Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1041) (1900 10)
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CopyRiGnutT, 1878, By BeapLe & ADAMs, j| No. 1041. ; Gospel George; Published Every Month, ENTERED as SzconD CLass MaTrer aT THE New York, N. Y., Post OFFice. October, 1900. MM. J. VERS & CO., Publishers, (JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprietor), 379 Pearl Street, New York. 10 Cents a Copy. $1.00 a Year. Vol. LXXKI. FIERY FRED, the OUTLAW. A ROMANCE OF THE GOLD MINES, BY JOSEPH E, BADGER, JR. CHAPTER I. A CONTROVERSY WITH ‘‘ OLD EPH.” “Hark! what’s in the wind now?’ The speaker, a tall, likely young fellow, arose from the nole over which he had been crouching; 4 and ay ye in hand, stood + gcnena intently, with head on one side. The sound—a pistol- shot, at no great distance—was of double signifi- cance at that day and in that region—the. my days of 54, along the head-waters of? itt river, in the land of gold. **Some fellow that’s dogged us from North Fork, Pll bet a cookie!” growled a gaunt speci- men of humanity, with a sort of disgust. ** Whoever it is, he’s in trouble—just listen to | that!” Even as he spoke the favoring breezo bore to | ears several rapidly-succeeding pistol- *| thunderin’ } Shots, followed by wild, pierceing screams, as of one in mortal terror or great bodily pain. ‘*That settles it, boys!” cried Ned Allen, the young man who had spoken, dropping his pickax and leaping out of the ditch. ‘‘ Spy or no spy, we can’t shut our ears to a cry like that. Look to your weapons, and get ready for work. Come!” ‘* Jest our pesky luck!” snorted Dick Barnes— 7 waberaine ss 3 Dick.” ‘ "most 4 eA was a ig nugget layin’ right under m pick, an’ soisebad l find it afore we git back —that’s my luck.’ Side by side Dick and Ned breasted the sharp slope, gaining the ridge at the same moment, a few seconds in advance of their comrades. The wild yells for help still rent theair, coming from the little valley below, through which wound the clear, rkling waters of the little river beside which the prospecters had pitched their tempo- rary camp; but though the tones and some words were distinctly audible, their keenest glances could not discover the author. *‘ Begorra, luck at that!” cried stumpy, broad- faced Jem Daly. -‘‘ Luck undher the tree that grows loike a umbrelly—the divel in a woolly overcoat, . Mebbe it’s bekaise he’s too hot it is that he’s kickin’ up sich a divel’s delight, a-youtlin’—” ** A grizzly—I knowed it!” snorted Grumbling ion ‘** Bet thar’s ee ren ov ‘em round yere, jest a purpose to spile our diggin’—’ ? barks took a’ that now? luck at the divel tryin’ to shake acorns out o’ that elm.” “It’s a two-legged acorn, too—ha! look! he’s aghifen down the sapling. Lively, boys, he’ll a dead man in less than ten minutes, if we don’t put in our best kicks.” Even Barnes forgot to grumble as they saw the huge, shaggy monster grasp the slender pole of the tree and shake it violently. They saw that the man whose cries had startled them, partially lost his hold, his feet dangling below | the lower limbs as its bushy top swayed swiftl to and fro. The grizzly saw this, too, and wad | dling forward, it struck at the dangling boots | as a kitten re with a suspended ball of yarn. But then the legs were drawn up once more, and with a sniff of disgust, the grizzly dropped upon all fours and attacked the slender trunk | with his sharp teeth. **Down to the bank, boys,” cried Ned Allen, ag the way. ‘‘Give him the best you know | how.’ The stream was narrow, swiftly running be- tween steep banks which rose several feet above the level of the water. Two yards beyond its further bank rose the bushy-topped elm-sapling BEFORE GOSPEL GEORGE, WAS A ROUGHLY-CLAD MAN, GRINNING AS HE HELD HIS REVOLVER POINTED AT THE TRAILER’S HEAD, —Page i \ aa rf er ae aoe cy See
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A feed ery of joy broke from the sry get lips as he heard thé encouraging shouts of the prospecters, and saw them rushing to his as- sistance. The grizzly was equally upon the alert, and now, with head upon one side, growl- ing menacingly, he eyed the crowd as it ranged along the opposite shore. ** Don’t waste your bullets, boys,” muttered Allen, as the revolvers clicked ly. “‘ Stand ready for a rush—he’s no sheep. We must keep him from crossing, or some of us will make him ameal. Ready, now!” Eleven revolvers spoke in a volley, and were handled by men who had, the least practiced, skill enough to plant a bullet into a smaller tar- get at twice the distance. But thi yards is a long range for pistol practice when “ Old Eph ” forms the t, even for Colt’s ‘‘ Navy,” and though a snarling roar broke from the bear’s distended jaw, the shower of lead appear- ed to affect it but little more than so many hail-: stones. Forgetting its intended victim in the tree-top, Bruin waddled to the bank of the river, the pic- ture of furious The pistols cracked mer- rily, but it seemed of little more use than po ping at a granite bowlder. Though repeatedly struck, the grizzly was neither cowed nor check- ed. Balancing for one moment “— the very edge of the bank, it plunged boldly into the stream, swimming strongly, evidently bent on revenge. Though a powerful swimmer, the current was swift and strong enough to sweep the brute twenty yards down-stream before he could make land. Knowing as they did the danger of letting the bear secure a footing upon the same side with them, the prospecters plied their weapons busily, until the grizzly’s head was dripping blood, yet all seemed in vain. The bear watched the shore, snorting furiously. The water was, fortunately, so deep that only head and shoulders appeared above it, so Bruin reached up his claw-armed paw to drag himself over the bank. The prospecters had followed its progress, keeping abreast and firing at every opportunity eg Ned Allen led the rush peg uge form grasped the edge of the bank. Their eagerness bade fair to ruin all. The un- dermined bank ‘gave way beneath their tread. There was a wild scramble, yells and cries of alarm and terror, mingled with a heavy splash and half-stifled scream. A cry of horror broke from Grumbling Dick’s lips as he pointed to where two forms were struggling in the water—a man and a bear. It ed Allen, around whom the massive paw of the * low gf twined in the act of closing. used and half-stunned with his fall, strang- Eng and gasping, the young man had little eon- trol over his limbs. is fate seemed sealed; his friends were made nerveless by the sudden cat- astrophe, and but for a cooler head than theirs Allen would have paid the penalty with his life. A tall, rough-clad figure burst through the uP hustling them aside like chickens, and Bol y leaped over the bank, striking fairly upon Bruin’s broad back, driving it far below the sur- face, even as its yellow claws touched Allen’s shoulder. Then the wondering rs saw that the new-comer held a short- led, heavy ax i over his shoulder; they caught a — of the bear’s head only to see its stout crushed like an egg-shell as the bright ‘weapon sunk eye~deep into bone and brain. Releasing his Pays upon the handle, the stranger seized Allen and thrust him to shore then, with one stout heave, sent him at full length upon the bank above, himself following a moment later. ‘*There’s the way I does business,” he said, with achuckle, as he wrung the water from his long elf-locks. ‘‘Some o’ you’uns ole Eph by the tail an’ fling him out on shore. I don’t want to lose my leetle hatchet. Livelyef he gits in the gorge oncet, it’s -by, John!” ** You saved my life, sir, and it—” began Ned the moment he d recover enough breath to speak with, but his thanks were inter- rupted, bluntly enough. * Bless ye, man,’ *t worth speakin’ on—it’s a kinder way I’ve got; fact is, I cain’t b nur snooze well onless I’ve did somethin’ o’ kind, Tve got so used to savin’ people. Reckon I’ve reskied nigh onto ten thousan’ feller-bein’s jist that oo aelgig | in ae . Hyar, you suck this bottle a it, w I go help the boys save that meat.” Allen took a short pull at the whisky- flask, then arose and glanced after his friends. They hee reo thet -_ hen yr ng r when a i pes i is creane man wasrapi across ream = 3 far from where the bank had wed, scrambling up and shaking himself like hm d’y do ou *uns jest a little afore svagrowd janie < Gow bes , cP) r me’round? A double and twisted in which the man had taken refuge from the | Beadle’s Dime Library “Set your jawin’ tackle a-runnin’, didn’t it?” grinned the stranger who had played so con- ode ia a part in the death of ‘‘ Old Eph,” as he rew near, carefully wiping the blood off his treasured ax, before slinging it at his waist. ‘* Ekil to my old woman—an’ she could talk the bark off uv a black-oak knot in two minutes, by the watch. Talk! oh, Lord! Just look at my face an’ hers, stranger. When she got to goin’ it'in real glory-to-Moses airnest, durned ef every word as retched me wouldn’t take the hide plum off. Used to peel me that-a-way reg’lar oncet a month. Made money by. it, too, she did. Used to sweep up the bits o hide, ’em, an’ then sell em to the boys ’round dur neighborhood for rifle-patches. It’s a scan’alous fac’, gentlemen!” ‘*T want to know!” gasped the second stran- ger, with open mouth and staring eyes. ‘““Didn’t it hurt ye, mister?” ‘*Waal—I should re-mark! Was you ever skinned alive, stranger? Did any female wo- man eyer use ye fer to mop up the floor with? Did anybody ever pull your ha’r ontil A toe-nails was dragged clean up to your ees? Was you ever scolded an’ jawed at, day in an’ day out, punched an’ pinched, made to sleep on the -rail in warm, or at the lower end o’ the bed fer to keep her feet warm in cold weather; was ye ever so "bused an’ mis- er’bly treated that you pined an’ wasted away ontel they wasn’t enough o’ ye fer to make a shadder, ontel 7 got so peskily audacious poor the sun would shine through ye so cl’ar the neighbors could see jest what you’d ett fer din- ner, an’ the crows an’ turkey-buzzards ’d foller ye round all day with tears in their eyes, a-weepin’ ’ca’se they wasn’t no more meat on ye; an’ the neighbor’s boys a-wantin’ to borry you o’ your old woman fer to use as a ‘ jack’ fer night-fishin’—a-sayin’ it ’d be sech a savin’ 0’ good fat-wood, es they could ketch enough lightnin’-bugs fer ye to swallér, which ’d shine through yer ribs clearer ’n wood? I ax you, stranger, ca’mly an’ airnestly, did you ever hev sech a ’sperience as them? Ef you hev, take warnin’ by me. Show some mercy to them pogr critters as haven’t got legs long enough to away from ye; tie a double knotin your tongue. They hain’t no more mis’able death than to be talked to death. ‘Skeeters an’ bed-bugs ain’t nowhar. Thar wasa time when J could talk a two-forty streak, but she cured me. Now, ten out 0’ every nine fellers I meet ax me how T lost my tongue. I hain’t talked any fer so long that they’s ha’r growed on my teeth, nigh two inches ne, They was a time—lis’en, an’ I'll tell ye a — “* Jest my luck!” interposed Grumbling Dick, with a look of annoyance. | ‘‘ Thar never wasn’t any critter as likes a good story better’n me, but, stranger, I’ve got a ‘portant by owe fer next Christmas, an’ I’m ’feared I'd be too late if I stayed yere untel ye got done.” The advocate of taciturnity—in others—good humoredly joined in the laugh which followed, and all traces of ill-humor vanished like magic. This is Men of ingen 5 for it is pero tia that riv poy ot ill fraternize, each party fearing that the other may claim a share in their prospective ‘‘rich strike.” ** Old Eph” was quickly butchered. Meantime, the talkative stranger—who had given his name as ‘‘ Gospel George”—summoned hi from the wooded hillside, and while loading the bear- meat upon it, discoursed eloquently upon the rare merits and sterling qualities of his ‘* muel.” “They’s only one thing she cain’t do—that is talk; but she kin onderstan’ every word she hears ke. An’ kick—now you air talkin’! Just look at that behind fist o’ her’n—ain’t it a picture? An’ cain’t she use it, though! Gentle- men, I’m the dog-gondest richest grazin’ ground for fleas you ever hearn tell on. f *twasn’t for that air mule, I’d be all too full o’ holes to hold water—I would so! Ha! now I'll show—durn the luck! I thought they was one a-bitin’ me then, so I could show ye how she works, I'd jist tell her—that’s Roxy Ann, yonder, gentle- men; I'd jist tell her what it was a-grazin’ at. She’d measure her distance—send out that left duke o’ her’n, an’ thar’d be a broken-backed flea uicker’n a duck kin swaller a tum’le bug—fact! She's worth a thousan’ dollars jist for that, is Roxy Ann—saves such a powerful heap in the ye A Goo ry . ia tl haracte ve was evidently a c r, and Ned Allen pl led him with an interest b no means lessened by the fact that but for h rompt aid, a a death would almost cer- fain! have been his portion that day. Tall and well-proportioned, though built more for lithe activity than brute force, Gospel George was evidently something past the prime of life, if years alone be conside since his hair and beard, both worn ge, ye full, were thickly . His small streaked with silver y eyes were keen and shrewd, his nose curved like an eagle’s beak, his forehead high and full. His voice was of remarkable compass, now deep and sonorous, again shrill and singing, yet never discordant, constantly varyi according to his words. Yet, idly , his eyes were never still. He seemed to be looking, looking for something which he was fated never to find. Fosted longer and more frequently upon the fae of the man whom “ Old treed, and after the p: ter’s camp was gained, he bluntl aakee Gxt worthy his name, business, and what brought him into that lone region. “'Phat’s a mighty long story to be told in few words, stranger,” slowly responded the man, lying at length beside the blazing fire—for the cool shades of night were drawing near—pul i rapidly at his pipe between sentences. ‘* You ght niin 2 ita in all the papers o’ the land in the biggest kind o’ letters, when onct I git back hum an’ folks knows what J know. ‘The called me ‘ Sorrel-top,’ back thar,” he grinn touching his shaggy mane of red hair. ‘ Sorrel- top an’ Mutton-head; they said I didn’t hev sense enough to last me over night. Jist wait. ontél I git home an’ show ’em what I’ve found— guess not!” ‘*Found—what?” eagerly asked Tom Weston, ee ae ay ree rrel-top grinn nowingly. if pad used to lick fue Heb binoe: for talktito much—folks wanted to know how he sold so much pork when he didn’t raise no fattenin” hogs, and I told ’em. Didn't he lamm me, though! ButI run away, jined some fellows, an’ worked my way out here. The boys me cook an’ wash fer ’em; said that’s all I was fit for. Used to lick me, too, jist ferfun. Then I putt some weeds in thar soup, an’ made ’em sicker’n a dog what’s got ambeer in both eyes. They ’most killed me—when they got well enough to stan’ up—an’ kicked me out 0’ camp,” ‘*That was rough on ‘sta ““Orful!” snickered Sorrel-top. ‘‘So rough Td ’a’ re ’em a year’s wages rather then hed ’em not do it. No, sir! that’s one time the fool fooled the wise men. Ef I’d axed to leave ’em, they’d ’spected somethin’; an’ would ’a’ fol- lowed me ontel they knowed what J knowed— an’ then like’s not ’d’a’ planted me too deep to hear Gabriel’s horn ef he tooted till his cheeks bu’sted an’ his wind giv’ out. But I was too smart for ’em, J was!” and he suddenly ex- tended one hand half full of tie gleaming particles. ‘‘ Look at that! an’ | know whar thar’s jist dead loads o’ the same stuff—I kin load a flat-boat down with it—you hear me /” ‘*And what do you suppose it is?’ inquired Allen, after examining a pinch of the stuff. ‘““What! don’t you know gold when you see it? A purty digger you be!” contemptuously. ‘A pound of that stuff wouldn’t buy a sec- ond-hand quid of tobacco, man; it’s nothing but sel” ‘* Ain’t it gold?’ faltered Sorrel-top, his jaw falling. * Nothing like it, friend; not worth so much gravel,” replied Allen, smothering his mirth with a feeling of pity for the simple fellow. ‘Never mind; better luck next time. How about the grizzly? Tell us about that.” ‘““’Twas another fool trick,” muttered Sorrel- top, disgustedly. ‘‘ A fool I was born, an’ a fool Th die, Ireckon. You see, I was pickin’ some berries, when that varmint came up. From the way he gobbled em down, I saw thar wouldn’t be hafe enough for us both,so I thought I'd skeer him off. I chucked a rock at him—hit him on the nose; but he didn’t skeer worth a cent. When I see’d them big teeth, I ’cluded *twasn’t healthy ’round thar, an’ left in a hurry. I made the tree, an’ that’s all. The move I shot, the more the ugly brute wouldn't die. I yelled for help, an’ you fellers came; but I ‘most wish you'd staid away. Anyhow, Id ’a’ died a rich man.” “You ain’t the fust feller as got fooled on that blamed stuff,” quoth Gospel George. “TI won't forgit it very soon. One time I was out) huntin’, down nigh Greased Land, wharIheda ‘ big stock farm—nigh seventeen hundred million head o’ stock. Was out huntin’, run across a hull mountain o’ that stuff; went back home, didn’t say nothin’ to nobody; up an’ shot every durned one o’ my cattle—tuck me two years en’ leven months to kill ‘em off—sot fire to my touse and corrals; borryed a mule to go an’ kerry off my mountain o’ gold; tuck a load to the settlements; found out what it was—an’ mebbe I didn’t cuss—oh, no! Was so mad I sot down ahind that mule an’ sot to wor tickling its hind heels; wouldn’t waste a cha 0’ powder on my fool self. "Nother fool trick, that was. Mule did its level best, but mine was such a 'tarnal thick blockhead, it ondly bu’sted up its hoofs and crippled it fer life. Anner got ter me fer damages—I puckachee1—come up yere, whar I run against you fellers, an’ thar you hev my hist’ry, true es 1. "Most as romantical as his’n, ain’t it?” soberly added pi George, with a by ine searching glance at the vacant features of Sorrel-top. There was little more conversation that even- ing. Fatigued with the toils of the day, the i) rs soon wrapped their blankets around them and dropped off to mre The moon rolled on, bright and clear, unti? some time after midnight, then the clear, starry vault was rapidly overspread with broken —, og lg the Hines A wnigomd yes mournfully through the rocky defiles and crags. The moon, pasted ye ige ts _—— When it emerged, there was a change prospecters” camp. Only twelve figures surrounded the dy- ing embers, One was a Snother figure suddenly ted up on ome a
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bow, just as the moon again disappeared. There was a quick, sh snort—a brief, confused trampling of hoofs—a series of ‘shrill, ear- splitting thea followed by a wild rush through brush and over bowlders, down the valley. A sharp report—a warning yell; and the prospecters sprung to their feet, bewildered and confused, fearing they knew not what. CHAPTER II. A WONDERFUL ‘‘FIND.” “*Tr’s a nasty place—a monstrous nasty place, I most wish we'd ’cluded to turn back an’ try Vother trail.” ** Le’s do it, father—I’m sure it’d be better,” ope mded a sallow, thin-faced woman. ““T know they'll be a mash-up ef we try to go down here.” “Turn back and lose three good days! That’s jest like your family—they wasn’t one but’d skeer at his own shadder wuss than a yearlin’ colt. Lose three more days when we’ve lost so much a’ready? Not much! You, boys! dig then a: gmt ha now! we can’t stop yere all us spoke Jonathan Grey, as he gnawed off a section of home-made: twist, the product of his own little tobacco-patch down in the low- lands of Missouri, but despite the bold words, there was an uneasy look in his black eye, at the dubious prospect before him. At his feet lay a beautiful valley, nearly one half-mile broad by thrice that in length, buried between high, projecting hills or ranges, and running from north-east south-west. <A stream of considerable powef ran through this valley, and some ihe boar he ee ecurta the upper gorge, spreading out into a lovely, minia- ture lake of perhaps three hundred yards in di- ameter, then winding placidly on until lost to view through the lower pass. Here and there were scattered a few little clumps of timber, while all around the wild grasses grew in wonder- ful luxuriance. ” , Nothing of all this beauty attracted the eye of Jonathan Grey. He knew that he must cross this valley, or else waste several days by taking the back track and striking into another trai which, for all he knew to the contrary, might end in difficulties even worse than this. e eould see that a broad led through the op- posite gorge. Once in the valley and across the river, and he believed that all would be well. “Tl do itor bu’st a b’iler! Make haste thar with the rope, Jotham—an’ you wimmen crit- ters bun’le out o’ thar: ain’t no use in runnin’ more resk than kin be helped.” women and two young children alight- ed from the dingy weather-worn tilted wagon. One end of a stout rope was secured to the hind axle, then around the trunk of a stunted se and y clutched by five pairs of stout Jonathan Grey freed the leading yoke of oxen, looked carefully to the rough-locks, then cautiously started up his cattle. The hill sloped down at an angle of rather more than forty degrees, rough and broken here and there by cracks and phe gage loose bowld- ers and us mM points of rocks. No cattle in the world could have controlled a wagon on such a descent, even with all wheels locked, but aided by the stout rope a safe descent was barely pos- e. There would have been less risk had tho route been smooth enough to dispense with cat- tle altogether, but that was out of the question. There were several sharp turns to be made that one pair of hands—and all others were absolute- ly required _to manage the ro uld not have effected. The stream ran swiftly and apparent- ] a the foot of the hill, yet far enough distan to allow a fair tarn to be inde to ook’ sa er below. Foot by foot the wagon was lowered, the stur- dy oxen holding back until the yoke pressed hard against their horns, Twice the m was securely blocked by huge stones, until the rope lace. The brawny “boys” ag the rope, Phe * old man” cautio knocking away only to see the ted reptile strike «pos Samar ag anes into che ent of his near ox. With a bellow of terror, the ox lurched to one side. The wrench caused one hind wheel to eno Gospel George. wagon had hurled them headlong into the stream. The stout ened xr snapped like a pipe- stem. The whole weight of wagon and contents descended full upon the oxen, then turned over and lodged, a complete wreck, against a shoal near the further side of the stream. Just then the plain, common sense of the elder Mrs. Grey showed itself, as she scrambled down the slope, crying: ‘The tea an’ sugar an’ salt ‘ll all spile—do rouse up an’ do somethin’, Jon’than!” Tucking up her skirts, the old lady boldly en- tered the stream—at no point waist deep near the wagon—followed by her husband, who seemed completely dazed by the unfortunate accident. But this sort of stupor was not of long duration. A , yet almost choking cry parted his lips, as he leaned heavily upon his wife’s shoulder, pointing with trembling finger toward the front wheel, which lay uppermost, just above the ripping water. “Look at that—look thar! do you see it, Je- rushy? *Sh—’sh! don’t speak—you'll skeer it away! Upon the wheel, wedged between two of the kes, lay a dnll yellow lump, fully as large as the clenched fist of a grown man, dragged from its resting-place beneath the waves by the wheel as the wagon turned end overend. A wonder- ed from friends and kindred to brave the dan- gers of an unknown land through many months of painful plodding; a precious mass such as the oad mk had often dreamed of finding—and now that it lay before him, almost within arm’s Ny ; eee S 3 / anything, a thought too voluptuously. There is little use in attempting a minute description of her face. How often have you met a pen-por- trait of a woman’s face that was fully satisfac- tory—or even that gave you a faint idea of that woman’s charms? Enough that the woman in x | question was a pure brunette, with the eyes and | hair of a Spanish woman, the figure of a Venus, length, he feared to move, after the first startled | whisper, fairly holding his breath lest the won- derful nugget should take to itself wings and vanish from his sight forever. ; A splash in the water behind him startled onat n Grey, and turning, he saw several men | hastening toward him. With a hoarse, inarticu- | late ery he sprun forward and clutched the | ellow mass to his breast with both hands, turn- . how all the gold we find belongs to him, an’ ef g around with the look of one sms wy tg bay, for the moment unable to recognize his own sons, ** He’s gone crazy—clean crazy over a yaller | stun!” gasped Mrs. Grey, shrinking behind her stalwart sons. ‘ **Crazy!” echoed the old man, with a shrill laugh as he held aloft the lump of gold; “ does that look like I was crazy, boys? Look at that— Seige gold! No—hands off—what do you ow ’bout sech things? You’d lose it amongst e, an’ then I would go crazy. J’ll take keer o’ his—you help the old woman git out what things she wants; I cain’t fool with sech trifies now.” ~ The old man waded across the stream without further thought of his household goods, and only for Mrs. Grey’s anxiety concerning her tea, the rippling water would have been unchecked in its work of destruction, so highly were the yo er wrought up by the wonderful discovery o old. Jonathan Grey crouched in a heap upon the — bank, gloating on the precious lump nest- g'in his broad, quivering palms. So intent was he upon his treasuré, that the sound of hoof- strokes, muffled as they were by the thick car- pet of grass, failed to break his contemplation until the riders checked their animals close be- side him. Not until then did the gold-worshiper raise his eyes. “Good , 5enor—” began the eldest rider, in a courteous roe but _ abruptly - his r gaze riveted upon the nugget o 3 aCe far less enilcels of his newl ducovered fortune than Jonathan Grey could have read that fixed e, covetous and longing. And as he read it, his look of surprise to one of stubborn defiance as he arose, pu his gold behind him, his massive, leonine h reachite nearly level with the Californian’s shoulders, mounted though he was. The trio formed a picture not unworthy mer- tion. The emigrant, despite his rude attire, his eee and ja gee Be agen Peg : remarkable en 0 o o beauty. In stature several in above six feet, a life of hard work had fully fon re and <n as a seat ee paras — and stern, e pie eyes W. me from beneath the heavy eyebrows. is dark iron-gray hair, long and slightly curl- , now back from brow, gave him a leonine look that alone would bave cowed an ord man. line manner, astride, young woman, lovel as an angel of light, dempit an unmistakable ‘é in face to the man beside whom Her figure was admirably | speak ’em to us, stranger,” said Jotham the carriage of an Amazon. ** Where did you find that gold?’ slowly de- manded the Californian, after a brief pause. “I see. It is still wet. You found it here—on my land—it is my property.” ‘*T want toknow!”’ sneered Gre his usual self. ‘‘ You knowed spose. This is your private I shouldn't wonder. You must be ’tarnal rich to leave sech Jumps o’ gold layin’ round loose fer the fust traveler to pick up.” ‘Tam rich enough and powerful enough to claim and take possession of my own whenever and wherever I see it,” reto the Californian, 8s H ‘*That’s no more’n right. It’s a way I have myself. When my rs shet themselves onto a thing, it’s thar; an’ when a man tries to blow or gouge me out o’ anything, that man’d better git measured for his coffin aforehand, ef he’s » once more about it, I | anyways pertic'lar "bout the fit cf it—you hear ful mass of that metal for which the dazed be- | p holders hafl broken up their old home, had part- | me!” ‘Bah! do you take me for a chicken? I’ve fleshed my spurs in many a bigger and better man than you dare claim to be. There is no need for idle oe The whole matter may be put inanut-shell. This is my property, hose secured by papers, legally made out. ridges, this valley—all are mine; all that grows upon it belongs tome. If you found that gold here, that ismine—and whatever is mine I will claim and take possession of wherever I may find it.” . ‘* What’s the row, pepe demanded one of the ‘‘ boys,” attracted by the stern tones of the Cali- fornian. ‘* Nothin’—only this dandified critter sais as we don’t give it up Pig pron f why he'll just abe ae anyhow,” and Jonathan Grey laughed rshly. ° ‘“‘Them’s monstrous big words when you - turning toward the frowning horseman, ‘I reckon you'll hev to say em over ag’in afore we kin come to onderstan’ ye. Look yere, pap—shell I bounce him? Jest say the word—” “You take this nugget, Jotham, an’ never mind when it ain’t your put-in. I reckon I’m hoss enough fer this job, myself. Take the gold an’ hold it safe. Now, stranger, you've hear’n my say-so; what you goin’ to do "bout it?” Be: og persist in refusing to give up my prop- e Rindens keepens. That word’s never truer than about gold. That cain’t be owned no- body afore it’s found; an’ when it’s found, it be- longs to the fust prey it goes into, I found this nugget, tharefo’ it’s nine. Ef you want i ou've got to fight fer it—an’ then you sha’n “s — for it I will, if you are fool enough to make fighting stinger But if you are not utterly crazy, you think twice before you oblige me to takesucha step. Look! it was easy to start your Peg down yonder hill, but could you stop it? There it lies, a complete ruin. When it was in fuli motion, you would bave called any man a lunatic who tried to stop its course by throwing himself in front of the wheels; yet you threaten to act even more fool- ishly, in defying me, and attempting to rob me of my own. Dare but try it, and I will crush you as easily and more surely than that wagon could have done.” ‘“‘Ef you're hafe as hefty on the do as you be on the then I be the fool you say. But I’ve hear’n sheep bl’at afore now. Look here! I'm a man—as you claim to be one, Ef you ain’t lyin’ we kin settle this matter right now. ough the gold is rl t you fer i man to ‘nana, oe bok th tae oe d an’ fe no more about it.” ornian his reins and seemed about to dismount, w the woman, who, until now, y aise, lence, grasped his arm and uttered would it be before I would be down with a Ai oF knife in my beck from.one of your hope- ‘That's You have uttered your - t, man. If I was alone now— only for this lady—I would make eat those were a your pas Se
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- ‘“ CE Sa ee en ae Beadle’s Dime Library. As they turned and rede swiftly away, Jo- tham Grey peer loudly and derisively. oot wom be a gal’s petticoat, for all his *I ain’t so sure o’ that,” slowly replied the sayings ** He’s no coward, as my eyes see. it hedn’t bin fer the gal, he’d a-bounced me gest then. I'd ’a’ quieted him, shore; but he’d’a’ ‘made it interestin’ fer a bit. No, no, boy—we ‘nin’t see’d the end o’ this, yit. He’ll come back, ‘an’ more ‘long ’o him. We’re bound to see ‘trouble afore this blows over.” er wu e gol- be a fool, boy! They ain’t men h in ten counties to make me dothat. But enoug thar—le’s git to work. Fust thing’s to git out oP camcese ta an’ what’s left o’ the old wagon. I ondly wish I hed a thousan’ oy ’em to mash up at the same price.” “ They must be more whar that come from— don’t you think, pap?’ * Sart’in to be; an’ we'll make a clean sweep afore we up stakes, though all the greasers this side o’ monkey-heaven bl’ated at us. Slump ya an’ git to work.” men, but one of them under six feet in hight, and he made up in breadth what he in hight, made short work of it, passing the contents o dry land, then righting the vehicle, and, aided by the remain- ing yoke of cattle, dragging it toland. The twe younger it ag, bela carried across, with the children. Two hours later the emigrants had pitched their camp, ch t of land extended some yards intothe little where a surprise would be almost im: i- ble, and where they could make a good fight in case of necessity. think there will be any fighting, Eben?” asked the younger woman, nie Brady, a niece of Grey’s—a fair-haired, blue- eyed Ssanio, ina we and pet of the family. **T don’t think—but you wouldn’t be afeard, little one. They cain’t no harm come to you, ee Guicted, if not convinced, Minnie turned away to assist her aunt in p ing supper. Mean- | while Jonathan Grey did not neglect any pre- caution. Every tree and shrub wi rifle-shot was cut down and cleared away. Every hollow and point where a foeman could ibly lie hidden was carefully marked. ith a final glance around to see that nothing had been ne- giected, he answered the call to supper. CHAPTER III. THE PRICE OF A NUGGET. ** Hist! Eben—’tis only I—Minnie,” whispered a soft voice as the young sentinel turned swiftl around at catching the sound of her light foo fall. ** You here, little pet! I thought you fast the wagon to a t where a 1 as you should be, ’stead 0’ out | here this tine'o! night” | the words were chiding, the tone was with a little, half-bashful laugh, the yielded to the strong arm that drew her to his side. **T couldn’t sleep—though I tried hard, Eben. I kept momgpy 2 and seeing such things in the dark. d the air seemed to choke me— oh! Eben, dear, I wish we were well away from this dreadful place—if we lal only taken the ** An’ so missed that blessed nugget o’ gold? No, no, That is a foolish in you— ty foolish, I must say, to wish us sech hard as that.” **Tt will be worse luck if we stay—I feel 7 Eben—something tells me that there is a grea and heavy trouble coming upon us. I have had such dreams and seen suc hts—” ‘Thar, birdy—don’t think no more about | ss sa t’s jest ‘cause you got so ’cited | back yender, an’ when ay comes you'll be the fust one to laugh at all sech ideas. , Min- thittk what we’ve come all this way fer; an’ now that it’s right aneath our han’s wouldn’t we be|monstrous fools not to stoop down an’ | pick it up? An’ then—think what it ’ll be to *nd me, birdy,” he added, his voice sinking er, his arm contracting, until the little figure | was pressed closely to his side, until the golden- haired head rested confdingly upon his breast. “Think how happy we will be, back to the old | “in a nice little house of our own—oh! my | they've murdered me!” The moon was hidden behind a cloud. The stars cast a faint, uncertain light over the val- | twinkling down through the rifts. ‘keenest eye could not recognize a human figure | fifty away, with the dark hills fora back- | ground. And yet, at twice that distance the | wart of Eben Grey had been noticed | — Baeek Gown for the first victim. Stand- | erect, the figures of the lovers were clearly | , against the glossy surface of the lake, little dreaming of the cruel fate approaching. Gliding , foot by foot, silent and crafty ra chosen | striking a d The | sl serpent, the detailed assassin ) at a level, steady and remorseless as fate; then ere Poor Eben Grey staggered back, qe vering all over like one suddenly smitten with the ague, then sunk to the ground despite the arms of his loved one, the bosom of clingin was besprinkled with his heart’s whose blood. that it lay before him now, that already one pees life had been demanded as the price of hat nugget of gold which he had sworn to de- fend with the last drop of his heart’s bleod. “Tm afeardso, Jerushy,” he said, slowly shak- ing his head as he caught the wistful, imploring glance. ‘‘It’s mighty hard, but you must b’ar One moment all so quiet, so peaceful; the Vd under it as best ye kin. It shell cost them next a wild pandemonium. From the grass belt came a wild cheer; from the little encampment loud cries and shouts, the latter defiant and fierce as those they echoed back. Crack—crack—a crapping Axe rom the | grass; erack—crack—a swift and resolute an- swer from the thoroughlyawakened defenders. For a moment there was a hasty trampling of feet as the comrades of the assassin charged, and for the moment it seemed as though they were resolved to end all at one furious, downright blow; but high above the rapid detonations of ifles, arose the horrible, blood-curd- istols and lite ell of bitter agony, as one, two of their | i and moan- | The sur- | number fell to the ground, writhin ing in the relentless grasp of death. vivors faltered, then paused, finally sinking down and burrowing into the luxuriant grass. This swift retribution awed them. They could not understand such a sudden and complete re- covey from surprise. The sentinel shot down, they believed the worst half of their work ac- | ecmplished; one resolute rush woukid end the job. They had reasoned as though dealing with their own countrymen, and in this lay their great error. At the first alarm Jonathan Grey and his sturdy sons sprung to their feet, rifles in hand, their eyes keen, heads clear and hands ready for | hot work. One glimpse of the shadowy figures rushing toward them was enough. As many a true marksman can, when thoroughly knowing his weapon, plant bullet after bullet within a hand’s breath wi t using either sight, so with them. One disc from their rifles heavily, then dropping the empty weapons and drawing revolvers, they charged the enemy with more courage than discretion. Fortunately their pu was frustrated, in time. For an instant Minnie Brady was awe-stricken, but then as she felt the hot life-blood of her lover moistening her hands, a sharp, agonized shriek | broke from her lips, and she stooped over the stricken sentinel, weeping and moaning like one eosin h ice, Jonathan G called er voice, Jonathan Grey to his boys, and between them they carried the two lovers back to the wagon. ey dare not strike a light by which to examine Eben’s wounds. They placed him in his mother’s hands, then, with reloaded rifles, crouched low down around their camp, awaiting the further move- ments of their enemies. A weary, weary vigil was theirs. The knowledge that a bitter, vin- dictive foe was skulking near, shielded b gloom, waiting but a favorable opportunity for iki y blow at their lives; while the faint, restless moaning of their son and brother, unconscio’ wrestling with death, came to their ears with terrible distinctness. And so the minutes slowly mgr on, each hour seeming like a life-time with that terribly sig- nificant moaning sound ringin Hour after hour until the stars slowly paled be- fore the coming of dawn, until the black shadows turned gray, and the s night gradually resolv: less shrubs or unoffending clumps of grass, they waited and watched with ey eee vision, fearing to speak, to move a limb lest it should draw forth a fatal shot from ambush. Foot by foot their circle of vision widened. Foot by foot they keenly scrutinized the ground with sharpened vision that could almost number the blades of grass; but all seemed peaceful as it was quiet. No enemy wasin sight. Had they fled, with the first repulse? So it seemed. ith a hoarse cry, Jonathan Grey sprung to | his feet, his huge figure drawn erect as though defying death. Anything was better than this heart-crushing suspense. ‘You kia come out, boys,” he said, after a long, searching glare around the camp. ‘The cowardly sneaks hev gone. They dassent face a@ man open day. You boys go take a look around; but don’t go too nigh to them tim- ber patches afore you scout around’em.” As the young men crept se on their mis- sion, the patriarch slowly approac Inside it, guarded by a couple of blankets, lay the wounded youth. At his side crouched the mother, pale, hollow-eyed and haggard from her weary vigil. Minnie had sob herself to ren change had come over the youn man. His fal en away, looking like one who had endured a long spell of illness. His eyes, sronanly. en, were half-open, though he slept, or la stupor resembling sleep. A crimsoned clot bound upon his breast. Two inches more to the left and the bullet would have reached his heart | young man. —only th h the brain of his betrothed. In silence Jonathan Grey changed face of meyrragh f est bern. A long life of adventurous experi- ence had taught him many a bit of wisdom, amd among them knowledge of death, He knew that told | ed the wagon. | the | / ; : ! ; ; - : : : ; ; ; : | mebbe, to say good-by. Go you, Jot ear—the cowardly hell-hounds!” os will that bring him back? my pet—my poor if It'll be revenge, an’—an’ he’ll sleep the better for ’t,” mutter Jonathan, i aside, ashamed to show the emotion that tugged at his heart-strings. ney ve gone,” muttered Jotham, as he re- turned from. his scout. % We've salivated two on’em. I saw whar they fell, an’ the marks whar they was drug away. I don’t reekon they'll want to trouble us ag’in very soon.” “It'd be dear work even ef we’d wiped out twenty o’ the devils, ’stead 0’ two,” gloomily re- sponded Jonathan. ‘**Tain’t so bad, is it?” faltered Jotham, while the anxious eyes of Loammi, Malachi and Zab- diel reiterated the question. ‘Tt couldn’t well be wuss. Wait—he’s sl in’, now. He'll wake up soon—fer long enoug: ; an roust out Alviry; we must ¢at while we kin, to be aT fer them hell-hounds when they come ee ith weapons lying across their laps, the five men ate their humble meal in silence, a cloud over every face, a heavy a oe upon every heart. Then Jonathan carried food to his wife, bidding her eat. . She swallowed a few mor- sels, but then her will failed. ‘*T cain’t, father—I cain’t eat, an’ him a-layin’ here—dyin’ afore my eyes. Don’t ax me, father—it’s like swallerin’ my own heart!” she faltered, with an appealing look. With a sudden impulse the hard old man stooped and kissed her wrinkled forehead, then turned hastily away, man-like, fearing to look upon her wan face, lest he should utterly break down and shame his manhood by the crushing load at his heart with womanly tears. He lighted his pipe and sat down beside the water thinking—dark and gloomy thoughts they were. He was waiting—wating for the coming of death; nor did he move a muscle until the glad cry of his wife startled him, ‘“My boy—my darling boy!” Eben opened his eyes and sought to arise, but he was too feeble even to lift his head. Witha g that tore her very heart, the mother read is meaning, and called Minnie. She was only second in his heart now, and_he dying. “Don’t cry, birdy,” faintly whi Ebe his sunken features ighting up with « glow a love as the wéeping maid knelt beside him, ‘‘Thar never was a man worth one tear from your bonny blue eyes—much less me.’ Don’t cry—mebbe it’s better so,” he whispered, softly caressing the golden he: “Ah! Eben—my love—let me go with you. I don’t want to live, and you—you—dead !” ‘* No, birdy; you'll live—for some better man than me. ou know what—we was talkin’ of— in their ears. | last night. It was too bright to last. I see it all, now. You mustn’t fret-—” Here his speech was broken by a fit of cough- icious phantoms of the | ing as the clotted blood rose in his throat, By themselves into home- | signs, rather than words, he expressed a wish to say good-by to all. One by one the brothers came and gently touched his hand, but not one could utter the words they wished. They were gazing upon death, and it awed them. ‘ ‘* Now, father—one word,” whispered Eben, \ as the patriarch knelt beside him. ‘‘Takecare . of her—love her dearly, for my sake. And father—you won’t be driv’ away from here? Hold on to your luck—don’t let ’em make—you —take water!” This effort exhausted him, and he lay for some minutes like one already dead, his wasted hand and Minnie’s clasped in his. Only the | painfully suppressed sobs of the women were | | audible, sunk- | spot where the rina | ‘ was | from yere— / | | suddenly relax one moment there was a breathless pause, broken Be: It was a weirdly impressive scene. Suddenly the dying man ro his eyes opened, bright and flashing, his face lighted up with a wonderful smile. But it was the last flash of the expiring lamp. His rigid limbs , the bright smile faded.~ For by one agonizing wail: “Dead—dead! God, in mercy give back my pore boy!” CHAPTER IV. A FRUITLESS MISSION. . ‘*T SAY, pap, thar’s some sort o’ critter out l, florid face had bleached and tall- | yender, cluss to that lop-sided live-oak,” cried mi, turning his head eagerly toward the triarch sat over his pipe. It’s a long shot, but I reckon I kin tickle it Jonathan Grey arose and approached the He gazed long and keenly toward the tree indicated, but the suspicious object was oss nthesadly | no longer to be seen. He once more resumed - foved, 1 his young- | his tion, smoking rapidly, like one who is against dark and bi thoughts. y sun it was nearly noon. Twice had the boys cautiously scouted through the little :
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_hend common 4 Gospel George. re ne a en eR at ery but without result. The bloody trail / my papers as proof of my claims. That is suffi- had led them for a short distance, then van- | cient f I ished completely. had abandoned the contest as useless. least the younger men reasoned. Not so Jona- Grey. He better realized the power and temptation of gold. Only for that luckless meeting, when he was dazed with the nugget of gold, only for that, his youngest born might now be alive and well, instead of a cold and senseless lump of clay, Before him he could see hisdead. His wife and Alvira, his daughter-in-law, Jotham’s — were preparing the corpse for burial. An Shkeie= eke} ley. upon a blanket, beneath the ‘wagon; exhausted, she had sobbed herself to sleep. He could read the agonized changes of her wan countenance, could hear the low, broken and sobs. His hard eyes dimmed, and he Sioned his head hastily aside with a low, chok- ing growl. Then, with a muttered oath, he dashed his comfortless pipe to the ground, and strode out to where his sons were moodily keep- watch. me Do you reckon thar’s more sech lumps 0’ gold over yender?” at length ventured Zabdiel. “Don’t talk o’ things, afore he’s cold,” sternly uttered the patriarch, with a fiery lance. es Don’t look at me like that, pap. I cain’t help it. I must talk ‘bout somethin’—ef it keeps on like this Pl lum crazy. I kin hear his voice in my ears the hull time; an’ ef I shet my eyes to hide it, thar he lays, ail bleedin’, dyin’! Lord God, ef. i could only do somethin’—” and he drove his clenched fist fiercely into the soft earth beside him. The old man was silenced by this passionate outburst; it was so ee) akin to his own emotions. The other crouc in moody silence, A single man suddenly stepped out m the friendly cover of the live-oak, and strode rapidly tow the little . For several moments he was unobserved, but then the dry, blood-shot eyes of Zabdiel rested upon him. With a hoarse, inarticulate snarl he sprung erect and leveled his Jonathan Grey was startled by the movement, and glanced in the direction indicated. He cried sharpl¥ to Zabdiel, but the words were unheed- ed, and ke had just time to knock the loaded weapon down when it exploded, sending its con- tents deep into the earth before them. ; “ Be you blind, boy?” angrily cried the patri- arch, as Zabdiel turned upon him, fiercely. ** Cain’t you see that he’s got a flag?” ‘* He’s one o’ them as killed Eben!” **Mebbe so. That’s no sign we need play the nigger. A white man’s bound to respeck a white , even if it’s kerried by a dozen murderers. But that’s no sign he’s to git cl’ar off. Mind, you’re not to move onless you git the word or ‘As Zabatel 5 in full view, th iel sprung up ew, the man, who did badeed. bear a flag of truce, in a white tied to aghortstick, paused abruptly, though making no effort to seek cover. And while the five men were consulting, as it seemed to him he stood quietly awaiting the result. If one of the assassins, he was at least no coward. The patriarch strode forward a few paces, and called aloud: ‘Who are ye, an’ what ye want, anyhow?” **T wish to hold a consultation with the leader of your party. As to who I am—I am too much of a gentleman to fire upon an unarmed man, and he the bearer of a flag of truce,” came the phon reply. Yh *¢ make me sorry I saved your life from the bullet of a brave, hot-headed boy,” sternly replied Grey. ‘‘Keep a short tongue in your head an’ you're safe enough, long es you kerry that bit o’rag. Spit out what you’ve got to say, and make it a We ain’t — = us in the best o’ humors fer passin’ complimen ** What I have to say can be spoken quite as well at closer quarters. Ido not care to strain my voice unnecessarily. Will you come out, or shall I visit you there “You kin come in. I don’t go a step out o’ = —, fer a inemy, onless it’s with weapons The flag Calit on the p ful change tongues, when our teeth is aching to bite, stran ger,” quietly interposed Jonathan. ‘A cur will — tp him up on two an a B coolly eetorted the Californian with a steely glitter in his black eyes. ‘“ But I will be | the horsemen sprung off as short as you wish, since you cannot com liteness. Listen, then. ere. This is my land, far as can reach. I warned you yesterday, to restore I eome over, bringing | | | | | ou | Don’t nobody fire ontel I call or honest men. you refuse to depart Seemingly the midnight foes | quietly—I am bone you should keep all the So at gold you have foun te thus far, a — to engage in a squabble over it; if, as I said, you agree to aeoart quietly, all will be well, but if you persist in refusing, then you shall be made to go—thaf is, such of you as are able to travel after being convinced that you are in error.” *f Aaa you through?” quietly asked the patri- arc ** Until I receive your answer—yes.” “Good enough. I cain’t talk quite so slick an’ high-soundin’ es you, but I kin say jest as much an’ that in a durned sight shorter time. As fer your papers, I don’t val’ie them a continental cuss. Finders keepers whar gold is consarned. As ~~ drivin’ us off, you tried that on last night. * Pardon, friend,” interrupted the Californian; “you are in error. I was not here last night: had I been, there would have been no need of this interview, for you would have been past all earthly arguments, I never strike twice at the same object.” ‘*You never will at me,” laughed Jonathan, ly. ‘* You ax me toleave this place. Waal, I will, if he sais so.” **He! whom do you mean?” Grey smiled quietly, and motioned the flag- bearer to follow him. He passed around the shattered — and stood beside his dead boy. ‘Thar is what [ mean,” said Grey, hoarsely, a red PF copatd in his eyes. ‘‘That’s my youngest boy, the pet of his mother. His voice is the one as kin talk me into leavin’ this place, Kin you talk him over, think?’ ‘** He is beyond the reach of our voices,” calmly replied the Californian. ‘‘But what remains should speak the more strong to you. You have other sons, why thrust the same fate upon them? You cannot hope to fight me successfully. Re- member how he died.” ‘“* T will—ef ever I fergit it may the Etarnal strike me down to never-endin’ torment! Stranger, I hey sworn by all that men hold holy to never give over ontel I’ve avinged him—ontil the last one o’ his cowardly murderers is dead mn Madam,” said the flag-bearer, ti b- 5 am,” sai e - r, turni a ruptly to Mrs, Grey, ‘you at least will Tisten to reason. Pe e your husband to abandon such a hopeless struggle—” ** Ef he turned back now, I would curse him with my last breath!” fiercely exclaimed the hag, woman. ‘Stranger, I be him to leave this place: I almost prayed to him to leave, afore—he—my pet, my darlin’ boy! was killed. But now—old an’ worn out woman as I be—ef he held back his hand from the plow, I'd take the trail myself, but that those coward murderers should pay fer the dear blood they hev shed. Go, now. your way, an’ ef his blood is on your hands hide your head in the middle of the airth that you may hev time to repent afore the debt of venge- ance is asked of ye!” The Californian slowly turned away, followed by Jonathan. “I have done my best,” he said, coldly. ‘‘ You refuse my warning. ou will never have an- other chance. I give you two hours. After that I shall kill you—wipe you from off the face of the earth!” “Thar—don’t say any more,” hoarsely mut- tered Jonathan, his eyes gl , his fingers working convulsively. «Go while you fin, afore you make me forgit what you kerry. Go, Itell you! Thar’s blood in my eyes—go!” With a laugh the Californian furned his back and leisurely eects away never once turning his head to glance back at the enemies he was trusting so far. He knew his men. “ Now boys, to work!” cried Grey, as the flag- bearer disappeared beneath the wood. ‘Two 0’ you go an’ throw up a bank o’ dirt fer the wimmen to lay ahind; the rest help me out yere. Lively, now!” Pickax and shovel were plied briskly for an hour or more without interruption, and at the end of that time a crescent-shaped pit some twenty feet from the wagon, and penching from water to water was completed. The pit itself was two feet in depth, with all the earth re- moved banked up on its outer edge, thus afford- ing a complete cover for riflemen, and all this was completed without interruption from with- out. But the truce was not to be of much longer duration, and the gold-seekers were y convinced that the Californian was terribly earnest in his threats. A ow horsemen sty tol ny coat ys 8 ~ through using yond the live- oak tree, of wh Hh aggresoen Be has already been made. Their movements were earnestly watch- ed by the emigrants, nor was it long ere they divined the agreed-upon mode of attack. “Tt’s Injun fashion,” muttered Jonathan, as one by one. ‘“ You've hearn me tell how it works, sory take it cool. name, They want to draw our fire, then pov charge in. Aim fer thar critters, ef you ‘t git a good chance at themselves. Ready now, Jotham!” In single file the riders came dashing past, but not until the third round did they come close enough for steady work, though each rider had discharged his weapon in ng. “Hold your fire, boys!” muttered Jonathan, his eyeson fire. ‘‘I’ll set you the zample myself. They’re comin’ in cluss eno this round. On came the bold riders, the first two firi from beneath their animals’ necks as they at full ; but Grey had long since picked out his victim, and paid them no attention. On he came—hidden behind a magnificent buck: skin; the rifle cracked—the horse plunged ‘head- sew to earth, crushing its rider beneath its y- As though this shot had been the signal, a loud cheer arcse from the plain, and nearly a dozen stout, armed men dashed toward the breastwork, almost reaching it before the startled defenders could realize their danger. The circling horsemen had been a cunning ruse to conceal the real attack, for, while the riveted the attention of the ts, the Call- fornian led a dozen picked men, seh grows 4 pore the grass, hidden by the line of Up rose the defenders, pl their rifles and pistols with wonderful Lachey My until the foe ; and then ensued ated wild beasts than of human duel to the bitter death! CHAPTER V. TIMELY AID. ‘I KNowWEDit! Didn’t I tell ye? Didn’t I say both o’ them fellers is double-faced snea (i cavortin’ aroun’ to page honest fools they could pick bs Didn’t I warn ye—sa-ay bawled Grumbling Dick, as the clatter of hoofs died away in the ce. “ Divel a warn did ye warn anny wan o’ us that I hearn,” pein ye oe Daly. “It’s a mane way ye’ve got, ye lo slegged rsoo. a-t’rowin’ the blame on Cthher NoOE weld shoak. ders wheniver annythi ve wrong, so ’tis!” te , boys!” cri ed Allen, sbarply. ‘*There’s no use in rE Specs « over what can’t be hel Where all are to blame, it’s nobody’s fault in particular. It will be a lesson to me : not to trust every prowling vagabond as a A friend and brother.” ‘I s'pose we're to jist set down quietly an’ let ’em kerry off our critters, without so much as stretchin’ out a finger to hinder ’em, ain’t we?” ‘** Not quite so ; but what are we to do, until daylight? There’s two men against us, cer- tainly, and nobody knows how many more. We don’t know anything of the lay of the country. What is easier for them than to lead us into a trap, out of which we would be lucky to escape with no more than the loss of what little dust we have managed to pick gts 24 a is right, boys,” said Harry Lane, whose general taciturnity only rendered his words the did speak. ‘We cheerful one, as ~ more impressive when he must wait for day-dawn.” The was not a ve they sat in the gloom, wai for dawn with the best patience they could summon. The blow dealt them was a severe one, Every hoof —over a dozen head of stout mules—had been stolen, and they were left afoot, with all their stores and tools, which must be abandoned “ or “‘backed” wherever they went. _A word of explanation may not be amiss here, since, as emery eh oa reader is aware, it was a very unus' ing for a party of rospecters to pursue their calling with sooh @ tevalonde. Nearly a month — while toiling over the north fork of Feather river, Ned Alten, at some little risk to himself, a wandering Chinook Indian from the rough mercies of some drunken diggers. The Chinook seemed grate- ful, and gave Allen full directions by which he might find a land where gold lay in nuggets like the gravel along a mountain brook. His. words were drunken in, for in those days of marvelous discoveries no tale was too extrava- gant for belief. Allen extracted all the infor- mation possible, and then called together all those who journeyed with him from his far Eastern home, when the golden tidings flashed through the land. Binding them tosecrec y that, home. It was no hard matter fort mules and an abundance finally they started along As Allen shrewdl pt en a = erable spec rs, who fancied th wind than —— upon ‘ee length even the most [tne off. Not until then did the park their faces toward the worderty ley.” Thus far had they preceegas time = yh ag the valley Wher until h sear them of their ‘fst: so well supplied was, first, todeceivt into belie that they were indeed makin the overland route; t the pinks a quantity of tre Fomor
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ie ie wiles 7 te er SER Soe a4 a 2 irs was! bie a Pe St ey eee ee eee — se is et TT ee ee eT Ne AZ = Vasey we be = ay ——————E——— lt ye Pg Sa +O ; several months, so there Id L4 no ea visiting any mining camp for supplies, an us run the risk of being followed aa having their secret ‘‘blown” before their fortunes were 8. With the first dawn of light, the a see ‘were up and at work. During the night they had securely cached their pack-saddles, tools, and all provisions, save a small supply for each man. Thus there was no time lost when the moment came for s2tting to work. And five minutes later a shar» cry from Harry Lane drew the rest aroun’ }:im. ‘Look! Blood—and plenty of it!” he mut- tered, pointing to the rocks. ‘*‘ Whoever fired that shot last night didn’t waste his lead!” ed glances were interchanged. Not one of those present had disc the shot. It must have been one of the two missing men; but for what, since they were evidently acting in conéert? fs hi agente this bre we Sr see,” — Allen, frowningly. ‘But on—let’s see w this traii leads us They were not kept long in doubt. The line of blood-drops was followed tor nearly a quar- ter mile, then ended close beside a deep sa along the bottom of which skulked a grizzl wolf, licking its chops and howling sas Sondre The bushes and vines along the side cf the river were crushed and broken, as though some heavy phony fallen down from point to, point. Without a word, Allen laid aside his weapon and grasping a wild grape-vine, dexter- ously swung himself into the ravine. A few moments later he reappeared, and stood upon the trail again. “ Just as I thought!” he panted. ‘“‘ The trail ends here. One of our mules lies yonder, a bul- let-hole in its haunches and its throat cut!” ** The oncivilized varmints did it to hide thar ners interposed Will Ambrose. ‘* Yes; these blood-marks were about our only ehance. A hound could scarcely follow a trail through these rocky hills and and we are mone of us much to brag of in that line. [I'm afraid the jig’s up, boys. j ** You ain’t a-goin’ to tail off this soon, without even one try fer it, be ye?” exclaimed Mat. “No. Tllstick to it long as any one wishes, but, to my thinking, we’re out of our depth here. It’s no new hand that put up this job. It’s more like the long-winded yarns they used to tell of , down Sacramento way.” ** Mebbe ’ tis him, changed his beat. It’d be jist our crooked luck,” muttered Grumbliog Dick. **No, he’s rubbed out. But that don’t matter. Somebody has robbed us—that’s plain; and I go for getting even, if wecan. Scatter out and see which has got the best eye fora trail; but keep within easy reach of one another.” dint of hard and pai king effort, the was followed for full twe miles, but then it was irrecoverably lost to the prospecters, though they doggedly persisted in the vain quest long after all hope had vanished. But then there came to their ears a startling sound that, for the moment, banished thoughts of the lost trail from their minds; the sound of rapid oe roaring above the rocky ridge that rose upon heirleft. As with one im- every man scrambled forward, eager to ~ ver the meaning of be ie ait peculiar scene met their gaze as they pau: the rocky crest. A beautiful valley lay at feet, a rippling stream, a placid lake. A battered wagon standing close beside the water. A dozen horsemen spurring swiftly in a large crescent, discharging their weapons while at full speed, showing but a hand or a spurred heel, toward the five dark figures that lay motionless in the narrow trench before the wagon, though their entir: bodies were e to the view of the ee from their look-out. **Injuns! I knowed it! I tole you so!” splut- res. ** No—look at their clothes,” hastily muttered ** Road-agents, more likely. And look! see those fellows creeping up through the a Great heavens! why don’t those stupid fellows in the trench shoot—” “Don’t seo ’em—that’s why,” said Lane. “‘There’lt he bloody murder if we don’t inter- fer>. Come on, boys!” and without waiting to see how his appeal was answered, he ed ’ gecklessly down the precipitous slope, revolyer ran, _on horseback wheeled and swiftly joined the > By the time the prospecters reached the level, the rival parties had joined together in one ter- rific, hand-to-hand combat over the shallow tiaras tang ing troaly from oteers who were rom others who were y excited to iting pre wounds, no as or ng quar- madmen, like infurtated their teeth i Beadle’s Dime Library. moment, Ned Allen could not check the ery of wondering admiration that rose to his lips as he | shet.” saw one herculean figure tower above the rest, with hair floating free like the tangled mane of | | blind man could foller the trail with his ey: The speaker was none other than “ Gospel George,” as he had given his name, and the re- a lion, while stout men were hurled from his | mark was called forth by the self-same discov- path like broken reeds before the fierce blasts of a mountain gale. ft Then—the massive arms were flung aloft—the tower-like fi swayed to one side, then plunged heavily forward. But even as he fell, the giant hg ti blindly with the man whose hand had lain him low. There was a blood-red ~~ before his eyes as the young miner leaped forward, his shrill yell keeping time with his rapidly detonatin ver, and the next instant he found himse lowed up in the melee. The next few moments ever after ap to him like some horrible nightmare, confused and indistinct in details, though, as a whole, sicken- ing and repulsive. He found himself rising from the ground, from the body of what had once been a man, whose skull was beaten in, whose blood now deeply dyed his hands. ‘*T knowed it—I tole ye how ’twould be, but you wouldn’t lis’en to me!” sounded a familiar voice in his ears, and brushing the mists from ick seated upon is left hand, from $6 Won't revol- swal- ick, sucking his mutilated finger. “Tye got it wuss ’n you, Dick,” faintly called —till the—last—!” Poor Mat. Goodheart fell back, the black blood oozing from his lips, and died in the act of put- ting on the brake. ed Allen sickened, and his feet grew faint as he glanced around him. His party had turned the scale and decided the fight against the Cali- fornian; but at what a cost! Mat. Goodheart ow bp ; Alf. Pickard was severely wounded while still others bore deep marks of the brie but sanguinary contest. Of the emigrants, the second soz, Loammi, had beer shot through the brain; Malachi was nearly senseless with a ter- rible gash in his breast, while Jonathan Grey lay like a dead man, his iron fingers nearly meeting in the flesh of the man who had shot him Gown from one side while he was battling with several enemies in front. The Mexican was dead, his head twisted half around, his neck broken short off. Fale and hatless, Mrs. Grey and Jotham’s wife came forward, and the prospecters drew si- lently aside, respecting their grief. The body of Loammi was placed beside that of the mur- dered Eben. Jonathan was carried to the wagon, and every effort made to restore him to consciousness, while Jotham and Zabdiel looked to the wounded Malachi. The next hour was one of gloom and misgiv- ings. All wounds had been bandaged as per- fectly as the simple means at hand would per- mit; but the dead remained. Ned Allen sat looking upon the pale face of Goodheart. He was thinking of his poor raother—a widow—far away, who had begged him at ing to watch over and bring safely back her only son. And now—he lay dead. And the mother—perhaps even then praying for her darling boy, and counting up the days that must elapse ere he could return to her arms— how would she bear this direful blow? ‘* And I coaxed him away—only for me he might be living now, safe and happy with her— “Cap,” called out Harry Lane, ‘‘here’s a man holding up a white flag. Shall we let him come forward?” Allen arose, shaking off his melancholy with an effort. He could see that Lane was right; the enemy had dispatched an envoy with a flag of truce. For a moment he stood in doubt, glancing around him, ther said: ‘*Perhaps I had better meet him; there’s no need of letting them know just how much they’ve done. Do youkeep me covered, if there’s anything underhand going on.” Springing across the blood-stained track, Al- len boldly advanced toward the flag-bearer, who also strode forward to meet him half-way. But the meeting was destined not to take place. Allen saw the man pause, drop the and dash both hands to his left b as he wheeled half around and fell heavily upon his face, his limbs quivering in the clasp of death. At the same instant a rifle-crack smote sharply upon his hearing. CHAPTER VI. GOSPEL GEORGE LISTENS TO REASON. **Now that begins to be somethin’ like it! looks moré stylish—more like a newine tho: , sech as it does a feller some eredit to buck was jist goin’ to git ery made later in the day by Ned Allen; the spot where the horse-thief had precipitated the wounded mule into the ravine, after cutting its throat. ~ The prospecters were greatly in error in sup- posing their two gents of the night before were confederates. atever his past may have been, G 1 George was honest and sincere toward them, and he had) lain down to sleep that evening without thought of danger or treachery. Butthe nature of his life, and par- ticularly that of his present mission, rendered him more than usually acute and easily alarmed. The trembling snort and quick, suspicious stamp of his mule, ‘‘Roxy Ann,” were sufficient to arouse him from sleep. Though his eyes opened, he did not suffer a limb or muscle to stir that might have betrayed his wakefulness. He could see that one figure was missing from the circle, yet could not make out exactly who it was. By listening intently he could hear some- body or thing cautiously moving among the ani- mals. He wasabouttospring up and give the alarm, when he saw that the moon was just erga, ees a thick cloud. That decided im. He would pit pas against cunning, and capture the prowler without giving him a chance to strike a blow. But those moments lost in waiting for the gloom were fatal to his hopes. The stampede was effected, and he could only take a snap shot at the dimly seen LS Sey as the horse-thief dashed down the valley. ith the marvelously acute ear of a true hunt- er he heard the bullet strike solid flesh, and bounded forward with a wild yell, to secure his game. Again he was doonied to disappoint- ment. ‘The hoofs clattered on and on, nor did he hear the expected thud of a falling body. Still he pressed on, keeping within hearing of the trampling hoofs for over a mile, before all sounds died away. He halted. All was still, save for the faint breathing of the night breeze among the pines and junipers. For a few moments he deliberated whether to retrace his steps and join company with the P rs, or await them where he was. He quickly decided upon the latter course, and uatting down under a scrubby pine tree, he lit his pipe and waited for dawn with what philosophy he could muster. With the first glimmer of dawn he was up and at work. He was not delayed long in his search for the trail. Not twenty paces from the pine-tree the stolen drove had passed, and 7 crowded tracks he had no difficulty in picking out those made by his own Roxy Ann. Nor was this all. A broad grin over- read his face as he noticed a little clot of * blood—then another and another, sprinkled along the trail. Without further thought of the prospecters, he started along the trail at a long, half-running step that carried him over the gos with amazing rapidity. o’d ’x’ thunk that slab-sided, lantern- jawed, man-shaped hoop-pole 7d hey so much lood! Ef he hain’t bled a good bar’ full a’ready, then I'll never eat a nigger baby no more! He must peg out ’fore long—less he’s like a feller I knowed oncet—all blood.” But before Gospel -George had followed the trail another mile, he divined the truth. **T’m ’most sorry I undertuck the job,” he de- clared to himself, since there was no other au- ditor at hand. “it’s mighty low-down work te a gentleman as has tuck his deplomer in gine- wine skientific trailin’, afore he could walk alone; mighty low down this follerin’ a trail broad an’ deep an’ plain enough fer to be that of a bleedin’ airthquake. Only fer Roxy Ann I'd pull out, durned ef I wouldn’t. Jest think! Thar was that time, to settle a bet of a twenty- seven hand mule load o’ gold dollars. Feller ketched a bee; rid with it through nine coun- ties, three on ’em backward an’ blin’folded, then let the bee loose. Just two weeks a’ter- ward they showed me the place, I tuck up the trail. ‘Twas powerful tryin’ on the eyesight, but my nose helped me through; In jest seven ho nine minutes an’ a little more, J holed that bee! Now that’s what I call pritty fa’r trailin’.” Really anxious as he was to recover his mule, Gospel George gave a little grunt of satisfac- tion, while his sparkled vividly. Hesaw that he would have to exercise his boasted powers asa trail-hunter in good earnest now, or abandon the pursuit as useless. ‘*Now that’s what I call somethin’ like!” he chuckled, grimly. ‘‘I reckon the coon got this far afore he found out what a nice painted trail he was plantin’ ahind him. Ef them boys was only here now—they’d l’arn somethin’ they'll never spell out fer themselves, fer they don’t make sech smart men nowadays as they did when I was a boy. But I cain’t wait here. That feller’s travelin’ monstrous lively —’most a mile a minnit, Ireckon.. Lord! ef them mules | . Ses froth. the wild, delirious excitement of the
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Gospel George. want to go back’ards, I[mean. Walk? Jest let cher git a good healthy stretch on an’ a quarter- hoss couldn’t tetch a ha’r; not much! ” trot an’ run—go way, greased lightnin’! Didn’t I try it oncet?, Waal, I should re-mark! Jest to show some 0’ the boys what she could do when she’d a-mind. She run so fast the wind stripped me clean out o’ the saddle an’ landed me seven- teen mile t/other side o’ whar we started! It’s ascan’alotis fac’, gentlemen! Nor I don’t reck- “ onYd’a? landed then, only a double-distilled vA cane met me right thar, an’ atween the y two I kem down. I never tried it on ag’in. ‘ Twas too tryin’ on my wardrobe. I hed sg one waistban’ an’ hafe a gallus left when I lit. I tell you, gentlemen, Roxy Ann ain’t noslouch, she ain’t.” , The foregoing was not uttered as it is printed here, but in snatches as Gos~el George followed the trail, and with long or shorter intervals as the trail was open or difficuk. And right here, Treader, allow me to make one remark on my ‘own hook. In 1 George Iam attempting ‘to paint a real, lwing character, ag expe! known to myself. An inveterate liar at times and seasons, he was still an honest one, and ‘would as soon strike a bosom friend as tell a urely malicious lie, With an appreciative au- ience he was in nie ey: facts that would i have astounded Sinbad, Baron Munchausen or 4 even Marco Polo, flowed from his tongue smooth ; _ -asoil; and, lacking an audience, he would talk to himself in the self-same strain. More than once have I overheard oe Noda he believed himself alone. I allude to this that you niay . -know I am not without authority in placing | such a character upon paper. With be nee saat Ceeret Gln ite ne speedy, of a sleuth-hound, Gospe pic up the trail, now grown difficult ation to sat- | isfy even his pride. The und was hard ‘and rocky, and the unshod mule hoofs had only left an occasional sign. Often for several hundreds of yards the trailer would press on without pening to search closely, guided alone by the | ormation of the ground, and as often would he strike the trail at the selected point. Nothing | less than this sort of headwork would have car- : ried him through. But, finally—it was high | noon—he lost the trail, as it seemed, for good, nor could his keenest scenting recover it. For fully an hour he searched, then, as a last hope, started forward, meaning to make a circuit Wi around the black, barren tract. But the old ¥ y man’s trail hunting was about ended for that day. Gospel George found even some faint marks, and was carefully i ting them, when an unpleasant, oily chuckle came to his ar, causing him to start erect with ludicrous celerity. Before him, seated upon a low bowl- der, was a roughly-clad man, grinning broadly \ as he held a cocked revolver pointed full at the " ‘trailer’s head. ‘Hope I see ye, pard,” he chuckled, but a sudden change came over his face as he hissed, “None o’ that! tetch a weepon’ an’ I blow ye through!” Gospel George stood like a statue, but hiskeen eyes were glancing swiftly around. So far as he could.see, the stranger was alone. “IT don’t want to do*ye any hurt, stranger, and I won’t if you'll only listen to reason,” ad- ded the fellow, resting his elbow upon one knee and coolly squinting along the leveled barrel. “You're old_enough an’ ugly enough to’ve got some sense. Youkin see I’ve got the drop on ye nor I ain’t the critter to miss the bigness of a ‘man at thisrange. It ’d be a monstrous pity to ' pile sech a figger-head—honest, stranger, you’re prittier’n a spotted purp! But I’ve got to do it, -onless you'll m to reason.” upped, “stranger,” “quictly replied” Gospel r, y rep Be. . ‘Pm ’greeable to reason with yefrom now tell the cows come home; ef fa’r play. ’Tain’t fa’r for one other squats.” “They’s a rock right aside ye. Hold up your ‘hands an’ squat soon’s ye like, But mind. The fust crooked motion, an’ you’ll chaw lead.” . “*T ain’t h enough for that, now, though I hev ett some in my day,” said the ‘trailer, mands. 3 "ll give me stan’ while literally obeying the stranger’s com- ** Now—sence you're hefty on reasons, — you'll tell me what you’ve halted me fer hy ***Cause I was told to,” was the prompt reply. ; “Cause I was told to lay fer you an’ take you -pris’ner ef you come this fur.” “They was a man tried that oncet, an’ he Some folks say he ” smiled ‘ his eyes fixed upon the stranger with a “That man was a fool,” the fellow. “* He didn’t know how to wor up in style. Ef he'd said, ‘You, Dick! Put a bullet Scag sahoom feller’s hat, but don’t hurt him the ‘though an icicle had been ror your’n an’ called—you, Weasel! bu’st the bottom out o’ that!” There came a prompt report from the rear, and Gospel George felt his powder-horn shat- tered by the bullet. ‘Or ef he’d told Cock-eye to comb your b’ard with a bullet—just so /” as a shot sounded from the right of the trailer and tore its way through his tangled beard. . ** Waal,” said Gospel George, with a sickl laugh, ‘‘ef the critter ’d only bin smart enou 4 fer that, I don’t reckon he’d’a tuck sick a-tall. ? ef you’ve no objections, I'll take your word for the rest.” ‘' Jest the way I reasoned, old man,” with a chuckle. ‘‘I told the boss I didn’t think you’d make much fuss when I axed you to pay him a Visit. ** He must be a monstrous smart man ef he’s your boss. But, what comes next? You’re run- rod this ae Ef you want me to py on ou or walk goose-step, jest say so. n’t bashful!” **T don’t want ye to do nothin’ so rediculous. old man. I give you a rough deal, an’ you stood it without turnin’ a ha’r, and I like you for ’t, I do so. Ef ’twas only my say so, I’d shake hands an’ tell you to take your own trail. But orders is orders, an’ must be kerried out. The boss said fetch you to him, an’ I’ve got to doit. So the more reasonabler you act, why the better you'll be treated, leastwise while you’re in our n’s, ““You’ve showed me reasons enough to last me fora year. I ain’t fool enough to kick my own brains out. I'll shell out my weepons; or. ef you think that’s dangerous, you kin come an? take ’em while your fellers keep mp kivered,” quietly responded Gospel George, resolved to make the best of a bad bargain. At a word from the leader,-three other men arose from their ambush and came forward. Gospel George delivered up his weapons to the spokesman, and even offered him a rather slender buckskin bag of gold-dust; but this was prompt- ly refused. “That ain’t what we tuck ye fer, stranger, though I don’t deny but what we do do a little in that line, when timesis hard. That ain’t our lay now, though.” George was not bound, but he saw that the first ee Aw escape would insure that recaution, an walked quietly along with is captors. His thoughts were too busy for much talk, and after a few page 98 all of which were adroitly parried, he relapsed into total silence, The party pressed on rapidly through the hills and passes, with scarce a word, evidently anxious to complete their task. They entereda long, narrow pass, between two towering hills, and full of cracks and niches, which could afford good hiding ss for a regiment. Suddenly two of the men grappled with Gos- pel George and flung him to the ground, while a voice hissed in his ear: ; Png a sound and Til blow your brains out CHAPTER VII. FIGHTING AGAINST FORTUNE. For an instant after being grappled so uncer- emoniously, Gospel George struggled desper- ately, but as he heard the warning hiss, and how utterly his life was at the mercy of him whose pistol-muzzle was thrust against his pose he relaxed his efforts and lay passive in e “Lively, now!” muttered the leader of the tte. ‘Pick him up an’ kerry him back in the rift, while I see who it is comes this way. Don’t pester him onless you hear my whistle; then put a hole through him an’ scratch gravel, hot-foot!”” In that moment, as he lay prone. upon the ground, tr po George could di ish the muffled thud of a horse’s hoofs, at full gallop, a) otly drawing nearer with each breat This, with the w of the outlaw, gave him the cue to his rude treatment. He was half carried, half into one of the narrow clefts in the face of the rock already alluded to, and while one of the men crouched beside him with cocked revolver held unpleas- antly close to his ear, the other two eag- erly out into the pass. ; ere te a ee Sane Make na gem — pense, on the cap ph Dare be east, then one 0: the outlaws—him called Weasel—gave a grunt of relief, muttering: ‘*Tt’s nobody but Black Diaz, after all.”