Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1010) (1898 03)
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ve “ SSN eee renee ¢ i ; A> 4% : — Ts cles am = _— Copyrighted, 1898, by BEADLE AND ADAMS, ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER AT THE NEW YORK, N, Y., POST OFFICE, PUBLISHED EVERY M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, TEN OENTS A COPY. (JAMES SULLIVAN, PROPRIETOR), MONTH. $1.00 A YEAR. \ OnE \ é Ne (Mi! » ie Mat A
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2 “The Sparkler Sport: The Stranglers of the Silver Slope. BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR. CHAPTER I, TITE SWOOP OF THE SI'RANGLERS. bare an’ ages! Phwat the divil—” Barney O’Shea roused out of a dream- ' ‘tess siumber, starting to a sitting posi- tion i(hnrough an instinctive sense of dan- -#er. ise canght an indistinct glimpse of a moving soape. and a half-angry, half- frigh.ened cry escaped his lips; but ere he could do or say more, a nasty blow crashed against his skull, a heavy weight came upon his breast, forcing him back- ward, while an awful vise seemed to sud- denly close about his throat. Then—darkness and oblivion! But the Irish cook and man-of-all-work owned a pair of lusty lungs, and, quick- ly though he was disposed of, his startled exclamation had at least in part aroused that peacefully sleeping camp, as sundry cries and ejaculations only too clearly proved. A savage curse was likewise heard; then a coarse, rough voice was lifted in vicious authority: “Jump ’em, lads! You know your duty; do it—red-hot!” Until that moment ali had been quiet and peaceful, the little encampment lying in that secluded valley under the silver light of the nearly full moon, undis- turbed by fear of death or premonition ‘of falling evil. But now— With short, savage cries and oaths the raiders sprung to their evil work, each member doing the part assigned him in advance, so far as the keen and watchful eyes Of their leader could ascertain. He himself stood close to :the little tent within which their most valued prey had been located, and he it was who took such swift action a few moments later when half-clothed men burst forth from the larger tent, only half awake, if wholly alarmed. “What is it? Who dares—” “ Lorella—my child!” : The tall, gray-haired’ man caught sight , of yonder dark, armed shape near the! shelter of his loved daughter, and heed- less of his own neipiess condition, sprung that way with a fierce cry; only to be brutally beaten down by a reversed re- volver an instant later. “ Would ye, fool? Take a lie-down and think how—clean work, lads! you know your duty; do it, curse ye!” Viciously issued, that command, he who gave it utterance crouching low and leaping swiftly aside to foil the flerce rush made by the younger man coming from the second tent. “Out, ye devils! I don’t know who— take that, curse you!” cried Allen Kirk- wood, as he made his half-blinded rush, steadying himself a bit the surer to cover that dodging shape with the revolver which he had grasped at the first alarm. Hammer fell and cartridge exploded, but no harm was done to mortal being by that shot; for, just then, a couple of sturdy fellows leaped upon their desig- nated prey from the rear, bearing him swiftly to earth, the shock of fall alone seeming sufficient to place the young man hors de combat. “Olean work, the bunch o’ ye!” re- peated their chief, his tones rising clear above the tumult. “ You all know what —and so do I! Easy by jerks, my dainty darling!” For the tent-flap. was pushed aside and a fair young maiden showed under the clear moonlight, not even the terror of | such an awakening sufficing to mar her rare beauty of face or figure. Cat-like in his activity, the chief of.| the raiders grasped the girl, laughing aloud at her shrill cry of mingled fear The Spx tkler Sport. and indignation, one arm closing vise- | rising to cover the lips which would have | screamed again as she saw both her fa- ther and brother so vajnly struggling in the grip of ruthless e#emies. For so it was. Martin Kirkwood had dropped before ‘that brutal blow, heavy enough to have killed many a stout fellow of half his | age; but, stung by a father’s fury, the ' gray head rose again, only to see his son overwhelmed and to be himself borne backward under a living weight too great for any one man to successfully resist. “Give him the noose, ye devils!” fair- ly screamed the leader... “Show him how Jack Ketch works out in this wooden country! Give the public another sweet morsel to gag and make holy faces over, my lads! Do your work as though ye loved it, but—steady. with the youngster, there!” Lorella Kirkwood caught but a por- tion of this savage speech, but that was enough to turn her brain dizzy, and added to the struggles she was so fruit- lessly making, brought a merciful blank over her senses for the time being. One frantic effort to break away, then her sinews relaxed, her head drooped, her limbs quivered pitifully, and she lay a dead weight across that powerful left arm, captor laughing hoarsely at his easy victory while moving nearer the | spot where lay old Martin Kirkwood in |. dire extremity. The millionaire had fallen to earth close behind the larger tent, where the moonlight was intercepted, but that fact hindered his enemies in no sense. Two lusty fellows were holding his arms out- stretched as he Jay on thé broad of his back, while a third ruffiah. was squat- ting astride his helpless body, hands ruthlessly applying the rope of the | strangler! “Gasp and wheeze and choke—choke— choke!” cried the man of the rope, grasp- ing the two ends and fiercely tugging away, knee on chest and other foot dig- ging into the dry dirt for a better pur- chase. “Choke and strangle—strangle like the sheé@p-killing, cur which ye so often liken us poor devils to! Choke— smother—die, ye bloated aristocrat! Die —die—die}” “Business before too much pleasure, old fellow!” spoke up the chief of the stranglers. .‘‘He’s all right. Knot the rope and leave it—for a token! There are others who-ha!” A cry from Allen Kirkwood as he ral- lied from his downfall, either seeing or guessing what horrible fate was befall- | ing his aged parent; but strong hands were still upon his limbs, and a single word from their masked master sufficed to ‘hurry both captive and captors away beyond sure eye-range of that impending tragedy. Another“harsh command caused bonds and a gag to be applied for the time be- ing, and then his own particular prize was left in charge of the same men, the chief turning back to lead the ¢lose search made in both tents for plunder. Here the masked chieftain was head and front of the,movement, tearing up the cozy furnishings which only one who neyer felt the lack or need of money would think of supplying such an habita- tion, flashing the light into every nook and cranny, fiercely hoping for a discov- ery rich enough to amply repay both toil and trouble, present as well as proximate. Here and there, first in the larger tent, then in the shelter held sacred to the use of Lorella Kirkwood, negléectifig no spot, overlooking no article which could by any possibility contain or coneeal the treasure so ardently longed: for. But all efforts proved in vain, so far as finding any vast amount of either money or money’s worth went. A fairly fat wallet was found in the lower gar- ments discarded for the night by Martin | Kirkwood; far more money than any save arich man would think of carrying around with him, yet but a trifle’ in com- parison with the sum these midnight 4 ae Pars ———— —— ===» ‘raiders expected to win by their evil ef- ‘like about her middle, his other hand forts. | Something of this truth was shown by | the ugly curses and fierce words let fall | by the masked leader in that swoop; but the disagreeable fact remained, and no searching on their part could alter the result. Satisfied at length that the treasure (if any such was within the camp limits) was hidden past his arts to unearth, the chief of the stranglers crossed over to | where brother and sister were held cap- tive, one hand falling heavily upon a | shoulder as he bent his face close to that of Allen Kirkwood, seemingly trying to read the whole truth in that pale visage / ere he put the question. | “ Where's the camp-chést, younker? Talk white, or ye’ll pay for it in red. | Now, I’ve got my hand in ofce more, I’d just as lieve add you to the list—if not | a little rather! ” Instead of flinching from touch, glare , or voice, Allen Kirkwood made another desperate effort to burst the bonds whic’2 held him so powerless, fiercest anger and | deadliest hatred showing in his own face the while, “Bah! you poor fool!” contemptuous- ly cried the mask, reading something of | | all this with keen eyes. “ At your best I'd handle you as a grown man might play with a puling infant, while now— look around ye, for a change! “Hach and every one of these sweet- toothed bulldogs stand ready as eager to grip throat and drag ye down to the dust. One sign from my hand and.they’d scat- ter your fragments to the four winds of the earth. One nod, and they’d give you the repe which— “Where have ye hidden it all away, curse you?” with abrupt change of tone and voice, “Tell mé, Or—the gold, tac silver, the paper; where it is, fool?” - Those gloved hands gripped Allen Kirkwood by the shoulders, shaking him viciously, while those dark eyes lying back of the somber mask seemed to take fire and blaze with avaricious fury. Poor Lorella gave a frightened cry at this, and the sound of her sweet voice appeared to recall the raider chieftain to his. ordinary senses, for he drew back, letting his hands fall, ana a low, harsh / laugh cross his hidden lips, “ A cross-roads where two fools met, is it, younker? All right! That’s a fault easily mended, and J’ll set your precious clapper at liberty long enough to sing the song my ears are fairly honing for; the song of gold; dear gold!” | With another chuckling laugh in which lay slignu mirth the arch knave flashed forth a knife, and with its keen edge touched the knotted thongs which held the gag in place, then speaking on in sterner tones: “No nonsense now, young fellow. Turn j} up the dust or I'll turn up your toes. They've got a good bit the start of you, but I reckon you might catch up with the old gent by trying right smart!” “Devil—you demon!” hoarsely panted Allen Kirkwood, as he spat forth that ; ag and caught his breath afresh. “Steady, or I'll have to—” “T know you—I recognized you at sight, you infamous cur!” “ What’s that?” “Til haye revenge! I'll hang you—hang you higher than Haman’s ghost! Oh, you scoundrel! To think how often—and father always treated you like an own son! While now—” _A ‘heavy hand dropped upon a should- er. A vicious shake followed, and the man in mask spoke even more harshly than. before: t ““Are you turned crazy, you fool? What do you mean by such chatter?” “That I know you, Ralph Innes!” | -Lorella gave a choking cry at this name, and the mask recoiled as though involuntarily. Young Kirkwood spoke on, hotly; aga “I knew you at sight, Ralph Innes, in spite of mask and disguise! I swear to hang you for this foul outrage, and nev- er—” bos
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Re Pee FO —— _ cms The Sparkler Sport. | “What name? What do you call me, fool?” “ By your rightful title, Ralph Innes. Cousin though you are—” That gloved hand smote his lips with brutal force, cutting him short. CHAPTER ILI. STRANGLERS AND THEIR LIVING PREY. The two men fell apart, one recoiling from the stroke, the other—who shall say? A hoarse, barely articulate cry es- caped his lips, and in obedience to it several of the strdnglers rushed upon the young man, throwing him down in Spite of his furious struggles against overwhelming odds. Again Loreila Kirkwood screamed, and once again a deft hand smothered the sound, strong arms bearing her away ‘from that spot, while a Voice spoke close to her ear: “Quiet, you silly child! ‘There’s no particular harm coming your way un- less—no harm at all if you play half white, even! So—maybe the truth can leak out at your lips? You know where the old gent carried his stuff, sweet- ness?" But that was too much to expect from one so terribly agitated, and presently the girl was turned over to a lesser light, thus leaving the chief of stranglers at liberty to pursue his fruitless quest for gold or its equivalent. No such rich treasure was to be found, let them search as they might, and at length they were forced to recognize the truth: Again the leader of that raiding band turned to Allen Kirkwood, pressing him with fiercely impatient questions, only to be met after the same fashion; to be cursed as a worse than ingrate by one who called him cousin! Long ere this both tents had been thor- oughly overhauled by eager searchers, and though one and all were loth to abandon the hope of greater profit, word was finally given for getting under way. '°“Tt’s pick foot and travel, my lads!” cried the leader, gruffly. “If we slip u on our calculations right here, we’ll hit *em so much the heavier next deal.” “And the cold meat, boss?” “Leave it for the crows and camp- birds to worry over. No time for senti- . ment or folly now. Get a hustle on and { —look to the younker there. I'll’ take charge of this—come, my burch of dainty , sweetness!” In spite of their struggles brother and » sister were forced away from the spot, hurried along through the night as though a fear of detection had suddenly assailed the raiders, | The poor, terrified girl called upon her father, begging piteously to be taken | back to him, now thinking him dead, . then picturing him as alive: and calling for her, only ceasing when overtasked | nature gave way in part, leaving her | brain dazed for the time being and her- 3 ———. Again his keen blade came into play, and once again that name was spoken. “Ralph Innes. I can’t call you cousin, as of old, for—oh; you infernal scoun- drel!”’ with a sudden burst of fury. “ Turn me free for just one minute, and I'll kill you like—like you butchered my poor old daddy—your uncle, devil of ‘all dev- ils!” “And you really think I am the feél- low you say?” “I know it! I could take my Bible oath to you among a million such! I knew you at sight, and now—kill me, you whelp of Satan! Kill me, even as you mur- dered my poor old father, or I’ll hunt you down to the galluws just so surely as grass grows and water runs!” | “You're cracked; badly cracked, younk- er!’’ coolly retorted the chief of the Stranglers. “So far from being Ralph Innes, I am—listen, my pretty boy with the vitriolic tongue! “TI hide behind no man’s back, and ad- | vertise my deeds as one does who glo- ries. in his actions. in; I am not Ralph Innes, nor Ralph any- | With a low, mocking laugh the strang- | body else; | am—Jack Ketch, at your service, sir!” ler turned away as though in saying this | all had been said, paying not the slight- est attention to the words which Allen Kirkwood hurled after him. Then that young man moved over to where his sister was standing under guard, still with senses half-benumbed, yet sufficiently alert to recognize and welcome Allen with a low, sobbing cry: Unheeding her broken speech, even if. he heard, Allen burst into fierce denun- ciations of their cousin, evidently with belief still unshaken in his adding: j “ You saw him? You surely recognized him, Lorella? Ralph—” “No, no, it was not—it surely could not be my-—our Ralph?” } “It surely was, though! And he mur— | oh, if I had the full use of my hands for | at just one might— ” “ Will you cork it up, young fellow?” came a harsh interruption as the man in | mask once again turned toward his cap- tives. ‘ Stillthat unru'y clapper of yours, little minute, even! | bullet. or steel, I never saw such a— steady, sweetness!” “It is not-—oh, sir, you are not—say . Catching Lorella in his powerful arms, Jack Ketch swung her deftly upon horse- back, nimbly climbing up after her an instant later. Again Allen Kirkwood was grasped by strong hands, swung clear of the ground and placed in a saddle, there to be se- curely bound as though for a protracted journey through the night. ” | again to touch the “Bah! there always was a yellow Streak in you, Nels Crooks! A cur you were born, and a cur you are now!” “You’re a liar, Pete Peltz!” Swiftly came the retort, and to the full as swift was the answer, in actions rath- er than in words. A long arm straightened, a heavy fist shot forth to land heavily in that half- turned face, knocking its owner fairly out of the saddle to hit the ground with - stunning force, He who dealt the blow leaped after, with wild-beast ferocity, cursing and ’ snarling, champing his teeth as a half- wild boar vents its rage, jerking knife from sheath even while in the air. “T’ll eut your heart out, Nels Crooks! I'll paint yellow with red so mighty sud- den you can’t—out of the way, blame ye ~ all!” For a flerce cry from the lips of Jack Ketch sent several men between the- twain, and they hampered the savage _ brute long enough for the chief to push I am not your cous- | that way, leaning over in the saddle to. strike that shggily-bearded face with gloved hand as he cried, sternly: “Back, you brute! Do you want me to down you for good, Peltz?” “s “Better down him, boss! He'll sell you out, so sure as white isn’t black. I know Nelson Crooks, and I know—” “You're a liar! An’ I kin frail ye out like a—let me git at him—jest once’t!” Instead, the struggling fellow was faced by a menacing muzzle, as Jack Ketch swung that way, revolver in hand, speaking sternly: “You simmer down, old man. I’d hate | to lift your roof, but if I hav@to do it— simmer, then.” guilt, finally | . Whatever else he might be, Jack Ketch | Was evidently master, so far as these tough nuts were concerned, and only terference had not entirely quelled the racket, | hs The journey was resumed and pressed ™ a rapid pace for mile after mile before If I another halt was called. But then Jack | Ketch both spoke and acted as though , their night’s work was nearing its end, “Here we are, lads! You know what ' to do now; do it!” | unless you wish me to muzzle it with ed, turning their mags over to the men injury, betaed him. 4 He hurried along through the night for a brief space, then came to a halt, turn- ing partly around to shake a clenched fist in that direction with undisguised - hatred, words falling mutteringly from his lips. : Curses and threats against the ruffian | surly growls gave evidence that his in-. ‘ who had assaulted him, then came other and even more significant words: “Better pull hemp then live sech a ‘ey dog’s life as this! I'll tell—only fer my hy. pore little gal, I’d blow the gaff on ’em all! I'd tell the hull bloody story afore sun could set this blessed day; yes IT would!” ; be se) 4Hid hate or which was hardly | He spoke some harsh words, but seem- STAR at nd omc anor insensibility. } ingly the leader had Jost all patience for | _ As for Allen Kirkwood, he fought until Such, sternly addressing his fellows: 4 he could struggle no more. He was bound} “Clap a stopper on, there. He'd ought oh AY and gagged, helpless to fight or to flee, | to be worth more living than dead, but aes Se) - using his feet merely because reason oe une wi sine out of tune—kill, if you - . im wors' ishment would come if he ee ? u ain rmede. his cagons to actually carry him} Holding Lorella firmly yet oy the , over that rough ground. arch-rufflan rode away through the night, | That method of traveling did not last | followed by _his\ fellows, two of whom Wf! long, for the little company soon reached | Paid especial attention to the other liv- | '_._ the ‘spot where their horses had been left ; ing prey. ie a ait Sa lap Ne: lest the sound of hoofstrokes give prema-| Among the lesser lights in that mid- sss ture alarm to their intended prey. night raid, dissatisfaction (if nothing | ca ck their brief pause at this place, | worse) reigned the while, and after the | trail had lengthened by several miles, one of their number growlingly spoke: ‘gentat”
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| from his enemies, knocking one endlong | a “ an rt) ge ‘tag Rd i a wih 4 ’ aay | “He 3 ae ae ¥ ay Ge . springing over that crest, carrying his | _ aster into fair view of the rest of that and defiance combined, Barney O’Shea little drama, | drew his tall figure as erect as possible, | ‘'lynchers, now cursing and yelling like | was not noted by any until he fairly | ringing call, which startled the pursuers | I never thought—hello, Perkins!” / . | one of those in chase, wildly waving a | the p’izen critter dodges—trample him | | clean through the airth, thar!” _| as he tried to change ‘his course in an in- | stant, clearly mistaking the horseman | __} for another relentless enemy rather than | then we had to run this rascal down like ‘a friend. “ Oi niver, niver, no Oi niver!” # the fugitive and chasers, his right hand aS Ps: { ent defender for the time being, rapidly | -srecovering both breath and wits, even | gmoothing down his rather peculiar at- peek. ire where rough handling and hot rac- See The Sparkler Sport. mile in advance of the Sparkler Sport’s present position, a few wind-bent and | sun-distorted specimens of cedar found root, and about them he sighted a few human beings, just then engaged in the delicious amusement of— “A necktie party, as I’m a sinner! Reckon we'll take a look into that mat- ter, pardner, so—look at that, will ye?” Sparkler Steve had no partner save his own good steed, but he had grown accus- tomed to making a confidant of that know it, boys? Didn’t we, then?” “You bet we did, then! well done!” powers!” Paddy!” “ Augh-gh-h! really intelligent creature for lack of a | thin! Oi’m a thrue Yankee, born an’ better partner; and now; as he saw a su-| brid, sor. Be me driss an’ luuks Oi show den change take place in the sitution be- | it, faith! Paddy to yer ownsilf, ye dir- yond, a touch of gleaming spur and quick pinch of booted knees sent the animal | gob!” As he fairly howled forth this denial For, with a desperate effort the appar- hands nervously flirtin llow- ently doomed man had broken away & thes SWEHOW tails of his rusty-looking coat, doing all he knew how to rob face and form of the here, hurling another brace of lusty fel- | Hmerald Isle touch, but only accentuat- lows sprawling yonder, then running for dear life away from the looped rope teeth,” which dangled from the stoutest cedar. Ordinarily this would have stirred A shot or two stung sharply upon the | stephen Starlight to open mirth, but not mountain air, but the fugitive raced on, now; he had cause for gravity. instead ducking and dodging, springing errati- | and almost harshly spoke: cally from side to side, the better to foil “ Quiet, one and all! Now what’s hap- his pursuers, for hot in chase came the | pened? Who’s been bloody murderéd, or is it all a farce betwixt ye?” “ Poor ould masther Kirkwood, sor—” “The campers, over yonder—” veritable fiends. One against half a dozen and that poor devil apparently too sorely frightened to “What?” cried Starlight, cheeks pal- make the best of his briefly won advant- | ing a bit, but eyes fairly aglow with age, losing ground with each moment | fiercest excitement. “Surely not—ha! while striving to evade the bullets which | now I remember where I’ve seen you, were no longer flying. | Paddy! You were over—murdered, you Sparkler Steve saw all of this, and saw, | say, Perkins? ” too, how the chasers were separating to | “Bloody murdered, no less! We just force their prey to a straight line of | happened that Way, you see, sir, and flight, feeling too certain of success now | when we sighted this blamed Irisher, to make further use of their weapons. rope in his grip, making sure the old A pile of rock in goodly measure | gent was croaked—” masked his own charge, and his coming “That’s a loie be the town-clock, sor! Oi niver knew how it ahl came to pass, faith, but some dirthy divil hit me wid a club phwich wor a mountain foor bigniss, sure! An’ thin—” With a sudden stoop and clutch Spark- ler Steve caught the sorely excited Pat- lander by arm and hip, giving a mighty heeve which brought the stalwart fellow fair.y across the withers of his snom ng steed, holding Barney there with a giant’s grip as he swiftly spoke to the other men: “Come! Show the way over to the spot, Perkins. If there’s been evil work going on—you say—the young lady, boys?” “Never sighted her, sir. Just saw enough to make sure it was ugly work, broke cover, lifting his voice in a clear, even more than it did the luckless fel- low in flight for dear life. “Steady, all! What do you-all reckon you’re trying to do down here, anyway? “Ride him down, thar, boss!” cried hand toward the Sparkler Sport. “ Ef “Howly mother o’ all the saints! Bad luck to the lave o’ yez, thin!” panted the fugitive, falling all over himself, a crazy wolf with his tail on fire!” has- tily explained Perkins, as he ran along to keep pace with the now hurrying horseman. . Sparkler Steve evidently knew where “Barney O’Shea, is it?” eried Star- light, sending his good horse in between dropping to his revolver butt as he stern- | _ ‘ly added: “Hold hard, the lot of ye!. that raided camp was located, since he | ‘Show good cause for roping, or I'll play asked no questions on that point, making st aes ringmaster, by my lonesome! | all possible haste in that direction, pay- Charges and denials came all in a heap, | ing not the slightest heed to the splutter- too badly mixed for ready comprehen- | ing cries and panting objurgations let sion, but that chase has ended now, and | fal] by the unlucky cook and man-of-all- hae “| with Sparkler Steve master of the situa- work. Thanks to the lay of the ground, to- gether with the point from which his ap- proach was made, Starlight came upon tion a minute more or less ‘hardly cut any figure. The fugitive clung closely to his: pres- gave a sharp ¢ry as jhe saw, only a few yards ahead, the shape of a human being struggling to a sitting posture, though ing had put it in disorder. movements were uncertain and gestures ‘From that tangle of ugly accusations | confused to a degree. been made out that this fellow had| “ Kirkwood—and still living!” cried ) that awful crime the worse fact of be- | leaping to earth while hastily adding: ; a member of the thrice-accursed “Look to Barney, will you, fellows? Hold him safe until we can get at the bottom facts.” at 1% |. The final words were still warm on his lips as the Sparkler won the side of that | gray-haired victim, and another excla- as he saw—wonder of throat ee itt ua ae Strangler, and we can prove it by—youw Caught the bloody Irisher with the devil’s noose in his grip, making sure his dirty work was “Tis an avil loie, yer hanner, be the “*Tis gospel truth, you flannel-mouthed Don’t ye swally that, sor, for divil a Paddy is Barney O’Shea, thy scut av a dirthier bogthrotter, be- ing both and adding more “ hair to his the scene almost without warning, and en guilty of murder most foul, adding | the Sport, wrenching up his horse and. ‘was wound around Mar- aroun ‘own mither’s bye— with ends brutally” t | In spite of knotted by murderous hands; yet the old gentleman still lived, still breathed—and that with no serious difficulty! “ Quick!” cried Sparkler Steve, hand backing tongue as he called attention to that strange sight. ‘ Look, all of you, for it may be important when—see it, you fellows? ” A stout stick lay with one end against shoulder, the other hidden among that rumpled gray hair. Both turns of the Strangler’s rope’ passed around stick as well as neck, and thus a space was left for breathing where a casual look would tell of sure suffocation. “Not once in a million times!” de- clared the Sport as ‘jhe cut the rope and drew free that stick. —Providence, rather! ” Martin Kirkwood made a feeble mo- tion, lips parting as though to speak; but only a husky rattle found vent through that fevered throat. The next few minutes were spent in ef- forts for his more perfect restoration, yet’ the Sparkler was hardly content to wait for information so long, flinging queries and questions at both prospect- ors and captive. The former were glib enough in telling their part of the story, for even now they felt little doubt that Barney O’Shea de- served rope rather than reprieve. They had come down from the ‘higher grcunds, where weeks had been spent in prospecting, and that early movement brought them within eye-range of the valley-camp shortly after the rising of the sun. They quickly saw that something out of the common must have taken place, and by quick creeping they drew nigh encugh to make out Barney O’Shea, rope in hand, bending over the prostrate figure of another man—Martin Kirkwood, as they all knew now. “We saw that much, Mr. Starlight,” said Perkins, “but we hadn’t time for much more. Paddy smoked us, and away, he loped—tail-on-end! ” “ Whoy w’u’dn’t Oi, thin, sor?” eager- ly cut in the cook, face flushed and little eyes glowing brightly. ‘“‘ Wid the hid av me ahl caved in; wid a rope chokin’ the loife av me ahl out—a rope, sor, phwich thim same divils musht hey mishured out .to me, faith, loike they did foor the ould gintlemon, sor, an’ thin—whin ahl kem a-howltin’ an’ a-yowltin’ worse nor so many divils frish cut loose from—ow- wow!” Choked by his emotions, Barney O’Shea tried to eke his story out with frantic gestures instead. Like one whose patience had failed him, Sparkler Steve made a swift spring and fierce grip, holding the Irishman ‘helpless in both hands while staring with eyes ablaze into his rugged countenance. A half-score moments thus, then Star- light demanded: ; “The young lady—Miss Kirkwood— where is she, you scoundrel? ” _ “ Miss Lorella, is it, sor?” “You know it, O’Shea. Where is she now? What has happened her? And the other—her brother, as well?” “ Divil a wan o’ me knows that same, sor. Oi wor just—” “Careful, Barney! It’s mighty clean hands you want to be showing, or else it’s a mighty sudden grave you'll be fill- ing,” sternly warned the Sport, giving captive a bit of a shake by way of em- phasis. - “A lucky accident N ‘ “Better string him up with his own | rope, sir,” gruffly cut in Perkins, who seemingly held scant faith in this son of the Emerald Isle. “I reckon you can get the straight of it from the old gent, while this fellow—it’d tear his thrapple clean out to tell anything like the naked truth; yes, it would, now!” : av thim hates us—us clane-brid blooded Yankees, . ie Oe o de Vaan 2
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y at The Sparkler Sport. at this bald-faced twist of the truth; but his grip was broken just then by Barney O’Shea, who gave a husky sort of cry, at f the same time pointing toward a rapidly 4 approaching shape, then saying: “Ask him, sor! Sure, an’ he kin till a mointy soight more than anny wan o’ us ahl—av he loikes, sor!” CHAPTER IV. THE TRAIL OF THE STRANGLERS. There was no time for asking just ‘what those hasty words really meant, for the person indicated was coming at a dead run, face and actions declaring how powerfully that sight had excited him. ui How long he may have been viewing both scene and actors from yonder gentle rise in the ground could only be sur- mised; but now he paused to ask no ques- tions, stopped to make no sign of recog- nition as he rushed directly to the spot where Martin Kirkwood was leaning fee- bly against a bowlder near the larger tent. “Uncle—dear Uncle Martin!” he ex- claimed as he reached that spot, sinking ir to his knees by the injured man’s side ae, even as he flashed a swiftly inquiring ‘ @lance around in quest of others. “What’s the matter with you? What ‘has happened? Where is—Lorella? Where | ae is my dear cousin, Uncle Martin? ” “ky A “ Gone—devils—gone!” huskily moaned the stricken millionaire, as he vainly strove to regain his feet. “Gone?” echoed Ralph Innes, starting erect and clenching hands as he fairly glared about the place, “Surely not— eae gone whithfr? Gone where? Gone—how . gone, uncle? ” Sparkler Steve stepped to the front, one hand going forth to rest lightly upon a shoulder, eyes full of keen and search- ing light as they caught those brown orbs. “You can’t explain the mystery, Mr. Innes, of course?” he half-asked, half- asserted. % “TY don’t—where are the others? What has happened, sir? Surely nothing which —what does all this mean, I say?” “You did not spend the night here, ‘then, sir? ” “No; I staid in town. I had business which—you tell, confound you, since Kirkwood can’t. What has happened here? Where is my—Miss Kirkwood— and her brother, Allen?” “ That’s precisely what we’re trying all we know how to get at, Mr. Innes,” gravely answered Starlight, veiling those brilliant blue eyes for an instant, as though hardly ready to let the latest comer peer too deeply into his secret thoughts, “If Mr. Kirkwood can’t tell, | and Paddy won’t tell—” “Where is he? Ha, you rascal!” strid- ing across to where the Yankified Irish- man was standing under guard. “If you | know—” “W’u'dn’t Oi be afther tillin’ av it, | thin, sor, widout foorcin’?” ' “There’s a way of making him chirp | in tune, sir,” bluntly hinted Nat Perkins. “T’ve seen many a better man strung up without a tree to help him do the climb- ing, too! Shall we—” ; “Wait a bit, old man; time enough for » the hempen finish after all other means are fairly exhausted. Surely we ought to be able to get at the rights of this nasty case between us! And so—cool and steady wins farther in a day than hot and hasty!” ; That was an adage easily spoken, but ‘practice was found far more difficult than ‘theory. With forced calmness Ralph Innes backed up the Sparkler Sport in his : _ questioning. striving all either man ‘knew to get at the actual facts; but nei- ‘ther Martin Kirkwood nor Barney O’Shea seemed able to give them the much-de- | sired clew. The old gentleman could only sneak of | his sudden rousing from a deep slumber , ‘by—just what he could not tell even now. . _ Ho seemed partially dazed bv the cruel dearn more, Sparkler Steve had to : | blow which had laid him out in the first place, and his later treatment had made a bad matter far worse. In spite of his efforts to “ brace up,” all could see that Mr. Kirkwood was still far from being out of danger from his hurts. But little better success came through questioning Barney O’Shea, although he could recall struggling desperately with humerous armed foemen who seemed vomited forth by the darkness. He declared that he caught one scream as of fright or pain from the lips of his young mistress, then went down under a mass of flesh and bones to have the noose of the Stranglers wound tightly about his throat, “Yez kin see foor your own silves, faith!” he declared, turning down his high collar to bare his long neck more completely. ‘Faith, sor, it’s Barney O’Shea as faals loike he had bin hoong up as a flitch av bacon foor shmokin’, thin, begorra!” In honest truth there was a red and swollen welt about his neck which helped to bear out his statement; and Ralph In- nes frankly cleared the Irish cook of fur- ther suspicion. “ Barney’s all right, gentlemen. I’ll go his bail so far as any crooked dealings goes. Only—can’t you tell, O’Shea? Think how awful much may depend upon our finding Miss Lorella without further de- lay! Think what she must suffer if in such evil clutches, man, dear!” “Av Oi c’u’d save her be takin’ that same place me own silf, sor, ’tis Barney O’Shea w’u’d break the blissid nick av him gittin’ thayer! But phwat more kina poor divil do or say? ’Tis me that niver saw more than jist that, faith! The crack Oi got ahn the nob o’ me, begorra!” With a fiercely impatient gesture Ralph Innes turned away from the Irishman, as though abandoning all hope of gleaning further information from that source. “Hunt for a trail, men!” he cried, set- ting an example himself while speaking. “Every minute wasted like this is only adding another death to my—to a lady whom we owe a sacred duty as white men! Look for sign, and we’ll get there even yet!” Sparkler Steve tried again to learn some- thing more definite from the lips of the sufferer, but Martin Kirkwood lay helpless for the time being, looking more like one dying than one on the high-road to re- covery. So far as careful manipulation went, no fracture could be found, although that scalp was cut and the flesh raised in an ugly-looking ridge across the skull. Eager though he surely was to be of service to the missing young people, Starlight felt that his first duty was ow- ing this man, and with an eye to that end he crossed over to where Ralph In- nes was quartering the dry and stony ground, searching for the trail of the raiders. “The old gentleman isn’t rallying like he’d ought, ’pears so,” the Sport said, in guarded tones, meant for the young man alone. ‘“ We’ll have to tote him over to town, unless—I say, pardner!” “Say it, then.” “You're a relative, I take it? Or amTI wrong in thinking that way?” “I’m his nephew, and act as his pri- vate secretary, as well. I was over in town last night, sent by him, on his pri- vate business,” briefly spoke Innes, evi- dently deeming such an explanation fair- ly due, if only to fully clear his skirts of | blame for this evil happening. “T had an idea that way, although you and I haven’t met quite as often as the rest. Somehow you were away when I happened this way.” “My time naturally belongs to my em- ployer, sir,” a bit stifly uttered Innes, still searching for sign. “ But you start- ed to say—what?” y “That you'd better go across-lots to town and fetch medical ald here. Your uncle needs it, and you are the one best 1 Ftted-—")) rl pat the mirsin’ mprting the har “Send another man, sir; I’m going to find and rescue my—look ye here, my friend,” eyes lifting to meet those keen blue orbs. “ This is hardly time or place in which to broach private matters, but you look like a clean white-man, and so —just this much, first. “Miss Kirkwood is missing; no one seems to know just how or by just what means. But one thing is fairly certain; the devils who made this raid belong to the outfit known in these parts as the Stranglers.” “It’s mightily like their work, any-’ way.” “And since all this is their work, so must the rest of it be. While my—sir, Lorella Kirkwood has been my promised wife now for almost a year!: How can I think of anything else so long as I feel she is in such evil clutches?” “Your promised wife?” “Yes; my plighted bride. We were to , be married as soon as this expedition came to an end. And now—talk to me ~ about running for the doctor while—I’m ~ going to follow those devils, though their | trail leads me straight through the hot- | test pits of Hades, sir!” ( As though nothing more remained to be said, Ralph Innes, turned away and hurried off along the dimly outlined trail which he felt fairly confident marked the retreat of the raiders. Sparkler Steve stood motionless for a full minute, gazing after the private sec- retary as he trailed the Stranglers, his |: own face unusually pale and hands | clenched very tightly. i ahs: “My promised wife!” How queerly those words rang through | his busy brain the while! And then the sound of slow, shuffling ,__ footfalls roused the Sparkler from his ty musings, and, turning swiftly, Starlight — faced the Irish cook, one of whose bony fingers raised to cross a pair of wide lips, | eyes winking rapidly as head nodded | again and again. “Whisht, sor!” muttered Barney | O’Shea, catching a silver button on that a short jacket of Spanish cut and fashion. iM # “The two ears av him are two moiles | long, an’ sharper nor a cambric naadle, | faith! Whisht, thin!” “You mean—just what, Barney?” 3 That yon’ shmooth divil knows a moighty soight more than he cares to lit fall, jist now, be gonies!” ' “What? You surely can’t suspect Mr.. — Innes of being in cahoots with the Stran- — glers, O’Shea? ” “ea Instead of flatly avowing his belie, 4 Barney shrugged shoulders in significant (| _ fashion, lips curling and nose twisting after a comical manner, had the one ob- * server been free-minded enough to ap-, | preciate such a whimsical exhibition. In- | stead, Sparkler Steve persisted: ’ ' ad “What do you know? What do you ~ suspect, even, O’Shea?”’ : “Nothing, sor. Maybe ’tis mesilf as draamed it ahi, ‘thin! Yis, sor Of draamed it; jist draamed it, begorra!” “All right, and dream goes, for now. We’ll look deeper into the matter later on, but for now our first duty is owing to Mr. Kirkwood. You know the way to town, or—hold on! Perkins!” ht When that individual responded, Star- — \e ae mee tt light dispatched him for medical aid, é then set the others working at a litter to bear the old man to town. 4 i a) CHAPTER V. DRIFTING TO HIS DOOM, Oftener smiles than frowns, laughter — than weeping, as any one on friendly terms with bright-eyed Kittie Crooks — might easily have assured you; but now the smiles were conspicuous for their ab- sence, and tears did not seem so very far away whenever the mountain girl looked toward the low, self-made bed upon which the muscular fignre of her ‘ther a was then Iving stretched. = As a rule, Kittie could tell the hour. | 4 bth! 4 ve ut ore a
