the lights of Gopher Slope in sight! ‘ CHAPTER IX. A WARNING IN RED AND RLACK, ALTHOUGH it was considerably later than his customary hour when he sought his vir- tuous couch under the roof-tree of the Car- bonate Hotel that night, Absalom Nesbitt was out of bed at an early hour the next morning. Very little sleep had visited his eyes dur- ing those brief hours of darkness, and when ever he did doze away, ’twas but to struggle with terrifying visions of death in life, where he was tight-locked in death-grapple with some fiery skeleton, or whirling in a crazy waltz with a branded corpse to music of shin-bones and fleshless fingers. Rising, then, in the gray of early dawn, Absalom pushed aside the curtain of dark calico, then stood in front of his small mirror, turning head from side to side in order to more closely inspect his sore throat. Time and again had he dreamed: of its bearing that ugly brand of the Sable Hand, and even now he could hardly satisfy te pag no such misfortune had befallen im. Sore, painful, swollen, and bearing slight- ly discolored marks to testify how fiercely those skeleton fingers had held their grip; but. he failed to find the burnt and blistered brand which had grown so notorious of re- cent days. “‘That devil! I thought—Ifeared— Who was he, anyway?” An answer was ready, but the mine mag- nate choked it back with a half-nervous shud- der as he flashed a quick glance around the chamber, **No! He's dead and— Ugh! And even if he should be living— But he isn’t, and it can’t be—just can’t be—that!” Muttering thus the magnate turned from the glass to complete his toilet, dressing with unusual care, although for years past he had been rather noted for his sleek and comely array. And as he dressed, muttered sentences dropped from his lips, some disconnected and far from coberent, but others coming in closer sequence and indicating a vein of argu- ment which might mean far more than show- ed upon the surface, ‘““A devil—surely he was that? If not, how could he contrive to foolish us all, so often? And yet, was he? “What made him charge me’ with— What did fhe mean by my ill-gotten gains? And, the Lucky Strike! if 1 tnought—but, that’s nonsense: worse than nonsense! ‘** He’s dead—too dead for kicking, even! And—if it should be he? If Martin White —and that girl: she asked about the Lucky Strike, and she gave the name of—-could she be any relative of—bah!” Absalom Nesbitt clinched a fat hand and made a savage stroke at the empty vision thus unwillingly summoned. For nearly a minute hésaid nothing more, continuing his matutinal arrangements with hurried movements. : ' But the ghost of the past would not down so readily, and presently further mutterings gréw audible. ‘“He’s dead—surely dead! And yet it sounded almost as though Martin White had come’back to ask— Who else could know about the old mine, and the manner in which— Steady, Ab. Nesbitt!’ Again he checked an unruly tongue, mov- ing in front of the glass to put the finishing touches to his toilet, scowling darkly as he ——————————————— NE EEE————— en saw those discolored spots telling where the fingers of fire had bruised if they did not burn, Just ss he was settling his collar and smoothing out his silken tie, Nesbitt was startled by a sound of rapid footsteps with- out, then a half-dozen sharp raps assailed his chamber door on the outer side. “‘Who’s there? What's wanting?” ‘“‘Only me: Perry Castle, boss, More nasty work over by the big tree,so I thought— Reckon maybe you’d better turn out, sir, for— Oh!” The burly henchman recoiled as that bar- rier swung sharply open, to reveal the wholly-dressed magnate, hat on head and cane in hand. ‘The bullet in tree do you mean, Castle ‘That's what’s the matter, sir. I was just—” “‘What’s gone wrong over yonder?” ‘Well, that notice you had posted, sir, calling for a superintendent for the mine—” ‘*T know: what about it?’ ‘*More devil’s work!” declared the excited last 9)? man. ‘‘The Death-watch was here, night, and—” ; “‘The Death-watch?” echoed Nesbitt, scowling. ‘‘You’re gone crazy, man! I don’t believe any such trash as that!” ‘Then come and see for your own self!” fairly exploded Castle, beating a retreat as rapid as had been his advance, Nesbitt followed, quickly descending the flight of narrow stairs and emerging from the hotel in the early morning. Although that threatening storm had pass- ed by without actually breaking or letting rain fall, it had cleared the atmosphere and all was fresh and bracing. ; Early though the hour was, the mine- owner found others afoot in the now golden dawn, and his naturally florid face faded somewhat as he came in sight of the great pine which was locally known as the **bulletin-tree.” Already quite a little crowd had gathered there, one and all showing strong intcrest in ~ —what? Above their heads was a board, to which a large sheet of paper had been tacked, and now—Nesbitt gave a muttered imprecation as his still keen eyes caught sight of thos> significant additions. ‘*Make way, please!” ‘he sternly spoke, and strode on until fairly in front of the bulletin-board. . Upon that board was fastened the notice he himself had dictated when he found Jonah Cain was stubbornly deaf to all the argu- ments he could offer. That notice was headed in big capitals “WANTED,” and beneath the bold caption ran the words: ‘‘A Superintendent, to run the Coupon, on Hoodoo Hill, strictly in the interests of the owners. No coward need apply, but double wages await the right sort of man. Apply to A. Nesbitt, Esq.” The gentleman whose name was thereto appended did not stop to read those printed lines just then, for he had fresher food for interest. An addition had been made to-his adver- tisement, and that of a truly unique nature: a veritable warning in red and black! A sable right hand was clearly impressed upon the white paper, and just over it showed the bloody blade of a bowie-knife, the keen point of which had been driven through the board and deep into the tree itself. : It was by no means difficult to compre- hend what sort of warning was conveyed by those significant additions, and Nesbitt caught his breath sharply as he cast an al- most involuntary glance around him. Quite a little crowd had gathered near the bulletin-tree. warned of what had happened, and among these curious spectators Absalom took more particular notice of a tall, grace- ful, more than comely ‘“‘sport” in silk bat and ‘boiled shirt,” known as ‘‘ Doc,” ‘* Doe Brierly,” whose jetty mustaches were just then slightly curling with a half-amused, half-cynical smile. ‘Good-morning, Judge!” was his easy salutation, accompanied by a nod of friendly recognition, ‘‘ An eye-opener, if not exactly an appetizer, isn’t it?” “>

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1 “Tf I thought— Who has dared play “Try to use that gun, Jacky, and [fll such a clumsy joke?” No immediate answer came to this angry demand, but looks were interchanged, and broad shoulders were shrugged significant- ly. ‘‘Doc” smiled anew, one white hand go- ing up to smooth his immaculate mus- taches, or to mask a mirth which uncom- fortabiy stung the magnate of Gopher Slope. * Well, Judge, if a jest, it’s one which both cuts and blisters,” was his next remark, ‘One can hardly say that he don’t know where to look for the point, even if he can’t see it at first glance!” A little laugh greeted this sally, yet it was plain the greater part of that assembly felt awed rather than amused. This was not the first time those silent warnings had been made visible, and nearly as often death or loss had either borne them company or closely followed after. ‘If I only knew— What does all this tomfoolery mean, anyhow?” Nesbitt scarcely realized what words were passing hig lips, for his rage was growing furious, all the more because he felt his own impotence so acutely. Doc Brierly laughed again, this time with- out taking the trouble to mask his amuse- ment, and a moment later offered his inter- pretation of those grim symbols, ‘Surely you ought not to feel at a loss, Judge? The hint is sufticiently plain for a blind man to read as he runs.” ‘It’s a hint that— Whatdo you mean, anyway?” ** You offer double wages for a superin- tendent, and—right there they are! Black Hand and Bloody Knife! And the Death. watch stands pledged to pay full wages to the new official!” A low murmur ran through the crowd; then Esau Gray spoke up from where he stood near the outer edge of that assem- blage: “Only a fool would think of taking the situation after such a hint as this!” ** Better fool than knave, my croaker, and T’ll fill the position unless a better man slips in ahead of me!” A clear voice with a manly ring to it, coming from only a few feet away from the other speaker; but Esau Gray gave a low ex- clamation and half crouched as he turned swiftly at those words. His face turned pale as its coating of sun- paint would permit, for he saw before him the handsome face of the Silver City dele- ate, looking marvelously alive and healthy for a corpse! [never— Satan burn you!” Esau gasp- ed then rallying as swiftly he jerked pistol from scabbard and flungit forward as though he would add rurder to that curse. 3ut Silver City Sam ‘‘had been there be- fore,” and with a supple swaying of his body, he caught that wrist and turned the weapon aside, then shot out his good right arm and tightly-clinched fist. CHAPTER X. THE COOL HAND FROM SILVER CITY. Swirr as thought and heavy as fate fell that blow, and stout knave though he un- doubtedly was, Esau Gray left his feet and pitched backward, fairly knocked out of time. At the same instant he delivered his blow, Silver City Sam dexterously twisted that dangerous weapon out of the fellow’s hand, giving it a toss in air which sent the pistol whirling over the startled crowd and far away, to be lost for the time being Without giving Esau a glance, Sheldon steadied himself. both hands arming on the instant as he flashed a keen look around. With an easy gesture his arms bent up- ward until those grim muzzles rested lightly against bis shoulders, in which position the representatiive from Silver City tersely spoke: “Keep your linen on, gentlemen, I beg of ou! I never did care about getting plugged te a cur, and so—will you go easy, Mr. Jack Ellison?” One of those weapons smoothly shifted position to catch the drop upon a second Startled knave, but instead of shooting, Silver City Sam merely spoke: + turn your heels up for all time! And you, gentlemen—one word, please!” ‘*Who and what are you to come ruffling around here after this fashion?’ sternly de- manded Doc Brierly, moving a bit nearer that center of interest. ‘* Half-white and free-born, no less! This is a private quarrel of ours, and no gentle- man will thrust in his oar without invitation. I know enough of Gopher Slope to feel as- sured of so much, anyway! How is it, my good friends?” This was an adroit appeal, and brought an instant response. ‘Give ’em room a’cordin’!” ‘‘Pen ’em up an’ let ’em fight it out, wild bull an’ grizzly b’ar fashion! Whooray fer the fun, anyhow, an’ durn the expense!” Silver City Sam smiled broadly at this, for he felt fairly well assured that no double- banking would be permitted on this occa- sion. ‘« That’s all right, and I'll play either one of those gentle pets, gentlemen; only—Esau has turned out to pasture, and Jacky couldn’t be hauled into such an arena with log-chains and ten yoke of oxen!” Ellison made another move, but that men acing muzzle stared him full in the face, and he dared go no further Silver City Sam felt that he held the key to the situation at present, but he knew, too, how fickle such an assembly can show itself, and he deemed it wisest to make his own position as clear as might be. “‘ As I said, gentlemen. this is a sort of private quarrel, but there’s no such mighty secret about it, after all. ‘The facts run something like this, and— Hold your hush, Jacky, or I’ll sink a mineral shaft clean through that hat-rack of yours!” ‘Give the man a fair show, can’t you?’’ sternly cut in Brierly. ‘If l’m not giving him heap sight fairer show than he gave me when we first met up with each other, then I'll eat my hat and you can bave what's left. stranger!” ‘*Don't you believe him if he says—” ‘Button that lip, Jack Ellison, or you'll hit another snag right where you live,” coid- ly warned Perry Castle, gun out and held in readiness for prompt use.’ ‘‘ And you, stranger, talk a chalk-line, for there’s one big black mark scored against you, already!” ‘‘Merely a modern instance of poor dog Tray, pardner!” coolly asserted the Silver City representative, as he recognized the bur- ly citizen. ‘‘If I don’t show that to your perfect satisfaction—” ‘* Business!” ‘All right, and business goes! Now— hear my sweet bazoo, all! F ‘We met by chance, Esau, Jacky and I. It just happened so, you understand, so far as I was concerned, although I’m not so mighty certain about the other two-thirds of that meeting, but you can judge for ycur. selves later on. ' It so happened that I helped those two sweet-scented ducks out of a pretty tight box, because I really believed they were te: ing wrongfully imposed upun, ‘*Instead, I now believe I was in the wrong, and I stand ready to beg humble pardon of the gentlemen I interfered with on that occasion,” Silver City Sam smiled broadly as he gave an affable nod in the direction of Perry Cas- tle, but that worthy made no sign, lost no whit of his stern bearing or dark scow! as he stood gun in hand. ‘‘Wasn’t you in the same box?” surlily demanded Ellison, yet fearing to make a more aggressive defense so long as that re- volver pointed his way with such annoying accuracy, ‘*Like old Tray of the blne speller; just so,” came the ready retort. ‘‘ But don’t for get that I’m telllng this little story, Jacky!” “Tell it straight, then, curse ye!” ‘Straight as a good rope with one end over a stout limb and the other hugging your blessed neck, Jacky! Now-—to you, gentle- men! ‘*T got those two knaves out of an ugl scrape, thinking them as innocent of all wrong as my own mother’s darling; and— what was my reward? : Silver City Sam. the High-Roller Detective. ‘* Just this: they fell behind far enough to slug me from the rear, in the dusk, then dumped me into an old shaft, just as though I didn’t cost a red cent, and me wearing my Sunday-go-to-meetingss too!” This blunt accusation caused quite a little eet sensation among the assembly, but Jack ~ Ellison was stung into an angry denial, sav- agely bursting out with: ‘*That’s an infernal shoot!” With a pantherish leap Silver City Sam crossed nearly all the ground lying between them, thrusting his revolver fairly into the pale face of the exposed rascal, sternly cry- ing out: ‘Take back the lie, you scoundrel! your words or chaw lead!” ‘** Don’t—don’t shoot!” “I will shoot, asd shoot to kill without you apologize for— LEat that lie, you cur!” The sole alternative appeared to be death, and Ellison was not ready for that departure from this world. He shrunk a bit, but that ugly muzzle followed him just as closeiy, those blue eyes fairly ablaze as they enforced that stern command, ‘Talk or croak, Jacky!” Ellison hardly knew what words passed his lips, further than that he meant to save his life by apologizing; but Silver City Sam seemed satisfied with the empty form, and witn a touch of scorn underlying his words, he added: : ‘That's sufficient, Jacky. Now, take a fool’s advice and pretend you’re half-way de- cent after this, And—better look to your pardner yonder, or he may over-sleep his dinner!” Gladly enough Ellison turned to bend over the still prostrate shape of Esau Gray, while Silver City Sam resumed his interrupt- ed explanation. “T reckon you've got the heft of it all, gentlemen, but I'll just say this much more, and I’m saying it the same as though I was on oath. “Those two curs downed me from behind, and then dumped me down some sort of hole in the ground: a deserted shaft, I fancy!” Through all Doc Brierly had listened with the rest, but now a smile of incredulity curled his neat mustaches, and he sharply asked: " “Tf ’twas a deserted shaft, and you was first knocked stiff, how did you escape it all, stranger?” Silver City Sam stood face to face, eye to eye for a little while, then his own lip curled, and he crisply made retort: ‘‘Fell on a big chunk of compressed air, and that saved my precious bones. Climbed up a moonbeam, and that took me out of the hole. Anything else, my Gear sir?” This shot was of the right caliber to fit the crowd, and a pretty general laugh fol- lowed it up Doc Brierly shrugged his shapel ders as he turned away, evidently feeling it below his level to measure wits with this ready-tongued stranger. On his part, Silver City Sam moved a bit closer to the bulletin-pine, coolly read- ing that defaced sign before taking further action; but when he had sufficiently mas- lie, for— Don’t Hat _ shoul- ~ . tered that notice, he turned toward Absalom . Nesbitt as though guided by pure instinct, quietly speaking: “ [ll take that situation, sir, if you'll take me ” . Nesbitt looked keenly at his face and ~ figure, summing this cool hand up after his own peculiar fashion before making re- ply. ** Whut do you know about mining, first?” he asked, bluntly. ‘ ‘“Not much, that’s an honest fact, sir: ° but I’m a man, and that seems to be the - main qualification for the place, judging from your sign. I know enough to boss others at work, and if this genius of the Black Hand and Bloody Knife—” * Well?” ‘*T’ll make it well,” came the coolly confi- dent addition. ‘* Who are you, anyway ?” ‘* As for my name, that is Samuel Sheldon, sometimes called Silver City Sam. As for my business, I’m one of those peculiar eusses they call detectives, and—” «You are—what?” @egenh4 Qey te ee ct te

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TT RS a 7" - > = < - Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. “A detective, if you'll let me claim the title. A detective out of a job, too as luck would have it. And so—well, when I sat around listening to all these bugaboo yarns about a Skeleton Rider, a Death-watch, a Black Hand and Bloody Knife spook—I reckoned maybe I might make a ten-strike 7 moseying over the range to this sec- ion. * Right there you have it in a solid chunk, Mr. Nesbitt. Take me, and if I don’t do you good, I'll never do you harm, Any- Way, you'll not be called upon to furnish the sand to fill my craw in case of trouble.” “How much of this is wind, and how much solid business?” shrewdly asked the mine-owner, after a brief scrutiny of that boldly handsome countenance. ‘“‘That shows you. don’t know a man when you see him, in spite of your adver- tising for one.” coolly retorted Sheldon. - er right, and we'll play I never asked for a job.” “Wait, man; don’t be in such a mighty rush, If I thought you could do even one- half what you hint at—” **Beg pardon, sir, but I neither hint nor make my brags. I’m not trying to squeeze @ situation out of you, for I can worry along without working for wages if I have to. ‘IT came over mainly to buck against this spookish outfit, but when I saw this sign —well, there’s no sin in trying to com- a business with pleasure, that I know re) ? ‘* Of course not, sir, and l’m not so certain— If I thought you could fill the place—” “Don’t think anything more about it, I be of you, sir, for now I'm not so mighty sure care to accept the place,” coolly cut in the Man from Silver City, turning away and drawing a bit nearer the spot to which Elli- son had removed his temporarily disabled comrade. By this time Esau Gray had regained his consciousness, although he still looked dazed and far from himself. One jaw was dis- colored and rapidly swelling up where that stecl-like fist had smote it, and Silver City Sam smiled grimly as he took note of his handi- work. ‘* Waking up, are you?” was his cool salu- tation, paying no attention to those ugly scowls which greeted his coming. ‘‘That’s right. ’T'would have cost me a bucket of salty tears had I knocked your fool’ head off its base; and that’s a scandalous fact!” “‘T'll pay you off for this if it kills me!” hoarsely vowed Gray. **That’s just what I intruded on you for. You'll find my office always open whenever you care for a scrimmage; but—mind this, both! ‘Don’t bother unless you mean solid busi- ness, I put up at the Carbonate until fur- ther notice. So-long, my brace of beauties!” and Silver City Sam moved leisurely away, arms akimbo and hat rakishly cocked. CHAPTER XI. THE MAGNATE SEEKS ADVICE. StLveR Crry Sam’s movements were closely watched by Absalom Nesbitt, the in- terest awakened bv this cool hand from up-country apparently overshadowing that Which had brought him abroad at such an early hour. The mine-owner seemed widely awake, now, and clearly had rallied from his tem- porary loss of nerve at sight of the all too significant symbols, His full lip curled just a trifle as he saw how jauntily Sheldon moved away after let- ting fall that thinly-disguised warning, and he gave a half-nod of approval while taking in those graceful yet athletic outlines, He'd ought to bea good man if he can act as well as he talks,” was his terse com- ment; then he wheeled to again face the pine tree against which his ‘‘ want” had en posted, He appeared to study both hand and knife; then he produced a blue pencil, and reaching upward, made a few strokes watched with } interest by the crowd remaining, In bold, distinct characters a that addition: aracters all might read “$500.00 for the owner of this knife!’ Pausing only long enough to mak. his meaning had been fairly get. forth, Nes. bitt turned with back to the bulletin-tree, removing his silk hat and lifting the right hand like one asking attention. Instant silence followed, to be broken a few seconds later by the mine-owner. ‘*Friends and fellow-citizens! Although it seems hardly necessary for me to expend good breath over such an insolent outrage as this, I feel as though I’d better say a few words, more for Gopher Slope and its fair fame than for my own credit, however. ‘‘There is not a living soul within reach of my voice this morning but knows right well how bitterly disgraced we all have been by this infernal trickster and abominable as- sassin the Death-watch, Skeleton Rider, Black Hand—what ye will!” * ‘By any other name he’d stink just as loud!” bluntly declared big Perry Castle. ‘Which would not so much matter, were it not that Gopher Slope and all who owe this fair city allegiance are cast into ill odor on his account! So long as such vile out- rages are permitted to take place without punishinent, just so long will we remain a laughing-stock for outsiders! ‘*Tt’s not this insult I’m minding so much, gentlemen,” with a wave of his fat hand to- ward that mutilated poster. ‘‘ That is bad enough, but how much worse when a hu- man life is snuffed out like a—like poor Jonah Cain was squelched, only last night, or yesterday, rather!” An ominous sound ran through the crowd, and brows darkened while toil-hardened hands gripped weapons with vengeful force, ‘Tf that killing had been the first, one might set it down to a private grudge, or rsonal feud, but we all know different | rom that. It is because Cain was in my employ; because Jonah worked atthe Coupon for wages; because some cunning demon thinks to scare me into abandoning this field and sacrificing my hard-earned property for a song! % ‘That 1'll never do, though refusing may cost me my life. I'll fight it out on this line, let Satan himself enlist against me! ‘But, friends, one and all; don’t forget that this shames and disgraces you to the full as much, and that nothing less than the death or capture of this infernal trickster will wipe away the foul blot! ‘*Now, I'll give five hundred dollars for the person who planted this knife and made tbis brand upon my advertisement! ‘“‘T’ll give twice as much for the villain who plays the Death-watch, and I'll pay the colu cash for his dead body if that comes easier than taking him alive! ‘* Of course the offer of head-money alone won't do the job, but I feel confident that all honest citizens will jcin hands with me in trying to rid this section of such a curse and general disgrace to the community.” With those words by way of finishing- touch, Nesbitt put on his hat and strode from the bulletin-tree, at the same time mak- ing a covert signal which did not escape the watchful eye of Perry Castle. Apparently forgetting that he had gone abroad without first taking his customary meal, Nesbitt pagsed through a portion of the town until reaching the rather diminutive structure which served him as office and headquarters in general, where he was short- ly after joined by Castle. The latter wore an expectant look, and he was not kept long in suspense as to the mean- ing oe that signal, for the mine-owner blunt- ly said: ve What do you think of that fellow, Cas- tle?” : «Silver City, sir?” *“Of course. What do you make of him, anyway?” * Well, sir, I reckon he’s a mighty good little man, after all, if I did make a mistake in jumping him so brash, last evening.” ‘‘How was that? He wasn’t singing a fairy tale, then, over yonder?” ‘*Well, scarcely he wasn’t!” avowed Cas- tle, with a grim smile as be recalled his own discomfiture of the past evening. Nesbitt seemed curious to hear the whole story, and Castle lost little time in gratifying his wishes. \ He told a straight yarn, making no effort to gloss over his own far from brilliant role, iving the Silver City delegate all the credit ue. ‘TI wouldn’t have believed it if anybody’d told me ahead of time, sir, but there she was: knocked me out without half trying, then gave the other boys such a holy bounce their joints haven't got fairly limbered up yet!” ‘‘If he was dealing on the square, why take such long chances?” ‘* Well, that’s pretty much the way I look- ed at it, first-off,” frankly admitted Castle, with a half-rueful grin. ‘* And later on?” ‘*T ciphered it cut altogether different. You see, sir, I don’t mind owning up that I was rubbing in the dirt pretty smart, for the sight of Jonah, all branded like—ugh!” ‘* Pass that. Go on.” “That made me sweat under the collar, — and I reckon Samuel thought ’twas going to be hanging beforetrying. Anyway, he gave me the grand dump, and served the boys pretty much the same fashion, then left us to mosey home as best we might with fins hitched to the rear.” ‘You don’t think this cool hand is—can he be this infernal Death-watcb, think?” Nesbitt lowered his tone and flashed a swift glance around before putting that fancy as a question; but Perry Castle shook his head decidedly. ‘*No, sir; I’d take my Bible-oath he isn’t.” y The mine-owner frowned teh pinching his full under-lip with thumb and forefinger as he stared at bec for a few moments; then he abruptly asked: ‘Who can it be, then? Who could, or who would play such a risky part for what” can be made by it?” Perry hesitated, but only for a moment, then responding: ‘* Well, sir, I’m thinking Esau Gray and Jack Ellison could do a little talking if they were pinched after the right fashion!” ‘‘What! You surely don’t think they are this demon?” ‘‘No, not just that, sir,” was the response. ‘But their boss may be it!” ‘You mean—surely not Brierly?” Evidently that hint was powerfully stir- ring the mine-owner, for he betrayed un- usual agitation; but Castle held his own .tight well, giving a grim nod as he spo ‘« That’s the name, sir, and if it wasn’t for one thing—” ‘‘ What thing is that?” ‘* Martin White—” } ‘* Drop that, you fool!” exploded Nesbitt, with savage emphasis. ‘‘He’s dead and done for, long since! He’s out of the ques- tion, as no man knows better than yourself,” - ‘Drop it goes, sir,” obediently yielded the henchman. ‘‘And that puts me back to where I was before. Doc Brierly; I mean it, too,”’ as the mine-owner shook his head. ‘* Tt can’t be; simply absurd and impossible, Castle!” ‘“Why so? Those fellows sneeze when- ever Doc Brierly takes snuff, and let him point a finger and either Gray or Ellison would go hot-foot to Satan’s home. That is, they stand ready to do what he plans.” ‘** But I can’t see—why would he run such mighty risks?” ** Not without hopes of getting well paid, be sure of that,’’ quickly retorted the other. ‘* How paid, though?” “Well, the Coupon would pay mighty long profits if allowed to run straight, wouldn’t she?” “‘Of course; but, as it stands now—” ‘“‘She’s falling in value day by day; just so! And that, maybe, explains it all. Brierly has offered to take the property off vour hands, hasn’t he?” “*Yes, but he eg sete at my figures.” ‘* Just so. But if you are forced to sell at his figures, *twould be big money in his pocket, provided the Death-watch should grow tired of playing the spookish devil just about that same time. Wouldn't it?” But Nesbitt shook his head once more, like one far from being convinced by the reason- - ing, shrewd though Castle evidently con- sidered it “All right, boss, and I’m not kicking. You asked my opinion, and I’ve given it for what’s it’s worth. Now, what else can [ do for you?” here was no immediate response, Nesbitt - sitting motionless, hands on widely separated ~ knees, head drooping almost to his chest, — eyes fixed on the bare pine floor. After a bit he look ly: Vie I say, Castle!” keon: - up, speaking abrupt— _