- het George heard a sharp c and from the sudden cessation of hoof-strokes, knew that the rider had promptly obeyed; but though he listened with an intensity born of his preca- rious retary mn Say which a single hint Ros rove invaluable, he could not catch a of he conversation which followed. was = for it but to lie carr Roe l-estagy ae of patience of with a little oath, he said: | “You fellers mind this BE ge what them 1 cusses sis jabberin’ so about— an’ us yere with empty stomachs sence Ids’ night, durn ’em!”’ ** An’ he'll fill it—with lead,” grinned Cock- eye. ‘Don’t be a bigger fool’n natur’ made ye, rd. When Devil’s Dan holds the lines, it’s a ool hoss as tries to jump the traces. Now you hear me!” . The hatchet-faced outlaw subsided, though not without muttering some vague threats, at which his comrades only grinned Roowingty. The prisoner gave a littlestart as he heard the chief outlaw’sSatanic nomde nique, and a pecu- liar fire filled his eyes, which might easily have betrayed the intense interest he felt, had he not quickly closed them, fighting hard to steady his pha | nerves. Fortunately for him, the ap- proach of Devil’s Dan allowed his brief emotion to unobserved by his captors. ‘Fetch him out, boys,” cried the outlaw, hur- riedly. ‘‘ They ain’t no time to lose. We must git to the house double quick, fer the boss "Il want us, every ome, ef I don’t miss my guess.” ‘* What’s in the wind now?” ei ** Hot work fer the weg lke reckon. They ain’t time to tell if all now. t thing is to git this critter safe to the boss. Lift his head, Dick, be wot g tow rages pill peak, as hi seemed about tos , as his head was mig lifted from the ground, but he was afraid to trust his voice so soon after his great discovery, and quietly submitted to the inevitable, Devil’s Dan evidently misunder- stood this start, for he spoke reassuringly. ** Don’t be oneasy, pard. You ain’t a-goin’ to be hurt while in my keer. Only it’s a rule o’ our’n never to show any man what ain’t one on / us, the road to our nest, an’ so we must tie your a up fer a bit. Thar—I reckon you'll do ow, boys, lend a_ han’, an’ hyste him up—so! Jest hol tight to Black Diaz, old man, "less you ‘ want to tumble off an’ break your blessed neck ' fer heeps.” “Whar you takin’ me to, anyhow?” asked Gospel George. “To the boss, They’s big news come, an’ so we’rein a monstrous hurry, You jist hold on an’ never mind talkin’. Skin out, Diaz! I reckon we kin keep *longside, over this trail Whoop ’er up, now!” 1 George clung to the Mexican behind whom he wasseated, as the horse started off at a rapid pace. He steadied his nerves as thor- *) oughly as possible, for he knew that he would : need all his wits and coolness to escape from the . snare into which he had fallen. And escape he must. To fail meant death—if his suspicions were well founded; and the carefully ned capture, with the discovery of Devil’s Dan, went far to assure him that he wasknown.. Es- cape he must; but how? He was unarmed, in the power of four stout} resolute men. The ear looked poor, yet he did not lose all ope. or a time, by bending his mind solely upon . .-- that, he managed to kooprhie bearings, registers ing every turn and deviation upon his mind’s eye; but then he grew uncertain and confused, each passing moment making matters worse. In desperation be raised one hand and pushed soe eon vader Severe. so that ee ae ca a glimpse 0. elr progress. ut keen, watchful eyes were upon Bink, and the sharp voice of Devil's Dan immediately called a hal ‘* You're a monstrous fool, old man, to throw away your chainces like that,” he said, sternly, as he pulled the prisoner from his perch. ‘ i wanted to treat you like a white man, but you won’t hev it so—more fool you!” “I thougbt you was losin’ the way, an’ I wanted to a vole I could set you righ » mut- tered Gospe y ‘You're too mighty kind,” Devil’s Dan. “ We’llsave you all that ble! Now, mind. The more tricks 7 try to play, the yste him up, boys; steady, thar!” ; a é : Knowing the utter folly of bi esa Seek ie ae against a couple of turns of iat, which the wee of ey This arran concealing his efforts, he felt, with a pecu- % rt would
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Beadle’s Dime Library. - * Reckon so—ess he went out t’other trail,” came the gruff reply, as a man scrambled down from his perch and drew near them. ** What 2a got ere, anyhow?” ** A feller the cap’n tuck a notion he wanted to Cast off the laryit, Diaz; steady, boys, let ’im down easy; boss said petickler he wasn’t to be hurt. You keep him yere ontil I come before he could op out of At least there would be a chance or life, while certain death awaited him if ‘‘ the boss” was indeed the man he That thought decided him. ith a steady strain, he felt the mued | ly-tied knots yield, and were free. Hecould from him, and quick as thought he arse e yl over his face and leaped standing nearest him, and, like the others, he worea revolver up- on each hip, thrust into half-scabbards, a stiff spring closing over the trigger-guard, holding it 'y in place, yet allowing the weapon to be drawn free by a quick, tug. the weapon, to hurl the astounded outlaw with resistless force against his fellows, to leap into the saddle and urge the snortin ar peg along the back trail was but the wor of an t. Y g and cursing, the outlaws opened fire ee him, but their aim was van bas: Aaa 4 under the surprise, and Gospel rge laughed shrilly as he sunk behind the body of his animal and thundered down the pass. But the alarm was given, and he knew that it would be a race for life or death—and he upon a jaded, footsore beast! Glancing back as he passed the curve in the ___.._ pass, he saw that not only were the four men = pursuing him on foot, but that several horsemen were galloping down a steep trail beyond, shouting furiously and brandishing their wea- ** Let ’em come!” grated the fugitive, his eyes * All on ’em won’t go back on thar Ef ’twas ondly Roxy Ann ’stead o’ brute—wouldn’t I show ’em?’ ore the chase had lasted five minutes, the fugitive could see thag his cause was well nlgh less—that he must be ily run down, some unforeseen chance should turn up _ inhisfavor. His horse was well nigh broken , down, and labored heavily over the rough, Fe rien smiled griml lanced Gospe rge smi imly as he glanc back and saw that the outlaws were steadily gaining upon him. ‘*Let’emcome! Better that way then to hev him ketch me, anyhow!”’ He looked at his captured pistol, and assured himself that the caps were sound, that the cyl- inder revolved freely, that the weapon could be depended upon to givea account of it- self when the time came. d then once more he back as he gathered up the reins. pon what a trifle, seemingly, does one’s life frequently hinge! Just before the fugitive the pass divided, offering akg each seemingly equally asfavorable. G 1 rge felt that the mustang would nat y take the one by ~which he had so recently come; but as he turned 4 to glance back upon the pursuit, he unconscious- ty leaned to the left; fight! enough, yet it caused the tired animal to take that pass—and the wrong one! r Less than a quarter of a mile further, Gospel drew rein with an angry cry. The pass tly in a deep, yawning abyss! d oncame the yelling, exultant outlaws, confident of their victim now. Sternly defiant, Gospel George leaped to the seman standing upon the verge of the abyss, by the panes mustang. Though death or capture seemed inevitable, he did not . With nerves like steel he covered the , rider, and fired. as though stricken by lightning! Fairly howling with rage, on, firing their pistols at every leap, raining a storm of bullets upon one man and beast. ‘And then, deatb-stricken, the mustang reared ‘back, falling over the escarpment, carrying with it the form of Gospel George. own feet! this FN Ce Pr OT Te ee ee ee ee ee CHAPTER VHL. FRESH HANDS IN THE GAME. ‘=p ALLEN turned around with a cry of hor- ron as he saw the bearer of the flag of truce round and then fall beng onthe pases around to see bdiel Grey lower with a sho eee dey iy... rt, shrill laugh of ae Mired/that shot? at an unarmed man— | and he bearin a flag of truce! It was a foul, murder!” “ IT did it, stranger—an’ I only wish they was a dozen more ’ithin reach so 1 could sarve ’em all the same way!” fiercely cried Zabdiel, rap- i i You talk about ever I git a glimp’ o’ any one 0’ that cussed lit- ter, down he goes ef I pull trigger ur grip a e **T don’t deny your having just cause to hate them,” promptly replied Allen; ‘‘nor can any- body blame you for seeking revenge, provided Sar do it at the proper time and as a man should. ut your shooting that flag-bearer was the act of an unprincipled ruffian. Pooh! man, do you think to scare me with your ugly looks? I mean just what I say, and while I am on hand, you’ve got to act more like a white man, or e the consequences—that’s flat!” ‘“He didn’t know what he was doin’, stranger,” said a low voice, as a cold hand was feabed upon Allen’s shoulder. ‘‘ Don’t lay u hard feelin’s ag’in’ the boy. Think o’ what he’s gone through—think o’ his poor brothers an’ his ather layin’ thar, an’ don’t be too—” ‘“‘Thar, mother,” said Zabdiel, with a sudden change in his reckless, defiant demeanor, gently taking her hand. ‘‘ Never you fear fer us. You go with Alviry, that’sadear. Now, stranger,” added the youth, turning to Allen, with blunt frankn ‘ whether I was wrong or right, the thing is did an’ past mendin’, nur it won’t better him any our comin’ to blows over what can’t be helped now, You see my ixcuse thar; but you don’t know'it ell. They stole up on us last night, an’ shot him down—my brother, st r—with- out a word or sign; shot him down like a dog, even when he was holdin’ her in his arms—they was to be married, stranger. But thar—what’s the use talkin’? Ef you don’t like our way 0’ doin’ business, why you kin go your own way an’ leave us to fight our own battles.” All this had with the utmost rapiility, and the smoke of the death-shot had ely cleared away when Zabdiel ended Until now not a sound had come from the cover beyond; it was as though the enemy were yzed b the swift death of their heyald. But then an angry yell arose, and a voll€y of bullets were discharged toward the little encampment, though the majority of the missiles fell short of their mark. ‘*They’re comin’, cap’n!” shouted Tom Wes- ton, excitedly. ‘No sech luck!” snorted Grumbling Dick, nursing his»mutilated hand. ‘‘ They’ll take it out in yellin’—durn ’em!” ‘* Let it beas you say,” added Allen, when sat- isfied that Barnes was right, for the time being, atleast. ‘‘ We'll let the matter drop now. As for leaving you, we cannot do that while you are serwoonded by such bitter enemies. Listen; isn’t that somebody ae ant ‘It’s pap,” and Zabdiel hastened to where Jonathan Grey was lying, only to returnina few moments for en, who was consulting with his partners over their dubious pros- pects. ‘He wants to speak a word with you, stranger: leastwise, he axed for the one who bosses this party, an’ I reckon that means you.” In silence Ned Allen followed his conductor to where the wounded patriarch lay, and he gazed down upon the scarred form-with a feel- ing little short of awe. onathan Grey met his gaze with a faint smile. ‘*T cain’t shake hands, amenee though I'd like it well. I didn’t sre an 0 hs arr Jerush —my wife, stranger—Jerushy she said you fit for - like a major, an’ I want to thank ye for *t.”’ ‘‘There’s no thanks needed, friend,” quickly replied Ned Allen. ‘“ We saw that you were outnumberetl, and so struck for the weaker side, as any white man would have done. I am only sorry that we didn’t come along sooner—then all this might have been prevented.” “No, it was bound to come, sooner or later. I'll tell you why, ef you kin answer me one or two questions.” ta ‘‘But hadn’t you better wait?’ interrupted Allen, as he saw the beads of cold perspiration start out over she broad forehead of the wound- ed man as a m of bitter pain stiffened his muscles. ‘* Wait until you are stronger.” “Pll be weaker afore I’m stronger—but don’t breathe a word to her!” he muttered, with a sidelong glance toward his wife, who now sat beside the sobbing Minnie. ‘‘ I’m dub’ous it ’Il be her death; we’ve bin pullin’ together so long —'most fo yee stranger, Jerushy ’n me. But what is will be, I reckon.” ‘* While there’s life, there’s hope,” feebly mut- tered Allen, but Jonathan Grey paid no atten- tion to the remark. ‘*T reckon you’re out a’ter gold, like the rest on us, ain’t ye?” Allen nodded. ‘‘I thought so. You see the sort of people we be, st r. Thar’s three wimmen an’ bale? dow y uns, an’ by sun-up to-morrow, I reckon ti sy’ onl be two men feet to look a'ter ’em; that’s mighty weak- Allen read aright the wistful, anxious expres- < in the old man’s eyes, and promptly re- plied: “T pled kp my aid, as far asit goes, friend, psig i 3 on ee for each pial! my ien e will guard your ple e to their destination, and no one pH pari them. without first climbing over us.” **T ’most knowed you’d say as much, but I wanted to make sure, fust. You won’t lose any- thin’ by it, stranger. Look yere,” and as he spoke the wounded patriarch produced the nug- get of gold from among the folds of the blanket. m which he was lying, holding it up before u the dazzled eyes of the young prospecter. In tones that eer stronger as he proceeded, Jonathan Grey told the story of his wonderful. discovery, and gave his earnest opinion that the valley, or at least the water-course, would be: found wonderfully rich in gold. It needed few words to convince Allen. best argument. lay 9 in his trembling fingers. . ’s enough fer all, never fear,” ted Grey, beginning to feel the effects of his pro- longed exertions. “I only ax that you give my people a fa’r shar’, an’ to join em ag’in’ that. cussed r an’ his gang.” “Tildo it—as God is my judge!” solemnly uttered the gold-hunter. The Rep tdegianise wp aay ae there, outa was: wing we or further speech. 1 eee with what he had heard, Ned Aaen withdrew from his side and rejoined his com- rades, having decided to lose no time in impart- ing to them the substance of the communica- tion made by Jonathan Grey. This he didina. few words. Only the presence of the dead and dying prevented them from venting their glad. excitementin wild cheers at the g tidings. At last it seemed as though they had indeed stumbled upon the marvelous valley of gold de- scribed to them by the grateful Chinook. Yet, in their excitement they were not un- mindful of the tacit pledge given in their names. by Allen, and each man — it, hie 2 more or less fervor. It should share and share alike ore down we the a little children. ‘** We'll lay out the ground into regular claims,” said Allen; finally. eThere will be one for each man, woman and child, dead or living. We will each do our share of work on the claims of those who may be either dead, too ill or young for the labor, and give a sacred account of the Pp bu ides this one point—the working for the dead or disabled, I mean—each man will be at liberty to strike pick when and wherever he pleases, and to save his ; claim against the day when outsiders flock here —as they will do, soon or later. I tell you this, friends, because I mean to draw it all up on paper, for each man to sign and swear to.” here wasa great deal more said , but nothin that imperatively needs record here. Some o' the men were eager to get to work, if only to select their claims, but Allen overruled this haste. Though nothing had been seen of the enemy since the one false attack just after the death of the flag-bearer, it was only ‘reasonable to believe that they were not far t, prob- ably lurking around ready to take advantage of any rash movement. It was hardly probable that the Californian would rest contented with the one repulse. The afternoon waned, thesun sunk torest and the shades of a clear, cloudless night settled over the valley of gold—the valley of death! A vigilant watch was kept throughout the nigh but there was no attempt at surprise on the — of the enemy, nor was there any sign of them at Vith the coming of dawn, Jonathan Grey seemed to have improved not a little, but Ma- lachi still lay in a deathlike stupor, evidently sinking fast. Ned Allen, with Jotham Grey and Dick Barnes, ventured forth on a scout, and soon sat- isfied themselves that the little valley was de- serted by all save their own party and the ones who fallen during the y: ay’s struggle. These were dragged to the foot of the hills and covered from sight in a deep crevice among the rocks, Ab grave was dug beside the lake shore, and after a brief, heartfelt prayer by Al- len, the two dead brothers were committed to the earth amid the sobs and#tears of their be- reaved kindred. This was hardly completed, when Harry Lane came hurriedly in from his lookout, with start- ling news. A strong body of horsemen were even then debouching from the pass so fre- quently alluded to. **To your stations, boys!” said Allen, his eyes glowing, ‘‘And when you strike, strike hard and sure. Remember we are fighting for more than life, now. There are helpless women de- pending on our arms. every bullet: count. The enemy, over a dozen strong, seemed bent: on stern and deadly work, as they had but lt- tle time to waste after passing the live-oak tree. Scattering out, shielding themselves as much ag poate behind their animals, they thundered. orward, with loud, wild yells. **Steady, men!” shouted Allen. ‘Save fire until youcan make each bullet count!” At that moment came a cry of terror from “ “5
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4 t Gospel George. S “Minnie Brady, and turning his head; -ANen saw the cause of tse affright. From the hillside be- yond the river, over a score of rough-clad men were darting down, through the stream and toward the camp, firing as fhey ran. And on came the horsemen, as though bent on pg over the re eae All seemed lost. Yet @ man flinched as the dreadful clash came. CHAPTER IX. ACOOL CAPTIVE. A WILD chorus of angry yells arose from the infuriated outlaws as they saw the wounded amustang rear up and then fall back, bearing ‘with him the helpless fugitive, down upon the ragged bowlders of the canyon below; furious be- cause he had escaped their tender mercies by a death soinstantaneous. And, too, the thought came: how would their master receive their re- avait perder lorogire demanding a sound, un- captive, to receive y a mutilated —, eering into the depth they could see the shat- tered mass of flesh and bone, marking the spot where man and beast had fallen. ey saw ‘that Gospel George had fallen upon the body of ‘he horse, was now lying acrossthe bl mass. To make assurance- oubly.sure, Weasel cast aside his so wi and outer clot , then nimbly descended tHe rock wall, though there seemed scant footing for a cat. He bent over | the prostrate for an instant, then rose erect with a yell of wondering exultation. Though the chances were scarcely one in a thousand, Gospel George had escaped death, thanks to his falling feet foremost upon the ‘wounded mustang. The shock had rendered him senseless, had bruised and shaken him very severely, yet the experienced Weasel saw that he was living, that no bones were broken, that he was ve @ stunned for the time being. The glad shout gave no little relief to those above. A wholesome dread of their fiery mas- ter’s anger overcame their thirst for revenge, and they were now full as anxious to preserve a sthey had been to destroy. Under Weasel’s directions, several trail-ropes were securely knotted together, and lowered to him. Passi the noose around the senseless body, he gave the i to haul away, and two minutes later Gos- George ‘vas lying upon the trampled verge, just where he had dealt his last desperate stroke or life. Weascl quickly followed, not a little elated at the resu:+ of his curiosity. A litter was quickly improvised with rifles aand saddle-blankets; and placed upon this, Gos- pel George was borne along the k trail and au p to the outlaws’ retreat, with far greater care | would have been bestowed upon an injured comrade. Once here, no efforts were to restore him to consciousness. Yet, despite all this, it was full an hour ere the old man recove from his frightful fall sufficiently to realize that he was still in the land of the living. The first object that met his slowly unclosing eyes was the face of a man almost touching his own—a clear-cut, strongly-marked, yet not un- handsome face, a bronzed red, surrounded by short, curling hair of a fiery red hue, with gray- ish-blue eyes that seemed to burn deep into his brain, so vividly keen and piercing were they. This much he saw in that one glance; then his lids fell, with a low gasp. “The fool’s fainted again!” exclaimed an im- patient voice. But the speaker was wrong That face, those eyes, so vlose to his, had acted with marvelous rapidity u Gospel George. From that mo- ment his brain was clear, wits keen and -wide-awake as ever before in his life. He knew that he had fallen into the hands of a bitter. merciless foe. Between them was a death-feud —a black and bitter score as yet unbalanced. And in that brief spell of apparent insensibility he py eran = adm gouges There was a ; faint, ye a hope. oy | quantity of icy-cold water was dashed into his face, which seemedsto restore his senses in- stantly. He raised his head, a vacant stare upon frce. ‘* Waal, I ber-durned! ef ever I knowed the devil had red ha’r!” **T have been called a devil,” ny me the out- law; ‘“‘but just at present I go by the name of Fred.” “The big hoss—that is, I’ve hearn tell 0’ you,” slowly ded Geo: ‘ou was em you was doin’ too good work on ye'th for An’ come to “Not much, old man! I hold myself worth a dozen dead men yet. so are bog up; scratch your wits a bit, man. I want you to answer a few questi and I haven’ aste. = "Ts he alive, dear?’ came a soft voice, as a Kittle graceful figure ng to the outlaw’s side, and a rarely beau face peered over his down os the ve, cic ie aA HT catcbiaince ¢ bash aa tee falloce atenktn’ 46 : to Vother place. An’ yit—I’d ’a’ swore I was goin’ right t down to —— or China-land!” “*Tt wasa fall such as few men ever live to dream of; and you are scarcely bruised, I am happy tosay. Glad, because have work for you to do. t first, who and what are you? hat is ng A business in _ bagel is sais ‘ Stranger,” repli ospel rge, a quick glance around him, “that’s what I wouldn’t tell to no livin’ man’ you. Ive learned wisdom in my old oe used to tell everybody everything, an’ what ’dI git fer it? Rotten aigs, mostly, and dead cats; likewise old boots, an’ sech like doin’s. It’s a scan’alous fact! Folks said I was crazy—they didso/ An’ because I came out yere to preach the gos- if So my hull best to save my fellow- princi from everlastin’ death an’ pizer mizery, oh—ah!” “‘ That’s played, old man,” sharply interrupted Fiery Fred, ve himself. as he had called **T know more of you and your doings than yen think; so just walk a straight trail or it will be the worse or you. I know folks call you Gospel George; and any one who has measured the lenpth 0 hse tongue can easily guess why! I know, too, t you got drunk one day at Celestial City— nh hang Renner ng and the outlaw chief ug’ umphantly. “I was drugged, stranger,” muttered Gospel George, with strongly-marked chagrin. *“*Spect I talked a powe eap o’ nonsense that time; it’s a way I’ve got whenever I ain’t feelin’ good, but they ain’t nothin’ in it.” ‘There was a good deal in this, though! And now you know just what 1 want. But wait one moment. Let me prove to you that I am in dead, sober earnest in this. Know, then, that you have been followed and your every step watched since that day by some of my boys, or by myself. For the last three days I have trailed you: I was on your track when I dis- covered that party of prospecters. I put one of my men on the trail, then tried to strike some plan to make their acquaintance. Luckily, I stumbled over that grizzly, and so took to a tree after waking him up, knowing that those green- horns would take the bait. You know they did, and I played them for sardines at sorrel-top.” “ An’ that was you all Rica time!” we pao Gospel George, with genuine regret, and men- tally cursing his biindnene ‘** No one e I run off their stock, and your mule with them. From what I knew of you, I felt sure you would follow my trail, so I set the trap yourun into. I threatened to kill with my own hand any or every man who dared to in- jure you. ey were to take you alive. They obeyed me, ou are here in my power, for me to treat as I will. What that treatment may be depends altogether upon yourself. Tell me where your treasure is; give me plain direc- tions where to look for it, and when I prove your truth that day you shall be set free, to go where you will.” “* An’s’ I don’t, what then?’ suddenly de- manded the prisoner. ‘*T don’t choose to suppose anything of the kind,” coolly retorted Fiery Fred. ‘ Any sens- ible man will give up his gold before he will his life; and you don’t look like a fool. Tell you must, sooner or later, and the less delay you make, the better you will fare at our hands. ‘You can’t make me ef I don’t want.” “Don’t bet high on that, or you'll go broke, sure. I can make a dead man find his tongue, if I set to work in earnest.” ‘*You cain’t mine. That’s bin tried afore. I was tied up and roasted for three weeks at a stretch, oncet. Then they tuck an’ anchored me at the bottom of a crick for nine days; but I jist lay still untel the fishes nibbled the ropes loose, then I dove down stream seven miles, an’ so gotaway. ’Nother time they strung me up an’ skinned me alive. They did it three times, ontel they wore out all knives, an’ then they give it up esabad job. Onless you’ve got a-plenty 0’ spar’ time, | wouldn’t you to ondertake sech a monstrous