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6 ing of Nelson Crooks, be that early or late, after the going down of the daily sun; but the night last past was an ex- ception, save that she knew his return must have been unusually late, or rather early in the morning. The mountaineer was sleeping heavily, yet disturbed by dreams or premcnitions of impending danger, since he now and then muttered a few words or disjointed sentences, telling of strife and deadly passions, Then, too, his hard-lined face bore marks of violence, such as nothing save the clenched hand of anger could well produce; an ugly bruise and semi-circle of purple skin. Kittie was busied with her household duties, though making hardly any sound while flitting to and fro, So quietly, in- deed,. that she could catch every stir and movement from yonder rude couch. And as often unwonted moisture would come to her bright black eyes, a quiver to her. red lips, a little frown of daughterly anx- iety. And then, when Neilson Crooks spoke more clearly, letting fall husky words which went far toward convicting him- self of lawless deeds, either as principal or aS accomplice, Kittie dropped her broom, and clasping hands over her face (now wet with hot tears), sinking to her knees by that bed, bowing head to the faded cover as something of her misery found vent in trembling speech. “Oh, Lord—dear, good, kind Lord! Don’t let poor old daddy go so awfully far astray! Stop him while there is yet time, for he’s all I have left, now, since mother died. “Lord, please make him see how wick- ed those ugly men are, and turn him aside from them before he comes to still worse. He’s not all bad, dear Lord. He’s been a good, dear, kind old daddy to me, and now-—save him for his little Kittie, please, oh, Lord!” More she said in broken, husky tones, tears moistening the coverlet as she knelt beside her surely erring parent, now ly- ing so still and motionless; much more; but no need to give a literal record here. Enough that it was the heartfelt prayer of a true-hearted and loving daughter to an all-ruling power. Lifting her head after in part unload- ing her burdened spirit, the little mount- ain beauty—for Kittie Crooks was all of that—bent again to touch red lips lightly to that damp forehead, then once more set about her household duties. After a bit Kittie took the wooden bucket from its three-cornered bench back of the door, noiselessly passing out- ‘side after a pail of water from the bub- bling spring yonder at the base of the #ray rock-pile, ’ Light though her footfalls surely were, ears were keen enough to catch them and mark their progress for a brief space; .and then, when he knew Kittie had passed beyond seeing his movements, Nelson Crooks rose from his couch, shak- _ing his rude garments into something _ like order as he stood there in the center of the room. * Stepping over to a wall, he bent head far enough to look at his reflection in a . cracked mirror fastened against the whitewashed logs. He took note of bruise and discoloration, giving a wry grimace as he saw how plainly that must tell of ugly work. He clenched fist and struck at the marred visage, only check- ing blow in time to save the glass from utter annihilation. “You ugly houn’-dog, you!” he mut- - tered, huskily. “ You hain’t no man; you hain’t even the counterfeit of a man! Ef ye was, would ye tote a eye like that, *thout layin’ him as gey it to ye toes-up ' to the daisies? Ef ye was, would ye ‘low ary clean, honest, pure white-gal like Little Kit fer to bu’st the heart of her out over the likes 0’ ye? Would ye—an? I’m a howlin’ liar from headwaters ef I do, eyther! ” .. Nelson Crooks turned away from the jtell-tale glass, sweeping a hand over his ——— —ooooo—eeeeeaeaeeee bearded visage to clear and calm it, for | repentant mountaineer finally promised he caught the returning steps of his | Kittie to break away from his evil asso- daughter just then. ciations as quickly as possible. He almost feared to meet those frank, Possibly the girl might not have been loving eyes, and that self-consciousness | so insistent had she fully realized what helped tell Kittie the truth. those associations were, or what great For a little she hesitated, fearing to | peril might attach to such an action as say or do more; but then, as her father | this. She knew that rumor mauve Peter seemed quieter than usual, softened to a Peltz a criminal, although as yet no open degree which lent hopes rather than charges had been brought against that brought fears, her daughterly love car- | man of the mountains, She was ready to ried the day, and suddenly sinking to her | believe all manner of evil against the knees by his chair, Kittie clasped waist | ruffian, becatise he had given her ample with arms, speaking huskily, implor- | cause for dislike, if not actual hatred. ingly. She knew that her father was wont to Just what words passed her lips the | spend hours, both of night and of day- girl could hardly ‘have told, if asked. | light, with Peter Peltz and other shady She was pleading with father against himself. She was trying to waken his better nature, and—she succeeded! For some minutes the mountaineer sat in motionless silence, muscular arms hanging by his side as though stricken with paralysis, head bowed until chin touched bosom, that ugly bruise showing plainer than ever in contrast with his un- usually pale face, It was a hard if silent struggle, but the love of father for an only child won the victory, and with an unusual moisture in his eyes Nelson Crooks lifted a ‘hand to that curly head, speaking huskily: “Thar, thar, Kit; you’re takin’ a pow- erful sight 0’ worry an’ trouble over a wuthless cuss which hain’t 0’ no manner 0’ use ’cept fer to—” A pair of moist red lips cut that depre- cator¥ speech short, then the girl stood beside him, an arm hugging his broad shoulders, rosy cheek touching his tan- gled hair as she spoke further: “You sha’n’t say that while I’m listen- ing, daddy, dear.” “It’s gospel truth, though, Kit.” “It is not. Or, if it was true, once, say that it shall never be true again, daddy, dear! You will say it, father? With the good Lord’s help we'll not only say it, daddy, but make it come true!’ “Ef sayin’ was doin’—” ‘ “Tt’s a beginning, daddy, and you're not Nelson Crooks if you ever take up a thing to leave it unfinished,” swiftly cried Kittie, handling him as only she knew how. “Your lightest word £0es, as all the world knows! And so—say it after me, daddy; say that from this day on you will begin a new life, turning aside from all those who—oh, father! Will you not promise me to do this?” “Ef you only knowed what—’ “I know that you have been led astray, father, by wicked men who are not fit for a white man to associate with,” passion- ately cried the girl. ‘“‘ The worst of\them is Peter Peltz, who is—” “Satan blister his hide!” “Amen! If you only knew how—and I'll tell you, too!’ with sudden resolu- tion. “ Would you like for me to couple with Peter Peltz, daddy?” “That black-hearted devil? You? I’d kill you with my own han’s, fust!”’ fierce- ly exploded the mountaineer. “Tf not good enough for daughter, how can' he be good enough for father? And he is—-worse than you can think, daddy! He comes here so often when you are gone; I believe he watches for just that! ” ** Kittie! ” “And only the other day he swore that—I told him I’d sooner match with Satan, daddy! He swore that I should marry him, or else you should pay the cost, and then—” “He did? Pete Peltz?” hoarsely cried Crooks, as he rose from his seat in spite of\those clinging arms. ‘“ Marry you? That stranglin’, murderin’ houn’-dog? Augh-gh-h! I'll smash the very life out 0’ him like I mought a crazy wolf which hed—I'll bloody murder him, I tell ye, Kit!” But Kittie clung to her infuriated par- ent, begging and pleading, soothing his mad passions as only she knew how, never giving over until the victory was fairly won. 4 \ And so, as the forenoon wore slowly away, daughterly love prevailed, and the The Sparkler Sport. 3 lest he might in time be led further astray by those knaves. So it was that Nelson Crooks calmed and reassured Kittie without actually confessing his evil deeds. He meant all he promised her, too, though no man liv- ing could more thoroughly appreciate the peril which would menace him when such reformation should become known to his past comrades, Nelson Crooks lounged around their mcuntain shack for the greater portion of that day, now chatting with light- hearted Kittie, now brooding by himself, letting thoughts and fancies find full sway. And then when the afternoon faded into evening and an early supper was dispatched, he lit’ his pipe and slouched of? in the direction of town, having be- thought himself of sundry trifles which were needed in their household economy. Kittie was something loth to see him go, but feared to object, lest that seem a. lack of faith in his recent pledges; and so, knowing that he had taken the first step along a dangerous trail, but hardly realizing how surely he was drifting to his doom, Nelson Crooks picked his way across to Salvation City. Once within those rudely built-up lim- its, the mountaineér found no lack of in- terest, and almost without the waste of a single breath learned at least a portion of what had drawn him thither. For to Salvation City Martin Kirkwood had been conveyed by the Sparkler Sport. and his allies, met part wav by a man of medicine picked up by Nat Perkins. And after a brief investigation the millionaire was pronounced ina fair way to recoy- ery, his skull having received no material injury from that dastard blow which laid him out the night before. Nelson Crooks asked a few guarded questions after hearing so much, learning that Kirkwood was still in town, and that nothing further had been heard of the missing brother and sister. Learned, too, that the otitrage was laid at the door of the Silver Slope Stranglers, as might have been expected after Martin Kirk- wood’s experience with the noose. Later on in the night Crooks drifted apart from his fellows, only giving vent to his real sentiments when in a fairly secluded portion of the town, where none might hear or take inconvenient notes, “He cheated the rope, then!”’ he mut- tered, lifting hat and tossing back his tangled locks for the cool air of night t¢ play through. “Thank heaven for so much, anyway! And now—shell I?” He stood in doubt, longing yet fearing. In his ears that broken prayer by the lips of his little girl still seemed to echo. Should he prove himself a man, now? Should he make good the pledge given Kittie that day? “Shell I blow the gaff? Shell I tell the hull durn story? What'd come of it ef T was to—do jest that?” he muttered, wrestling with right and wrong there in the mingling moonlight and shadow, all unconscious how near grim death was creeping his way. Actually, too! Stealing on velvet-feet through those shadows, hands gripping weapons which fairly thirsted for this man’s life. And then— A swift leap which covered the little associates, yet she never looked upon | him as an actual wrong-doer—only feared } ww
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remaining distance; a vicious stroke which felled Nelson Crooks like one smitten by lightning; and an instant later the brief gleam of an ugly blade as it rose and fell! CHAPTER VI. A WARNING FROM JACK KETCH. Salvation City was hardly as saintly as it had in goodly part outgrown the “ wild and woolly ” stage of existence. True, it owned a fair: proportion. of “bad ci.izens,” had its share of “ ruc- tions” at odd intervals, with a growing reputation ior irregular necktie parties which were not even to be attributed to Judge Lynch and his wayside court. And so, though the hour was growing rather late for all reputable denizens whose regular business flourished under the rays of the diurnal sun, the city was startled in no small degree by the swift- echoing fusillade which announced a cer- tain grim discovery. A prostrate figure lying with limbs out- flung and breast clotted by purple blood. A tall, long-haired man standing near ts , by, revolver turned toward the starlit heavens and vomiting forth, fire and lead as nervous forefinger worked the double- action. Only a short distance off stood another couple of men, startled by both discovery and abrupt alarm. A lonely portion of the town, but quickly becoming one of the most popu- lous as shouts and cries followed that brisk fusillade, guiding one and all to the scene of excitement. “What is it? Who is it? he so?” In swift succession came the eager queries as men flocked around that cen- ter, eager to see and be heard, yet still finding time to listen to the explanations given by those who had been first to dis- cover that victim of the night. Sie 2: We was jest moggin’ ‘long this yer way,” splutteringly explained one of the trio to nobody in particular and every- body in general, “when Pete he ketched a sort o’ glimp’ which som’way didn’t seem like it orter be jest so. An’ then— quit yer blame’ scrowdgin’ or I’ll—hel- low, Sparkler!” vy That’s all right, Johnny, ” cut in Steve Starlight, as he brushed past, to bend for a moment over the body, then, giving a sharp cry as he drew back to flash a keen glance arennd that gathering crowd. ph ee Nels’ Crooks, and—who was first to find the poor devil?” “ Waal, sir, I reckon I was,” avowed a tall, hairy fellow, coming more to the front, “And you are—” “Peter Peltz I’m called by them that know me best, but names don’t cut any figure right now. I was first to see him; we were coming this way, heading for home. I saw something—couldn’t say just yet it was then, but something made me step A here, and then—well, T just woke up way I knew how, ‘ein e town the quickest There was no fault to be found with that explanation, particularly as two oth- er men were both ready and eager to back up his words. How came ‘supposed corpse had been made, further than to identify it with Nelson. Crooks, but now came Dr; Frank Potter, who had searcely knelt beside the plood-covered _ Dody ere he gave a short exclamation, } foflowed by the startling words: “He’s not dead—yet! Fetch a plank, In ; or door, some of you loafers, so we can get him to a fit place for working. Live- ly, now! Gs Li r Sport heard Peter Peltz catch at us eae as the man of medicines é hi assertion, and as he saw how choestan hairy hands turned ‘to knotted i - fists, an ugly epaareay aac cabr in i hte | most of that awakening. its title might imply in other regions, yet ! ' certain evil-eyed visage which Crooks in- _The Sparkler Sport. @ { low!” was his inward comment, but no word crossed his lips just then. Dr. Potter knew his business as well as the best, and worked with cool swiftness, | which right speedily produced a favor- | | able result. | The wounded mountaineer gave a shiy- er, a few spasmodic movements, a low, | rattling groan; then his eyes opened part way and his head was lifted far enough for a half-blind glance around him. “ Kasy, my good man,” kindly warned the physic’ thy slipping a hand un- der the arched neck to help support the heavy head. “ You’re doing finely, but don’t try to overdo it at first.” “T don’t—that devil from—oh!” “Who hurt vou, Crooks?” asked Pot- ter, deeming it no harm to make the “How came you this way, my man?” “That devil—I wasn’t thinking—I saw him like—” Again the mountaineer lifted head ie look around, and as the crowd shifted a bit, the bright moonlight fell athwart a % stantly recognized. With a spasmodic effort he rose to a sitting posture, although the dangerous exertion caused the blood to flow more freely from his cut chest. He gaveea hoarse, hardly articulate cry, as he did so reaching forth a trembling hand to point at— “ Peter Peltz—curse you!” Crooks cried with a terrible effort. ‘“ Murder— bloody murder! I saw you—don’t let him—he killed me!” Those touching elbows with the man indicated thus fell hastily away, some with low crfes of horror, others mechan- ically grasping butt.of pistol or hilt of knife, but never a one among them.-all showing any inclination to defend or to stand up for the accused. Peter Peltz showed his wolfish teeth in a half-snarl, but lifted his empty hands to clearer view as though. feeling the need of a flag of truce. Then he spoke in his own defense, harshly enough: “ He’s clear loony, men. I can prove I never touched him at all.” Devil—lie! ” again panted the wound- ed mountaineer. ‘He did—I know— strangler—curse him! Then Nelson Crooks fell hack, utterly exhausted by those fierce moments, and Dr. Potter eried out in stern, tones: “Fall back, ye idiots! No more of this unless you’re bent on murdering this poor devil. And—this way with your door, gentlemen!” Volunteers were hurrying back with the rude litter at first proposed, and al- | most mechanically the crowd parted for Until now no actual examination of the | ; Aaa —— ey their admission. r. Potter directed matters, Crooks ly- ing as one surely dead by now. The mountaineer was raised from the blood- stained ground and gently placed upon the door, which was then lifted by strong and willing hands, to be borne away in accordance with the doctor’s wishes. The Sparkler Sport took time to whis- per a few words to Dr. Potter, who nod- | ded both comprehension and acqui- | escence; then the seeming corpse was hurried away toward the main hotel of Salvation Camp, the Midway. Starlight had barely whispered those few words when he felt a firm grip on an arm, and turned head to recognize dark- browed Peter Peltz, who spoke with surly gor: one heard what that poor fool said, “Crooks, you mean?” “ Yes, Of course he didn’t know just what he did say, but maybe some: of these pretty ducks might get to brooding over the fool words, and try to hatch a sensation out of it. _So—you’ re a man. I’m another!” “Well, what else? ” “Just this much, sir,” with forced | calmness, as he dotted hat. to run curved locks. while 1 Ts igo y tl 7 hd t Neils id Ls - over to Hotel Midway, whither he knew | Starlight was reading the commu a loo oer nec sem- | adva o try me out. vant | you to make me explain so everybody; | fools as well as wise men, may know how mighty little chance there was for | me to play Nels Crocks suck dirt, even if ; I had wanted to, ever so bad.” “All right, Peter: say your say and get j it over with.” ; “Let others speak, first. Cell Johnny Beloit and Fred Flachs. I’ve heen’ with them since noon, and they were in my company when I first glimpsed what proved to be poor Crooks. Now~—speak up, lads! ” The two men came to the front. and, if their tales were true, fairly cleared Peter: Peltz of that damning charge. He could not possibly have assaulted Nelson Crooks without their knowledge, since. they had not parted company for even’ @ minute since shortly after the noon-hour. “That Jets you out, then,” quietly de- cided Starlight, as the accused once more: at appealed to him for judgment. “ Al) the same, if I were you I’d hold myself ~ell within sight and reach in case Crooks should come again when he’s in better __ fettle.”’ With these words by way of friend/y- advice, Sparkler turned away, hurrying the injured mountaineer had been taker, and under whose roof Martin Kirkwoo? ak | had likewise found temporary shelter. That whisper guided matters thus far; and, true to his expectations, the Star: light Sport found Crooks located in hiz own chamber, where Dr. Potter met him with hand raised in warning. “Sh! I was just going to send for yor, Sport,” was his whispered greeting. “¥ need just such a man when it comes te patching up this poor devil, you see.” “Ts there any hope for him, do yo% reckon?” softly breathed Starlight, look: ing toward the motionless shape stretche? upon his bed. “ Of course, since he’s still alive. Brs I wanted you for something more they that, too,” added the man of medicine, v% he noiselessly closed the chamber doo”, then slipping a hand into his bosors while speaking further: ° ; “Tiwas with Mr. Kirkwood when tre alarm broke forth, and—” “ He’s no worse, surely?” cut in the Sport, with strong interest. , “No; better, if anything. was. sleeping soundly, just then, ha yor see this bit of paper?” at the same time ~ drawing forth his hand and holding up a — discolored sheet of note-sized paper. “ What is it?” “Tl show you in a moment, I wentin — yonder to see how Kirkwood was flour- f ishing, and first-off I saw this; pinne@ fast to his breast!” beh “What! Surely not—from whom?” :. “Jack Ketch, or the signature lies,” with a half-laugh as he passed the paper _ over to that eager clutch. “ Short, if noe. exactly sweet.” And so Starlight could see for himself. Neither date nor address, but merely Re brutally blunt warning—thus: 3 “Hold your hand. Wait for a word of direction from the Stranglers, or both of your kids shall perish like dogs! Neg- — lect this fair warning and pay full pen-— alty, else my name is. not JACK KETCH. eee r CHAPTER VII. THE SPARKLER SPORT oot nog Dr. Potter looked on quietly tion, not once but twice at least. “Is it a hoax, or pure business, do y think?” HA “It reads mighty business-like, way,” admitted the Sport mechani refolding the paper, as before. — you found it—where? ” “Pinned upon Mr. Kirkwood’s as he lay acute a As for jt came there, don’t ask s Placed tien be ee
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7 ny ea . cone q PE an I ES an IE TT ee ee ee . 2 ler, brows knitted and eyes those of a man who was thinking deeply. “Not exactly. I found the message before the shooting. I said as much, if you remember.” “That makes it look like a gray horse of a different color.” yi “As how?” \ “Well, where general attention was turned elsewhere, ’twould be no very dif- ficult or dangerous task for a cool-headed knave to make such a deposit; but be- fore—that’s different! ” “-Twas done, all the same.” | “And now the next thing is—some- thing else! Does Kirkwood know of this warning?” “T don’t think he does. He was still under the influence of the opiate I ad- ministered, although its effect was wear- ing away. If he had known of,;the note, would he have left it there?” ( “ Hardly.” Just then a stir and a husky groan from the bed, and the two men turned uickly in that direction, Dr. Potter say- » lowly: “Poor devil! He’s caught it hard and heavily.” tor?” ““Well, that depends on more than my say-so,” frankly admitted the man of medicine. “ While breath lasts there’s at least a fighting chance for recovery, and this may be one of those modern mir- acles; Still—” “You think the chances are against him?” “Decidedly, from what I have seen. After a more thorough inspection I can "tell better. You will lend a hand, Star- light?” “Two of them, doctor. Just tell me what to do and how to do it.” Together they cared for the wounded mountaineer as best they were able, “Weleansing and bandaging his wounds, both looking grave enough when they came to inspect the ugly gash in the bosom, where a keen blade had been . driven. So far as could be ascertained just then Wo no fracture of the skull obtained, al- -. though the torn and contused scalp told of an awfully brutal blow, dealt by some powerful arm and heavy weapon. “You haven’t given him any drug, have you, doctor?” Starlight asked, in : an aside, during a pause in their labors. aah “No. Why?” “Thought he looked and breathed that way; sort of stupid like.” “From the blow~he caught on his head. I'll feel like giving thanks if it -~ doesn’t turn worse before it grows bet- rime “Or, L000.” “Concussion, is it?” , _ “We'll know if it comes to that. Un- til then, we’ll hope for better results.” » The physician resumed his labors, and | ~~‘ through it all Nelson Crooks showed ss seant + evidence of torture, although he See surely was not entirely lost to conscious- 53>. MOBS: ) ne When the work was completed, and the a last bandage neatly secured, Starlight at- tempted to question the invalid, unable - -Jonger to hold ‘his curiosity in check. ~ “Careful!” warned Dr. Potter, grip- ping an arm and drawing his aid slight- dy away from the patient. “But, man dear,” expostulated the Sparkler, “he surely can tell me what I wish to know? ‘Twill benefit himself aoe as much as anybody else, don’t you know?” : “TJ know that he’s in no fit condition for chattering, just now, even granting that you could rouse him up to a full eompre—"" ‘ oo eB mae t BE POE A SE = _ “Devil—I_ saw—he’s a Strangler!” Only the keenest of ears and quickest f comprehensions could aN, ade ught intelligible out of that huskily ut- ed sentence, that came with a gasp liarly interested in learning just how na sire ahs sere a) why this deadly assault had been a “Not past getting over it, though, doc-- d a shiver; but the Sparkler Sport was The Sparkler Sport. “Who hurt you, Crooks?” he asked, making each word very clear and dis- tinct. “ Wa: it Peter Poltz? ” “ Devil—I thought—yes, Kittie! T’ll never—swear off! ” ; “Why did Pete Poltz hurt you, Crooks?” persisted Starlight; but no re- sponse was given, and after a slow, heavy sigh the wounded mountaineer seemed to sink back into slumber; or, was it stupor? “No more, just now,” whispered the doctor, gripping an arm as the Sport seemed about gently to shake the pros- trate figure. “‘ The poor fellow’s chances are slender enough at best. Don’t make them even less worth counting.” Starlight made an impatient gesture, even as he yielded to that firm grasp. “Tf you only knew how much he might tell, if he only would! You heard what he said about the Stranglers? ” “JT know. Still, I can’t stand by and see one of my patients robbed of his slight chance for life. You know’ that, friend? When he rallies from the shock I’ll not mind so much.” “ But, what if he never rallies, as you eall it?” “Then no blame to ourselves!” came the retort. “He is a human being, like yourself, Starlight. He has a daughter, too, who would grieve as sorely for his loss as any other child might for an only parent.” “T know all that,” admitted the Sport, still looking longingly at that pale face, turned so haggard during the last hour or two. “Then live up to your knowledge, man. Give him all the chance there may be left, and if he should not pull through, one thing: you’ll have so much the less to breed ugly thoughts in the dark, here- after. If you couldn’t save, at least you didn’t help him across the Great Di- vide.” The Sparkler drew a long: breath, let- ting his fingers unlock as his gaze came away from the wounded mountaineer to. meet those cool eyes. “T know you are right, doctor, still— tell me, honest: do you think he’s caught his last sickness? ”’ “Well, that’s re than I care to state, off-hand, Starlight I can safely say this much: If fatal, we will know it by day- dawn. If alive and unfevered then, Ill call his chances even at least.” “ And if fatal?” and I’ll let you know.” other condition would he open his mouth to talk or to answer questions. “T’m not an infant, sir!” protested Kirkwood, pettishly. “Of course not, but you’re far from be- ing a well n, Mr. Kirkwood, and if you’re to be of any service in this ugly matter—” “Tt’s that which forces me up, can’t you see? Those devils—my little girl is —oh, why can’t I be a man again!” “You can best prove your manhood by patient waiting just now, sir,’ grave- ly urged the Sparkler, though his own eyes glowed and gleamed with fiercest impatience the while. “If everything is as it now seems—” “My little girl! If you could only know—” “Tt’s for your ‘daughter’s sake, Mr. Kirkwood, that I am counseling pa- tience,” cut in the Sport. ‘“ Any hasty action now might make matters far worse for Miss Kirkwood; can’t you see 1;eir?’” “Those cursed Stranglers! ” “Amen! ” “Oh, just to think—can’t anything at all be done, then?” groaned the injured millionaire, great drops of cold sweat showing upon his temples as white, long- fingered hands clenched in almost impo- tent fury. ' During this interval Sparkler Steve had been busily thinking, and now he produced that written message, briefly detailing how it had been found where so adroitly delivered. Those hands trembled so violently that Kirkwood found it no easy matter to de- cipher those crisp sentences; but when he fairly took in its full purport, impre- cations crossed his quivering lips, direct- ed toward the graceless knave whose sig- nature so brazenly stared him in the face from that bit of paper. Starlight waited until the outburst end- ed, then gravely spoke again, at the same time securing the note and stowing it away in his bosom for future reference in case of need. “This Jack Ketch, as he calls himself, is head and front of an evil gang which has cursed this region for more than a year past. He never balks at murder if that seems the shortest route to success, and so I am advising caution just now, you understand?” “Then you really think he means— xe hat do ink, sir?” “He will be sensible toward the last; on vORire aml “Too late ,to be of any use, though! aie “Not so. Unless his case proves the rare exception, there will be a period dur- ing which he can talk clearly and sen- | sibly—much more so than you coull hope for right now.” “And you’ll be sure to let me know?” “Yes. Now, better go look after Mr. Kirkwood. He’s doubtless awake ere this, and may be growing too impatient for his own good. That message means business, unless it’s a flat sell; don’t you think?” ; The Sport nodded assent, giving that pale face a further wistful look before turning to leave the chamber. Nelson Crooks looked far more like a corpse than one with a long lease of life before him, lying on the broad of his back, breathing so faintly that his chest coula scarcely be seen to stir. With gentle force Dr. Potter crowded the Sport across the threshold and closed the door behind him. a Thus dismissed, Starlight followed the hint given him by the physician, passing over to the chamber which had been hastily arranged for the reception of the | injured millionaire, and where Martin Kirkwood was now lying, perfectly con- scious if not quite himself again. He met the Sparkler with a flood of eager questions, rising up in bed and making as though he would fairly leave it; but Stephen promptly dabooed that action, pressing the old gentleman back upon his pillow, declaring that on no - zt wet ry el ¥ * Site, Seeks 3 ben! i “In a moment, please. If only, your son was involved, that would be different. He’s a man, and able to play a man’s part in a rush and hustle; but your daughter—that’s different! “T, for one, knowing what this devil- ish gang of Stranglers have already been ' guilty of, where far less wealth was at { | stake, fear to risk too sudden action, purely on her account.” “But we can’t leave the poor child in the clutches of such demons?” “No longer than we just have to, of course,” reassured the Sport. “ Past all doubting, it’s a throw for big money, in the way of extorting ransom from your pocket.” “Td gladly pay any sum in reason, if I could only be sure the demons would hold good faith in any such bargain,” | “Of course. And that’s another reason why I say, wait!” “Tt’s worse than death by torture even - to think of waiting!” ; Better that than bring worse upon your daughter, though, Mr, Kirkwood. We'll surely hear something more from the gang. After that, we will know bet- ter how to act. Our first duty is owing to Miss Kirkwood. We’ll save her, first, and then—” ‘ “What?” ‘Te “Give Jack Ketch a dose of his own foul medicine!” fiercely asseverated’the — h : i ‘of old!” a | of old!” yes ts) See pe Sra lifting a clenched, hand on igh. é, f he “Hang him, do you mean?” eee “Ay! Hang him higher than FE )
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CHAPTER VIII. BARNEY O'SHEA PLAYS DETECTIVD. The Yankified Irish cook had cut a very slight figure in.the case since reach- ing Salvation City, although there were enough of the citizens on the loose whose curiosity was warm enough to open their pockets to pay for sundry drinks in hopes of being rewarded by hearing still more facts concerning this latest sensation. Thanks to this, then, Barney put in a very comfortable afternoon in spite of his cracked crown and rope-chafed neck. Although he really had little of im- portance to tell, thanks to his sudden overthrow by the Stranglers, O’Shea made \ the utmost of that little, nor hesitated long over tacking sundry fictions. to the facts, rather than give back poor pay for good liquor. t Not that Barney really grew intoxicat- ed. He had a marvelous capacity for hiding “ wet goods” without “ makin’ a baaste av mesilf” which many an old .80ak might have envied. But as the day ~ waned and evening came upon its heels, . Barney certainly was “feeling mighty 2 good ” for an invalid who had been ‘hang- “es \ing over the grave so recently. ‘ And, almost as a matter of course, “Barney was among the eager crowd ; a ‘which hurried to the spot where poor 7: .Kittie’s father was discovered by Peter ~Peltz in such sad case. . In place of being dulled or stupefied, » Barney’s wits seemed quickened and ‘jbrighter than ever, just then; and when jhe heard Crooks mumble something “about Stranglers, and almost charge ~Peltz with being a member of that vil- - lainous gang, the keen instinct of a nat- _ural born detective appeared to animate _the cook, and from that moment grim- browed Peter was a marked man. ia After Crooks was lifted upon the door es, : ~and carried away to the room hired by a) te the Sparkler, curiosity naturally ran ‘high among the citizens, many of them ie, soe wondering whether or no this mightn’t 5. Oe be in fact another daring outrage on the Ne part of the Strangler Gang. ; Peter Peltz laughed the idea to scorn, + so far as himself was concerned, calling eS -on his comrades to bear him out in his * ‘story. : “¢ That they did without the slightest Be cay chesitation, and though both men were . -6omething the worse for red _ liquor, neither was too “ fuddled” to speak the .truth as they knew it. ; Barney O’Shea came to the front, just -then, grinning affably in that frowning ~face as he scanned each lineament, then “giving head a toss and hand a wave of are. as he addressed the crowd in gen- eral: _. “Faith, sors, it’s,intoirely out avy the >quistion, an’ Barney O’Shea’s the bye as ' tills ye that same, begorra! Wan o’ thim sthrangler divils, is it? Augh-yaugh! . 'G’wan, now! Am Oi wan o’ thim same? lAv he ts, thin Oi am wan o’ the bloody ‘divils who b’ate in the hid av me loike— -@ugh-yaugh! G’wan, now, wid ye!” 4 Peter Peltz let his hard-set jaws slack- en pressure, forcing a sneer as he tipped oa head to one side and curved an open ss “Jnand to the right. . “There you have it, gents. And If “mover paid a red cent for the davy, either. >Nels Crooks meant well enough, no es ont eat Ce tte. oo 552%. as es 5 ee - 7 “Senge he OLS rt lee ~ ares, t * of -* >