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12 Silver City Sam the High-Roller Detective. ii ** Say it, boss.” : ‘“What do you think about hiring this Silver City Sam as superintendent of the Coupon, anyway?” CHAPTER XII. AN OPENING FOR SILVER CITY SAM. ‘*To work, or to fight the demon?” ‘* Well, call it both. Do you reckon he could fairly fill the bill?” ‘*‘ He’d make a fair stagger at it, I reckon. And being a new hand at the bellows, may- be he'd make a better fist at it than any of the rest of us could.” ‘‘Unless hes in the scheme, himself!’ dubiously muttered Nesbitt, ugly doubts re- fusing to down at his will. ‘*If so, wouldn’t it be better so have the fellow right where you would know where to find him?” shrewdly questioned Castle. ‘* Maybe it would, and so—go look him up and fetch him here, will you, Castle?” ‘All right, boss; the fetch goes.” Perry left the office, and its owner sunk into deep thought when left alone, passing an ugly half-hour. Was it man, ghost or devil haunting him of recent weeks? Could it be that, after all, these blood- chilling events had naught to do with the past over which he had drawn a dark veil, but were merely cunning schemes to swindle him out of his nearly priceless mine? Was Doc Brierly playing an audacious game for the Coupon? True, the gambler, sport, man of chance, had made him such offer when the whole of Gopher Slope was shaken from center to circumference by an unusually bold crime, ostensibly committed by the ‘* Death- watch,” but had he been so deeply in earn- est? ‘‘No, I can’t make it seem that way!” Nesbitt told himself as he sat there striv- ing to bring light out of darkness, ‘‘ He’d take it at a tenth of its true valuation, just as he’d pick up the long end of any bet, for a flyer; but—no, no! I’ve got to look further than Doc Brierlyl” And his memory turned back much fur- ther; turned back to the days of old, when Gopher Slope was yet unborn, when the Coupon was the Lucky Strike, and one of those who héld the strongest faith in its glorious future was named—Martin White But, he was dead: dead and turned to nothingness, long since! “That girl—her name—and why did she call the Coupon by that old title? White— Miss White, she said! And—old Martin used to prate and prose about a little girl who'd welcome his coming home with a fortune breaking his back to carry! And—” Nesbitt looked warily around him, through the two dingy windows, out at the open door, then breathed barely above his breath: ‘Tf this should be Martin’s little girl, better not—she’'ll not live to wear gray hairs unless—ugh!” He broke off with a little shiver as though struck by a cold, draft, and banishing that fair face he recalled the time he had seen those grim symbols of black hand and red- dened blade. Thrice had he seen them in connection with dead men. Jonah Cain made the third victim, all similarly marked with the hand and carrying the knife. Three victims, and each one intimately connected with the Coupon! Besides these, many mysteriously deliver- ed warnings had come to himself, all _bear- ing those brands, or else signed ‘‘ Death- watch.” No one seemed able to explain the mys- tery, and no reward he might offer had as yet brought even the faintest clue to the author of those warnings, those atrocious crimes. When all this is taken into consideration, it is hardly to be marveled at that the mine magnat2 gave a glad start as he recognized the heavy tread of his returning messenger, or that his full face lighted up with a sem- blance of joy as he caught sight of both Castle and Silver City Sam. The two men crossed that threshold at his invitation, and with an admirable air of business, Sheldon broke the ice at once: “TI understand you wish to see me on business, Mr. Nesbitt; how can I serve you, ?’ RET 2 eee ee ee ee ee ea ae eee — see SS ee eee ee ee ee ee eee 4S ee ee eee “Take a seat, please. Yes, I have faith you can serve me, and at the same time | neck tumblin Still, as a pure | same night,” almost brutally explained Perry serve yourself, Mr. Sheldon. matter of business I’d like to ask a few ques- tions before making any positive offer.” ‘“‘All right! Fire away!” Nesbitt promptly availed himself of that permission, and his queries were answered as quickly as made, the man from up-country appareotly having naught to conceal. According to his own account he was a genuine free lance, wearing no man’s collar save by his own choice, and then only so long as he was ‘‘ making good money ” by so serving another. Without making any actually damaging admission, too, it seemed that Samuel was a little lower than the saints, and hardly troubled by inconvenient scruples, This portion of the inquisition seemed to particularly please the magnate, and Perry Castle likewise smiled approval as he gave a curt nod from under cover. ‘“‘Then you came to Gopher Slope looking for a paying job?” finally asked the mine- owner, “Well, hardly a job, after the way you look at it,” quickly asserted Silver City Sam. ‘*T took a bet that no man living could make head or tail of this Skeleton Rider outfit, not so much because 1 really thought I could solve the mystery, as that I hated the fellow who made the offer.” “Then you weren't in earnest, yonder?” ‘* Wait, please. Once the dust was post- ed, of course I had to make bluff toward winning the wager, and so I set out for this burg. But now—well, after what’s hap- pened so soon, reckon ]'ll wade in up to my lips, if I don’t go in over head and ears!” A reddish glow now filled Nesbitt’s eyes, and his tones were intensely earnest as he spoke: «Solve this mystery—capture or kill this devil who plays such infernal tricks—and I’ll pay your own price without haggling ‘‘That’s generous enough, surely! And et, may I ask a few questions in my turn, r. Nesbitt?” A brief hesitation, then Castle nodded yes, and the owner of the Coupon Mine made an- swer: “‘Go on, and if you ask only legitimate questions—” ‘If I ask any others, of course you're at liberty to say as much, by saying bosom 3 at all!” assured the Silver City representative. **To make a fair beginning. then, have I heard aright that all this ghost business comes of the Coupon Mine?” ‘*T believe so; yes,” admitted Nesbitt. ‘‘That’s a starter, anyway. Now, shall I ask the questions, or would you prefer telling the story after your own fashion, Mr. Nes- bitt?” ‘* What story?” ‘“‘That of the property now called the Coupon. Mind, sir, I've picked up a good deal about the case, over at Silver City, where men will talk, you Know; so I know that what is now the Coupon was once the Lucky Strike, and that you were not the only man interested in the property in its earlier days. Now—I’m all ears open, sir!” After a brief pause as though the more accurately to recall the past, Nesbitt recite began his condensed history of that mine. ‘‘You heard it straight enough, far as you've said, Mr. Sheldon. The Coupon was first named the Lucky Strike, and others be- sides myself had an interest in the property before it was syed developed.” “And those other parties have quit the business?” ‘*] ain now the sole owner, if that is what you wish to learn,” coldly answered the magnave, looking out through a window, just then. ‘I had firm faith in the Strike from the very start, and so I bought out all interests save one, at an early date. That one belonged to—a man named Martin White.” ‘‘He sold out, also, in the end?” ‘*Yes. I paid him his price, although that seemed out of all reason to those who held less perfect faith in the Strike than my- self. And the sum was so much more than White ever thought of winning that—well, his good luck proved bad luck in the end, poor fellow!” over | i 5 ay BB 3s eS a Oe fe Pits vant Cs pe 2h ““Went on a holy tear, and broke his down a deserted shaft that Castle. ‘“‘That was the way of it, sir,” assured Nesbitt, in subdued tones. ‘‘The poor fel- low never knew what hurt him, I don’t reckon! Well, we gave him a more than decent burial, at all events.” ‘‘Broke his neck, eh? And no mistake about his being dead?” | ‘ ‘‘Not the slightest, sir; how could there er” Silver City Sam slowly shook his head, seemingly lost in reflection for nearly a min- ute; then he spoke up: ‘‘That lets Martin White out, then! Of course he can’t be cutting up all these didoes after being a corpse for so many years; but what’s the matter with some other fellow trading on his reputation?” ‘«What do you mean by that?” ‘Who wants to buy the Coupon, first?” The two men interchanged swift glances, plainly startled by that cool query, but Nesbitt evaded rather than answered the} question, ‘* As far as that goes, Mr. Sheldon, no doubt many persons would be glad to invest. in such a bonanza, always provided it was for sale to the highest bidder.” ‘* And it is not for sale, then?” ‘Tt is not for sale—no, sir!” ‘* A paying property, of course?” ‘*Yes! It pays even now, with all these drawbacks, and it would soon pan out @& clean million if I could only free it from this devil who takes such fiendish delight in— Oh, Vl even up with him, some day!” **Here’s hoping you'll get your deserts, sir, devil or no devil!” **T will! I swear I’ll do all that, or Ill die trying!” Fiercely spoke the mine-owner; but, ere he could add aught more, a violent blow was. dealt the front door. All three men leaped to their feet as by one impulse, then hurried across the room, Castle flinging the barrier open, to give vent to a lowcry of angry aiarm, for a square card was pinned fast to the door by a knife exactly like the one found rankling in the heart of Jonah Cain! ; , CHAPTER XIII. THE HIGH-ROLLER JDETECTIVE DEMON- STRATES, PossrBLy because he was in another man’s quarters, Silver City Sam was a trifle less prompt to take action than the others, but, while their eyes were mainly taken up with that door-attachment, his keen gaze was flashing out and around, searching for the author of that rude disturbance. Not a little to his surprise he failed to sight a single person to whom that assault could — be attributed; not aliving being wasin sight, — save and except their three selves! Nesbitt, and Castle were swift to take the same thought, and they, too, betrayed great surprise at seeing none on whom they could — fasten this deed. ‘* Who wasit? Where's he gone so soon?” demanded the mine-owner, eyes sweeping around while right hand gripped the butt of a hidden weapon. “‘The devil; if not, wouldn’t we, spot him?” half-superstitiously exploded the big — henchman, ‘«Tt’s worse than the devil—look!” Nesbitt pointed at the door where showed another grim warning from the unknown enemy; a square of stiff paper bearing the impress of a black right hand, through the center of which was driven acrimson-stained knife, the exact counterpart of those already so noted in the annals of Gopher Slope! -=‘‘lt’s devil’s work, surely, for no man could have got out of sight and hearing so_ mighty sudden!” persisted Castle, unusuall pale and with a half-frightened light in his bold eyes, Shelcon, the coolest and clearest witted of the trio, had been tasking his reasoning pow- | ~ ers as well as his eyes during those fleeting — moments. Already he had begun to shape a theory, © and after examining that placard, so signifi- — cant in its meaning despite the lack of words, he spoke up: \ Trea v eae 14

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EPI TI TSS Ry ae ree ; += —- a ¥ _ “Not so much devil as devilish, I reckon, ! gentlemen! And—who is the owner of that | building opposite?” : All eyes flashed across the unpaved street to the structure alluded to; an unpainted, | uncouth affair of a single story with a square front, one coor and two windows, all closed , and the latter two boarded up. ‘*That place?” “‘Yes. Who runs the shebang?” ‘No one, now. It’s empty; has been | vacant for the better part of a year past,” | answered Nesbitt, seeming to rally in a good- ly measure. ‘* Why do you ask?” “Wait a bit and maybe I ll tell you.” Drawing the revolver on which his right hand had rested ever since that rude salute came to the front door of the mine-owner’s Office, Silver City Sam quickly stepped over the way, assuring himself that the building was indeed vacated. Toallseeming it had remained undisturbed for a considerable length of time, but the *door knob turned smoothly under his grasp, | showing plainly enough that no rust had gathered there. Passing around tothe rear of the place, Sheldon made further examination, stoopin low as he studied the soil about the bac door; but through it all he made no remark which could cast any light upon his theory. Nothing was seen or heard which could cast light over that mystery as far as Nesbitt and Castle were concerned, and as they silent- ly followed the Silver City delegate back across the street, their faces betrayed as much. Yet Sheldon was smiling as he gave that placarded door another brief scrutiny before facing the other men. “Pretty well played, but it can’t foolish a man With eyes open,” was his address. ‘‘ Of course you see how ’twas done, gentlemen?” i. “Nor you, neither!” bluntly declared Cas- e. ‘You don’t want to risk any good money on that opinion, though, pardner, for you’d lose, to a dead moral,” coolly asserted the delegate detective. ‘* You’ve found out something; what is it, man?” “Just this: The fellow stole up here, stuck his notice on the door, then crossed over to give the alarm from that shebang,” was the explanation, just as though the speaker had been an eye-witness to the whole performance. “Talk’s mighty cheap, but—” “How do you know all this, sir?’ asked sa cutting his blunt follower short off: “Simply by using my eyes and counting up what twice two makes. I believe I can make you see the same thing if you care to have me demonstrate, gentlemen.” ‘If you only can!” “* You shall be the judge, Mr. Nesbitt. Can you remember about how loud a sound was made? A right smart blow, wasn’t it?” * Certainly, but®” ‘Good enough, sir! knife. See for yourself that the point is little more than fast in the wood, not as it ought to be if sent home by a blow strong ig to make the noise we heard, in yon- er, ‘‘Am I right, so far, gentlemen?” It really seemed so, for the weapon came away as Nesbitt touched the handle, showing but a slight dent in the pine door. Deftly slipping off the placard frum that stained blade, Silver City Sam stuck the weapon close to where it had first been seen, a simple and silent pressure of one hand be deg amply sufficient to duplicate that ent. Now look at the Drawing the knife free he swung his hand back far enough to make a full, sweeping stroke, the sound of which by no means equaled that which had surprised them a few minutes earlier; yet the keen point of the bowie-knife Was now visible on the other side of the panel! ‘ Now I reckon you begin to see what I'm driving at, gentlemen,” the detective sug- gested. ‘‘The notice was stuck up here, then the rascal crossed over to have ready cover, make you hear, then ducked inside the she- bang, to run through and skip from the rear while we were sniffing on this side in hopes of detecting sulphur and brimstone!” Silver City Sam. the Hi From yonder he threw a stone to- quickly to one side, picking up a loose stone, | then turned back to the door where he point- ed out a fresh dent in the soft wood before adding: “That caught my eye first, then the rest came easily enough, gentlemen. wish to claim any extra credit, you see.” ‘“‘Tf sounds reasonable enough, now, but—” ‘*It ds reasonable enough, because it is the | You would have | | been quick to smoke the trick, if you hadn’t naked truth, Mr. Nesbitt. made up your mind in advance that there was some ghostly or spookish business about it all.” “Tf you knew it all—” “’Tisn’t just this once, pardner, but a heap o’ times,” earnestly declared Perry Castle as his employer choked back the words which made so impulsive a start toward utterance. ‘‘And some o’ those times you couldn’t cipher it out so terrible easy as you ‘pear to do this one!” **That’s my good luck in striking an easy one, first-off, isn’t it?” came the light, care- less reply. ‘‘ Well, Lonly know what I've seen, of course, and that can be read run- ning.” ‘© You feel positive, then, Mr. Sheldon?” ‘« Just as I told you, sir. There’s mighty little room left for doubt so far as this in- stance is concerned, and if this is a fair sample—” ‘*Call it that, and what do you make of it all?” ‘* Simply this: the devil hasn’t anything to do with the matter, unless he fathers the shrewd knave who’s playing such a bold hand. ‘*It’s some keen, unscrupulous rascal, in all probability a fellow citizen of yours, and doubtless one whom you would the least suspect of running such a crooked deal.” Silver City Sam broke short off, for he saw Nesbitt give an involuntary start and look toward his henchman, while Perry Castle appeared fully as much taken aback. *‘Hope I’m not treading on any tender corns, gentlemen?” blandly added the High- roller Detective, his keen blue eyes passing from face to face, then back again, **No, but—” ‘*He’s the devil, shore, boss!” Sheldon laughed softly, a smile lighting up his comely face the while. A rather equivocal compliment, this, yet still a compliment. ‘‘Lacking horns, hoofs and forked tail! Well, gentlemen, you asked for my opinion, and right there you have it as best I can ive. **T never did take much stock in ghosts, and spooks, and devils on ten wheels, such as folks try to make out this dirty mix to be full of, and now I’m still less in favor of such a nonsensical theory. “T'll stake what reputation I may have gained as a detective that this is the solid fact: some person right here in Gopher Slope—and one who figurés in public as a far different manner of being, too!—is play- ing a bold game for high stakes. ‘* Since all the blows appear to be aimed in your direction, Mr. Nesbitt, or against those who have been interested in your property, the Coupon, it ought not to be so hard to guess just what manner of stakes are being played for, either.” Again the two men interchanged looks, and once again Silver City Sam saw as much and read their meaning correctly. Perry Castle seemed on the point of speak- ing, but the mine-owner checked him with a swift gesture, meant to be hidden from the detective. A cool, half-mocking smile showed itself upon that strong face, then the man from up- country spoke once more: “That's all right, Mr. Nesbitt. I’m not asking you to trust until after you have tried.” ‘*] never meant—but—” “Of course not; why should you? As I a re ee - es a ak at an ee ee go ee I don’t | i3 | geance! ; _ The mine-owner seemed a bit embarrassed, like one who hardly knows whether to re- | gard that decision as favorable or as in oppo- | sition to his best interests. ‘* Step inside, please, and we'll talk it all over a bit more carefully, Mr. Sheldon,” he | said, after a brief silence. ‘‘ Just now—” “‘Beg your pardon, sir, but—who might yonder Sport be?” Silver City Sam was looking down the street where, a couple of blocks distant, a well-dressed shape had just turned a corner, facing in their direction. No one well-versed in the ways of Gopher Slope would have put such a question, sim- | ply because all within her gates knew that | figure; but as @ stranger, and a recent arrival, | the High-Roller was excusable. ‘**Doc Brierly!” | “That? Hugh Brierly, of course,” supple- i mented Nesbitt, after a swift glance in the “Why do you ask, | direction indicated. pray?” Silver City Sam took another keen look at that smoothly-moving shape, then quietly made reply: ‘* Well, sir, I hardly know why I felt such a strong curiosity just then, but—seriously — | I fancy it’s just such another cool and nervy | Sport who is playing this risky game for the Coupon!” ** Didn’t I say he was the devil, boss?” ejaculated Perry Castle. CHAPTER XIV. be A PAIR OF NERVY SPORTS, AxssaLom Nespirt seemed hardly less sur- prised than his henchman, although he did not give the emotion such free expression, Turning once more toward his office, he spoke: ‘*Come inside, please, Mr. Sheldon. You and I surely ought to reach a more definite understanding about this business.” “Just as. you say, not as [ care, sir,” in- | differently acquiesced the High-roller, mov- ; ing in the same direction; but with all his outward carelessness, Silver City Sam took time to pull that stained blade from the door, taking both it and the placard inside with him. He placed both upon the round table which served the mine-owner as desk and catch-all, then took a seat where he could | cover the entrance without exactly facing it: The clear-sounding yet measured click of boot-heels was now distinctly audible, and as by common consent three pairs of eyes were turned toward that door. A quick, light double rap sounded against |@ panel, then the knob was turned, the door swung open, and Hugh Brierly en- tered. ‘*Good-morning, gentlemen,” he saluted, | doffing hat and slipping gracefully into a chair which stood conveniently near. ‘‘ Trust I’m not intruding, though?” In spite of his suave tones and smilin face, all could see that this cool hand car precious little whether he was intruding or | not; but Absalom Nesbitt was too much man | of the world to betray his real feelings, ris- ing from his seat the better to perform his duty as host. ‘Don't mention it, my dear sir. You're welcome as light, and—I believe you gentle- men saw each other out yonder by the bulletin-tree, but to my notion there’s noth- ing equal to the good, old. fashioned ‘ knock- | down’; so—Brierly, this is Mr. Sheldon, | from Silver City; Mr. Sheldon, one of our best-known and most valuable citizens, Mr. | Brierly.” The two men thus brought together rose to their feet with polite, even ‘profound bows; but neither one offered a friendl hand, nor did either man stretch the trut far enough to express pleasure in forming an acquaintance. | As will sometimes happen, they were started to say, no one would expect you to strongly antagonistic in nature, and both place full confidence in a stranger, like my- self. 1 never looked for it, nor would I wish for it, either. Still, just this much: “* Now I’ve come this far, Mr. Nesbitt, I’m bound to getat the bottom of this mix, either as your man or on my own hook, You can take your choice, sir,” | felt that instinctive aversion from the very , first. » | As he resumed his seat after this little ceremony, Silver City Sam extended an arm > far enough to reach the articles which he recently placed upon the table, gently ~ Knife between his fingers and had | twirling the

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Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. 14 contriving to face the new-comer with that stam ped placard. Brierly could not help seeing this, and he smiled _ faintly, his well-kept mustaches curling a bit as the muscles contracted; but he made no remarks, asked no ques- tions. Cool and clear sounded his voice as he spoke to the mine-owner: ‘‘T'll not detain you very long, Mr. Nes- bitt, but—may I ask you a question or two?’ ‘* Certainly; why not?” «The death of Jonah Cain left a vacancy at the Coupon, I believe?” ‘‘As superintendent, yes. Surely you read my advertisement at the bulletin-tree, yonder?” ‘*Yes. And I likewise heard Mr. Sheldon make application for the place,” suavely spoke the Man of Chance, but without so much as glancing toward the person whose name crossed his lips. ‘*‘ Would it be too much to ask if you’ve hired him to serve as boss of the Coupon, Mr. Nesbitt?” The mine-owner flushed a bit at this cool inquisitiveness, but then he spoke, rather sharply in his turn: ** No, sir, I haven’t engaged him, as yet. May I ask what gives you such a deep inter- est in the matter, Mr. Brierly?” ‘*Oh, no particular interest, only—well, to be perfectly frank with you, Nesbitt, I’m mighty glad of it, for old-time’s sake!” ‘*Why so? What do you mean, anyway, Brierly?” ‘* Well, don’t you reckon ’twould be rather crowding the mourners to have two funerals of Coupon superintendents at or neur the same hour?” With an insolent drawl came these words, further pointing his meaning by a slight cast of his head toward the man from up- country who was listening with a faint smile playing about his mouth, Nesbitt lost a bit of his high color at that, looking quickly from man to man, then almost harshly demanding: ‘‘What do you mean by such talk, Doc Brierly?” ‘« Little old business, to be sure, Nesbitt,” came the instant response, and at the same time the Sport cast aside his affectation of languor, dark eyes aglow and jaws squaring a bit more as he spoke on: ‘‘I’ll say the rest directly to you, sir!” He nodded toward Sheldon, then put on his hat as though to give the interview a less polite shading, ‘‘Don’t be at all bashful, my dear boy,” coolly drawled the Silver City representa- tive, with an almost ludicrous imitation of that discarded manner. ‘‘ This isn’t the first time in my experience that I felt obliged in common politeness to listen to—ahem!’ Nesbitt looked uneasy, and Perry Castle instinctively hitched his chair a little further from those rivals in coolness, more than half . expecting a swift interchange of leaden com: pliments. But his natural fears were a bit premature it seemed, since Brierly smiled blandly, one white hand gently caressing his mustaches as he spoke again: ‘*T need hardly say, my dear sir, that it grieves me dreadfully to crowd a stranger within our gates, but the way matters stand ve around, I really don’t see how I can avoid Tied ‘““You have my hearty sympathy, Mr. Brierly.” **Thanks, awfully. Now—to cut a pain- ful necessity short as may be—which would you rather do, Mr. Sheldon: apologize in public, or skip the town at an hour's notice?” With an icy coolness which fairly stung came these words, her smiling the while like one giving honey rather than gall. Perry Castle now left his seat entirely, while Absalom Nesbitt gave a little exclama- tion of indignation at the insult thus placed upon the stranger in whom he was beginning to feel so powerful an interest. “Drop that, Brierly!’ the mipve-owner cried, likewise rising to his feet; but ere he could say or do more, Silver City Sam quietly interposed. ‘Pray don’t worry, my dear sir. Did you ever know an ill conditioned fierce dog that wouldn’t yelp at the heels of a stranger when dit got.» good chance?” y Or ail to bite if a dirty hoof was lif to administer a kick?” swiftly supplemented the Man of Chance in even tones although | his eyes now glowed like black balls coming toa red heat. ‘Gentlemen, I beg of you!” cried Nesbitt, agitatedly, both hands rising as though to command the peace. ‘‘I’ll have no rowing in here, and—ready to jump in, Castle!” ‘There’s no need of going quite that far, so far as I am concerned, Mr. Nesbitt,” coldly declared the gambler. ‘‘I am simply a mouthpiece for the, present, and until my friend has had his will, my hands are tied. As for Mr. Sheldon— ‘He can answer for himself. Now— please put your proposition in plain terms once more, Mr. Brierly.” ‘‘T can do that in half a dozen words, sir: fight, apologize, or skip! Which alternative will you take?” ‘* Well, possibly that may depend on who presents the alternative,” quietly retorted Silver City Sam, showing no shade of un- easiness. ‘‘ Who is the other party so fortu- nate as to be dubbed your friend, pray?” ‘*Hsau Gray. J imagine you will remem- the person.” “Tf not, possibly I’d recognize him by my trade-mark,” with a brief laugh which cer- tainly seemed genuine. ‘‘Jesting and horse-play will hardly pay your debts, Mr. Sheldon. In one word, Gopher Slope is all too small to contain both Esau Gray and yourself, so—apologize, fight, or get out of town in a hurry!” ‘*Is ES a regular challenge, Mr. Brierly?” ** Tt is.” ** Good enough, far as it goes, though you possibly might make matters just a_ trifle clearer without wearing all the moss off your tongue!” ‘“ What more light do you desire, sir?” ‘* Heap sight, but to begin with: this duel: is it torun along the chalk-line, or to be a sort of go as you please?” “That part of the affair is left for your election. Take your own choice, but make it with your eyes open. After the word is once ies no change will be offered or ac- cepted by our side,” The Sport spoke like solid business, now, and Silver City Sam apparently concluded to meet the emergency after the same fash- ion, for he took his own time about an- ret seemingly weighing the matter well. Presently he lifted his eyes, gazing keenly, curiously into that pale but by no means un- healthy looking face fora brief space before speaking. ‘- Well, sir, your decision?” asked Brierly, with a touch of irritation in his tones, at which Sheldon smiled. “I was just wondering over the only thing that puzzles me, now.” ** And that is?” ‘*Why you take such a powerful interest in trying to bounce me!” bluntly spoke the High-roller Detective. ‘‘ How have | man- aged to step on your pet corns without knowing it, pardner?” -* You haven’t stepped on them,” ‘* Honest, now?” ‘* Square deal.” Silver City Sam drew a long breath as of relief, then spoke again: ‘‘ Well, sir, that takes a monstrous back- load off my soul, for of course such a pretty, bandbox-y sort of gent like yourself wouldn’t condescend to stoop so low as to lie about a mere trifle like that!” ‘‘How well you know me!” sneered the gambier, in turn, f ‘Don’t I, though? No corns bruised? Well, I'm glad of that, for—may I say it right out, Mr. Btierly?” ‘* Fire ahead and I'll try to stand it. ‘‘Well, I’m glad, for I began to fancy you were the author of all this black hand and bloody knife business; I did, for a scan- dalous fact!” CHAPTER XV, SETTLING THE PRELIMINARIES, CLBAR and distinct came those words, and both onlookers plainly expected hostilities to commence instanter;, but instead of show- ing rage or hot resentment, Doc Brierly leaned back in his chair laughing softly yet heartily. ‘““Thanks, awfully, Samuel,” he said, a moment later with a resumption of that pro- eT LT ! | voking drawl. ‘‘ That wins my little bet for me, I reckon!” | ‘*T want to know!” ‘* Yes, more fool than knave, and this crazy fancy | of yours proves me correct.” Perry Castle glanced quickly from one to 4 the other, standing well out of the way, back to the wall, like one ready to dodge any stray bits of lead which might come on’ 4 the loose. Absalom Nesbitt seemed little less exer- cised over the unexpected ‘‘mix,” for his florid face was beaded with sweat, and he looked very uncomfortable indeed. Surely this was “‘fighting talk,” yet wea- pons remained untouched, and smiles took the place of scowls so far. Silver City Sam never flinched from that hot shot, but with his teeth showing in @ cool smile, met that keen gaze in kind fora few seconds before making retort. * You’re in luck, Mr, Brierly, and surely | ought to press the vein before it cam peter out.” ‘Perhaps I may do just that, too.” ‘©] would in your place. And so, just for luck, I’ll give youa fair chance to double your winnings. ‘** How so?” ‘‘You say you wagered that I was more fool than knave?” ‘*¥es, And I think you’ve won the stake for me.” ‘‘That’s your good luck, then. Now, your own figures that I publicly prove you more knave than fool!” coolly offered the Silver City representative, smiling blandly the while. To all outward seeming Brierly was equal- ly as cool, for he ‘‘ never turned a hair” at this thinly-vailed insult, though Nesbitt once more strove to command the peace. ‘*Gentlemen, I beg of you!” ** Don’t worry, friend; it’s peace so long as we’re on neutral ground. As for Mr, Snel don—” ‘He's at your service, here, elsewhere, now or any other time,” came the quick in- terposition, “Thanks. Suppose we finish up one thing before beginning another?”; ‘Anything to do the agreeable, Mr. Brierly.” “You are so kind! doubling my winnings. time?" “To the end of the month; how will that suit you, sir?” ‘‘Oharmingly, and I'll clinch the bet in due form if my friend Esau Gray doesn’t lay you out for the cooling-board.” ‘If you care to speculate a trifle as to that, my dear sir?” “Time enough when the preliminaries are fairly arranged. Now, your answer, please?” ‘Is the silly coot really in earnest about challenging me to fight a duel, then?” asked Sheldon, in a tone of realor of admirably counterfeited surprise. ‘*So much in earnest that he’ll begin Then—about , this What limit as to him a meeting on regulation lines, yes.” ‘*So much the worse for Esau] ks to me like his best hold was to get in his pretty work from under cover—striking @ man from behind, in’ the dusk, for in- stance!” ‘*AmI to return this insult as your sole reply, Mr. Sheldon?” ‘OT would be nothing more than the naked truth if you did, Mr. Brierly,” came the easy retort. ‘‘But I'll show greater grace, even if it isn’t deserved.” ca y which you mean—what?” “That I’ll accept his invitation to pistols and coffee for two, and do my little best to make it interesting for all concerned, I owe the fellow a bit of a lesson in good manners, anyway, and [ might as well pay off the score before he hates himself togleath.” ‘**Don’t forget that you are a my friend, sir,” stiffly warned the n of Chance, ‘‘Any insult offered him strikes me as well.” ‘*] sincerely wish rincipal, next time, Mr. Brierly, but‘ since ’ve agreed to overlook Esau Gray’s failings, perbaps we'd better steer clear of that deli- cate point.” ‘*| think so myself.” a ee ie I told Esau Gray that you were | shooting at sight unless you agree to give ou a more reputable