job, stranger.” “Bah! that’s nothing but child’s-play to what Tll do to fa moan you spit out what I want. Now, look—I'll leave you here for half an hour, as ve worktodo. At the end of that time Pll return. If you’ve concluded to save your hide by oe ey tener it rey be matty well and good; if not—then -by, Gospe s With thass words Pery Hved passed bis tres around the yo woman’s waist—who had been ape ane, Bey all with lively interest—and left the chamber. Gospel a Benge ener where they be him, knowing w unbound, w no li could ge leery any at- than useless. lieved himself to be closely watched, George would have laughed outright. In an idle moment he had boasted of a marvelous placer of gold to which he alone knew the trail; a fable to which there was not a particle o truth, but which had so strangely b: ht him and his bitter enemy be. aye after the lapse of long, weary years of vain searc 3 His brains were very busy during that brief respite. He felt assured that his life was safe as long as the supposed secret remained unspoken. And surely he could effect his escape before the Fash outlaw’s patience was entirely ex- At the expiration of the half-hour, Fiery Fred reappeared. He spoke ve! harshly and had evidently been d x ce he demanded the secret, and twice he was denied. Then he a coldly, cocking a revolver and stooping until its muzzle fairly touched the prostrate man’s temple: “This is the last time; tell me, or I'll blow your brains out!” 1 George looked full into his eyes, and laughed aloud. And at that instant, whether y or not, the revolver was discharged’ CHAPTER X. A FIERY LOVER. AT a point almost equidistant from the out laws’ retreat and the little valley in which Jon- athan Grey had made the discovery of gold in such an extraordinary manner, stood a square. massive building of stone. There was little of beauty or grace in its style of architecture, re- 4 sembling nothing more nearly than a tic y~ dry-goods box lying upon its side. e Too ; was eg hs , surrounded by a parapet yard in hight, in which, ag was the case with the walls below,. were pierced numerous loop- holes. Its few windows were very narrow, and were defended by stout iron bars. The building stood in one corner of a court-yard, formed by a high, thick wall of rough stones. Along the inside of the wall ran a narrow plat- form upon which defenders could stand and wield their weapons in case of assault. The one a giving admittance to the court-yard and ouse, Was an enormous mass of iron and wood, stout enough to resist anything short of cannon, and well nigh impervious to fire. Around the hacienda were scattered sundry corrals and cat- tle-pens, out-buildings and brush jacales for the accommodation of peons, vaqueros and other *WWithin the buildin ying a large, it the bui g, occupying a , low- ceiled apartment, weré two persons, father and daughter, whom the reader has already me’ and whose names were Senor Don Estevan an: Inez Mendoza. The Californian was rapidly pacing the floor. his still armed heels ringing an an tune upon the smooth flagging, and more t once his watch was lugged from its fob, impatiently con- sulted, then returned with a muttered curse of hot impatience. A perfect contrast to this was the demeanor of Senorita Inez, half-reclining in the depths of an easy-chair, indolently watch- ing the thin curls of blue smoke arising from her cigarette, or issuing from her pouting, Fuse- tinted li Bot then came an abrupt change. The deadened fall of a horse’s hoofs in full gal lop across the turf, momentarily paused at the huge gate; then the clatter of iron-shod hoofs upon the stone flooring of the court-yard, announced the arrival of an expected visitor. Don Estevan ceased his walk, sinking into a chair and banishing all traces of Spxiony or im- tience with the skill of a veteran actor. norita Inez flung aside her cigarette, with what sounded suspiciously like one of those iquant demi-oaths the lingua Espagnol fairly aces with, while her mobile countenance as- sumed an expression of cold politeness that Pthe fom and e door o a ed major-domo bowed admittance to re agers big richly, almost gaudily dressed in van, he advanced and upo! cefully his mustac 5 as he di “T feel that . live now, for = first time in three weeks,” he whispered, i inting the remark. ‘““If smiles were your n senor,” coldly re- plied the lady, with a curl of her rosy lip, “‘ you could obtein them nearer home, and far more readily than here, if the truth must be told.” “I do not understand you, Inez,” and the cavalier arose, his brow wrinkling. “Frown at Pedro, the One-eyed, senor, not upon me. Yet you must wonder that tongues will tell what curious eyes behold; and babes . half-blind man hag as - fill on kiss- and embracing upon the -road, there seems little wish for concealment.” “‘ And you lend ear to such lies, from a blind, drunken slave? Inez, should know me bet- ter. Where my h is placed{ there miy lips follow, or not at all. Since I pafted from I have not spoken one word
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4 > sneer. ~~ allies?” os a the outlaw, carelessly. her words. convicted you. Know, then, most faithful knight and mirror of truthful honor, that Jsaw | woe no later than three evenings since, at the of Our Lady—ha! that touches you, senor!” Fiery Fred—for he it was—strove in vain to stifle a curse of mortified as his mask so clearly torn aside. Just then a hand was lain upon his shoulder, and he turned to con- front the stern-faced Californian. **T, too, saw you, Senor Gonzalo, and only that I hoped you could explain all, satisfacto- rily, you would have been received this day with something far sharper than words. There can be but one answer tosuch an insult.”. Then he added, in a hurried whisper: ‘‘ Make no re- but come with me—I insist!” Shey og ae ico ewan he Pele ily ollowing Don van into an adjoin- room. When the door closed behind them, @ sudden change came over the Californian’s ** Of all blind fools you are the blindest, Fiery Fred,” he exclaimed, angrily. ‘‘Had I not re- peatedly warned you, there might be some ex- cuse, but knowing Inez so well, knowing that she was only seeking for some excuse, you must thrust that girl down her very throat, and make love before our eyes in plain daylight.” “Tt was not my fault,” sullenly replied the .. “Twas doings, all. I’ve tried to get rid of her—” “Bah!” interrupted Don Estevan, with a ‘ . “Do you expect me to believe that, when I know that a smgle word of yours, ken to any one of *becas men, would have put e child beyond all #hance of making trouble? Well, such as itis, the work is yours. I have kept my promise and my conscience is clear.” * And you dream that I’ll let you draw back now? Not if I know myself!” laughed Fiery Fred, harshly. “If Inez tries to play the prude, you must put the curb on her—yes, I say must, and must I mean. You know me pretty well. You know what I can do, and what I will do, unless you work on my side. Let me tell you, Senor Estevan de Mendoza, that Thave not been idle. I have coubled my force; in less than two minutes I can bring a dozen stout boys to my side, ready and eager for work; in an hour, I can muster full four score; in half a day, as many more men, devoted solely to my will. How long would it take us to clean you out? nd more: I know your.reasons for leaving Mexico; how easy it would be for me to clap you astride a horse and carry you back to your anxious friends—” * Not alive!” muttered the Californian, start- ing back, one hand buried in his bosom. *Bah! are we not friends, partners and i hands, so | aes e in my so long as you play me fair. Place your daughter’s hand in mine, to forget all that it has cost me so much and trouble tolearn. Refuse and— can the rest.” Pett T will do all I can,” slowly replied the Cali- ** But it will be hard work after what she saw.” ‘¢The more glorious the victo then. But the message you sent me by Black Diaz?” “Tt is 4 @ serious matter,” replied Don e rapidly detailed owed. in this matter than I—or should be. Let discovery once get abroad—and the very air will carry the news unless we ante 5 : F + and among them will surely be some known us in times gone by. We will to flee, leaving all. Your retreat will , and when once old scores are re- vived, where will you find a place to hide your head? There is but one thing tobedone. We taois pay out of existence, nor leave a trace behind. It can be done, if you fer tote me fn. good-will It must be done, or we are ruined.” se i E a it? Only for them I would not our aid. We had the game in a ; i 2 : E se : : : e » ls ae ye u f s Se RF : Beadle’s: with contempt too deep for ot T had ever ‘dou your utter | worthlessness, your own tongue would have | was | Poe or Dime Library. They found Inez seated where. they had left her, and Don van lost no time in following out the line marked for him by the outlaw. Inez listened in silence, but with curling lip that pro- claimed her incredulity louder than words. “Tt is as your father says, Inez,” added the outlaw. ‘‘Since you have seen so.much, you must know all. Ihave never claimed to be more than a man; with all the follies of such. There | are moments of temptation none of us can re- sist. I met this girl nearly a year before I saw ou. She—I know it sounds conceited, but the facts bear me out—fell in love with me, and I— well, you can guess what followed. When I learned to love you, darling, I sent her away, well provided for, and expected never to see her i But she hunted me out; and you saw our meeting. I could not be too harsh with her, but she is gone now, for good. This is the whole tory, upon my honor, Can you not forgive me, darling?’ ‘* You are taking a great deal of unnecessary trouble, Senor Gonzalo,” coldly replied Inez. ‘*What you have been, are, or may become in the future is of not the slightest interest to me. Thus far I have barely tolerated you, because my father wished it. I never even liked or re- spected you; now I ieee despise you.” ‘* Inez!” sharply cri on van. “Leave her to me, my friend,” laughed the outlaw, but with a glittering eye that belied his tone. ‘‘ You are foolish, little one, but you will learn better in good time. Love or no love, you are to become my wife—and by this kiss I claim ou!” = With a quick motion and a strength which would not denied, Fiery Fred pressed the maiden to his heart kissing her lips fiercely; then, with a low laugh of triumph released her and from the room. He was followed by Don ‘van, and there was some more conver- sation between them before Fiery Fred mount- ed his horse to ride over the hills to his retreat. And as they talked, just without the massive gate, a wild, haggard face looked down upon them from the broad wall near by—a face full of deadly vengeance, of ferocity scarcely human. As though that venomous glare possessed the attributes of the rattlesnake, the outlaw felt himself forced to turn his head and raise his eyes. He saw the wild face, the unearthly, staring eyes, and started back with a little cry. As though in answer came a peal of eldritch laughter— and accompanying it a bright blaze of the report of a firearm. The spiri mustang reared high, snortin loudly, while Fiery Fred flung up his hands an fell heavily to the pee Another unearthly laugh, and then the assassin vanished as by magic! CHAPTER XI. A MIDNIGHT VISITOR. WHEN Fiery Fred hissed his final threat into the ears of his bound and prostrate prisoner, with a cocked revolver pressed close against his temple, it is scarcely probable that he meant to ut it into such prompt execution, thus destroy- ing forever his hopes of learning the old man’s golden secret. Yet there was one watching his every movement who knew so well his hot, un- ruly temper that she feared his passion would blind his avarice, and urge him on to a deed he would regret when gen down. Filled with this anxiety, she rushed forward and his arm; but as she did so the weapon exploded. 1 George lay before him, his face black- ened, the blood starting out upon his begrimed features. With a blasphemous curse, Fiery Fred flung the screaming woman from his arm and knelt over the body of the old man; but a moment later his breath came more freely. Though the captive had not entirely escaped, the hand of Little Paquita had done its work well. The bullet, instead of boring its way through the brain of Gospel George, spent its force upon the rock floor close beside his ear, Bits of lead and splintered flint had cut his face in a dozen different places, while the concussion had com- letely stupefied him. He lay like a dead man, ut recovery was but the question of a few min- utes. Satisfied of this, the outlaw chief rose erect just as Devil’s Dan, with several of his fellows, a) at the entrance, doubtless in answer to e alarm. man ier sel arp tn black-hole,” quie' orde ery as though no eapianatias was needed. “ Look well to his bonds, and, though he is to be left alone, see that you keep a look-out, as usual, Lively, now! Come, Paquita; one word with you before I take the saddle.” The one word extended over half an hour at covered his senses‘and opened his eyes. Fortu- nately, his tongu was at liberty, t 2 se for a time, his words were disconnected and broken. He had passed through and endured so much during the few last hours that his agitation was by no means remarkable; indeed, few minds or bodies could have borne up so well. For yeats his sole object had been to find this man who called himself Here. Fred; and now he had met him—a bound and helpless captive. Even more than the frightful fall over the precipice had it shattered his nerves to still wear his mask while that hated enemy stood before him, all unsus- esa of the hell of venomous hatred that filled is heart—of the wild, insane longing to shout aloud his real name in the face of his destined ae tab passed by h e hours y he grew more com- posed, his brain became clearer, and he began to realize the full peril of his situation. Fiery Fred would pause at nothing to accomplish his ends. If persuasion failed, then he would make use of torture, and beneath his devilish arts the most stubborn would break down; and yet escape seemed impcssible, even were he to suc- wea casting off the thongs that bound his ‘* Ef I kin only git ’em loose ag’in the time he comes to ax me to tell him!” muttered Gospel George, pausing for an instant in his strenuous exertions for breath. ‘‘Ef he’d only come an’ stan’ afore me thus! I wouldnh’t ax nothin” more—face to face with nothin’ more’n tooth and toe-nail—I’d give heaven itself fer jist sech a chaince! But it never ’ll be. The devil ’Il stan’ his friend, an’ he’ll send some one else.” Yet this doubt did not cause Gospel George to relax his efforts, and within an hour from the time when he first tested the thongs they yielded sufficiently for him to slip out first one hand then the other, though his wrists had suffered severely in the struggle. This much accom- lished, it was not difficult for him to release his eet as well. He could scarce suppress a wild. yell of exultation at his success, as he once more felt himself a man, able at least to strike one stout blow for revenge, and he only managed to refrain by clasping one broad palm over his mouth until the temptation was vanquished. Now that his limbs were at liberty, Gospel George ie i Se at around the stone cell in which he had been confined, groping with his hands upon every side, seeking for something which he might use asa weapon when the time for action came. His fingers closed upon a project- ing spur of rock that for a time defi all his efforts, but finally he managed to work loose a fragment of probably two pounds weight. Tearing one sleeve from his shirt, he tied it. around the stone, thus securing an ugly weapon. when in the hands of a stout, resolute man. Scarcely was this heron arate when Gospel George ceased his motions, bending forward and fairly holding his breath, as he fixed his eyes upon a faint glimmer of light before him, seem- ingly far distant. For one breathless moment he remained thus, until convinced that the light was slowly drawing nearer, though he could not discover by what agency. . Quick to resolve and equally quick to execute, he silently crept back to the t where Devil’s Dan. had left him, and carefully di his limbs as pen they were still bound, hiding the severed ends of the thongs around his ankles beneath his feet. He held his rude weapon with a firm grasp partially beneath his body, with wide nerve and muscle ready for prompt and resolute action. He saw the light draw nearer, through his closed li agen. 2 not a sound broke the dead silence. e light shone only in ey that the bearer was invisible. Slowly his eyes opened, though he made no other motion as the light paused a little beyond his feet. Despite his stout heart, a little thrill of superstitious awe crept over him as his strange visitor still re- ned invisible. But then the light was sud- denly elevated and partially turned so that its rays fell full upon a face—fair, piquant and be- deringly beautiful—the face of Little Paqui- ta, smiling, friendly, yet with an expression seemed to implore caution. In his ee Gospel George almost betrayed hiznself, and the rock ~~ from his .celaxed rs as he realized the sort of antagonist. with whom he had to deal. . He could not crush in that fair face as he had intended, ‘** Hist! not a word!” muttered the wo: with a quick — in the direction whence she had come, an i gles Yer “Tf lam ie here my life will not be worth a Cc Still Gospel George did not speak, f to trust his e until his strange iste had made the object of her visit more clear, and feeling nearly sure that she had not come en-— tirely unguarded. ‘*Senor,” added Hae gone in a soft, almost caressing tone, ‘‘I could not sleep for thinking of you. ib ag was a voice ringing in my ears —as though my father was to senor. And I saw such ph ever I closed my e here, 1 could not and so I came he he would kill me were he to “Let me loose, an’ I'll take keer be don®
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ay Gospel George. 34 never do no harm, lady,” interrupted Gos- pel Geo a writh well-assumed eagerness, ‘an de would, gladly, senor, but what ‘would become of poor me? You forget how I am placed; in his power, his slave, his play- thing to caress or as his mad humor dic- tates. It would be different were I a man; then Tecould act as I chose. But now, I can only as- sure you of my heartfelt sympathy, senor, and wish our lady may send you strength and forti- tude to endure the torments and tortures which await you—unless you are willing to purchase your freedom, to give up your gold inexchange at ‘ers cae I thought,” said Gospel Geo A wha ought,” sai with a chuckle. ‘‘You’re a — StarbActhaed gal, but you cain’t pull no wool over my peep- ers—not much! I ain’t no sardine, ef I was growed in the woods. You kin jist go back to your hoss-thief feller an’ tell him it ain’t no go, an’ he’s a fool fer sendin’ of ye—” “*He did not send me,” earnestly uttered Pa- quita.. ‘‘ If he knew my object in coming he senor, he would murder me! I hate him— curse him every hour of the day! He stole me away from my home—he murdered my parents, and the man whom I loved as our blessed lady herself! He murdered them, and carried me - here, oping me captive until—bah! why do I talk? t matter is it to me what becomes of ou—only—you reminded me of my poor father. wes a fool. I thought thatif Il were to aid ‘ou to escape from this dreadful den, you would thankful enough to take me with you. Not for good; only until we were beyond his reach. Then I could take care of myself. What mat- ter even if Istarved? Atleast I would be free from him.” ** Wait a bit.——don’t be so pesky brash,” slowly uttered Gospel George, as the woman seemed about to leave him. ‘* How was I to know all this, afcer seein’ you long o’ him that-a-way? Ef you're in airnest—” ‘Phen you will aid me?” joyously cried Pa- quita, coming closer. ‘‘ But no—I am a fool to even think of honor in aman, You would only deceive, after I had done all I could for you; perhaps give me over to that—” ‘Tm a white man,” simply replied Gospel rge. ‘* Prove to me that you are sincere—that you will be grateful for my services, then,” impetu- ously cried Paquita. ‘‘ Trust me as I trust you. Tell me this wonderful secret of yours—tell me where this golden placer is; and then I will be- lieve that you are in earnest.” “They won’t nothin’ else satisfy you, then?” asked 1 George, almost sadly, his eyes dimming with a curious mist. “Nothing! If you doubt me, then I will go. Me ** Come, then, I'll whisper it in hens ear,” re- plied Gospel George, his voice loud and stern. rly Paquita stooped until her warm breath fanned his cheek, Then his long, sinewy fingers cl around her soft throat, and a harsh laugh parted his lips. CHAPTER XII. HOW TO MAKE AN ENEMY USEFUL. ‘* Easy—easy, my little woman! The more ou squirm, an’ the more you kick, the tighter Tm bound fer to freeze to ye, honey. It’s fer the good o’ your fri’nds I’m a-doin’ of it. °F you was to open your mouth an’ squeel bare oncet, they’d all come a-runnin’ yere, an’ like’s not cut up so rusty I'd hev to climb up the back of every durned— Good Lawd; why didn’t ye say so? at once Paquita ceased her les and strugg ‘ hung limp and nerveless in the old man’s hands. George had forgotten, in his excitefnent. Get bia iwea Goaling ~witiPa wo and had worked his sinewy rs with a will; until the fair face was swollen and blackened, and her senses fled before that suffocating grip. Butas her limbs relaxed and she sunk a lifeless weight wu his hands, Gospel remembered him- salt ¢ and gently lowered the y to the ground, a ludicrous dismay imprinted upon his weather- dead—ef I only thin’ else fer to fetch her to— hes kero was not without its excuse, Even as he stood dolefull his handiwork, tie boty suddenly grew ani- the e springing strained ain’ta-goin’ to give yenary ‘nother chaince. I’ve made up my mind to git out o’ this hole, an’ you’ve got to help me—understan’? I know of one way. Fier thinks a heap of you, I reckon, from all I see’d: an’ I reckon he'd take his chainces 0’ ketchin’ me ag’in ruther than lose you fer good: but I’d ruther slide out the back door, ef so be thar is one—I’m so pesky bashful! You don’t know of none, I reckon?” But Paquita maintained a sullen silence. ‘*You don’t like the idee o’ losin’ me, eh?” chuckled Gospel George. ‘' But cain’t I coax ai Lawd, honey, you'd jist ort to seeme when ve got the time to sp myself on the coax— it’s more fun then gum-suckin’, a heap! I ken coax a settin’ hen off ’m her aigsin two minnits by the watch. An’ as for the gals—but thar; I won’t make ye jealous. y, now; I ain’t a- ine to hurt ye; but these playthings looks tter with a man ahind ’em.” As he spoke, Gospel George was coolly search- ing his prisoner, gingerly plucking a short, yet stout and serviceable dagger from her bosom, and a richly-ornamented revolver from her girdle. Satisfying himself that. this last named weapon was in serviceable order, he added, with a complete change of manner: ‘‘ That’s foolin’ a-plenty; now fer business. I hate to threaten a woman, much Jess hurt her, but you’ve got to show me the way out o’ this hornet’s nest without any more fuss. Ef you walk crooked, or try any more o’ your trickson travelers, why ll jist putt a bit o’ lead through your ane noddle likea mice. It don’t sound nice, [ know, but I’ve swore to do it. Git me safe outside, an’ I’ll let you go free, unhurt. Now you know what’s the layout; which ’d ye ruther do?” ‘** You can murder me, if you choose. I am only a poor girl, and defenseless. But you can- not make me »etray him, by aiding his prisoner to escape,” said Paquita, quietly, yet with an in- tensity that told Gospel rge only too plainly Sn, ag had naught to look for of aid from her “ An’ yit a minnit sence you wasa-cussin”him for all that’s out!” Paquita answered only by a smile of con- tempt. Gospel George chuckled complacently. **So he sent you yere to play me fer a sucker —an’ ’stead ¢’ nookin’ me, I hooked his bait. Ef the cuss ’d only come hisself! W.: I must make the best o’ what I’ve got. _Now look, I’m goin’ to give you one chaince. Tl tie you up an’ leave you yere, while I try ef 1 kin git out- side without your help. Ef I cain’t, then Ill come back, take you ‘long, an’ walk right through the gang, with this barker at your head. Ef they putt one finger out to stop me, they'll be jist enough left o’ you to make a de- cent funeral.” “You had better kill me at once,” muttered the Mexican woman, her eyes glittering snake- like. ‘‘ You have insulted me too deeply for us both to live. This earth isn’t wide enough for us both, after thisnight’s work. You shall die, though I have to hunt you down and strike you wir po se hand.” . s ir ‘I glory in your oney, i Gos- pel George, ‘‘and wish you all the fuck you de- sarve, Now—I hate to do it, fer your tongue sounds sweeter’n pegh a se afore frost; but I must sorter putt a bandage over your pay mouth—jist fer to keep ye from ketchin’ col I’m monstrous ashamed o’ hevin’ to do sech work, but it cain’t be helped, though I know I won’t be able to sleep fer a month fer thinkin’ on it. Thar; I'll make it jist as easy as I kin. Don’t think too hard o’ me fer this, or I'll pine away an’ fade like a bu’sted jimson weed. —I hope oO bes comf’table. Don’t git onpa- tient. I don’t come back insid somebody else ’ll be sure to find ye. no v—I’m goin’.” Looking once more to hispistol, My om George extinguished the lamp and put it into his pocke’ for further use in case it then crept noiselessly thro age. Tenseconds later he found cause to con- tulate himself on his prudence Set apres wh ing his Hight, i hag re Sg nly ore him, not twenty yards away, the mass ins bore it either from some side passage or else rounding an le in the i Even as it was, di othe auttewis aactions eke seat ot e outlaw’s arm’s his position before..dieco i For, of course, he must trust altogether to cold steel, since a single pistol shot would bring entire gang upon his shoulders. It was a moment of terribl en ten tg aa the outlaw leisurely. strode nearer, un the red glare of the torch fairly covered the crouch- figure, and was reflected from his bared r. ig ance Reig nal found himself at the entrance of another tunnel, through which he could just distinguish the unconscious outlaw. pecpnae and tnllaven tn fed aie tee and follow er . chance of the man’s turning Sock. He followed thus for quite two hundred yards, when he saw the outlaw drop the torch and stamp it out be- neath his heel, leaving all in darkness the most intense, as it seemed for the moment. Closely hugging the wall, Gospel George awaited the next move, with weapons y for use; but all was still, save his own rapidly beating heart. For full ten minutes he remained thus, never moving a muscle. Then he fancied that the darkness was growing less intense before him, and a minute later he could just isti the dark figure of the outlaw, who was sitting upon the ground, leaning inst the side of the nar- row passage. Then he began to realize the truth. The outlaw was acting as.a sentinel. The faint glimmer must come from out doors, and until now, been invisible to his eyes, ina measure blinded my ine gabe: torch, What a wild, fierce joy filled the old man’s heart as he guessed the truth. The outer world was so near—almost within reach of his hand. Once without that den, a free man, he could make his hand keep highead. And only one life stood between him and that freedom. Fearing to lose more time, Gospel Geo re solved to attempt his escape at once, and sink- ing flat upon his face he crawled silently, inck by inch, toward the unwary sentinel: The knife must do its work, if possible. Keepin close to ayy Fe of the tunnel, against which the robber leaned, the old man succeeded in stealing within ten feet without discovery. Fearing to lose all if he attempted more, Gos- pel George cautiously gathered his limbs be- neath him, and then sprung forward, cl with the bewildered sentinel and striking fierce, strong blows with the short dagger taken from Paquita, repeating them with deadly swiftness. The victory proved an easier one than he dared hope. Death-stricken with the first blow, the unfortunate man struggled feebly, in vain striv- ing to give the alarm, his voice dying away in his throat with a husky, uncertain le, When fully satisfied that his work was thor- oughly done, Gospel George arose and brushed the profuse drops from his brow. As he stood he could distinguish the dead man’s features, and with a little thrill he recognized one of the four men who had captured him—the one called ime But he was given little time for thought. Scarcely had he made this discovery when the sound of voices rent his ear, comi from the direction of the light. He heard a stumble, alow laugh anda petulantcurse. Then came a clear, sh whistle, followed by utter silence. He knew that this was a si , in all probability addressed to the dead sentinel lyi at 1is feet. He stood like one petrified, With freedom fairly within his grasp, to be thus thrust back was horrible! And once more the signal sounded, impa- tiently. CHAPTER XIII. WHO WAS IT? CooL, quick-witted and ready to act as Don Estevan de Mendoza undoub faced assassin ished, witb a weird, unearthly before the Californian could move a finger ta his friend.and ally lying Lag at his f he sprung into life and action. Loudly calling several of his : Rg be the outlaw, ne low over him with anxiety. ) was covered with bl eyes only half opened, but with a look Bey: or horror frozen in them. © Californian carefully probed’ 4 F 3 i BE oF a gqrit ise i : nee 's the court-yard and into the h finall ing at the door of the room where’ he tied bons minutes before., ‘Tumhng £0 the tremtiing sd w ore, e man who the door for him, he ade oe old Jesusita here—bid her bring sams