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‘10 a Ort. pace as he came upon a level moonlit Space amidst those rugged surroundings. ~“TWie Yooked cautiously around: cn ‘ail F sides, bending head to hear the better, q but all *that came’ through iustinctive caution rather than a fear of human hound upon his hot scent. Barney O’Shea crept nigh enough to note this, and to see what followed; not £0 much when put into words, yet amp- ly sucicient to confirm his belief that to this wild-eyed knave poor Nelson Crooks ‘, in reality owed his recent misadventure. Laughing anew, this grim actor walked siowly across that illuminated stretch, be head erect and eyes gazing with mock i reverence at the moon, now sinking low as the night drew on. 1S wiftly changing identity, he gripped i revolver_in one hand and knife in the ; O.2c7, crouching low and stealing along with cat-like silence, to finally leap for- ward .with savage ferocity. striking hard as he came. Dropping to knees as though upon a senseless enemy, Peter Peltz shifted Pet weapons to drive that long blade deep into the dry soil, laughing viciously as he then drew back, rising erect to Speak ; once more: : “Swift payment for dirty doings, my pretty neighbor! Bear false witness against your bosom-comrades, eh? Swear ‘that the Stranglers—pity ’twas not rope instead of steel, after all!” Barney O’Shea shivered a° bit as he looked and listened, one hand mechan- ically fumbling at’ the rusty old revolver which he had secreted upon his person before adopting the detective profession. This bit of grim pantomime drove away such slight doubts as may, have lingered in his mind, for now he felt fully con- vinced that to this villain poor Crooks owed his’ hurts. = The- rope is it, faith! Sure, thin, an’ it’s mesilf ‘wu’d be 'willin’ to take a Boible-davy yere the dirthy spalpeen was wid thim same aavil Sthranglers the bit- ther black noight, begorra! An’ av Ot ‘don’t—howld ahn, ye>divil! Wait till _Oim a-coomin’; will yees, thin?” But, Peter Peltz neither saw nor heard, turning away from that improvised stage ‘whereon the downfall of Nelson Crooks was pictured with rude detail, once more moved briskly away toward his moun- tain shack. Barney O’Shea quickly took up the trail, ‘but néver before had he so fully realized the ‘peril attending an expedi- tion of this sort. That brief-lived pantomime. showed him only too clearly what might be _ex- pected from this ruffian in case a false step or too‘hasty action’ should warn him of unfriendly pursuit. c we — a bit further to the rear as the night tery through trailing this rascal down. tle farce, Peter. Peltz drew nigh the his path, striking it at a known ford, although there was scarcely the semb- Fy Oks Pe an ae Se alae eee fF BIE FIPS, RAT | A NE AS I SHEE ATC Me ORIN TCS ACR OBR TE ape And so it came to pass that Barney fell. ‘waned and that journey ‘lengthened, al-. though he still ¢lung toa hope of solving, fit Feasts ‘fortion ofthe :Stréngler nha h “private ‘Becretary to their’ father, ‘his ‘un- Not so very long after playing that lit-, brawling mountain river which cut across, lance”of a road, other oe ah "the fae on he od tae af either side of. the. stream. There was no bridge, but none was needed even by those who journeyed afoot, since. white stenping-stones showed their heads here and there, af- t _fording fair foothold for such as cared to cross over. “aelpet Belts started aide A memory which was to return to him ere §0 Many hours; a memory which others might have cause for rezistering, too! That pause was but brief, and, moving . on, Peter ‘Peltz was out of sight before Barney O’Shea came to the river-side. There the amateur detective hesitated, scratching his head in doubt as he took note of the crossing, so clearly open ‘to view from the other side! ““ Augh-yaugh! bloody divil, or air yees jist holdin’ over thayer wid a goon in the two fisths av yees, waitin’ foor Barney O’Shea to pit his blissed noggin to the fore? Augh- yaugh! Bitther bad luck to the lave o’ ye, -annyhow! ” While Barney was debating with him- self the wisdom of risking a shot from ambush, his human quarry was striding swiftly ‘along, growing more eager the closer he drew to his lonely habitation. Not that he had the slightest idea of what was actually awaiting his coming, but home was home, and after all he had been doing of late, the ‘Strangler felt the need of a rest and quiet sleep. Half an hour later he came in sight of his cabin, at comparatively close quar- ters, for its location had been made with an eye to seclusion. He gave a start and low cry, for the | glow of light showed plainly through | the one small window, and that told him ‘the shack must have had at least one visitor since his departure. After wasting a few mintites in scout- ing about to make sure no cunning trap was laid for his undoing, Peltz crept silently up to that window, looking through the none too clean glass to see— A stalwart, handsome fellow, squatting ona stool before a glowing fireplace, el- bows on knees and head nodding” sleepily the while. The Strangler’s lips shaped themselves as’though to give a.prolonged Whistle, but no sound issued. Peter instantly rec- ognized that sleeper; and, recognizing him; the grin of a veritable fiend curled those heavily bearded lips. Satisfying himself that’ he had but. one man to deal with, Peltz tried the door, and finding it unfastened, swung the bar- ricr wide enough to admit of his bulky person. As'the door was pushed to behind him,’ it gave -a sharp ‘squeak, which startled the sleeper to his feet, right hand ‘hastily jerking forth a revolver, while its mate brushed ‘swiftly across those sleep- heavy eyes. “Flag o’ truce, pardner,” called out | the luountaineer, open’ hand to the front. | “Ef a feller cain't come into his own shack ’ihought gittin’ drilled with plum- bago, why's the wharfore—eh? , F 4 Bh? Oh!” ‘I didw’t—beg your pardon, sir, I’m sure,” hastily apologized thé in- truder, who ‘was none other than ‘Ralp h -Iniies, cotisin to the abducted pair, ahd cle, as well. “ Don't mention it, stranger,” cordial- Hey yees gone ahn, ye | | a stranger, but when thar’s so mighty much talk about—you hed some intrust into the matter, I b’lieve?” “The Kirkwood affair, you mean?”’ * An’ the Stranglers—jest so,” with a confirmatory nod as he squatted before the glowing coals in-the fireplace. “Seed you over to town. Sort o’ kin to them folks, ve hear’n say. Nasty scrape, shore!” “Which will be fitly avenged if mortal man can bring that to pass, too! ’”’ vehe- mently declared the private secretary, face flushed and eyes glowing. “I hoped to run ’em down, myself, but somehow I missed thcir trail-’way off yonder in the hills, and then—well, I tramped until ee | thought I must drop, when I happened to glimpse this house.” ‘““Whar you’re plum welcome, stranger. An’ now—augh-gh-h!”’ with a prolonged yawn and great stretching of arms and‘ legs. ‘“‘Hardly wuth while fer to bunk in, a’ter all, is it? An’ yit—blame-my cats ef [| don’t -feel as ef ‘forty winks w'u’d be wuth—eh?” Ralph Innes laughed briefly, yawning himself through contagion. “TY feel as though a dollar apiece for these forty winks would be a mighty cheap price, to tell the honest truth, stranger.” Peter Peltz again motioned toward his | wade bunk, but ‘again Ralph® declined, having already given that place of rest a reluctant examination, which proved it only too well inhabited already. “*T wouldn’t rob you, sir,’’ he hastily protested. “If I might have a robe or 80, just to lop down here in front ‘of the - fire” Peltz quickly supelied those modest wants, and with a sigh of sleepy satisfac- tion, Innes “ lopped down * under’a bear- skin to ‘almost immediate]~ fall fast asleep. On’ his part, Peltz made a show of. “bunking in,” but his- eyés ‘were never more free from slumber than when he lay covertly watching: the victim beside his fireplace. ‘Never another stir or movement until the deép, regular breathing ‘from that quarter told of genuine slumber; then the Strangler silently raised himself to a sit- ting posture, elbows on knees and chin supported by joined palms, staring lurid- ly at yonder sleeper whose awful doom was surely if slowly being shaped in his — evil brain, just then. Bit by bit that strong face seemed transformed. No longer human, but that of one possessed of the devil.” “Rising to his feet, the Strangler tip- toed over to where, in one corner, he poiteat in peers Foct by foot, almost.inch by inch, the Strangler crept eloser to his intended vic- tim, lips moving as though in speech, but with no sounds passing through, eyes ablaze with a light which was scarcely ly cut.in the cabin-owner, his face ‘broad: | ; human, hands clutebing, fingers curving on vanished from sight almost as swiftly | as it had put in-an appearance. “ Room fer snoozin’ comes toy’ahle cheap np in these yer diggin’s. ant hae e want to—” “Was I asleep? - “Well, I don’t wonder, for I never felt so much in need of it'as I do right now,” candidly young man, with a half-forced laugh in turn. “Thar’s the bunk, stranger, an’ yen- der’s plenty o’ extry kiver to keep the, no mo’ bones over ‘it: yes! "°° ide “rock, a1 i eye ot one. : ee: = ae ‘ae oe atid hs ieee Mat ee possible ‘treae’ eter Peltz seemed hospitality itself, mac 4 ‘faintest sus vicion of © 00k ‘his head a negation, RA ; - Stin, ie mo t an ie ne er your hom nud S smh to ait ath, ote eee ott over stayin’ ont so. ae eg Jate, aie ve, hen, and Ralph Innes. ‘never ‘Held | danger or! of ening in a Jaugh as that menacing weap- | a. | mornin’ chill off. Jest btink in an’ never | ght like taléns of a bird of prey. Ralph Innes lay quietly sleeping, the glow of dying - embers throwing a fair light across. nis handsome face. Never a dréam of his impending doom troubled the. sleeper. 4 With ‘marvelous skill the Strangler fell admitted the | to work, crouching over his “unconscious victim, in readiness to back up craft A ai ‘prute force in case of need, supple ers forming the noose with which he ia intended iP strangle the life out. of this ddomed sleeper. With marvelous skill the Strangler { Lae his part, gently tickling the sleep- vint “of the ill ‘end ot the rope! : neck until he moved uneasily, then ory slipping one end of the pliant rope path his neck, to cautiously draw it. 1 yen er and further, until hé could form a sure garrote! That done’ tis entire de- | meanor. Changed again, anc fxr edes a wild, ae crv he ft leéper, ptil
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CHAPTER X. JACK KETCH AND HIS PARTNER. That same nigat witnessed other events which call tor moie or less ex- tended notice icr a perfect comprehen- sion of the plot of the Strang!er Band, After the temporary division of the jawless outfit, mainly in order to bieak their trail in case of pursuit being made before a warning note could check any such risky effort, the two captives were hurried on through the night, only rest- ing when the chief of the réfdiers felt they were 0 reasonably safe quarters, éven if not “as yet at the regular ren- dezvous of the Silver Slope Stranglers. The day following’ that raid passed without event requiring particular notice, but with the descent of another night, Jack Ketch appéared to be in anything Save an angelic temper. Nor was that mood’in any wise amend- ed by the coming of a certain comrade in crime, fresh from Salvation City (as he vowed) with a budget of the latest news. Later on that same evening, then, Jack Ketch was drawn a little apart from his fellows and the two human prizes, faced by a fellow spirit there in the dim light of stars and’ moon, both obscured by the foliage above the heads of the plotters. “An iniernal botch, just ‘when I felt assured ‘all was bound to work smoothly from start to finish!’ Jaék Ketch was Saying, with savage emphasis. “With so much at stake, you had no right to take anything for granted,” quite as surlily declared his present companion. “I gave you every possible chance! I smoothed the way until I could have sworn fone save fools or traitors could possibly have failed!” “Careful, curse” you!’ ~ viciously snarled Jack Ketch, hand on hilt of knife as he gave warning. “I'm not in the swetest of tempers right now, and I'd +e as soon slit up your ribs as—” * Don’ t make a bad matter worse, Jack,’ interrupted his ally, speaking more placably as a matter of self-inter- est. “Of course I know you didn’t play ‘false, but still—” “Show me who did, and I’ll kill him or them by inches!” “Tf I had that same knowledge, my friend, you’d never have the chance to punish the recreants,” dryly averred his comrade. “ But’ that some one or more of the outfit was playing false, is past all doubting.” ““Uniless+-how was it the old man es- eaped strangling, did you say?” - “A stick was inside the noose, hold- ing the rope far enough from: his neck to leave breathing space,” “ Queer—infernally queer! it have happened 307” By accident, do you mean?” “Yes.” “ Only an idiot could think it that way, and I’m still with my head level on top.” “Tt hardly looks reasonable, for a fact.” ~““Tt doesn’t begin to be reasonable, and so‘I say: Somie one or more of your outfit played roots on us both! And But—could now—who had hold of that part of the Job? 2.7% Peltz. I'd as soon distrust myself as to suspect him. Not that he’s an an- gel,” with a short, hard chuckle. “In anything save roping off a lame duck, I wouldn’t trust Peter further than a crip- ple in both arms could fling a prize-ox by the tail; but in strangling—he’d choke his.own, mother just for,love of seeing her kick and turn black in the face!” “Who helped him, then?” “That I’m not so positive about. "T'was none too light where the lads were work- | ing, and I had my arms full of—you know what!” ; “The girl, of course?” IfiIh ing jealous, pardner. ed her a or ’twas. merely in the way ‘of business, | next?” My oune bed comes : ou’ve had | later word. isa Salva- Hop, van, ele?” “Yes, but you've no cause for grow-. The § er “ ae Yes. The old man is getting oi they say. And swears to make a holy spectacle of every one of our blessed family. Ha! ha! ha!” “It’s catching before hanging, Juck- ily,” grimly commented the other knave, but without joining in that boisterous lauch. * The seed of the tree which is to hold me by the neck has never matured, old fellow.’ “Hope not; but life is mighty. uncer- tain out here in this wooden country, and J’ll not be sorry when I can get back to civilization once more.” “Bah! What’s good enough for me, ought to be good enough for the next man. And you, old fellow, oughtn’t to scorn the place where you're making more good money in a week than you could pile up in the East_in a lifetime!” “The game isn’t won yet, remember.” “Just as good as, though.” “ Unless the rascals who let Kirkwood slip should take a notion to sell us both out!” “They'll never do that.” “So you say, but how long since you were just as confident that all would work to perfection, over yonder? And now—Martin Kirkwood all alive and red- hot for vengeance! ” “Was, you mean,” coolly retorted Jack Ketch. “I’m open to lay odds that the old gent will be cool as a clam before you lay peepers on him again, and—” “You mean to lay him out, all the same?” ““Well, that’s for after consideration,” diplomatically answered the Chiéf of the Stranglers. “Of course, our’ bargain holds good, even if the,old fellow did slip through the noose, but—” “No names, man!” swiftly warned the other, hand flying forth to cross those lips in the darkness. ‘So far I’ve kept my secret, and’ I want it guarded even more carefully from now on. You un- derstand? ” ; ‘“"That’s all right, my friend. TI never meant ‘to call names, 46 don’t you worry. Of course, the old bargain stands?” *““Why shouldn’t it?” “For no good reason that I can see. Let that flea stick by the wall, then. And now, what else?” “That infernal Starlight! He’s taken up this case, and if he sticks to it in the same humor he’s opened with, it’ll make a merry old dance all around.” “He’s a nasty customer, or all looks lie,” thoughtfully: ‘admitted the head Strangler. “T’d rather almost any other man in the West would chip in on the other sidé.”’ A bliie pill will lay him out just as quickly as any ordinary slouch, though, if rightly planted.” “Of course. I’m not taking water. I'd croak’ a round dozen of the same ‘cali- bre fer the pay I’m counting on getting | out of this little jubilee. Only—" “'That’s just it: only—you can’t afford to take any long chances with a chief like the Sparkler. Wait for a fair chance to’ down ‘him, ‘then’ make your dose mighty certain and swift to act!” ‘All right. ‘I’ll hold my end of the traces level, never you worry. See that you keep on playing your part as well, old man.” - “Oh, I'll do that for my own sake,” with a low chuckle. “See that you do. Go back to Sal- vation, and. pick up the thread right where you dropped it before this little boggle. came into our skein. I reckon that.can be straightened, S2OBED, os “Tt must be!.” “ All right, and must. be goes, Work under cover as much as possible. but. spare no pains to find ont just how the . old man escaped ,the noose, and who : tusaes. the trick—provided it wasn’t an acgit ent, of course.” mon!” “ Still, I can’t ae how Pete Peltz was blinded, like that, ‘Are aul 80. cereal ot his Adelity, nea > uch accidents are mighty a Set which Jack Ketch evidently deemed all- © 11 ——— “More so than I am of your own,” came the answer, blunt as it was ready. “One of those helping him out with the rope must have played us dirt, if any one,” “Learn from Peltz just who were help- ing him, then, and the rest ought to be easy enough.” “TIT will. Now, one word more.’ “ Say it.” “ Hold yourself to come or to go at my’ - first call. IJ’ll manage without you as long as I can, and the summons may never reach you. Still, if it should come, - Til need you mighty bad, and in a heap hurry, too!” “All right. I'll remember. should find out who played the little joker in this deal? ” *“You surely know him?.”’ “Send him over the range?” “ Of course. this score, and if we can’t do any bet- ter, we'll pay through Peter in place of by Paul!” “So. mote it be! just what move comes next on our little checker-board? ” “Wait. Time enough for arranging all that. I'll make my good will known unto all concerned in fair time, be assured of that much.” “TIT might work to better advantage if you posted me in advance, though,” came the half-impatient suggestion. Jack Ketch made an off-hand gesture before replying: “That’s all right, I tell you, pardner. Word will strike you soon enough, Un- til then, just stick to the line already marked out for your dainty feet to trav- el, The less you stir around.in this mix, the Jess risk you’ll run of being smoked: see?” “Of course, I’m not kicking on that score, but—” ns Don’t kick, and your toes will feel all the more comfortable, old fellow. Just do your duty, and leave the rest. to me. I’ve got it all on the simmer in my brain-pan, and ’twill make mighty sure medicine when the sign comes ‘Tight. Now—8so-long, pardner! . “With a curt response the other schem- er turned away, speedily fading out of sight in those shadows. Jack Ketch looked after his ally for a brief space, then turned and moved leis- urely across to where his captives were in waiting. what to do with CHAPTER XI. IN THE CLUTCH OF THE STRANGLER. Although lecated in the same direction, those captives were not in company now, nor had they “been since the Strangler came to a permanent halt, for reasons sufficient. Time and again Lorella Kirkwood had begged to see her brother, but as often she met with. refusal, ‘though assured that Allen was jin good condition and faring’ to the full as well as herself, Beyond this the poor girl could win nothing, and the uncertainty felt on his account added in no small measure to her mental torture throughout those long and trying hours. If well, why deny them the privilege of companionship? Apart from this unnecessary severity, Lorella had little to complain of, speak- ing from a prisoner’s point of view. Food and drink had been supplied in abund- ance, of more than fair quality, while And if I. There’s one death due on . And now, pardner, ~ . wr harsh words were few. and far apart, and abuse was nil. Stil, the young. woman showed the effects of her ordeal, and eyes wore healthy hue than ei week Apart from her anxiety. concerning len, -there was the terrible fate w had (as she believed) befallen. | ol sue Ben Snaps te nas Tul darkened rings» with cheeks - of less
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a ap ae ed y Aa gyi F ,Tumpled and garments disordered, as — 12 The Sparkler Sport. —————=—[—?—[—[—[—[[—=__q_{] ;_ @$x&x;__————xXx our way, we naturally made the most of | tent to help yourself, much less injure it. Understand? ” ‘ another and far better man?” “I know that you brutally murdered _ “Give me room to act and I’ll show—” our poor father, when—” “You are showing yourself past rea- “Hold hard, pardner!” cut in Jack son, fool!” with a fierce anger which Ketch, flinging up a hand as he raised formed a startling contrast with his objection. “Talk straight if you chin | moderate tone and manner. “ Now look at all. There was no killing done, and ye here, Allen Kirkwood: business is your old dad is now at Salvation City, | business, and just now I’m acting as its very much alive indeed.” prophet, Lorella gave a choking cry, yet scarce- “We've got you and your sister, We ly dared believe these glad tidings, while | can dispose of you both pretty much as Allen seemed even less credulous. we see fit. Now, why can’t you play “That’s all right, though,” assured half-way decent, and meet. me on a com- — Ketch, airily. “ You shall see and | mon level?” e satisfied for yourself, my dear Allen laughed, shortly, turning partly friends. That is, provided you and I} around to more clearly show iis Mapa succeed in coming to amicable terms. pered arms. See the point?” os “An even footing, do you say? Give If father is really livimg—if he es-| me the chance, then, I’m only one man caped your brutal hands, he will never against—how many?” rest until this vile outrage is punished “Enough to back up my words by as it deserves.” — , deeds, never you fear.” ‘I pity the pair o’ you if he is fool- “Yet you are afraid to loose my hands! ish enough to make the attempt,”’ came Oh, what wonderful—” the swift retort. ‘“ But he’ll never take As though stung to the quick by sneer- such mighty long chances. For one | ing tone, Jack Ketch drew knife and thing, by this time he’s had a note of | making a swift motion, cut cleanly warning from my hand, and will think | through those thongs, Allen Kirkwood many times before acting even once.” giving a short, sharp cry as he felt his After seeing the last of his nameless ally, Jack Ketch moved more briskly, picking his way through the -shadows to the spot where Allen Kirkwood was kept in waiting, a word or two fetch- ing a couple of lusty knaves to his as- sistance. And so, shortly afterward, Jack Ketch led the way over to where Lorella was sitting in bonds, the guards escorting another prisoner close at the heels of their masked leader. That prisoner was Allen Kirkwood, pale-faced, wild-eyed, with his hair all i | | though fresh from a desperate struggle against long odds. : He was free to walk, although strong bonds pinioned both arms behind his back, leaving him helpless to harm his enemies, or to assail them save with his tongue. Just now the young man was proceed- ing quietly enough, but the instant he caught sight of his sister in bonds, Al- len gave a low, hoarse cry, jerking away from the hands which tried to check him, flinging himself violently against the Strangler in front, knocking Jack Ketch aside like a man of straw, drawing oaths and curses from each one of the sur- prised trio. : “Stop him! Don’t let—take him, ye 1 | “You mean—what do you mean, you RB gasped the chief, seemingly demon?” “That there’s too big a pile at stake for me“to waste even a baby trump. We counted on making a rich haul over at your camp when we jumped the out- fit. Never mind just how it came, but we had a hint that you toted along a power of cold cash.” “A lie, whoever said it. Why should we, when—” “Never mind. We've found out as much for ourselves, and so have made an important change in the peppergram; like this: “First, it’s been more than two months since we’ve made any strike worth mentioning, and the boys are growling about the lack of small change for their daily amusements. This show has proved a fizzle, financially speaking. “We are out for the dust, of course. And if we can’t get it by hook, then we'll try a crook instead. Hence, my dear brother in bonds, we’re going to give you a show for your own white ally, by using you as a stalking-horse against the old gentleman. Understand?” “Put it plainer if you know how.” “All right, and plainer goes. We've figured the whole situation up, and this is the sum total. It’s worth just twenty- five thousand dollars to us, counting blasted hopes, night work, strain on con- science and all the other little items which go to make up a whole.” “ Twenty-five—are you crazy, man?” a Well, scarcely. That pile may look a mountain in eyes like ours, but it’s the merest molehill for Martin Kirk- wood’s peepers, and he’ll be overjoyed to get his two blessed kids back at the price. Don’t you think as much, my with the breath nearly knocked out of his lungs by that sudden impact. But instead of trying to make his es- cape by flight, Allen Kirkwood rushed across to where Lorella was striving to rise, her trembling lips pronouncing his name betwixt fear and joy and dread lest worse should follow this rash outbreak. Allen stopped by the girl, facing his enemies as they came with a rush, face fairly livid, eyes ablaze, voice fiercely | menacing. . “Back, ye eurs! I’ll die rather than— hands off, I say! Kill me if ye like, but : my sister—back, you whelps of Satan!” x “Steady, lads!” cried Jack Ketch, just _ in time to keep his men from leaping upon the defiant captive. “ He’s all right, ‘so far. He can’t get away without we say as much, and so—go easy you, young man!” S “Give me a pistol and I’ll fight the oe bunch of ye!” pantingly cried the young ( See man, wrestling furiously with his bonds. ae “ Give me a knife—a club—the use of my bee, {naked hands, even! Oh, you curs! If ‘ever I—” ; “You never will at this rate, young -. | hot-head,” crisply interrupted the Chief of the Stranglers, standing at ease, feet wide apart and gloved hands lightly on hips. “The harder you kick the sharper 3 ! will be your punishment, remember.” —» “Why wouldn’t I kick when—look } here, you scoundrel,” by an evident ef- ‘fort calming his tones. “I don’t give a , curse for myself, but my sister—” i “No, no, both or neither!” cried Lo- rella, desperately. * “Quiet, child. And you, fellows, play _ any game you like with me, but let her .' go free. Say you will and Ill—” | “All right, my pretty fellow. That’s ‘about what I’ve brought you together _} for, don’t you know?” cut in the head __ Strangler. —, “You mean—what?” * “Business, with a great big B. Of course, you can both readily compre- __ hend that we are not in this line purely i through love of excitement. We ‘hold _ | that the world owes us all a living, and _ , @re Willing to turn our hands to ‘most _ j any sort of a job. And so~—it just hap- } pened like this, to begin with: “Pretty much all the world has heard _ more or less of Martin Kirkwood, the banker, capitalist, financier, dealer: in _ stocks and bonds and all the rest which _ goes to make up one of our marvelous " money-kings of to-day. ’ _“ Although we poor devils live fairly . Snes ee outside of the world, as you may say,| “Which is heap-sight more than _‘we’ve heard a goodly bit about the old doubtful unless you change the tune gentleman and his peeps Carag z pow- fae tein g end fellow.. Why mouth | 80, when the chance came in! such far-off threats when you’re impo-— eh ee SSihAE EL ie RRP Te oe EE RE ETE EIR, rs, Fie oat er 2 ¢ ia » Raed, — “He'll pay you in lead, not in gold, curse you!” ; “He'll have a double funeral on his hands if he plays so foolish a card in our give him credit for better judgment than And so—I proceed. “Twenty-five thousand in a lump sum, or, divided, fifteen thousand for this charming young lady, and a more modest ten for yourself, dear boy. Surely that is moderate enough to please any rea- sonable party?” lain!” you are bankrupt. You couldn’t pay for a bristle if an entire porker was selling | for ten a penny!” “Tf I live long enough—” eis aes ts ~, Sateen 05% ec. Fh as neem: dear friends? ” | | little game,” came the easy retort. “I | “You’re foolish, dear boy. Just now | arms drop free once more, “Tf you make a silly use of the privi- lege, so much the worse for yourseif,”’ grimly warned the Chief of the Strang- lers, putting up his blade and speaking on in clear, crisp tones: ‘ That common level lays pretty much like this. We've got the goods, and Mar-. tin Kirkwood has the cash to pay for them. I’ve named our upset price, an now it’s your turm to come out flat- footed. » “Will you help to a fair understand- harsh methods? ”’ “Tl never consent to treat with such infernal villains as you have proved yourselves—never! ” “The more fool you for feeling that way,” sternly retorted the man in mask. “We might come to an amicable under- temper, but since you can’t see it in that light, we'll have to do the other thing.” “What do you mean by that?” A brief pause, during which those hid- den eyes seemed viewing face of sister as well as that of her brother; then Jack Ketch spoke again, in the same tones: “Well, I reckon what I’ve got to say in such a case would sound just a bit better in male ears than those of a del- icate girl, don’t you know? So—come, young man: we'll take a bit of a walk.” Allen Kirkwood recoiled a trifle, then as swiftly rallied, clenched hand uplift- ing and voice sounding fiercely menacing as he burst into another flood of curses and threats, all leveled at the head of his arch-enemy. ri For a brief space Jack Ketch stood ir- resolute, then stepped forward to smite those lips sharply with his gloved hand, leaping back :the next instant with re- volver flashing into view and flying to a level with the heart of the young man, And then he cried out, harshly: : “Steady, you young fool! Make an- other-bad break and off comes the roof you seem willing to allow, Mr. Kirkwood. of your house in a holy hurry!” CHAPTER XII. PLAIN LANGUAGE FROM JACK KETCH. Allen Kirkwood recoiled from that | Stroke, but then half-crouched as though “T’ll never consent to—I’d pay you in | to fling himself savagely at the throat of cold steel and hot lead, you infernal vil- | his masked enemy, all heedless of his own peril through so acting. But Lorella cried out in swift affright, striving all she knew to rise and fling herself as a living shield upon the bosom of her too-rash brother. “ Allen—dear Allen! Don’t—oh, sir, — I beg of you not to—he knows not what. he says, and never meant to—spare him, _ I beg of you!” — x ing, or must we make use of still more ~* standing without wasting either time or Jack Ketch showed no particular dis- = tex
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_ The > Sparkler Sport. inclination for the encounter, possibly because he felt doubly armed in his for- ty-five and the handy proximity of his sturdy fellows, more than one of whom lingered within easy ear-shot of the trio. Still, even the most reckless spend- thrift would scarcely elect to use a ten- thousand-dollar target which a_ single shot might make worse than valueless, when another could be found’ to serve equally as well. And so, lowering his weapon with a change of tone to match, he spoke again: “That’s good advice, and I’m only too willing to act upon it, if only your brother will—come, Kirkwood: play the man, can’t you?” Allen gave a sulky growl instead of speaking, but his figure slowly rose erect and his clenched hands relaxed. Jack Keteh nodded toward Lorella, laughing softly the while. “Your pretty head is the wisest one of the pair, by far, Miss Kirkwood, and i reckon it’d be both time and patience saved to negotiate with you; but I never change the run of the cards when once set going, and so I repeat: me, Mr. Kirkwood, please.” < And if I don’t choose?” “You'll come, all the same,” was the cold retort, aS once more the revolver came into play. “Come with me! Come alive and sound, or come a cripple!” if ever mortal man meant pure busi- ness, Jack Ketch was the individual just then and there, else all signs lie. So Lorella Kirkwood instinctively felt, and seeing her stubborn brother hesitate, she cried out, agitatedly: “Go Allen; go with him and try—for my sake, if not for your own, dear brother!” A brief suspense, then Kirkwood yield- ed to the inevitable, growling forth a sulky submission, which in itself was a threat of no mean caliber. Jack Ketch seemed willing enough io overlook any such trifle, and with a low, not unmusical laugh he again put up his revolver, turning away from that spot while saying: “ After me is good manners, my dear fellow. Come, please; I ‘reckon you and T can finish our little confab better over this way.” Sulkily enough Allen Kirkwood com- plied, his movements seeming more hang-dog by far than those of yonder arch-schemer. Evidently the young man would be an ugly customer with half a show for mak- ing a fight; but that show was lacking here, as even a gleam of reason must have told him. Jack Ketch alone might have been dis- posed of, for Allen was a well-built fel- low, and lacked no training as a fair athlete; but he could see at least half a score armed knaves hanging around, some within easy ear-shot and all inside of eye-range. Jack Ketch never took the trouble to glance over-shoulder to see how closely his prisoner was following instructions, but neither did he seem inclined to make a long walk of it, halting again while visible to Lorella as she sat helplessly in bonds att’ °7 of vonder big tree. Allen Kirkwood was close at hand when the Chief of the Stranglers faced about, but he made no attempt to “cut up rusty,” evidently “having at length realized how worse than useless it was to kick against the pricks where such odds were arrayed against him. “So far, so end, old fellow,” eried the Strangler with hearty good-will in his tones, whatever might be in his heart just then. “Well, I’m here. What is it? Cut ft vas short as you know how,” surlily mut- tered the captive, scowling from beneath “bent brows at the armed men who ‘watched and listened so closely. Only for them! Jack Ketch langhed mockingty as. he, ‘too, swept a look around. “Pity, isn’t it?” he said, poparcitie 5 to Feed those Hionebts at will. Come with “Only for those tough nuts, what a glo- rious picnic you would have; eh, my hearty? ” “You've said it.” a —husband,” “ And I believe it—just as little as you | do,” mocked the Chief of the Stranglers. “You're. a cur at heart, Allen Kirk- wood, in spite of all your mighty growl and bluster. If we were alone here, merely man to man—” “Td tear your throat wide and then choke it up. with your palpitating heart, curses cover you from crown te. sole!” So fiercely came this threat that sev- eral of the Stranglers instinctively started that way, only to be checked the next instant by an imperative gesture from their leader, who added the. words: “Keep your distance, lads. This is barking, not biting. And, even so, I reckon my hand is able to guard my head. So—thanks, and fall back, my pretty lads!” “You owe ’em thanks, right enough,” growlingly said Kirkwood. “But the day may come—it shall come!—when I can settle accounts with you alone. And then—man nor devil can save you from paying full penalty!” “That’s all right, my hearty, if you can only make it come right. I’m not losing any flesh through worrying over the future, though. And if you are not all fool, you’ll swallow the rest of your curses and threats until your own neck is fairly out of the noose. “This is my little picnic, and you’ve got to take just what portion is meas- ured forth, under penalty. And that penalty is—later on! “T reckon you’ve figured out pretty correctly just what manner of sports we are, by now, but it'll do no particular harm to cast a bit more light upon the subject. “We heard—never mind just how, or through what source—” “TI know; that cur, Ralph Innes!” fiercely cried Kirkwood, his tones loud enough, to reach the outlaws, as well as his sister in bonds. “Bah! You’re wild, man,” mockingly declared Jack Ketch. ‘“ But what’s the use? As well him as any other, -so let it go at that if you’re feeling any the better over it.” “TI know what I know,” with dogged emphasis. “Which is a heap-sight less than you think you know, simmered down to nak- ed facts,” chuckled the Chief of the Stranglers. “All right. I don’t kick. Now, open your ears, my boy. ry However the word came our way. We expected to rake in a mighty fat boodle over at your camp, which will ac- | er’s head, jerking him back and for the » count for our disappointment when we moment rendering ‘him utterly helpless. |; failed. And failing—well, that led on to went on Jack Ketch; | | | i her shape already, |} alone was concerned, I’d jump at the 13 coolly spoke the Chief of the Stranglers. “You merciless demon!” “With or without a regularly ordained priest to bless that union,” insolently heediess of the torture he might thus be inflicting. “Honest, old man, I’m dead gone on and if my pocket chance of making such a ten-strike!” “Careful, you! Don’t go too far, you imp of hades!” “ All right, dear boy. As I was saying, of course I mean to stick by my word, having once pledged it. Twenty-five thousand dollars buys the pair of you, and not one red cent less. Fifteen takes the girl alone, but I’ll not sell you with- out her to keep you company, under- stand?” “Go on. Finish, now you've begun. After that—go on, curse you!” “Thank you for nothing, dear boy. Well, my terms have been named. If my offer is met on the square, well and — good; we finger the simoleons, while | Kirkwood takes his pair of kids. If not: if father is as bull-headed as his precious | son appears to be, then you’d ought to! be smart enough to cipher out the rest of it, from what I’ve said already.” “ And I’d see you sunk to the bottom of the hottest pit in Tophet first, only for—” “Only for the dainty darling? Just so,” coolly interrupted Jack Ketch, like a man who feels he holds the whole game se- curely in his own hands. “ After that exchange—” “ Will come something else, as a mat- ter of course. Can’t you let one minute go to waste without spitting out snarl | or growl, pardner? A sweet old brother-— in-law you would make, I don’t think! And yet—blamed if I don’t think I’d be willing to take the bitter for the sweet! And—lookout, you fool!” For Allen Kirkwood was leaping | straight at his throat, seemingly bent on avenging all wrongs and insults by death itself. CHAPTER XIII. THE PRICE OF LIBERTY. If looks and actions go for aught, Al- len Kirkwood meant death to the Strang- ler Chief then and there; but the fates had not so willed. Jack Ketch scarcely took the trouble to recoil or to move aside, for his men were on the keen alert, and swifter even than those satellites took action. A slip-noose was flung over the prison- Ere he could rally even-in part, a complete change of plans, as I’m trying | strong arms were flung about his body, to make you understand, another rope was passed over both arms “Now, we want money. Martin Kirk- | and tightly twisted in place, pinioning wood has got it, in great gobs. He shaJl those members past making further trou- pay out a fair portion of that wealth by | ble. way of ransom, or else he will be un- der the painful afresh in the family business. Under- stand?” Allen Kirkwood shrugged — shoulders, but made no more definite reply. “ All right. Your voice is hardly hon- | ey-sweet, so s‘~« go for their face value. As I hinted, it comes to just this: Ran- som, or death!, Money, or a double fu- neral! And when °' this is fairly pre- sented to the old gentleman, as I mean it shall be, I reckon there will be a. speedy understanding arrived at; don’t you think, pardner?” , “Tf he should refuse?” “ What’s the u ing time over an impossibility, man?” “Tf he should decline to meet your | terms?” nersisted **~*-~ood, “Well, granting thet the old man would be so crazy as all that comes to, less orffamental grave, while your sis- | ter woul Ps “ Careful, you mi 4 ; “While Toe bss i “ho civen et ase Oe ” py é are Jack Ketch stood laughing just weroud necessity of starting | reach of the now impotent man, evident- ly hugely enjoying the present situation, if only as a fair specimen of his power. “Can’t you ever get a fair notion through that thick pate of yours without having it driven in with a maul? Here T’m treating you whiter than snow, and liberal no end, while you—augh! you make me weary, pardner!” “11 tear your black heart 6ut to feed — ‘es the dogs!” raged Kirkwood, but im- notently so far as doing any further were the movements of Allen Kirkwood, |. : ee horm was concerned, so thoroughly help- | lees was he in grip of rope and clutch of men, “Come, come, that’s even worse than _ | nonsense, dear son. You couldn’t do that if let, and we wouldn’t let you if you — could. So—simmer down and nlay half- _ Else—well, : | white, even if you’re not. _ there's a limit to all ar entianare yeaa, er