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“How nice to agree even on a minor point like this, isn’t it?’ fairly cooed the High-roller. ‘‘Grant us time and oppor- tunity and I verily believe we’d become thick as thieves, six in a bed with three in the middle, or—for instance—as inseparable as the Black Hand and Bloody Knife!” A hot flush shot into that pale face, and all could see that Doc Brierly was fairly . stung to the quick in spite of his wonderful ‘ nerve and admirable coolness. As though content with so far gaining ‘ the point for which both had been playing so adroitly, Silver City Sam quickly added: “But this isn’t strictly business, so—will - you act as my representative in this little af- dair, Mr, Castle?” A. flush of pleasurable surprise marked that bronzed countenance, but Perry made swift response: **You bet I will, boss! shall I go?” “Oh, I’m one of the easiest men living to please, pardner. All I ask or expect is half a show for my entrance money. Just fall in with any arrangement Mr. Brierly sees fit to offer, and I’}l do the rest.” For once in his life the Man of Chance Now—how far - Seemed at a loss for quip or quirk, rising to . ok ~ thick under Jip after a fas his feet in silence, and bowing his way out of the office with Perry Castle for com- pany. A low. amused chuckle came from the de tective’s lips as the door closed behind the _ two seconds, and he turned with a smile to face the mine-owner, who ¢ertainly looked far less at ease, just then. “Tm sorry it happened—juat now, too!” muttered Nesbitt, frowningly. ‘I was be- ginning to take hope that we'd get at the ottom of this infernal mystery, but now—” ** What's to hinder your keeping right on with that hoping, sir?’ *“Why, if youshould— Confound it, sir! If anything should eg ie to you in this row, Doc Brierly would fairly laugh me out of town!” : “That would be lamentable indeed! But, take my word for it, sir, nothing is going to happen to me, from that particular source,” quietly assured the High-roller, seemingly holding po fear as to the outcome, “‘Don't you go into it with that notion, Sheldon,” earnestly warned the other. Of course I’m not posted as to what dean can do along that line, but Esau Gray is a marvel _ with the revolver, and if that weapon is se- lected—” “*T hope it may be.” “Then you can shoot a bit?” “ Just enough to not mistake one end of a gun for the other,” came the laughing assur- ance, ‘‘That’s sufficient, isn’t it?” Neshitt frowned darkly, biting at his ise he had when puzzled or when matters were going con- trary to his wishes, *“‘T wish I could feel half as confident as you appear to be, Sheldon, but I just can’t! And as if Gray was not enough, here you had to cover Brierly all over with slurs and insults!” “You're not resenting that because he's such a dear friend of yours, Mr. Nesbitt?” “No, but—I say, Sheldon?” “* Well, sir?” “That hint you flung out: surely you can't really suspect Brierly of being at the bottom of all this Black Hand business?” Those words came as though the mine- owner found them particularly difficult to utter, but Silver City Sam made no allusion to that, his answer being ready and easy rb “No, I can’t My that I do. A goodly part of all that wind was simply to hold my end level along the line he marked out at the nisin -y as Fa . bluff me down, and of couldn’t Settee. afford to help him any. Nesbitt nodded his comprehension, yet seemed hardly satisfied with that combined denial and explanation. Then you don’t think Brierly has aught to do With the affair?” Maybe, yes, maybe no; I'll not decide for good until I’ve had a better chance to probe the matter deeper, sir,” was the grave Tesponse, all trace of levity vanishing from face and voice, “Remember I’m only a new-comer in pher Slope, and that I haven’t had a MPMI Ey NS hy AE teh Ge a Silver City Sam, the EY ST lance ncn ate ee en Pe ey ee oe Figh-Roller Detective. chance to even take a look around me, as yet. But of one thing you can rest assured: unless I’m wiped out before I can, I'll get at the bottom facts of this Death-watch busi- ness!” There was a wistful light in his eyes, and something of the same to be read in the lines of his face, just then?’ One would have’ said he felt powerfully tempted to confide fully in this bold stranger, yet was restrained by—what? Silver City Sam was keen enough to read that expression aright, but he was far too shrewd to risk a repulse through himself be- traying too strong an interest in the matter, and sat in calm silence like one who feels that he has made his meaning sufficiently clear for all purposes. He saw that his words had not been wholly without the effect-calculated upon, and wait- ed for the seed to fairly take root. Absalom Nesbitt shifted uneasily in his chair, several times parting lips as though about to speak, yetas often choking back the words which were almost ready to issue. Then he abruptly blurted forth: “If I only knew how far I could trust you, Sheldon!” ‘From start ‘to finish, if Ido say it my- self, sir.” CHAPTER XVI. UPON THE FIELD OF HONOR. BEFORE either man could sayemore, the sound of hasty footsteps drew near the front of the office, and after a sbarp rap, the door swung open for Perry Castle to step over that threshold. His face was all aglow, his dark eyes sparkling, and without waiting to be ques- tioned, he, blurted forth: **Tt’s all fixed up, boss! And if you don’t take the starch out of that Esau, then T’ll go kick my trowsers all full of holes!” “That would be more interesting to the spectators than to your honest self, Castle,” smilingly spoke the detective, betraying no curiosity as to thearrangements made on his behalf, ‘‘What have you agreed upon, first?” de- manded Nesbitt, sharply. “Guns, fifty yards to start with, fired at the word, or as soon after it as you takea notion, then go as you please until somebody can’t go any further!” hurriedly explained the second, then drawing a long breath. Nesbitt frowned darkly, making an im- patient gesture while saying: ‘It’s wrong—all wrong! Why, Sheldon, it’s rank murder!” *““Oh, I don’t know,” was the calm re- sponse. ‘‘It sounds worse than it really is, you see, There’}l be no such mighty waste of ammunition, unless Esau proves himself such a sprinter that a bullet can’t catch up with his heels.” Castle laughed in grim delight, and even the mine-owner had to smile a bit at that cool speech, “‘I was thinking of you, Sheldon, not of Gray; except his sharp-shooting, which is something beyond the common,” ‘*Ts that so?” “If he don’t get the rattles! 1 know where my good money goes, and my good wishes keep it mighty close company, too!” declared Castle, his big paw coming out to clasp the ready member belonging to the Man from Silver City. ““That’s hearty, pardner, and I'll see that you don’t lose your good money, any more than your good wishes are wasted,” frankly assured Sheldon; then adding ion his former light, half-cynical vein: ‘‘ I'm sorry for Esau, though!” : ‘““You mean to down him, then?” asked Nesbitt. ** Well, I reckon he’ll lose his birthright and not get to eat his mess of pottage, either!” Perry Castle grew a bit more sober, now, for this confidence seemed just a trifle ex- aggerated to him, and it was with the best of motives that be cast forth a bit of warn- ing. *. Of course we’re pulling hard*for you, pardner, but you don’t want to go into this job with a notion that you’ve got a lead-pipe cinch, If heis nasty Esau’s p’izen with a un!’ ‘*So much the better. There’s little credit in worsting a novice.” “He looks mighty young, if not mighty innocent, does Esau; but he’s made a record afore this, and a red one at that!” Absalom Nesbitt had been fidgeting ner- vously through this interchange of words, but now he came to the front, his tones hardly as even and firm as they ordinarily were. ‘“‘I’m sorry—tenfold sorry that you've gotten into this scrape mainly through me and my interests, Mr. Sheldon. I wish I could see a fair way out of it without com- ing to burning powder!” **Don’t let that fact worry you, sir.” **But it does worry me, though! From what I’ve heard tell as well as seen myself, Gray is a very demon with the revolver! Now—l’m beginning to like you, Sheldon, and I’d hate awfully to see you downed the very first day of your coming to the Slope!” Instead of showing a like uneasiness, Silver City Sam laughed lightly before say- ing: es Don’t you lay too many shekels on my falling, please! A fellow that’s born to be hanged will never turn toes-up at crack of revo:ver, even when that same gun is man- ipulated by a demon, as you say! ** Now, pardner,” turning toward Castle, ‘*when is the litle circus to begin?” **Right off, or just as soon as you can get a good ready, sir,” came the answer, just a trifle dubiously, as though the speak- er was hardly sure how his arrangement might suit. ** Better yet; I always did like to take a bit of pleasurable exercise before breakfast, and the mere thought of clipping Esau’s claws stirs up my appetite!” Possibly there was a goodly portion of ‘¢ fanfaronade” in all this, but no man could have carried it off more perfectly than did the cool hand from up country. He looked to his weapons, holding tlc hammers back far enough to twirl each cylinder across an open palm, thus making sure the tools were in good working order, Then he spoke again: ‘‘T’m ready whenever you are, gentlemen. Of course I’m wholly in your hands, Castile, but maybe Mr. Nesbitt would like to sec the sport?” ‘*T’m with you, of course,” came the crisp decision. ‘Good enough, and the fellow who’d ask more ought to tote a trough with him! Lead on, pardner, and we'll see how quickly we can salivate our worthless friend Bsa! Leaving the office, the trio passed down the street, outwardly cool and composed, as though neither one of them entertained the faintest doubts as to everything coming their way. This was policy, of course, since even so soon the tidings had spread throughout the town, and nearly every person glimpsed dur- ing that walk had faces turned toward the same quarter. ; Where such affairs were brought off with an eye to business rather than to style or formality, little more remained to be explain- ed, but that litthe was communicated by Perry Castle while on the route. The affair was to come off not man rods beyond the bullet in-tree, which itself stood near the edge of Gopher Slope, on the south. The principals were to take positions fifty yards apart, each armed with a brace of re- volvers, ‘‘owner’s choice,” and were to be at liberty to fire after the word was given. To pull trigger prematurely would be rewarded with a shot from the second ov the other side; after the word was given, “everything went.” Silver City Sam failed to find aught to fault in this arrangement, not a little to the satisfaction of Perry Castle, and from that moment Sheldon had a firm backer and be- liever in the fellow whose broad chest hore bruises inflicted by his hard and heavy heels, Although so few minutes had been cut to waste by the challenged side, they found the enemy before them upon the field of honor, Esau Gray had a little group of friends and cronies around him, but they were not dense enough to hide that ugly eee on his jaw, at sight of which Silver Cit smiled quizzically. *‘Dollars to cents he'll shoot lop-sided, partner!” was his malicious whisper for the: — y Sam

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16 Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. benefit of Castle. ‘‘ One thing, he’s got to stand up, face to the front, for he couldn’t sight around that lump if he tried!” oc Brierly was acting for Gray, and com- ing forward. he doffed hat with a polite | bow, both tone and manner in striking con- trast to what they had been back in Nes- ; bitt’s office. | **T feel that I owe you an apology, Mr. Sheldon, for letting my friendship for Gray run away with my courtesy, over yonder,” | ‘*T'd really like to get he began, suavely. out of taking such an active part against a stranger within our gates, but—” ** Don't mention it, beg of you, my dear sir,” genially interrupted the Silver City representative. can be, although it may not be for precisely the same reason,” “TIndeet! is, without presuming too far on your good nature, Mr. Sheldon?” ‘Why not?’ “Well?” ‘* Well, not to put too fine a: point upon it, pardner, you’re playing on the wrong side | tor a thoroughbred.” “Do you really think that way?” “Ov I wouldn’t say it. You're a sport, I’m another. You’re bucking against me, while I'm backing my own luck. I'm here to make or break, so—do you care about speculating?” ‘«If it will gratify you—we can’t do too much for the dear friends who are about to be taken away from us!. Ove hundred dol- lurs that Gray downs you, then!” Sharp and distinct came the last sentence, ng though Doc Brierly wished all present to ligar as well as to see. A surge of spectators that way told how surely he was gaining his wishes, but. just : 3 clearly came a counter from the Silver City sport. ‘Til make you a present of fifty dollars to call the bet an even five hundred chucks, Mr. Brierly. ‘‘ What’s the use in being a fellow unless you're a fell of a heller?” Perry Castle gave a lusty whoop at this, sending his hat sailing high into the air, to be met with a tremendous kick as it came sa!iing down again, ** Will you hear to that, then?” he fairly howledin his glory, ‘‘He talks when he says something—he does!” Brierly flushed a bit at that return blow, but he was of good metal and promptly proved as much. ‘Are you in earnest making that offer, Mr, Sheldon?” ‘Or I wouldn’t be making it,” coolly re- t»rted the High-roller, pulling forth a fat \ allet and tossing it across to Perry Castle -sheadded: ‘‘ Money talks! Let yourdust « ) the same, and we can save the rest of our breath for better use.” } ‘* You'll need all of yours, shortly, never ear!” . ‘*Meaning that Esau will salivate me, of course?” ** Just that,” “Then prove your faith by your works. You represent me, please, pardner,” to Cas- aie, ‘Cover any and all bets offered on the ceneral results, until you reach the bottom «of my weasel,” ‘Which I’ve got a few solid chucks I wouldn’t mind squandering the same way fig own self!” declared Castle, enthusiasti- cally, ** And if any more should be asked for, I shall be more than pleased .o make up the deficiency,” just a little pompously declared Absalom Nesbitt, This seemed pointed at Doc Brierly, but if he heard the gambler gave no heed, being jt then busily engaged in counting out tuesum of ready money mentioned by the High roller. lfaving said his little piece to his own lik- ‘ing, Silver City Sam drew a bit to one side, looking to his own guns for the last time, then coolly waiting for the moment of ac- tion, This was not long delayed. Betting was by no means rushing, the prompt offer of the mining magnate to back the stranver financially to any amount hav- ing } \uffed off nearly all of those who might have felt like speculating. Not a little to his own delight, Castle suc- ceeded in getting up a neat little wad of **I'’m just as sorry as you | Might I ask what that reason | the more ready to lend Sheldon what aid and support lay in his power. All other preliminaries having been set- to give the word for ‘‘ the circus” to begin, then the principals were escorted to their re- spective stations by their seconds, after which Orin Constant called for attention, making his little speech as follows: *«Thar’s no frills nur furbelows to tangle us all up, an’ that’s one good thing about this here business, everybody. ** You, gents, will hold your places an’ your fire until I give the word, then you'll do the best ye know how. Now—all ready ?” in the affirmative, and aftera brief pause the veteran sharply called out: ‘Ready? Git thar, Eli!” CHAPTER XVII. SILVER CITY SAM'S SHARP WORK. Amost before that signal was fairly clear of the veteran referee's lips Esau Gray | brought up his right arm and fired a snap- shot at his adversary, who went down as though struck by lightning! A gasping sound broke from the intense- iy-interested crowd which had gathered to see the sport, for nearly every one of them believed the fight was ended almost ere it had fairly begun. Perry Castle gave a curse of fierce dismay, but before he could take positive action, an- other change took place in the situation, Silver City Sam had dropped face down- ward, just as a man does when shot through the brain, but the High-roller was very far from being a fit candidate for ‘‘a high lot on the hillside.” With another movement fully as swift as had been that dodge to cheat the coming shot, he raised himself upon both elbows, hands gripping revolver-butt, blue eyes glancing keenly through the double sights fora quick yet marvelously steady shot at the prematurely exulting duelist near the further end of those lists. With a fierce ery of vindictive triumph Esau Gray lowered his pistol hand, spring- ing forward to lessen the space and thus ren- der it easy to send home a finishing shot; but as he saw that sudden lifting of his enemy’s head and shoulders, he changed his ery for one of mingled rage and chagrin, jerking up his weapon to— His pistol exploded, but the shot lacked an aim! Coolly and his as though firing at an inanimate target where nothing of slightest worth was at stake, the High-ruller Detec- tive sent one bullet true to his will, causing the gambler to reel back and aside in crip- pled condition, pistol falling from that un- nerved grip Squarely through the elbow joint crashed that pellet o4 lead, and as his arm dropped, the horrible grating of shattered bones against each other wrung a cry of exquisite agony from the pale lips of Esau Gray. ‘*Your arm’s in the way, pardner!’ clear- ly called out the Silver City Sport, as he drew trigger, then adding as he turned to the left far enough to make one elbow lend his up- per person support; ‘‘Didn’t I tell you so, clumsy?” Across his leveled gun passed those words, but then, as he knew his lead had not gone astray and his adversary was hard hit, the High-roller sprung to his feet and sternly shouted: «+ o ‘Back, all hands! This was to be to the finish, and— Beg, you treacherous cur! / Holler enough, Isay, or I'll fill you so full | of holes you’d rent out for a skimmer!” That voice seemed to fill Gray with fury, and instead of asking for mercy, he poured forth a flood of vicious cursesj at the same time grasping his second revolver with his left band. ‘“‘Easy, you crazy idiot!” cried the High- roller, in swift warning. ‘‘I don’t want to | killy ou, Esau, but— Flap that ear of yours, pardner!” Again came one of his wondrously-quick shots, and with a hoarse cry Gray jerked head to one side, blood showing where that missile had fairly clipped one of his promi- nent auricles, ‘dust ” on “ general results,” and so wasall tled, a totally disinterested party was chosen Instant response came from both principals | “That's what you get by playing the hog, | Esau!’ declared Sheldon, stepping swiftly aside far enough to clear the little smoke- ' cloud, holding his weapon ready for further use in case it should be required. ‘‘ You are | my porker, by that mark, and— Beg, you cur!” ‘‘Don’t shoot—I’ve got enough, curse ye!” hoarsely cried the defeated duelist, shrinking away from that coolly menacing, | front. ; That he had ‘‘sand” in more than fair quantity Esau Gray had proven on more than one occasion, but never until now had he come into collision with a master of the | gun who likewise had the proper amount of nerve to make the combination com- plete. That crippling shot might well have been luck, but this mutilating addition was surely skill; and disabled as he now was, to stand out longer against such heavy odds would be suicidal Silver City Sam showed no surprise or ela- tion at that surly submission, seeming to take it as a matter of course, turning from the disabled duelist without a lingering glance to handle his guns after a significant fashion as he flashed a comprehensive glance over that assemblage before calling forth in clear, cool tones: ‘‘Who asks for the next dose? Don’t be backward about coming forward, gentle- men, and don’t hesitate about pes | for what you want if you can see it in stock! ‘“‘You’ll never bave a sweeter chance, though you live tobe your own grandfather, gentlemen! This is my day for fun and frolic; to-morrow I'll be little old business once more, when I wouldn’t mix in a muss for anything less than sure death and sudden burial! ‘*Step to the front if you want to trample all over my pet corrs, or else I'll take it for granted that I've won my right to walk your every corner and crossing. Now—isthe per- formance over, gentlemen, or has the circus barely begun?” Glibly enough all this was rattled off while facing the crowd, guns cocked and muzzles resting easily against his shoulders as his arms were bent upward; but no acceptance came in haste, and Perry Castle was the first man to make reply of any sort. “Don’t you think thar is sech a hog, boss, but if there is—well, right here’s a clown fer to back up your ringmastering—and that’s what’s biting Perry Castle!” Kicking his hat faraway in his enthusiasm, the big fellow strode out t» the side of his new hero, guns in band, ready to fight the entire town if need be, A fairly general cheer greeted this action, and it was very evident that the tide of popular favor had turned toward the Silver City delegate; which possibly accounts for the action taken by the Man of Chance. It goes without saying that Doc Brierly hoped to win his bet by the complete vic- tory of his principal, but when he saw Esau Gray so utterly outclassed, very little of the keen chagrin he surely felt was per- mitted to show itself in face or in man- ner, And now, when nearly every one else seemed to be cheering the victor in that off- hand tilt with guns, the gambler forced an easy smile and stepped up to the High- roller, dofting hat in an apologetic bow as he spoke: “Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. Sheldon. Next to winning a bet is the pleasure of losing one’s cash to a man of your caliber,” ‘* You are satisfied, then, Mr. Brierly?” ‘*1f not, I'd be what you called Esau a bit ago,” came the. half - sgt response, ‘The money is yours, sir, and I'll consider it a cheap bargain if I may call you my friend in return?” Just a bit of extra color showed in the other’s face at this smoothly adroit speech, the perfect sincerity of which he more than doubted, but which he could hardly afford to reject, just then. > In no other manner did he betray this skepticism, and with hardly less perfect policy he made swift response: | ‘You're too awfully kind, my dear sir, but—I’m alwaye ready to prove a friend to nee i A i TE ET - streets and inhale my share of your smoke, and dust without having to fight for it at * ee ee ee a a oe oP ae m— FA Ae oe i a 2 ~~ Sl Fry = ~

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With a frank, easy laugh the gumbler ex tended his white hand, which was instantly or TIT TL Beer rks * Sor — = 17 luve-chase going up in smoke, But Sheldon did not linger much longer grasped by Silver City Sam, And as the at table, rising and quickly passing out of two sports stood thus, face to face, palm to | the long cining room with an unustal palm, another united cheer burst from the lungs of that interested assembly. Catching quickly at the excuse thus of- sparkle in his blue eyes until— that was Absalom Nesbitt? The mining magnate was just in the act Surely fered, Sheldon dropped that hand to lift his | of opening a door near the further end of hat in response, bowing gracefully this way | that long, narrow passage, and Sheldon and that, while Doc Brierly hastened over to where Esau Gray was being supported by Jack Ellison and another crony or two. “You do me proud, gentlemen, all,” ac- knowledged the Silver City Sport, as he bowed, hand over heart for a few moments, then shifting to a less romantic but still im- portant part of his internal economy as he added: “Tm used to a bit of exercise before breakfast, as a usual thing, but too much is more than a plenty, and my poor stomach is crying out that I’ve gone dead back on it! So—ta-ta, gentlemen, and I’. see you all later if the kind fates are willing!” Bowing afresh to the cheers which greeted his bit of a speech, Silver City Sam put his hat back in place, took a look to see that his defeated rival was safely in the hands of his friends, then turned to the right about and moved briskly away in the direc- tion of his hotel, seemingly without thought for his recent, backers in that little game of powder and lead. Neither Absalom Nesbitt nor Perry Castle took any active steps to change this deter- mination, and the new ‘chief ” won his way clear of the crowd without delay or inter- ruption. Showing no outward traces of the ordeal through which he had passed since making that early arising, Sheldon found his way back to the Carbonate, where he had already secured quarters, and where the morning meal was awaiting the unusually dilatory “‘ feeders.” ‘The High-roller was nearly the first man to present himself at table, although he was quickly followed by a number of citizens who had been eye-witnesses to that quickly- arranged meeting, and who had followed close upon the heels of the “rising sun.” Paying not the slightest attention to the admiring looks which were freely turned his way, nor seeming to hear the audible whis- pers and various comments which were passing to and fro on all sides, Samuel ate of the viands placed before him with hearty appetite. That little collision certainly had not un- settled his stomach, nor rendered him a more profitable boarder so far as eating was concerned. But fantastic fortune had not entirely done with the delegate from up-country, and an- other surprise was preparing for him, beside which that invitation to a select shooting- match was as mole-hill to mountain. _Witha broad grin stretching his greasy visage, the slipshod waiter approached the side-table at which Silver City Sam was seated, offering him a sealed note, at the same time volunteering the information: ‘4 angel done sent it, boss, or I’m no jedge o’ style an’ beauty!” Sheldon tore open the cover, glanced at the signature, to flush hotly. CHAPTER XVIII. eq SAMUEL FILLS A DOUBLE ROLE. SHELL } tote the answer back, boss?” asked the waiter, with a still broader grin as he stood confidentially by. ‘‘ Young leddy’s in thar: the parlor, which is— Yes, sir?” __.‘Thanks, No answer is required,” coolly interrupted the High-roller, pocketing the te and easily flipping a coin for that ready m. He played the part well, but under that surface coolness lay an unusual heat, while his pulse was heating far more rapidly than it had done when he faced the deadly wea- pons of Esau Gray, Yet that bit of ‘scented paper had not con. ve reg ha bie ee only a couple of lines, 0) Dew n of a name—the name of Silver City Sam turned again to his break- fast, eating much as before; seemingly so Cool and unconcerned that the rather ro- t 2 eee could almost have taken oath that Nesbitt moved a bit swifter because of glimpsing himself at the dining-room door. ‘*What’s he up to, now?” mentally asked the High-roller, pausing for a brief space, then fixing eyes upon another door half-way between. ‘‘Is he playing spy on me, or— over her actions?” A dark frown bore this query company, and a far from pleasant expression marred that comely visage; but only fora few sec- onds, Then a grim smile took its place, and with a little Bed of his head, Silver City Sam ad- vanced to that nearest door, pausing to givea gentle tap on the panels by way of warning before turning the knob. Heswung the door open and entered, quick- ly swinging the barrier to behind himself like one wishing to cut off all view from with- out. This was ‘‘the parlor,” as Sheldon felt as- sured would prove to be the case, from past experience with similar hotels in the ‘‘ wild and woolly West,” and, too, here he beheld the fair author of the note whose reception. had set his pulse to beating with such undue vigor. t was the young lady passenger whose name and queries had so startled Absalom Nesbitt, the evening before, and as she rose to her feet at that entrance, one could have sworn this was not her first interview with the High-roller, by many! Her hands were extended, her face was filled with an eager if not loving light; but instead of BE ey forward to take hands or form in friendly or loverly clasp, Sheldon stood still, one finger lifted to cross his lips in silent warning! I reckon that pesky hash-slinger made a blunder ma’am,” the High-roller said, speak- ing distinctly, as a man will when he has no thought of concealing his speech or his thoughts A Jook of mingled surprise and mortifica- tion came into he face of Avis White at this unexpected reception, and once again Sheldon made that cautionary sign, at the same time nodding head toward the closed door back of the maiden, which evidently comunicated with the room into which Absalom Nesbitt had passed, buta few seconds earlier ** The fool fellow said you wanted a word with me, ma’am, and though I felt pretty certain he’d got things in a mux, ‘twasn’t so mighty much trouble that I couldn’t come myself to explain and apologize, all in a bunch.” While speaking thus in his former tones, Silver City Sam closed the hall door and ad- vanced, whispering swiftly and guardedly as he did so: “On guard! Enemy listening in yonder. Follow my lead, and play we’re strangers!” That fair face flushed hotly, then grew pale again at that warning, the full force of which Avis appeared to feel through in- stinct. ‘ She nodded ber comprehension, and as that keen light flashed into her dark eyes, Sheldon knew that she would play her part without error from that moment on, ‘*Your name is Mr, Sheldon, I believe? sir?” asked Avis, her tones low and peculiar- ly distinct just then. “* Yes, ma’am, but—” ‘‘Then Lam the onein fault, if any per- son, sir, for the waiter simply did my bid- ding. Will you be seated, Mr. Sheldon?” Silver City Sam had passed by the maiden, and now stood with back to the closed door beyond which he felt morally sure the mine- owner was Fhe then straining his ears to the utmost, and with hands thus hidden froma possible eye at key-hole, he was swiftly writing with pencil on paper. * Yours to command, if I can serve you in any way, ma'am,” the High-roller said, at the same time deftly slipping that bit of paper into her ready hand, | rm ‘* Absalom Nesbitt just gone in room ad- joining. Believe he’s watching and Jisten- ing. Play you want to hire me about min- ing investments. Don’t say aught he can kick at. Explain later on.” ‘“You see, ma’am, being a stranger, like, I reckoned the hash-slinger jumped the wrong claim, although he had the name pat enough,” glibly rattled on the detective, to cover that reading and prevent the possible eavesdropper from having still more danger- ous suspicions awakened. ‘But I’m the happiest fellow you ever caught out of jail when I see even half a chance to do a favor for one of the fair sex. And that means I’m yours to command, from start to finish, unless—well of course a fellow can’t do two things all at once, no matter how willing his heart may be!” ‘‘Thanks, Mr. Sheldon,” said Avis, crumpling that note of warning up in small compass, and slipping it deftly out of sight and danger of discovery by any other hand. ‘‘T trust you can see your way clear to serve me, but of course I expect to pay for your time and trouble.” ‘‘Don’t mention it, ma’am.” ‘“‘Thanks. I have some ready mone which lacks a paying investment, Mr. Shel- don, and I thought seriously of patting it into mining property. Can you give me any advice on that point, sir?” ‘Now, ma’am, ‘twas something pretty much like that I was afraid of, cme the very first!” declared the High-roller, with disappointment fairly bubbling out at every syllable. ‘‘T hardly comprehend your meaning, sir?” . ‘Now, if "twas only up-country, ma’am! But down here—I’m a clean stranger, my-: self, and though I might take a flyer or two on my own account, I’d hardly care about risking other people’s money.” “A stranger in Gopher echoed Avis, as though amazed. 2 ‘*T hit the town for the first time only last night, although I reckon I'm tolerably safe in saying that I've begun a sort of acquaint- ance with some of the sports this morning before breakfast,” was the dry reply, follow- ed by a chuckling laugh natural enough to deceive even so keen a hand as Absalom Nesbitt. ‘‘Really, sir, I was under the impression that you were what is called an ‘old resi- denter,’ else { might not have— Butif you would risk an investment on your own ac- count, surely you could exercise the same od judgment in behalf of an employer?” Sheldon cleared his throat after an embar- rassed fashion, apparently something at a loss for an answer; but then he made reply: *‘Of course I might do all that, ma’am, only for— The fact of the case is pretty much like this: I’m hardly my own man, you see,” ‘* By which I am to understand?” **That another fellow’s got a sort of op- tion on my services,” was the swift and dis- tinct explanation. ‘‘ Of course, if he don’t come to time or don’t care to engage me, that’s different. If heshould— Well now, Miss White, seems to me you couldn’t do better than to ask his advice.” ‘‘Whom do you mean, Mr, Sheldon?” ‘* Absalom Nesbitt,” was the answer, ac- companied by another hidden sign of cau- tion, ‘‘He’s owner of the Coupon, anda whole swarm Of lesser bonanzas, and there isn’t a man in seventeen States that’s better posted in mines and mining properties than that very gentleman!” «Indeed. ‘‘For a fact, ma’am, or I wouldn’t be tell- ing it to you.” ‘*« Tf he has so great interests of his own, Mr. Nesbitt would hardly think it worth while to trouble himself with my small invest- ment.” ‘ “That may be, too, although I don't think it,” earnestly added the High-roller, at the same time writing another note under cover. ‘‘ The boss is clean white, and sharp asa cambric needle! And if he’s too busy~ to do the work himself, I’ll go bail he'll di- rect you to another who'll serve your interests just as sure as he could himself; and more than that is needless!” ‘* You speak enthusiastically, sir, Slope, sir?” You

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—— ’ fairly thorough investigations. 18 _ Silver City | Sam, the High-Roller Detective. F have great faith in this Mr. Nesbitt, evi- dently ?” ‘Well, L have, although I haven’t known him so mighty long. But he’s one of the sort that makes his mark in a hurry: just hits or misses, clean. And me—l’m hit, and don’t mind saying so, in confidence.” Meanwhile, these are the words traced by that busy pencil: ‘““Too risky to meet or talk in town. Please go out for stroll this afternood, east of town. Go alone, keep on until I Gan join without risk of being seen. Can explain more fully, then.” Rising to his feet and deftly leaving that note on the vacated chair, a significant glance calling her attention to it, Sheldon took his leave, reiterating his advice that she consult Absalom Nesbitt beforc.investing her money in property of any description. ‘‘T will think the matter over, Mr. Shel- don, and whether I follow the advice given or not, shall ever feel grateful to you for giving it. Pray pardon me for troubling you?’ *« Don’t mention it, ma’am; it cost me noth- ing!” was the gallant response, then the High-roller left the parlor and proceeded di- rectly up-stairs to his chamber, unlocking it with a key taken from his pocket. Yet it was evident some person had been there during his absence, for there, showing distinct against his pillow, was the Black Hand and Bloody Knife! CHAPTER XIX. SILVER CITY SAM HIRES OUT. Tus High-roller Detective stopped short, flashing a keen glance around the chamber, hand on ready revolver; but he made no further move toward drawing ‘the wea- pon. There was no one in the room save him- self, and absolutely no place where one could hide, save under the narrow bed. That same glance showed Sheldon no per- son had sought concealment there, al- though it was hee as certain that the cham ber had been invaded since his early depar- ture. The lower sash of the one window was lifted, just as Silver City Sam had left it, and crossing the room, the detective looked out, Several persons were within sight from there, but none of them acting after a suspicious manner, so far as he could tell. ‘Looking out and downward, he saw no appliance od means of which the bold in- truder could have mounted to his chamber from the outside, while the hard, dry ground bore no trace of unusual treat- ment, ‘* Picklock or window-climber!” muttered the detective, as a result of his brief but ‘*The first for choice, for even a Death-watch would hardly risk being caught playing burglar under the rising sun!” Turning away from the window, Silver City Sam gazed upon the grim warning which undoubtedly had been prepared for his especial benefit. A single pillow lay in place at the head of that narrow couch, and upon, that pillow et Se square of white paper, the middle of which bore the imprint of the Sable Hand. That print was knife-pierced, the steel driven through the pillow as though by a vengeful arm, the black and red showing in strong contrast against the white back- und, In allrespects it was a duplicate of the warning pinned fast to the office-door of Ab- salom Nesbitt that same morning. Here, as there, no words supplemented that grim warning, nor was any such addition needed, This was the fourth knife seen by Sheldon since coming into the Gopher Slope district, complete duplicates of each other, even to that realistic stain which so closely resem- bled freshly -shed human blood. As he reached this conclusion, the High- roller smiled faintly. ““There’d ought to be good money in the cutlery trade out here! onder if that isn’t -aclue worth following up a bit closer, ough?” ‘ae pulled the weapon free, gave it a care- ‘ful examination, noting the trademark and { makers, then wiped the steel and slipped it into his belt, behind, out of sight. ‘**Maybe some fool will try to jump me for the original Bloody Knife if this is caught on my person, but reckon I'll take my chances, ’T won't do any harm to match the specimen down at Nesbitt’s, anyway, if no good.” Seating himself on the edge of the bed, Sheldon fell into deep and busy reflection, that warning figuring in part as thought- food. Evidently he was being classed as among the Couponites, for the two warnings posted that anorning were precisely alike, and in all probability that posting was the work of the same bold hand. Who could that be? Certainly not Doc Brierly, Esau Gray or Jack Ellison, for one and all of them could be fairly accounte. for, Then—where else to look? ‘‘Some one who hangs out in town, evi- dently, yet that don’t narrow the choice very much!” was his swift reflection, ‘ Well, the third time is said to be the charm, andif that is true, and this gay buck keeps up the same lick he’s started off with we'll have another sort of circus for the fun-loving citi- zens ere long.” Putting that thought aside for the time being, Silver City Sam let his fancy take a bit wider range, running over all the inci- dents which had kept him so busy since his coming into the Slope district. He recalled the shock received when he first, realized what had happened to Jonah Cain, A complete stranger in life, of course, yet it still made his pulse bound a bit more quickly as he remembered calling to that motionless shape, only to an instant later see What dread work had been done to it. ‘“The work of a veritable demon, surely! And yet—would such a demon both save and spare me, to tell what I’d seen and heard?” Again he could hear the deep tones of the Skeleton Rider, could in fancy see those strangely illuminated bones. If his had been the death-dealing hand in Cain’s case, why had it been so tempered with mercy but a few minutes later? If not the secret slayer, who was play- ing upon his uncanny reputation as Death- watch? ‘“‘Tt’s all an infernal mix-up, but I'll get to the bottom of it if I sive through the rest of this month!” vowed the High roller Detective, in tones barely audible to his own ears. Then his thoughts passed on to what had taken place that morning, and again a dark frown wrinkled his high brows as he recalled the half-stealthy mannerin which the mining magnate had slipped into the room adjoining the hotel parlor. ‘*What was he after, there? Surely he couldn't know that Avis was sending for me, or that we— Wonder just how much the old villain has guessed at, anyway?” Evidently that was a far from comfortable thought, for the High-roller sat on his bed, staring at vacancy, almost viciously tugging at his mustaches the while. How could Nesbitt have divined that an acquaintance existed between the young couple? Was it purely chance that led him to the hotel in time to eavesdrop that early inter- view? ‘* And that’s just what the old villain did, for I could catch his breathing at the key- hole!” muttered Sheldon. ‘‘ How much did he ‘see? Wonder if he caught me making signs to put the little woman on her guard, first-off? If so—well, 1’d surely ougnt to be able to match bim card for card, play for play, even on equal terms!” Reaching this conclusion seemingly satis- fied the High-roller, for the time being, since he rose abruptly to his feet, giving himself a vigorous stretch, then looking to his weapons like a man who feels a possibility of being called upon to burn powder in a hurry. Leaving the chamber. locking the door af. ter himself, Sheldon leisurely descended the stairsand entered the office, where he left his key for safe keeping. he Jandlord gave him a more than respect- ful greeting, showing past all doubt what a favorable account he had recently received concerning this new ‘‘ chief.” Buying a couple of cigars and lighting one of them, Sheldon left the hotel as though for a lazy stroll through town. Silver City Sam was well enough versed in western life to know that a certain degree of interest would cling about him as victor in that duel, and that his remaining in seclusion would only add to rather than detract from that morbid curiosity. For reasons perfectly satisfactory to him- self, then, the Higt-roller decided to giveall ' an cpportunity to both view and discuss him while he bad po especial mission on hand; later it might prove far more inconvenient, Seemingly ignorant of all those looks and comments being made by the citizens he chanced to come within eye-range of, Sheldon leisurely strolled throughthetown, presently drawing near its eastern edge to send a keen, searching look over that quarter. Knowing that the stage-road entered from the north, whilethe bulletin-tree stood south, Samuel had named that direction at random while making an appointment with Avis White. After all, he could hardly have made a bet- ter choice, for the ground in that direction was only pleasantly broken, while affording an abundance of cover for those who had good reasons for secrecy in their meeting by daylight. Having settled this point to his satisfaction, Sheldon veered around, and as though guided simply by chance, turned his steps toward the office bearing Absalom Nesbitt’s name and business on its front, He was about to pass this by without stop- ping, like one who hardly recognized his lo- cality, when the mining magnate gave a has- ty call from his den, following voice to door, and checking the High-roller with an added gesture. ‘‘Hello! I wasn’t thinking when I— All right, Mr. Nesbitt!” Turning back with the air of a man who would as soon spend a few idle minutes there as elsewhere, Sheldon once again crossed that threshold and sunk easily into a chair near the littered table-desk. ‘‘Just been taking a view of the Slope, , and— Business, is it?” His tone changed abruptly as he caught that gesture, and his quick wit was compli- mented by a smile from the mine-owner, ' ‘* Business first, pleasure after, yes. Now —you haven't been scared out of the notion of taking a job under me, I trust, Shel- don?” ‘* Well, not scared too badly to relish my breakfast, anyway,” with a short, careless chuckle, ‘‘But as for the rest—I didn’t oo, you’d made me an offer of a job, sir.’ ‘*Consider it made now,” came the quick reply. ‘‘ Will you take the place, and run it for all it’s worth?” ‘Meaning the Couponsuperintendency, of course ?” *‘Of course. Will you take the job?” Sheldon was in no particular hurry to an- swer, softly drumming on the table with nimble fingers, staring across at the dingy wall, seemingly weighing the chances for and against the proposition. ‘* Well, sir, that isn’t so mighty easy to answer,” he said, presently. ‘‘ From what's happened since I came within cannon-range of the Slope, yesterday, looks like taking such a job means heap risk: and little profit!” ‘*Ag for the risk, a man of your caliber isn’t used to counting that in advance, As he the profit—name your terms, Mr, Shel- on!” ‘All right. sir. I can do the last, easy enough, and if you should think I was hit- ting your bank-roll too heavily, no harm done on either side. For it’s no more than fair to give you the hint, sir: I’ve got a en string to my bow if I choose to pull t. : ** Another job, you mean?” ‘*Yes; and one with a heap sight less risk attached to it, too!” ‘‘Please name your figures, Mr. Shel- don,” coldly repeated the mining magnate, with a slight frown wrinkling his forehead. ‘* First, what work do you expect me to doif [hire out as your man? Nothing like understanding all these minor points in ad- vance, you see!” 2 “IT wish you to act as superintendent of — 4 e-4 Rite Dpaiety Oreet MOM. a pi ehetan? Ce ab ey : i Se hee 5 it pare} fe G