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i os a> week earlier, and Don Estevan would have the treacherous shot as a lucky wind- would not have deemed it wo while t of the assassin, and, though fates soiled peed nigghe- eg tage bese ps ewrehergry Hace ood of his one-time | accounts between them with one good, down- a of a knife, or a deftly-planted bit But now: he was in a precarious situ- ation, and relied upon Fiery Fred and his un- serupulous Night Riders to rescue him. To this, then, the reader will please ascribe his an- of her, and without a word performed it. Rapidly clipping away the hair, she washed the wound, then anointed it witha kind of dar’ gmp gum. Whatever this was, i like magic upon the patient, who aroused from his stupor, with a moan 3 tomes Coolly Jesusita held down his hands, which wereraised as though to tear away the stinging ointment, TSO} kneeling upon his arms and holding his head patience marvelous in one of his temperament. Her ministrations ended, Jesusita arose and left the room in silence. Don Estevan stoo and lent a hand to the outlaw chief toassj in msing. But, though his limbs trembled be- neath the weight of his body, Fiery Fred _refus- ed his aid, and, paying, no attention to the an- flush which suffused the Californian’s face Re poured out a brimming glass of liquor an itata breath. Nct until then did he “Did you hat—that ? Did you recognize its face?” he asked, with forced = “T saw—something,” slowly responded Don an. ‘A man, I suppose, though it looked more like some wild beast. o do you think it was?” ** Nobody you know,” rudely replied the out- law, pow ng out a second glass, with an un- steady hand. ‘Probably some one who mis- took his man.” “T suppose so,” drawled the Californian. “Of course you have never made an enemy des- perate enough to run such a risk for revenge.” i Fred turned quickly, his eyes flashing hotly, but the speaker was carefully rolling up a cigarette, his face looking open and candid as one who never dealt in equivokes, ‘Whether I have or not is no concern of yours,” he snarled. “‘ And now—my horse. If ‘we are to carry out that precious plan of yours, 1 must be riding.” x aoe will find pe animal at home bagi you, I suspect on Estevan, arising. ‘was sO ly concerned about you chat $ ever ve one thought to it. However, thaf makes ttle difference. You know that whatever is = yours as well. But are you able to e ‘* Bah! a flea-bite only,” laughed the outlaw, on whom the heavy draughts of strong drink were beginning to have their natural effect. “Order me a horse, and remember that I will be ready to carry out my part of the work whenever you give the signal. “ T have sent some of my men after that fel- low, and have hopes they will bring him in, If ey succeed, and he is alive, what shaJl I do with him?’ *“ Hold him safe until I can see him,” said Fiery Fred, after a moment’s hesitation. ‘‘ But if he is the one whom I suspect, your men will never catch him, nor take him alive, even if they should stumble upon him.” “Tf hoe is such a prodigy, wouldm’t it be better for you to wait until day—or at least allow me to send a couple of fellows with you?’ bgp Don Estevan, with real solicitude; but Fiery laughed derisively, as they left the room. *‘ Never you fear but I'll live long enough to do your work, and after that I’m not fool enough to t you care a curse what becomes of me. Don Estevan made no reply, seeing that the outlaw wasina prime condition for picking a quarrel at the slightest excuse, and he was not ready for nen ape yet. He ordered a horse to be saddled, when it was brought around, | ordered the man to follow as close be- hind the outlaw as possible without letting him the fact, and to stand ready to aid him in case of danger. nidly a y, as though never in better bodily — % any ordinary man would have on his i under & ints severe Suxjury. awe ed sprung into the saddle and rode | sh ee ee er ae Beadle’s Dime Library. —~ a speed y distanced the may di itched by Don Estevan as a guardian seta ly he had entirely forgotten the fact his well-nigh murderer was still afoot iy the ee for he looked neither to the rge nor left, but spurred on toward the den whefs Night Riders found secure refuge, nor di he draw rein until the sharp challenge from the a joe iy led yp Ag we ue ies e@ promptly gave the password, and mounted at the baseof the hill. Clamberif#g up sb eige't bak daheatocty pemmge sehick 1 short but rous passage which led inte the main chamber easily as though the darknes were noonday. He found the men were mé%t of them sleeping, lying around the rocky fi in admirable confusion, the main cause of Which might be derived from the quantity of hsde cups and flasks, nowempty, but stilPdiffuging » powerful odor of strong if bad 1quor. Fiery paid them but a passing glare of careless contempt, then passed on throvgh in a shal, winding which terminated nearly heenlaer chamber, secured by a Ce iron-studded door, and the interior of w was quite comfortably furnished. | tered around ror the slope, evidently looking - y Db aii are ee
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| Gospel George. e 13 a a a RE T= I ee EC then his stout will reasserted itself, and, coolly not forgetting to keep a good lookout lest some of the searchers should chance across his trail. “Thar’s jest one thing to do,” muttered Gos- ‘ 1 George, after a deep thinking-spell, uttering fiwtisniste aloud, though unconsciously. ‘‘ I’ve holed him at last, an’ its jist hangin’ around on- tel we meet face toface. The: must come!” ike Once more the cool and crafty scout, Gospel George, knew that he was too near the aroused hornets’ 5: and abandoning his covert, he leisurely picked his inf through the rocky | hills, after coubling and making detours, yet | not with me geste ee who is peo 3 at | random. But w ver his purpose was, it was y abandoned as he paused upon a high ridge from the summit of which he could catch a pse of the hollow hill in which Fiery Fred and his raat a found refuge yo Hesaw a horsemen riding through the valley below him, and at their head he oma distinguish the outlaw chief. His face lighted up his lips quivered like those of a hound | upon afresh scent. He traced the winding of | @ valley, and saw that he could easily keep | abreast of the party, if he chose. | ** They’re up to ree or he ra sitar iding rapi along the ridge, yet keeping pater pci from the sight of those be- low. “Pm goin’ to find out what it is. He’s thar—mebbe Pll get my chance at him after all!” . With d perseverance he kept within sight of the little cavalcade, though he had b far the most = came yr route ae two, A etote - bilan ihint gota em, until he saw the y : draw rein an dismount. A moment’s watch- - convinced him that their journey was not yet ended, though each horse was securely teth- ered within a little clump of trees. He saw that the men were examin any Nosy aeees while ‘ Fiery Fred ana Devil’s Dan ascended the hill until hidden from his eyes by the thick shrub- bery. He watched patiently until they returned. He saw the entire party head to the left and creep up the hill at another point and then dis- appear over the crest. ** It’s over yonder, whatever they’re after, an’ I'm goin’ to hev a finger in the pie!’’ muttered 1 George, when fully satisfied that the did not intend returning immediately, Rapidly descending the slope, he c the ee narrow valley and clambe * the opposite steep. In afew minutes he reached a position from whence he could look down upon a beauti- | ful little valley—the same to which reference has so frequently been made during the course 4 ee \\ ful. This was the solution: He saw the camp \\ sprin suddenly into life, asa man came run- tiier Te from the lone live-oak tree. He sawa mumber of ho n — from a narrow pass nearly opposite. He saw the warlike prepara- tions on both sides; but his keenest glances could detect nothing of Fiery Fred and out- law band, though ke felt assured that they were to play a prominent part in the Figen ola lie saw the ‘‘ Indian surround;” the headlon charge; and then he saw the Night Riders brea cover and rush down and through the stream, holding thei: weapons high above their heads; ‘he saw Fiery at their head, and paused to see no more, Throwing all disguises to the winds, Gospel George ed down the slope, plunged through the waters and bounded forward to mingle in ne ihe bitter strife, his eyes fixed upon the white - +s bandaged-head of his deadly foe. CHAPTER XV. BREAST TO BREAST. On thundered the horsemen, led by the Cali- fornian; on sped the reckless outlaws, with Fiery Fred at their head. The riders charging in stern silence, save for their rapidly detona- ting firearms, seemingly bent on riding directly over the little band of gold-hunters. The out- laws came yelling and screeching like veritable fiends or drunken lunatics, marking their every step with a pistol-shot, confident in their supe- rior numbers, seemingly only anxious lest all should be ended before they could do their ‘share of the bloody work. ; Warned by the cry of alarm from Minnie Brady, Ned ‘Allen realized the imminent peril at a single glance, And at the same time he saw that there was but one chance for them. The teaders of the two parties of assailants had miscalculated—or, Fiery Fred “played arg Nyse his ally, leaving him to encounter the heavy shock? Be that as it may, Ned Allen oe his opportunity. Tieay, ys!” he cried, in a clear tone. “Never mind those on foot—down with the horsemen! one of py come within arm’s length—pick your men an An irregular volley followed his words. Ri- fle and revolver spoke with terrible effect. The ; b . Man beast of this prod € Ata single glance he took in the whole. The camp beside the lake, looking so quiet and peace- e’ll come—it , but their horses were well-nigh ble, plunging and kicking, snorting with Resor. e of the twain turned and fled—or perhaps ‘twas only his horse, notfear. The other sprung to the ground, leaving his m to its own devices, At hisclear, sonorous shout, three men arose beside him from the struggling mass, and followed him boldly -as he py ante wala oh ype eS ye e yo captain gavea cheer as he 0 served the effert of fhe men turn their attention to the second party. His words were partially drowned ps Awe devil- ish din, but he was instinctively o revolver-barrels grew hot with the rapid dis- charges. But here the work was not so easy. Fiery Fred, when unblinded be guerra was cool and clear-headed enough. “His pride had not been wounded like that of Don Estevan, and he was too cunning to rush his men upon death in one Sa pga mass, where even a random yale — be Na ry of its pons ay Shae a wo is men scattered, lea an ging from side to side, in a Tebalar inden charge. There was rapid firing on both sides. Blood was dra more than one body fell with that heavy, leaden thud which, once heard, can never be mistaken. But the excitement was now too intense for such deliberate marksman- ship as had annihilated the body of horse. Death was coming too nigh for that. And then came the shock, breast to breast. The eye can follow, the pen depict the varied evolutions of two contending armies, even when bayonet crosses bayonet; but as the numbers lessen the difficulty increases, until lucid de- scription becomes an Sap af as now. od. The rival bodies becoms one, blended together until the eye is confused and deceived. With the first shock, the outlaws were hurled back in confusion; but this repulse was only momentary. They had tasted blood, and were not to be denied. The next instant they had closed and were struggling hand to hand, breast to breast, over the blood-stained trench. Then it was that each man lost his identity and be- came part of a horrible whole. The two younger women, with the affrighted children, cowered trembli ) ergaaon the bat- tered wagon, afraid to hide their eyes, yet fear- to look out upon that terrible scene. e oy rcs mother knelt between her wounded band and son, a hand touching each, but her eyes vainly seeking to follow her two sons who were in the thick of the fight. And the deep, heavy stupor which had fallen over the patriarch ig to disappear before the frightful uproar. iseyes i Sm te heavily: looking dull and glassy. e lean, wrinkled hand closed tighter around his horny fingers, but the mother’s eyes were still with her sons. Only for that she would have noted the rapid change, would have seen the dull mist vanish, giving place to a fitful, lurid glow, while the sunken face seemed _ to fil: out, the veins to swell with hot blood, and each relaxed muscle quiver and swell with renewed life. With a sudden effort Jonathan Grey rose erect, the wifeclinging to him with sudden ter- ror. But hedid not seem to hear her trembling words. His gaze rested upon the confused mass of raging combatants, and seemed confused, bewildered, like one in a dream. He made a step forward, as though he would join them; but his foot struck against the body of his wounded son. Mechanically he looked down. He saw the white, youthful face, from which his foot had dragged the blanket, and in that mo- ment he remembered. He flung the clinging hands from him. He stoo: and a heavy crowbar. He strode swiftly across the scant interval and joined in the melee, The first man who encountered him face to face shrunk back with a little cry of terror. It was as though a dead man had confronted him. The ashen gray face, hard and fixed as stone, with no more expression than a ven image, save for the eyes. Deeply bl hot, they re- sembled coals of living fire, so fiercely did they burn. The outlaw saw this, but nomore. The bar of iron descended, and he was hurled to the und with skull shattered to the chin. And then the blood-dripping bar rose and fell, an in- exorable, death-dealing machine, as the giant strode through the tangled mass, his cold, corpse-like face only lighted by those terrible, blazing eyes. There was oné other whose actions the eye could easily follow, and that was Gospel George. His first impulse was to piweee headlong into the melee, and there seek his prey. Buta long life of peril and experience iad learned him wisdom. He knew that one could follow no given trail across a ing flood, and that the wiseman kept within his own depth. His io slackened and he paused while thirty paces from the trench, his eyes eagerly seeking for the still bandaged head of Fiery Fred. He caught a glimpse of it in the thick of the fight, and in- aaron d fired. A choking scream parted his lips as he saw the white head suddenly sink and di pear, and for the moment it seemed: as thouee he must suffocate,so intense were his emotions, But upon the | eir volley, and bade his | yed, and | as an experienced appr ny grouse, as tney rise, one by one, before his cunni ; dog, he chose his mark among the mass an sent the leaden missiles home with unerring pre- | cision, It was at this pcint that Jonathan Grey entered the fight, and from that moment the turn. tide oeet to ; The Night Riders missed the voice of their leader, ani themselves were in 2 better case, certain- ly were in no condition for following up their success, chanically and he leaned more heavily upon the bar. His son, Jotham, wounded and breathless, but aon ae with sihe eke” "we ye him for © first time since the to his side with a cry of wonder. the pate 5 tures. ‘We licked ’em—didn’t we, boy?” he mutter- ed, huskily. his limbs shaking beneath his weight. ‘But I’m—Dm feelin’ mighty—sleepy, some—how!”’ He seemed trying to throw off this feeling. He drew his huge frame erect, tossing back his leonine head as if in defiance; and then he fell peerity back, dead, in the arms of his eldest rm, A shrill yell, accom ed by the thunder of many hoofs, startled the heavy-hearted defend- ers, and each hand instinctively closed upon a weapon, as they glanced up from their sad work. But orly one man ap in.view, and he was recognized as a friend. It was Gospel George, bestriding one horse and leadi twenty others, all secured beyond the chance ot escape, Even his wild triumph was quieted by the scene, and his fantastic boasting was dropped for the moment, He dismounted and his prizes, then glided over to where the dead a friapancet around the trench, a dancing devil in his eyes. ; © prospecters had already reckoned up their losses. Four of their little had fallen, their castor’ A labors ended forever, , Of the rest, but two ha een through the fiery ordeal un- scathed—Ned Allen and Grumbling Dick Barnes, It was a heart-sickening record. Of their little party, only six now remained alive, One by one Gospel George examined the d but in vain. The body he sought for was no there. Repeatedly he scrutinized each face, his bogas to realise hie great mistake Sire ae? a s €. Fiery Fred indeed escaped, but how? ad He heard Ned Allen utter a s ery, and fel. a burning sensation across his e as he turned suddenly, with a loud report ringing in hisears. He saw a man fall @ smoking revolver in his hand, and drawing a knife he sprung forward, but paused as he saw that the fellow had swooned. A wild hope was smoth- ered soon as conceived, for he saw that the °k arene? och . ted Zal $ ow hi ercely gra diel, at- tracted by the shot. ‘‘ Only fer him none o’ this wouldn’t ’a’ bin! Outo’ the way! If he’s dead, Pil hev the satisfaction o’ cuttin’ him into fish- se (me Stan’ aside, thar!” “The man is ali you shall not murder him!” sternly cried Allen, in eae a «t:) is the man —_ say, he shall be i but it must be a white man’s style, not a butcher.” “TI don’t want to hurt you, stranger,” panted the young savage. ‘You fit fer us like 4 ma- jor. But don’t you come atween me an’ my just re on’t you do it, now!” “T call on you, friends,” cried Allen, “ Will | you let foul murder be done here? Help me pro- this man—” * Jest say the word an’ we'll chaw the young _ ap. put in Grambling Dick, showing his t “You must climb over me, too, then,” and Jotham took his station beside his brother. Knives were drawn and
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14 CHAPTER XVI. A PAIR SUPPLIANT. TrRovGH the pass beyond the live-oak tree eame a single rider, mounted upon a beautifully- mustang, whose limbs were now hed out at full Across the level ppace, over the bloody rifle-trench at a little 2 instinctivel and fell back Y on either side lest they should be ridden down, ghe came, pale and breathless as though from a ws d and hard race against time. Never before Inez Mendoza looked so gloriously beauti- ful as when she sprung to the ground and crouched beside the prostrate form of her father, one hand upon his blood-stained breast, the other grasping a brightly-flashing knife. “He is my father, gentlemen,” she uttered, at length, as none of the yy seemed inclined to break the silence. ‘‘1 came for him—we will go away and never trouble you again. I am if he has injured any of you—” “7 hed a father an’ four brothers when he fust come on us,” interrupted Zabdiel Grey, in a strangely calm tone. ‘‘They’s only us two, now. We cain’t fetch back the dead, but we kin take vengeance on the man as murdered ‘em. Tharhelays. Hebelongstous. Nobody kin take him away while we breathe. That 1s my say-so. An’ yere we two stan’, Ayr 4 Hin make our words good, ag’in’ one or ag’in’ the hull gad no ne 7 insulting a lady,” sternly interposed en, befote Zabdiel Grey. ‘*Wecan make mane af lowance for your losses; but are you the only sufferer? Keep your tongue within bounds, or it may run you into trouble. This is not the first time I have had.to warn you—” *‘ Which nobody didn’t ax you fer; mind that. You came without axin’, an’ ef you ain’t suited with our ways 0’ doin’ an’ ’, you kin go back the same trail as you come. We ax no help from nobody; nur we don’t "low nobody to pao atween us an’ our duty. Now you’ve got y - ‘* He means murder—I can see it in his eyes!” 53" cried the maiden, crouching closer as though . she would shield her father with her own life. : Mr “Senor, I appeal toyou. You look like an hon- est man. You will not permit my father to be ; ae! any you that,” quickly replied ; Allen. ‘I am astranger here, and do not un- derstand all that has passed. But I can promise 0 pea in the nameof my comrades, as well. you trust me?” ‘ The maiden looked full into his eyes, and there read his truth and honesty. She extended $ ber hand, impulsively. 