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patience, 14 The Sparkler Sport. ““No. .I reckon he’s beginning to see things as they are, not as he wishes they might be. So+cast off, my gallant lad- dy-bucks! . And you, Mr. Kirkwood, please bear in mind that another such foolish break ‘will just as certainly end in your getting salivated—for keeps!” ‘““T’d- rather be killed outright than—” ‘““Well, you shall have your wish in that respect after another such crazy break,” crisply cut in the Chief of the Stranglers, with eyes glowing luridly through the holes in his dark face-cov- ering. ‘“ That’s fair warning; and one which I'll never repeat, so take heed.” A wave of that gloved right hand caused the ropes to fall off and those who wielded them so deftly to draw back once more. Allen Kirkwood gave himself a little shake, lifting arms as though to make sure he was entirely free from bonds; but then he stood in sullen silence, mak- ing no further effort for revenge. “That begins to look a bit more like it;’ declared Jack Ketch with a nod of careless ‘approval. ‘“‘Oh, granted time and opportunity, my dear son, and I’d agree to turn you out even a bit more than half-way respectable: yes, I just would, now!” “Don’t rub it. in too deep, you scoun- drel,” sternly warned the other at this, hands going- behind his back, there to join fingers in tight grip as though by no less means could he resist the fierce temptation to again jump at that mock- ing demon. “That’s all right, too, my hearty. I'll play white as long as you refrain from playing the fool. .There’s nothing I want more than to make you see the one straight and easy path out of the tangle you’ve fallen into, and that trail opens up pretty much. like this: “Your governor has got dead. loads of money. We hol money’s worth in two pretty prize packages. A fair exchange is no robbery, is it? Good enough! That ought to be plain a-plenty for a blind man to read as he runs, and so—your arm, pardner.” “What now?” “Well, where’s the sense in making two bites to.a cherry? Why. tell a story twice, when once ought to suffice? And so—the maiden fair is straining her charming peepers, over yonder; let’s go - and in a measure relieve her awful sus- pense.” Still mocking, still stinging with every sentence, no matter how cunningly the point was veiled; but time had been given the young man for some sober re- flection, and he knew that kicking against the pricks would only add to _ rather than lessen the trouble. Jack Ketch ran a hand through = the arm of his sullen captive, moving back toward the tree under which Lorella . Kirkwood was waiting in such painful suspense, and neither his words nor his manner betrayed doubt as to the final _ outcome. “Second thoughts are best, ‘athee all; Pretty-by-night, and so here we are, ready to take your charming self into the con- ference. A word from your red lips may . Save this rather headstrong brother of “ yours another awkward lesson, too!” “Tf I can say or do anything to help— oh, Allen!” “Tig allright, Lorella. © Wait. The _ day will come when—cut it as short as _ you know how, you scoundrel! ” “Tf my terms weie aalf as long as my “ Ag a matter of course, Kirkwood, ’twould never be told through,” significantly warned the -man in mask. some little allowance must be made for a - fellow in your present predicament, but— - don’t. ¢ rd ne allowance too fr aad Ta. Te OP, BS aye ES eR PD eS Be 5 aU eS RS i tae EE RR Pcs ce AE. A a SE te ES ORES GT 2k Pe Lew eh Les hE ve Sea ene ee PAP tl Ce se ange ne poe out of the question. — back his fierce temper by a stern effort, standing beside his sister with hands tight-clenched head drooping and brows corrugated. “That’s mighty good advice, and if a fool should neglect it—well, he'd deserve pretty much all that was measured forth to him,” declared the Chief of the Strang- lers with a nod of grim approval. “Now —business is business and empty chin- chin never yet filled the market-basket. “Briefly summed up, this is how the case stands at present: We've got something which Martin Kirkwood wants: he has a pile of what we lack: what’s the matter with making an equit- able swap? “Now, right here you can have my idea of the way out of this tangle. “We'll hold fast to the more precious of those two packages, while sending the other back to the financier, both as sam- ple of goods and bearer of our latest re- vised price-list. “To make sure there is no error in the message, you, Miss Kirkwood, will write a’ fair statement to your more or less honored paternal progenitor, giving him to understand on just what terms the bargain may be consummated.” * Stop!” eried Allen, at this juncture. “Well, what’s the matter now?” * You mean to send one of us to our father with’ a message?” ““That’s what I said, yes.” “All right. Let my sister go, then—” » “Oh, no!” interposed Jack Ketch, with a short laugh. “That would be playing the fool with a vengeance, now wouldn’t tT’ “Tf you are acting in good faith—” “That’s all right, too. Good faith goes, but a pinch of common sense keeps it company, you want to bear in mind, my hearty.” “T don’t—what are you trying to get hrough you, anyway?” . “Just this: that so long as we hold Miss Kirkwood fairly in our grip, we can expect something like fair dealing on the other side. With er let loose, and only you to play security—bah!” “One so ready to suspect trickery in others is certainly brooding treachery himself!” retorted young Kirkwood, glowering again. “That’s all right, too. It’s our choice, and the rest of you can only take what is offered, don’t you see? And so—to resume! “ Pretty- -by- night, here, shall write a nice little note to the worthy papa, frankly stating just how the case now stands. She will tell the unvarnished truth, for, as a matter of course, I'll look over the note before ’tis dispatched to its destination. “You will take that note, Mr. Kirk- wood, and from what slight experience you have had since falling into the clutches of the Silver Slope Stranglers, I imagine you will have slight difficulty in making papa fairly comprehend the pres- ent situation. as “For instance: Should he find any se- rious difficulty in unlocking his treasure- box, you can mildly hint how immensely my noble self admires Miss Kirkwood, and even—” “Careful, you foul-mouthed brute!” “You have caught my meaning, then? Good enough! I never did care about mouthing two words where one would suffice; so—just paint the. situation in your most taking colors, and pinch the worthy old money-bags until he circu- lates—freely! “Here is pen and paper, Miss’ Kirk- wood. Let’s see what sort of use you can put them to. Remember, though, that if your task is not satisfactorily per- formed, twill all have to be done over and iin. “Tf you don’t care to. help. don’t: you hinder, young hothead,” the Chi of the ‘Stranglers added, in grim warning to Kirkwood. “ And, mind you, escape fro 5S = and you hee: not ee et but you will be—silenced for al} time!” Leaying the writing materials with es and deftly severing the bonds which confined her arms, Jack Ketch turned away like one who feels no doubt as to the swift performance of the task allotted. ; ; Brother and sister said nothing for a few moments, but then Allen sunk to the ground beside his. sister, speaking with fierce earnestness: “T’d rather die a thousand times over, than to yield to that scoundrel, ’Ella,; but —oh, Satan roast him. by inches!” “Ts there no—no method of escape, then, brother?”’ Allen shook his head-in. gloomy fashion. | “Tf there is I can’t see it, and Lord knows I’ve tried hard enough! I’d rather die than knuckle under to such a villain, and through such harsh threats, yet— what else? If we don’t buy him off—- but I can’t tell you that, ’Ella!” The strong man partly smothered a fierce groan, hands clenched. so tightly that they seemed irregular balls of iron. Sister clung to brother, now, for some- thing in his looks and manner frightened | the maiden worse than ever. She tried to ask what he meant, what he was hold- - ing back, but at first without success. Allen read her wish aright, and know- ing as he did that where so much had been said; more must follow, he burst out with the ugly .truth. “That infernal scoundrel—I'll kill him for that, if for nothing else! He says— he swears that father must pay twenty- five thousand dollars in hard cash, for us, ’Ella, or else—he’ll force you to marry him and—” Lorella gave start and cry at this, and her face flamed hotly at the repulsive idea. “Marry him? That awful villain?” she cried, sharply enough for other ears to , catch and comprehend. “I’d | die, first!” “So I told the rascal, make him understand if—” and so we'll Alien Kirkwood broke off abruptly, for 4. just then Jack Ketch came striding back, right hand clenched and shaking in men- ace as he cried: “That’s.. enough, young fellow! I thought you had sense enough, left to play half-white, but now—” “You devil! I’ll make you—” : Kirkwood, leaped. te his feet like one. beside himself with fierce rage and in- tense hatred, but even as he crouched for a death-leap upon their arch-enemy, Jack Ketch, flung up a hand and the loop of a lasso dropped over that head and those broad shoulders. A mighty jerk sent Kirkwood to earth, and the Strangler Chief said: “Don’t hurt him more than you just. have to, lads; but we’ve got to treat a fool according to his own folly. Now— reckon I'll do the rest of the talking ssi self!” ed CHAPTER XIV. A SHOT AND A BLOW. - The doom of the sleeper seemed. surely | sealed, for Peter Peltz had first made sure his rope was securely in place, t then. sprung upon the chest of his intended victim, laughing in diabolical glee as his. hairy hands pulled fiercely at each end of the greasy rope. Never in his life had Ralph Innes been ore sweetly sleeping, rele his long trample - of the past fay and larger portion of the night; but nev-— er had he been so rudely awakened! _ | A mountain’s weight seemed falling — upon his chest—mighty rocks seemed crushing, grinding, splintering bones. and pulping muscles of both his arms— while balls of greenish fire looked down Sg vas ity aiigous nightmare, ‘but fe »,f oe the young 1 th at closing” rope. sae mein that hey worn and weary ~
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_ The Sparkler * Sport, reach éven the ears of him who tried to give them fierce utterance. nnes strove all he knew how to throw off that awful incubus, but the Strangier laughed at his efforts, clinging tizht to his position, knees on arms, feet grip- ping those quivering thighs, weight of body all bearing down upon that stom- ach, while his hairy paws tugged and strained at-the rope which was meant to measure forth a lingering, horrible death. “Choke and strangle!” howled the as- sassin, his fa fairly transformed to that of a veritable fiend of destruction. “Fight for breath, ye son of a sinner! Sip the cup ye thought to fill to over- flowing for another and better man! Choke—snmother—gasp and gurgle! Ha! ha! ha! Shiver and writhe, but devil spares ye not!” Already the young man was beginning to turn purple“fn the face as that double turn prevented air from passing in or out. That handsome face was turning hideous, even so quickly! The Strangler saw as much, and with diabolical malice he slightly lessened his grip, letting the pliant rope slip a trifle, thus prolonging the awful feast he had so carefully prepared for himself, With an audible’ sound a trifle of air passed that constriction, and then, now tighter, then looser, only to close once — more, the rope was manipulated by the demon in human guise, laughing and croaking the while, viciously enjoying the torments he was causing. Surely he was insane? Surely he could not be held as wholly accountable for what he was doing? One in full possession of his Senses | would never work such awful deeds as ) this! And yet— liciously mocked the Strangler, bending over his almost helpless victim until face nearly touched face, red eyes glar- ing mto eyes which were now blurred and bloodshotten. ~* A dose of your own infernal medi- cine, is it? Ha! ha! ha! The trapper trapped! The fowler caught in his own net!” Ralph Innes made another furious ef- fort to dislodge that crushing burden, fighting as only a strong man can: fight for the life which he feels is surely f feited else, Heavier pressed that weight. T r grew that awful noose. Louder sungthe angel of death in his ea until it seemed as though the last of earth had surely come to him! A frantic effort to break away, and Innes blindly lifted his head until face touched face. He made a dog-like snap, teeth touching that bulbous nose before the Strangler could draw his own head back. Instinctively those teeth, closed at touch of flesh, but Peter Peltz jerked away, _ giving a wild howl of rage and storm ~ of curses as he felt skin and flesh tear loose, one hand dropping rope to fly up and caress that injured member. Only for this brief reprieve, Ralph In- nes might never h-ve drawn another conscious breath, nev ¢r more have looked upon aught of this fair world; but the greasy rope slipped again, and for the first time since that < vful awakening came, the doomed sleeper caught a full breath. Still, he was greatly weakened even by that brief strangulation, and instead of fighting for liberty while his enemy was absorbed in his lacerated nose, Ralph lay shivering and gasping, brain whirl- ing in a wild dance and his wits too completely upset for prompt action. lood covered the Strangler’s hand as it clasped over the marred nose, and he naturally fancied it worse injured than was the case. Curses hot and furious followed that howl of pain, and then, as the young _ man b gan to struggle once more, Peltz _ the rope and flung “all his ength essed ar ia for death by the “ Die, ye devil!” he hoarsely panted, “Choke and | angel!” now the picture of fury. gasp and strangle—strangle—strangle!” There could have been but one ending to this, and that must have come right speedily had the two men been left alone; but the end was not to come then, nor thus, Peter Peltz had eyes, ears, thoughts only for this now helpless victim, and hence the light footfalls drawing near the cabin failed to set him on guard, and then a pale, scared face showed at the dingy window in the first rays of the rising sun. One wild-eyed look, then the face faded away, but not to beat a retreat in fear or in dismay; far from it! The front door was flung quickly open, and as Peter Peltz looked in that direc- tion, a Winchester spoke sharply, and with a gasping moan the Strangler flung up his arms, falling over backward like ohne dead! The next instant Kittie Creoks sprung across the threshold, dropping rifle to make better use of her strong young hands. She gave a low, choking cry as she saw that purpled face, that protruding tongue, those glazing eyeballs; then, re- alizing what hideous work had been go- ing on, she caught at the rope, pulling it away from the bruised throat as her other hand raised that heavy head a trifle. With a gurgling, whistling sound the pent-up air rushed forth, then more gent- ly sucked back, Ralph Innes shivering and moaning the while. That told Kittie life yet. lingered, and lent fresh strength for the emergency, - | she dragged the unconscious man fur- “How do ye like it, yourself?” ma- | er ne ther away from his overthrown enemy, with hasty fingers loosening the clothes about his neck. She saw Peter Peltz lying there like one dead, She even took note of the red blood which flowed from a wound just above his right eye, and at the time she thought how surely her lead had followed her mind; for aim she had no time to take. That one long breath seemed life enough, and yet—how awfully still this man now lay! Was he dead? Had-she come too late to ony the strangler of this, his latest victi So it really seemed, just then, and with another sharp catch in her breath, Kit- tie Crooks bent nearer that face, now fading out to a more natural color as the thickened blood receded. No! Ralph Innes was breathing, though, so faintly, so slowly, so much like the final efforts of exhausted nature that her fears grew stronger rather than less. Kittie drew back, flashing a swift glance about the room. This was not the first time she had been inside those four walls, and ’twas not long ere she found what she was looking for—the wooden bucket of water which stood in one corner, : Catching «nis up, lacking any smaller utensil, Kittie held it high in air, letting a slender stream of the fairly cool liquid fall full upon that paling face, hoping that the shock would aid the young man in rallying. The result seemed fairly magical, and far better than thergirl had dared hope for, since but a moment later Innes gave a shivering gasp, as a choking man will, then partly turned his head to escape that falling stream! Kittie quickly lowered the bucket, tak- ing a fold of her dress as she stooped to gently wipe away the wet, and then those big eyés dpened to stare in her face! “ What—I don’t—” huskily muttered Innes, lips parched and throat painfully sore and dry. Kittie hastily found a cup and gave Ralph a drink. He swallowed mechani- cally, still looking at her with a dazed expression sess his own face the wine, _—_—$—$——$——$——— ee aught in this dire extremity, 15 “I. never—a devil, then, but—now—an Flushed warmly, the mountain maid drew back, confused by look even more than the words, which even her quick ear hardly made out, Hardly conscious of whiat he was. do- ing, or of what had taken place, Innes tried to restrein that receding face by lifting a hand, which felt so curiously |; heavy and helpless that his confused | | | | wits wandered that way for the moment. “IT don’t—what’s the matter with— Hannah?” he buskily mumbled, striving to pick up one hand with its mate, yet failing, as eyes deceived their master. He seemed so utterly helpless that Kit- tie rallied, forgetful of self in another’s needs, gently touching his damp fore- head with her cool hand while speak- ing: “You will rally in a few moments, Mr, Innes, and then— ”’ Ralph gave a start and a low ejacula- tion, his hand flying up to brush across his eyes; then his vision cleared like magic and he cried: “Tt is—surely I know—Kittie Crooks?” Again the girl of the mountains blushed divinely, and again she shrunk back timidly. ° For the time being neither man. nor maiden gave thought to yonder buyllet- marked strangler, yet Peter Peltz was far from being harmless. Although it looked as though that bul- let had passed directly through his evil brain, the mountaineer was lifting that same head,. was opening those blood- marked eyes, taking savage note of the maiden and the human prey which he had so nearly sent over the range! A few.moments thus, but only while his wicked wits were working clear of the tangle that bit of lead had thrown them into; then. the Strangler silently moved right hand back to the heavy re- volver which still rested in holster against his hip. Just as silently he brought the weapon to the front, meaning to finish the evil work so lately begun; but again he was foiled, for a dark shape came bounding through the open door, striking swiftly with a elub. “Whirr-roo! ye -divil roared Barney O’Shea, o’ »=6©Howth!” . CHAPTER XV. CHARGES AND COUNTER-CHARGES. . With a dexterity which told he was far more at home with stick than with gun, Barney O’Shea made his stroke, deftly knocking that ugly weapon aside just in time to save the life of the unsus- pecting young man. With pistol went hand, and a savage howl of mingled pain and fury burst from the baffled Strangler as blood flew from torn skin and sorely bruised knuckles. “ Ah-ha, me laddy-buck!”’ exulted the amateur detective as he followed up the vantage won, jerking Peter over upon his stomach and then squatting across the small of his back with far more weight than courtesy. “ Aisy wid ye, now, an’ av yees cayn’t be aisy, be aisy as ye kin, faith!” It all took place with such rapidity that neither man nor woman had ; a chance to act or to aid; but now, swift- ly rallying from the partial stupor into - ‘which close-grazing death had cast him, | Ralph Innes staggered to his feet, one hand clearing his misty vision, its fan fumbling for a weapon at his middle. “ What means—Wwho ever—you, Bar- ney? ” “Barney bedad! Av it wor not Barney, thin, pwhere w’u’d the loikes av yees be pwhin—aisy, ye squamblin’ divil, yees! a For Pet@ Peltz, realizing that only — swift and wure action could avail 1 with all his might to unseat “that rough rider and so win enough tection, for a fight against sae : ae = ‘Sc sae ee %. AOS EEO
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But Barney was not so readily over- turned, one hand gripping throat, an- other tangling fingers in that shaggy pow, while knees clenched ribs with pressure almost sufficient to make them | crack, “Hold fast—don’t let him escape!” cried Kittie Crooks, quick to recognize |- , the peril which would surely follow a ¢ breakaway. “He tried to murder Mr. , Innes, and he is one of the—” | A howling roar came from the Strang- i ler, cutting her hasty speech short. He : ~ fought desperately, giving Barney all he wanted to do to keep from being shaken | off that squirming perch. ie ; Ralph Innes now recognized the situ- ti ation, and picking up the pliant rope j which had so nearly cut short his own life, he aided O’Shea in securing the = arms of the desperado, paying no heed to the howls and cries and curses with = which Peltz strove to scare them both 4 away. Not until the murderer was bound past the power of belping himself or injur- ing others did the two men cease. Then Barney, grinning broadly and tugging at a loose-lying lock of sandy hair over an eye, rose erect and saluted the young lady. “Faith, ma’am, ’twas a hurry-coon-in- widout-knockin’, but phwin Oi saw how that thafe o’ the woorld was toyin’ wid his goon—” “He meant murder!” * And I owe you my life, I reckon, Bar- ney,” added Ralph, soberly, hand coming forth as further acknowledgment. O’Shea turned hot and red at this, but he was too honest a fellow to take hand where heart could not follow, and turned aside with a painful fit of coughing which was louder than genuine. Did Innes notice? Did he divine the cause? If so he made no sign, but turned _. toward the mountain maid, holding forth ", both hands as he began thanking Kittie | for her timely shot. ¢ ! “Only for that I would be a dead man ere this,” he added, brokenly,holding her 4 hands tightly between his own. “I came here through pure chance, and never so much as suspected what an infernal de- mon was giving me shelter until—too late to help myself!” “TI know—I was thinking of’ my—my father,” faltered Kittie, slipping hands | away and blushing brighter than ever as she caught something like a mocking laugh from the corner into which Peter Peltz had been dragged for the nonce. This started the different explanations, f ays and Barney came to the front once more, " telling briskly how he had tracked the Saheacane suspect from Salvation City into the gears hills, only to lose all trace of him after crossing the brawling river. ty Hopelessly lost as to his own location, aaa then, O’Shea lay out for the rest of the 4 night, tired enough to sleep in spite of aes his natural dread of waking up to find is eae himself swallowed by wild beasts, faith.! Loe ‘An’ thin, pwhin marning kem widout annybody callin’ me to brickfasht, bedad, ’twas rustle, hustle or go hoongry, ye divii!’” declared the Irishman, quaintly gesticulating. “‘ An’ so—an’ so! ’Twas H MA this way the nose av me tuck a p’int, faith, shmillin’ the shmoke av not the supper, an’ thin—ow-wow! Crrrack-ge- “pug bang! ’Twas an aavil-soundin’ brick- oe fasht bill, sure, but pwhin in a divil’s “ASE own counthry loike this, sor, an’ ye, ss a’am, it’s the fool that’s too critical, ¥: _ faith, an’ so—au’ that’s the way av it irik. all, begorra!” . 2 M*’You' chipped in at the } ght moment, : old man, and I'll not forget it in a hurry, va”, >." either,” soberly declared Innes, again of- ‘: : fering his hand. oe This was even more awkward than the eS: frst time, but Barney was true to his as rs, flushing warmly, yet shaking his head ben, pen Ae both hands behind his back bs paises ch or shake. V Bs ‘frowned darkly, saying sharply: at’s the matter with yo _ Is my touch poison that - yu Te- even take my nani a _ Bar- | The Sparkler Sport. Play white, come, old fellow! can’t you?” “Faith, sor, an’ that same’s jist pwhat Barney O’Shea is thryin’ to do, thin,” hastily spluttered the cook. ‘‘Av Oi knew jist phwat soort av a hand it wor ye was afferin’ me, sor, thin—eh?” For Kittie Crooks, sorely troubled over the unusually protracted absence of her father, had crossed over to where the Strangler was lying in bonds, speaking hurriedly yet distinctly enough for the Irishman to catch both words and mean- ing. “My father—where is he, Mr. Peltz? You know; he surely. came over here to see you, last evening, and now—tell me where he is?” “Where? Nelson Crooks is—go to the devil and shake yourself!” harshly growled the ruffian, cutting himself short. “ But my father was—is—tell me, I beg of you, sir!” But the rascal only grinned maliciously up into that pleading face, making no response, giving no answer save that surly sneer. But Barney O’Shea caught the name, although he failed to rightly comprehend the tie of blood, and only thinking how best to escape the awkward dilemma into which the gratitude of Ralph Innes had cast him, blurted forth the news: “Nilson Chrooks, is it, thin? Sure, ma’am, that blatherin’ blaggaird bloody- murthered him lasht noight, at—howly Moses! ” For Kittie gave a choking cry, catching at her throat as she staggered back, saved from falling only by the swift ac- tion of Ralph Innes. Peter Peltz broke into a coarse laugh as he watched and listened, but for the moment no one paid him attention. Poor Kittie seemed stunned by the blow, although she managed to free her- self from the young man’s clasp, leaning against the side of the room, sobbing and panting sorely. Again Ralph offered assistance, and again his aid was declined, He stood for a few moments in irreso- lution, then turned upon the unlucky Irishman, gripping an arm with cruel force while saying, lowly: “Tf you are lying, Barney O’Shea, I’ll forget all you’ve done for me this day and—the. truth,“man! What abogt—ver father?” “Faith, sor, an’ ‘tis mesilf pwhich wishes ’twas ahl a loie, thin,” candidly | answered Barney, “ but divil a loie is it at ahl, sor! He did it; murthered him loike a dog, bedad!” Intes turned upon the bound Strang- ler, bending low enough to grip an arm give it a fierce shake before speak- ng. “You devil of all devils! Did you do | this? If so—if you’re guilty of butcher- ing this lady’s father, I’ll see that you hang for it! Ay! I ii hang you higher | than a summer kite!” Instead of flinching or showing fear, | the Strangler bared his wolfish teeth in . an evil grin, then deliberately spat’ up- : ward into that white, stern-set face above him, laughing harshly as Innes drew back with a jerk. “Bah! Hang me, is it?” he cried, viciously, face reddening and veins swell- ing in time with his writhing muscles as he strove his utmost to burst or slip the rope which held him so impotent. “Better look to your own neck, blow- hard! Hang me? See that 7 don’t fit | the noose tc your thrapple first-off, then!” Barney O’Shea leaned a bit closer at this, his little eyes fairly aglow with ‘interest, hands working as though they itched to close upon—whom? Kittie Crooks rallied, just then, and | with a courage which did her credit, came forward, pale and haggard through | grief, yet still trying to hope in spite of her natural dread of evil. Ralph instinctively put forth a hand to a — ‘intercept her, but it was quickly pushed : close ne the Stranaien. speaking with forced composure: “My father; tell me the truth, Peter Peltz! If you have—if he has come to harm at your hands—I swear by all man- kind holds sacred that you shall pay the full penalty of the law! Now—my father?” “You heard Paddy, I reckon, didn’t you?” “ But—I ask you: where is my father, : Peter Peltz?” “Over to town—what’s left of him, then!’ came the vicious answer, fol- lowed by the words: ‘J never harmed him. Barney lied, there. It was the work of the pals he went back on: the Stranglers, I reckon!” Kittie shrunk back as though dealt a stinging blow full in the face. Ralph gently touched her, but again she re- coiled from his assistance; and again she faced that evil knave in bonds. ‘You lie when you say that my father was one of that evil gang,” the mountain maid forced her lips to utter with false composure. “You dare to accuse him? You, Peter Peltz?” x “ And you know that I’m fully justified in making that same charge, too, Kittie Crooks,” surlily spoke the Strangler. Like one who fears worse insult to a lady, Ralph Innes chipped in, with gentle force clasping that round waist and swinging the girl aside and further to the rear, then taking her place himself, frowning down upon the conscienceless villain upon whose brow was the bloody brand even then. “ And you betrayed yourself only a few minutes ago, Peter Peltz,” the private secretary said, sternly, shaking forefin- ger over that face the while. ‘‘ You are one of that evil gang, past all denial! Look!” and he further bared his own neck where the discolored welts showed significantly. Instead of showing fear, or shrinking, the Strangler laughed aloud, his tones full if not clear, his reddened, eyes glow- ing savagely the while. “You laugh now, but later on—” “Bah! What about later on? You dare not say aught, Ralph Innes, for you are deeper in the mud than I am in the mire!” arney caught his breath sharply at , but as Innes flashed a glance that . he recoiled a bit, again feigning a ~ “Ralph looked back to the Strangler, speaking sternly: | “You can’t throw me off the right ' scent by crying wolf, Peter Peltz. If you ‘are guilty of this latest foul outrage— . oer you can read your title clear—I wear to never give over until your wearthiden life has paid full penalty, and then wish you were a cat to die over | and over again!” | “ When / pull hemp, you’ll be climbing a tree right there, Innes, If the whole truth of that camp-raid ever comes to light, you’ll hang. too mighty sudden for any sort of use!” Now Barney could hold in no longer, and surging forward he cried: “ Spaake the truth, ye lyin’ divil, yees! ; Til me phwat ye maane be that guff? Peers out me masther, thin, Pater Z ” se aI CHAPTER XVI. | WHERE SATAN SERVED HIS OWN. With fierce earnestness came that ques- _ tion, and for the moment he whose lips | shaped it, had eyes, ears, thoughts only for the villain in bonds, through whom ‘he hoped to solve that ugly mystery. | Peter Peltz flashed eyes from one face to the other, shaggy beard bristling as he gave a forced grin on meeting the arate gaze of the young man around ' whose neck so plainly showed the ae of the cord, | Was there a silent menace in those blue orbs? Barney O’Shea followed _ that glance, — So yt oem aside; Day the: br a maid ae anda sole Bey of seg "very tenor forced - a
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itself upon his busy brain. x ; shoulders, he spoke again: “Spaake out, yet blatherin’ spalpeen, Till me: who was at the botthom thin! av ahl that dirthy worruk, Oi say?” } Peter Peltz broke into a harsh, brief- : lived laugh. He made one more attempt Fail- ing in this, he spoke in savagely distinct to break away from those bonds. tones: you lunk-headed Paddy?” thin, ye rashkil?” “TIT mean Ralph Innes, no less!” ing that point fairly home. ahl this, faith? toime, clane over to Salvation City? An’ wasn’t he—” aside as though he no longer looked for as aid or comfort in that direction. “TI ocan Swear that Ralph Innes hired the Strang- lers to kill the old man and run off the two youngsters, for the purpose of sell- ing their lives or their liberty!” Fle Pate Kittie Crooks gave a low cry at this = abominable accusation. Barney O’Shea ‘i turned squarely upon the accused, hands clenched and face all aglow with honest - indignation. # But Ralph Innes himself showed no ae fear, no rage, naught save contempt and a scorn, even breaking into a light laugh fuss as though the charge was too frivolous for serious denial. Not so Barney O’Shea. His suspicions _ had turned in that direction from the Yvery first, and this seeming confirmation only added to their weight. Yet that bold front held him in check, and he simply said: / “D’ye hear that, thin, sor? Did ye— did ye do it, Misther Ralph?” “Did I—no, you fool!” with sudden heat in face and in temper. “Only an idiot would ever think to ask such a question, and if you—” | “Why wouldn’t he try to lie out of it, a Paddy?” derisively cut in tha Strangler, a who plainly wished to get his two cap- A, tors more deeply imbroiled, possibly mee thinking that thereby his own chances of escape would be increased, But it was not to be. Barney lacked the hardihood to press his point home, and Innes apparently thought bare de- nial sufficient for all purposes, so far as he himself was concerned, Not so when it came to the prisoner, though. Denials here went for less than naught, and the young man added threats to promise. “Tl wring the whole truth out of you, you scoundrel, though I have to put you to torture such aS would shame an In- dian!” he vowed, sternly. “T’ll take you over to Salvation, and once there—” “T never done anything to pull hemp for, while you have!” What manner of retort might have ‘come from Ralph Innes will never be Known, for Kittie Crooks, rallying brave- ly from the awful shock the unconsid- _.- @red speech of Barney O’Shea had given 5 her, again came to the front with ques- tions which Peter Peltz sullenly refused to answer. Barney fancied he saw an opening for Making partial amends, and at once grasped at it. . With the best of intentions he declared that Nelson Crooks had received but slight injuries, and would hardly know that aught had happened him in a day from that blessed hour; but Kittie re- fused to put full faith in that assurance. _ “No, no!” the mountain maid said, her voice catching painfully in her _ throat. “You mean well, sir, and I . feet: etre 0 Quickly shifting his station so as to cut off fur- ther communication with his own broad “Why ask me, when there’s another here who can tell you so much better, “Ye maane—phwat do yees maane, The owner of that name gave an in- » voluntary start and seemed on the point of pushing forward, but Barney still held the right of way, and persisted in press- “Pwhat has Misther Innes to do wid Wasn’t he aff at the “Head and spirit of the whole affair, |. and so I’m making my davy!” viciously cried the Strangler, throwing all reserve | thank you for it; but I know—I know that father will never come back home! ” “Sure, thin, ma’am—” “He would never stay away so long if he could crawl—or even be moved,” de- clared Kittie, her voice growing stronger with using it, although her pale face and dark-lined eyes told how seriously she had suffered through suspense since the evening before. ‘I must go to him, since he can nevér—come to—to me!” She turned to leave the cabin, but Ralph quickly interposed. “You cannot—you must not go alone, | Miss Crooks. We will see you safely to town, if you can wait for a few moments longer.” “T thank you, sir, but I am not afraid. I know the way well.” “ Allow me to insist, dear girl,” urged Ralph, earnestly. “ We will not hinder you, but be of assistance, rather. going to take this rascal back to town, and if what Barney hints is true—” That pale face suddenly flushed and those dulled eyes caught a fire which was almost savage in its brilliancy. Kittie grasped the light Winchester which she had used in such a timely Manner, even though the small pellet had glanced from that too-thick skull. She menaced the Strangler with its muz- zle, and only for the prompt action taken by Innes there might have been another tragedy right then and right there. “ Patience, Miss Crooks,” the secretary | position to balk, hanging back when In- I’m ° said while leading the maid from cabin . to clear air without. “If Peter Peltz has done your father harm, be sure he Shall be punished to the utmost extent of the law.” “The law? There is no law out here— for poor people!” “Then I’ll see to his reward myself,” assured Ralph. His soothing tones and kindly man- her presently wrought the cure he de- . sired, and then Kittie Crooks watched / and waited for their further tions. At first the Strangler surlily swore that he would never walk a step in the direction of town, and for a short time prepara- / Cloud of spray and shower of water- _ Waves, but without stopping for thought threats nor arguments could shake that grim resolution; but when Ralph Innes | drew a knife and freely made use of its keen point, the rascal yielded with an ill grace, “Let up, curse ye!” he growlingly ) to the surface or drown, since his arms cried, flinching from that smarting spur. | “Tl go, but—devil scorch me if I don’t. make ye both pay for all this: pay ten- thousand-fold, too!” “Augh-yaugh, thin,” quoth Barney O’Shea. “ Blatherin’ cooms moighty aisy to yees now, me laddy-buck, but afther | that same divil begins his scoorchin’, faith, "tis litthle toime ye’ll hev foor | annythin’ woorse thin wigglin’ squarmin’ ahl over the gridoirn, begob! ” Between them the two men quickly prepared their prisoner for taking the road after submission was won. His arms remained bound, as a matter of course, but his lower limbs were left at liberty, since all would have to walk the miles lying between cabin and town. During brief interval# Barney did some hurried foraging, finding enough. cold victuals to satisfy his ravenous hunger to a degree. Since nothing better of- fered, he could hold out until at Salva- tion again. Then the little party set forth, taking the most practicable route, guided by Kittie, who was perfectly familiar with that section, thanks to the years she had spent in the foothills along with her father. ~ During that tramp Ralph Innes found plenty of chances to watch and weigh the little maid, and unless his big blue eyes spoke falsely, he found his own reward in so doing. : > This was not his first meeting with Kittle, by several. Chance had brought them together in the first place, while an’. . turbed. Ralph was out with his rod and line . after a mess of mountain trout for the camp mess; but something more than | scent, and up to that time no serious _ the 17 chance had led to his seeing her again— and still again! And now, knowing that but for her hasty shot back yonder at the Strangler’s cabin, death would have been his portion past all doubt, the private secretary gazed upon the maiden with still strong- er interest. Their route led to the river ford where Barney O’Shea had been thrown off the trouble had been found in escorting the Strangler. Peter Peltz looked surly and sullen enough, but beyond an occasional mut- tered curse or imprecation, he had moved along freely and easily enough; but as that ford was reached, he showed a dis- nes tried to force him upon the stepping- stones first of all. Impatient at even that slight delay, anxious as she was because of her father, Kittie sprang past them all, nimbly trip- ping over the broken current to the fur- ther shore, Then Peter Peltz yielded, seemingly realizing how worse than useless would be a stubborn fight where he was so helplessly hampered. But—was he so helpless? Those two stout guards hardly found him so a few moments later, for Peter gave Barney a savage kick in the stom- ach which fairly doubled him up, then shouldered Innes roughly, giving a hoarse yell of defiant hatred as he plunged headlong into the deep pool i which lay below the ford! é : Kittie gave a shrill cry of warning a as she turned head to see this desperate stroke for liberty, and she flung up her Winchester as quickly as possible, pull- ing trigger even before butt could touch a. her shoulder, There was no time for more: no time F for aim or calculation: for even then that Rs burly shape was vanishing amidst a drops. Ralph Innes rallied swiftly, but too late to see more than those ciréling or for speech, he likewise plunged from ford to pool, swimming boldly to the bend, there looking for the Strangler, feeling confident that Peter must come 2G were still in bonds. : But he saw no head, heard no gasp of drowning wretch, found no sign of his prisoner though he waited and searched long and stubbornly. aye Had the Strangler preferred drowning to hanging? CHAPTER XVII. A BUSY NIGHT FOR THE SPARKLER. Together that warning note from Jack Ketch was discussed in all its bearings, Sparkler Steve taking a far more favor- able view of the affair than Martin Kirk- wood could attain. As a matter of fact the Sport was more sanguine by nature, and as he held pre- cious scant faith in the idea one ought always to look upon the gloomy side of matters, he feigned rather more than less confidence tha. «i: was bound to turn out right in the end. “The sending of this very note is an : evidence of conscious weakness when — you come to peep below the surface,” ; he declared, briskly. “It shows Jack Ketch is afraid of being run to earth be- at fore he can fully arrange his wires, and ms that is—” 3 OR: “Yet you advise patience and wait- ing!” interrupted Kirkwood, with fire in tone as it surely showed in eyes. “That’s no lie, either,” equably re- torted the Sparkler, in no wise dis-— “T so advise, not that I doubt success in case we rush matters so as these scoundrels your daughter, ues “Then you really think millionaire. I fear, rather,” yet “