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a the Coupon; to boss the hands, see that they earn the wages to be pail them, make the property pay the highest possible returns, and in general such duties as belong to the position, “In addition to this, I expect you to do all you can to further my interests, and to confound my enemies. And, above all else, out-devil this infernal Death-watch !”’ Absalom Nesbitt spoke rapidly yet coolly, after the manner of a man of business who had given the subject-all neccessary thought. Silver City Sam listened closely, giving a bit of a whistle as the long list reached its ending. ‘“ Quite a programme you've worked out, Mr. Nesbitt, but I’m willing to try it on if I’m paid enough for the work.” “How much do you wish to be paid, then?” _ A brief pause as though counting up the items, then Silver City Sam coolly made re- y: “Five hundred per month and found, if I make a successful stagger at it; nothing at allif I pan out a fraud or make a fizzle.” If he expected to stagger the mine-owner, Sheldon was disappointed, for a plump hand reached out to clasp his while Nesbitt said: ““Agreed, sir, and we'll date the contract from to-day!” “Good enough! Now tell mea little more about the situation, sir,” CHAPTER XX. 2 A PEEP BEHIND THE SCENES. Ir was well along in the afternoon of that same day when Silver City Sam left the hotel in order to keep the appointment he had made with Avis White. They had only caught a passing glance of each other since their brief interview of that morning, and that under the keen if not ac- tually suspicious eyes of Absalom Nesbitt, The two men were just entering the dining- room of: the Carbonate Hotel, a bit late for the mid-day meal, when Miss White was tak- ing her departure, They uncovered, both bowed and stepped aside for her passage. Miss White stole a swift glance at one orthe other of them, and received one in return from the handsome ; a pina & luok which plainly told her the r r appointment still stood as arranged. Neither men mentioned the young lady during the meal, and as Sheldon was not to _ Teport for regular work until the day follow- ing, it was easy enough to shake off this, his new employer. Leaving the hotel behind him, Silver City Sam strolled lazily away, taking a generally northern course and leaving the town by way of the regular stage road. That was natural enough, and hardly suf- ficient to awaken curiosity or give rise to comments among those who happened to wit- ness his movements, He had entered town by that route, and what more natural than that he should set face in that same direction when taking an idle stroll? _ But Sheldon only kept to the road long enough to get cut of sight of the town-peo- le, then worked his way around to the east, eeping well covered by the friendly rocks and scrubby pines, Not until he won a location from whence he could readily command a view from that edge of the Slope, and without difficulty mark the progress of any person who came on that quarter, did Sheldon come to a It was yet rather early to expect Miss White, but he was willing to wait for that coming, since he felt certain of his reward in the end. The detective’s brain was hardly given rest during that interval of waiting, for he surely had ample food for thought. Had he acted all for the best in accepting place under Absalom Nesbitt? Would he be _ able to do his work thoroughly while so ham- pered, or would filling that place give him an even better opportunity for windy out the — Pe hg e had made? ose doubts were not entirely dissipated when Sheldon first sighted the tue of ; wo- BS. eer ing from Picket gi coming in that . but now he - OTe Asie fashion, Lancia a is Tace showed far more than anordina interest in that gracefully moving figure, xe! ST a ET a Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. i wife, my dear mother! It might be that way, Sam?” “Yes, it might, but I hardly think you need worry your dear heart over such an improbability, Avis. Still, I promise you that I’ll probe the mystery to the very bottom, and if it should prove to be as you seem tofear—” ‘*To hope, not fear, Sam!” ‘*Well, dear, either way I'll do my level best to right all wrongs. And now, Avis, one word of sober warning, litthe woman!” ‘You're not going to scold me, Sam?” looking up with a smile through his tears, ‘* Never that, Avis!” with an earnestness which brought a deeper blush to her fair ver City. cheeks and caused her to gently withdraw Pausing sufficiently long to assure him- | from that encircling arm, ‘' But warn you self the maiden was not being followed from | I surely must! town by either enemy or self-invited ad-| ‘‘This Nesbitt is more devil than saint, mirer, Sheldon shifted his own location, | and if ke should fairly suspect you of being the more quickly to meet bis fair friend. what you are; if he was to discover that That meeting was a sufliciently cordial | you are the sole living relative of Martin one, yet it could hardly be termed that of ; White, who was the discoverer of the lovers; or, if lovers, hardly that of an en-| Lucky Strike, he’d prove a mighty bad gaged couple. | enemy ! , There was a charming blush upon her ‘*Promise me to be guarded in every cheeks, and a half-shy light in her dark | word or action so long as you remain here eyes, but Avis gave her hand as one meets | ar the Slope. Promise that sou will avoid a good friend—nothing more, nothing less. | Nesbitt as much as you can without actu- Sheldon was just a trifle less reserved, tak- | ally betraying your suspicions of him.” ing that dainty paw between both of his strong hands, holding it with eafnest pressure while swiftly speaking: ‘*) wasn’t quite sure you’d understand my acting after that queer fashion. my good friend, but what else could I do?” : ‘* There was no mistake, then? That man was actually playing spy?” ‘‘He surely was in the room lying just back of the parlor, and 1] am fairly cartel I could hear him breathing as he stooped or knelt at the keyhole.” “The villain! What could he mean by such conduct?” “Well, I fancy that isn’t a patching to what Absalom Nesbitt is capable of, on a pinch,” rather grimly said the detective, as that hand was withdrawn from his charge. ‘Tf you really knew the fellow—” ‘*T have heard of him, Sam, and that is mainly why I'm here now, instead of at Sil- ver City.” ‘‘T could hardly trust my eyes when I recognized your handwriting, Avis, but— I’m not trying to penetrate your secrets, mind. little lady!” ‘“‘Of course I intended foning. you all about it, Sam, and so— Ugh! how I do hate the sight of that great, fat, spidery vil- lain!” ‘*A spider who can spin all his webs of pure gold, though, Avis!” ‘Of gold how won?” came the swift re- tort. ‘‘Do you know, Sam, I fully be- lieve that Absalom Nesbitt murdered my poor, poor father!” ‘* Avis, dear friend!” “Tt is true, Sam! I heard some men talking about him, and the Coupon Mine, and bow he came to get hold of it through pape or—well, I just couldn’t catch that part of it, you know, but the men went on to say an awful lot sbout the Death-watch who kept guard over what used to be the Lucky Strike—my father's mine, Sam!” Avis was too greatly agitated now to make a very lucid explanation, but thanks to his own knowledge of the matter Shel- don found no difficulty in getting at her full meaning. She had heard talk about the strange do- ings here at Gopher Slope, and rather ro. manticaliy twisted them to more nearly meet her own wishes. “I thought that it might be my poor father—driven mad, perhaps, by his terrible wrongs, or his sufferings—and something told me not to lose an hour, but to come on here at once} And—and—oh, Sam! if that awful mystery should envelop my father!” : “‘T hardly think that can be possible, Avis, dear,” Sheldon said, his arm ne protectingly around the waist of the agitate maiden in a more than platonic fashion; but Avis made no objection, possibly being too much disturbed to recognize the impro- priety! “Il know, poor father should be insane, or deceived his blue eyes filled with a vivid light which certainly was not hatred or distaste! ‘*She’s coming, bless the little woman! What brought her over here in such haste, though? 1 never dreamed of such a thing, and when J saw her signature— Steady, Samuel!” The High-roller cut his musings short, but watched that slowly advancing shape the more closely, admiring each curve and bend as Avis picked her way through the rocksand broken ground, She acted very naturally, too, moving as | though merely out for a pleasure walk, with no positive end in view, yet keeping steadily | to the line marked out by the man from Sil- for me.” ‘I do ask it, Avis, and because of the reasons given. And, dear, I'll have to ask ou ” ly asked the maiden, her cheeks aglow and a half-frightened, half-glad light peeping through her nearly closed and downcast eyes. yCNot just what I'd like to ask, dear; not what I surely shall ask one of these days provided all goes well with us both,” came the low, earnest response. ‘‘ But just. this, Avis: é ‘*' You must follow up the cue I gave you, this morning, when that villain was eaves- dropping. You must treat me as a stran- ger, leaving me to arrange our meetings, and to set time and place for exchanging” such information as we may be able to lek u F Surely you'll not mistake me, Avis? It is more for your dear sake than for my own safety that I ask this of you.” ‘*T understand, Sam, and all shall be as you wish.” ‘* All? Say that once more, Avis; and look into my eyes as you pronounce the words, dear!” earnestly breathed the detec- tive, now something more, something far better than the hunter of mankind. Avis looked up, blushing divinely, yet bold in her timidity ‘Say it, Avis; say that all shall be as I wish, now and hereafter!” urged the— surely it lacked mighty little of being “lover,” now? ** All shall be as you wish, Sam, now and hereafter!” softly but distinctly repeated those red-ripe lips. “Thank you—and thank Heaven, dear!” earnestly whispered Sheldon, then adding in altered tones: “I can walt now until the right day comes, Avis, and do my dangerous work all the better for the words you have just spoken. And now—you must go back to town, dear.’* “With you, Sam?” ‘‘T wish it might be, Avis, but better not. Remember it’s a dangerous game we’ve got to play, now, and against most unscrupulous enemies. I believe Absalom Nesbitt is the worst of those, and we must make him look upon us as strangers to each other. So— good-by, Avis!” And so they separated, the maiden going in advance, with Sheldon following after at. a distance, guarding ber so interestedly that. he forgot to care for himself—for unseen foemen leaped out from cover and canght. him fairly in the toils! CHAPTER XXI. THE HIGH-ROLLER DETECTIVE’S CLOSE CALL, Wirnovt the slightest warning came that. but—if it should be so! If foul assault, two men rising up from snu cover amidst those rocks, one of them hold mi to thinking his child dead as well as his a revolver in readiness, while his mate swung ‘‘If you ask it, Sam, that is sufficient. ‘* What is that, Sam?” a little more shy- something still harder; for me, if not for . a

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20 a looped lasso around his head once before making adexterous cast. True tothe cowboy’s aim, the well-greased and pliant rope shot through the air and fell fairly over head and to the shoulders of the High-roller Detective, before he could even suspect the fact that danger menaced. With a backward leap and fierce jerk upon the rope, the cowboy drew his noose fast and at the same time brought Sheldon to earth with stunning force. That shock nearly knocked the detective senseless, and as his head just grazed a jag- ged rock in falling, his escape from death maybe called marvelous, The ruffians came with a rush, but one of the twain recoiled with an ugly oath as he saw Silver City Sam struggle to arise and draw a weapon, giving a gasp of recognition at the same time. “Youcur! I'll never—-give up—” Instinctively the fellow recoiled as he saw recognition was complete, and far as Jack Ellison was concerned, the tables might have been most effectually turned then and there. Silver City Sam saw that evil-looking face, and knew as by instinct that his sole hope lay in fighting for hislife, for of mercy from that quarter he could expect aone. With a desperate effort, then, he regained artial use of his- hampered arms, reaching or and fairly grasping the butt ofa revolver; but ere he could do more, the cowboy gave another savage jerk to his lasso which drag: ged the High-roller several feet over the , Stones, and at. the sametime so benumbed his arms that he lost grip ou his weapon, ‘*Steady, pardner! ’ the fellow spoke in swift warning. ‘‘ The blame’ broncho’ll kick you so full o’ holes you. cain’t hold water ef— Easy, thar, blame ; e, Maverick!” With a vicious snarl and curse, Ellison rallied from his brief-lived dismay, jerking forth a weapon as he leaped upon his hamper- . ed enemy, one hand clutching at that exposed throat; and his knees boring heavily into those ribs. ‘« Now I have got ye!” he cried, venomous- ly, resisting the feeble effurts which were all Silver City Sam could muster under the cir- cumstances, ‘‘ Dead men tell no tales, and I'll cut your heart out, if— Say your prayers, you infernal bloodhound!” With that rope cutting painfully into his flesh, with that hand on throat and knees on body, Sheldon had precious scant hope for life just then; but he never flinched or even thought of calling for mercy as he saw that knife-armed hand rise above his person, eager to fall and drain his heart of its last life-drop. Left to themselves, there could have been but one ending to that dastardly assault, but such was not to be; another surprise was al- ready prepared, and with stern shouts another ambuscade was emptied of its living con- tents. ‘‘Steady, thar, cuss ye, Jack Ellison!” thundered Perry Castle, as he and a couple of mates broke cover, sending a rattling vol- ley in advance of their coming. More through luck than genuine skill one |: bullet sn.ote that uplifted arm, shattering the bone and causing the knife to fall in- nocuous from those unnerved fingers as the crippled assassin started to his feet in mo- mentary panic. Ellison saw those rushing figures, and heard his own name mai. rom one pair of lips, telling only too clearly that he could not hope to lie out of the scrape, even should he be able to escape with hfe. He saw Sheldon struggling to shake off that noose, the lariat now lying loosely over those stones, abandoned by its owner, who was ducking low down as he swiftly dodged y away among the thick-lying bowlders, intent only on preserving his own precious hide. Thea, as the knave felt the grating of bones as his helpless member swung awk- wardly at his side, a furious curse burst through his blanching lips and he caught at his second revolver with his left hand, jerk ing forth the weapon even as he staggered and fell in an awkward heap. ‘You devil! I’ll never—I’ll send you to hades first!” he hoarsely gasped, paying no heed to the stern cries from the rescuing squad, but trying to secure a steady aim upon the High-roller. A “low-roller,” just then! For Silver City Sam had not time to Clear himself of that lasso, having but imperfect | else had aught to do with that affair save use of either hands or arms as yet, and see- se himself and a natural desire to ‘‘even up” ing how viciously resolved Ellison was to | for a misused pard; and having vanly count a coup, he writhed quickly aside and striven to learn name or identity of the es- tossed kis head around, just as that weapon | caped knave, Silver City Sam abandoned the exploded with deadly intent. Sheldon felt the sting of the lead on one cheek as he rolled over, but he knew it could be nothing worse than a mere skin-graze, and as he forced a second turn, he contrived to cast off that hampering noose. As the lasso dropped away, the High- roller swung around and to his knees, hands catching pistols and jerking the weapons forth, his voice ringing out in double warn- ing as he swiftly took in the situation: “Steady, all! I'll bore you, Jacky— don’t shoot him again, pards!”’ For Perry Castle and his fellows were coming up with a rush, each one trying to be first to cover and ‘‘salivate” the rascal whom they heard but could not see pepper- ing the Man from Silver City. For Ellison had sunk down between two gray rocks, and turned dizzy by the fierce agony of his shattered arm, had fallen over to that side and given the crippled member an awful wrench, Savage curses came gaspingly from his whitened lips, but he was too sick just then to make further use of his weapons, and recognizing this, Sheldon quickly shielded the assassin from the on-comers, ‘‘Hold hard, all!” his voice rung out in stern warning as he moved closer to the crippled knave. ‘‘He’s my meat, and— look to his pal!” But the cowboy had improved his mo- ments most marvelously, being already lost to sight among those rocks, nor could either pf the rescuing party glimpse the knave again. As for Silver City Sam, now that he had time to catch his breath and cast a fair look around, his first thought was for Avis White and her safety. He had watched her nearly to the edge of town, and hoped that she had kept right on in blissful ignorance of his peril. He failed to see aught of her now, and that gave him fair grounds for thinking his hopes would prove true. It did not take long to convince Perry Castle and his brace of comrades that the cowboy had made good his escape for the time being, but knowing that they held a living clew to allin Jack Ellison, they were a reluctant to abandon the chase, just then. On their return to the scene of that brief struggle, they found Silver City Sam already questioning his captive, whom he had de- prived of all weapons, and who was lying back against a rock, holding his crippled arm with his other hand, looking ghastly pale and with face pain-drawn, yet still sullenly defiant. ; ‘*Who set you on my back, Jacky? Might as well spit out the truth as tangle your forked tongue all up in 4 gob of lies, don’t you reckon?” Sheldon showed none the worse for his adventnre, save in garments; they had suf- fered in some respects, but were by no means past mending. Along one cheek showed a red _ streak, marking the graze of a bullet, but the skin had not been broken. “I told you, didn’t 1?” growlingly re- turned the discomfited knave. ‘Tell it again, and see if you can’t get it straighter, Jacky.” ‘‘] was trying to even up for a, pard, curse you for a devil! You laid him up, just when—and now—look at me, you de- mon!” Silver City Sam was looking at him, al- though he hardly deemed it necessary to say as much, ‘‘Look ye here, Ellison,” he said, with more gravity, ‘I hate to call a cripple a liar, but I can’t help saying just this much: tell your boss that he can save’ good money by tackling this particular job himself, instead of hiring others to turn the trick. ‘‘You're past doing it up brown, and Esau has had to retire to the dry dock for needed repairs. So—let him come to the ——— effort for the time being. Those shots had been heard at town, and the alarm was quickly spreading, a number being now visible as they hurried in that direction. For reasons of his own Sheldon was hard- ly desirousof posing as a hero for the second time that day, and so determined to beat a retreat while the way was open. ‘‘You look to this fellow, won’t you, Cas- tle? Of course I'll see that all costs are covered. Give him decent care, and such treatment as his hurts require. Will you?” ““You bet I will, since you ask it, sir! Only for him, though, I’d heap sooner kick him clean to glory amen!” ‘‘ He’s paid off pretty thoroughly, I fancy, as it is,” with a brief and grim chuckle. ‘‘Treat him white, just to astonish hint by the contrast. And—I say, Castle,” “Say it, boss!” *‘T’ll try to thank you all later on for chip- ping in so opportunely. It was monstrous lucky your happening to be on hand, just now!” There was a half-bantering echo to those words, and a half-mocking glow in those blue eyes, but if Castle flushed a bit before them both, he certainly had his answer ready. ‘Twas lucky, boss, but it just happened that way. Then, when we saw trouble, ’course we had to jump in with both feet!” Smiling faintly, the High-roller turned away toward town, thoughts busy enough, and not all of his reflections agreeable ones, CHAPTER XXII. MR. NESBITT SUPPOSES A CASE, Maxine a bit of a curve the more readil to avoid meeting with those who might as questions which he preferred not having to answer just then, Silver City Sam nicked his way back to town, pondering over this latest phase of the intricate case. He could understand easily enough why that vicious assault had been made, without going deeper than the naked explanation given by the crippled gambler. ; But what troubled him a vast deal more, was the lucky appearance of Perry Castle and his fellows upon the scene of action. True, their coming had almost certainly saved his life, for Jack Ellison surely meant murderias he glared down into the eyes which had recognized him; but — how chanced they to be right there, right then? How long had they been among the rocks? How much had they seen and heard? ‘Give him even half a show, and Perry Castle would pan out about as white a man as one can stumble against in this godless country! But with such a boss to egg him on— as he hired to play spy on my movements?” Right there lay the sting, and it bothered the High-roller far more than he cared to admit, too. Without encountering any particular in- terruption, Sheldon reached town and his hotel, and while hurrying along to his chamber, where he intended making himself just a bit more presentable, his heart gave a glad leap and a heavy weight seemed lifted off his mind. There was Avis, safe and unharmed, smil- ing back at him as she disappeared through a door an instant later. Placed at his ease on that all-important point, Sheldon banished all other cares, assing a quiet hour in his chamber after reshening up his toilet as far as his rather limited facilities would permit. He had no particular desire to go abroad again that day, feeling fairly well assured that the story of his latest adventure must have spread throughout the Slope long ere this, and that unwelcome curiosity would meet him at every turn when he was to put in An appearance. Then, too, he had an abundance of thought-material, and none too much leisure front, and, as a possible inducement, just say ; time in which to untangle the various thac | agree to pay his funeral expenses out | strands and Jay them each in its proper of my own pocket!” Again came the surly denial that any one place. Little more than an hour had elapsed since Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. fe

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ST 0s TE eR: TR FT a AF ae-anee: his return from the hills when Silver City Sam was roused by a gentle tapping at his door, and opening this he found himself face to face with Absalom Nesbitt. ‘‘Beg pardon if I’m interrupting you, Sheldon, but—” ‘*Don’t mention it, sir! Come in, won’t you?’ ; “Thanks. If it’s all the same to you, Suppose we go across to my office? .Or— well, perhaps ’twill do just as well, here ” Quickly changing his mind, the mining magnate crossed that threshold, closing the door gently behind himself, Placing the one chair his chamber could boast for his visitor, Silver City Sam seated himself upon the edge of his bed, prepared for whatever might come. He felt reasonably sure Perry Castle had made his report to Nesbitt, and that he owed this visit mainly to that adventure among the rocks lying east of town. Or—was it to the fact of his meeting with the daughter of Martin White, dis- coverer and original owner of the Lucky Strike? Almost the first word spoken by his visitor after being seated convinced Sheldon that his suspicions were well founded, for that remark touched upon his shooting-scrape with Jack Ellison. Shrewdly resolving to forestall his in- quisition, and thus keep the advantage in his own hands, Silver City Sam spoke with seeming frankness about the affair, then added: “If you are actually anxious for me to act as superintendent of the Coupon, Mr. Nesbitt, 1 reckon you were wise in clinch- - ing the bargain just as you did, to-day.” e How so, pray?” “IT told you I had a second string to my bow, didn’t 1?” “‘T believe so, yes. You mean?” “‘That the young lady I had in mind just then renewed her offer of an engagement just a little while before Jacky bit off a igger mouthful than he could easily get away with,” ‘You mean Miss White, of course?” Silver City Sam arched his brows a bit in counterfeit surprise, but made answer promptly enough: **Yes, You are acquainted with her, then?” “Not so intimately but that I could stand a little more information, so—what = you know about the young woman, Shel- on y? ‘That she’s a clipper for looks, and a woman of business mighty sight older than her age looks to be,” came the prompt re- sponse. ‘‘ Wants to sink a pile of good money in paying property out here, where the per cent. counts up in a holy hurry.” «What and who is she?” “Miss White. Got spare rocks. Has an odd fancy for mines and the like. Thinksa little fortune can be picked up at ’most any crook or turn, if one is keen to catch a fair chance.” “An old ‘acquaintance of yours,) of course?” ** An old—what?” ‘““You knew the lady before she struck the Slope, of course?” “Never even dreaméd that this world held such a creature,” coolly affirmed the High-roller, meeting those keen eyes with all possible innocence and candor. ‘*Queer—decidedly queer!” ‘* How so, pray?” “A complete stranger, you say, yet the lady meets you out in the hills, in broad day- light!” ee Beg your pardon, sir, but you've sort o’ got the cart before the horse,” declared the High-roller, with a low, amused chuckle, as he leaned back on an elbow supported by that knife-pierced pillow. ‘* What do you mean by that?” sharply de- manded Nesbitt. ‘Because. I met the lady instead of her meeting me,” came the cool answer. ‘I caught sight of her taking a stroll, just as she might take the air back in God’s coun- try, without so much as a thought of trouble or of danger.” “Then it wasn’t a regular appointment?” “‘Not nearly so lucky as spat would seem, my dear sir, To quote thé old song, ‘we met by chance,’ and I thought it only right \ ss 2 EEO rn D> Oe Ee SE ee Tri Silver City Sam the High-Roller Detective. 21 a SS | to let drop a hint that Gopher Slope wasn’t exactly Paradise, if her gates were wide open. And so—well, the young lady re- newed her former offer of an engagement if I was still out of a job.” ** And you told her—what?” ‘Pretty much the same thing I told her this morning in the best room, down-stairs: that I wasn't my own man, now, and that I reckoned she couldn't do better than to tackle you about investing her good money ” All this came so smoothly, and with so much apparent honesty, that such fears and doubts as Absalom Nesbitt may have enter- tained were banished, for the time being at least. For something over a minute he sat in si- lence, plainly debating with himself, while Sheldon waited patiently for his visitor to unbosom, ready to meet almost any sort of attack. Presently Nesbitt fixed eyes upon tfle High-roller, speaking slowly: ‘*You say you are my man, now, Mr. Sheldon. How much does the wages I am to pay you cover?” ‘Cover? Oh—pretty much everything, I take it.” ‘*Even if the work offered should look to be a little off the usual lines?” ‘‘Of course. I take your pay, which comes at my own figures. In return I naturally expect to do your work, That work, of course, you are to name, just so you don’t demand impossibilities,” quietly answered the new superintendent of the Coupon Mine. ** You really mean all this, Sheldon?” “Yes. Unless the work you Wish done should prove to be too much off-color, that is,” like one deeming it wise to insert a say- cg Sa his last sentence apparently failed to en- tirely please the mining magnate, and a frown wrinkled his brows as his heavy lids drooped once more in sober thought. Still, Sheldon had given him latitude enough, and evidently reflection only de- cided him to press the awkward matter fur- ther home. Lifting head and eyes once more, Nesbitt slowly spoke: ‘‘Suppose I needed a certain obstacle re- moved from my path, and came to you for assistance, Sheldon?” ‘* What sort of an obstacle, first?’ ‘* Well, suppose I was to call it—a man?” The High-roller made a languid gesture, then tersely answered: ‘*Unless a cripple, or too old, I’d pick a fuss and send him over the Great Divide in a boly hurry!” ‘*But suppose—merely a supposition, of course ; suppose it was a woman, what then?” persisted the mine-owner. Silver City Sam sat up on the bed, his man- ner and tone altering, yet neither betraying any very great shock, **A woman? Well, of course that’s a gray horse of another color, and before say- ing any more, let me ask just what itis you want done?” ‘**It 1 was to say I wanted her put out of the way?” Sheldon shook his head, decidedly, shrug- ging his shapely shoulders in dumb refusal, i er his objections into words as well, _“*No, no, Mr. Nesbitt; that’s just a weenty bit too far over the line I don’t pretend to be a saint; I reckon I'll have about as much to answer for at the Last Trump asany other poor devil; but I draw the line at killing squaws, and I draw.it deep!” _ Absalom Nesbitt laughed like one enjoy- ing his little joke; but he added after a few moments thus spent: ‘Of course I didn’t really mean to kill a woman, man, dear, but—suppose I wished you to frighten one of that sex?” ‘‘Oh, that’s different!” “Would you undertake such a job, then, as my confidential agent?” , “If you asked me to, yes. How, and what for, pray?” ' There was another brief pause at this phase of the game, just as though the schemer was h ar decided whether or no it would be the part of wisdom to fully con- fide in this new recruit. | But after a few moments spent in thought, | he added: | -‘* Suppose this Miss White had come to the Slope with the express intention of mak- | ing trouble over the Coupon Mine, and sup- ; pose 1 should conclude it wisest to—to quiet | her, peacefully, yet effectually, how far could | I count on your assistance, Mr. Sheldon?” ‘Wait a bit, and let’s clear away every bump as we roll over the course, boss,” was | the cool speech. ‘ Now, quiet her, you sa » 9? | “* Yes, | derstand ?” ‘‘Not the seal of death the poets rant. about, surely?” : ‘Of course not! man!” ~ ‘And you mear, not murder, but—what?” ‘‘ What’s the matter with marriage, Shel- don?” Silver City Sam stared with widely opened eyes, and Nesbitt gave an oily chuckle as he spoke on: : ‘*Of course I’m only supposing a case, my dear fellow, yet there is quite enough meat in it to give careful attention. So— open ears! ‘*Suppose I decide to marry this young lady, and she hasn’t sufficient good taste to jump at my first offer. ‘*Suppose I decide to run her off toa quiet spot where she can think it all over in retirement, and then—if I still have to force an acceptance, will you help me coax the obstinate beauty to.say yes?” Silver City Sam listened without turning a hair, then spoke: ‘*Yes. When shall we turn the trick, boss?” Put a seal over her lips, you un- That would be murder, CHAPTER XXIII. ON A SPOOKISH EXPEDITION. Smrver Crry Sam spoke in the most matter-of-fact way imaginable, to all out- ward seeming ready to tackle the job off- hand; but instead of meeting his new super- intendent with equal frankness, Absalom Nesbitt broke into a low laugh, just as though he had found something extremely comical in the whole affair. ‘* Why, Sheldon, you talk just as though you meant it all!” ** Why wouldn’t 1 mean it, then?” ““T was merely testing your fidelity to your new employer, Sheldon. Just hatched up the first idea that came to hand.” ‘*Then you were simply jesting, Mr. Nesbitt?” ‘‘Merely joking, my friend, and I trust you'll not take offense at my nonsense,” said the mine-owner, with more earnestness in his tones, “Then there is no trouble? No fresh trouble over the Coupon, I mean, of course?” asked the superintendent, seemingly per- plexed. ; ‘* Why should there be, Sheldon? As for this woman—bah! There isn’t the ghost of any grounds for her making trouble along that line.” : ** And there’s no question of wedding-ring, sir?” **Not unless you see fit to offer her one on your own account, my dear fellow!” “I? Oh, I don’t count, And even if I did, I’d rather wait until I was my own man again, without another’s collar around my neck. But—may I say it, sir?” ‘Why pot? You and I surely ought to turn out good friends, Sheldon. What’s bothering you, now?” ‘* Well, sir, was it just to spring this little joke on a fellow that you looked me up this evening?” ° ‘* Not exactly, no. You see, Sheldon, it’s prelty ‘much like this: Ever since Jonah Cain began to lose his nerve, a couple of weeks or more ago, pea Sparse has been ing at cross-purposes over at the Coupon,’ ** We'll soon straighten that out, sir, once I get in fair swing,” confidently assured the newly hired superintendent. “TI hope so; I most sincerely hope you will, Sheldon! But—well, to be perfectly frank with -you, there is some grounds for the men taking such fright at the old place!” ‘“You mean about the Death-watch, and the like o’ that?” wt X es. mine is crammed chuck full of spooks and — such abominations, and—well, not to put too i A i i nS A o- 4 The men will have it that the —