3 “JT will trust you! Only—be merciful as well vodka He is my father—all I have to love on Ned Allen bowed without . He did not dare trust his — just then, with those ious eyes so near his own, and that warm — upon his hand. eanwhile, Jotham Grey had been convers- ing earnestly with his younger brother, whom he had drawn to one side. Apparently his ar- mts were not without effect, for Zabdiel calmer and more subdued. —— a slight spattering of surgical knowledge, was y ‘3 bruise upon the head. ; ened him, but his injuries were by no means dangerous. Half an hour later the wounds $ were all wa cnaipg bape eb cap as circumstances would acinit. Mba time, had heard enough to realize the full force of his : for t in proportion to his crimes. sorely perplexed—and Ned was honest admit that the case would have far less complicated had Inez not Se Ye atis to atand nia tein, abie oe iad anata our rg nor drawing rein until so near that the | ee Bente ee ee Only Zabdiel made any objections, but a whispered word from. Jotham subdued the young savage, and he quietly de ited his pis- tols, knife and rifle beside the other weapons. Supported by his daughter, the Californian entered the little circle: In consideration of his weakness, he was permitted to rest himself u )>2 a wooden bucket produced from the wagon for that ies pnw Beside him stood his daugh- ter, pale and anxious. At a motion from Allen, Jotham Grey stepped forward and tersely narrated what had occurred from the moment of their entering the valley. He made no comments, attempted no rhetoric, but simply and strongly stated his case, then drew aside, after repeating his charge of delib- erate and unprovoked murder against the pris- oner. But Zabdiel was not satisfied with this tame h. He flung aside the restraming hand of brother and confronted Allen. “I’ve got jest one word tosay. We kem here to look fer gold, jest as thousands o’ others did. We found it by a accident. That man come an’ swore it war his’n, an’ talked to us like dogs. God made the gold free to all who could find it. We told him so, an’ he rid es What next? He steals upon us in the night. My brother war talkin’ with his wife that war to be. He never ve us warnin’, but up an’ shot him like a dog, Ef that ain’t murder, then ’m ‘*What have you to = in reply to these charges?” asked Allen of the Californian. Don Estevan Novergean & arose, returning Zab- a scornful smile. answer those — but to set myself right with in my own house, as my daughter here can tes- Af ey ve them time—four and visited them here, and re- the warning. Again they refused, and persisted in trespassing. en I treated them as such. Only for you, gentlemen, I would have made my threats good. The rest you know. But, one word. You have espoused their cause, and made their quarrel yours. Now I warn you. Thisismyland. Go seek your gold else- where. You shall never succeed here. I have sworn it.” There was a momentary silence as the Cali- fornian ceased ing, and which was broken by Inez, who earnestly corroborated the words of her father. He had been with her at the very time the murder was said to have been committed. Allen whispered for a few moments with Har- ry Lane, who sat beside him, then stepped for- ‘‘There has been but one charge of murder, and I consider that the prisoner has shown him- self wholly innocent of that crime. There has been much blood shed since, but all in fair fight, where life was pitted against life. Ihave lost five dear friends, and though I mourn their fate, I do not consider they were murdered. I move, then, that we allow this man to go free—on one condition. Let him pledge himself to make no further trouble, to leave us in peace to depart or remain as we choose, to restrain his followers from molesting us. ‘We will be satisfied with his word of honor to observe these conditions sacredly. Have I spoken your thoughts, eo ded but th ve,men prom respon ay, but the two brothers were or i silent. Their own words had even turned against them since they had acknowledged that only Eben had been assassi- nated. Then a stern glance of pleasure shot athwart their faces as the Californian spoke. **- You mean well, senor, but I decline to give that pledge. As long as I live, I will stand up for my rights. Ibhavespoken. Now work your Wait!” said Inez as Allen was about to speak. ‘I will try and convince him that he is wrong. Give me one chance to save him—I im- ne ke my knees—see!” Allen a gesture of assent. He could not and then eq laughed at me. 1 Tr hours. Then pea Gently Inez led her father asid w red rapidly in tis ear. From his long _S ee ee lance around. spotted mi whicker ¢ ousl peace goneyping ns Sake Had she perceptible to it alone? If so, it esd ont ty lg etre adroitly as though sprung into the saddle and galloped swiftly away, with a shrill, mocking laugh. Inez flung herself at full length across the pile of weapons, digging her fingers deep into the earth, the better to resist the angry grasp of the brothers. And it seemed as though she wouid succeed in her i aga plan, for the fugitive reached the liv tree ere she could re- moved. But then—horse and rider fell heavily together, as a sharp report rung out from the bushes beyond. CHAPTER XVIL THE PRICE OF LIBERTY. GospEL GEoRGE was like one stunned, stupe- fied, when his closest search failed to discover any trace of his hated enemy, Fiery Fred. He had seen the man fall at the nig Pty of his pistol, and had such implicit faith in his hand and eye that he gave his undivided attention to the re- maining Night Riders. And yet, surely he would have noticed the outlaw chieftain had he fled with his surviving bandits. It was anenig- ma to him, and came upon him like a thunder- clap, for the moment completely unnerving him. But this was of brief duration. His indomita- ble spirit reasserted itself. There was yet a chance. .The outlaw re hurt—perha severely. He might still overtaken ere could reach his retreat. With this hope growing in his heart and oblit- erating all other considerations, 1 Geo struck off along the trail followed by the ma- jority of the fugitives. Despite hisalmost fran- tic energy, the old man was not working blind- | lynoratrandom. He reasoned that Fiery Fred would make the best of his way to his mountain retreat, where he could laugh at his enemi with as littleloss of time as possible apa course would take the nearest racticable route, Taking a wide circuit, Gospel George closely scrutinized the ground, carefully tment every track; and finally his search was reward- ed. The black frown deepened upon his face as he followed the trail for several hundred yards. The regularity of the footsteps, the length of stride, spoke only too plainly to his eyes, He knew that Fiery Fred had escaped the fight al- most if not quite unscathed. “The devil stan’s by his own, but will it al- ’avs be so? No, I cain’t believe that; ef I did, I'd die cussin’ heaven an’ airth an’ all thar is in them. My time ’ll come soon. It must/ [I’m ~ on his trail an’ I’ll never leave it ag’in ontel it comes to a flat eend fer the one or both on‘us, Don’t be oneasy, old man. I’m a-comin’, never fear! EfI turn my back fer a minnit, it’s ondly | to git a better ready.” e looked to his weapons, and found that only the little revolver taken from Paquita remained loaded. He had no other ammunition, no food, nothing in which to carry water. It would he rank folly for him to start along the trail so rly provided for its vicissitudes, and, though reluctantly, he retraced his steps toward the < camp beside the lake. ile still within the line of bushes he sud- denly halted. He could see the little group be- side the trench. He saw the Californian leap upon the mustang; saw the intrepid action of the young woman, and from the excited cries and gestures of the gold-hunters, had little dif- ficulty in riddling the whole affair. Though ig- norant of the prisoner’s identity, he resolved to frustrate the attempted escape, and without moving from his tracks he awaited the fugi- | tive’s approach. Not twenty paces separated them when pel George raised his pistol and fired. Pie through the brain, the spotted mustang pl headlong to the ground, casting its rider vio- lently from the saddle. 1 rge bounded catlike to his side, but Kis haste was unneces- ° sary; Don Estevan lay stunned and senseless. He had been looking back over his shoulder, with a scornful — at his outwitted enemies, when the ambushed shot was fired, else so prac- ticed a horseman would have escaped the fall easier, Satisfied that he was not seriously in- pg Gospel George rose erect and beckoned the astonished prospecters, with a loud 4 The two brothers reached him first, and their Leap kyr ferocious joy was in broad contrast to the uneasy silence of Ned Allen. Had the latter opened his whole heart, his comrades would have been not a little astonished. ‘*Thar’s your mea’ rey oe ef you want anythin’ of Ef I didn’t do right in stop- pin’ of him, I’m ready to ’cept his ’pology,” ed Gospel George. “You’d better be gittin’ your own ’pol ready,” bluntly retorted Grumb Dick. ‘ hoss-thief is mean enough, but when a two- a See gits low enough to steal is stranger—jess b’ar in mind, e i 1 Mpa “Ane lo ot tp Sane [pokey ony I'd rvther eat coyote hash fer a vin’ then to hear an o’ her ‘lations "bused them as hain’t made the sect a study like chicken hes. A mule, feller-citizens, is a livin’ monument o’—” ‘We'll take your word for it, old man,” bluntly interposed Allen. “Just now we have more iaaportant business on hand thas—
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Gospel George. i to a feller praisin’ up his own fambly,” grinned Barnes, parenthetically. **Drop that, Dick—this is no time for non- ense. Catch hold and help carry the prisoner back to camp. And you, stranger, keep with us. Idon’t doubt but you can explain every- thing satisfactorily; at least I sincerely trust mo. ‘**T kin explain anythin’ short of a woman,” coolly responded Gospel George, as he followed the little p on to camp. Inez, trembling like a leaf, met them half- way, sobbing my over her parent, whom she believed dead. en sought to comfort her, Dut with little success, until the rude restora- ‘tives—whisky and cold water from the lake— freely used by Grumbling Dick, restored the ‘Californian’s senses. The sudden and unexpected reverse, when he felt freedom in his very grasp, was not without ‘its effect upon Don Estevan, and his proud spirit ‘was perceptibly shaken. Ned Allen wisely left him alone with Inez, after she had been disarm- ed and his limbs bound, believing that her en- treaties would have more effect upon him than any threats. eanwhile Gospel George, if not accused, had rather sharply been requested to explain his part in the recent night’s work when the pros- ange were left afoot in the mountains, and as his i aca ae He et the queries in good part, feeling that, considering all circum- stances, the p ters had fair cause for sus- ity Bor to have a pesado with the rse-thief. In his own ia style, he gave his explanation, yet with a clearness and candor that carried conviction to the hearts of his hear- ‘ers. He recalled his suspicions of the pretended Sorrel-top, of his secret watch and of what fol- lowed. his following the trail, of the am- ‘bush, the capture, his vain attempt at oar of the interview with Fiery Fred and all that ensued, concealing nothing save his own mission ve ce. ** An’ now you’ve got the hull re-cord,” he added, quietly. ‘I follered them here. I saw Ae didn’t know ’twar you fellers until dt was all over—was in a pesky fight box, an’ so Sa: sailed in fer all that was out. I reckon 1 ed nigh a hunderd o’ the imps afore they uckacheed. I’d’a’ wiped out the hull lot, onl didn’t like to act the hog. They skeedaddl : an’ so did I—fer the hoss-critters. Yonder they ‘be; fa’r-lookin’ animiles, too. Ef you fellers like, they’re your’n. Turn about’s fa’r play; Fiery Fred tuck your mules; now you kin take this hosses.” ‘But you captured them—” ** An’ I give’em to you fellers, fer thinkin’ me ‘@ hoss-thief an’ ornary dead-beat besides,” grin- med Gospel ah nga ‘Ef they was mules, now! No, boys; thar they stan’. Take ’em or leave ’em; I don’t keer a bu’sted cap either way. ‘They’s only one four-le critter fer me—an’ that’s Roxy Ann! cain’t git her, I don’t want no other. I’m goin’ to hey her, gentle- a ur bu’st somethin’ wide open—you hear me At this moment Inez left her parent’s side and slowly, timidly approached Ned Allen. It ‘was with evident culty that she spoke: ‘You offered him—my father, senor—you of- fered him hg which he refused. He sees clearer now, would accept, if he could be assured—” “Tamv ae erage ther g tage ,” hastily uttered Ned. and he squeeze her little paw, with a deal of feeling. ‘‘God knows, there n enough bl ed al- ready; and if will pledge us his sacred honor—” “Just wait one minnit, stranger,” bluntly in- terrupted Zabdiel G “T want you aay ne hull crowd to hear a few words I’ve got to say to the—the pris’ner, afore he binds hisself to ‘on’t take long.” and strode to the in silence until the others gathered around. in a low, pas- #ionless voice, he spoke: “TI ax your pardon fer callin’ you a murder- ‘er, a bit sence, You’re a whiter man than I iy you. But thar’s blood on your han’s. -My. father an’ two o’ my brothers is dead—an ene man is a-dyin’. Only fer you they would all be alive now. I’m only a boy, but I give as two hev got to die, afore I know rest or Look at me well, an’ b’ar my words in GE : : ef g : 3 di ae is i : i choose. if we cannot forget the unfortunate past, at least let us keep it from our lips.” He hastened to where the captured horses were still standing, and selected three, releasing them from the rest. Upon one he placed the saddle taken froin the spotted Le theoig # At first the Californian refused the animals, but as he attempted to walk pou. away, he was forced to acknowledge his injuries, Allen as- sisted them both to mount, then sprung upon the third animal, pe ese, ‘*T will ride a little distance with you, senor.” ore is no need,” was the rather sharp re- ply. ‘*Pardon me,” persisted Allen. ‘* You are se- verely injured. e effort may be too much for you, and then you would need a stronger arm than that of your daughter.” The two rode on in pee silence, for several miles; then, seeing that Don Estevan bore u uite stoutly, Allen wished them a safe ride asm w rein. When nearly two hundred yards separated them, Inez suddenly wheeled and gal- loped back to his side, whispering in an agitated tone: “Imust see you again—at this spot, to-mor- row morning!” . Then she galloped rapidly after her father. en CHAPTER XVIIL AN ABRUPT AWAKENING. HE young gold-hunter sat like one in a staring after the rapidly receding figure of the fair rider, scarce venturing to breathe until she, accompanied by her father, disappeared from view around an envious point of rock. And even then it was some little time before his nerves regained their customary steadiness, or the dancing mist cleared from before his eyes, and he could reflect with tolerable calmness upon what had really occurred. From his So rea Ned Allen had been strongly attrac by, and interested in, the fair Californian, not altogether by her rich, almost Oriental beauty, but also f actions during the trial of her parent. Still, though deeply impressed, there is little doubt but Ned would have parted with Inez that evening, and have returned to his duties at cam without more than a passing thought of admi- ration, and never have suspected how narrowly he had escaped arg Fup love at first sight, had not Inez returned to his side with the whispered words already recorded. It was not so much the words themselves as ’ the tone in which they were spoken, the richly beautiful face bending so close to his that he could feel the soft, warm breath upon his cheek, while those wondrously bright, s ing eyes seemed to look down into his very heart, setting his young blood afire, inert J it coursin through each vein until he ting] and niveret and u ets all sinopist ties tee ca he, himself, would have e e iar sensation, “Tl do it—if it kills ear he muttered, at length, wrenching around his horse’s h and retracing his steps toward camp. “If I only had some decent clothes !—” Poor Ned! That one last La brief though it was, had hit him hard, indeed. He forgot all else, for the moment, allowing his horse to pick its own way, nor noticed that the animal Nagge pow the direct See hee the golden val- ey, and was pacing rapidly along an unknown trail to its present r; a course that would, if pursued, lead them direct to the mountain re- treat of Fiery Fred and his satellites. But then came an interruption, sudden, sharp and startling enough, though for the momen he could scarcely efine it. A shock, a scram- bling plunge of his horse and then a fall, where, more by instinct than any conscious effort on his part, Ned hted on his feet, clear of the convulsive plung of his prostrate steed. A musket-shot seem ing in his ears, and there came a hoarse shout of vindictive dere Hepes i abe sun he could dis- tinguish seve figures y descending the rock-strewn hill, th one hind foot on a loose stone, sli ae i up his head in the vain endeavor to keep from falling. Thus its brain received the re missile which would and his revolver was ously, and, like the y disa: from view, sinking the bowlders conveniently near. The ments of rock lay thickly around them. It would be mere child’s play for them to steal from one to another of these coverts, so quickly thata bead could not be drawn upon them. The menin front could easily preveut the miner from shift- ing his position, while their comrades could as easily fank him, since twenty-five yards on either hand would expose him fully to their fire arms. Thus far had Ned Allen summed up the chan- ces, pro and con, when he heard himself hailed from the front in a cool, jeering tone of voice. “You mought as well come out, young fel- ler. We've got the under. rip onto ye, an’ they ain’t a mite o’ usein kickin’. Throw down your weepins an’ mebbe we’ll let you off the easier fer it.” “If you want them so bad, better come and take them,” retorted Ned, keeping a keen look- out upon first one side and then the other. “I helped to lick you once, and I’m just man enough to do it again on my own hook. Put that in your pipe, stranger!” “Take your own way, boss. I was jest speak- in’ fer yourown good. Ef you’d ruther be salt- ed down thar like a hog in a pen, good enough; ao shall have your wish in jest five minutes. ut you fit like a major over yonder, an’ I sor- ter "lowed you'd ruther go under man-fashion.” “Thank you for nothing!” laughed Allen, though, it must be confessed, he felt hep) but hilarious. ‘‘I reckon Ill stand the where I am.” His last words were blended with the report of his pistol, as he caught a momentary glimpse of a dark fo, hte among the rocks.» But a jeer- ing laugh told him that his bullet had been wast- ed. And then his shot was echoed back from the other flank. ; He felt a stinging shock, and fell backward with an angry cry, clasping both hands over It seemed as though the bullet had his face, seared both his eyeballs, the pain was so intense, Yet, despite this, he heard the wild yells of vin- dictive triumph, heard the heavy feet slippi and sliding among the loose date, and now that the outlaws were crowding forward to complete their work. pcre ihe 8. € arose and nechan- ically groped around for his pistol. But xis eyes were sightless, He heard a wild, shrill shout, cor gong Sy a rifle-shot; and then what seemed to the voices of a dozen different men, uttering horri- ble threats, strung together with oaths and curses, screeches and other outlandish noises, enough to raise the dead. He brushed one hand across his smarting eyes, and the bloody mist seemed to ially clear away. He caught a glimpse of a tall figure bounding toward him, and drew his knife with the desperation of di . But the figure halt- ed beyond arm’s- and exclaimed, admir- ingly: v he he don’t want to fight the old man too, I’m a liar! Good Lawd! boy, hain’t ye got @ plenty to do ye fer awhile?’ “G George!” ‘“Tain’t nobody else, honey! Did ye think I was “ to let ye hey all the fun? Rot much- ly! I jest let ye git a mouthful, an’ then I waded in heavy. Did ye hear any brass band? I reckon them critters thought a hull etarnal rijiment war comin’ to jine jest let myself loose. I lit out right an’ left, up an’ do tooth an’ toe-nail, an’ jest nat’rally chawed up the hull di outfit—” “You killed them— “Notall. Ef Ive —- failin’—an’ mind honey, I don’t lay cl to bein’ parfict—ef t a failin’, it’s that o’ bein’ too marciful to them what don’t desarve it. I jest laid out twenty-three on ’em, booted t’others all round an’ sent ’em bug-huntin’ fer—ge-thunder! why didn’t you tell a fellow you was killed!” he cried, as Allen stumbled over @ stone and felll to un: his “Thar! you'll be all right b Saapioria’ "Tain’s t. as like it was with once in’ to buy @ pee? pores ‘Didn't like ite 1 much, an’ like a fool I stooped down to smell of it. I was aear & , too, cunen one See ‘cooled, bad. nowder was —I never see a keg go off quicxer’n that didi "Twas nigh Sister Son manag fa’rly outen my “*T don’t see—” ” in’ ne a in’ through thee Wins ait lass ert * i eee at
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| ed i 2 = 16 | pent; they jest ey ve the poor, : pe cteany “Sg mando law- I ude. do T've made nigh a “ There is one—look!” cried Allen, pointing to ee a dusky figure was leaning against a aan’ then goes an an’ sich like. ‘*Him as was rge aes made me whatI be. I swore the th-hunt on ye then, an’ I’ve kep’ my word—” With a grating curse the dying wretch thrust Lhe gtr te fairly against the avenger’s breast, the trigger. CHAPTER XIX. A GLIMPSE OF THE HIDDEN PAGE. Ir seemed as Goneh the outlaw would be 2 even in death. His cocked and loaded revolver was hard His hand was steady, finger still stron enough to release the ham- Never before in all his eventful life had Gos- ed George stood nigher death’s door than at t% moment. The desperate action of the dy- ing man took him completely by surprise, and ore he could recover, or make a mn mo- tion of self-defense, the weapon exploded, he whirled half-way round, falling upon the frost- eaten bowlder beside the outlaw. But only for an instant; then he sprung to his feet with clubbed rifle, an an devil glaring in his eyes, his face disto almost us “® Don't—he’s dead!” interposed Ned Allen, ol Dy a fail gaan **He died even as he pull- “T might ’a’ knowed it!” muttered with a long breath. ‘‘They wasn’t a sli varmint in ten States then He’d slip up ahind an’ pizenly bite ye in the heel, but w ‘ou went to look fer durned ef he’d ever bin within a month’s rideo’ ye. You could- n’t calc’late on him no more then on a mule— leavin’ out my Roxy Ann. I tell you, honey, the likes o’ that critter—” ““Manalive! You’reon fire!” exclaimed Ned as acurl of pene smoke arose from the old man’s side, then breaking into a tiny flame. “Waal, I did think the weather was growin’ most oncommonly warm, all in one spot,” coolly remarked rge, as he crushed out the flame with his horny palm, upon which Ned Allen now caught sight of fresh blood-stains. 12 ay are hurt—that scoundrel did shoot ro eat barked the skin, I reckon; ’tain’t noth- fn’ to make a fuss over, though what it mought %a’ bin ef it hadn’t bin fer , young feller—” and the rugged voice suddenly softened. “I m as says much—talkin’ never came nat’ral to me sence the time when I was tongue-tied, hed the lockjaw an’ the mumps all to oncet—but this much I will say: ondly fer you I'd be crow’s bait this minnit, an’ I you, plum from the bottom o’ my heart—I do go! Not that I hold myself o’ so much a’count, but I’ve gota bit o’ work yit as I must do up brown afore ever I kin rest easy onder the ground.” “ You did more than that forme. It was only part, knocking “ Instink is a good beers gpliacalag’ you want to time when you hain’t a nothin’ else to xy Ann. I tell Ti Poe this chron wee 0 naira chuck fuller o’ in- cussed- gess.” “You knew him, then? I heard’ him call you ” “ Hamilton—which goes to show my name is somethin’ else,” quickly inte Gospel “ He never told the truth but oncet in his life, an’ that mighty nigh killed him—he ondly got over it ’eause he was dead drunk at the Thar; let him rest. He was so pizen mean livin’ that the wolves won’t tetch him now he’s dead; ef they do, so much the wuss fer them!” “ h way are ?” asked Whic fi you going Allen, vai x Sel Cidade T reckon, I sot out insecha that I fo goth oy Tin glad of for to tell the truth, Iam com (a I can’t think how I lost the “T kin— as casy!” Gospel George. « Bioes ML Weeatchstere taal thevaane wey, one time ts thar lives. A bright ge ao a th an’ other things co oo ustratin’ things then They, was a time—twas when I fust I was so dead struck an’ glean ilton afore you an’ inst the breast of Beadle’s Dime Library. o’ men-critters an’ we hunted over seventeen States.ontel I was found—it’s a scan’alous fact! The scrapes I’ve done got into ’long o’ that bless- ed critter would make a stone monkey weep tears 0’ sorrow an’ bitterness bigger’n a pun- kin! It’d make the most affectionist story ef somebody wasondly smart enough to tell it clean boost, os They don’t grow smart enough men now: ys to do jestice to sech a gelorious sub- ’—no, sir |” jec " George spoke rapidly and in sharp con- Sonat ta Ris tonal careless drawl, and cast more than one stealthy glance at the face of his taci- turn companion. Ned Allen was neta yr, Seg ly, and his thoughts were of rge. © and what was he? For one moment he had seen the vail of secrecy lifted. What was the truth hidden beneath it? As he thought Goobet Grek as ouerketakinng sot omar rge; eyes no longer an i rd g with rare good-humor, but cold and glittering me ter nee he uttered, slowly. ‘‘ Thar’s things as won’t b’arrakin’ up. You've see’d one side o’ me, the best side, mebbe; an’ ef that suits har ie enough. Ef not—ef you ain’t satis- ‘i then the sooner we say -by the better it ll be fer the both o’ us. is a secret I don’t deny; but the shame of it don’t rest on me. Ef you're content to take me es I be, thar’s my pore it’s the hand of a man as never yit owin’ly failed fri’nd or inemy—” ** Your secret is your own,” cried Allen, warm- ly ing the proffered hand. ‘| ‘‘I will never seek to py into it, or to know more than I do until you yourself give me free permis- “Td like to pea an boss—I would so, Ondl —you kin make allowance fer female contrari- ness—I reckon Roxy Ann would kick ag’inst it. She’s of the most jealousest dispersition you ne- ver rs = I mn gos aes without >a axin’ her, may ef she’ll speak to me fer a hull week? Ned made noreply, and 1 George dilated at length upon the subject of the lovely Ro Ann, nor did his eulogium come to an end until the valley wherein the remainder of the gold- seekers were encamped was reached. The scene was a mournful one. The dead lay still in a ghastly row, awaiting the dawn of day for buri Beside the shattered wagon was the Grey family, living and dead. Side by side lay the dead, the father and two sons. Erbe gs Ma spouse her poor heart would b little Min- nie Brady crouched beside the cold y of her lover, resisting the efforts of Jotham’s wife to draw her away. The mother, pale, ha and sunken-eyed, bent over the wounded Mala- chi, moistening his fevered lips, watching the feeble remnant of life that seemed ebbing slow- ly but surely. Nodding heavily over the fire was Jotham, while near by sat Zabdiel, care- fully cleaning his rifle, his face hard-set and rigid, his eyes alone betra the dark and deadly passions which Ta8 at his heart. Allen Sick at heart, Ned turned aside. He saw that two men were u guard, and that Lane had made necessary arrange- ments for the night. “Tt’s a black look-out, boss,” muttered Gospel George, joining him. “I plory in your spunk in stickin’ it out here, but 1 do wish them wim- men critters was in a safer place. It ain’t no fool you’re buckin’ ag’inst, in Fiery Fred. Long as he’s alive an’ kickin’ he won’t let you hev time to fergit him. You wouldn’t like to play sharp, an’ send back fer enough men to clean his out?’ ‘* No,” replied Allen. “Let this news get wind, aad we would be overrun by thou- sands but little better. The discovery is ours, and we shall apie by it alone, even though we have to handie pickax with one hand and re- sa with the ape ano it,” thoughtfall *I won’t say you oug pies eo 4 Y George. ean I fer one stick by ye to the last. Ondly—I must be free to come an’ goas I like. Mind,I don’t ax no share in the gold. It’s rey ome little I need, an’ that I know whar to putt ds on.” “You're going after him?” inquired Allen. “*No—after her, after Roxy Ann. An’ you mark my words, boss, I don’t come back with- out that same angelifferous critter, nuther! I jest come here to pack up some grub, sence I may i to la ogg, mE aves A tall carygwead afore git her. 