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+ amendment. ‘“ To aman in your circum- stances a few thousand more or less cuts but a trifling figure, but a daughter like Miss Lorella—that’s heap-sight differ- ent!” The old man made a passionate gesture at this; “Td rather live a beggar to my dying day than have aught of harm befall my darling!” “TI know it, sir, and that is precisely ’ why I advise modest deliberation just 4 at present. While I hold full faith we ‘ could. handle the Stranglers, with Jack Ketch at their head, harm might easily come to the young lady while the rest of us were mixing up in a rough house, And so—I say. wait with what patience can be mustered, until further word comes. from the fellows across. the : board.” : , Terribly anxious though he was, Mar- 7 tin Kirkwood could not deny the force of this reasoning, and little by little he calmed, Sparkler Steve staying by him ai until that victory was fairly won, “Since the rascals have opened up communications, sir, you can feel assured that no decided steps will be taken on their side of the table without fair no- tice to yourself. And_so, to leaye you in better fettle for the wind-up, sup- pose you try for another forty winks?” Kirkwood protesied that sleep was utterly out of the question so long as this awful suspense lasted; but. the Sparkler Sport held. fairer faith in the arts of the physician. He humored the old gentleman, craftily, and then, un- der cover of. fetching a fresh sup of water, administered another portion of the sleeping draught without being sus- pected by the patient. Half an hour later Martin Kirkwood was placidly slumbering, apparently good for the remainder of that eventful x night. Starlight waited by his bedside until fully assured that the old gentleman would not rouse up at his departure, then rose silently to his feet, a half-smile on his mustached lip as he gazed upon the sleeper. “The face of a hard, strong-willed man!” muttered the Sport, hardly con- scious of the sounds which crossed his lips. ‘“‘The face of one who is unduly proud of his wealth, his position in life, his blue blood, his—and I?” One hand flew out in swift gesture, and that smile almost turned to a sneer as he added: “T am nearly penniless, living from hand to mouth, with no family and little Ane more than a fair record to back me up! Sa No! I am more than that: heap-sight S more than that, for I am—over head and ears in love with your fair daughter, Martin Kirkwood!” A curious confession, oddly made, but no harm was done if no particular good was accomplished. The millionaire sleeper was past hear- ing, just then, and no other ears were nigh enough to make note of that avowal. 1 ‘ Laughing softly to himself over his own impetuous folly, the Sparkler Sport turned away from the side of the slum- berer, opening the door and passing out of the chamber, pausing to listen again after gently closing the door. Not a sound came from within, and satisfied that Martin Kirkwood was dis- posed of for the remainder of that night, Starlight moved away in the direction of his own apartment. Sad _ That, as already stated, had been turned over to the wounded mountaineer, Nelson Crooks; but the Sport had no im- - mediate intention of going to bed, so the lack of sleeping accommodations did not trouble him. | ‘Statins g pits at apts wigs 8 oe _ Starlight listened until a slight stir with- in convinced him the man of medicine Se Ts en atirnaticnml pea poeree op at Te ye Pees PNG PTD me he ae) Ge LOT TOE Dt tT - eee > th | man, ous tapping at the portal Potter to the’ door, an faded a bit a Pee ts famous character in that section: Vin- -was still on guard, faithfully caring for | e injured man, 7 3M | was “ crooking Sma ond fas to r e Saget. | i ow ; The Sparkler Sport. the Sport, he seemed by no means eager to grant admission. “Just for a minute or so,’ whispered Starlight, deftly slipping past the guard- ian and flashing a keen look upon the sick man. “I’ve coaxed the old gentle- man off into a sound snooze, and now— no change, doctor?” “No change to speak of; no, sir.” “ But he’s no worse, surely? ” “Nothing to speak of. In fact, since he’s no worse, it is almost safe to pro- nounce him better, if you can compre- hend the seeming paradox,” Sparkler Steve was gazing. wistfully upon that pale, haggard face, changed S50 greatly since the evening before, If he heard that speech, he paid it no at- tention, presently speaking, guardedly: “He looks plenty strong enough to talk sensible, doctor! I’d give a finger for just fifty words from his lips, if he would—let me take a flyer, pardner!” “Not now,” almost sternly ehecked the physician, hand closing upon an arm as though he meant to add force to his denial. “Every minute of this sleep is worth an ordinary hour. To break in upon it might make, all the difference between life and death!” “That’s hard—mighty hard luck, Doc! If he might just say°a word or two, even! For right there lies the right. cue to this whole Strangler outfit—I’m: will- ing to lay my life upon it, doctor!” But the man of medicine was not to be stirred from the stand he had taken, by this or by. any other argument the Sparkler might use. He shook his iron- gray head resolutely, then said: “Can’t help it, Starlight. I'ma doctor, first of all, and if my own life hung in the balance, I’d never allow this poor devil to be disturbed right. now. You know me, old fellow; and so—no use!” Sparkler Steve fully realized so much, and drew a long breath which He tackled the Sparkler Sport at sight, volubly .denouncing the infernal gang which had brought a blight and.a curse upon the country, asking how much longer decent..citizens would meekly stand such doings? “ Why, man,. dear, it’s. ruin—just. ruin- ing the business interests. of Salvation! Here. I’ve .been—been trying. my level prettiest to get a game started this. six hours past, and here I am—with nothing better to do than curse the luck and pour bad. whisky down the red lane!” “ Better play right hand. against left, Messick. Whisky is sure to down you, no matter what you draw to,” advised a the Sport, soberly. : “Who licensed you to start preaching, Sport? Better—we’d all, better brace up . and hunt those strangling deyils off the ‘ face of the earth! I’m.in for. just. that sort of game! I’ll go. myself, and I'll pay wages to another half-dozen, for this campaign or the war! Whoo-up! Who talks next?” Messick whirled on a heel, flashing eyes over one and all there present, then speaking on as-no other one volunteered: “T hate ’em—hate.’em all worse than I do rank poison! I have said it many a time, and now I repeat: this. gang of Jack Ketch ought to be run off the face of the earth, and Ill tackle the job by my lonesome if there’s never another man in all Salvation with enough back- bone to ga me pards! “ For shame, ye cursed.curs! To let little of being a. sigh as his gaze came reluctantly away from the face of the sleeper. ‘ . “AJL right,..doctor. I can’t keep on kicking when you.take that tone, But mind; no matter the hour, or what I may be doing, let me know just as soon as Crooks rouses up. You will promise’ me this, honest?” “Yes. Now you'd better go, I reckon. Good-night—morning, rather! ” Leaving the sick-chamber, Sparkler Sport passed to. the lower floor; pausing at the office long enough to direct an- other chamber to be prepared for his oc- cupancy on his return, then passed out under the stars. , Those broken accusations made by Nelson Crooks were still ringing through his busy brain, and he began the quest for Peter Peltz, meaning to win a more perfect alibi from that burly knave in case he should be met up with But that meeting did not occur, and look where he might Sparkler Steve failed to find the fellow, or to learn any definite tidings concerning him, beyond a certain point. There were not Jacking those who could tell him of the convivial pair who had made the rounds in company, indus- triously “shingling ” the greater portion of the “all-night places” in Salvation; but no one seemed able to tell him just whither Peter or Barney had gone, eventually, While thus occupied the Sparkler Sport came im contact with another fairly ya 4 cent Messick, gambler, chief, all-around sport, , Just now “ Vin” seemed on the verge of one of his “ periodicals,” during which he was mighty apt to prove himself a burden to his friends and a terror to his enemies. f en Not that Messick was actually drunken —when he reached riodical,” ’twas “ wa your holes” in hasty’ earne y Feb such an outfit run the whole country, and ruin your business, and cover your town with dirt!. For shame on such white-liy- ered whelps of cowardice! While I—I alone will make ’em hustle to—to—who said take a horn?” Not the Sparkler Sport, for one, and he. passed. out of the saloon while the others were lining up in front of the bar, A half-smile was. upon his face, but “f. there was little mirth in his soft chuckle os as. he turned face once more toward the Midway Hotel... va A. “Methinks he doth protest too loud- | ae 5 ly!” crossed..those lips, slowly.. “I won- der if it wouldn’t feteh pay dirt to sink ae a shaft through that fool’s memory-box? = e And yet—I can hardly think him one of oe a that. outfit, either!” - ci While moving toward his hotel, Spark- : ler Steve dropped in at one or two more ee saloons,,on the off-chance of hitting off scent or striking information worth the “te? trouble; but nothing came of these vent- ures, and he reached the Midway with a a belief that Peter Peltz had jumped the “i town for the present, while Barney— “Gone back to the camp, I wouldn’t wonder,” mused the Sport as he passed on after obtaining the key to his new room. ‘“ He’s an odd genius, is Barney, but nothing crooked-about him, surely! — Can’t say as much for Peter, though! If, there isn’t the shadow of a noose about his blessed neck, then there’s something out of whack with my mental optics: yes!” amponins : _ Never once thinking. of possible peril to himself, and bent only on catching a comfortable “forty winks” before the new day should grow too old, Sparkler Steve passed on to his chamber, insert- ing key, turning it quickly, then push- ing the door open for his own admit- tance. fee pitas Even as he stepped inside, Starlight caught a spitting sound, then took note _ ‘of a scattering spark of fire close in. - front of his breast. = ... fon Swift as thought itself he grasped this, gave a fierce wrench and twist, which tore the thing free, then hurled it through window-glass and all—then _ came ‘a tremendous explosion which ‘seemed to shake the hotel. be Ae o ee a » Snakes, and hun oe rnest; but he vy” after an oml- usually reticent far more lively is e orn oe as 2 ae ‘oe SE, ‘of th h 1 <a +
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he was placed beyond making serious trouble, Jack Ketch watched the work until it | The Sparkler Sport. ! | ; | | { ; | was complete, at the same time hinder- | ing Lorejla from: making any outcry, his | gloved touch seemingly paralyzing the | poor child for the moment. “You're a bigger fool than I took you | for, youngster, and. that’s needless,” his captors. “I gave you a fair chance to: do the crowd full credit, and now— like this!” oner. “What comes next, boss?” asked one of the ruffians. “Run him back where he came froni. See that he don’t make further bother, but don’t harm him beyond that. He’s worth money, if he is an idiot of the rankest stripe!” Without giving Kirkwood a chance to say more, the Stranglers hurried him away from the spot, leaving their chief with Lorella, The maiden was trembling like a leaf, more through fear for her hot-headed brother than herself, however. Still, she was brave enough to hold back her cries, her sobs, all outward evidence of that fear, lest such expression still fur- ther anger Jack Ketch. ‘The Strangler Chief was ready enough to talk business, for his part, and when his fellows had vanished from view with their stubborn charge, he setiled down near the maiden, like one who means to settle matters once for all. “Failing your brother, Miss Kirkwood, {t reckon you and I will have to do the preliminary chin-chin. This affair wants arranging mighty badly, and so—right here you have the nubbin of it all! “We've got you foul. We've taken every trick so far, and hold the rest of the trumps. You can’t win out, try though you may; so—what’s the use? Why not come down gracefully, since come. you must?” Lorella murmured something: she hardly knew just what: but Jack Ketch waved his hand as though requesting silence, and then spoke on: “The idea of it runs pretty much like this, my dear, We need money, while your father needs his kids. That natu- rally suggests an exchange, which fetches us down to bedrock. Now—lend me thy ears, Sweetness! : “Here you are, and we can hold you worthy daddy could enlist in six months. Fighting can’t help you away, but hard cash can win out without wasting so much, as. a cartridge! “T’m almost ashamed to look you in the face while mentioning such a petty figure for such a charming prize, but the word has beer spoken, and I never go “In that case bodily harm may come to one or-to both, while financial injury most assuredly will strike Mr. Kirk- wood.” “You mean—I hardly understand you, sir?” faltered the maiden. “Simply this: that an attempt on part of your father or your friends to rescue | you before the hard cash 1s paid, will grimly quoth the Strangler, as Allen:was jerked to his feet and held helpless by | | against all the men your more or less 4 back on my say-so. That means, twenty- five thousand ducats pays for both your- self and your brother: no more, no less!” Lorella. plucked up courage at this, and in slightly tremulous tones made answer: “TI know—I feel sure father would pay that much, sir, if he knew just how —that is—” “When he knows that it is pay ran- som or go into full mourning?” coolly cut in the Chief. of the Stranglers. “Just.so! And that forms part of the peppergram, my dear. “T’ve already supplied the materials, which I desire you to use pretty much after this fashion: First listen to my terms, then set down the solid facts in your own words, That may impress | as silk “You devil!”’ hoarsely panted the pris- | be met by failure so far as you are con- cerned, and a raise in the price of ran- som. “Take me with the grain, and I’m soft and’ smooth as: velvet. Brush me contrary—well, don’t you do it! I’d turn: bee»t to your beauty, and then— good-by!”’ For all Jack Ketch spoke with a cer- tain lightness, Lorella shrunk away as far as her bonds would permit; for her. ankles. still tied, although, that. keen blade had set her arms at liberty. The Strangler saw this, then chuckled as though amused by the effect of his thinly masked menace, ad - “Enough on that score, I fancy, Miss Kirkwood. I'd hate like sin to play you dirt, but business is business, and my faith is pledged to my gallant lads, you understand? Just now I.am_ master, but if a slip-up in this little specula- tion should comte—chaos!” “TI will write—l will set down all you tell me, sir,” said Lorella, eager to end the ordeal as quickly as might be. “ Only —I hardly comprehend just what. it is | you desire me to tell father.” “Well, that’s easily remedied, my dear. Just make him understand that you are not treated so mighty badly, but that your future depends entirely upon him- self—and his hard cash! Mention the full price, in figures.so plain that he can’t well mistake them. “When so much is done, I'll speak further.” Seeing. that her captor meant imme- diate compliance, Lorella took pen and paper, writing upon her knee for lack of a more steady desk. The first words came slowly and awk- wardly enough, but.then the pen moved more freely and line after line was add- ed to the page, until Jack Ketch flung up his hands in mock. horror. “Go easy, my dear. little dumpling! It isn’t a three-volume novel I ask you to indite, but a simple note which—let me see just what you have written, any- Way.” Before Lorella could divine his inten- tion, Jack Ketch secured the paper, run- ning eyes swiftly over those flowing lines, giving an occasional grunt as he read, Whether this meant satisfaction or disapproval, the girl.had no means of knowing, so she sat in silence through that reading. . “A blind man would know a woman wrote it,” remarked the Chief of the Stranglers, as he handed back the paper. “Well, the old gentleman will have time enough to wade through it all, I reckon, and he’ll be all the surer it comes direct from your hands. So—go on, dear!” “What more shall f write, sir?” timidly asked Lorella, in doubt. “Something like this, please. Add that only fair dealing is asked for, and that any attempt to play double, or to trick us after an exchange, will be met with worse than defeat. Go on, little one.” Lorella obeyed, putting the hint into as compact a form as she knew how, then reading it to the Strangler. “Good enough! With a little more practice we might set up in business as model letter-writers—ahem! ’’’ “There is more to say, sir?” ventur- ed Lorella. “ Heaps of it, my angel, and the next | chunk shapes like this: The exact man- ner of exchange will be told by word of mouth when my messenger gets there, but it can do no harm to let the old gen- bh» , a RN Se a shivered. and | remained | , Your ransom; really!” 9 personal checks, no drafts, nothing which can be played double on. He shail take this cash to the spot I will name through my messenger. He shall -go there alone, or accompanied only by my messenger; and if any other person or persons attempt to chip in, either with or without his knowledge and consent, the deal is off, and I'll strike him again, heavier than. ever!” Lorella hesitated to put this into words, and Jack Ketch gave a vigorous nod, then said: “Write it out, Miss Kirkwood, please. Nothing like having everything under- stood in advance, you see.” “ But—I’d rather not—” “Rather not what?” . father, sir?” Jack Ketch Jaughed, but there was a | false ring to his notes which only served | to confirm the sudden suspicion which | had assailed the maiden, and flinging ; down the pen, Lorella cried out: | “I will not be a party to any such vile | trick, sir! I'll neyer aid in bringing 'fresh trouble upon my _ poor papa, | when—” | “You. say -you. won't? Then—all | Tight, my stubborn. little angel!. Sup- | Pose. we try something else, just for beans?” Lifting hand to lips, Jack Ketch sounded a prolonged whistle, the echoes ; Of. which floated far away through the night. | After a comparatively brief delay Lo- |rella caught sight of moying shapes | across yonder in the shadows. Those | shapes quickly emerged into the red glow | from a campfire, and a sharp cry es- | caped her lips. “ Quiet, you silly!” muttered the Chief of the Stranglers, leaning far enough her way to clap a gloved hand over lips, cutting short the agitated speech which was just about to take shape. Lorella struggled faintly, but stared | in terror at yonder shapes: one of which was that of her brother Allen, held pow- erless in the grip of three athletic Stranglers, while a fourth stood with, hand on throat, forcing back head and face, while above them | looking knife. Helpless though the young man sure- ly was, he could use his voice, and just then cried out hoarsely to his sister: “Stand firm, ’Ella! Unless—”’ “Button him up, boys!” ordered Jack Ketch, then turning again toward the | terrified maiden to add: “Write as I order, girl, or by all the ‘ gods! yonder knife shall drink dry the | heart of your brother! Speak: will you obey?” “Don’t—I will say what—spare him, I beseech you, sir!” quavered the thor- oughly seared girl, shivering like a leaf in the storm, “All right. Let up on him, lads; I reckon we'll get along without further ; trouble, but—just hold him in sight until | the writing’s done. Now, my love, here’s your pen: write!” CHAPTER XIX. JACK KETCH PUSHES MATTERS. Through love for her brother. that. | brief rebellion was promptly put down, quivered an ugly- /and feeling that now all would be smooth sailing before him, Jack Ketch watched Lorella as the girl wrote from memory. When her pen ceased and she looked up as if for further instructions, the Chief of the Stranglers took the paper, reading what had so far been set down. He gave a curt nod of approval, then spoke: — ) “You’re a jewel: a verita daisy ‘dipped in dew, Miss Kirkwood! I really regret that I’ve begun negotiations for ~ “e Sir! ”» “You are not laying a trap for my t _ ss! Here the sere
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ort. while a bunch of angel-food of your big- ness fairly ready to tumble into the i arms of one who could appreciate you as none other—hello!” Lorella shrunk away with a choking cry, frightened more by this grim play- fulness than she had been while threat- ened by those same hidden lips. Apparently Allen Kirkwood also caught the meaning if. not the very terms, for he wrested himself partially i free from his masked guardians, crying * out menacingly: i 4 “Let up on that, you scoundrel! Yl ; ; pay you off in hot coin if you even } dare—” “Don’t twist a limb off, or snap his vertebra, gentle lambs,” mockingly called back Jack Ketch, as his fellows again forced their charge into subjec- tion. “A body wouldn’t think it, just to look and listen, but that same con- trary kid is worth a cool ten thousand chucks! So—be as mild with him as he’ll let you, please.” So much for the benefit of that young hotspur, then the Chief of the Stranglers turned again toward Lorella, speaking in altered tones: “You hardly seem to appreciate a lit- tle joke, Miss Kirkwood, but let that pass. Business is good enough for yours truly, and we’ll finish up what we've fairly started. “What you’ve indited is all right as far as it goes, but there are a few minor points which may as well be tacked on. If no room is left for questioning one’s meaning, so much the less excuse or kicking up a racket when pay day rolls around.” : Then, in clear, crisp tones, Jack Ketch i | added the items he had in mind, which 4 were faithfully set down by the maiden. Liss Another look over the communication, then the outlaw expressed his full ap- proval, after which Lorella was directed to append her name in full, shaping it so carefully that no question of forgery might arise, “Not that I’m so powerful anxious to : see the last of you, Miss Kirkwood,” he declared, his voice sounding more ear- nest than jesting. “So far as my per- ie : gonal fancy runs, I wouldn’t put on ee mourning if you should be elected to 1 linger here for the rest of your life. Still, business is business; and that runs pretty much like this: “T want the old gentleman to know for certain that this note comes directly from you, and that it means just what Is here set down in black and white.” eS byes ** directed, sir.” yee “ And you have succeeded to a marvel, ae f my dear,” declared Jack Ketch. “Still, voM there might be a lingering doubt as to . ae the authorship, don’t you see? And any- thing like that might cause delay for further light. So--write your name so please.” Again Lorella obeyed, her one wish. now being to satisfy this loquacious vil- tng lain as perfectly as might be. For Allen ~~ -was still held under the knife, and right + how difficult to bend his will, per 5 Like one fully satisfied with the docu- ——s«&Y ment, Jack Ketch turned away, leaving ——. - | Lerella with arms at liberty for the time being, apparently forgetting that much, or else feeling secure in the watchful- hea ness of his lusty knaves. ier Ata nod from their master, the Strang- lers forced Allen Kirkwood away, pass- ing beyond eye-range of the anxious maiden yonder. content with the move as made. “ You can leave him with me now, lads.” - The fellows immediately withdrew, and Kirkwood shook his persgn as and Jack must ee we fiercely sullen was his captive. the fact bothered him but little. “Why are you so confoundedly par- | daddy can recognize it at a glance, . i well she knew how hot was his temper, “That will do,” said Jack Ketch, when — though trying to cast off all defiling The Sparkler S if “a6, “Now, my dear boy, it’s you and I for it,’ was his opening, paper in one hand, while its mate lightly touched one of those strong shoulders. “Try and act sensibly for once, even if it should strike in with fatal effect. The night is well spent, and there’s nothing like be- ginning the new day in ship-shape order. Sabe, kid?” “What is it you want?” surlily de- manded Kirkwood. “What I’m going to get, never you worry, old man. And, as a Starter, here you have it, right from the shoulder. “You shall be my messenger and go- between, and when—” “If I refuse? ” “You'll not refuse, but dé precisely as bidden,” came the cool retort. “‘ You will bear my ultimatum directly to your fa- ther, now at Salvation City, and add any information which this message of mine “may lack.” “So you say.” “And so I mean. You don’t count for so mighty much, even if I have placed a neat little price-tag about your noble neck; but your sister—” ; “Look out, curse you!” 5 “That’s different,” coolly persisted Jack Ketch, in no wise disturbed by these fierce interjections. “When your father fairly comprehends that her safe- ty hangs on close compliance with my terms and conditions, I have little fears as to his actions. “The ransom is to be paid in cash; gold, silver, or bills; no check or draft, nothing which may be used as an after- clap, bear in mind. “This sum is to be taken to Painted Flat; you know the place?” Allen nodded, sulkily, and Jack Ketch spoke on: “JT thought as much. All right. Painted Flat, then. Taken by yourself and Mr. Kirkwood alone, you. under- stand? ” for lack of a better, To ticular, just so the money is turned over to you?” “That’s all right, my critical young friend. Would you take along an army to witness the exchange?” “Y’d have enough there to see fair play, anyway.” “Tll attend to the fair play part, | thank you, sir. And just bear in mind | that I’m shaping terms and conditions ‘for both sides.” j “T have tried my best to write as you | “Tt takes two to make a bargain.” “Not in this case. Only one, and I 'am that important individual. I say you obey. If not—Miss Kirkwood pays the cost. And that—well, lacking the gold , we can have dead loads of fun! She would make a mighty dainty prize to be set on high in a lottery for my pretty lads, don’t you reckon?” : There was more in tone than in words, significant though the latter were, and - Allen Kirkwood seemed about to hurl | himself bodily at the arch-villain, when | he was checked by the muzzle of a re- | volver staring him fairly in the face. “Steady by jerks, kid!” came the harsh warning. “I’ve taken all the non- ‘ gense from you the law allows, and from | this forward we’ll talk business straight, “Martin Kirkwood will find my terms | set down in this paper, but you can add i to them at will. Make him see that he ‘has no option. Show him that square dealing is absolutely necessary on his part, for any attempt to trick or to cheat will be met by brute force, son’ at the first hint of crooked play, ou demon!» per ae ghall: be paid, of course, “Sure as the sun is creeping over the hills yonder, I’ll kill both father and but after that—” “Go on, now. you’ve made a fair be- ginning,” mocked Jack Ketch. “ After that—look out! TP’) hunt you down, though you try to hide your evil head at the bottom of the deepest pit of Tophet! And when found—sure as there is a heaven above us both, I’ll nev- er give over until you have hung like a sheep-killing cur!” Instead of betraying resentment at this fierce menace, the Chief of the Stranglers laughed) carelessly before saying: “ Barking dogs seldom bite, and if I’m safe until you do the deed, [I have mighty little need of life insurance, old fellow. Now—listen. “Tm going te send you off for Salva- tion City to’play your part in the wind- up. See that you make no ugly mis- takes; or the wind-up will wind up your life, dead certain! “Take the cash to Painted Flat as soon aS you can raise it, but go there alone with the old gentleman. If not— well, some of us will be where we can see, if not seen, and anything like foul play will break off all negotiations-that minute! “Play fair, and there shall come no boggle on my side of the board. Beauty goes for booty, and if your dad is con- tent, reckon we ought to be pretty much the same, “That’s enough, and enough satisfies a porker, so—fetch the nag, you fel- lows!” lifting his voice to match his will. ' Hither the Stranglers had been posted in advance, oy else they were marvelous- ly swift to divine a want, for with very slight delay a horse was brought to the front, saddled and bridled, and ready for the road. With a swift motion Jack Ketch cut the bonds which held Kirkwood impot- ent, drawing back a bit as he spoke on: ‘A final word or two, my ‘dear boy, which may help confine you to the straight and narrow path which leads to—ahem! f : “Ags you can see for yourself, the new day is just on the point of dawning. By the time yonder sun shows his forehead, we'll be on the move as well.” “The move?” echoed Kirkwood. “What do you mean by that?” “Merely that we will shift quarters as soon as you start for Salvation City, leaving no trail behind us. This to guard against any possible trick on your part, or that of Kirkwood friends. Un- derstand? ”’ “That you are wasting time and breath, yes. We'll do nothing of that sort until after the exchange is made. Then—on guard!” “That’s all right, my hearty. Let us once elose hooks on the ducats and the rest may go hang! Now—jump aboard, pardner.” 5 Allen Kirkwood acted promptly enough now, nimbly springing into the saddle and holding the spirited animal with a strong hand. i By that dim gray light his face showed unusually pale, but his eyes looked all — aglow as he bent a bit toward Jack Ketch, to hurl a final threat into that masked face. ' But the Chief of the Stranglers appar- ently deemed enough said, for his gloved | right hand flew up as a check, his voice sounding stern and peremptory: “Careful, Mr. Kirkwood! I’ve let you chin-chin more than enough for a dozen, and now—business! . . “Go convey the message I’ve trusted you with. Warn Martin Kirkwood to play white, and to keep all outsiders in the dark until our little bargain is fin- ished. After that—” “We'll hunt you you demon!” down to the gallows, | “Take him in charge, lad,” as an- | other horseman came to the front. “ | him on his way, and you,” to Allen, — “silence, or I'll gag your” as
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—— CHAPTER XX. GQOD-BY TO PETER PELTZ. That daring break for liberty took Ralph Innes completely by surprise, and Barney O’Shea was still worse confound- ed. The Irishman was disabled for the time being by that vicious kick, but his com- panion acted promptly enough. One flashing -glance over that troubled pool, then Innes plunged after his pris- oner, rising to the surface an instant later, shaking the water from his head and face while looking around for his human quarry. There was nothing to be seen of Peter Peltz, even when the current and his own vigorous strokes carried Ralph to the bend for a wider view, although so brief an interval seemed insufficient for even such a daring knave to make an es- cape good. There were no signs of his having left _the river on either shore, there quite high >and rocky. If any such effort had been = ' made, a wet trail would certainly have - betrayed the fact. a, Could it be that Peter was still swim- \ ;,ming below the surface, heading down ‘ ‘stream? Bess There appeared to be no other solution, proved plainly enough that Peter had not ay tried a double back. { There was only one other plausible ex- +> ;planation—that in making his hasty pet ‘plunge, Peter Peltz had struck against Pea *. some sunken rock, breaking neck, fract- es . uring skull, or else knocking him sense- i _ less at once. ++ If so, in all probability he now lay somewhere at the bottom of yonder deep - pool; and, acting upon this belief, Innes ‘returned, to time and time again dive in the pool and grope blindly along its rock- strewn bottom. . In vain. If Peter was there, such blind leoarening failed to find his carcass, and ifinally Ralph gave over. 1 If only himself had been concerned, “doubtless he would have persisted long- -er, for there was a liberal sprinkling of >the bulldog in his composition; but Kit- .tie Crooks was worrying sadly over her father, and rather than permit her to complete that trip alone, Innes would -cut his own quest short. ~ Then, too, he declared his own anxiety ~~ “to take more profitable action concerning ‘his cousin, his promised bride. “So far I’ve been of no use at all,” he , confessed, rather moodily, as he came ‘pack from the cover under shelter of lwhich he had as well as possible wrung ‘out his wet garments. “I thought I “might be able to trail those demons _home, but I failed—failed most wretched- “Ty! ” Barney O’Shea turned face aside and ‘jifted a hand to mask a cough which hard- - ly seemed to be geuine. Kittie said nothing in words, although ~her paling cheeks and fluttering breath -might have told tales to a very close ob- ~server. + Just then Ralph Innes was staring at yonder now silent poo] where Peter Peltz had so strangely vanished from their ken all in a moment. “Good-by, Peter! Satan grant you such repose as your actions in this life | go richly merit!” grimly spoke the young | .. man, then turning away to offer a help- _ ing hand to the mountain maid. -But Kittie took it not, hurrying up the . slope. beg is more on their ‘way to are a | | | | checked by Dr. Potter in io who at i it very y ite talk sikvkent? the way. Bons: Soe eoenten the girl. The Sparkler Sport. Kittie was too deeply agitated by what she knew and what she feared. Barney | preferred to watch and study this fair- seeming man, whom he felt nearly con- vinced was rotten to the bone, while Ralph Innes had ample food to occupy | his brain. The journey was by no means a short one; yet the route was not so very diffi- cult for foot-passengers, and the trio made remarkably good time, without at all overtasking their physical powers. As a rule, Kittie Crooks led the way, and where a girl led, strong men could hardly lag far behind. The poor girl was in a fever of appre- | hension, for she knew her father must ' be seriously injured when he failed to return home, after what had passed be- tween them. Seeing this, Ralph tried to relieve her killing suspense, drawing further assur- ance from Barney’s lips that Nelson Crooks was only slightly hurt; but all such efforts were in vain. “You mean well, sir,” the mountain girl] said, trying to steady her tones bravely enough, but only in part succeed- ing. “I thank you—thank you both, from the bottom of my heart. But—I know!” What more could be said? Nothing. And so the trio hurried on toward Sal- vation City, each one thinking more or less deeply the while. Kittie caught breath sharply as she caught her first glimpse of the town, ly- ing yonder on the level. It seemed just the same as ever, although the sad change which had come to her surely ought to have tyson a like difference yonder. She started ahead almost in a run, and Barney took chance to let drop a warn- ing whisper for Ralph Innes: “Faith, sor, ’tw’u’d be a divil av a sthroke av she was lit roon full ahnto the carpse av her ould mon, begorra! Don’t yees think, sor—” Ralph Innes was thinking pretty much the same thing, and once again he strove to advise and guide the mountain maid; in vain. “I know what you fear, sir,’ Kittie said, looking him full in the eyes with her own fevered orbs the while. “I must hasten to daddy. If he still lives—” “He surely does!” “He will need me all the more, then, sir,’ quietly said Kittie, with just the ghost of a smile flickering into and out of her pale face. “If not, if he has—is— oh, daddy, daddy!” Her forced composure gave way, and for a few minutes found vent in passion- ate tears. Innes gently supported her trembling frame, but wisely held his peace, knowing that this would event- ually result in good. And so it proved to be. Her overstrained nerves seemed re- lieved and calmed by tears, and present- ly Kittie was able to proceed, now stead- ier than ever, better able to meet and bear up under what fate might have in store. The day was yet young when the trio entered Salvation. City, and they were fortunate in reaching the Hotel Midway without encountering any one who in- convenienced them in the least degree— a fact for which Ralph Innes was grate- ful enough, judging from his face and the long breath which he drew when the ho- tel was fairly reached. He gave a start and little exclamation as he took note of an ugly rent in one side of the building, between the first floor and second story, where that infer- nal machine had expended its force with- out material injury to mortal being, luck- ily enough. . Kittie hurried to the front entrance, having thoughts only for her father, knowing from Barney’s lips that the in- | jured mountaineer had been taken to a> room beneath that roof. — j She was met at the door and ‘promptly — Y “ AT Foe ae ae | which stuck so tightly in her throat. 21 “ Wait, Kittie,” he said, quickly, as his hands clasped hers. “ You can’t go up like this, you know!” “Father is—isn’t—oh, doctor!” panted the poor girl, vainly fighting for compos- ure even as she tried to utter words “Mr. Crooks is alive, and doing to the full as well as can be expected,” assured Dr. Potter, his honest eyes frankly meet- ing her gaze. “ But he must not be agi- tated, you know. Be brave, else I'll have to bar you from his chamber, together with all others, little woman.” One burning look, then Kittie drew a long, free breath. She read the glad truth there, and now that the worst was past, she gathered her nerveand spoke in calm, even tones: : “J will, doctor. Only take me to father. He needs me; I know he needs me, sir.” “You will obey orders, then?” with a keen gaze in turn. “I see that you will, Kittie, so come. You can go there, but none others, as yet.” This with a half-nod toward Innes and O’Shea, who had drawn near in curiosity or warm friendship. Neither man tried to force his com- pany upon him, however, and without further delay Dr. Potter conducted Kit- tie to the chamber resigned to Nelson Crooks for the time being. The injured man was sleeping when they entered, looking very pale and hag- gard; so much so, that poor Kittie had to a bite her lips sharply to keep from erying out in grief at the awful alteration. Then, without stir or sound, those heavy lids lifted, and Crooks gazed straight into the face of his only child, kneeling there at his bedside. Kittie forced a smile as she gently kissed his forehead, but Crooks showed no surprise at her presence. He smiled faintly in recognition, then looked past and beyond that fair head, like one seek- ing sight of yet another person. Dr. Potter stepped forward, quietly); asking what was wanted, and then Nel- " son Crooks spoke, his voice low but steady, and tones clear: “T want—I was only waitin’ fer my gal. Now—send fer, Sparkler Sport, please, will ye, Doc?” “ All right, Crooks. I'll send for him <i after a bit. Just now you’d better lie quiet and not try to talk too much, don’t you know.” “T want—now!” with a touch of irri- tation in his tones. “ Talkin’ cain’t hurt like holdin’ in—this yer way, nohow! I want him; jest him, ye mind, Doc?” “Mr. Starlight, is it, Crooks?” “Yes. He’s white; clean white from A to Ampersand! An’ jest now that’s the sort I need—need mighty bad, too!” “Tf he can come—” “He must come! I need hini—bad! I want help sech as he kin give, an’ I need it turribly hard, too! Fetch him, Doc, ef ye’re a man yerself!” CHAPTER XXI. BARNEY O'SHEA MAKES ANOTHER BREAK. Thanks to his swift action, the Spark- ler Sport had escaped all injury from the infernal machine which had, past a doubt, been intended for his destruction co or disability. SAS The devilish contrivance had been at- oe tached to the door in such a manner that the mere act of opening that pclae | would start the cunning mechanism, and had Starlight delayed even an instant, the results must have been disastrous to himself. Instead, only the outside of the Hotel Midway suffered, while the machine it- self was utterly destroyed, thus leaving no possible clue to the dynamiter, ra “ Whoever it was, did his nasty work in a hurry,” decided the Sparkler, after WS tic investigation. “Who knew what room would be assigned me? Or, in fact, that ae I meant ‘aueieg in at ce - ee Bigs qu ‘were more. asked than a » and after