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SR oe Sg ag = nes STE ——- oe a oa 503 _—s ’ 22 <dableliend. Sam, the High-Roller Detective. fine a point upon it, Sheldon, I’ve seen something mighty uncanny right in there my own self!” ** What like, sir?” ‘‘A skeleton of fire, it looked like. Of course I know it was some infernal trick or deception, but—” ** Some bold rascal trying to disgust you with the Coupon, of course. Did you ever stop to think how much virtue there might be in a little prepared saltpeter and lead, Mr. Nesbitt?” ‘‘I wasted a couple of shots on the—on whatever it was, that time, but never made it turn a hair. And I'm no great slouch with a gun, either!” Silver City Sam remained silent for a space, evidently pondering over the matter, but presently he asked: “*T thought that flaming bones business was confined to the road?” ‘“‘T wish it had been! There’s a fortune in the Coupon if I was let run it steadily and on purely business principles; but I’m not! ‘*Cain lost his nerve over those devitish tricks, and so lost his life in the end. My men have knocked off work, swearing that they can’t stand it longer, and the Coupon is idle now ” ** We'll mighty soon change all that, sir.” ‘«There’s only one sure method, Sheldon, and that is to lay this infernal ghost! If you would agree to try iton with me!” ‘““Of course I will, sir. What have I agreed to take your wages for, if not to do the work you need done most?” ‘* But spook-hunting can hardly be class- ed ag work suchas a mine superintendent engages for, you know.” * Maybe not, but it seems to promise heap sight more fun; and I’ve got just the healthiest appetite for amusement you ever did meet up with!” enthusiastically declared the High-roller. ‘‘Then you'll go with me, down in the mine, Sheldon?” “You bet I will, sir! When shall we start?” ‘«This evening, after supper will be about the best time. That will suit you?” ‘“*Way up in the nines, sir! Shall we call it settled, then?” ‘Yes, Come over to my office after sup- per; say between eight and nine. I'll have ever thing in readiness for the expedition, Will you?” “Bet your existence I just will, sir!” en- thusiastically promised Sheldon, after which the mining magnate and owner of the Coupon took his departure. Silver City Sam played his part to very near perfection while under those keen eyes, but after the door closed behind Absalom Nesbitt and his heavy footfall died away at the foot of the stairs, the detective let his mask drop for a time, face showing how far from pleasant his reflections really were. “The fat, slippery rascal! Coax Avis ‘into wearing wedding-ring of his? Only a joke, eh? Ah, you greasy scoundrel! If you'd only known how near my grip and your throat were coming togetber just then! ‘boiled at his infernal— ‘‘Or—did he suspect? Couldn’t I keep my mask on? Did he see how my blood Was that why he shifted ground so clumsily?” That was a far from agreeable thought for the High-roller, for if his doubts were well founded, it meant danger not only to him- self, but to another still more precious in his estimation, ; Surely the scoundrel had been in earnest while ‘“‘supposing” that case? Then why had he taken alarm so suddenly? “He came up here to pump the bottom facts out of me, that’s flat! He'set Castle to play spy, and our meeting was reported to im. Now—just how much did Castle see or hear, over yonder among the rocks?” That was another annoying doubt, If he knew so much, then he would be atmed at every point once more, and could tell just - how far he might venture with safety, ‘ As it was now, he had to take long Chances, and he fancied that he would have to guard against more than ghostly perils in the spookish expedition just arranged for that night. * All the same I'll take the trip unless he } ‘backs out of his ownaccord. Andeventhen I may conclude it worth while to grope through a mile or two of the Coupon work- ings. Only—better prepare the little woman | Tall beyond the height of mortal mankind for snags ahead!” Acting on this thought Silver City Sam took pencil and note-book, writing a few hurried lines, using no names which might prove dangerous in case the paper was lost or | stolen, yet making the situation fairly clear. | . He advised Avis to keep close to the hotel for the present, and say as little to strangers as possible until the way opened up clearer. | It might be as well to speak with the land- | lord occasionally about investing in mining | property, but on no account to show | curiosity concerning the Coupon, or the | Lucky Strike. At first he meant to speak of his coming expedition in company with Absalom Nes- | bitt, but concluded not. If aught should | happen to him, the truth would come out | soon enough, and a premature expression of | his suspicions would only cause worry and | sleeplessness to the dear girl. | * Having learned the number of the room assigned Avis by glancing over the register kept in the office below, Sheldon slipped his note of warning under her door, then went down to eat supper with no visible loss of appetite. bsalom Nesbitt was in his customary place at table, but no words passed openly between himself and the new superinteadent, although a low whisper in passing told Sheldon he would be waited for at the office. It was not so many minutes later that Silver City Sam left the hotel to join his em- ployer at the rendezvous, where Nesbitt had all essentials cared for in advance, ‘I'll play pack-mule if you’ve got any luggage to tote, sir,” easily spoke the High- roller; but Nesbitt shook his head and stepped forth from the office, locking the door securely. ‘‘Nothing here, Sheldon: We'll find everything ready up at the mine. You have your guns, of course?” ‘*You bet! Loaded for bear, too! Or, if you like it better, for spooks.” Nesbitt turned away as though hardly in the humor for making a jest of that busi- ness, and Sheldon quickly fell in with his gg humor. othing hindered their trip to the outer workings of the Coupon, where they found an armed guard on night duty, although he certainly did not lend the impression of be- ing the bravest of the brave, - ‘ ** You hain’t gwine inside, boss?” he asked, coming out of the engine-house, gripping his Winchester as though afraid some one or something might snatch it away from him. ‘*Yes, Get the lamps, will you?” “Ef you say so, boss, only—thar’s the devil an’ all mixin’ things up in thar, an’ ef the Coupon hain’t ram-jam-chuck-full 0’ spooks, then I don’t want a cent!” “ Allright, Johnny,” pleasantly spoke up the new superintendent, as material for mak- ing darkness visible was produced by the guard. ‘‘If we find any more ghosts than we want for ourselves, I'll fetch back a neat little assortment for you to pard in with!” Absalom Nesbitt led the way into the mine, a lamp fastened to the old hat he had donned for the occasion, Sheldon follow- ; ing close upon his heels wherever the tun- nel was rather contracted for two to walk | abreast, | Neither adventurer spoke for some length | of time, for Nesbitt both looked and acted | like one in stern earnest, turning his head | from right to left to more thoroughly light up those gloomy places. But when the two men were fairly down | in the bowels of the Coupon, that lamp was suddenly extinguished, leaving them in utter darkness until—a crazy laugh, then a skeleton of fire showed just ahead! f CHAPTER XXIV. | THE DEATH-WATCH OF GOPHER SLOPE, | Au. this happened with astonishing rapidi- ty. The lamp went out without warning, no | hands touching it, no blow or puff of wind | coming to account for its extinguishment. That wild, weird laugh sounded doubly | unearthly there in the very bowels of the | earth, fit preparation for that ghostly vision | which put in an appearance at the same , breath of time. 'geemed that ghostly frame-work, each item of which was outlined by a bluish flame, flickering, creeping, writhing, as though tru- ly living fire, yet looking wondrously super- natural the while. Absalom Nesbitt gave a low, hoarse ex- clamation at the going out of his light, recoil- ing a bit, as well he might; but Silver City Sam seemed better prepared for some such vision, and took speedy action. Beyond all doubt this was the same strange being to whom he owed whole bones, if not his very life, and knowing how heavily the owner of the Coupon had armed himself for that expedition, he took instant advantage of that instinctive recoil. Clutching right arm as in the act of rising, éairateor iis hae Sheldon quickly swung his employer aronnd and to the rear, coverin him with his own body as a truly danuted henchman ought Yet promptly though he acted, it was not swift enough to prevent a shot, although that bright spout of flame told how effectually he had destroyed any attempt at aim on Nes- bitt’s part, the lead going widely astray and expending its force op the insensate wall of that chamber ‘*Ha! ha! ha!” came adeep-toned, mocking laugh from the direction of that illuminated skeleton, ‘‘ Fools, miserable fools, think ye to battle successfully with the spirits of air, the ghosts of the damned? Come ye hither to play with fate, Absalom Nesbitt?” That skeleton seemed to glow more weirdly than ever, while the deep tones rolled and rumbled through those contracted quarters with an awe-inspiring cadence; but taken by surprise though he undoubtedly was, Absa- lom Nesbitt proved himself a man of nerve, just then. *« Close in on the infernal fraud, man!’ he cried, harshly, wresting his arm free from that grip, although he dropped his revolver insodoing. ‘‘Downhim! Takehim! Both together, now, and he’s our meat, dead or alive!” That enveloping gloom stood Silver City Sam in good stead, just then, for it both covered over and excused his remarkable clutnsiness, The rush was made, but it came to an ab- rupt ending. Sheldon was terribly in the way, and, as the collision came, he deftly tripped up his employer, sending him headlong to the hard floor, then flung himself squarely on top to make the tumble an effective one. Nesbitt was literally knocked senseless b that double shock, and realizing this as his left hand found face and neck, Silver City Sam instantly covered that now helpless body with his own person asa shield against fur- ther harm, calling out in sharp tones as he did 80: ‘‘T’ve shut his trap, all right, but you— rack out while you can, old fellow, and drop this monkey-business!” “Tf ye think—” ‘‘T don’t stop to think when I just know!” sternly cut in the High-roller Detective. ‘* You saved my life last night, and now Im trying to play even for that, Rack out, I tell you, and drop this tomfoolery, or I'll have to rake you in-—just have to, I say!” Curious language to make use of to such a ghostly ec barat truly! Yet it seemed to produce the desired effect, in part at least. That glowing skeleton was instantly eclipsed, the bluish light vanishing as by the work of magic. That sepulchral voice no longer made itself heard, and as he lay there upon the yet senseless form of his employer, Silver City Sam fancied he could just catch the sound of receding footsteps. If a ghost, that spook was rather sub- stantially constructed, unless the High- roller’s ears befooled their owner. Sheldon had a shrewd idea as to the na- ture of that startling apparition, however, and there was no superstition bothering him now. ‘ Waiting a few moments to become fairly certain the creature had in fact beaten a re- treat for the time being, and was not merely lying low in order to catch him wholly off- guard, he felt. for and found the hat with mp attached, and first making sure it had not been utterly disabled, he struck a ia matcl alms phigh Shi perso on g conv: skull towa freer brok

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ie Ue ate ‘= fe 6UCr Uw SLT ee Tea a match and shielded the flame with curved palms until he could fairly set the wick alight. Slipping far enough aside to keep his own person in the gloom, Silver City Sam stood on guard with ready guns until he could convince himself no armed enemy was skulking nigh; then he turned his attention toward Absalom Nesbitt, drawing a bit freer breath as he failed to discover any broken bones. “‘ Better for him if he’d snapped his neck short off, though, I reckon. Still, I hate to send him out of the world like that, or be- fore he’d had another fair chance to make full amends to— Steady, boss!” For just then Nesbitt showed signs of re- viving consciousness, giving a husky gasp and making a feeble attempt to lift him- self up from the cold, rough flooring of the mine, Springing swiftly across to a point where, as nearly as he could make out, that skele- ton of fire had exhibited itself, Sheldon made some hurried marks ou the wall, then came back to lend further assistance to the bat- tered mine-owner. ‘Easy, sir!’ he said, soothingly, as he took the shivering shape in his arms to af- ford a more comfortable support. ‘Take it easy as you can, for that devil—he’s skipped the country, I reckon!” _‘‘ What—where is it?” huskily cried Nes- bitt, rallying further, sitting up and glar- ing around by that none too brilliant light. “Don’t worry over that, boss, but—take a drop of stuff, won't you? Lucky I thought to fetch it along, for I don’t make a practice of toting the brew, my own self.” While speaking thus, quietly, soothingly, much as one might talk to a frightened child, Sheldon produced a metal flask con- taining liquor, which was greedily clutched by Nesbitt when he caugh* a whiff of its flavor, Apparently this stimulant was precisely what’ the mine-owner needed to complete ata for he spoks more like him- self: “Did you down the devil, Sheldon? Don’t say you let itslip through your fingers, ' man! “ Well, sir, I ain’t so mighty sure I had anything to say about it!” came the blunt response, followed by a brief laugh as of ir- ritated pride. ‘‘I tried my level best, but— well, Ido reckon that the same butt-end of an earthquake downed me that run up against you, sir!” “J thought—I could have sworn he was our meat when I pulled on him!” muttered Nesbitt, his wits still bemused since he re- membered mgt oa) of how that shot was r fviled by the Man from Silver City. “And I! Didn’t I blaze away until— Glory Moses!” Like one just struck by a new thought or brilliant fancy, Sheldon caught up that lamp and hurried across to the rocky, uneven wall, sweeping the light up and down, from side to side until he found what he was seeking: marks as though a number of leaden bullets had flattened themselves out against the quartz. “Look, will you, boss!” he cried excited- ly, free hand pointing to the marks he had taken the precaution to make while Nesbitt was rallying from that fall. ««What is it?’ asked the mine-owner, coming that way. ‘See for yourself, sir! And—that proves one out of two things, anyway!” «‘Lead-marks! Did you shoot at that—at him, Sheldon?” +] surely thought I did, sir!” answered Silver Ciscy Sam, with admirably tutored tones. ‘‘1 could have sworn I was holding straight as ® yews, but—well, either that was a genuine spook, or I lost my nerve and shooting-eye for once in my life!” A bit of perfect acting and well calculated to deceive. All this by no means helped the case of the mine-owner, who had suffered not a little from that heavy fall, and whose nerve was now beginning to shake under these ap- parent proofs of a more than mortal enemy playing against him, Sheldon, the more firmly to clinch his wing influence, proposed to prospect urther, even though they had to spend the remainder of that n ight spook-hunting. : eacseowetar Silver City Sam the High-Roller Detective. 23 ‘Or, if you’re not feeling quite up to so Sheldon that none other was within those much hoofing it, sir, after such a nasty | four walls, but the open window near the tumble, I’ll go it on my own hook and come | foot of the bed told how the Death-watch back here to make my report if you’d rather wait.” ‘No, not to-night, Sheldon,” huskily an- ! might*have escaped so quickly. As he had done once before, so now the High-roller Detective sprung to the open- swered Nesbitt, leaning rather heavily upon | ing, gun in hand, to look forth in hopes of at that proffered arm as one unsteady hand | least glimpsing that audacious wielder of brushed drops of cold sweat from his brows. | Black Hand and Bloody Knife; but now, as ‘**T’ve seen enough for this once, although— you don’t really think it’s a—a ghost, don?” then, naught met his eager gaze which could hel- | at all assist in solving that mystery. That one look was all he had time to give, Silver City Sam showed no great haste in | just then, for the same alarm which had answering that question, and the ellow | brought him hither had spread fairly through glow of that lamp revealed a face with far | the Carbonate, and he could now hear ex- more indecision in its lines than was usual. “Well, sir, I'll not go quite that far, | although—I did think I was _ holding | Sam put hand over heart to feel that organ straight, and at such short range I'll bet on | pumping splitting a bullet on a penknife every time, even in the dark,” ‘* Still, I can’t think it is a spirit!” “Nor I, sir! But if not, how did m lead find a way through it so smoothly? If it wasn’t for the marks on the wall right back of where that skeleton showed, 1’d lay it up to a suit of armor, and hoot at the bare idea of aught supernatural, As it is— I’d rather wait for another little brush before deciding for certain, Mr. Nesbitt!” ‘*Not to-night; some other night. We'll go back home, and—I’m all knocked up by that fall, Sheldon!” So it surely appeared, and Silver City Sam found it necessary to lend both hand and arm before the mine-owner could regain the outer air, where the guard was full of burn- ing curiosity. e had to give his own explanations, however, for neither Nesbitt nor the High- roller had any to offer; and leaving the. ex- tras at the engine-house, the two men made the best of their way back to town, , Silver City Sam assisted his employer to his chamber, and there left him alone, when repeatedly assured that he could be of no further service that night. Absalom Nesbitt was sorely out of shape, although he had no broken bones or any- thing to show for that heavy fall worse than sundry bruises which time and arnica would quickly amend, For a moe time after retiring to his own chamber Silver City Sam Jay awake, pon- dering over the recent events, a goodly share of his thoughts being devoted to that Death- watch of Gopher Slope. Who and what was he in reality? Could there be aught of truthin the sudden fancy taken by Avis White?- Was it possible that her father, Martin White, yet clung to life, though in crazed condition? That seemed too far-fetched to be prob- able, yet it was within the bounds of possi- bility, since his corpse had never been found or given burial, at least so far as his best friends could testify. ‘* Nesbitt swore to it, but I wouldn’t be- lieve him on oath!” Keen witted though he surely was, Shel- don was forced to leave that among other as yet unsolved enigmas for the night, and presently he gave way to weariness and fell into a sound and dreamless slumber. It was far along in the night when he woke up, rising to a sitting posture with blood thrilling through his veins and eyes widely distended as he listened with painful intentness.’ But no further sound came, and he slipped out of bed, opening his door aud thrusting head through the crack—ha! Surely something was going wrong across the way in Nesbitt’s room! Without stopping to dress or count the cost to himself. Sheldon grasped a revolver, then sprung across to that door, flinging shoulder against it with a force which broke the barrier down,.showing him the mine- owner lying senseless, branded, with the Black Hand! CHAPTER XXY., THE GRIP OF THE BLACK HAND, Tue lamp was turned low but had been left burning, and its light was sufficient to show Silver yo Sam Absalom Nesbitt ly- ing upon the bed with limbs contorted and head twisted backward, bearing that grim brand of the Sable Hand. A swift look around the chamber assured SS SS cited voices and hurrying footfalls. Turning from window to bed, Silver City: blood quite naturally, and to see - a i that Absalom Nesbitt was already beginning | to rally from the shock, let that be of what nature it might. And then, as both steps and voices came more clearly from the corridor itself, Shel- don sprung to the door and blocking the narrow crack left open with his own person, he spoke sharply: **Don’t make a mountain out of a mole- hill, good people!” ‘““We heard somebody— What’s gone wrong, anyway?’ demanded the landlord, speaking as one with ample authority. ‘*This isn’t your room, sir, and— “What's that?” A husky, hollow groan came from within that chamber, just then, and Silver City Sam swiftly made reply: Bega 3 worse than a nightmare, as Mr. Nesbitt will tell you himself in the morning. Don’t crowd too hard, else—” The High-roller Detective certainly meant well, feeling ss he did that Nesbitt would prefer not being made a staring-stock for the outside vulgar before he could collect himself or disguise that ugly brand; but again an in- terruption came from the person Sheldon was trying to shield. A groan, a muffled cry, then the far from steady speech: ‘** ’m sick—so sick! A doctor—for love of heaven fetch a doctor, somebody!” ‘‘That’s something worse than a night- mare!” sharply exploded the landlord, push- ing nearer that door, as he called forth in louder tones: ‘‘ Doc—where’s Doc Orri- son?” ‘‘Coming! I'll be there just as soon as I can—ugh!—cover the lower half o’ me!” a spluttering voice made itself heard from fur- ther up the corridor. Silver et Sam still barred the way against the landlord, who attempted to enter that chamber, « ‘‘Let the doctor come first,” was his verbal opposition. ‘‘ If he wants or needs help he can ask for it. If not—well, I’d hate like sin to hurt anybody, gentlemen, but there really isn’t any spare room in here, and that’s flat- footed!” The new “chief ” hardly resembled a hero of history, just then, as he held the fort in ex- tremely undress uniform; but his good right hand gripped butt of revolver, and somethin in his whole demeanor whispered loudly o ** shoot!” Dr. Orrison quickly put in an appearance and was permitted to enter by Silver 4 Sam, who firmly blocked the way to all others. In hishasty entrance at those signals of dis- tress, the man from up-country had ruined the lock most effectually; but by employing a chair and bracing the back of it under the lock he succeeded in barricading the chamber, thus leaving his hands at liberty to lend fur- ther assistance should such be required of him. Turning that dim light higher, Dr. Gr- rison took charge of the case, being recog- nized by the now fully sensible mine-owner. Trained though the physician’s nerves natu rally were, they almost failed himas he caught a fair view of that face; for there, diagonall impressed, was the brand of the Sable Hand! It looked as thongh it had been stamped upon the living flesh by a heated brand, and esbitt muttered about fire that burned and stung as though fromthe nether regions; but after a hasty examination the doctor spokein a tone of strong relief dear sir! Only skin deep, and will ‘*Tt’s not nearly so bad as it might be, my

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t 4 : t ‘ : poe ee => Re aT FR TT eR Ey ¢ peg Lan ’ 3 : 24 Les eave ascar toshow you where it was, in a week from now!” «Then it isn’t—not burnt by a regular branding-iron, doctor?” asked Silver City Sam in low tones, Nesbitt groaned hollowly, shrinking from that professional touch as he kuskily mum- bled: ** A demon of fire! I saw his eyes—lI felt his red-hot hand, and— Oh, what have I done to—be tortured like this?” ‘‘A bit hysterical through sudden wak- ing,” explained the physician in a whisper, _ then answering that question in like tones: ‘*No, merely a trick played by some rascal with a superficial knowledge of drugs and their action. could show you a dozen like it, each pro- duced by a separate and distinct drug, Mr- Sheldon.” Dr. Orrison seemed rather fond of hearing his own voice, but he was fairly well up in his business, for all, and by bustling around soon: had Nesbitt in a more comfortable situation, soothing oils to his branded face, and a heavy anodyne down his throat. ‘Of course it isn’t necessary to give you a hint, doctor,” said Silver City Sam, when the man of medicine had about completed his work for the time being. ‘‘ You'll be plastered all over with questions by the curious, but—well, if any real explanations must be made, don’t you reckon Mr, Nes- Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. won his confidence, for he waxed far more familiar, speaking of things and matters which, only a few brief hours before, he would never have thought of confiding to another than himself. Among other things, he let fall a hint that Avis White might have a more or less equitable claim to the Coupon, and that he was beginning to believe the easiest way, if not surest method of silencing her, would be to put that ‘‘supposing a case” into actual execution! “Tt surely might be worked, with you to back me up, Sheldon. And you would do A surface burn, no more! I, that, old fellow?” “Why wouldn’t I, faith?’ asked the superintendent, playing his part to perfec- tion, although it was steadily growing more difficult and disgusting. ‘‘T knew I could count on you, Sheldon, and be sure you'll not come off any the worse for backing me up like a man! And —it might pan out worse for the girl too!” ‘I’m not an old and broken down man yet, by any means, I can love a girl as hard as I ever could; and that’s saying a heap, too!” ‘* You mean a regular wedding-ring, then, sir?” asked Sheldon. “That would be safest, yes. She’s a good-looker, and would do a man proud in society. And— Augh-yaugh!” breaking off with a prolonged yawn as that sleeping bitt would prefer making them after his own | potion began to make itself felt. “* Reckon fashion?” I'll shut my eyes to—think just how the— The physician quickly recognized the | trick can be—augh-yaugh!” point, and without taking offense where none was intended, promised to guard that secret as well as lay in his power, ‘*T trust there will be no great sensation,” he said, in an aside from the ears of the suf- ferer, ‘‘Of course the burn cannot be hid- den entirely, but I think my application will prevent any person from recognizing the— what we saw, sir!” “‘If it does, you can count on a mighty well-paid half an hour!” Not at all displeased by this prediction, Dr. Orrison took his departure for the time, promising to look in on his patient again in the morning early, leaving Silver City Sam ‘to take full char e, For Absalom Nesbitt, showing how seri- ously his nerves had been shaken by this strange assault, begged the new superinten- dentito watch by him, fora time at least. This the High-roller Detective was more than willing to do, for a number of reasons which hardly need further mention ; and hav- ing secured his clothes from his own cham- ber, be let the physician depart, then closed and again secured that door. When quiet was fully restored without, the curious boarders going away after the doct®r assured them that nothing serious was the matter—nothing worse than a nervous at- tack from which his patient would rally all the more readily if left in peace and quietude —Absalom Nesbitt grew a little more like his ordinary self. Silver City Sam was naturally curious enough, himself, yet he hardly thought it ; the part of wisdom to press his employer with questions; he was spared that trouble, however, for Nesbitt seemed only too willing | to talk with his watcher, | And yet there was precious little he could | tell, so far as that assault and branding was concerned. All he knew was just this: roused from a ) sound slumber by that vicious assault, he could see nothing, hear nothing, but felt | choked and blinded, while his whole face seemed set on fire! ‘You saw nothing at all, then?” asked | Sheldon, visibly disappointed. ‘‘Not a_ thing which could help identify that auda- | cious rascal?” ‘*“Not a thing,” gloomily asserted the | mine-owner. ‘‘Of course it seemed as though ten thousand things were flashing in | front of my eyes, and I fancied I saw some- | thing like that infernal skeleton—” ‘* Are you quite certain you didn’t see just | that, though?” quickly interrupted the Sil- ver City Sport. But Absalom Nesbitt was now firm in his | belief, and repeated that declaration: he had seen nothing by which he could identify that | _ grim wielder of the Black Hand. But it quickly became evident that his _-Fecently engaged superintendent had wholly His thoughts must have taken a somnolent turn, for in the course of a couple of min- utes more he was sleeping—and snoring beautifully! CHAPTER XXVI. SNARING A FAIR BIRD. THANkKs to the assistance lent by Dr, Or- rison, it was not nearly so difficult a task to calm the burning curiosity of the Carbonate habitants the next morning as may be thought. Neither he nor Silver City Sam let fall an inkling of the truth, and Absalom Nesbitt slept until long after the regular ‘‘ feeding hour,” then taking his breakfast in his chamber, keeping his seared face hidden from the one who waited upon his wants. And when he rose from bed, dressed ard left the hotel, later on, his head and face were wrapped up to cover a neuralgic affec- tion, and instead of taking the rounds of the Slope, he proceeded directly out to the Cou- pon workings, whither the new superinten- dent had long since preceded him. And so it came to pass that the truth of that midnight alarm was kept locked in the bosoms of the select few: the sufferer, the watcher, the ministering physician, and— that mysterious being who had so success- fully applied the brand of the Black Hand once more! All the outsiders knew was that a nervous attack had temporarily upset the mining magnate, but that he was now about as good as ever, and would greatly prefer letting the matter drop quietly to being annoyed by questions, friendly or otherwise. Oddly enough, Avis White had not been aroused by that nocturnal seance, sleeping sweetly through it all, no doubt because her sleep had been broken—almost entirely lost— for three nights past. It was unusually late, too, when she arose on this fair morning, and not a little to her disappointment sbe failed to see aught of Silver City Sam, although his warning note of the evening before had prepared ‘her to expect just such an avoidance. It is not intended to be thought that Avis was conducting a ‘‘ lové chase’”’ under cover of an attempt to solve the Lucky Strike mystery, and possibly the vanishment of her father, Marcin White; although it is a fact that her maidenly mind turned far more frequently toward Samuel Sheldon moe she left Silver City than it ever had be- ore, Here she was alone, save for this one man- ly, faithful friend. He was the one being upon whom she could place any dependence. And—well, up to that recent interview out among the rocks lying east of Gopher Slope, Samuel had never permitted so much of the eloquent truth to enter his tones or glow in his big blue eyes! That must have accounted for a goodly} portion of that change, for love begets love, especially where the ground has been prepared and the seed already well planted! Acting on the shrewd advice conveyed by that note of the past evening, Avis sought an interview with her host that forenoon, speaking of her intention to invest some little capital in mining property in case a fair opening should offer, ending by asking his friendly—or fatherly—advice as to the ad- visability of picking up anything in or around the Slope. This was a wise move, so far as interesting the landlord was concerned, and the flattered caterer fairty spread himself to cover the oc- casion. If Avis had really been on investment bent, the number of surely paying claims brought forward by mine host would have thoroughly bewildered her and confused her choice past all clearing; but since that was but a blind to her actual business in the Slope, what matter? It was well along in the forenoon when a ragged lad came into the Carbonate, and after hanging around for a spell, caught sight of the young lady just as she came out of the parlor to go up-stairs. Mumbling something which Avis failed to wholly understand, about a gent’s giving him the note for her, the youngster de- livered a none-too-clean envelope, then fled before the angry wrath of the landlord. Avis blushed divinely as she saw her name on the envelope, and believed she recognized the hand—one which was rapid- ly growing more and more precious to her inaiden heart, too! Running up-stairs to her room, she locked the door, then tore off the cover to find a few brief lines written over the name of Sam Sheldon. “Come out on the stage-road, ee north of town. Important business, an afraid to be watched if meet at hotel: Come, as soon as you can manage it without attracting attention. As ever, ‘*SaMUEL SHELDON.” The thought of another interview so much sooner than sbe had dared expect, possibly to see that love-light again, fairly fluttered Avis, and she hardly knew how she was arraying herself for that stroll out of town. She left the hotel as she believed without attracting attention, but the landlord had keener eyes and stronger Sapa than she gave him credit for, and his little eyes watched her until lost to his view for the time being. Avis experienced no- difficulty as to the proper course to follow as laid down by that hurried note, for there was but the one road leading away from Gopher Slope on that side, and along this she walked with a fair affectation of carelessness, much as a woman might take an idle stroll without thought beyond killing an hour or two which would otherwise hang heavily upon her hands. No thought of danger troubled her, for had not Silver City Sam asked her to make the venture? And was he not even then watching her approach from—where? There was an unusually bright yet tender glow in those black eyes as Avis scanned yonder rugged heights ahead and to either hand of that rising trail; but look as she might she failed to catch sight of the man whom she was fast learning to love as she never could hope to love another of that SeX, Nothing happened for good or for ill so long as Gopher Slope was in sight, and that was quite long enough to let Avis feel just a trifle annoyed in her pride; surely Sam might have joined her, ere this? With cheeks beginning to glow with some- thing more than the exercise, Avis pressed along that dusty road, rounding the turn which shut off all view of town from that quarter; and then she was surprised in good earnest! Two masked men sprung forth from am- bush close alongside the road, grasping the maiden with hands which Soult not be de- nied, and at the same time es a thick . muffler over her head and drawing it snugly _ i= aroun smoihe to mal Unb away, ly stif of yo lifted ried h distan where a free

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a +» “Ef we don’t say ? evidently feigned tones: en failed to recognize him by sha which I ___A gloved hand ‘closed upon her nearest 25 around her throat, thus pretty effectually Smoihering such outcry as she was enabled to make. Unheeding her frantic efforts to break | away, paying no more attention to her near- ly stifled cries than they did to the chirping -of yonder bird in the bush, the two knaves lifted Avis bodily from the ground and bur- ried her away, following the road for a short distance, then leaving it at a sharp angle where a favorable break in the rocks afforded a free passage. They only halted when at a safe distance from the stage-road, and then ’twas merely in order to save both time and trouble by taking a little extra pains now. That smothering muffler was untwisted to give place to a silken ’kerchief folded as a bandage for the eyes, and while this was be- ing put in place, one of the abductors spoke 1 not unpleasant tones: **No need of shiverin’ so turrible, ma’am, fer thar’s no great harm intended ye. The boss ’lows you’re heap sight safer out o’ town then in it, and what Silver City Says—” ‘Button lip, pard!” warningly muttered 1s mate. “That’s all right, matey. The boss never said we wasn’t to speak his name, an’ ef Samuel— Well, then, shet trap goes!” Frightened, confused though she was by this totally unexpected attack, Avis caught at the hope inspired by that name, and when their progress was resumed, she gave her captors far less trouble than before, And yet—surely Sam Sheldon would not act after this fashion? Surely he knew that he had but to ask her to come, and she would comply? Then — why this unceremonious treat- ment? Wavering thus between hope and fear, Avis tried to learn the whole truth by _ questioning her present guardians; but in vain. nothin’, ma'am, then we cain’t tell no lies,” was the crisp response; and from that time on until the next stage of that journey was finished, not another word could Avis extract from those grim 8. That stage was won in something more than an hour after leaving the stage-road, and releasing their grasp upon her person, the two men drew aside in silence, making no attempt to prevent the maiden from re- moving her hoodwink. ‘or a few seconds her eyes were of little use, thanks to their long confinement; but _, then Avis gave a low cry and shrunk back _ from a tall, dark-clad figure standing direct- ly in front of her. __ She saw that this person wore some sort of - €overin to hide his face, and before she could take in more, he lifted a gloved hand Ma gesture of dismissal, speaking in low, “You can rack out, lads, I’ll see to the _ ‘Test, myself.” __ Without a word in response, the two ruf- fians took their departure, leaving the maiden to the mercy uf this masked stran- ger. _ For stranger he surely must be, since or Suild; she saw at once that her foolish hopes, born of those seemingly careless ee were wholly without foundation in aon man was considerably taller than Sam eldon, and with shoulders of an entirely different cut and shape, Lreally wouldn’t be so silly as to try a foot-race, Miss White,” coolly spoke up the _ masked stranger, plainly divining her half- formed purpose, ‘I’d only have to catch and hold you, while now—oblige me by taking a seat and listening to a word or two have to say.” | 4m, and with gentle force seated her upon yg 4 Convenient bowlder; then he spoke on: be ou are afraid of me, Miss White, +> ” “Why should 1 ir?” i ) edth y fear you, sir?” interrupt- e maiden, making a desperate and not jolly unsuccessful effort to banish her - ‘You are no ordinary ruffian—” erely trust that does not mean you me an extraordinary xy 7 a - ii — - ¥ A Pa > nde was something ruffian, Miss te | notes which made Avis shiver rather than smile. A fiercely loud threat could hardly have shaken her nerves worse, yet she still fought against the fears which were slowly gaining ground, and spoke with outward composure at least: ‘Neither one nor the other, sir, and for that reason I am more at a loss to divine why I have been treated afterthis fashion. Sure- ly I have never wronged .you, sir, in word, thought or deed?” *‘Very far from it, Miss White, but there may be another and still more powerful cause for so acting. If you saw an innocent person running blindly into a terrible dan- ger, would you not feel justified in extending a friendly hand to aid, even without an in- troduction in form?” . “You mean—I fail to fully understand you, sir,” faltered the maiden, her heart throbbing far more rapidly than usual. ‘* Which is very nearly the same thing as saying that you believe I am lying to gain some as yet unknown ends,” coolly declared the man in the mask, lifting a gloved hand to check her coming denial. ‘‘ Wait, please, and permit me to show my hand a trifle more plainly. “Your name is Avis White. You are an orphan, although as yet you are ignorant when your father died, or where he was buried.” : ‘*My father—what do you know of him, sir?” almost breathlessly cried the maiden, Saag clasping and eyes lighting up vivid- Mey know that by rights he ought to have left the Lucky Strike to you, his only liv- ing child and heiress,’’ was the quick re sponse, ‘“‘{ know that you are out here hoping to solve the mystery of his death, and I'll aid you to secure your right, on one condition!” CHAPTER XXVII, THE FOWLER AND HIS RARE PRIZE. His earnest words and manner had given Avis a thrill of eager hope, but now she visibly shrunk from the masked man, trembling as she spoke in far from steady accents: ‘On condition, sir? I don’t understand you!” ‘Yet my meaning surely ought to be clear enough, Miss White. But since you wish it put still more plainly, listen. “IT know that your father, Martin White, was discoverer and sole owner of the Lucky Strike, since changed to the Coupon Mine. I know that he never sold or otherwise seen of his right or title in said prop- e ~ y. “TIT know how he came by his death, and can bring to the bar of justice his slayer. “*T will do this, and place you in full - session of his legal rights, on one pine? 50d that you first marry me!” Avis listened to these swiftly uttered sen- tences with emotions which defy descrip- tion, but at that amazing proposal in con- clusion, her face flushed with indigna- Gee and acry of like tenor burst from her ps. ‘For shame, you coward!” She sprung to her feet and would have broken away in flight only for the swift action taken by this unknown. He promptly barred the way, laughing with coul insolence the while. ““That goes to show how mighty little you know of what true cowardice consists, Miss White. No man with even the faintest cross in his blood would dare dream of the game I am playing, now, and before you and I part company I'll make you acknowl- edge as much. “A desperate game, truly, yet so nearly won that I don’t mind fully facing my hand for hte inspection, So—your most obedi- ent, Miss Avis White!” With a swift movement the speaker re- moved his mask, laying bare the really handsome visage of the Man of Chance, Doc pa 3 : Well known though he was throughout the Gopher man were unrecogni by the young wo- eres | “? L oa) . in the end.” ‘* Never that, sir! Slope region, both face and eee as this was comely. Smoothing his neat mustaches with the white “right hand, now slipped out of its glove, the gambler spoke on, clearly, coolly, like one who feels he holds the game entire- ly at his disposal, “This is hardly the style of introduction I was looking forward to, Miss White, but needs must when—ahem!—drives! And it may be that you'll even thank me for it all Let me pass, or your punishment shall be heavy as it surely will fall swift!” demanded the maiden, as- suming far more courage than she could . really feel. Again that low, musical laugh, accom- panied now by a smile which lent yet an- other grace to that handsome countenance. ‘**My poor, dear child! If you only knew upon what a miserable, broken reed you were leaning! If you could only guess— why not? ’Twould be a deed of mercy to fuirly open those eyes, surely?” Those last words seemed spoken to him- self, and a brief-lived frown darkened the face of the gambler. Then he rallied, speaking swiftly and to the point: ‘‘T understand your full meaning, Miss White, but you surely are ignorant of the whole truth; Se surely forget how Samuel Sheldon sought to lure you from safety into peril, and—’ Avis gave a sharp cry of indignation at this charge, ahd flung out one band in a des- perate effort strike that base slanderer aside. She strove to flee, and when Brierly barred her passage, she cried out in hot in- dignation: **You coward! You base liar! You forged that note, and so lured me away from my friends!” . ‘IT knew you'd say something like that, my dear,” coolly retorted the Man of Chance, smiling as though he rather relished her epi- thets. ‘‘But the naked truth remains, all the same, and Lintend proving to you that Sheldon really sold you to the highest bid- der—that he not only agreed to lure you away from the Slope, but that he promised to help force or frighten you into a marriage with—whom do you think?” **Never! You are basely slandering an honest gentleman, sir!” ‘‘Of course you think so, my dear girl, else you'd never make the assertion; but, all the same, I am right and you are wrong. ‘‘Samuel Sheldon wrote the note that brought you out of town, along the stage- road where he promised to meet you. He really intended to keep that appointment, by the way, but—well, it didn’t exactly suit my book for him to turn that particular trick, so I just sat down upon the knave and— Steady, my pretty!” Again Avis strove to break away, and onca again was she foiled by that cool and watchful villain. Of course she could not—would not—be- lieve aught he might say against Silver City Sam, but—’twas more than bard to sit and hear it all without protest or repudiation! ‘*Has it gone so far as that, poor child?” cried Brierly, with mock commiseration in both face and voice. ‘‘And that cur could not only shut his eyes to the rare prize, but even in cold blood plan how best to cast it into the clutches of your worst en- y. “Tt is false! You are lying against a gentleman who—” ‘Who wrote that note at the dictation of Absalom Nesbitt, the man who now holds the Lucky Strike, to which you are sole and legal heiress, and even worse: the bre who murdered your father, Martin hite!” Swiftly, harshly came those sentences, and | oe Avis shrunk and shivered for the moment, only to rally again and put her full faith into words. . “T will never believe that of Samuel Sheldon—never, sir! You are calumnis him for your own base ends, but they shi never — never! ; “You will — believe it, Avis, because etanke Rie a an PP be won so far as I am concerned— — Ls ta) 4 eats £ Bul d pet) yi me, * < A ‘od / —— Ds

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peterk Ok ET ae ae ee ; my, Cok . ing a swift tattoo on the dry soil; 26 Silver City Sam, the High-RoMer LR wes. Detective. place such proof before you that doubt can- not exist,” coolly vowed the gambler. ‘If nothing less will convince you of his utter worthlessness, you shall hear Sheldon admit his crimes, one and sundry!” ‘« Never—never!” A poor defense, yet it was thoroughly in earnest, Even had the case looked ten- ' fold blacker against him, Avis could never have believed Sam Sheldon guilty as now charged. On his part, Brierly seemed quite con- tent to let the leaven work as it might, - dropping one string the better to play upon another. ‘‘] am saying nothing more than I can and will make good, Miss White, for I have been stocking the cards too long to make any misplay ‘*T know that your father, Martin White, never sold his claim in the Lucky Strike, although a forged bill of sale was produced when he—” ““My poor, poor father!” huskily mur- mured the maiden, bowing head and hiding face in joined palms. ‘‘Isn’t it your duty in life to help avenge that poor father, girl?” sternly asked the gambler, bending closer over his rare prize, eyes glowing with powerful emotions. “1 tell you he was most foully wronged! I tell you he was murdered by the man in whose good faith he placed his greatest trust! And that same foul assassin is now thinking to cover the black past by— what? “By forcing or deluding the child of Martin White into a marriage which will give him a firmer grip on the Lucky Strike!” Those sentences fell from his lips like so many blows, but instead of frightening or softening Avis White, they seemed to lend her force for greater resistance; a fact which Doc Brlerly was swift to realize, although it stung him to the quick. He ‘had calculated so much on that ar- see and now—was he to have his earest play foiled by this milk-faced chit? He lost a portion of his coolness, and with rising irritation came a lack of polish. He more nearly exposed his cards, no longer trying to play the disinterested. “T can prove all this—and much more, Avis White,” he said, rapidly. ‘‘I can and will make good your claims to the Cou- on, as your father’s legal heiress, but r must have my share, and that is—your hand, evenif your heart is a little slow in keeping it com gt ‘Never, sir! Marry you? I'd rather suffer a thousand deaths!” Sieua Careful, my dainty little bird of para- ise.” “Why should I spare your feelings, when you have not spared mine?” indignant] cried the maiden, now fairly aroused an giving no thought to the increased peril she might thus be inviting. ‘‘You are a liar, a base calumniator, a totally un. scrupulous villain, all by your own ad- mission!” “Careful, Avis White, or 1 may show you that I am even blacker than your sharp ge is now painting me!” “I defy you, sir! I demand that you gre way—let me pass, sir, or you shall suf- er such punishment as your base conduct richly merits!” “No, no, my beauty!” with a mocking laugh and glittering eyes as his hands went forth to check her movement. ‘Since you'll not listen to reason, we’ll come down to hard-pan, and that is— Steady, pretty | fool! “Don't forget that we are ’way out here in the hills, alone and where my will is law if not gospel! If I should see fit to use other arguments which lie mighty handy, I can make you beg for what you now affect to scorn!” With a low cry of mlngled fear and indig- nation, Avis jerked her arms free, chia | with all vengeance at that now flushe face, leaving her mark and causing the eee to stagger back through pure sur- This left her a narrow opening for flight, which was instantly utilized, her feet beat- but, with oc Brierly _” @savage oath and cry of rage, D ist ae 2 . ; ean -t> Mepis) Eka oy eae | the landlord talking on, describin sprung in hot pursuit, running two feet to her one. Recapture would have been but a ques- tion of moments had no interference come, | but come it did, and in a most unexpected shape. From those gray rocks sprung forth the Skeleton Road-agent, all in black and white, leaping upon the gambler and bearing him to earth as though he was nothing more than achild. Then— A wild, piercing yell burst forth, and the sickening scent of scorching flesh rose upon the mountain air! CHAPTER XXVIII. SILVER CITY SAM'S MIGHTY OATH. Ir was considerably after the noon hour when the new superintendent of the Coupon Mine came back to the Carbonate for dinner, and though his blue eyes roved around in eager search, they failed to win the reward coveted by their owner. Seeing nothing of Avis at or during din- ner, Sheldon with careless demeanor strolled into the ‘‘ parlor,” only to have another dis- appointment scored up against him. But when passing out to the combination \ office and bar, for an after-dinner cigar, the landlord himself broached the subject which was uppermost in the superintendent’s head just then. ‘Fine young lady, Miss White, sir?” ‘She appears to be all that, if not more,” genially replied the High-roller, lighting his weed with well feigned carelessness. ‘* Didn’t see her at table, just now. Reckon she feeds earlier, eh?” ‘“‘Well, sir, she hasn’t come back yet although—” Weer <s ‘‘She hasn’t come back yet,” repeated the landlord, though just a bit startled by that explosive interrogation. ““Where did she go? And when?” asked Sheldon, holding a strong rein on himself as was mightily needed just then. The landlord stared keenly into that un- bo ty pale face for a bit, then deliberately asked: . ‘‘Didn’t you send her a note, Mr. Shel- on?” ““No I didn’t! What do you mean, any; way? Spit itout, you— Pardon, old man, but with so much deviltry going on just now, it makes me shiver just to think what might come to a lady who— Can’t you speak, man?” “Well, sir, if 1 didn’t calculate that note was from you when the kid tackled the lady, hope may die!” “What kid? What note? What do you mean, anyway?” “Why, sir, a boy came in here and—thar he is now, or I’ma liar!” b Following that pointing hand, Sheldon glimpsed a ragged youngster on the street without, and moving with wondrous celerity he captured the boy before that worthy could divine his danger. ‘ Swiftly questioned the High-roller, but with precious little success by way of infor- mation on which he could depend The boy at first denied having anything whatever to do with the matter, but when the landlord fairly faced him down, he broke into a sniffling whine, saying that a strange boss paid him for Ber tering the note to the foe: lady, and that was all he knowed—so elp him! One keen look into those eyes, then Shel- don gave the whining kid a savage thrust out of doors, knowing that even if he knew more, he surely would not tell. He had already Jearned sufficient to feel that Avis bad been lured from comparative safety into positive peril; but who had turn- ed the trick? His first thought turned toward Absalom Nesbitt, for surely the mine-owner had the . most important reasons for getting Avis White out of the way? And yet—would he take such a daring step as this, after having showed his hand so plainly to the superintendent? Hardly knowing what to think, and with his brain all in a whirl, Silver City Sam fell back to force composure, and look the crisis fairly in the face. d Like one in ahalf-waking dream, he heard how he felt and what he thought when his prize * a <i i. he " =" Th omens Oe hs ee i ee ee ee ae a eee eee eS eee eee neigh ay x . — «#! <. % aoe" : Re he Mee ee Hak 2. Me eee if -———--— “~ | boarder took her departure after that fashion, alone and without a guard; not even a gun | along to make it more binding! Then, recalling what had been said about a _ note which evidently led to the young lady | leaving the hotel, Sheldon hurried up-stairs | with the worthy host. close upon his heels. The latter began an expostulation as he | saw the High-rollerturning shoulder toward that closed and locked door; but Sheldon never stopped to listen, dashing his weight ° | against the barrier with such hearty good | will that the lock flew clear across the room. ' And then, almost the first thing to catch his eyes was a bit of paper lying on the bed just where Avis had let it fall in her thrill of anticipation while preparing to keep that supposed appointment, A short gasp of angry surprise escaped the detective as he caught up the paper and saw his boldly written name under those lines; a signature so admirably forged that he could hardly have denied. its authorship had it been submitted to his eyes without aught attached to assist his memory. : He flashed eyes along those lines, and then a mighty oath came to his relief; for it serv~ ed to carry off a little of his mad rage. ‘What does it say, boss?” ventured the landlord, trying in vain to catch sight of the writing or signature, ‘« It’s devil’s work, and I’ll never rest until I’ve paid the dirty whelp off in his own coin!” harshly cried the detective, crushing that for- gery into a little ball, then thrusting it into his breast-pocket for safe keeping and future reference. ; ‘‘Then—she’s gone? Whar’s she gone, sir?” “*To her death—or even worse!” exploded Sheldon, staggering a bit and lifting hand to eyes which seemed fairly blinded, so intense were his emotions. *«The—good—Lord!” This gasping ejaculation seemed to rally the High-rolier, and with an effort he choked down his grief and left rage upper- most, ‘‘T mean it, too, unless we can find and . save her from the merciless devil who has so | vilely lured her from home!” ‘‘Who wasit, sir? If we only knowed so much—- Who was it?” “J will know, and when I learn—by all the saints in glory! I’ll make the foul villain suffer ten million deaths all rolled up in one!” With almost terrifying vioience came this savage oath, and the landlord shrunk away, more than half frightened for his own precious life. 4 Silver City Sam saw that he was betra; ing himself in his fierce excitement, and aia his soul seemed full of despair, fearing the very worst, he manfully fought back his emotions until he could both speak and act with more judgment than he had as yet been able to muster. Leaving the chamber after a swift search failed to reveal aught further which could throw light upon the affair, he said nothing more until reaching the office. Then hecon- fronted the landlord, questioning him more deliberately as to the details. , | These were readily given, although -only ‘one proved to be of any particular value in ; | Sheldon’s judgment. ‘“You say she went north from here?” he: asked, to make certain. ‘“Yes, Looked like she ‘lowed to leave: 'town by the stage-road, but of course she | wouldn't do that, A man might jump his | board-bill, but a lady—an’ sech a lady, too!” | Bearing in mind the direction plainly /mentioned in that forged note, Sheldon could no longer doubt that Avis had blindly | walked into the trap spread so cunningly for her by—whom? Again there came thought of Absalom Nesbitt, and once again a stern oath was | mentally registered: if this outrage really lay at his door. his punishment should be made to fit the er:me! Feeling fairly sure that the landlord was honest as they are generally madc, Sheldon put a little more confidence in him, even going so far as to exhibit that forged note, | making it clear that he had naught todo . he either the writing or the delivery of t. ‘It’s the dirty scheme of a cowardly devil aes hs as aeiee ah med a Ti Sel

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2 e AS re Silver City Sam the High-Roller Detective. _ 27 ! who thinks to profit by my acquaintance | that he had at length fallen in with friends, | of the Coupon, by frightening Nesbitt into with Miss White,” he explained further, | he could or would give noclear explanation | selling out for a song, or, possibly, meaning choking back, his intense emotions as well as | of the manner in which he had come by his | to kill him,, just as others had perished he could, though their heat showed through | hurts. | since those mysterious deeds first began to that thin mask. | ** Devil — Skeleton — Death-watch—curse | occur, ; ‘«There’s a devil’s scheme lying back of it | him—blind!” i But now—how solve this new riddle? 4 all, too! I'll find out who did this; I'll get This was the brokencurrent of his ravings, **Unless he lured Avis away from town, at the bottom facts, and if Ab—if I can ; and that was all! knowing her claim on the Coupon, and was } catch the whelp who’s played this trick, I'll | — foiled by the Death-watch, Skeleton Rider, ’ +) drink his heart dry!” ‘HAPTER X XIX devil or what not! If so—which way to Then Sheldon asked the landlord to assist | CHAP UR RXIX. turn, now?” him in rescuing the endangered lady if that | SILVER CITY SAMS FORLORN HOPE. It certainly did not render the puzzle any lay in the wood, begging him, as being bet-| Tue Man of Chance was branded almost ! more luminous when neither Nesbitt nor ter acquainted with the citizens, to select | exactly as Absalom Nesbitt had been the| Perry Castle turned up for supper that two or three men who could be thoroughly | night before, that searing hand crossing : night, although both were rather noted depended upon to either fight hard or keep a | his face diagonally, with fingers spread far | for being regular and “ mighty square feed- secret close, enough apart to each make a separate mark, | ers.” ‘We've got to bring Miss White back in | allof which had so soon turned black with True, the owner of the Coupon had safety, even if it takes close and hard shoot- | that peculiar bordering of dark crimson. shown a strong wish to keep as much as ing,” was his grim addition. ‘But, all the Past all doubting it was the brand of the | possible out of the sight of the public while same, she will naturally hate to have it | Death-watch, just such as had marked the | his brand was so distinct, but— Spread all ever town unless— Well, I | corpse of Jonah Cain and his earlier confed- Taken all in all, the High-roller Detective reckon you're smart enough to catch on, | erates. never bad a more bothersome case presented pardner!” : With his face swollen until his eyes were | him, and this was all the worse from his “You bet I do, sir, and I’ll rustle upa hey little squad for— Talk it over later on, 88 ” The goodhearted fellow fairly jumped in his gencrous haste, losing remarkably little time in enlisting a couple of stout citizens for whom he offered to vouch when Silver City Sam came to Icok them over. “Allright. We'll say nothing further un- til we’re fairly out of town, for— Come on! And don’t make fuss enough to attract notice,” Without blare of trumpets or sound of cymbals the bold rescuers struck out from town to the north, following the stage road ~ as being the most likely course along the edges of which to look for clues to that abduc- nearly forced shut, Doc Brierly certainly looked what he now claimed to be: a blinded man! That seemed to be the one fact which filled his brain, just then, and little save moans as to his horrible fate, with broken sentences which surely seemed to point toward the Skeleton Rider, could be extracted from his lips by any art Silver City Sam could em- ploy. Seeing how hopeless was that effort, and how nearly helpless the branded gambler was, Sheldon sent one of his allies to guide Brierly back to town, then pressed ahead in almost hopeless search for the missing maiden, That faint trail seemed lost beyond redemp- tion, and ere Jong the little squad was wan- dering wholly at random through that broken He was more puzzled to decide just who | tract of ground, trusting mainly to luck for was at the bottom of the trick, although his | success. having such an intense personal interest in suspicions naturally pointed in the direction Fate was against them, however, and the the matter, yet feeling obliged to cover over that anxiety lest an exposure lead to ove worse for both Avis White and him- self. For all he said so little, Silver City Sam. kept up a steady thinking through all, and by the time supper was fairly over, he had reached a conclusion—if not entirely satis- factory, one which he felt ought to pan out. better than sitting down and waiting slug- glishly for the wheel of fate to revolve and fetch the right spoke uppermost. So far there had been no open outcry raised over that vanishment, for reasons which the High-roller Detective held good and sufficient; and having finally settled upon a more definite course of action, he gave the landlord additional warning not to: talk too much nor too loudly. *‘T reckon I’ve hit on something pretty nigh the truth,” he declared, with an as- sumption of far greater confidence than he felt. really justified in feeling. ‘‘ I'll know it all by morning, one way or the other.” “Tf J can help, sir—” ‘ ‘*You can—by doing nothing save keep- ing your lip close buttoned. If I don’t turn up by morning or earlier—well, then 1 reck- on I'll be out of the hunt, and you’d better calla meeting of such citizens as you feel may be trusted, and tell them all you know about it.” ° Naturally enough such talk but added to the burning curiosity held by mine host, but Silver City Sam evaded his‘ questions, guesses and marvelings, taking his depar- ture from the Carbonate without letting fall even an intimation in what field his next move was to be taken. Sheldon passed quietly along the street after leaving the hotel, pausing at the little office bearing the name and business of Absalom Nesbitt on its front; but the place was dark, and showed no signs of occupa- tion. He hardly expected different, and passed. on with a grim determination to make the best, of a bad case, feeling that at best he was. bound on a forlorn hope. From that vacant office he headed by the most direct route for the on sme Mine, ask- ing for no companionship, taking with him naught save his own strong arms, clear wits. ; and good weapons. It was ah casy matter for him to slip in- side the Coupon workings without being de- tected and halted by the watch; that worthy was not at all anxious to stir up fresh tronble for himself by showing too great activity during his tour of duty. Once well inside the Mine, Silver City Sam moved more slowly, feeling his way since he had not litthe lamp with which he had sup- plied himself, feeling that he might win more through caution than boldness. tion; for this Sheldon had fixed upon as the truth. of Absalom Nesbitt. day passed away, the shades of night crept __ And yet, surely the owner of the Coupon | nearer without aught being discovered, and had no real cause for doubting his new super- | finally even the High-roller Detective was _ intendent? Surely Sheldon had played his | compelled to admit that they were only wast- i part too perfectly for detection, so far? ing precious time by persisting along those : And yet—if not Nesbitt, whom could the | lines. author be? : ‘* Heaven knows I'd keep it up throughout 7 Hurrying along at speed until the town was | all eternity if I thought there was even the ghost of a show for success,” he said, gloomily, as he came to a halt there in the midst of that wilderness of rocks. ** And mebbe we’re jest making fool-jacks out of ourselves, too!” suggested the opti- mistic landlord. ‘‘Mebbe she’s done come back to the Carbonate, and’ll be wondering why in time we don’t have grub!” - fairly lost sight of, Silver City Sam led his little band, feeling tolerably confident that no attempt to capture Avis would be made so long as there was a chance for discovery by straying eyes over at Gopher Slope. Ma Once fairly around that bend in the road, |. however, he called a halt and made his belief clear, bidding his men scatter out so as to cover both edges of the trail the more com- There was a bare possibility that such F pletely, then to look close for possible signs. | might be the case, but Silver City Sam felt ; It was reserved for Sheldon himself to | precious scant hopes of beholding the girl he f ‘make the discovery; plainly imprinted foot- | had learned to Jove far above his own life ee steps which could only have been made by | when he made way back to the hotel. Avis; and close alongside other prints, larger, Even that faint hope was quickly dispell- | / coarser, deeper. ed, Avis White was not at the Carbonate, ; And there were tokens of a struggle, such | nor had she been heard of in any manner asa weak woman might have made against | since leaving Gopher Slope on that ill-starred a couple of brutes taking her off-guard! venture. Choking down his fierce excitement as} Through all the detective hed been rack- _. well as he could, Sheldon bade his men fol- | ing his brain to find an even fairly plausible low after, keeping on the keen alert, looking | solution for that vanishment. to either hand for a args divergement | At first, and probably with the fairest while he himself stuck to the trail, or to its | grounds, his suspicions ‘all turned toward general line should he lose sight of the foot- | Absalom Nesbitt, who had spoken to him of marks. just such an abduction as this appeared to But the nature of the soil was very un- | be. favorable for trailing, particularly when| And yet, why would he take such swift none of the quartette was an expert, and ere | and dangerous steps on his own accord, so long the High-roller had Jost all traces of | shortly after receiving assurance from his those feet. new superintendent that he, Sheldon, would While they were scattered in search for | turn that same trick at demand? the lost trail, sounds came to their ears from ‘*Even if be suspected me of playing him inadvance and a little to one side, where | false, wouldn’t he be scared to make the rocks and scrubby bushes lay thickest; and | play, knowing how surely I'd hitch it on to as the squad drew together on guard, a sin- | him? And if so, isn’t he smart enough to _ gle figure came into fair view, bringing | know that I'd be red-hot against him ?” ries of wondering interest from their lips. Right there Jay the knottiest point, and | For this was the corclusion he had reached 4 __ **Doe Brierly!” cried the landlord, first to | one which hindered Silver City Sam from | after so much thought: de recognize that shape. ‘“And—look at his wholly believing the mine-owner the guilty | Doc Brierly had attempted to steal Avis ; face, will ye, now!” man. ' | White away, probably through hopes of win- : ___ ** Branded, by the ’tarnal!” fairly exploded | | Then his thoughts would turn toward Doe | ning the Coupon by pressing her claims as. «another of the party. Brierly, charging him with forgery and out- | sole heiress to luckless Martin White, SS ee eee nw ee eS j..___.. For across that so recently handsome face, | rage, Yet—that brand? In some as yet unexplained manner he had _ i |. how showed the terrible mark of the Black Until be saw that, and made sure it was ! been foiled and branded with the Black Hand. ‘ ! ‘ ' genuine, no decept’on about it, the High- | by the Skeleton Rider, and now—if he might s par ig and stumbling like a man suddenly to believe the Man of Chance was playing a i framewor ; 8 bE nd, and while he seemed to realize deep and desperate game to gain full control ' hus the High-roller detective had tried to, Brierly was groaning and moaning, stag- | roller Detective had felt more than inclined | only again be proaiee with a sight of that Kk! * ae } . if . ead aa is ‘ . / Mus iin pe Sept eee iia sie ay hy ap. 5 ia igi whl eR, Pa 2 * ass ree ~- » \