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eee eal ibe nite er PA " SP BES — oi, rh en ee eae, Ce TE ee a 1rd ? PP esa Saw ihe, 4 hi > . a ——_—- - . mt ST nS RE a a ——— alighted upon. Barney Q’Shea. quite naturally. — av the whole haape, begorra!” thle girrul av his,own, begorra!” > a Sclensseicees ras aa 22 The Sparkler Sport. —— C OOo"#Plaltpe@’N™"”“#nnn""” thought, the,Sport hardly attempted to ask you to remain here for the present. reply. Doubtless this was but another Dr. Potter sent for me alone. - Should act of the Strangler Gang, and he let it you come, too, Crooks might be fright- ‘pass for that. ened and refuse to open his lips. You Still, the incident droye all thought of comprehend?” catching “forty winks” from his head, The old gentleman felt disappointed, since it was nearly broad-day when the | and his face plainly betrayed as much; brief-lived excitement blew over, and in | but he had grown fairly collected by this place of ‘sleeping, Starlight devoted his ! time, and accepted the stinatidn with fair care and attention to Martin Kirkwood. | grace. He was with the capitalist, now pretty “If there is anything you: ought to well himself once more, when Kittie ; know, sir, be sure I’ll keep you posted,” Crooks’ and her double escort reached added the Sport, then leaving the cham- town; but he heard no sound which,| ber to answer that summons. might enlighten him as to that arrival, Barney O’Shea kept close at his heels, ed hence’ failed to put in an appearance | and was oaly kept from entering in Star- the sick-chamber, as he otherwise | light’s company by the prompt action of right have done. Dr. Potter, who not only barred the way, For his part, Barney O’Shea showed | but shoved the camp-cook bodily back far-greater resentment at being rejected | while blandly speaking: by Dr. Potter than did Ralph Innes, and “That’s:all right, Paddy. Many thanks so powerful was the cook’s curiosity that | until you’re better paid.” he shortly afterward crept silently into “But, sor—” the ‘hotel and up-stairs, little by little “ Butter not, my dear fellow,” smiling- drawing nearer that closed door behind | ly punned the man of medicine, as he which even then might be transpiring so | withdrew his head and shoulders, ‘then much, of burning interest to this amateur | closed the door squarely in that mortified detective. face, And so it chanced that Barney was Barney muttered something which pitched upon by Dr. Potter as the han-| could hardly have been’a blessing or a diest fellow “around to carry word to the prayer, then bent over until— Sparkler Sport. Rea ~ (Lhe door quickly swung’ partly open, Although greatly against his better | Dr; Potter showing in the crack, smiling judgment, the man of medicine could no | maliciously ‘as O’Shea jumped away with jJonger resist the urgent plea of Nelson | awkward celerity. Crooks, and was starting forth in search * Dropped something, didn’ t you, Pad- of Stephen. Starlight, when his eyes| dy? Well, pick it up while! I’m looking ; at you, please, for I’m constitutionally A very few: words told the delighted | neryous:and:showld I happen to hear any- camp-cook what.was wanted, and with a} body or anything astir near this keyhole hint-asto the quarter in which he would | —-well; do you: know, ‘it’s rather more be the most likely to find the gentleman | than even odds I shoot?” needed, Barney scuffled away in haste. “Yis) ;sor—no, sér—divil a wan o’ me; At. his rap, Sparkler Steve opened the | sor—ow-wow! ” spluttered Barney, *beat- door, and with a low ejaculation Barney | ing a retreat in utter cOnfusion, without slipped inside, grinning all over his face | stopping to hunt ‘further “for what he at sighteof his employer, dressed and sit- | might have dropped there. > ting up, looking very unlike a corpse, Barney passed down-stairs, nervously “‘Lorella—you have news?” cried | restless. He saw Ralph Innes» just en- Kirkwood, eagerly, mistaking that look, | tering the: dining-room, evidently ‘to await the delayed breakfast which he had “ Niver a news, sor—bad luck to me- | now ordered, silf foor havin’ to say. that same, faith!” | But burning curiosity proved too strong reluctantly replied the Irishman. “’Tis | for the amateur detective to long resist, you that’s wanted, Misther Sparrkle. The and, while doubting the man of medi- docther says that diyil avy a Cr-rooks— | cine and his “ patent pill -machine,”’ ow-wow! but he’s got a moighty nate lit- | O’Shea soon after crept back up-stairs, tiptoeing toward that door beyond which “Talk a string, Barney, if you never | he felt firmly assured such momentous did before in your life,” sternly spoke revelations’ ‘were even then ‘coming ‘to the Sport, gripping an arm as further re- | jight, minder. 5. “ What - about Crooks | and the A shot through the panel would prove doctor?” awkward enough, but just then Barney “He sint me foor you, 8 r; tail-on-end | was willing to run his chances for the in a hoory, faith! Sid Oi was to fitch | sake of learning just how far his suspi- yees wid me ay Oi had to play ye was a| cions were founded upon truth; and not pig ina poke, sure! An’ the girrul was | for an instant did he dowbt that such insoide, thayre, wid abl ay he z information’ was’ lying in~ yonder, pro- “His daughter? Has she come? = vided he could only get at it. _ “Pll go with you, Mr. Starlight,” said|- And so first, with eye to keyhole, (baffled Martin Kirkwood, rising to his feet and | py the key remaining in lock,) then with. reaching toward the cane which stood | ear substituted, the camp-cook ~ listened against the head of his bed. “It may be | with bated breath, at first showing dis- possible that this Crooks can tell some- appointment on his eager face. thing more concerning the Stranglers, |" ‘But then; as Nelson Grooks spoke fur- and that is—” ther, that expression changed to one of ™ No, sor; jist the wan, Sor; an’ that fierce delight; and Barney glued his ear same’s this gintlemon, sor!” Barney hur- | to the keyhole in his eagerness not to riedly ‘spluttered, clutching an arm ‘a3 | jose even one syllable of— though he would fairly drag the Sport | -Heiknesr ii! From the very outset he out of that chamber! | knew that Ra’~h Innes was at the bot- And then, in a husky whisper, the | tom of this fou! outrage! ~ camp-cook: added for Starlignt’s sole ben- ‘Then, when physical faintness -eaused efit: the woundéd mountaineer to break short Don’t lit him folly yees, sor! Sure, | off, Barney rose erect and stole away ‘as an’ it’s ah! a divil av a mix, but of me | noiselessly as lay in his power. sowl ’tis Barney O’Shea faals did-sure | -fror one thing, he had heard quite that his own sisther’s son is the woorst enough to confirm his: bélief in the guilt | of ‘the private ‘secretary. ‘For another, “If the Sparkler had been’ wholly in ig- | he knew not how seom Dr. Potter might norance as tothe suspicions entertained ike’ action, either by turning knob or by the Irishman; this confused whisper , picking trigger for a shot through the Biven ‘him fresh Tight; but, as it was, he might well- have puzzled ‘rather than door itself!-"~" "“€ Ah-ha, ye murtherin’ divil, Yeou! ” oe right cue, dnd -pronwptly acted muttered: ‘Barney 0’Shea, as he reached by ar “". the head of'the stairs and paused there Pea oat dott push sent Barney outside the = te take a hasty look at his big revolver a mide hres lift ss S ahteseion “ath, but ie the 2 rank: MAS iV » bu era —— 7 . irkwood, but I. "‘Bloind will yeos tings thim ‘av w Barney O’Shea, bedad! Ah-ha, thin! Wait ahn- til the hoorn ay desthruction blows, me jewel, an’ it’s Barney O’Shea will foor- nish the wind foor that saame foine jig, begorra!”’ Satisfied that his rather antiquated weapon (of the obsolete ball-and-eap pat- tern) would not fail him when called upon, Barney hastily made his way down stairs on business bent, his face ruddy with tingling blood, his little eyes glow- ing as though backed by living fire. Feeling firmly convinced that Ralph Innes was guilty past all question, the camp-cook determined to bring matters to a-head without further waste of time. Barney felt fairly certain he would find his-intended prey still at the table in the long dining-room, and so turned his steps in that direction, right hand on pistol-butt, .but awkwardly disguising his warlike intentions, lest he be barred by others ere he could fairly get in his fine work. Nothing happened to bar his passage, however, and.as he opened the door lead- ing from the hallway to the dining- room, Barney caught sight of Ralph Innes still at table; though now leaning back in his chair like one whose healihy appetite had been fairly satisfied for the time being. Only one sleepy-looking waiter was in the room, as a swift glance assured the camp- -cook, and then Barney -drew -his weapon to cover his man, at the same time.calling forth in stern tones: Howld up yer- hands, ye divil, or Oi’ll blow yees t’rough!. Faith, an’ ‘tis Bar- ney O’Shea hes got yees loined—augh- yaugh! ” Ralph Innes turned swiftly at that ad- dress, giving a sharp ejaculation as. he saw what he was doing; but ere he could take further;:action a cry escaped Bar- ney, and the revolver barked savagely! CHAPTER XXIL, NELSON CROOKS BEGINS A CONFESSION. When the Sparkler Sport slipped in- side the door of the chamber where the wounded mountaineer was. lying, he glanced first at the bed, to see that its present occupant was seemingly asleep. ' Then he removed his hat, bowing si- lently to Kittie Crooks, whom he knew fairly well by sight, although their ac- quaintance had been but little more than passing. Kittie responded in kind, then Dr. Pot- ter spoke in ' professionally modulated tones: “He insisted on sending for you, Mr. Starlight, although I could have wiehed him more strengih for the—” A stir upon the bed drew all eyes that way, and then Nelson Crooks feebly lift- ed his head the better to Bee what was going on. Instantly Kittie lent hin the needed support, in a whisper telling him the gentleman asked for had just arrived. “| want—here!”” «“ What can I do for you, Mr. Crooks? ”’ gently asked the Sport, moving nearer the bed and touching one of those un- usually cold hands as it lay outside: the cover. sue want—where is he?” “Whom do you wish to see?” eS thought—he isn’ t—the- stick saved him, sir?’ : ‘A ray of light seemed to flash across one perplexing mystery, but Starlight felt this was no moment in which to talk — about. comparative trifles, and so asked, instead: — “Is it Mr. Kirkwood you wish to see,” sir? If so—” ; Just then it was that Dr. Potter sprung his little trap so adroitly upon Barney — retreat to lower regions. -And so it cam to pass” Sas after a few more Bir th Sparkler Sport comprehended y ‘ invalid rea Ee ae od, 8G O’Shea, resulting in that worthy’s hasty — ' ye ‘ SRE Ry ee te ~ ’ at i gett pete: Pay Teun ewe ta henge
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‘ k E i stasaetdl UF aind ikea tA Pe aaa anaes x 4 oe wy is ee ce os ie eae, |, - as ont PONG FN . } Message kantaed Wy te } 4 a £ the potion. pity, for mercy, for comfort in her sore Pe a As the draught. lent him poate N el- -fetetiae of a man at aes in — The Sparkler Sport. 23 derstandingly. “J’ll go fetch Mr. Kirk- ‘wood. I know he will be willing to come, if only because—” “T want to tell—all!” As bearer of this message, Starlight left the chamber and hutried back to where he liad left the capitalist, quickly making known the reason for his return- ing so much sooner than anticipated, “He’s in a bad way, I’m afraid,” the Sparkler took occasion to say by way of caution. “I’m pretty sure he knows something well worth listening to, but— treat him as Jeniently as you can, I beg.” “Tf he is one of those demons— “Give him a living show, at least,” urged Starlight. “If not for himself, be- cause of his daughter, who is suffering far more than her father ever can.” Seeing that he would save time by giv- ing way, if only in seeming, Martin Kirk- wood gave the desired promise; then the two men left-that chamber to hasten across to the other, where Dr. Potter was of the weak will which had yielded to evil example, if not evil advice. He frankly admitted his wrong-doing. He. declared his perfect readiness to stand the full penalty of his deeds. But then his voice grew softer, his haggard face milder, his words less steady as he put in a plea for—not-himself, but his little girl! “"Tain’t so mighty much matter what comes to me; I hain’t wuth worryin’ over; but thar’s my gal—good es ever drawed the breath o’ life, ef it is a wuthless ole cuss as says so! ” “ Daddy—don’t talk so, dear daddy!” murmured Kittie, laying her soft cheek against his rough beard, while hot tears blinded her eyes. “You hesh, honey. I’m got to say jest that, or I don’ t say what mo’ these gents is,wantin’ so mighty bad to hear of; yes, now, I be!” “Let your father say what he wishes, Miss Crooks,’ whispered Martin Kirk- on waich to admit them as quiétly as | wood, in tones marvelously gentle for might be. him. Deeming it wisest to do the first talk- “Thar, thar, honey,” muttered the ing himself, the Sparkler pushed ahead | mountaineer, te You jest hold hesh, Kit- | of -his companion, bending over the wounded man, face and voice full of sym- pathy which was a tonic in themselves. But Kittie Crooks was equally prompt to act, and almost before Martin Kirk- wood could fairly take in his surround- ings, the girl caught one of his hands in hers, pressing it feverishly while mur- muring, huskily: “Oh, sir, spare him! Bear with him kindly, if you can, for he is all If have left me—all I have to love or to care for! If you hope for mercy when your own time comes, 'Mr. Kirkwood, show pity here and now!” **T don’t—-what is it—that is—” The old gentleman hardly knew just what he was trying to say, and’ Kittie a. ‘knew what ‘words did cross ‘his ps “Pity him, sir! Daddy means to do right—he will make ail the aménds which lie in his power. He never thought what ~-he was led astray by evil’ men, but now—oh, sir, do not bear too hardly upon him! ” Just then Nelson Crooks called out her name, and, bending her head low enough to drop a trembling kiss upon the hand she held, Kittie turned to the bedside, kneeling there with one hand slipped be- ‘neath that héad, to comfort or to assist as best she might, This ‘change permitted the wounded mountaineer to see Martin Kirkwood, and that he had caught his daughter's plea was made evident by his first ‘words, feeble-sounding, yet clear and distinctly pronounced. “ That’s jest what I’m wantin’ to do, sir; make sech amends as I kin fer play- in’ wuss than the fool—wuss than ary fool!” ’ Sparkler stepped further aside, at the same time deftly gripping a hand in sig- nificant reminder, lest the hot-tempered old gentleman permit his feelings to carry away his cooler judgment. Mr. Kirkwood nodded slightly, but looked at Kittie instead of at the Sport. ‘What might have been denied the father might be granted such a daughter as this, “Cut it short as you~ can, Crooks,” warned the physician; but the injured man shook his head impatiently, saying: “Qi me more o’ that stuff, doctor. No use; I’m g’wine to say the hull blamed thing. So make it as easy fer me—ef easy ye kin!” ~~ Seemingly against his betier judgment, Dr. Potter yielded, “administering a ‘draught which was but a few minutes in producing the desired effect. ~- Kittie held the glass which faeeckadacel Her hand tenderly wiped | ose lips after. And her great eyes - mutely appéaled to Martin Kirkwood for you cain’t see nur hear. in’ of ye, gents, all: ’Tain’t fer me, but | yors. these yer dirty jobs. sech a fool that he couldn’ t—no, he | jest couldn’t, now! “Time an’ time all over ag’in, Kittie hyar would scold an’ pray fer me—why, gents, hope may die ef it wasn’t her prayin’ over thar to our shack, when she reckoned I was sleepin’ like a wet: log—” “ Father—don’t! ” “ You-hesh,»honey! An’ she a-prayin’ to the good’ Lord that her mis’able ole cuss of a\daddy mought come to-see the dirty ways he was a-tromplin’ into, .an’ then—’”’ Again Kittie tried to check her father, but, while giving her a kiss in-turn, Nel- son Crooks pushed sher face far enough aside to speak on: “ An’ me all the time wide-awake with the two eyes o’ me shet!’ fer me. I swore into the mind o’ me, then, that I’d come over yer to Salvation an’ blow the hull pesky thing! TI swore Vd break off with them cussed Strang- léers—” : In spite of himself, Martin Kirkwood gave an exclamation at this, leaning for- ward with eyes all aglow, to say sternly: “The Stranglers? Then you did take part in the foul outrage which lost me my daughter, my son?” “T did, more fool me,” doggedly con- fessed the wounded mountaineer, his lids . drooping as though he could not bear to ‘meet those fiery eyes. “I won’t tell no mo’ lies over it, sir. An’ ef thar’s *nough o’ me Jeft fer to pay out, hyar I am, ready fer to take what comes a’ter ech. work. Pay me off, ef it takes hide and taller, too, sir!” With a catch in her breath which was almost a sob, Kittie Crooks turned that way, debarred from rising erect by that living weight upon her hand and wrist, yet losing nothing in dignity through that, as she spoke to all, yet to Martin Kirkwood alone. “ Father spoke of pity, of sympathy, of aid and comfort for me, his only liying | child, gentlemen. Now—listen to his daughter, please! “‘ Whatever punishment may be meas- ured forth to Nelson Crooks must be shared ‘with Kittie, -his Pr padets His | distress s00n Crooks spoke on, proving himselt |: - . = bs te tie, or they’ll done shet ye outside “whar | An’ so I’m '‘tell- / fer her, jest fer her, that I’m axin’ fa- | “She hain’t never tuck no part in| She’s done all ary | gal knowed how fer to make her mis’- such a statement as this, and of them able ole pap walk a chalk; but he was | all Martin Kirkwood showed the great- have been offered my children! ‘An’ then— waal, gents, that was the turnin’ p’int, |: i face; for Kittie was more than pretty just then. A brief silence; then it was broken by Nelson Crooks. “Thar hain’t so mighty much more to Say, sir, but what they is—it runs pretty much like this yer. “I never rightly knowed jest how nasty bad the game was, ontel I’d waded in clean past the breathin’ lips o’ me. Then it was swim or swaller, an’—waal, I done the best I knowed how.” “You were with the gang that raided my camp, then?” asked Martin Kirk- wood, with+ forced -composure; not so much for sake of the man, as for his daughter. “Yes. I was.thar. I never knowed— but I done said that much afo’, didn’t I, sir?” “Yes, but—you helped do work, all the same!” The wounded man roused up a bit more at this, huskily saying: “Yes, I done lent a helpin’ hand, sir, | but—fer why? How did you miss gittin’ choked over the range? Jest so;.an’ I was the critter .as resked his own life fer you: I put that stick inside the noose! ” the evil CHAPTER XXIII. WHO WAS THE PRIME MOVER? Not one of those present anticipated est degree of surprise. “You did that?”’ he asked, quickly, moving a bit nearer the bed. “ T thought |—then it wasn’t an accident? ” “"Twas the best I knowed how, jest then, an’ that was pore enough,” said the wounded mountaineer, head moving rest- lessly in spite of that loving support. “It saved a life; for that be thank- ful,” gravely cut in the Sparkler Sport. “Iam thankful,” declared Martin Kirkwood, his tone softening a bit as he spoke on; “but I'd feel far more grateful if the same assistance could I ‘am old and played out. I count for nothing, while they are—” He broke off, feeling that he was per- mitting his emotions to win the upper hand, bearing in mind the pledge Star- light had extracted from him: before en- : tering that chamber. For reasons of his own the sport wished to encourage the man, and main- ly for that reason he spoke again: “"Twas a@ brave action; any way, Mr. Crooks. If those demons had 80 much as suspected you, *twould have cost sar life as well.” ' “T° khow. I was thinkin’ that same way my own self,” muttered Nelson Crooks. “ An’—thar was Kittie, hyar!” “Never mind me, Daddy;” soothingly whispered the girl, lightly passing«a damp cloth over his fevered brows. ’ “An” that was the way it all’ come ‘round, sirs. Before heaven I never knowed ’*twas gwine to be sech dirt; never knowed thar was ary wuss into it all then jest a slap-dash in’ an’ out der boodle. They lied to me—lied like houn’ ~ dogs! . “Mind ye, gents; I hain’t sayin’ of all this jest to holp my own self out-of a nasty hobble. I’ve ketched my dose—I kin take what-all comes.fer the rest of it; But I’m tryin’ to tell the straight way to it all; ef I die fer it” Dr.. Potter frowned anxiously, shaking his head as he looked on. His _profeés- sional instinct was sadly outraged by all this; yet; what more could he do? Nelson ‘Crooks turned his head to. look Martin Kirkwood more yee in ‘the
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ly declared the injured mountaineer. * They wasn’t no harm comin’ thar way, but you—the rope!” “That was part of the game, Crooks?” asked Starlight. “Sure! An’ yit—gospel truth!—I never knowed ontel we. was right thar in full sight o’ the camp! An’ then—what could ary one pore devil do? Thar was them tetchin’ shoulders with me’which’d shore jab a knife ’twixt the short ribs o’ me at the fust kick! “One of ’em was Pete Peltz; you know him, gents? An’ he *twas who let it out, fust-off; help me Moses ef I don’t reck- on he was lookin’ fer me to kick over the tugs right then! An’ his knife ready fer to clap a stopper on ef I did!” Martin Kirkwood looked just a_ bit puzzled by all this, and even Sparkler Steve seemed to take it as more raving than sober truth, since he spoke again, half-doubtingly: “ How so, Crooks? Surely the raid was made for plunder alone?” A faint smile came into that haggard face, only to fade again as quickly. His head moved from side to side to empha- size his reply: “Not g0, sir: simple!” “ Afterward, yes, but surely not at the send-off? ” “From the jump-off. I know—now! [ didn’t think it, then. Ef I hed—but whar’s the use talkin’? I played dog to start with, an’ I hed to run on fer a dog’s finish—like this!” Again did Dr, Potter interpose, urging his patient to let the matter drop right where it was for the present, since he could work no good, and was surely in- juring his own chances for ultimate re- covery. Kittie ventured to add a whisper to then, ’twas murder, pure an’ “the same effect, but the result was the same. Nelson Crooks had set for him- self a task, and would not rest easy un- til the goal was fairly won. “T’m stronger then ye reckon, Doc,” he declared, forcing a smile which cer- tainly failed to fetch answer in kind from those who heard and saw. “ It takes a powerful sight o’ sickness to down a dog, an’ this one is so tough—” Kittie checked his bitter mockery with her trembling lips, but as soon as she moved again, her father spoke on: “That was pritty nigh the way it all come ’round, gents; we crup up to whar we hed the hull ’rangement kivered, then word was passed how we wanted to . asked wind ’er all up. An’ then—that was the ‘fust I knowed fer shore ’twas ary m0’ then a raid fer boodle!” “Who gave the orders, Crooks?” the Sparkler Sport, deeming it high time to expedite matters, if only for the injured man’s sake, ‘“‘ Who, and why?” A half-covert glance toward Martin . Kirkwood, then Kittie’s father spoke on, *. ‘much ’thout ary tellin’. more hurriedly: “Wait a mite, ef ye kin, sir. Fust— why I didn’t do more then I did. I wanted to, but—how could 1? Thar was them as held me kivered, an’ I knowed so An’ so—waal, we downed you, sir, whar the tent sort o’ made a darkness, an’ then—I jest run - the resk, an’ she come out on top!” “Tt was the deed of a brave man, let | 1 who will say aught against the rest of ‘ it,” earnestly declared Starlight. «eT ‘helped release Mr. Kirkwood from that noose. I saw just how it was arranged, -and while I then believed the stick came through a lucky, accident, I knew its be- - ing there surely saved his life.” ~ Kittie gave a subdued sob at this. Nel- son drew a long breath, face betraying fe Bator of relief the while. i 2 Lit mought, but I couldn’t be all done in a rush) an’ then = mete Suite twisted the rope so turrible cur) Bt I'd seed even a half-chaince, i ’a’ downed him then, fer good ua you oly had, The Sparkler Sport. have been spared you, I verily believe,” declared Starlight. “Yes, I know. I couldn’t sw’ar to him of my own eyesight, but I know he downed me,” muttered the mountaineer. So far Martin Kirkwood had acted with wonderful repression for a man of his imperious will and fiery temper. This came in part through the promise won in advance by Starlight Steve, but even more because he had been so strongly ana so favorably impressed by this man’s daughter. But now he gave way, pouring forth a flood of questions which demanded answers without evasion, and to some of which even the Sparkler Sport gave an uneasy frown, holding the suspicions he did. if the whole truth was to be told now, hc'w would it affect this old man? Would he believe, or would he denounce the speaker as a liar? 3 “I know, sir,’ said Crooks, his voice a bit less even. “It’s your right to hev the hull yarn spread out afore ye, but—” “Go on, please. Tell me the rest. Who bade you strangle me and—my chil- dren?” “No, no, not them!” quickly amended the wounded criminal, shaking his head to add emphasis to the denial. “‘ Jest you. An’ the cook. The rope fer you two, an’ we was to make mighty shore work of it all! An’ then we was to ketch an’ tote off the rest; the gal, an’ her brother.” “You are sure? That was the plan to be carried out?” “Yes. Jest that-a-away, sir. Strangle you two, an’ tote off the young critters fer furder ’structions,’’ promptly and de- cidedly repeated Nelson Crooks. “Why?” persisted Kirkwood, evident- ly bent on probing the matter to the very bottom. Crooks hesitated, like one hardly know- ing the safest way out of an awkward corner, Then he said, slowly, signifi- cantly: “Waal, now, I hain’t ‘so turrible shore as to jest why, sir, but ef you was to ax who—” “What do you mean by that? Surely you cannot—” The Sparkler Sport was swifter to catch that veiled meaning, and in clear tones spoke again, “Go on, Crooks. You have said too much not to finish. Who was it at the bottom of this ugly affair, please?” “Yes; tell me that—if you really know!” added Kirkwood, “Waal, sir, it’s not so easy to talk o’ sech things, but—thar was one o’ your own party at the bottom of it all!” “What?” ejaculated the millionaire, giving a start and passing a hand quick- | ly across his face as he gazed wide-eyed at the mountaineer. mean—what is it you do mean, any-.; way?” “Jest what I’m tryin’ to tell ye, sir,” said Crooks, earnesily. “ Ef I knowed— what I’m thinkin’ is mighty nigh true— ef I knowed this yer ‘was to be my death- bed, sir, I’d say it jest like this: , “The hull job was planned an’ ’ranged fer by somebody who was with your own party. He stuck out fer you to be roped, an’ he said fer the others to be tuck like—” “Impossible!” “But gospel truth, all the same,” de- clared Crooks, doggedly, shoving away his daughter as Kittie strove to calm him. “ Ef not, why would I be addin’ to my own trouble jest fer sayin’ so?” “But—one of our party?” muttered the old man, bewilderedly. “Shore as you’re standin’ right thar, sir! I know. I ‘hated to say it, fer I knowed how mighty tough it'd come i down onto the feelin’s of ye, but—it’s gospel truth, all the same.” “One of—why, man! There was only Lorella, Allen, Ralph—’ . “ That’s the fust name of your nevvy, gir? ” “Ralph Tones, the son of my dead sl nam ‘this Ze Sutin Le: = sc tas sure ie “You surely can’t , | | | . done it ‘cept him “He’s the man who hired you killed an’ the kids stole off, sir!” CHAPTER XXIV. FACING AN UGLY CHARGE. This astonishing assertion had in good- ly measure been anticipated by all pres- ent, with the single exception of Martin Kirkwood, although all of them were not ready to place full credence in the dam- ning charge. The old gentleman was half-stunned, and showed as much, but the Sparkler Sport shook his head decidedly, and Kit- tie gave a low protest, even while bowing her head to lay her hot cheek against the face of her father. “No, no, daddy! Don’t say that! It is not—it surely must be a cruel mistake, for Mr. Innes could never—” “Who else could it ’a’ bin, then?” al- most angrily asked the mountaineer, that tinge of color in his haggard face only too plainly betraying how serious a drain was being placed upon his remnant of vi- tality. Dr. Potter would have interfered, but - Starlight checked him with a strong hand, saying sternly: “Not now, doctor. ter can’t be put over. one way or the other, much, surely?” “Yes, only—it’s killing the man by inches! ” “And it’s damning another man by rods! We'll hurry it over as fast as pos- sible, but—you can’t chip in her6, doc- tes So much, then the Sparkler Sport came more to the front, taking a feverish hand within his own, speaking gravely, sober-. ly, kindly. “Of course, we all know you believe just what you’ve been saying, Mr. Crooks, but surely there is a sad mistake being made?” “The maker isn’t me, then, sir,” quick- ly retorted the mountaineer. ' “Not willfully, of course. None of us would for a moment believe that of you. But you admit having been deceived as to the real object of that raid, and so—” “What I know, I know, all the same.’ “Did you see or hear Ralph Innes make any such bargain with the Chief of the Stranglers, sir?” Crooks was less ready with an answer but then it came. “Waal, not jest that way, sir, but I done hear’n the boys talkin’ it all over After this the mat- It must be proven, You can see that ts | when the job was jobbed. An’ so—who else could it ’a’ bin, sir? Fer that ’twas one o’ the outfit, is too EH plain fer denyin’!” “Unless it was just talk with a pur- pose,” shrewdly guessed the Sparkler Sport. “Merely to throw you ail off the | right scent,” “Why so? Wasn’t we all alike over in the mud?” 2 “Yes, but there may have been reasons which you fellows knew nothing at all about. I’d sooner think that way than to believe Mr. Innes would play so vile a part. ” Kittie flashed a grateful look toward the speaker, and Martin Kirkwood caught a hand to press it warmly. “T thank you, sir, in the name of my dead sister. I couldn’t believe anything like that of her boy. And yet—it’s black —all a bitter black mystery which is— nearly murdering me!” Nelson Crooks looked and listened, showing a degree of vitality which fairly amazed his physician. He said nothing, while the others were speaking, but he shook his head doggedly — as those eyes came his way once more, “TI hain’t no object to win in sayin’ ary sech, gents, but I cain’t holp stickin’ to it. Thar wasn’t no foolishin’ so fur. The game was planned in your own camp, sir; and sech bein’ e77 ut You surely out hang a , Who else could ’a” you've called. by aaa aa4 Y try A
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without first letting him make a defense, Mr. Crooks?” asked the Sport. “No. But—” “All right! Mr. Innes has returned, and I reckon I can find him by looking. T’ll fetch him up here, where both sides of the story can be heard. Better clear up everything as we jog along; don’t you think so, Mr. Kirkwood?” “Yes, yes; find Ralph and bring him here. I can’t think—and yet, if it should prove to be so!” “Tt shortly will, Crooks, “Daddy, dear,” murmured Kittie, kiss- ing those too impetuous lips once more. “I know you believe ft all, but—I hope ‘and trust there is some cruel mistake! _ Mr. Innes would never—” “You done hesh, honey. What you know ’bout that feller? ” Starlight did not linger to hear more, but, leaving the chamber, ran lightly down stairs, turning as by instinct to- ward the dining room, from whence just ; 4 then issued harsh notes; those of Barney -« O’Shea, as he covered the astonished secretary with a rusty forty-five! a. There was no time for delay, and - Sparkler Steve sprung forward on the in- = 2 stant, grasping Barney’s arm and forc- = _ ing his hand upward, just as his revolv- + ~—_—_ser barked: to waste its lead on the ceil- - ing above. “ Quiet, you ass! Steady, Innes!” cried Starlight, all in a breath, at the same time “giving the foot” to Barney, trip- ping him up and fetching him to the floor ‘with a crash, “Ts the fellow drunk, or only crazy?” cried Ralph, coming that way ‘in haste, while the startled waiter ducked below one of the tables, taking thought of his | ‘own safety first of all. =a, ' Barney was too nearly breathless to re- Bi ply or to deny, and Sparkler Sport first a . looked to disarming the camp-cook, lest _ ‘whe make still worse use of his tools, After that he said briskly: “Tt’s all a mistake, of course. Barney ouldn’t hurt a fly if he knew it, and as for you—I say, Johnny Hash-slinger! ” a The waiter lifted his head warily, but -~—s—~ then emerged from his place of refuge on _--—s geeing the absence of ball or blade. “Just a joke; you can tell ’em how —s *ttwas,” sadded the Sport, as a crumpled | _——‘ill flew across to where the waiter was now standing. “ An accident to wind up with, but nobody hurt. And—Barney?” : “Yis, sor. Oi niver—divil abit did Oi | + diver, sor!” spluttered O’Shea, thoroughly “a bewildered by that heavy fall. “Of course you never. How could you? And now, Barney, take a walk in the open air. Go cool off a bit. Don’t hurry ‘back. We will try to worry along with- out you for—well, call it until supper ime, unless a messenger comes after you before that. Understand?” ; At least the crestfallen detective obeyed, making no answer to the many questions with which he was pelted while making his way to the exit. And the _. $Sparkler Sport easily turned aside cu-_ _-riosity by declaring that no trouble had arisen; merely the dropping of an old gun from an imperfect scabbard—noth- _ ing worse. Then he moved away toward the upper TV regions, Innes following in obedience to -@ signal, which he quickly understood. _ Neither man spoke until they reached he upper landing, and were safe from _ being overheard. Then Ralph asked: “What is it, Mr. Starlight? Something , ray = then!” declared pS - la Possibly the secretary turned a trifle ale , but if so, there was no other __ change to be noted, and his tones were n and clear as he spoke in turn: fancy I do. All right. I ask no ors, least of all such as you are now t> The Sparkler | Sport. “Td feel ’twas an insult to mysel fully as much as to you, sir.” “Thanks, Which way now, please?” “My old room. You'll find it pretty full, but it’s like an omnibus in that re- spect—room for another” Sparkler Steve seemed trying to make light of the matter, but Ralph Innes failed to respond in like manner. He surely felt it was earnest enough, and his face showed cold and grave as he entered that chamber. A keen, brief-lived gaze, then Martin Kirkwood extended a hand. Ralph drew back a bit, shaking his head, soberly. “Not right now, sir. Later on, if you will, but for now: What am I wanted for, pl ? ” ‘To look at part o’ your dirty work ” harshly cried Nelson Crooks, starting up in bed, but as quickly replaced by his daughter. “My work, Mr. Crooks? Surely you can’t think that I harmed you, like this? I was not near town when—” “Ef not by your own hand, then it come through your dirty doin’s,” persist- ed the mountaineer. “ Shorely you cain’t deny that?” “TI can and I do. How did I ever injure you, please? ” “ By settin’ them devils on to Jump the camp, over yender. You know you done jest that, don’t ye?” a Neyer. Are you going crazy, man alive?” If acting, this was letter-perfect. But Crooks remained unshaken in his belief, putting his charges in still plainer speech, declaring that Ralph Innes, and he alone, was at the bottom of all this sore trouble. “You done hired the camp jumped. You said fer the old gent to be strangled, *long of the cook to make it more bindin’. You swore ’em all to make a clean job, an’ to tote off the younger ’uns. An’ me; look at me, now, will ye? “All this comes o’ my gittin’ mixed up with them devils, an’ takin’ part in the raid planned by you. This—this is my pay fer it all.” Nelson Crooks pushed Kittie aside as she strove to calm him, raising up in bed and spreading his arms widely, nod- ding his head as though to the more sure- ly call attention to the reddened band- ages over his partly exposed chest. With a low cry of vexed apprehension, Dr. Potter pushed to the bedside, and be- tween them Crooks was lowered to his pillow once more. Ralph Innes showed no particular emo- tion at this fierce outburst, but that may have been because his nerves had been braced from the outset, and his face al- ready as pale as it well could’be. Still, those fierce words had their ef- fect, and that was deepened as tha wounded man again cried out: “Ef I die fer my part, cuss you, shore- ly you ought to pull hemp fer yours, Ralph Innes.” naar A “And hang he shall, unless he can show cleaner hands than I think” came | a stern voice from the then opening door | of that chamber. ; L ————_—_ CHAPTER XXV. HARD WORDS TO SWALLOW. Allen Kirkwood cut very little time to waste after leaving the temporary | camp of the Stranglers, and it was he | who urged the accompanying outlaw for- | ward, rather than the contrary. There were not many words lavished between messenger and escort, and none at all which require record in this con- nection, at least while the earlier por- tion of that journey lasted. The burly ruffian detailed by Jack Ketch to keep the young man company, apparently considered himself simply’ a sort of check upon Kirkwood to prevent his sneaking back to play spy upon the Stranglers, as well as to guide him to Sal- vation City by the most practicable route. It was still quite early in the morning {when the two men came to where their — ¥ * te tenn eeenstne nee 25 first glimpse of Salvation might be caught, and not until then was rein drawn for a halt. “Mebbe it don’t call fer ary sech, | Stranger,” said the escort in gruff tones, a detaining hand upon the nearest arm of his present companion. ‘“ Mebbe the boss done said it all to ye. But, aryhow, I’m tellin’ ye jest so much: Play clean white from this time on, or you’ll shore ketch heap sight the wust of it all.” “Of course I’ll play white, as you call it,” surlily retorted the messenger, shak- ing off that touch as though he deemed it poisonous. “ Why wouldn’t I, then?” “Why is they sech blame fools let live on, boss? ” “You'd ought to know, if any one.” “That’s all right, stranger, ef ye only think so. But I’H keep on sayin’ what I sot out fer to chin-chin, whicn comes pritty much like this yer way: “The boss done giv’ you a job to git over. Thar’s the place it’s got to take start from, nur you don’t need tellin’ who or whar to look at fust. But don’t you let one thing slip the memory of ye— which is that thar’ll be plenty o’ mighty keen eyes takin’ note o’ all ye do an’ say, with jest as shore han’s layin’ back of ’em, ready fer to put the kibosh on both you an’ the tricks you may be big fool ’nough fer to reckon ye kin set up onto the boss or the rest o’ us; savvy that?” “Td be as big a liar as you seem to be ass, Johnny, if I told you I loved either yourself or your precious outfit, or that I don’t mean to play even for all of this nasty work,” retorted Kirkwood, showing his teeth in a queer sort of half-smile, half-frown, staring the while into the masked face, as though seeking some clew by which to identify his escort in the time to come. “That goes without saying, but until this exchange is fairly effected, I’ll work as hard for that end as Jack Ketch him- self could do. After that—well, that’s another story.” Without pausing for reply or retort, Allen Kirkwood sent his horse forward at a rapid pace, now bent on reaching Salvation City as quickly as possible. The clatter of hoofs caused him to look around, a few minutes later, but the horse so recently ridden by the Strangler, and which now came to its mate with a little whimper, was unburdened; both man and saddle had disappeared. For a little while Allen felt thoroughly puzzled by this, but then he concluded that the horses must belong at or near Salvation, and recognition of stolen prop- erty might be conducive to throat-fever! The young man took hint from this ex- ample, thinking it wisest to keep on the safe side, and as soon as he was fairly at the edge of Salvation City, he dis- mounted, turning the anima; loose with its mate, trusting them to find their way to their regular quarters unaided, should his shrewd suspicions prove founded on fact. _ This done, he hastened as directly as possible to the Midway Hotel, feeling as- sured that he could find a clew there, even if he failed to meet with his father, there domiciled. During their stay in camp over in yon- der cosy valley, each member of the party had paid more or less frequent visits to the mining town, hence Allen - experienced no difficulty at all in locating the hotel. As he turned the corner, coming fairly upon the hotel, Allen smothered a little ery, for there, in front of the building, stood a figure which had not its counter- part in all that region; the shape of Bar- ney O’Shea, the Yankified Irish camp- cook. , Recognition was mutual, and with a broad grin chasing away his dark scowl, Barney came shambling up, both hands extended in a hearty greeting. _ “Augh-yaugh! ’Tis a soight foor sore — oyes, thin, Masther Allin!~ An’ divil a glad was Oi iver so glad in the whole oife av me befoor—an’ that’s no loie, dese RD a ee : ~~ 1 >