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» tones. = 28 make the puzzle seem clear, although he was | f reasoning. There were entirely too many | ture. ‘‘ifs iad ands” about it; yet he felt that the venture was worth the trouble. “If nothing else, maybe I can get at the bottom of this spook business,” his musings ran while he stole silently along through ut- ter darkness, ‘‘and that will prove some slight compensation!” Only a few brief hours earlier and that same solution had been the height of his pro- fessional ambition; now it was merely ‘‘ some- thing!” Gifted with a particularly keen sense of direction and location, Silver City Sam found no serious difficulty in picking his course through the darkness, heading for the spot wherethe Skeleton Death-watch had appeared to himself and Absalom Nesbitt, and where he had afaint hope of again beholding that strange creation. “Tf he should show up, something’s go- ing to happen! One or the other of us will get foolished, and that right smart!” was his grim prediction, which after events fully con- firmed, too! As he drew nearer to the decided upon point of the Coupon workings, Sheldon moved still slower, keeping both eyes and ears upon the keenest alert, hoping even against hope until— What was that? Surely some sound other than the faint yet continual noises which are to be met with in such workings, had come tw his ears? et— With a suddenness peculiarly startling, the shape of a tall skeleton of fire grew visi- ble only a few yards distant from where the High-roller Detective was half-crouching, re- volver-butt gripped by right hand. No noise, no sound, whatever: one instant utter darkness, the next a perfect skeleton with every bone, both,Jarge and small, clear- ly outlined in a faint yet clear bluish fire! Sheldon’s heart gave one mighty leap, . then settled down as before, while he spoke out in slow, distinct words: ‘*Steady, there! I am Sam Sheldon, friend to Avis White, daughter of Martin White who first discovered this mine. She has fallen into a trap which may mean death or worse, I have stvorn to rescue her, or lose my life while trying.” The High-roller broke off, as though ex- pecting”some sort of answer. None came, and that ghostly vision made no move, its bones seeming to creep and crawl in flames, yet never changing position in the least. ‘‘Pair warning, you!” in louder, sterner ‘‘ If you’ve a hand in this outrage, T’'ll pay you off or— Last call, 1say! Speak, or tumble!” Still no answer, and then Silver City Sam darted forward to a close, grappling with that fiery skeleton—only to be twisted off his feet, swung aloft, then fairly crushed to earth like a broken reed! CHAPTER XXX. KNAVES IN COUNCIL. Doc BrieR.y was not injured so badly as he tried to make out, but there was no roona for doubting his sufferings, so far as that ue brand went. 'e was conducted back to Gopher Slope, but the kind-hearted fellow who acted as guide surely won scsont reward for all his trouble, so far as gratified curiosity went. The gambler seemed beyond giving any explanation of bis misfortune other than that conveyed by his broken mutterings. his anathemas against the demon who had caught him so completely off guard. e was turned over to the care of John Madison, and then the story leaked out, hav- ing sundry additions plastered to it, until Brierly himself would never have recognized his own experience in this new sensation. _ First, as a matter of course, his injury had to receive attention, but, instead of calling in Dr. Orrison or other regular physician, Brierly acted on his own knowledge, direct- ing John Madison what to procure and how best to apply it to that hideous brand. As a result, the color gradually faded ane of i rN aegis eee ees ceca ert eee rn tepals a pedantic sn printing eee et greens omen ~ - ~ va ° Late that same night there was a seance in the private quarters of the Man of Chance, to which only John Madison and Esau Gray were admitted. afoot, for hisarm was ina bad condition, the shattered joint promising trouble unless an yet. Esau was half-reclining upon a cot whither he had been conveyed directly after that ill-starred duel with the High-roller, and which he had never left since that date. Brierly had his face covered with band- ages, but retained the use of his eyes and tongue, and was a vast deal more like his customary self than when found by Silver City Sam and his mates far out among the hills lying north of Gopher Slope. ‘*And the pesky critter slapped it right onto ye, boss?” asked’ John Madison, face and voice that of one whose curiosity could hardly be calmed or satiated by a bald state- ment of facts. ‘*Didn’t my swect mug speak for itself?’ tartly retorted the Man of Chance, his ex- posed brows wrinkling. ‘*Holy Ephraim! You might have knock- ed me down witha feather when [ first—and how’d it feel, boss? Didn’t it drive ye clean wild?” “Do you really wish to learn all about it, John, my son?” asked the branded gambler, with tones suspiciously sweet for the occasion, ‘‘ Well, sir, isn’t it natural—of course I don’t mean to crowd ye, though!” ‘* Because, if nothing less will content your inquiring mind, Johnny, I’ll take all the pleasure in life giving you a fair sample; shall 1?” Madison shrunk away with ludicrous haste, spluttering a denial. ) “Then bottle up your curiosity, and let’s get down to solid old business,” curtly re- torted the chief spirit of that rogues’ triad. ‘‘What comes first, sir?’ asked Esau, with a wry grimace as he carefully shifted his position for another less painful. ‘‘ I’m outof it, so far as active work goes, since— curse this arm!” ‘‘Tt’ll prove worse than a curse to you, Gray, unless you take my advice and have it off in a hurry,” gravely warned the gambler. ‘*T've studied medicine enough to know that you're only risking your life by clinging to that useless—that worse than useless mem- ber, Esau!” “Then I'll lose my life with my arm,” surlily vowed the crippled duelist. ‘‘ Once for all—never!” “All right. It’s you for it, Esau, I merely gave you g advice, but of course I rer make you benefit by it against your Ww ces Silence reigned for a brief space; then Brierly spoke abruptly: ‘‘Tt’s coming harvest time, boys, and we might as well get ready to close in and reap the fruits of all our labors and plottings!” “That isn’t such bad news, sir, but just how’ll we git thar?” ‘Easily enough if you only think so, John. hat’s to hinder, pray?” ‘*Well, thar’s that Silver City devil, for y “ Kill him!” viciously cried the cripple, lifting himself on his one sound arm, face flushing and eyes glowing. ‘‘ You swore you’d pay him out for all this, yet where is he, now? Alive, sound as a dollar, ruffling it all over the Slope like a fighting- cock! While I am—this!” : ‘* Just the same tune ‘poor Jack Ellison is singing, over there where Orrison has him under charge,” reminded the Man of Chance, showing no particular emotion while treat- ing of the singular fate which had crippled his two picked allies, after almost the same manner. ‘‘Only he had his arm tuck off, and to get out in the sunshine,” added Madi- son. With his sound arm brought into play, ‘away; the swelling was quickly reduced, | Esau hurled a pillow full at that grinnin yng. while the steady treatin mo ed to send | face, after which he sullenly “quieted | ‘the handsome gambler abroad in afew days, 'down, i ss ere Py aerate Fi as, Vane Temes re * re (The I amputation was made; something to which | Absalom Nesbitt. its owner had doggedly refused to submit as| our power, the rest will come easily the medicine-sharp says he’ll soon be able all the profit. to ilfe; that some other corpse w bitter through cominyg a little late. Let that dispose of him, for the present! ““As for how we can hope to reap our The latter was looking far from fit to be ; golden harvest, that oughtn’t to be so mighty — hard for gentlemen of'nerve! ‘* We'll watch our chance and lay grips on Once with him fairly in enough.” ‘*What’re you going to do with him after gripping, boss?” ‘*Pinch him until he leaks like a riddle full of water!” came the fierce reply. ‘* Squeeze him dry as a sponge, and every drop shall be a golden one!” ** Holy Ephraim!” ‘*T mean each and every word of it, too assured the Man of Chance, with grim de- cision, ‘‘ He's a tough old knot to split, but I reckon I know how to make him give down his yellow grist!” ‘* We can play Injun, eh?” ‘*Pretty much that way, Johnny, yes! Torture will soon break down even his nerve, and then—well, after getting all out of him we can, I reckon Absalom will go to sleep!” ‘The sleep that knowsno waking?” asked Esau, smiling faintly. “* You bet!” ‘* And after he is fairly disposed of in that manner, then what follows?” ‘*Why, that’s plain as the nose on Madi- son’s face, here; and more than that would be scandalous!” declared Brierly, with a low chuckle. ‘* Well, nose or not, it’s a brand I’ve toted all my life, and I'd rather have it than some others I've heard tell about, anyway!” mut- tered the burly rascal, yet evidently ready to duck and dodge a more dangerous missile than a case filled with soft feathers. But Brierly took the retort in good part, evidently wishing to keep on fair terms w th this, his one remaining henchman who re- tained full use ofall his muscles, ‘‘That's all right, pardner; men with big noses are a. ways generous and brave, even if they are seldom hung for their beauty!” “ Oh, I hain’t kicking, boss.” ** Good enough! Now, what do you fellows think of the programme as far as I’ve laid it out?” “Well, there'll be a he-old row kicked up when Nesbitt disappears, don’t you reckon?” suggested Gray. “So much the better, man, dear!’’ ‘« What?” ‘‘So much the better for our side, Esau; can’t you see it, then?” ** Well, scarcely!” : « Yet it’s gospel truth, all the same, and I’ll prove as much even to your satisfaction, croaker! ‘* You thought I’d met up with a dreadful stroke of crooked luck when I got this pre- cious brand slap in the face, So it was, in one way: it lost me the girl!” ** And any other way, Doc? ‘* Well, would a fellow be at all likely to treat himself after this fashion?” one hand raising to touch those bandages from amidst which his black eyes glowed with a reddish luster. ‘‘ Hardly!” answering his own ques- tion. t ” to—whom? To the Skeleton Rider, or the Death-watch, of course! “Only for this, some shrewd people might guess that there were more than one devil at work in and around Gopher Slope. They might even remember that Doc Brierly once studied chemistry, and—but now? All dan-— ger of that has vanished in the catching of this precious brand, don’t you see?” Both Esau and Madison began to catch an . inkling of the truth, and their faces showed as much. ** And so, ever mon, and ba gets the credit, we’ll ee?” ; ‘*But, who and what is he, Brierly?” ‘* Ask mean easier one, Esau!” wi h quick. ‘ ly altering tone aud face. ‘Sometimes believe that old Martin White has come as bw ‘¢Then all the other branding will be laid _ thing that may befall Nes- » F bitt, even to his disappearance or final death, will be laid at the door of this Skeleton De- _ reap Astake @ieve: ‘Th ght t VV Ne hast ian & hilt. broa A br on § ose t) a3 W ardly Dt to pti bs pat T aZzy ards “ec M en | dv h ou y hole oy “ a et a aun

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‘Then you don’t believe Sheldon has he let ght to do with it?” et that |. Not inthe way you mean, Gray; I know @ hasn't! The Skeleton is half a head taller p our #2 Silver City Sam, and more heavily nighty pilt. J know, for I both saw and felt him, broad daylight!” ipson 49 brief silence followed this; but Brierly irly in {02 spoke again, like one who wished to easily PS° the council, “Well, enough for this night, boys! I’m }Prdly fit to tackle any big job yet, and we’ve | after ; bt to keep up appearances, too! riddle 4 10 the morning all the Slope shall know reply, | at Doc Brierly is flat on his back, in for a every azy Spell where none but his very closest ards can have a squint at his branded mug! ‘Meanwhile, you, Madison, must keep a too!” en eye on the actions of. Absalom Nesbitt, 2 de- ped when you see a fair chance for getting but P, °Ur pretty work without alarming the yhole town—” “What do you call a fair chance, boss?” Well, in case he should try once more to et at the bottom facts of his mine being : his aunted—ha! ha!” pra Allright, boss. And if we do get him, 0 to pad bleed him, and put him out of the way ithout raising too nasty a smell at our own ked oors? t : Then T'fl show up a regular bill of sale, nd we'll work the Coupon for all she’s hat wroeth This decision seemed perfectly satisfactory di- 0 the two lesser knaves; and, again warn- uld ng John Madison to be on the keen alert, low pct not to compromise either himself or his “Pmployer, Doc Brierly dismissed the fellow, hen ‘‘ bunked in” for the night. m Waa AT mre _ True to the scheme he had briefly out- dy lined, the next morning word spread through- ‘out Gopher Slope that Brierly was ‘‘ina ‘Pmighty bad way,” thanks to his unlucky rt, | rade ps with the Death-watch of the Hot te And other exciting rumors floated around after a promiscuous fashion, affording ample ae: food for gossip and conjecture. A young lady had vanished, most mys- teriously; and, later on, Silver City Sam had isappeared—no one seeming to k r now just [why or just how! it ‘Some ventured to couple those two vanish- ments together, but they were speedily p frowned down by the landlord and _ his riends, among whom might be named Ab- sa The igen Then, shortly after dark came once more, John Madison hastened with word to the . mane invalid, Doc Brierly: * Now’s the time, boss! Nesbitt and Castle has just gone to the Coupon!” CHAPTER XXXI, ‘THE DEATH-KNELL IS SOUNDED. Tus information hardly came as a sur- rise to Brierly, for his spy had been play- gin good form ever since put on duty, and throughout that day word had come at Antervals of how ‘‘hot” Nesbitt was to 9 Vplayeven” with the Death-watch for the _ 9 brand so adroitly applied. | As the Man of Chance shrewdly surmised, Pe i not even the shadow of suspicion slanted in his direction, now, since he had likewise 7 fallen victim to that searing touch, All Gopher Slope knew that the luckless Js gambler was lyin 7} combined effects ble stru at peing wh ; i ae 3 g dangerous ill from the 4 of that brand and the terri- le he had made against the dread ' pau © had so completely taken him off- 9 © Dr, Orrison could ; testif : ness of that brand; p estify to the genuine eee, On ast all reasonable doubt ihe same hand had left its horrid imprint _ upon the two prominent citizens! Yet Doc Brierly was waiting in readiness to take the field on what he ondly hoped would rove to be the last campaign of tlie bat 7 Sor Neste in eee and received ett 20 Oy ehehae ison with a chuckle ‘‘ You are dead sure there’s no mistake, :, tas I — see, boss. bbe @ sure-shot, fer it’ what any mar in a 4 . ; a cou Ser shot, 8 mighty ha y man will do, én dass; let ple o ti ng fthem! Bu ? a 3 eee a i i a 29 Coupon,-then?” ‘‘] heard the old man tell Perry Castle so; that’s why,” came the surly assertion. ‘‘If you don’t keer to b'lieve it, why—”’ ** That's enough, pardner, and you want to quit growling. Come! If they’re bound for another whack at the ghosts of the Coupon, reckon we'd better be where we can cheer the top o’ the heap. So—pray for us, Esau!” In these high good spirits, never taking thought of what might be lying before, the Man of Chance left lis chamber, slipping out in such rude disguise that his most intimate friend certainly would never have recognized him so long as voice was silent and face hid- den from a fair view. As the two men came in sight of the mine- owner’s office, a dim light showed through a window, but keeping out in the street, Doc Brierly soon saw enough to convince himself that something beyond the ordinary was on the docket for that night. Absalom Nesbitt was there, and Perry Castle was his only companion. Both were roughly clad, and each was inspecting wea- pons as though an occasion for using them was rather more than likely. **Keep a button on, boy!” mumbled the gambler, in warning, as he moved further away from the office and nearer to the vacant building, [of whichZmention has previously been made. ‘‘Something’s up, for a fact!” ‘** Didn’t I tell ye so?” ‘* Yes, but, wait until we see ’em fairly in- side the Coupon; then—well, if we don’t win the game once for all, I’ll chew the rag!” Scant time was granted them for time or surmises, however, for a couple of minutes later that light was extinguished and the mine-owner came quietly out beneath the stars, with big Perry Castle keeping close to his elbow. Stealing along with all the caution of In- dians scenting scalps, Doc Brierly and his henchman followed after, pleased to find their game heading for the Coupon, yet be- ginning to grumble at seeing how close Castle stuck to his boss. ‘* Devil toast him! why don’t he switch off and let the old man play a lone hand?” Ha Ae ‘the gambler. ‘‘He’s just so much ead timber, and if he sticks it out, will be mighty apt to cost heap sight more than he’s worth to us!” _ Shall I go tell him so, boss?” chuck- ingly asked Madison, oO response came to this effort at a joke, and when there was no further doubt as to the purpose of the two men in the lead, Brierly seemed ready enough to accept the situation as it was. ‘“They’ve gone inside! Now, Mad, if you back me up as you'd ought, we'll have a holy picnic for once in our lives!” “*You can count on me, boss, ’till the last dog’s hung!” They crouched low in hiding during the brief arrangements made by Nesbitt at the sh ies ee for an exploration of the works, and breathed just a trifle easier when they found that the armed guard was not invited to form a third in that expedition. “It's man to to man, now, and I reckon we can come out jay-bird!” the gambler mut- tered to his satellite as they watched their human game pass into the Coupon, They waited until they saw the night- watch return to his snug quarters inside the building; then the shadowers stole silently and cautiously past, to follow the example set them by Nesbitt and Castle, save that they had no lamp lit, although both were provided with such. The Coupon was so situated that the main entrance or adit began on a level, drifting straight into the side of Hoodoo Hill, thus rendering windlass or hoisting apparatus un- / | necessary, so long as that course was select- ed instead of one of the air-shafts, or upper tunnels. After a little rapia creeping and groping, Doc Brierly caught sight of a dim light at some distance ahead, and with a muttered caution to his running mate he quickened his steps. . Drawing closer, he contented himself with studying the situation for a time, knowing that any rash step might bring failure, if nct something worse. pet . He saw that Nesbitt alone carried a light- a TtE: ed lamp, while Perry Castle crept crouch- ingly along, several yards in his'rear; and without his perfect knowledge of the two men and their relations to each other, the gambler might easily have set the big fellow down as an enemy rather than an ally, ** Just. watch them, will ye, Johnny!” he muttered, half in disgust, half in admira- tion. ‘‘if Nesbitt isn’t acting as bait for the big spook, while Castle plays reserve, then I don’t want a holy cent!” ‘‘Heap ruther him then me, anyhow!” snufiled Madison, as though that air gave him a chronic cold in the head. ‘Ef the red-hot critter makes a ginuine gulp for that bait, old Ab’s a gone sucker—sure!” “Tf he’d only take Castle as a sweeter morsel, I’d like it mighty sight better!’’ mumbled the Man of Chance, watching ahead with an interest which increased rather than grew duller.” For some little time nothing happened to break that monotony, as the schemers slow- ly picked their way through the workings; but, when Nesbitt drew near the spot where he and Silver City Sam had been confronted by that grim vision, almost the same thing happened! Without previous note or warning, a crazy laugh rolled through that irregular passage, sounding wild and weird indeed; and, flash- ing forth against the gloom with bewilder- ing rapidity, came that skeleton of creeping flames! It was just beyond the limited circle of light cast by the miner’s-lamp which Absa- lom Nesbitt carried, but the mine-owner stopped short, making no attempt to lessen that distance. Neither did he retreat, or even recoil from that ghostly apparition, awe-inspiring though it surely was. ‘* Look at that, will ye, boss!” cried John Madison, in a hoarse whisper, pointing ahead from out the dark niche into which. they crowded for the moment, ‘*T see; button lip, you fhol!” Both men saw Perry Castle suddenly drop low down against that uneven floor, each hand armed with a revolver, the muzzles of which pointed toward the Skeleton Death- watch! If that ghostly creature saw or suspected aught of this, itcertainly made no betrayal, for it held its ground, merely lifting one bony arm and fieshless hand to pointits grim meaning moreclearly, whileits deep, hollow toned voice broke that silence: ‘The hour of thy doom hath surely drawn nigh to hand, Absalom Nesbitt! Full warn- ing was given thee, and ample opportunity afforded for making what amends still lay in thy power. But what avail? ‘« Instead of making restitution, thou hast added crime to crime, piled sin upon sin, scheming against the innocent until— Pre- pare for thy doom, Absalom Nesbitt!” ‘‘Who are you that dares speak so harsh- ly in judgment?” boldly demanded the mine- owner, moving almost imperceptibly for- ward, and a little to one side. ; Past all doubting his intention was to bring the Skeleton Death-watch inside his circle of light where a surer shot would be given the man crouching a little to the rear. “Who am J?” asked the Unknown, in deep tones. ‘‘ The hand of fate! And now for the last time I give thee fair yarn Absalom Nesbitt. Mend thy ways, make fu reparation unto the wronged, restore the property thou wrongfully holdest or—thy death-knell shall surely ring!” By this time Nesbitt f:lt convinced that no more favorable opportunity would be af- forded, since that framework of fire seemed to recede as he crept forward, keeping with- out his line of light. He made a ges.ure which was undoubted- ly understood by his backer, then cast the | lamp forward, so as to strike near that strange shape, at the same instant snatching forth his revolvers and opening fire as he sprung aside and stooped lower. + Swift to act as was his employer, Perry Castle likewise opened upon the Skeleton Rider with his brace of guns, sending @ double stream of fire and lead in that direc- tion, resolved to kill if aught of life was really masked by that death’s figure. The passage seemed fairly filled with sul- pues flames, while fire-arms exploded — rom every direction, blending with yet un- _ “4 : Me i ; ; if gre vie Oe ane oD a) ae ee eee a aa Askin a . heat was AOS Ste a ‘ “ ' hak Ws és

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heard, together with an ominous click-click AL al, eae) tee bt 30 able to wholly overcome those savage execra- tions and sharp cries of human agony! For one of those straying pellets of lead struck Doc Brierly as he crouched in yonder gloom, stinging him to fury and causing him to leap forth and add the vicious barking of his revolvers to that horrid din. Truly, the death-knell was sounding! CHAPTER XXXVI. THE DEATH-WATCH IS ENDED. Wuite all this plotting and counter- ready for a shot! he recognized it, the High-roller instantly called forth: **Don’t shoot, Castle! if— Flag of truce, man!” ‘I’m mighty nigh past shooting; but, look to the boss first! plotting was taking place, Silver City Sam} neck I’m afeard!” was experiencing his second dose of cap- tivity since striking the Gopher Slope region. Athletic though he was, and greatly as he prided himself on his ability as a wrestler, or even as a ‘“‘rough-and-tumble fighter,” he found himself vastly overmatched when he tackled the Skeleton Demon there in the «depths of the Coupon of Hoodoo Hill. Just how that downfall was wrought, he never fairly comprehended; nor could he more than guess at the length of time during which he Jay senseless and wholly at the ‘doubtful mercy of his weird adversary. But, since his senses gradually returned to him, letting him realize that his limbs were securely hampered with stout bonds, Shel- ‘don had learned a vast deal. some facts being -of especial interest to him. And now, while the Death-watch of ‘Gopher Slope was confronting Absalom Nesbitt there, in the narrow passage of the - Coupon, the High-roller Detective lay with- in ear-shot of what followed sharp upon the springing of the deathtrap, with Avis White desperately striving to set his limbs -at liberty! They were stowed away in a cunningly -contrived recess in the wall, unknown as yet to even Nesbitt or his employees, doubtless constructed wholly or in part by the weird -creature who was haunting those depths. Not knowing how soon'that fiery guardian might return to frustrate their growing , hopes, Avis worked with desperate energy, assisted as far as possible by the High- roller. All around them was darkness, although ‘Sheldon knew a miner’s lamp was within reach if he could only get away from those inflexible bonds! ‘‘T have it, Sam!” panted Avis, triumph- -antly, as she felt that stubborn knot begin to yield to her fingers. ‘‘ Another minute, and—oh!” An involuntary scream escaped her lips, for, just then, came the muffled echo of the first shot fired over yonder in the passage, swiftly followed by what seemed a volley from a regiment. With a desperate effort Silver City Sam -completed that work, slipping one knot, snapping one strand, then leaping to his feet after a brief but fierce battle with the rope wrapped around his ankles, “Lie low, Avis, dear!” he cried, spring- ing over to where he knew that lamp was -suspended from the wall, striking a match as he didso, ‘‘ For my sake, if not for your own, lie low and don’t stir until I can—” ‘* Sam—ear Sam!” _ The matches touched that oil-saturated wick; then the cover was snapped in place -over the yellow flame, “Tl be back as soon— darling, if you love me!” There seemed no time, then, to waste in argument, or even in explanation, although the fiercest of that fight then apparently had passed over, Echoes of those swift shots still rambled through the mine, but no other explcsions came to add to their volume. Holding the flaring light above his head the better to see his way along the winding passage into which he sprung, Silver City Sam hurried in the direction from whence those sounds had come, careless of the peril he might be inviting, thinking only of learn- ing just what tragedy had take place to form another grim item in the black record of the Coupon. Then, he stopped short, with an involun- tary cry of wondering horror at the scene of -death and bloodshed which lay spread out before his eyes, though as yet only imper-. fectly revealed by his lamp. : An instant later s hoarse voice made itself Don’t stir, F | they were many—none could say Perry Castle was not a man, untrue to his salt! standing, lying at the base of that bullet- scarred wall, was that glowing skeleton, looking even more than usually fearsome through its prostrate attitude. Those strange, bluish turning to tiny serpents of fire, creeping and optical delusion, : Just a little beyond lay Absalom Nesbitt, and then a fesping moan such as only the badly injured mortals can give. drawing himself nearer his wounded master, | blood showing upon his pale face and flow- | death of his master, and refusing the assist in that lamplight. And from stilt further along the passage— who else was there to send forth such a faintly piteous appeal for aid and assistance? | shattered arm amputated, and, as a con Swift action soon told Silver City Sam the | sequence, likewise took ‘‘a high lot on the full extent of that tragedy, for he found | hillside,” while his more reasonable pard, Doe Brierly mortally wounded, past work-| Jack Ellison, recovered health, to wande ing further harm to his enemies, guilty or | far away, a ‘‘lop-sided cripple.” innocent. He’s got it—right in the | City Sam kept from Avis White was the fa® crawling and writhing in and out, yet never | happened before those damaging revelationf really shifting position save through an! were made public. still alive since he was shivering, with now | been his unscrupulous enemies in life, for hé Then Perry Castle advanced, painfully | truth. ing from his saturated clothes as he came | ance offered him by the High-roller, van with ‘Halt, cuss ye for— Sheldon, by The Man of Chance confessed all befé glory!” | death, as did Absalom Nesbitt; but the ae BY JOS It was the voice of Perry Castle, and, as | of restitution of the latter were unexpecteg28 Ae Tor ly beneficial, since he made both a will; ig the Doubl which he named Avis White as his sole leS}o7 Maverick ! I’m a friend, even | tee, and signed over to her and her heirs thp98 Silky Steel Coupon, once the the Lucky Strike Mine, f°! T7¢,Shvus A : ; 1) pio Hig The only portion of all this which Silv@gs2 Riata Rob The Oye that her poor, crazed father had played sué 44 aneiy Kid No matter what his faults might be—and | a strange part, only to come by his death afges The Soft ! ter such a tragic manner, 815 The Soft Dan Dun In days to come he meant to tell her all The Frisi Close to where Silver City Sam was now j as he eventually did—but for now he fell:39 Sam Car; she was too severely tried by her captivitg’'80 The Dea: to make such a revelation at all advisable. aes , oar 3 A decent burial was given both Nesbitt an@74 ‘vhe Ma Brierly, although there was a vast deal les§ , Dovves ¢ flames seemed | of mourning or sorrow at their demise that oa Pha =e would have been the case had such death§ 712 Tne Ma 705 Bantam $93 Kent Ks ‘ ‘ 1 1683 Bob Bre Silver City Sam had the Skeleton Road4 67s Steel Su ent i 668 Solemn agent interred apart from those who had $61 The Get . 51 Silverti intended a future removal to some spot se4 645 Gopher Vv a) 636 Dandy lected by Avis when she learned the whol ¢27 Mos sha #17 The Gi Perry Castle seemed heart-broken by thel 597 Big Ba 588 Sandy 576 Silver- ished from view shortly after that triple funeral. Esau Gray stubbornly refused to have his 504 Solem 495 Rattle 488 The T Silver City Sam, after arranging for the John Madison had fied, whether hurt or | safe handling of the Coupon, bore Avis! 443 A Co not by those wildly flying bullets, no man | White company back to her home in the far ever knew, since he vanished from sight of | Rast; and within a reasonable space of time, Gopher Slope citizens, from that hour. Perry Castle was not too badly wounded | young people played the part of principals, but that he could serve a good purpose, after being given a dose of whisky from Nesbitt’s | a partnership, neither has openly admitted flask; and dispatching him in hot haste for ny much, : enced 9 assistance from town, Sheldon took what | knoweth! measures he deemed wisest during that in- terval. He saw that the being who had played the Skeleton Rider was dead, literally shot to pieces. It was the face of a stranger, gray and careworn, yet something about that face reminded Sheldon of Avis. Ever thoughtful for her, Silver City Sam | 108 The Lion of the Sea} or, The Vailed Lady. calmed)the maiden’s fears and coaxed her to remain hidden until he should be at liberty to guide her safely to the Carbonate, thus saving her much annoyance and publicity, Castle sent the night-watch on ahead to | Phe Lance and Lasso ; or, The Children of the Chaco. rouse the town, for his wounds turned him deathly ill when he struck the cool outer air; but in a remarkably brief space of time a strong force came to the rescue, with the landlord and Dr. Orrison at their head, .Intense was the excitement when that bloody scene was reached, but Dr, Orrison took fujl charge of the wounded men, call- | ing enough sturdy representatives of law and order to back up his efforts, | Nesbitt and Brierly were carried to town | on improvised litters, and all done for them | that could be; but the death-knell had indeed rung for them both, and the next day wit- | nessed their earthly ending. Silver City Sam contrived to get Avis safely away from the Coupon and back to the Carbonate without her being seen; then | he paid an interested as well as interesting visit to both Absalom Nesbitt and Doc Brierly, Tie whole truth came out before death stepped in, and the double mystery of Gopher Slope was a mystery no longer. Martin White had escaped death, although crazed, andthen played the ghostly persecu- tor of his enemies after a wildly fantastic fashion. He was the Skeleton Rider, the Death- watch, the Spook of the Coupon; but, save in one lone instance, Doc Brierly, who had formerly studied medicine and chemistry, played the role of Black Hand and Bloody , Knife! That exception was when the Skeleton | Road-agent rescued Avis White from the | gambler, then branded him with the same ° | | 480 Three Jolly Pardes: or. The Pets of Paddy's Fiat. 438 Okla! A 7 ) The there was a wedding, in which those two} 416 Mon “09 ns ? 402 The If cither have ever regretted forming such } So. poe, 387 Dar! so far as the present writer | 372 Ca : ‘ 367 . i 0 THE END, = Sto 351 Nor 345 Ma 5 . . 839 Spr -= Chi Beadle’s Half-Dime Library. at WY 292 Mo BY COLONEL DELLE SARA. 4 a 186 Cool Desmond; or, The Gambler's Big Game, Bt) nt BY CAPTAIN FRED. WHITTAKER, 54 Sp 15 The Sea-Cat; or, The Witch of Darien. - 29 The Dumb Page; or, The Doge’s Deughter. 201 Pi 45 Dick Darling. the Fony Exproa Rides” 380 Q , Thess d lhunte , The Land of th : 159 The Lost Oaptains cr, Skipper Jaber Cotte trae on - 200 The Boy Bedouins; or, The Brotivers of the Plumed Lance re Er 214 Wolfgang, the Robber of the Rhine. ‘141 249 Milo Romer the Animal King; er, Round the World, 119 A 265 The Tiger Tamer; or, The League of the Jungle, 205 L 881 Black Nick, the Demon Rider. 88 E 895 California Joe’s War Trail, 71 ( BY MAJOR HENRY B. STODDARD, Ex-8cout, 67 1 806 Neck-Tie Ned; or, The Dug-Out Parda, { 6 fopter Raphael; or, The Swordsmen of Zacatecas. $91 Kid-Glove Kit, the Dandy of the Rockies, 898 Kid-Glove Kit and Pard; or, The Gold King. 406 The Mad Man-Hunter;: or, The Golden Gulch Mystery 495- 5605 Powell’s Pard; or, The One-Armed Giant. y 768 | i BY CAPT. MARK WILTON. ) = 256 Voung Kentuck; or, The Red Lasso, 7“ 270 Blizzard Benj or, The Riot at Keno Camp. 715 256 Josh, the Boy Tenderfoot. ( g t BY ARTHUR ©. GRISSOM. {) $89 440 Little Foxfoot, the Gold Bowie Kid. t Piviil 558 The Sure-Shot Parda, fi 669 621 Truthful James the © Pecooliar” Man. § #63 BY PHILIP & WARNE. 656 6T Patent-Leather Joe; or, Old Rattlesnake, the Charmer. __ ‘648 175 Captain Arizona ; or, Patent-Leather Joe's Big Game, i, 641 198 Captain Mask; or, Patent-Leather Joe’s Defeat. . 63) | 219 Despard, the Duelist; or, The Mountain Vempires. 605 | BBR A xeege Boy}; or, The Dwarf’s Revenge. ‘x ae 868 Little Tornado; or, The Outcasts of the Glen. = wT 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Pard. ie 4 888 Little Oh-my 3 or, Caught in His Own Trap, pee 401 Little Shoo-F ly ; or, A Race fora Ranch. 08 Little Leather- Breeches: or, Old Jumbo’s Curae. ; $1 Little Ah Sing or, The Curse of Blood, f 451 Colorado Kate. A Tale of the alines 517 Jim Gladden’s Peputy; or, The Jolly Pard’s Campaign, , — 627 The Jolly Pur ds to the Reeve; or, The Jack of Hearts, . 547 Sandy Andy}; or, A Good Man Down. » 656 Lartat Lil; or, The Cast for a Life. * 574 Old Wensel-top, the Man with the Dogs, 5983 Keen Clem, the Ranch Imp. . es 699 Jim Dandy the No-Name Sport. Sina a Oe FE" ee _. esp DEewe 618 Billy. Blazes; or, The Skeleton’s Legacy. ye 685 Oklahoma Wi the Blue-Coat Seout. | ‘fae 648 Wappy Harry’s Big Find; or, The Beautiful Jezebel 7 x: 664 Cheeky Charley the Special. * ee The Half: Dime Library 1s for sole by all newsdealers, five | cents per copy, or sent by mail on receipt of six centseach, © iM BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, ae 98 William Street, New Yorm&e | psn BorEr i