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26 nayther! Ow-wow! ’Tis yersilf, thin, Masther Allin?” “Don’t that feel like it, Barney?” half- laughed the young man, as his fingers closed in a grip which caused those bony digits to crack and snap in every joint. At any other time Barney might well have let forth a howl of pain and ery for mercy, but just now his excitement was far too great for any heed to be paid seeming trifles, and so he spluttered on: “Faith, sor, an’ ’tis the iligant good- luck that brings ye hayer the marnin’, thin! An’ that murtherin’ divil blatherin’ ’em ahl over wid his dirthy loies! An’ the ould masther takin’ it ahl in foor truth an’ gospel by the pick—ow-wow! ” “Who is it, Barney?” harshly demand- ed Allen, gripping an arm and giving it an ‘ugly shake, ‘‘ Not—surely not Ralph Innes? ” ““Thot same, sor! moozle wid loies! An’ him—’” “Talk a string, you infernal ass!” harshly commanded young Kirkwood, eyes all aglow with a dangerous light. “Where are they, and what’s going on? Boil it down, but don’t leave anything out which—talk, you fool!” This Barney did, as well as he could, and from a mass of chaff Kirkwood ex- tracted at least a few sound kernels. O’Shea held a hot grudge against both Innes and Siarlight, and one who ald not know the camp-cook pretty accu- rately, might have found a serious diffi- culty in judging just which one of the two parties denounced was the greater crim- inal, Among the rest Allen learned that a sort of seance was even then being held in the Midway, and fearing to lose more time, he shook Barney off, entering the hotel and running swiftly upstairs. It seemed a matter of instinct rather than reason or of previous information, for Allen made no mistake in the room, pausing without that closed door barely long enough to catch the correct cue, then flinging the barrier wide to cross the threshold as he sternly cried out: “And hang he shall, unless he can show cleaner hands than I think!” A greater surprise could scarcely have sprung upon the company there as- sembled, and for a brief space all was confusion. Martin Kirkwood lost his forced com- posure, catching the hands of his son and asking after Lorella, for the first few moments believing that the Stranglers had lost their valuable prey through a miraculous escape. Allen quickly banished this glad fancy, however, and there was a dangerous glow in his black eyes as they fixed upon the pale face of his cousin, the private sec- retary, Again he said, harshly: “Yes, you infernal scoundrel! Show elean hands, or I'll run you up a tree without the trouble of using your feet in climbing! I’ll hang you, just so sure as grass grows and waters run!” “By what right do you use such lan- guage, Cousin Allen?” began Ralph, in expostulation; but the other young man swiftly cut his speech short. “Drop that, you cur! You’re no relative of mine. You’re no kin to the Kirkwood family so long as your record is black as midnight!” A hot flush came into that handsome face, and the secretary put both hands behind his back, as though fighting against a hot temptation to make a far different use of them. “What have you to say againsr my record, Allen? As heaven hears my words, I’ve never committed an act which could rightly call forth such terms as you’ve made use of, just now.” “Do you deny having—bah!” with clenched hand flying out in a passionate gesture, “ Where’s the uge? You’d deny it all; a man who could join in such an atrocics plot wouldn’t make a boggle over a lie more or less!” ; Hard words to swallow, surely! Ralph Innes was a man, whatever his An’ him full to the —— OO ee The Spark ler Sport. faults might be. Those words cut him deeply, and that scornful tone stung to the very quick. “T have never lied to you or to yours, Allen Kirkwood,’ he forced himself to utter with outward composure. “If you haye any charges to bring, why not do so as one gentleman to another, who is—” “Gentleman? You?” mocked Kirk- wood, laughing derisively for a few sec- onds, then speaking further with fierce emphasis: “ 'That’s enough, Ralph Innes. I have charges to make, and I'll fetch them to the front in the proper time and place. Until then—listen, you villain! “Until you can prove those charges false in toto, you can’t associate with my father. Until then, keep out of our sight and company. Do you understand that much?” Martin Kirkwood would have spoken, but Allen thrust the old gentleman back, checking whatever speech he might oth- erwise have made, As this appearcd to be a purely family affair, none of the rest deemed it advisa- ble to interfere, although the Sparkler Sport stood by, keen eyes flashing from face to face, takinz mental notes which might prove of use later on in the game. Ralph Innes kept his temper in admira- ble check, only his unusually pale face and his strained tones betraying how difficult he found the ‘task. And then he spoke in reply: “So be it, Allen. Still, the day will surely come when you'll feel sorry for all this. The time shall come when—.”’ “Is that meant for a threat, Ralph Innes? ” “No. A prediction. Uncle,” turning toward Martin Kirkwood and speaking in softened tones, “I never loved you better than right now, nor was I ever more eager to serve you, or yours. At a single word I would give my very life to. aid Lorella or—” “ Never mind your worthless life, Ralph Innes,” rudely interrupted his cousin, stepping between. “Give us your room instead!” CHAPTER XXVI. THR FRIENDS IN COUNCIL. Ralph Innes hesitated for a little, an almost yearning light in his brown eyes as they rested upon the agitated counte- nance of his uncle; but no word was spoken such as he longed to hear, and with a long breath which was very near- ly a sigh, he spoke again: “All right. I’ll go, now, rather than mix in a quarrel where death may be knocking at the door.” “See that it don’t knock at your por- tal: with a noosed rope in his fist!” almost brutally spoke the younger Kirk- wood, whose enmity appeared to grow with the food it fed upon. At another time he might have found his hands full, for that was anything save a loving look which the secretary flashed his way; but in silence Innes passed over to the doorway, pausing there for a brief look backward. If he expected or hoped for word of comfort or oi kindly parting, he was disappointed. Only Allen spoke, and his words were a thinly veiied menace. “It’s a mighty unhealthy season for traveling, Ralph Innes. If you are med- itating a sudden jaunt, don’t say that I never told you! ” Without a word of reply, the accused man turned and passed out of sight, pay- ing no heed whatever to Barney O’Shea, who was only held in check by a whole- some fear for his own bones. Only for that the camp-cook would surely have crowded much nearer the front, where he might see as well as hear, While all this was going on, Dr. Potter was devoting his care and attention to the wounded mountaineer, upon whose already over-tasked powers this excite- | ment was hearing heavily: As Ralph Innes’ passed away. those more nearly interested in learning all that could he told anent the Stranelers and their nefarious schemes, naturally turned again to that quarter, eager to pick up the thread dropped at the com- ing of Allen Kirkwood. Nelson Crooks seemed willing enough to talk on, but the man of medicine flatly refused to permit any such thing. “No more, gentlemen; not another word, unless you fire me bodily out of the room and house,” was his fitm de- cision. ‘‘ As a doctor 1 forbid further chatter. It would be little less than suicidal for Mr. Crooks.” “Ef I’m ready to take the resk, doe?” huskily muttered the man thus named; but Dr. Potter slipped a hand over those lips, while saying: “If you are, I’m not. Will you go quietly, gentleman, or must I call for assistance in clearing this chamber? ” “Tf. you put it like that doctor—” “Precisely like that, Mr. Starlight. Will you take tlie hint?” “Without the kick? Of course,’ with a faint smile, at the same time turning toward Kittie and her father, to add: “Be good to yourselves, friends. Twy to chirk him up, little woman. And you, Crooks: make all haste to get back your strength, for—well, we want you to help us do thé cheering over the grand round-up, don’t you see? ”* But the wounded mountaineer shook his head, gloomily, at this. “T’m hopin’ ye’ll git thar, sport, but fer me—I’m done ketched my last sick- ness, an’ then—” Kittie closed those lips with her own, and so they left them; her curly head hiding his, her arms lovingly lending support. Once outside the sick-chamber, Martin Kirkwood caught an arm of his son, re- peating the question which had remained unanswered in sO many words during the recent excitement between the cous- ins, “ Lorella; where is she, Allen?” “ Alive and well, so far as that goes, father. Only—of course she must be— but this isn’t the best place in the world to talk over such matters in. Where shall we go, to be by ourselves?” “T have a room which—this way.” Martin Kirkwood hastened on in ad- vance, Allen close behind him, with the Sparkler Sport coolly fetching up the rear. Reaching his chamber, the old gentle- man turned the knob and opened the door, followed by his son; but as Star- light likewise entered, Allen gave a dark frown and bent a look of strong suspi- cion upon the intruder. “TI don’t—Allen!” began his father, and the young man turned that way, quickly, to hear the further words: “Where is Lorella? Show her to me, boy! Where is she, I say?” “Not just yet, father. She is safe and sound, though those devils still hold fast to her, and—” “Still a prisoner? Then—how came you here, boy?” demanded the million- aire, almost\ harshly, as he caught an arm in his strong grip. Allen hesitated, once more turning a look as of suspicion upon the Sparkler Sport, who quietly spoke up: “TIf-I’m at all in the way, gentlemen, ll take myself out of it. Don’t be at all bashful about making known the truth, I beg of you.” : “No, no!” cried Martin Kirkwood, hastily, face fully backing up his words as they came in swift suecession. “You've played ‘the part of a true and trusty friend so far, Mr. Sparkler. Add to. the debt I already owe you, for, heaven knows, we still need just such aid and advice as you best know how to offer. You will remain, friend?” “With pleasure, siace you put it that way. Unless—perhaps your son hag some objection, though?” “Not if my father is satisfied and wishes your company,” promptly, swered Allen for himself, . This point settled, the chamber door was closed and the key turned in {tg t ur an- _
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The Sparkler Sport, lock; then the trio of friends settled down to sober business, Martin Kirkwood looked as he surely felt—deeply dejected as he realized how little had been won in the desperate game then being played. Sparkler Steve was more inclined to listen than to assume the lead just now, so Allen Kirkwood had the stage pretty nearly to himself. He cut the preliminaries as short as he Well could, curtly telling how the double abduction had been contrived, and what experience had eome their way since that audacious raid. Like one desirous of lightening a pa- rent’s burden as much as possible, he re- peated the assurance won from the lips of the sister that Lorella had met with no real insult, had received no bodily in- jury, and was but little the worse for her unusual experience save through natural anxiety born of her being in bonds and away from her beloved parent. “Thank God for that, at least!” fer- vently ejaculated the :old gentleman, drawing a long breath of relief and then showing a keener interest in what still remained to be told. “How did you manage to escape, then, Allen?” he asked. The young man shrugged his shou'ders as his mustached lip took a slight curl, but then made answer, as briefly as pos- sible s_ating the actual facts of the case. “The head-devil—Jack Ketch he calls himself—turned me loose with a ‘string atfached. Sent me to make known his terms, which you will find pretty fully set down in this paper.” Martin Kirkwood took the note, but his hands trembled and his eyes seemed unusually misty as he put on his glasses. And then, after a low whisper, the Sparkler Sport tock the paper and dis- tinctly read aloud all it contained, from address to signature. “Tt’s a heavy sum, or would be to any common mortal,” was his comment as he completed that reading. “Still, iv’s a mighty low figure to stand as expressing the full value of Miss Kirkwood!” “T’d give ten times as much rather than have harm befall my little girl!” impulsively criedthe father, tears falling as he took the paper and bent his head over that clearly traced signature. Allen gave a low growl at this, frown- ing darkly the while. “Tt isn’t so much the amount, as it is the manner, don’t you know!” “ Well, one hardly looks for silk-glove handling when one comes in con‘act with such gentry,” quietly observed the Spark- ler Sport. “That isn’t what I mean, either. It’s the cash I’m worrying over. A check, or a draft, even, might be managed all right; but when it comes to gathering twenty- five thousand dollars in coin or in bills, "way out here in the wilderness—that’s different! ”’ “ What is it, Allen?” asked his father, — lifting his cyes from the lines his daugh- ter had treed, “Give me’ the note, father,’ at the same time taking possession of it with- out awaiting full permission. “That blinds your eyes, if not your wits, daddy, and just now we need all the help there is going.” “Tam ready, son; what is it, first?” “ About this ransom, father.” “Tl pay it. Ten-fold if necessary! fy “T knew you would, father,” with a litthe nod of approval. “ But the money isn’t all; we’ve got to hustle for the cash itself. Jack Ketch—Satan build his bed! —declares that he’ll take nothing but the clear cash, and that’s going to puzzle us, I’m thinking.” . “One moment,” cut in the Sparkler Sport, nodding to the son, but looking at the father. “ You will pay this ransom, then, without disputing the figures, Mr. Kirkwood?” “Yes. nothing. to me in comparison with my daughter, sir!” “As a matter of course. Well, then, as a»! Money or money’s worth is. for the cash itself, I reckon that can be managed.” “How so, pray?” asked Allen, a bit roughly as to manner. “Well, Salvation City is far from being moribund, and in a mining town like this there is a good deal of the pure stuff in circulation. I can say (without boast- ing) that my word goes with a majority of the citizens here, and so—with your personal check as security, Mr. Kirkwood ~—-the cash can be raised with no partic- ular difficulty.” “How long a time will though?” asked Allen. “Ten hours, at the outside.” “Is that so?” with an echo of pleas- urable surprise.. “ Faith, then, you’re a PAELSY zood friend to hold coyncil with, ir. Starlight!” “ Don’t mention it. Your father’s note or check is good as a government bond, and with either to back me up, I'll an- swer for the cash. But, how is it to be delivered, and how is Miss Kirkwood to be released? ”’ Allen shrugged his shoulders a bit be- fore replying. “ Well, that’s another tough morsel to swallow, I’m afraid!” it take, CHAPTER XXYVILI. ARRANGING FOR THE RANSOM. “What do you mean by that, my son?” “ Well, sir, this infernal scoundrel who signs himself Jack Ketch not only set his price, but named his own conditions from start to finish.” “To which we will agree without quib- bling,” quickly declared Martin Kirk- wood. ‘“ Nothing in the shape of money Shall stand between my little girl and her liberty; you surely know that, Al- len? ’’ “Tf paying the ransom was all,” with another shrug of the shoulders. “ What do you mean?” “You heard what he had Lorella write about paying over the money, father? Well, he added more to me, in person, so that no reom might be left for mis- takes. And that little—” “Go on!” “You and I are to take the money to the rendezvous, you understand? No other person can go along, either in our company or following as our safeguard. Now, do you begin to see what bothers me, father?” “ You think—you fear the fellow means to play us false?” asked the elder Kirk- wood, after a brief pause as for consid- eration. _“* Well, there is rather more than a fair chance for something of the sort. Still, since those are his terms—” ; “What do you think of it, Mr. Star- light?’”’ asked the millionaire, looking toward the Sparkler Sport, as though just reminded of his presence by special invitation. “Looks mightily as though the condi- tion covers a trick of same description,” frankly owned the sport. “ You say he ' made an especial point of that, Mr. Kirk- wood?” : “Yes,” admitted Allen, thoughtfully. “ Of course, he had a very plausible rea- son for so doing—to guard himself against cunning trickery on our side of une board, he declared. And—it may be so!” “That, of course. Naturally enough, you would be feeling a bit sore under the collar after such usage. Still, to a man | up a tree the shoe would seem a better | | fit for the other foot! ” | “Pray explain yourself, Mr. Starlight.” “Well, if you meet his terms, what’s . playing you both foul, Mr. Kirkwood? ” | “As how?” | “By taking both ransom money and | the bearers, of course! ” ) Martin Kirkwood stared at the speaker | with eyes wider than usual, but then the full purport of those words seemed to burst upon his brain aid give him a se- | vere shock. Until now he had thought only of sav- 'to hinder this sweet Jack Ketch from | 27 ing his dearly beloved daughter from rude captivity by paying out a few of his many thousands; but now—the whole af- fair seemed to take on a vastly different light. His really remarkable nerve seemed to forsake him all at once, and his tall frame fell to shivering as one under a sudden chill. Allen broke in quickly, either dropping or hiding his own doubts for sake of his father’s peace. “ Of course, ’tis just as well to take all these minor points into consideration while dealing with such ugly devils; still, I hardly think any such double-play will be attempted.” “Tt might, though. And once caught in such a trap, with all three of you held fast by such an audacious knave—” § “ What?” “Well, sir,” with a half smile, half- frown as he met the eager eyes of the old gentleman; “in a case like that, I reckon *twould make the bank account of even a millionaire look mighty sick before the end of negotiations was fairly reached!’’ Allen made a passionate gesture at this, his lips curling away far enough to grant a brief glimpse of his teeth. Then he spoke, crisply: “T hinted pretty plainly at something like that, myself, but only met with a .de- nial, What more could I do then? Wha more can we do now? . “Certainly, we can’t afford to waste time while Lorella is held at the full mercy of such infernal rascals? ”’ “No, no!” exclaimed the maiden’s fa- ther, his voice all a-tremble with strong feeling. ‘“ I’d run the risk and take what comes, rather than prolong her trials even by a single hour!’ “Tt wouldn’t help Miss Kirkwood any for both father and brother to join her in captivity, though, do you reckon, Mr. Kirkwood? ” * But it might add to her danger were we to balk at a purely imaginary peril, though,” as quickly spoke the younger Kirkwood. ‘‘ What else can we do than to accept the conditions imposed, after all?” “Guard against any lack of faith og the part of our enemies,” the Sparkler Sport replied, his face and tones betray- ing a more than ordinary interest in this affair, “As how, pray?” “Yes, Mr. Starlight,’ from the father, with a poorly hidden eagerness. ‘“ Tell us what to do, please! Show us how— the dear child must be saved, remember, no matter what comes to the rest of us. Lorella first of all! First of all, I say!” “ Well, gentlemen, it surely ought to be possible to take such precautions against foul play as to insure fair dealing by the enemy,’ deliberately said the Sparkler Sport. “ With a picked lot of good men—’ Allen Kirkwood flung up a checking hand at this, bluntly speaking: “Drop that, if you please, Mr. Star- light. I’ve particular warning against any such play as that, and the risk would be too great—far too great to justify us in taking any such step.” * But, say you were kept in blissful ig- norance of the fact?” suggested the Sparkler, with a faint smile. : “That wouldn’t help matters in the least, and without you promise to hold back entirely, sir, we’ll stop talking over the matter right now and right here.” Allen Kirkwood spoke with almost harsh positivity, and his father seemed surprised, if not hurt, by such apparent rudeness to a guest of his own inviting. “ Allen, surely you don’t stop to count your words?” “T’m counting the consequence of fly- ing in the face of the grim warning given me by Jack Ketch, rather, father,’ came the swift reply. ‘‘He swore that we couldn’t make a move without his full knowledge and comprehension. e swore by good and by evil that if we, in any way, shape, or manner veered to either side of his instructions, ’twould be
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28 \ a sign for teat off all negotiations, and in place of rescuing Lorella, we would be turning her over to the Strang- | lers for—a plaything!” A low, husky cry escaped the father at this grim threat, and he shivered anew with fear—not for himself, but for his best-beloved child. ; “That’s just the way it stands,” added Allen, in milder tones. ‘No man living would better like to fool those infernal hounds, but for now we can’t afford to run any long chances. Afterward—but that is another story!” The Sparkler Sport seemed duly im- ’ pressed with the serious condition of af- fairs as thus outlined; yet his first idea was not. entirely banished, “That condition may mean good or evil; may be merely to protect himself against treachery on your part, or may cover an infernal scheme to secure the cash even while holding the prize, and adding to it a couple of others,” “We'll go fully armed, of course, and with eyes opened to possible trickery— well, ’twill be no walkover for Jack Ketch!” “That is well enough, far as it goes; but why not go further? I'll agree to have a picked force so located that their very existence shall never be so much as suspected by the Stranglers so long as play is fair. After—well, if playing foul, they’ll be caught in their own snare.” But now Martin Kirkwood was the one to object, positively, almost harshly. For himself and son, ’twas very little matter; for Lorella ‘twas everything. And where he might have argued against the younger, Sparkler Steve quietly bowed submission to the elder Kirkwood. “Very well, gentlemen; I’m only alow private in this little campaign, and haven’t a word to offer further. Only—if there should happen to be anything at all I can do, let me know—as a favor.” “You can aid us in raising the cash, which, after all, seems to be the main point just now,” declared Allen, with a fleeting smile. “‘ After that is gathered together, father and I will have to do the rest.” ) “When did you agree to meet this Jack Ketch, if it’s a fair question?” asked the sport, quietly. © “As quickly as the ransom could be 1 provided for—to-morrow, if possible. Why?” “Merely wished to know. And the place of meeting is—” But here Allen hesitated, looking keen- ly, almost suspiciously, into that strong face for several seconds before speaking at all. “ First, sir, give me your word of honor to keep the place secret from all others. Will you do this much?” “Tf you ask it—yes,” was the ready re- sponse. “ Why wouldn’t I?” “Well, I didn’t know but what you thought of playing a card or two on your own hook, and so—never mind! I can trust you, since father has gone your bail. And so—ever hear of a place called the Painted Flat, Mr. Starlight?” Be “Yes. I know the place. A better one could hardly be picked out for such an exchange, either; always granting that both sides of the bargain made were in fair earnest. If not—’ , “We've got to play fair. We shold’ t Pa afford to do otherwise, if only for Lo- rella’s sake. ’Twould surely be fatal to ty ‘her hopes of freedom were we to try a Et double—can’t you see that, sir?” Ay “But, if Ralph Innes be playing the vi role you seem so confident of,” suggested = the Sparkler Sport, “surely he’d see no ‘harm came her way?” Allen Kirkwood frowned blackly, his clenched hand smiting the air paveewe i as he said: ; Re “T know! That devil is at the bottom of it all! He’s scheming, but in this case bs really. believe the tool i$ smarter ‘than 1aster. done, ee father! We'ye got to get to business with ase more delay.” —————— nnn ES SS EE RS ES Ms MES Ve IE Se FOE aE Sn Poe EN Se ee Ee Innes hires the dirty work. but—never mind for now. Your} a busy one for them both. sons | ny * r Stay . _The Sparkie er r Sport. | ““Wait—let me see where I can rustle the. cash first,” said the sport, rising to his feet. CHAPTER XXVIII. THH STRANGLER’S SURPRISE PARTY. Stephen Starlight cut very little time to waste so far as he himself was con- cerned, and in the course of a very few hours gave’ the two Kirkwoods, father and son, fair proof that he spoke well inside of the limits when he declared his ability to rustle up the cold cash with no better collateral than his bare word, backed by the millionaire’s check- book. True, those checks were “good as gold,” and would pass current for such in any financial center; but Salvation City was hardly within those magic bounds, and lacking the sport’s indorse- ment, the slips of paper would have cut but an ignominious figure. Still, twenty-five thousand dollars in clean cash is a large sum of money, and even with the Sparkler afoot it took both time and patience to make the col- lection, although the day was not nearly spent when the full amount was fairly pledged. Still, the collection itself was not fin- ished until high noon of the day follow- ing. Then Sparkler Steve handed over the amount, for the most part in bank- notes, with a couple of bags containing eagles and double-eagles to fill out the tally. Starlight refused to hearken to thanks from father or from son, soberly saying before withdawing: “Wait until the day is older, my good friends. .Maybe I’m doing you injury in place of good; maybe this will only dip you deeper into the worry instead of pulling you all out of it!” “We'll hope for better things, at least,” declared Allen. “Either way you are fully secured, Mr. Starlight,” declared Martin Kirkwood, grasping those hands and pressing them cordially, while tear-moist eyes looked gratefully into those keen blue eyes. “My checks will be honored. at once, and then—” “T’m not thinking of the money, sir,” quickly,” almost roughly, cried the sport, wresting his hands free and turning abruptly away, paying no heed to the call which was sent after him. Evidently his feelings were keenly stung, since the time for starting with the ransom money came and passed without aught more being seen of Stephen Starlight. Mr. Kirkwood felt this keenly, but there was no time to waste, and Allen impatiently urged his father to action. “Tt’ll be all right after he’s had time to think it all over, father,” he gave assurance, as they set forth upon their hazardous mission, moving so quietly as to attract little or no attention their way. “If not—well, should his fears prove well founded, one thing: we'll hardly come back to hear him croak, ‘I told ye so!’” Through all those financial negotia- tions the real secret had been carefully kept by the Sparkler Sport, and few if any ‘of the citizens now to be seen astir on those streets had even the faintest suspicion. of the purpose which took father and son sings that fair after- noon. This was all the better, considering what grim point Jack Ketch made of secrecy concerning the*transfer of booty for beauty, yet Martin Kirkwood shiv- ered a bit as he fairly left the town, looking back to see never a friendly face or hand giving them good luck! © Allen Kirkwood acted feverishly eager to get it all over with, and it was well enough that the old gentleman had sound legs and good muscles to back them up, for the next hour or more was i waiting to pea sure they were not . aie ‘diet t e eee SS aaercisie By Bay ; . ural curiosity. wood, again moving forward. look toward yonder prowling bear -urely turning over the stones } armed paws in mae of ‘his curious citizens, Allen Kirkwood picked his course as directly as the lay of the ground would permit, for the spot local- ly known as Painted Flat, from its curi- ously contrasted rocks of a round dozen hues, here running in regular layers, yonder broken into bits and blots of bright or dull color, yet all of sufficient contrast and oddity to fully merit the appellation bestowed upon that valley. For valley it was, almost circular in shape, surrounded on all sides by fairly high hills, rough, rocky, and broken, with here and there a narrow defile leading into or out of the sunken plateau. For such it might well be termed. It was level to a marvel, considering its B is surroundings, and, unlike the vast ma- ir jority of vallies, was almost barren, so far as green vegetation was concerned. Lifted high above all surroundings, *twould: have been a great mesa, and natural enc‘szh; lying thus, ’twas a nat- It took some little time to scale those rough and broken rocks for a first glimpse of the Painted Flat, and more than once the old gentleman was obliged 4 to pause for breath. The last time of doing so,, he looked back, and far away he caught a glimpse of Salvation City itself. At another time, with less vital inter- ests at stake, he might have enjoyed . studying the scenery; but now he thought only of reaching their journey’s end as quickly as possible. 1 ai If only—but he would not give way =| to such ugly doubts! | bn? Side by side father and son surmount- ed that natural barrier, then flashed eager looks over the vari-hued valley 3 lying stretched before their eyes, each -_ one looking for some sign or token of the . i Stranglers. Nothing which looked like human life was visible, however, and Martin Kirk- — wood was about to express at least a portion of his doubts, when he gave a sharp ejaculation, gripping an arm of ~— his son tigntly as he pointed toward a portion of that rocky ridge at no great distance from their present position. “Look, Allen! Something is—who is it, yonder? "Allen gripped revolver with nervous dy hand, but then drew a long breath of — evident relief as he both saw and rec- ognized that object. “A bear, father,” he said, as that ob-_ ject came out into fairer view. “ Look- ing for worms or mice, I reckon. It'll not bother us if we don’t interefere bela it; never fear.” “T wasn’t—I thought it might be one j of those—the Strangters, as they call ~— themselves. Now—I don’t see anything — of them!” Allen laughed, shortly, yet with a de- tl gree of nervousness iereoneivle which he would have been the last to admit © was possibie. “Hardly, father! Jack Ketch is no fool, whatever else he may be pth a He’ll never show his ugly mug so ‘tong? "3 as there is a possible doubt of our play- é ing a square game.” i ’ ~ “Then you think—” aS as “That his eyes are ‘jetabitn us this very moment: yes!” with dogged em- phasis. “His, and doubtless those of enough other knaves to kick all the fat bia into the fire if we were so rash as mt . ring in a cold deck. I wish it was ih well over with, daddy!” “We'll play our part through to the end, Allen, and then we will have Bac os to blame ourselves with shoukd aught re wrong,” bravely spoke the elder Kirk- ; Fr: s Where were you to meet the fellow yy son? ” fi “ Down yonder, near the center of the valley,” answered Allen, casting another sien s roe . eet . “small deer.” _ Together . two 1 Ay Rta heat