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Rei ecs a oe. ; peal ning from > himsel ill be it the ae BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. 2X pec t@@28 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis. A will, #% White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. ole leg p18 The Double Edged Detective. C pO? Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. heirs ti BOS Silky Steele, the Stay-in Sport. or a, Mine, BB: Tae Spotter-Sport’s Neck-Tie Party. h Sily B/0 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. B62 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. the fagBd5 The C-whoy Chief's Sure-Shot. red suds The Rival Red-Hat Sports. Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. 837 Curl leath al a4 The Soft Hand Detective, 815 The Soft Hand’s Clutch. er all 809 Dan Dunn. the Soft-Hand Sport. he f 6 The Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. 1e89 Sam Cary, the River Sport. iptivity: 80 The Dead Sport’s Dou Te. ¢71 Prince John, Detective Special. 763 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. 1G 754 Vhe “Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield. the 244 Swoon ag he the Sil ¢ ee es Sam, the Silver Sport. 720 The Secret Six; or, Old 73 The Man of Sitk. mia aig Sys antam Bob, the Beauty from Butte. 693 Kent Kasson, the Preaohey Sport. death latio n $83 Bob Breeze, the R: 2 i Road $75 Steel S » the Rounder Detective, urry, the Sport from Sunris¢ © hadj 668 Solemn Saul’s Lng Streak ° , for he $61 The Get-There Sharp. ‘651 Silvertip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou Ot seq 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective a whole ‘$36 Dandy Darling, Detective. 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer. ‘617 The Grip-Sack Sharp’s Even up. pt Big Ban Y, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. Sandy sands, the Sharp from Snap City. 576 Silver-Tongued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp’s Sweep. 864 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom. 555 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. ‘547 The Buried Detective; or, Saul’s Six Sensations. 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. ‘535 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift 527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective. 514 Gabe Gunn, the Cary ee Ginseng. = Solemn Saul, the Sad Man from San Saba. 95 Rattlepate Rob; or, The Roundhead’s Reprisal 488 The Thoroughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Rye, the Desvot of Dew Drop. y the ssist van riple e his con the ard, nde * the } 466 Oid ugh and Ready, the Sage of Sundown vis 458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim’ from Spitzenberg. f 443 A Cool Hand; or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic. ar} 438 Oklahoma Nick. me, 433 Laughing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. Wo. 426 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck. ls, “09 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle. ich #03 The Nameless Sport. ted 39 Deedly Aim, the Duke of Derringers. t 887 Dark Durg, the Ishmael of the Hills. er 372 Ca tain Grisp. the Man with a Record. 367 A Royal Flusn; or, Dan Brown’s Big Game. 4 360 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 355 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. — | 351 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. 345 Masked Mark, the Mounted Detective. 339 Spread Eagle Sam, the Hercules Hide slunter. ‘331 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport. 317 Hrank Lightfoot, tie Miner Detective. Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. 286 Pistol Johnny; or, One Man in a Thousand. “$83 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. ‘257 Death Trap Diggings: or, A Man *Way Back 5 249 Elephant Tom, of Durengo. 41 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. 233 The Old soy of Tombstone. 201 Pirate of the Placers; or, Joaquin’s Death Hunt = a ia ee of Arizona, weet William, the Trapper Detectiv - 165 Joaquin. the Terrible ems = . 154 Joaquin, the Saddie King. 141 Equinox Tom, the Bully of Red Rock. 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters, 205 Dan Brown of Denver; or, The Detective. 88 Big George; or, The Five Outlaw Brothers. 71 Captain Cool Blade; or, Mississippi Man Shark, i 67 The boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookednegs, ' 50 Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport. BY WH. G. PATTEN, 10 Fire-Eye, the Thug’s Terror. 495 Old Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower. ¥68 The Prinve of New York Crooks. %56 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective. ‘747 Double-voice Dan's Double Disguise. 715 Double-Voice Dan on Deck. 402 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective 696 Double-Voice Dan, the Go-it Alone Detective, $89 The Sparkler Sharp. a $74 Hurricane Hal, the Cowboy Hotspur. f 69 Old True Blue, the Trusty. '] 63 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. — 656 Old Plug Unly. the Rough and Ready. '}] 648 Gold Glove Gid, the Man of Grit. 41 Aztec Jack, the Desert Nomad, 631 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp, 602 Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. O71 Old Dismal, the Rang Detective. | 845 Hustler Harry, the Cowboy Sport. (Cass MA BY GEORGE C. JENKS. a 910 The Arizona Detective. ‘} _894 Silver Sam. the Shasta Sport. | 880 The Silver Sport’s Double. The Race-Course Detective. 856 The Hayseed Detective. _ %2 Captain Corden, the Twister Detective. Ot 55, 750 wild Pete the Broncho-Buster Detective. #26 Fearless Sam, the Grand Combination Detective, , 719 Boston Bob, the Sport Detective. 2 $72 Jaunty Joe, the Jockey Detective. _ 54 Mad Sharp, the Rustler _ 338 Rube Rocket, the Tent Detective. ‘S26 Death-Grip, the Tenderfoot Detectiv€ _ 507 The Drummer Detective. - 432 The Giant Horseman 98 Sleepless Eye, the Pacific Detective. Peres we BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER, 916 Two Dead-Square Sports. 902 Soft Velvet, the Man from Sandrock. 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large. 881 The Clubman-Crook’s Cat’s-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport. 852 The Stranger Sport’s meg Ss 828 Kirk King, the Man from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of Silver Bend. 718 Uncle Bedrock’s Big Bounce. 707 The Rival Rovers. 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm, 77 Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird. 659 Gilt-Edge Johnny; or, Roldan and His Rovers, 650 Lucky Lester’s Lone Hand. 634 Old Handcart’s Big Dump. 622 The All Around Sports. 603 Desert Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile, 568 The Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 533 Oregon, the Sport Witha Scar. 503 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back, 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Flat Racket. 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 375 Royal George, the Three in One. 356 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 333 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 268 Magic Mike, ~he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cufsiceve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. © 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar BY NED BUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover. 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King. 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot 74 111 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—‘‘ Old Hawk,” 838 Old Grips Still Hunt, ° 827 Detective Walden’s Web. ~ 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 770 The Showman Detertive. 762 Old Grip, the Detective. 740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective. 732 The Hurricane Detective. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective, 582 Joram, the Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double. ; 561 The Thug King; or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Falcon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop —_ the Diamond Field Detective. 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderboit Detective. 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective, 477 Dead-arm Brandt, 457 Mainwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Ciscus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy. 386 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective. BY J. ©, COWDRICK, 752 The Suspect Sport of Daisy Drift. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillvood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 598 The Dominie Detective. 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective. 580 Shadowing a Shadow. 565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle. 519 Old Riddles, the Rocky Ranger 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road Sport. 473 Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas. 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine. 422 Blne Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 890 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John’s Jubilee. BY EDWARD WILLETT. 483 Flush Fred, the River oP 368 The Canyon King; or. a Price on his Head. 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. 337 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp. 327 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detestive. 815 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League 808 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True. 298 Logger Lem: or, Life in the Pine Woods, 289 Flush Fred's Fall Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi Sport. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp. 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime. 209 Back Farley. the Bonanza Prince. 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man's Sacrifice. BY CAPTAIN MAWYNE REID. 27 ane White Squaw, 234 The Hunter’s Feast. 213 The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter. 200 The Rifle Rangers; or, Adventures in Mexico. 74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, The Lake Queen. 66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacific. 55. The Scalp Hunters, A Romance of the Plains, 6 oe a AE a? RBS ire meine = 5SEADLE'S*| )IME*|IBRARY. Published Every, Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers. ON EEE me - BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound. 906 The Cuban Cruiser. 854 The Ocean Gipsy. 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Terrors, 819 The Rival Monte Cristos. 805 The Last of the Pirates; or, Doom Driven. ; 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapping the Grave Ghouls. 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death-Chase, 748 Arizona Charlie, the Crack-shot Detective, 704 Invisible Ivan. the Wizard Detective, 685 The Red-skin Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride, ; 662 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict. 640 The Rover’s Ret ibution. 635 The Ex-Buccanertr; or, The Stigma of Sin. 625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, 615 The Three 1 uccaneers. 610 The Red Flag Rover; or, White Wings of the Deep. 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. 600 The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of °76. $ 5943 The Sea Rebel; or. Red Rovers of the Revolution, 587 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or, True Hearts of °76. 581 The Outlawed ge aah or, The Gantlet Runner, 560 The Man from Mexico, 553 Ma. Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig. 546 Tks Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck. * 530 The Savages of the Sea, 524 The Sea Chaser; or, The Pirate Noble, 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore. 493 The Scouts of the Sea. 457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son. 446 Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, 435 The One-Armed Buccaneer. 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and Wan, _ 899 The New Monte Cristo. { 393 The Convict Captian. 377 Afloat and Ashore: or, The Corsair Conspirator, * 369 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea, 364 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of the Coast. 341 The Sea Desperado, 336 ‘Ine Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. 325 The Gentleman Pirate ; or, The Casco Hermits, 2 318 The Indian lsuccaneer;: or, The Red Rovers. 207 The Phantom Pirate; or, The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s Daughter, ° 246 Queen Helen, the Amazon ofthe Overland. } 235 Lightning the Man of Chance. 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer. 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother's Crime, 210 Buccaneer Bess, the Lioness of the Sea. 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon, 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 184 The Searlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis. 104 Montezuma. the Merciless. 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Brand. BY PHILIP S. WARNE. 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man’s Land. i 583 Captain Adair, the Cattle King. ; 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. 544 The Back to Back Pards. 522 The Cham pion Three. 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plains, 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Man to “ Tie To.” 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand. 404 Silver Sid; or, A “‘ Daisy *’ Bluff. i 380 Tiger Dick’s Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, ; 359 Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. 338 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Tewn, : 299 Tnree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Sport, 251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Desperd. ; 207 Old Hard Head; or, Whirlwind and his Mare. 4 171 Tiger Dick, the Mau of the fron Heart. 114 The Gentleman from Pike. 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hills Sport. 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier’s Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON. $23 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers, 811 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men, 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover. 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck. 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror. 4 276 Texa: Chick. the Southwest Detective, 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend. 266 Leopard Luke the af of Horse-Thieves : 263 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colorado Bravo. 4 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black League. 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of Idaho. 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, _ 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. i 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, : 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. - BY OLL COOMES. 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectives. 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter. 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life. 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger. i BY COL. TROMAS H. MONSTERY., 236 Charapion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show. 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR, 919 The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateer. 886 The King of Crooks. 858 Number One, the Dead-set Detective. 730 Dike De ae, the oar bler Duelist : ike Despard, the Gambler Duelist. 604 The Detective in Rags: or, The Grim Shadoweg, 500 The True-Heart Pards. 4 new issue every Wednesday Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale a Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by oo receipt of twelve cents each, ; BEADLE AND ADAMS, Punuismers, 98 Wintiam St, New Yore ae th maha Ps

Page 34

- — ; By Colone) Prentiss Ingraham, 994 Buffalo Bill’s Lone Hank 989 Buffalo Bill’s Marked Bullet. 984 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle. 979 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. 964 Buffa'o Biil’s Invincibles, 960 Buffalo Biil’s Blue Belt Brigade. 956 Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes. 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay: 943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game. 936 Buffalo Bill's Black Parad. 927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick -the Snort. 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary: or, Velvet Bill’s Vow. 915. Buffalo Billand the Surgeon-Seout. 909 Buffalo Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. * 904 Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail. ; 900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. $95 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally. 890 Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake. 882 The Three Bills: Buffalo Bill Wild Billand Band- box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. : $74 Buffalo il’s Buckskin Braves. : 869 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up. Ks 863 Buffalo Bill’s Death Charm, ~ 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush, 851 Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma, ' 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse, 830 Buffalo Bill’s Bovs in Blue. a 826 Buffalo Bill's Sharp-Shooters, ; 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower. 816 Buffalo Bi'l’s Red Trail. 812 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell. 794 Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot. 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand. W77 Buffalo Bill’s Spy Shadower, 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake. is 765 Biffalo Bill's Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. P. 761 Buftalo Bill’s Mascot. 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double. 750 Buffalo Bills Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. 4? 743 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand. Sy 739 Buffalo Bill's Blind: or, The Masked Driver, oa 735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men. ‘au 731 Buffalo Bill’s Beagies: or, Silk Lasso Sam, 727 Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard. ae (22 Buffalo Bill on the War-path. ‘716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers. . f 710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The Deserter Desperado. a 697 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood. M, 691 ‘uffalo Bill’s blind Trail; or, Mustang Madge. 667. Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, The King of the Mines, 4 658 The Cowbov Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas. i 658 Lasso King’s League; or, Buck Taylor in Texas. 649 Buffalo Biill’s Chief of Cowboys; or, Buck Taylor a 644 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, Si ver Circle Knights, % 862 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or. Vath Bound to Custer, 329 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or, The League of Three. 189 _ild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. k 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress, , * 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot, By Buffalo Bill. 973 The Dread Shot Four ah 969 Texas Jack, the Lasso King a? : 839 The Ranca King Dead-Shot. 33 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt. 807 \Vild Bill, the Wild West Duelist, } 800 Wild Bil, the Dead-Center Shot. ‘ 639 Buffalo Bill’s Gold King. 599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains, Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Full Hand Tne Fresh’s Rustle at Painted City. ; The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger Sha Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide O Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion, % The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobedo Million The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande, 7 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Ja Aiken’s Joe Phenix Series. 965 Joe Phenix’s Mascot. 959 Joe Phenix’s Double Deal. 954 Joe Phenix in Chicago. 949 The Doctor from Texas; or, Joe Phenix’s Clue. | 944 Joe Phenix’s Right Bower. 865 The Female Barber Detective; or, Joe Phenix 1 Silver City. yf 799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diarmcnd Case; or, Thi New York Sport at Long Branch. 793 Joe Phenix’s Decoy: or, The Man of Three. 760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand, 749 Joe Phenix’s Big Bulge. 745 Joe Phenix’s Mad Case. , 708 Joe Phenix’s Siren; or, The Woman Hawkshaw 700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or, Crushing the Crook 681 Joe Phenix’s Specials; or, The Actress Detectivé 637 Joe Phenix in Crazy Camp. 632 Joe Phenix’s Master Search. ae 628 Joe Phenix’s Combin: ; or,the Dandy Conspirato 620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six. 601 Joe Phenix’s Shadow; or.the Detective’s Monito: 419 Joe Phenix., the King of Detectives. 161 Joe Phenix’s Great Man Hunt, 112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League. 79 Joe Phenix, the Police Spy. v Aiken’s Miscellaneous Novels. 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Sealper 935 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. 926 Ola Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower. the Hayseed Detective. 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; cr, The Siren Shadower, 892 The Country man Detective. ; 876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps. 842 Teton Tom, the Half-Blood. 835 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. 7% King Dandy, the Silver Sport. 753 Gideon’s Grip at Babylon Lar. ; 717 Captain Pat McGowen, the Greencoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective. 670 The Lightw eight Detective. 665 The Frisco Detective; or, Fhe Golden Gate Find. 613 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the * Hard Case ” Detective. ‘ 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. ¥f 586 The Silver Sh arp Detective. 577 Tom, of Calif ornia; or, Detective’s Shadow Act.» 570 The Actress Detective; or, The Invisible Hand 592 Lone Hand, the Shadovw. 620 The Lone Hand on the Caddo. 490 The Lone Hand in Texas. 75 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective. : 465 The Actor Detective. 440 The High Horse of the Pacific. — 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants. 408 Doe Grip, the Vendetta of Death, . 381 The Gypsy Gen tleman: cr. Nick Fox. Detective | - 876 Black Beards; o1. The Rio Grande High Horse 870 The Duskv Detective: or. Pursued to the Ena. 363 Crowningshield, the Detective ; ; ; | 320 'The Genteel Spotter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk. 4. 252 The Wali Street | lood; or, The Telegrayh Girl. %: ' 203 The Double Detective: or,The Midnight Mystery. | | 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen. x 7 101 The Man from New York. : 91 The Winning Oar: or. The Innkeeper’s Daughter, | 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. . oe | 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fire. ‘ ; , | % Gentleman George: or, Parlor. Prison and Street, : | 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress. — 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madmen of the Plains, | 49 The Wolf Demon; or, The Kanawha ] } =} a 7? een. ’ 42 The California Detective: or, The Witchesof N.Y, 4] 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of Lightning. | | 27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New York, =] NEW iSSUES. bare 1) ae, 1000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col, Tee me. ce 1001 The Brand-Burners of Cimarron. By Jobn Ww. a. Osbon. » Fe 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos E. Badger. 1003 Gold Dan or, Dick Talbot in Utah. By Albert — 4 ’ 4 en. , | 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By Col. Ingrabam,. =| | 1005 Woot-Hills Frank, By Jos.B. Badger, 8 8 = | 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P. Ingrabam, © | JUST ISSUED. ae 996 Tnjun Dick, the Shasta Dead Shot, By Aiken, f | 997 Hotspur Hal, the Sport from Hard Luck. By = = 8 ) Jr. =n Privateer. By Ned Buntline. __ d; or, The Iron Grip of Injun. t ‘ By Albert W. Aiken. at Tey b any A new issue every Wednesday, = THE DIME LIBRARY is for sale r all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy. or sent by mail & ADAMS, | wee ist Fea) Q a Sees UDLS ¢

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Number NOVELS fe uck, the Sp 6 Pine, isOn Cros Shasta. Pries, ull Hand nger Sha it Slide O 1e Lion, » Millions ronze Ja Ss. 's Clue, Phenix jj 5 or, Th ree, atective pirator lonitor ague, wer, ot.* 1d > >

Page 36

| Reta a —~ Wy Coe at ! : | Ten Cents a | Copy. | SUPY: | / ee | a } g | | ’ fi | ) ! | | { | : @ / | ; } / ; ! ( } . i] | . ) | \ ' @ 1000 Buffalo Bill's Grim Guard. By, Col. Prentiss! 826 Buffalo Bill's Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surjseon| 653 The Lasso King’s League; or, The Tigers of Nie Ingraham. — Scout to the Rescue. By Col. P, Ingraham. Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. cre ae Bill’s Lone Hand; or, The Unknown! 822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Montebello the| 649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill's ) Dead § hot. By Col. P. Ingraham. Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham. (989 Buffalo Bill’s Marked Bullet; or, The Specter '820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, ‘The Miner! 644 Buffald Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of oP op Slayer of the Colorado, By Col. Ingraham. | Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill. the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham. ) 984 Butfalo Bill's Life Raffle; or, The Doomed | 816 Buffalo Bill's Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider| 639 The Gold King; or, Montebel'o, the Magnifi- Three, By Col. P. Ingraham. Renegade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. cent. By Buffalo Bill. v79 Thuffalo Bill’s Relentless Trail. By Colonel 812 Buffalo Bill's Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand| ¢29 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role, or, Daredeath r. \ Prentiss Ingraham. ; Riders of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham. 625 Dick, King of the Cowboy? “By Leon Lewis. > * 978 The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, The Girl| 599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the iq Plains. By Col. W. F. Cody. | Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo Bill. Plains. By Buffalo Bill. 4 964 Buffalo Bill’s Invineibles; or, The Sable Shad-|800 Wild Bill, the Dead Center Shot; or, Rio| 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the . d St ie Sublime Sacrifice. By Col. P. Ingra- Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Butf- Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline. _ Mani, * falo Bill y any; ; ; ¥ 414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The ; ) 60 boca Bill 8 ae Belt Brigade; or, Sun-| 794 Buffalo Bill's Winning Hand; or, The Masked Gola Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill. a sithite Sam of sighoen By Col. P. Ingraham. | bah of the Colorado Canyon, By Col, P.| gos mye One-Armed Pard: or, Red Retribution in | 956 vere aes. Volumbeer Vigilantes;..or,. Tue - ye one atip : asain alata tiakaat! Borderland. By Buffalo Bill. i. ( ysterious az in Bie. By Col. P. Ingra-| 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scou . P i . , , y rs } ham. ni | of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 897 Tee Wi Buffalo Bul, CO ee ae fs | 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker’s| 781 Buffalo Bill's Brand; or, The Brimstone nite , fils : Cems ( Doom. By. Col. P. Ingraham. | Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 394 ) hese bee x mas A A ag Platte; on.) ? ) 948 Buffalo Bill's Block Game; or, The Mounted | 777 Buffalo Bill’s Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked Bill. i : ) Miners of the Overland. By Col. Ingraham. Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 9¢9 pi fraio Bill's Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer, a (936 Buffalo Bill's Black Pard; or, The Gold| 773 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | } Boomers of the Big Hern. By Col. P. Ingra- By Leon Lewis. 829 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or, The League of \ ham. 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, The Wipe-out Three. By Col. P, Ingraham. AR ( 927 Buffalo Bill's Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, the at Last Chance. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 319 wiiq Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. By ) Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham. 765 Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. Buffalo Bill. a ) 921 Buffalo Bill's Quandary; or, Velvet Bill's By) Col. Prentiss “Ingraham, 304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The 1 ( Vow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 1761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot; or, The Death Valley Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill. e ) 9i5 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout; or, Go-! Vietim No, 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 248 The Pilgrim Sharp: or, The Soldier's Sweet-} ey) { wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P, In-| 757 Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The Desperado De- heart. By Buffalo Bill. i } graham, tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail;.or, The Desperate (-# ‘ ) 909 Buffalo Bill's League; or, Red Butterfly. By|750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. Dozen. By Col. P. Ingraham. oN , Col, Prentiss Ingraham. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 175 Wild Bill's Trump Card; or, The Indian iS 904- Buffalo Bill’s: Tangled Trail; or, Gentleman| 743 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's Heiress, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. is Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P, Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol) Dead Shot; or, Dagger Ingraham. 739 Buffalo Bill's Blind; or, The Masked Driver Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. [- 900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s of Death’s Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 459 pufrato Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.| 7385 Buffalo Bill and His -Merry Men; or, The Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell. 895 Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally; or, The Texan's Robin Food Rivals. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 447 pufraio Bill's Stranze Pard; or, Dashing : Double. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. 731 Buffalo Bill's Beagles; or, Silk Lasso Sam, Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major 890 Buffalo Bill's Life-Stake; or, The Pledged gapped) bea chp gah a eg gh ap el F Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. |727 Buffalo Bil’s Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt| 92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King;, or, The ' 882 The Three Bills; Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and | of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Amazon of the West. By Major D. Burr. Band-Box Bill; or, The Bravo in Broadcloth. | 722 Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso} 88 Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Knights of. the a By Col. P. Ingraham. pa the Will-o'-the-Wisp. By Col. P. In- Overland. By Buffalo Bill. i $74 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Braves; or, The Card|- i lapshb horse 52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Life J uean’s Las ane bar 5 Vp Aes 716 Buffale Bill's Sedut Shadowers;. or, Emer- and Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buffalo % A . e fore: boty fee ae a ae a ee ald Ed of Devil's Acre. By Col, P. Ingraham, Bill. . ania eo Bea teen ono Pi Or A {710 Bufdlo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des- : aa Raat Man in Black. By Col.) perado's’ Defiance. ‘By ‘Col. P. Ingraham. NEW ISSUES TO COME. Me 6 > ’ 697 Buffal Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or,| 1002 Silver City Sam, the High-Roller Detective. i. 868 Buffalo Bill's Death-Charm; or, The _Man ’*‘ ee “cea sep wo ; é pe par pas . mys With the Scar. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, | pera Up a “ost Trail, By Col. P. In- By Jos. BE. Badger, Jr. ita {857 Buffalo Bill's Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri- EGR.” ; 1003 Gord Dany or, Dick Talbot in Utah, By A der’s Death-Run. By Col. P. Ingraham, 691 Be taly Bill's Blind eval £8, Pe sad iphone Albert W. ‘Aiken. ie 851 Buffalo Bill's Double Dilemma, or, The Great of the Regiment, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, j ‘ 4 | (gan Scout's Big ‘Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. , 08% Buffalo Bill's Secret Service Trail. By Major eee set Desk Eee ) 845 ng Redskin Ruse, “be fess ar El Dangerfield Burr. lage So ind og ae Sesrk See { eath ot y Co rentiss Ingra ” Pa A ‘ mh Foot- s Frank, the Fancy Sport. v ee jeanne ieg, to Housepeac Surat wouar oud eas. 067 Hutfalo Bis, Swicons or. the, seine OF the Te Badger, J aa FYOXY v Boffalo 3 von ; aa ' $30 Buffalo Bill’s Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone 658 The Cowboy Cian; or, The Tigress of Texas, | 1006 The Sea ps gel ae oe of the Rigo- ‘ae 4 Band's Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. eh ee sp Otek TENISS LOSVARAIT = NRCS ea a ee gp SOA AL PR rh ARS f Oger Wiese Ky oe x ae | x a z\¢ 3 HE DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, | ~|* es a % «le 3 ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- || ceipt of price. sis sls Shel ~) : S{1s S} Ss} Sis ee my 3 BEADLE & ADAMS, Publish ste s ole S 18 ers, S| Sta) aig Sls ° ols ole - Slo ° 92 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORE. |: > els 3 ns i : _t_ 4 . ‘ © at LTE ee Oe — a / NE te mis Bigs Ps yj it a ale : ” Pernt Mn : . s ; tee fF - > mr, basi ste : x Ae ae a Pe _