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—_—_————————— ransom money down into the valley and | out to the center of the flat, without see- ing augat of the enemy, and then, just when son as well as father appeared to | _ dread failure on the part of Jack Ketch -and his Stranglers, the surprise was sprung. Here and there, all around the two ‘. ransom-bearers, flat stones which had | y covered each an armed man, were flung i up and aside, then the rush was made, ve ‘amid yells and cries of savage mockery ba and triumph combined. Martin Kirkwood was made an easy | prey, for the amazing surprise appeared | to paralyze him for the moment, but ’ Allen showed fierce fight, jerking re- _ volver and firing a couple of shots ere _ he could be fairly tackled by the enemy, Jack Ketch at their head. To all seeming the young man went _. down with senses if not life itself fairly knocked out of him, so lusty was the -_/ arm which dealt the finishing blow; but _.for the moment Martin Kirkwood gave no thought to his son or to himself: all sf ~ was for Lorella! ia 1 mY. And so, when Jack Ketch came up in . front of the now bound man, Martin _, Kirkwood burst forth in fierce denun- ciations of such vile treachery. ' The Chief of the Stranglers laughed at such impotent fury, and even when be the younger man Showed signs of regain- | sing ~ consciousness, and was again upon | shis feet, with a couple of stalwart a {Stranglers holding fast to his arms, ay How true the forebodings which he a j had so stubbornly banished, time and a a s time again! AJl false—all foul! Fe 2 ee ea * md | -while curses hot and heavy were poured .forth upon the villain who had played {such a treacherous game, still Jack Ketch - kaughed. | 4 “See that he don’t do worse than pe ee -chin-chin, lads,” was his only remark ‘aa. jarawn forth by Allen’s flood of fury; WS ae ae Myr £ oe | ie | r iuen he turned again to the elder Kirk- _- Wood, speaking with a cold sneer in his —-y Woice: * “Why, you poor, blind idiot! Talk _ » about treacherous dealing on my part, will you? Howl because I haven’t done + just as the actual bargain ran? Bah! If _ ,I had stuck to the contract, where would a - tyou be right now?” - * “My child—my poor little girl! Oh, _—-- you devil of devils! Tell me just what—” ‘ With a swift movement Jack Ketch » ¥struek hand over those lips, cutting ~ -short that speech, then swiftly saying Ta tere Mr. Kirkwood could speak further: ’ “Tell you, is it? Ay, I'll tell you— | jjust this much: if I hadn’t broken away _ -from the bargain made with your pre- : “cious son, yonder, where would you be - .this minute? Dead, you fool! For—he hired me to play this trick to your death, _ °‘Martin Kirkwood!” + A hoarse cry burst from lips of Allen >Kirkwood at this monstrous charge, but he seemed actually deprived of physical _ , strength by those words, standing help- -_ . less in the Stranglers’ grip, trembling _» “like a leaf. -{ Martin Kirkwood looked from mask to that ghastly pale face, seemingly at a ‘loss to comprehend just what was being { “What do you mean, sir? Surely— not Allen?” , —_—_—_—_—_—.___ his fellows to take, not slay or harm. and almost before full notes could ‘have been taken by a disinterested spectator, the work was over, the two men bound bast working further harm to their ene- my, and Jack Ketch was upon his feet, revolver drawn, overlooking the whole affair. harshly ordered, mask still hiding his features from inspection. both boodle and men, now climb out o’ this in a holy hurry!” but brutal blows silenced them both, and then they were hurried away over the Painted Flat, heading for one of the narrow defiles which marked that side of the valley opposite the distant town of Salvation. against the Kirkwood pair, but nothing more alarming than a gray-coated bear was within eye-range, placidly searching for worms up near that rocky crest. Waste over Stranglers ventured to say; but Jack Ketch did not see fit to upon the hint, not bite you. Lively, all! much worth right here to throw away even the the horses, h rte growing dejected as he began to a their venture was panning out. but little more.. and able to bear befall; different! th his double game of treachery? And as he asked himself thi was haunted by the answer given by Allen: turned sport of those Stranglers of the Silver Slope! Thé Sparkler 3 Sport. 29 — wood seemed gifted with supernatural | powers. Lusty knave though* he was, Jack Ketch went down before the old gentle- man lixe an infant before a giant, too utterly surprised to make even a show of defense. But then his fellows jumped to the rescue, downing the millionaire to the full as swiftly, if not quite so harshly. Allen Kirkwood likewise set up a Stuggle, striving all he knew how to | break free from his guardians, but in | vain. The feet were promptly knocked from under him, and he struck the stony ground with a force which fairly drove the breath out of his body. _With stout cords which had been pro- vided with an eye to this very end, arms were bound securely, and that without inflicting serious injury upon either of the prisoners, This one point seemed uppermost in the mind of Jack Ketch, for he had scarcely measured his length before the father’s fierce blow, than he yelled to All passed with remarkable rapidity, “Get a hustle on, you fellows!” he “We've got we want to Allen cursed, Martin strove to question, Keen eyes were constantly on the alert possible foul play on the part of “Heap o’ mighty good meat gwine to yender, boss,” one of the act favorably “You let the bear alone, Dan, and it’ll We've got too ghost of a chance. Lively—for now!” Utterly helpless, the two prisoners were urried along, Allen sullenly furious, his irly realize how terribly disastrous For himself he cared nothing, for Allen They were strong men, up against all that might but Lorella! That was, oh, so What awful fate would be hers, now at Jack Ketch had successfully played S$ question, his mind over to be the mock and pitiless demons, the like wall of bare rocks to fairly open country beyond, Jack Ketch hurried his men on with their captives, never halting or slackening pace until the tethered horses were fairly won. “Good enough!” was his hearty ex- clamation at this. “ Hoist ’em up, there, lads; it’s hustle takes the cake, and we're playing for the entire bakery right now!” Again did Martin Kirkwood venture a question as to his daughter, and now the Chief of the Stranglers found time in which to give him at least the semblance of an answer. “The young lady is all right, my ven- erable gudgeon, so don’t worry. I’m tak- ing you to her side as directly as possi- | ble. After that meeting; well, that’s af different thing!” | “You’ve got the ransom money, and now—” “We mean to keep it, of course. That merely pays us for the work already done. Afterwards—” “Don’t talk to the hound, father,” harshly cut in the younger Kirkwood. “You'll get nothing better than foulest lies from him, so—what is the use wast- ing breath?” Jack Ketch made no effort to check this far from complimentary speech, and even chuckled in seeming amusement as the young man ceased. “You’re another, Allen, my boy!” he cried, seemingly with reckless amuse- ment. “Lies? No, no, my innocent lad. I’m going to ladle out truth in huge gobs for the old gentleman, although I’m not so certain you'll enjoy the feast Overly much.” “You devil! I’ll pay you off for all this some day!” ; “Indeed? Then I reckon I might bet- ter get in my pretty work right now, so you can be ciphering out just how large a sum you really owe me. So—you called me a traitor, back yonder, Mr. Kirk- wood,” he added. A brief pause, during which Allen forced a harsh laugh, like one who strove to counteract evil in advance; then the outlaw spoke on: “Tm not denying that I played just a bit crooked, sir, but this much I can and do claim: if I hadn’t done just so, you would be turning cold this holy minute, and your soul would know—what the rest of us are fully aware of—that your murder lay at the door of—Allen Kirk- wood, your hopeful son, yonder!” Martin Kirkwood shrunk and shivered before these pitilessly clear tones, but Allen laughed again, then fell to cursing the man who so devilishly strove to add to one crime another even more diabolical. NE. “You couldn’t tell the naked truth if your very life depended wpon it,” he cried, fiercely, wrestling with his bonds as only a man thoroughly desperate can do. “ Why would I attempt such an in- fernal trick, you cur?” “That’s just wnat I’m coming to, Mr. Kirkwood,” added the Chief of the Stranglers, paying no heed to the young- er prisoner. “Of course it hits you mighty hard, coming so near to where you live, but the truth is gospel, and ’'ll ~ make you see the whole pretty trick before I’m clean through with you. | _ “T mean that only for my playing ;false, as you term it, you’d be a corpse ‘this holy second!” repeated Jack Ketch, sternly. “Your son offered us this very ~ * Tump of money for killing his father: - 2yourself, no less! ” ; _*_A brief pause, during which Martin _) Kirkwood seemed fairly petrified, but _ then he broke loose, leaping upon and knocking Jack Ketch down. “You lying demon! I'll kill at foul lie!” he cried, hotly. Le Stung to the heart by such crushing fears, Martin Kirkwood again and again strove to get word from the lips of the leader, but at most he only won evasions or ugly curses. Just then Jack Ketch was bent on gain- ing the spot where their animals had been left while the ambuscade was in waiting, acting as though he feared some equally cunning effort to turn the tables, eyes always on the rove to guard against possible surprise ' \ you for * out aught which even hinted at trickery on the part of the friends to the Kirk- woods. a ‘STRANGLER’S DOUBLE eons: : ; of a man turned fairly ed an unparalleled | t Martin Kirk- 4 tah | which led deviously through that crater- ae FR : 1 G % ee: ee fal SPD ha) Nothing of the kind took place, and } the Painted Flat was fairly crossed with- s. | _____| gag, while being far more easily _ Diving into one of the narrow cracks ges Oe Fe hae oN Ts -. +) i « pasa a#- “It’s been a set-up job from start to finish, and Allen Kirkwood has done the chief engineering. He hired us to jump your camp, and promised us a cool ten thousands chucks to begin with, if we’d croak you: murder you, to speak with © the bark on!” ‘ 3 “A Jie—all an infernal lie!” hoarsely cried Allen. uke “Put a muzzle on that calf, fellows,” coldly commanded Jack Ketch, throwing’ up a hand as he turned head that way. ‘Blindly obeying, the Stranglers sur-— rounded the prisoner, some holding him helpless, while others applied a heavy . . muffler, which served all purposes of a / wv,
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30 The Sparkler Sport. i# progress, and again Jack Ketch as- sailed the ears of the elder Kirkwood with what purported, rightly or wrong- fully, to bea blunt confession of unpar- allelied wickedness, “Tt’s gospel truth, old. gentleman; Allen is an old-time pal, who has led a double life for more years than you could guess, back east. He hunted me up, out here, and made his proposition; to dump you for good and all, then to get shut of his sister, when, as a matter of course he would come in for all your wealth. “Easy enough, with all the chances vour whim of camping-out gave him, don’t you see? But—well, I agreed to play my part in the pretty little game precisely as set down by Allen, but— somehow it occurred to me that there ought to be bigger money in the layout, and, anyhow, the black-hearted devil didn’t ought to win such a nasty game! “Mind you, Kirkwood; everything was played up in high G, so far as Allen was concerned. And, though you did slip through the noose over yonder, by what still looks mightily like a miracle to me, up to that very hour I played strictly according to Hoyle! “ Then—well, what’s the use drawing it out so long? That happening first led | me to thinking more carefully, and the result is—just like this! I’d cheat the son, and take the father alive in place of leaving him an ugly corpse, as I was hired to do!.” Martin Kirkwood listened through all, but the very magnitude of the crime thus brutally outlined, proyed its own antidote. He could not give it full ere- dence, and so declared. “A Jie: it’s all a foul lie, to put the cap-sheaf.on your devilish doings! ” he cried, sternly, Jack Ketch shrugged shoulders like | one careless as to what another might think, then spoke again: “All right, my covey! Keep on think- ing that way until | show you proofs which even a father can’t refuse to, rec- ognize. Until then—lively, all! Time we “were getting there with all feet!” After this, but few words were wasted, even the voluble-tongued Jack Ketch de- | clining to enter into argument or con- versation with his eldér captive. For several hours longer that journey was pressed as rapidly as the nature of the ground to be crossed would permit; but at the end of thai period, the Chief of the Stranglers rose in his stirrups, to , cry out: ‘ “ Good enough! We’ re getting there, | my handsome friends! And then—well, after the Kirkwood. family is fairly as- ' sembled, we'll decide just what comes next: death, marriage, liberty; which?” Jae Ketch broke off with a laugh which certainly was not the most agree- able sound in all the world, at least to CHAPTER Oo | THE SPARKLER SPORT AT WORK. _Jack Ketch might have fared better in the end if he had listened with a more obliging ear to the half-hinted wish of "his fellow. yonder in the valley known as Bap, 1 the Painted Flat. be. "Not that bruin would have made such Bai _ choice eating as the Strangler inferred, eye. but its killing certainly would have bene- eee fited that lawless outfit far more. than any \ Ted ae ‘one thing they could have accomplished that day, For, while the skin was genuine “ee enough, and perfect from nose to stumpy Aras tail, save for the slit which ran along the gS belly, its contents were searcely such as a well-regu ilated bear-hide covers in life. Certainly no be Lins could have been more innocently occupied befure, during, and Basi amtte'd upon the scene of the | “pinnae cays ei ge son; ine tt act- > insi ae giving a long breath of relief, the sport replaced the hairy mask, turning again in | being denied the privilege of playing a more open part in that affair of booty for beauty. Starlight was more than half convinced that the Chief of ithe Stranglers contem- plated trickery when Allen Kirkwood told of the rigid conditions imposed by the outlaw; and so he determined to do all that lay in his power to foil the arch- villain. Denied the liberty of acting in the open, he took steps accordingly, under cover of night conveying the bear-hide from | | ly than that he should suspect others of town to the vicinity of the Painted Flat, there leaving it securely hidden until his return. In order to be first upon the scene, Sparkler Steve pretended to take offense at the manner of the millionaire, then left town unobserved in ample time to get everything in readiness for playing his part. How that part was played has been seen clearly enough for all purposes, al- though a few words more may not come amiss, While afraid to venture into the open, lest his natural awkwardness betray his attempted deception to the enemy, Spark- ler Sport was ready and more than will- ing to chip in if he saw even a half- chance of saving the Kirkwoods and foil- ing the Stranglers, in case his worst sus- picions should prove correct. Naturally enough, however, Siarlight expected the enemy to come into sight from one of those crooked defiles, in which case he would have ample time in which to determjne whether or. no. it would be advisable to play a bold hand. That cunning ambush surprised. him to the full as much as it did his friends, and the capture followed so swiftly that he had.no time to take a hand in, even if he had deemed such action advisable. This he did not, for Lorella was absent, and her safety; her freedom, was para- mount. Thanks to that ambush being laid in the very centre of the colored valley, the Stranglers were a long revolver-shot from the néarest rocks, and so, even if he had thought it best, Sparkler Steve could hardly have chipped in when Jack Ketch went down before the indignant father, without fully advertising his coming to the tough nuts there engaged. J As already shown, that struggle oii brief-lived, and then even the ghost of a chance was lost for the time being. When the Stranglers finally started off | with their captives, the disguised Sport watched them, taking especial note of the defile toward which they were mov- | ing, at the same time picking his own | way among those thick-lying rocks toward the crest nearest Salvation City. All this without the appearance of haste which might, in suspicious eyes, | father and son. | fetch awkward attention that way, yet| it fairly easy work trailin “ ‘ | after once coming in fair distance, and making such good time that he was cross- ing the crest even as the Stranglers en- tered that defile. Then, producing from inside his hairy covering, a bright scarlet handkerchief, Sparkler Steve quickly fastened it upon a stick miniature flag where it could be distincet- ly seen from afar: exactly what the sport desired! “Lively, now:” Starlight muttered as he rose up to cast off his covering, so far as head and face were concerned, shading eyes as he gazed eagerly in the direction of Salvation City like one fully expecting an answer to that brilliant sig- YS Ny Come! You can’t come any too soon for me, my brave lads! a A few moments later his keen eyes caught sight of an answering signal, far away in the direction of the town, and the direction of the Painted Flat. My pre Aah : nee bee t better keep on et ee already prepared, planting the |. a waedls 2 over the rise and down to the level below. He headed direct for the narrow pass through which the Stranglers picked their way with their captives, making | 2s rapid progress as possible under the conditions, Although he hardly looked for such a thing, the Sparkler Sport knew it was barely possible that Jack Ketch had left a guard at the mouth of the defile, to make sure no enemy was following. Treacherous himself, what more like- being equally tricky? As matters turned out, this was a use- less precaution on the part of the sport, but while he regretted the loss of time (for he’ might have covered the same. dis- tance in less than half the time as a man) he could not fairly blame himself. First making sure there were no spies hidden nigh that point, the sport quick- ly set up a signal which would be readily seen from yonder crest, thus marking the pass to be taken by his men who were already in brisk motion as he felt fully assured. This done, Starlight cast off his dis- guise for good and all, stowing it away in a rocky crevice from whence it might be recovered later on in case all went well with his risky plans, Then the bold fellow pressed on through the defile, tucking under his belt. a number of white strips of cloth which were to be used for blazing the trail, to enable his men to follow at speed and so the more readily overtake their leader. This was not the first time Starlight had played scout, and difficult though, the nature of the ground made that ‘ask right now, by exercising his keen juagment little in conjunction .with his eyes, he found little trouble in reaching the spot where the Stranglers had left their ani-— mals to await the result of that cunning ambuscade, After ithis it proved far more easy trail- ing, thanks to hoofs of horses rather than to feet of men; and leaving yet another of his little signal-flags, Sparkler Steve pressed on at a good round rate. Thanks to the broken country through | which the Stranglers were obliged to re- ireat, an active man on foot could very. well keep pace with a mounted party, and. until he won his first glimpse of the gang, Starlight did even better: he gained lit- e: tlé by little upon the enemy, only slack- — ening up in his efforts when fairly and surely hanging near their rear. Apparently Jack Ketch had no fears of being tracked, since he took no precau-— tions against followe:s. Doubtless he felt safe in the conditions insisted upon as an important part of the ransom ata ment. q Be that as it may, Spark i Steve found ng the enemy — so, too, aided by the little white flags — which were placed at each warn, or oe scure part of the trail, did the men who the sport counted upon to back hi in the work yet remaining to be done. j Little by little they gained wen their — leader, and before the sun was fairly hid- ing itself behind the hills toward ee west, the little, squad of “ solic “men” were greeting their chief. Picked men. one and all, chosen by Starlight with an e be single to hot a | against possible odds in case his ‘sus picions of foul play were thagaed upo fact. Outwardly conforming to the con tions made by Allen Kirkwood, the spc did more work than merely anecaa cold cash requisite for a fair exch Lorella for ransom, yet so paler ering his movements that not eve! men he plated for the campaign kne ) be done, or whom blot sr, I rec sree A. “ad vateeaiie be: [iba th up
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rs aati ae i: Bios ud acl 31 ~— yonder rocky rise, to immediately move in case a red flag should show itself in that quarter. When they joined the Sparkler Sport they were scarcely better posted as to facts, although they might naturally sus- pect; their faces betrayed curiosity, but their tongues said naught until Sparkler himself set the example, By this time there was no reason why they should be kept longer in ignorance, and so Starlight frankly informed his men just what was in the wind, and just what he counted on their doing after he had set them a fair example. Not a single dissenting voice was raised when he made those facts known. Not one of that selected band but was eager to close in a death-lock with Jack Ketch and his band of Stranglers. Steadily, cautiously yet boldly, the picked band tracked the lawless outfit fairly to their rendezvous, growing a bit impatient as the sun was lost to view and thé shades of night began to set- tle over the earth once more, If that chase was prolonged, there was serious risk of losing the trail in the deepening darkness, and that delay might be fatal to their hopes of rescuing the Kirkwood family: for Sparkler Steve felt firmly convinced the father and son were now being conducted directly to where the sister and daughter lay a captive. Hence it was with great relief that, from all sighs, the rescuing party felt fairly assured that the end was nigh, the rendezvous close at hand; and one and all of the party prepared for the dangerous work which yet remained to be done. They were not granted a great deal of time in which to make those prepara- tions, either, for it seemed scarcely possi- ble that the Stranglers had fairly en- tered camp, ere the moment for action eame, Loud shouts and fierce cries gave the signal, and Starlight cried: “Come, lads! That means business, so—up and at ’em, red-hot!” CHAPTER XXXI. JusT IN THE NICK OF TIME. There were other absentees from Salva- tion City on this eventful day, and at least two of them were heading for the same point where the Stranglers had ren- dezvoused after dispatching Allen Kirk- wood with terms and conditions for the ransom of Lorella. Those two were man and woman, both of whom held a strong interest in the affairs of the Kirkwoods, as will be re- cognized when their names are given. Contrary to the traditional rule, the young woman was acting as guide, though it called for no urging to keep the Man close at hand, and the lead was per- mitted merely because of her better knowledge. That young woman was Kittie Crooks, the young man was Ralph Innes, and their destination was the very point where Lorella Kirkwood was held in cap- tivity by the grim guard placed over her by Jack Ketch in person before he started out to bag his other living game. Kittie had been first to propose that venture, watching her chance and quick- ly enlisting the ‘services of the private secretary when and where no other curi- ous 6Ye or ear might take awkward note. It was mainly because her wounded and helpless father desired it, she has- ito those cheeks, but not now: Kittie felt that the world itself was pretty much , the same as dead to her. So, quickly, gravely, earnestly she spoke on, telling how her company must be endured, since she could show but hardly describe the cunningly hidden spot where it was almost certain Miss Kirkwood was now awaiting rescue. “It’s for Daddy: all for father,” she added, voice breaking a bit in spite of her tensely-strung nerves, “If you will not help—’ “T will, and give you a thousand thanks in the bargain!” declared Innes, with strong sincerity unless his face and eyes told Jies. In order to gain the distant rendezvous in time for arranging their plans before the coming of night, and to make certain Lorella was really held. captive there, the adventurers had to leave Salvation City quite early in the day. This they contrived ito do without call- ing particular attention their way, save that Ralph found Barney O’Shea still dogging him, though keeping at a fairly safe distance, A little quick maneuvering threw the camp-cook off the scent long enough for their purpose, and then Innes hastened to the hills, there to join his fair guide, Kittie Crooks. Together they picked their way deeper into thé hills, crossing the little river where Peter Peltz had given them the slip so recklessly, pressing on and on without tiring in their eagerness to make a fair record which might help the public to a more just estimate of their merits. And so, some little time, before the sun dipped behind the western rocks, Kittie and Ralph won a position from whence they might learn for certain whether or no their hopes were well- founded; whether Lorella Kirkwood was indeed held a: prisoner here, awaiting the result of Jack Ketch’s double play at Painted Flat. Cautious scouting finally convinced Innes that such was indeed the case, al- | though as yet he could only make a vague guess as to how many of the Stranglers were here’ at the retreat, Then he made known the decision long since arrived at in his mind: “You have done your part, Miss Crooks, and now must wait for me to do mine. J’ll go im yonder, alone-—” “JT am going, too, Mr, Innes.” “No. You must wait here. I mean it, my dear girl,” he said firmly, as he saw signs of rebellion. ‘‘ With you in danger, I’d lose all of my nerve. I would be thinking and caring for you, rather than of or for my cousin. So—I go in yonder alone, remember.” A sl flush crept into Kittie’s face as Ralph spoke thus, his strong hands hold- ing hers captive. Those brown eyes said far more than lips as yet dared utter, and—well, after all, Kittie was a woman, and if she read the glad truth, why not? And so, not daring wait until the night had fairly fallen, although by doing so jhe would have a friendly screen to his movements, Ralph Innes looked to his weapons, then as cautiously as might be began his perilous venture. Fortunately there was no lack of nat- ural cover, and, making the best possi- ble use cof this’, the young man was not so very long in winning a position from whence he could peer forth upen a small | and rude hut made of boughs and leafy , soon learned enough to convince himself that Lorella Kirkwood must be inside yonder shanty, and then he cautiously \ withdrew, making a circuit until he could approach the shelter from the rear. So far; Ralph had failed to see or hear aught of other-enemies, but even while he was debating whether or no ’twould be advisable to make an open attack upon the Strangler, he heard other sounds which warned him of odds too heayy for chancing. He crept up to the rear of the hut with- out attracting attention his way, and then looked and listened, using ears while seeking an aperture among those half- dry leaves by means of which he might learn for certain just who was within the rude shelter. “I fooled the idiot and his fancy girl!” the Strangler was saying, in. coarse, harsh tones, ‘‘ While he searched for me, on top as well as under the surface, I was lying snugly under the bank, laughing at his efforts. “ Laughing, and yet—cursing as well! Do you ask why? Because I had marked him as my own! Because. he even then bore upon his throat the red brand of the Strangler! Because—ah-h-h! How I hated him then; how I hate him now!” “Why should you hate him so bitter- ly?”’. asked a softer voice, which Ralph instantly recognized for that of his fair cousin, “‘ Surely Mr. Innes never worked you harm or injury, sir?” “Did he not? Was it nothing that he slipped through my clutches even after the death-touch was painted upon his ithroat? Was it naught that he—ah-h-h! That throat of yours, my lady! How love- ly it looks now as you—ha! ha! ha! ““Why do you shrink away and breathe so rapidly, darhng? Why do you cringe and shiver as though—I wonder—fool! What made him leave me here to be tempted like—tempted of the devil! Ha! hatha!” Lorella was not the only one trembling at those suddenly altered tones, for Ralph recalled his own hideous usage yonder in this strangling demon’s mount- ain home, and now—surely he would not dare— “ Strangle—choke and strangle!” cried Peter Peltz, his voice growing fairly dev- ilish as he sprung to his feet and swiftly unwound a pliable rope from about his middle. ‘“I’ll caress that dainty neck until it turns—ha!”’ For Ralph Innes, daring wait no long- er, came around the hut with a dash, leaping straight at the Strangler, striking with reversed pistol, hoping thus to dis- pose of Peltz without noise sufficient to call the other outlaws to that spot. Peter dodged, his foot slipping and fetching him to earth, but he was up as quickly, flashing forth an ugly-looking knife and leaping to meet his adversary, éyes ablaze and face that of a veritable fiend. The two men came together with a shock, then wrestled for a few seconds, falling in a confused heap to earth. A wild, hoarse yell told of painful death, and Ralph tore himself free to see only the haft of the Strangler’s knife; the blade was buried in his bosom, and already death was claiming its evil prey! Then came angry cries, followed by still others from beyond. CHAPTER XXXII. THE LAST OF THE STRANGLERS. These were the sounds which told the brush—a temporary expedient, and one | which had not existed long, as the’ ' searcely faded leaves assured him. | tened to make the young. man under- stand. She dared not trust the other - Parties interested, and so— ae Ralph Innes only too gladly welcomed the chance. “Td do anything in reason to clear my record, so foully besmirched by Allen ~ Kirkwood,” Ralph gave assurance, “Only ~—'d rather pull the hemp I’m threatened an see you risk your life or lib- iss Crooks!” é At any other time this earnestness might have brought a blush of pleasure In front of this hut, squatting close to the opening which might be closed by, a flap of blanket, now flung. to one side and upward, squatted a burly shape which looked strangely familiar to Ralph at first glance, and which, only a few sec- onds later he recognized as none other . ; ‘and allies that the whole attention of than the Strangler, Peter Peltz! Staring with wide eyes, scarcely able to credit their evidence, the young man Sparkler Sport he had no time to waste if he hoped to make a clean sweep in that quarter, “Come, lads!” he cried, setting the good example himself and rushing for- ward through those deepening shadows. No doubt it was fortunate for himself Jack Ketch and party was taken up by what was going on in their front, for that
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, qt 82 The Sparkler Sport. gave the rescuers time and chance to fairly close in before their coming was so much as suspected. For a few moments matters looked very squally for Ralph Innes, even after so luckily disposing of the Strangler, Pe- ter Peltz. * Quick!” cried Kittie Crooks, spring- ing actively to his side, revolver drawn and ready for service. ‘‘ They are com- ing! Save Miss Kirkwood and leave me to—back, ye demons! Back, or I’ll shoot —to kill!” Several guards were coming with a rush, and, though they hesitated at sight of armed enemies, ’twas for but a mo- ment or two; then charging on with sav- age oaths and vicious yells. No time then for flight! To turn back now would almost surely mean death from the rear. And so—two pistols be- gan to bark, and Kittie fought shoulder to shoulder with Ralph in defense of Lo- rella. For a few minutes matters were very lively in that quarter, bullets flying reck- lessly, steel a-flash, blood flowing here and there, while grim death was reaping a dread harvest. The Sparkler Sport closed in with a . vengeance, shooting straight and striking hard, knowing that under circumstances like these the “only good Strangler was a dead Strangler.” The weight of numbers was in their fa- . vor, but twilight seemed to at least double the ranks of their assailants, and so the Stranglers fought at a disadvan- tage. Then, too, they lost their leader early in the fight, he going down before Allen Kirkwood, who had in some as yet unexplained manner burst or slipped his bonds. Then the cry of victory mingled with other cries for quarter, and the Sparkler Sport quickly brought forth order from seeming chaos. Before this time father and daughter were ‘together, one laughing and ‘sobbing in the same breath, the other silent in his great relief and thankfulness. Fires were quickly kindled, and by the ruddy glow thus afforded stock was taken and the results summed up. He who had figured as Jack Ketch was dead, slain with his own knife, guided by the vengeful hand of Allen Kirkwood, that black mask still covering his face from view. ' When it was removed, the features of a notorious “bad man” called Mack Han- son were revealed, and one portion of the Strangler mystery was cleared away for all time. Another came to light when, among those of the enemy mortally wounded, Vincent Messick, the Salvation City sport and gambler, was found. Meanwhile explanations among the liv- ing and unharmed were in order, and, thanks to Lorella giving her evidence in their favor, both Kittie and Ralph stood clear of suspicion which might otherwise have proved awkward, being found in " such evil company. Even now Allen Kirkwood, but little the worse for his death-grapple with “ Jack Ketch,” viewed his cousin savage- ly, and if left to himself might have added another killing to his red record that night. Harshly enough he ordered Innes to stand aside, nor disgrace his blood rela- tives by contact while his record re- mained uncleared. “And, without you can clear it, here’s fair warning that I’ll send you up a tree, or, failing that, kill you with my own hand! Even now I hold you guilty; even now I believe you were at the bottom of all this crime and; scheming, Ralph Innes!” : But the mystery was not to endure much longer, for the Sparkler Sport, holding a notion cf his own, took time and opportunity to question Vin Messick a bit in private, then called those more nearly interested in learning the whole . Ghia h ti j } wee 2 e es! 7 al 4 7 mas’ *P t * : oy A eee. ¢ ee Phe qo v truth to the side of ithe mortally injured gambler. For Messick had indeed turned his last trump, and by playing upon his holy hor- ror (which is entertained by so many of the craft) of “dying with his boots on,” Sparkler Steve induced him to make a | full and free confession. No need of entering fully into that con- fession, since so much of what Messick told has already been shadowed forth in these pages. Hnough that he fully exon- erated both Ralph Innes and Allen Kirk- wood of wrong-doing or treacherous plot- ting in connection with the Stranglers. Messick himself had planned the bold | game, easily interesting Mack Hanson | and his reckless gang by pledging them gold galore in case all should work smoothly. The attempt to kill Martin Kirkwood by the strangler’s rope was genuine, Mes- sick reasoning that such savage work would surely cow the imperious will of the son, and so make the ultimate fleec- ing all the more easy to accomplish. | Messick, too, suggested throwing suspi- cion upon the private secretary as a/| shield to his own participation; but it | was “ Jack Ketch” who suggested black- | ening the fame of the son in the father’s eyes, later on. Knowing now what stern metal they | had to deal with, and knowing how mer- | cilessly they would be hunted’ down in | case either or both of the male Kirk- | woods should escape their élutches with | life, it was determined to work one against the other, “ bleed” the million- aire as much as possible, then—end all by a double or even a triple slaying! Only a man who knew his death was certain could or would have made such a full and.damning confession; but it was well that it should be thus; with less pos- itive proof. ugly suspicions might have lingered long and rankled sore. As it was, Allen Kirkwood frankly owned his mistake, and ithe cousins were cousins once more! It was fated that the tie of relationship should never be changed, never drawn closer. Although Lorella and Ralph were promised in marriage, neither had been “dead in love,” nor did either now re- gard the other with even so faint a pas- sion. Ralph had tumbled “over head and ears in love” with the girl of the mount- ains, despite her unfortunate associa- tions, and now that Kittie hung her head in grief for her erring father, Ralph felt that he must stick all the closer to his love; and so he did! And Lorella? Well, of course, she wouldn’{ own as much, even in the most secret @epths of her heart, but it was none ‘the less a fact; | she had found a master in the man of ad- venture, Stephen Starlight, the Sparkler Sport, Their eyes met as their hands came to- | gether after that rescue was fairly as- | sured, Few words were spoken, and none at all which savored aught of love or | love-making; yet ithe glad truth was clear | to both man and maid, and the Sparkler ' was well content to bide his time for the | rest. ; The dead Stranglers were buried where | they fell, the wounded and the prisoners were taken across to Salvation City, there to meet with the reward best suited to their recent actions. And so they may be left. } _ Nelson Crooks expressed great relief | when the news was broken to him, and | | he evidently felt that he had made some slight amends for his past mistakes. | Still, his hurts proved too serious for re- | covery, and, after a few weeks of suffer- ing, the mountaineer died, a far better man than he had lived! It was a heavy blow to Kittie, but she was not left alone in the world, after all. | Ralph begged for her hand, even as he | held her heart, and when Nelson Crooks | asked Kittie to let him see her a wife ere she was left an orphan, Kittie finally con- sented. Martin Kirkwood gave awey tho bride, and Lorella, with Starligkt, was bvides- maid—if such terms are adnissible in connection with such a sad anl qviet wedding. \ Later on a far more “ brilliant affair ” was recorded in all the papers, and the main ones concerned were—but why re- peat? Enough that, at latest accounts, the Sparkler Sport” had calmed down as a husband and father, and of one thing you may rest assured: he will never teach his sons to follow in his earlier footsteps! THE END. Beadle's Dime Library. ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS. Dick Talbot Series, 991 Dick Talbot at the Mines; or, Kentuck, the Sport. 988 Rocky Mountain Rob. 976 Overland Kit; or, The Idyl of White Pine. 741 Dick i'albot’s Close Call. ; 737 Dick Talbot in Apache Land. 733 Dick Talbot, the Ranch King. 729 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Out. 725 Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp. 854 Dick Talbot; or, The Brand of Crimson Oross 86 Dick Talbot; or, The Death-Sbhot of Shasta, Aiken’s Fresh of Frisco Series, 825 Fresh, the Race-Track Sport. 660 The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Full Hand, 652 Tne Fresh’s Rustie at Painted City. 647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or, The Stranger 9 556 Fresh, the Sport: or, The Big Racket at Slide 587 Fresh Against the Field; or, Blake, the Lion, 497 The Fresh in Texas; or, The Escobedo Millions, 461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande. 97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or, Bronze Jack Aiken’s Misc ellancous Novels, 980 The All-Around Athlete. 940 Captain Jack, the Scalper 935 The Hawks and Wolves of New York 932 Detective Gordon’s Grip. 926 Old Sunflower, the Silent Smiter. 923 Old Sunflower, the Hayseed Detective. 901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or, The Siren 892 The Country man Detective. 876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps, 842 Teton Tom, the Half-Blood. 8385 The King-Pin Detective. 814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports. 775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport, 733 Gideon’s “= Babylon Bar. 717 Captain Pat McGowen, the Greencoat Detective, 674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective, 670 The Lightw eight Detective. 665 The Frisco Detective; or, The Golden Gate Find, 618 Keen Billy, the Sport. 607 Old Benzine, the * Hard Case” Detective, 594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe. 586 The Silver Sharp Detective. | “4 577 Tom, of Calif ormia; or, Detéctive’s Shadow 570 The Actress (Detective; or, The Invisible Hand 562 Lone Hand, the Shadow, 520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo, 490 The Lone Hand in Texas, 475 Ohin Chin, the Chinese Detective, 465 The Actor Detective. 4 440 The High Horse of the Pacific, 423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Recreants, 408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. : 381 The Gypsy Gen tleman: or. Nick Fox, Detective 876 Black Bearde: o1, The Rio Grande High Horse 370 The Dusky Detective: or, Pursued to the Ena. 363 Crowningshield, the Detective ; . 320 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk, 203 The Double Detective: or,The Midnight Mystery, 196 La Marmoset, the Letective Queen, 101 The Man from New York, 91 84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. © 81 The Human Tiger: or, A Heart of Fite, %5 Gentleman George; or, Parlor. Prison and Street, 72 The Phantom Hand; or, The 5th Avenue Heiress, 56 The Indian Mazeppa; or, Madman of the Plains. 49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen. _ 42 The California Detective; or, The Witches of N.Y. 81 The New York Sharp; or, The Flash of L 27 The Spotter Detective: or, Girls of New York, NEW ISSUES. ' 1000 Buffalo Bill’s Grim Guard. By Col. Ingraham, 1001 lms i of Cimarron. By John W. Osbon. 1002 Silver City Sam. By Jos, E. Bad er. te a 1003 Gold Dan; or, Dick Talbot in Utah. By Albert © W. Aiken 1004 Buffalo Bill’s Death Deal. By'Col, Ingraham, — 1005 Foot-Hills Frank. By Jos. BE, Badger. 1006 The Sea Cadet. By Col. P, Ingrabam. JUST ISSUED. 996 Injun Dick, the Shasta Dead Shot, Aile 997 Hotspur Hah ~~ Sport from Ward tuck. By Jos, EB. ger, Jr. ; 993 Captain Seawalf, Privateer. By Ned Butline, 999 The Velvet Hand; or, The Iron Grip of Injun Dick. By Albert W.Aiken. a2 E «ee US ter eee : Preis DIME porn pn ih for sale’ b ewsdealers, ten cen copy. or sent hb receipt of price. BE LE & ADAMS, Pr William Ferect, New York, né “ Dn 252 The Wali Street islood; or, The roses Girl. x The Winning Oar; or. The innkeopae Daughter, | btning. \ tae * 4 to id Le ,.