's they'll guard her like she was made o’—” ‘*Look yonder!” suddenly exclaimed All —— up the mountain. “A fire—two o ™m ** An’ thar—three, four! thar’s music in the air, an’ ge” Fred, he’s head fiddler! Thar’s meanin’ em lights—they’re talkin’ mighty loud, jest now. Ef I ondly knowed how to read wha ne —an’ I'll find out or bu’st some- thin’! You fellers here must keep your eyes skinned. Putt out all the fires, lay close an’ wait ontel you hear from me.” Without awaiting a ply, George trailed his rifle and started off at a long, swing- ing lope. And, after looking to their arms, the gold-hunters extinguished their fires and await- Nema aera storm which seemed brew- ee aaa On leaden wings the hours crept by. One b> one the signal-fires died away and from view. Ned Allen sat alone, his heart heavy, his thoughts bitter indeed. At that moment it seemed that all the sorrow, the heart-sickening ief which would follow the telling of that y’s y; rete Spee hisheadalone. Only for his advice and leadership each of these five dead boys might now be alive and well; and & bitter groan broke from his aching heart. Then he sprung to his feet. in common with each of the other listeners, From far away came the sounds of firearms, of faint, indistinct yells; then all was still again, save for the mur- muring of the flowing waters, the moaning. sound of the evening breeze among the juniper shrubs and rugged rocks, Pisa nota wiamares Waris tase ger?” at length whi e. “God have mercy upon his soul!” solemnly uttered cys by ig fom Paging ic his hands. “The curse 0} is rest upen me, and, through me, upon us one and all!” CHAPTER XX. GOLDEN VISIONS. Tue day dawned, clear and radiant, and with it came reviving hope to those of the gold-hun- ters who had thus far passed through the trying: ordeal unharmed. But to the others the dawn- ang Hane only brought their terrible loss nearer to heart. A few more ho and then the last ing—only the memory of the dead would be eft them. The day found Ned Allen looking rye and gf ange ane ee a a of the past few e loss 0: e deep grief which he had felt for one and all of his ahd tered comrades, had shattered his nerves and almost broken his will. It seemed almost as: though his Jife was accursed ee him, all those who were conn: with him, Harry Lane, taciturn, sensible fellow, had kept close to his friend since that wild outbreak of the past night, aut, though. not a word had passed between them, his silent sympathy was. not without its salutary effect. And as the chances of an attack from Fiery Fred grew less with the brightening dawn, he kindled a fire and fried some bacon while the coffee was boil- ing and the bread cooking. Almost mechani- cally Ned Alien ate and drank, and Harry Lane had his reward as he saw the heavy gloom gradually fade away and the young adventurer 'w more like his usual self. Not until then dia he speak. ‘*’m glad you're looking better, old fellow. L was afraid you were in for a sick spell, and ess knows how we could spare ycu now— don’t! There’s so much to do,” he added, with a sad glance toward the row of lifeless clay. Pit was thinking of them—and of those at home,” muttered Allen, loosening the collar at. his throat as though he was choking. ‘ To think of them, watching, longing and waiting for tid- ings from—from the boys, and they lying there, dead! And knowing that only for me they would still be alive and well—! H onl for the poor old mother at home, I ccald wists that those devils had killed me, too!” “Your stomach’s out of order—that’s what’s the matter with you,” said ‘matter-of-fact: . “*That’s all nonsense, man. You are no more to blame than the man in the moontf Their fate was written down at their birth, and they must have met it even had you never been born. Come, braceup and beaman. Remem- ber, we have their deaths to avenge, their interests to look after, besides our own. Allen was visibly comforted by the words of his friend. A man does not analyze too closely when he isin real need of consolation. Alfred Picard, the only one of the p who was too seriously injured to labor, was ae in a favorable position for keeping a close ook-out upon every hand, with a revolver close to his hand, while the others, seven in all, with Jotham and his brother Zabdiel, proceeded with their tools to the lone tree, of which mention has been so often made. In silence they work- ed until along trench, some four feet in depth had been excavated. The pit was lined with leaves and grass, upon which the dead were gently lowered one by one. Pale and seemingly as a stone, Mrs. Grey supported the faint- ing figure of Minnie through the ordeal, and when the last corpse was lowered to its place, and the mourners paused with an uneasy sense of embarrassment, all wishing the painful scene over, Pb not knowing how to end it, her voice rose, full and solemn, in a fervent prayer for the. rest and repose of the dead. And then, after a brief verse of one of those old Methodist hymns, that sound so mournful, almost wailing. No other voice joined hers. Not one was able, and the only e in the little grou belonged to yo Zabdiel, as he stared steadily toward the gap through which he had caught the last glimpse of the enemy upon whom he had sworm bc? gp ong rs. Gre Minnie away from the and then the last office was fulfilled, the eave shoveled and tramped down over the dead. use, she sung one
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Gospel George. 7 Wth a motion for the others to follow him, Ned Allen strode silently along until he reached the little stream just where it began to spread out into the lake. ‘** You know the nt ht. Of course it holds now, though we are so few in number. Wewill not be driven from our ta. We will work together as a band of bro share and share **'You must leave out me, peor oth peas A repnel Newsy Zabdiel Grey. “*T cain’t bind myse. to nothin’ tell my work’sdone. You hearn what I told him. At jest the minnit—I’ve got the sunmark by the wagon, yender—at jest the min- nit I take the trail. An’ you must look out fer the wimmin-folk, Jotham. Iwon’t come back ontel I kin show his skelp to make good my words,” **You must not break the truce between us —we will have our hands full with Fie Fred and his gang. Remember your mothe **] remember my brothers and pap, stranger. They ain’t no truce atween him an’me. I eve him warnin’. An’ I give you warnin’, ~ the man as tries tostop me ’ll chawa ragged bullet,” was the dogged reply, and then young savage moved slowly away. ‘* He’ll do jest what he mia ke Jotham. - La al’ays was a hot, bull-headed, contrairy cu Allen bit his lip, but dropped the matter for the time being. He spoke fertee iike one who had weighed the subject well, and had formed his plans from beginning to end. _ He, with one companion, must go and scout around the vici- nity where — had seen the si -fires, to dis- cover, if — le, what- had befallen Gospel George. remainder, with one exception, who wasto act as look-out to guard nst sur- rise, were to p “ penta tegpey 7 as roughly as possible, with an eye to the locations for claims, in case other prespecters should stumble upon tiem. ** No. »” he added, as Lane volunteered to accompany him. “You have the clearest head of usaJJ, and must stay here. And mind,” he added in a low tone, ‘keep your wits clear a 6 _ — it ea Mite Ree hy big ey will forget emerything else unless you them in hand.” * en chose Dick Barnes to accompany him hile, all was excitement among the Sp ooae vom Under Harry Lane’s directions, ey procured a, picks and shovels, and be- e sands along the lake shore. Raoity, breathlessly was the washing of the first pan of soil watched, with quicker breathing as the first yellow gleam was seen amid the deftly-whirled water, culminating in a subdued cry of exultation as nearly a teaspoonful of the ous metal, mixed with black sand, reward- ed the brief toil. Fully a dozen different points were tried, with nearly an equal o—— of suc- cess, untilit was proven without doubt that the eg was one of almost inexhaustible richness, t they had literally discovered a valley of gold! And yet, after the first burst of exultation, they were not satisfied! True, gold there in marvelous plenty, but it was all in dust; no even a ‘‘bean,” much less a nugget, among it. The room so y found by Jonathan Grey still their eyes. Surely there must be more where that came from? And then arose the at a the river—to the foot of the fall!” In vain H Lane recalled ‘Allen’s caution, and reminded them that even the watchful eyes of relentless foes might be upon the: take advantage of their carelessness; The A gs ove serpent had bitten them, stream and plunged into it, waist deep, scrapi the bottom with their feet or sinking down an ing for the coveted nuggets with their . ov did not age , but upon the shore, weapons y for since the chosen had abandoned his oat te join in the olding up a nugget of gold nearl shape ite ments egg! herewas on instant rush toward him—an erty until the time came for equal division. Adter a a ey imp et eto beware ra the n t and again plun: e ‘This discovery but added to the fuel, and knew that there was no chance of the men’s quieting down to rational work until their stren should be utterly exhausted. Ther, disgusted with his lack of success, fiery Tom Weston scrambled to shore, and running along the bank, took ‘‘a header ” with a reckless disre of hidden rocks, right into the foot of the fall. In another moment his head reappear- ed, with a half-choked cry, only to sink again. In alarm ran to the spot, butere he could jump in to the rescue, Tom reappeared lower down, where there was firmer footing, holding ee hands above his head, a golden nugget in each! The scene which follows beggars description. Like confirmed lunatics the men plun into the basin hollowed out by the falling waters, re- turning with one or two nuggets, or else with empty hands, only to repeat the process with ps gen iA rome oy becky Mame ewan A e golden pile at Harry e’s feet, until he too, ‘began + feel the yellow fever in its worst form, and grew so eager that he was only awak- ened by the voice of Ned Allen on his return from scouting. ‘What news?’ he asked, more to cover his confusion than aught else. “The ato f worst,” sadly replied Allen. “ Gos- pel George is dead—he was murdered last night, when we heard those shots— when trying to serve us.” CHAPTER XXII. GOSPEL GEORGE ON DUTY. THOUGH George so promptly took upon himself the duty of solving the meaning of the signal fires upon the mountain, and started off in such haste, he was not one to run blindly into danger through lack of proper precautions. Both from report and experience he knew that Fiery Fred was as shrewd and clear-witted as he was relentless; and fully believing that the signal-lights were of his contrivance, he thor- oughly appreciated the wisdom of ahr carga since he could expect scart mercy in case he should again fall into the outlaw’s power. ‘"Not that I’'d keer overly much, ef ondly I could get one squar’ up an’ down lick at him— ondly one. I wouldn’t ax no more!” muttered the old man, Lryeg be ges the brow of the hill where the reader first met the Grey family. “ve waited long—a monstrous long time; eve ing ’pears to set dead ag’inst me, so fur. But the time ’l] come—it must come! an’ then I don’t much keer what follers.” Suddenly he sunk flat behind a bowlder, lying motionless as the stone itself for a full minute. There was a faint, rustling noise before him, so faint that few ears could have distinguished it. An instant later a mountain hare slowly hopped uae Gospel George arose with a t laugh. “Skeered of a cotton-tail! I’m dub’ous ’m oe old an’ foolish. I ain’t got the confi- ence nur the n I used to did. Reckon it’s that —, tumble over them rocks. I hain’t bin plum right ever sence. Down thar, jest now, I felt ike a chill struck me when I fust set eyes on them fires. ‘Pears like somebody was a-walkin’ over my grave. Mebbe it’s a = them imps is got over yender. They ketch mebbe they count on doin’ of ef they do. I’m in’ to smell out the hull e-tarnal business ef I en a impending evil ed rest- presentiment of impending evil seem ing upon the old man’s spirits, and though he endeavored to “talk it off,” communing in low, almost audible tones to himself, the gloomy sen- sation would not be shaken off. ud of his own cool courage and steel-like nerves, Gospel George could not bear to even suspect himself of anything resembling fear, and thus he was led into acting with less than his usual circum- spection. Threading his way without noise or rustle, si- lent as a veritable phantom of the night, he stealthily approached the first signal fire. i been kindled upon a broad, flat-topped rock, several yards in hight, and though the flickering flames cast a wide circle of ruddy light aroun the immediate base of the rock was shroud in La poems Bc + ae eg enough to conceal a me so easy once’ it over ag’in. aal, the dozen ambushed en. Silently as the velvet- footed panther as it steals in its unconscious victim, the old scout “sn ”* his way through the poe ges pra ihe and bowlders, his ears strai at every step, vainly seeking to penetrate the ‘circ of ‘Cheourity; until he reached the upper hillside, without making any Then he carefully laid aside his rifle, and laced his shoulder against a heavy bowlder, € paused to listen for a moment, but n suspicious met bis ear. With one heave, he Ptah se the reaper sent it own directly toward fire-topped Seek ihe course of missile was true, and the collision awoke the dull echoes for rods around, but a sniff of utter came from the eager scout that betrayed full extent of his disappointment. ** A good hour fooled away on a empty trap! Old man, you're losin’ of pont seventeen senses? I’m gittin’ downright ashamed of ye, fer a fact! S’pose Roxy Ann—an’ that’s what’s the matter—I hain’t bin fit fer crow-bait ever sence she was stole. EfIdon’t git the old gal back ag’in ’fore long, I'll be foolisher ’n a that squats on His tail an’ yelps at the moon ontel ite hinder eend freezes fast to the airth. A glimp’ o’ her now ’d be better ’n a blue-mass pill afore breakfast. They is men, now, who'd snicker at a feller fer takin’ on so over a shemale critter, an’ that one a mule, to boot; which proves the crap 0’ nat’ral-born fools ain’t failed yit. Thar’s more so’ hard sense wra) up in that ’ar old gal’s hide then would e to run this ’ere gelorious kentry from now tell never come back. ag’in. I tell you, gentlemen, they ain’t nothin’ in this ’ere world that’ar Roxy cain’t do, less it is playin’ the fiddle clean through a tune. I’m free to own she’s toolively fer that. I tried it oncet;an’ she jest let out that lovely left duke 0’ her’n, an’ ef thar wasn’t chunks o’ music scat- tered all over seventeen counties, then I would- n’t say so—but the fiddle wasn’t much a’count,. w With a half-abashed chuckle Gospel George ith a “a chuckle cut his eloquence short, as the echoes of his owp voice came back to him, him to the duty he was neglecting. And y satisfied now that there were no watchers concealed near this fire, at least, he started toward the second, still burning freely, nearly a mile dis- tant, toward the north. Despite the fact of his the first signa) unwatched, Gospel George did not lessen his | hg terse in approaching the other beacon. e knew that fires could not be built witheut hands, and this one gave ample evidence of ed been replenished since he left the golden ey. As before, he found the beacon built upon a rei” rock, upon the very summit of the ridge, from whence its clear light could be seen by any observant eye for twenty miles around. And as before he could not distinguish any liv- ing object around or near the fire. But as he stealthily gained the summit, his roving eye pope Nes e pero of a vse fire, some rods own opposite slope, thro’ the leafy twigs of the surrounding shrubbe ~~ y Satisfied that the object of his search awaited him there, the scout called his utmost skill inte oF ipa and inch by inch neared the con- ed pee Bet He could hear the sound of subdued voices, and an occasional laugh. More than once he was forced to lie close to the ground and strain every nerve to its utmost to crush down the mad impulse he felt to | forward and claim his vengeance as he fanci he could distinguish the tones of Fiery Fred’s voice. Never before had his iron will 8G severely tested, and it was with a of posi- ois = mage ergs a spot whence e peer through the scanty foli u the party. ius thes his heart taser on wae heavy as lead. His glowing eyes qui y De mo peewee rg object of his hatred wag not present. long-nourished ho; had moe of » he ven still nearer. nsidering the nature of the to be tra- versed, the scout m2 ap ost marvelous: skill, finally pausing beside a scrubby bush fair- ly within the circle of light, and not twenty feet- Soareat had be neta y e@ settled do when a low peculiar whistle sounded from hillside, al- most directly behind him, answered wf Devil’s Dan. Bold and resolute as he undeniably was, pong chill creep over him as heard the sound of This was not of | duration. As he ced over his shoulder, he ht a gis of the new-comer, and sprung to feet with a hoarse yell of ive ion. “* At last—at last!” he ed, and two shots at the man, awa the writhing figure beneath his: But only for a moment did this hesitation last. Then, wi the hot pursuit of tho Seeing avenger chan wesae As waved : hounded his brain and whirling that or drunken e knew that at last be had met: i down with 5 FE iste
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‘4 j i. 4 ‘ ‘ ud 4 4 4 : by instinct. He ran with foo that were sure and never slipping, gradually distancing his despite their most frantic efforts. Their pistol-shots were less frequent now, as coly an occasional glimpse of the fugitive was had, butone of the Darden sped true enough to break the skin, and the acute smarting in a measure recalled the avenger to his senses. He cast a rapid glance aroundhim. As faras he could tell, ope around was unknown tohim. At that instant hesaw an opraing that seemed to afford better footing, and hoping to entirely elude his B sissies by asudden change a eerie ‘ rae 7 rge turned aside “pe dart- d swi ong the narrow passage een 4 dicular wile two high, almost perpen A low dJaugh his io for he believed he recog- nized the spot, and felt that a short five minutes would see him in comparative safety. But then—a sharp cry of horror broke from this lips, as he started back. Before him lay an abyss that the eye could not fathom without the broad light of day. The walls upon either side were smooth and without any cover, and from the further end of the pocket came the wild, exultant yells of his relentless pursuers. _** Come on—come on, the hull kit!” grated the rate scout, drawing his pistols. -‘‘ Ef my time’s come I won’t go under alone!” But the onset was not as speedy as he had ex- Confident of their victim, the outlaws not care to run greater risk than was abso- Tutely necessary, and it was several minutes be- fore Gospel George caught sightof the foremost ro gliding along the side wall. : ith a quick, steady aim he fired. A wild shriek of agony told that the bullet had not ested ‘bee 4 the crowd rushed forward, yelling, cursing like demons—a dozen against one! CHAPTER XXII THE MAIDEN’S WARNING. d Harry Lanz uttered a little ery of dismay, and even the rest paused in their frantic scram- ble for gold, as Ned Allen spoke; the news con- «cerned them one and all so nearly, that its ut- terance seemed to recall them to the stern reali- ties of their precarious situation. A stout friend and ally murdered—their already frightfully reduced force still further lessened; even the little pile of Sopa nuggets lost its weird at- traction for the moment as they realized what anenormous price its discovery had already cost th em. “ There is no mistake—you are sure?” faltered “We saw his body, nearly two miles from here. He could not have been killed when we heard those shots last night. Indeed, we found a trail and followed it a long ways before we ame upon the sy * An’ right yere I want to say one thing,” in- 3) ape rumbling Dick, in an earnest tone. «+ Ef ever thar was a clean-hearted feller, white to the backbone, he was. Tke openist way was over here, whar he mought ’a’ easy saved his- self; but ’stead o’ that he runs off t’other way, its into a trap an’ goes under all in a heap!” “Dick says true,” said Allen, soberly. ‘‘ As near as we can tell, this is what must have hap- There was a y of men ambushed near one of those -fires, and somehow Gos- Yon George was discovered by them. We found ood, and where some one had fallen, so he must have made his mark on at least one enemy, since his trail was free from blood for a long distance from the ambush. As Dick says, the easiest trail would have been for him to return here, where he could count on aid, and I don’t doubt he could have reached us, since he ran further than this before the end. I believe the poor fellow lost his life rather than draw us into another fight. They chased him into a trap out of a, there could be no escape, and there ie “Thar was two karkidges besides his,” broke in Dick. ‘* An’ I reckon from the ’pearance the old man left his mark on more’n one o’ t’other. ?T was like a hog-pen at killin’-time!” There was but httle more said upon the sub- wie just then. Allen and Lane were too down- aod the —_ — greg bere eagerness received a chec an to fee the effect of their great exertions, and to shiver in their dripping clothing. Even Dick Barnes did not grumble as it was proposed to cease their labors fortheday. The goid wascarefully collected and all returned to the wagons, where, in part compensation for his crippled state, Al- fred Picard tg allowed to —_ charge of the treasure until a better method o ing it awa pom storing y It was late in the doy segue san Lng dong was appeased, gold-hunters t as- Seabed to discuss their best mode of ing onthe campaign. Zabdiel alone did not join in the consultation, but crouched beside the w i hhis eyes immovably fixed upon a little stick thrust into the sand, toward which the shadow cast by the forward bow was slowl «reeping; the signal which was to send him mdetta he sworn the Ca- . Beadle’s Dime Library. and glided to his mother’s side, who was watch- | “That time will never come. We would not ing over the scarcely-breathing form of her son, Malachi. She glanced up at the sound of his approach, a wistful look in her sunken eyes; but the boy’s voice, though low, was still hard and cold. ‘The time’s come, mother. When you see me ag’in you may know that he’s past tellin’ all the hurt he’s did us. Ef I don’t come back— 0g ll be Jotham to look after you. Good- y! For a moment it seemed as though she was about to speak, but the icy look deepened, and with a low sigh she drew down his head and touched his brow with her cold lips. Without another word the young savage trailed his rifle and strodeswiftly away toward the pass through which his enemy had vanished. All this did not escape Allen’s eye, and, though he knew that any interference upon his could only result in evil, he resolved that the Californian should be warned that a relentless ‘enemy was upon histrail. He saw that the hour was wing near for his appointment with Inez | de Mendoza, and cutting short the discussion, was soon after following upon the footsteps of Zabdiel Grey. His brain was in a confused whirl when he found himself at the rendezvous. The last few days had been so crowded with momentous events, with cares and trials, that he was well- nigh stupefied. What was to be the end of it all? As chief of the little band of gold-hun- ters, he felt himself in a measure responsible for all that befell them, and bitterly he cursed the day that led to the Indian’s imparting his won- derful secret of gold. Only for that— The sharp clatter of a horse’s hoofs upon the rocky trail aroused him from his gloomy reverie, and glancing up, Ned Allen beheld a vision that caused his young blood to tingle in his veins, and his eyes to sparkle with unfeigned admira- tion. Tnez de Mendoza was before him, reining in her fiery little mustang until its heavy tail brushed the ground, its red nostrils dilated, its eyes flashing through the bushy forelock, its counter flecked with foam. Upon her head the maiden wore a round, tur- ban-like cap of dark velvet, a snowy plume prushing the heavy braids of hair that hung. to the mustang’s croupe. A jeweled clasp glitter- ed above her forehead, while another kled at her throat, clasping a short, loose jacket, em- broidered with gold t and thickly studded with balls and tiny bells of the same metal. Be- neath this was a cloud of lace and fine linen, en- veloping a body that needed no artificial sup- port to retain its perfect contour and symme- trical proportions. A Chinacrapesash encircled her round, firm waist. A loose, flowing skirt, open in front from the waist down, fell over full Turkish trowsers, gathered tight at the trim ankle with golden buckles. Boots of stamped leather fitted her tiny feet, and the blood which tinged the ea a9e spurs at her heels bore evidence how hard she had ridden. The vivid hues, glittering gold and jewels, re- flecting the red rays of the declining sun, al- most ed Ned Allen; but it was still harder to gaze upou the radiant face above unmoved. The lustrous eyes, so dark, so eloquent, the rich, ripe lips, the beautiful countenance, now so charmingly flushed—there was some excuse for the thrill that crept into the vane miner’s heart and crowded therefrom all those gloomy fearsand self-accusations. Never before had he beheld one so radiantly beautiful, and little wonder he forgot to be shocked at her attitude —a la Mejicana. That Inez perceived and was by no means of- fended by his unconcealed admiration was evi- dent as her smile gladdened.into a musical laugh, Flashing ho fy, Digital, Mis tak anh Mapred i otly, he do is hat, and step forward, but e an instant the maiden was upon the ground, turning her mustang loose, to graze at will. * A thousand ) apiece senor,” began Inez, in a soft voice, as shyly accepted his aden ee hand—“‘ thousand pardons if I have kept you waiting—” **T would willingly wait a year for the chance of seeing you,” began Ned; but the maiden re- leased her hand so quickly and stepped back with asparkle in her eyes that warned him he was too fast. ‘‘I didnot mean to offend ou,” he added, more composedly. “Indeed I ve not been waiting long, and you are but a few minutes late, by the sun.” “T would have been on time, only I was afraid some one was watching me. And yet,” she added, slewh*, her eyes seeking the ground, ‘perhaps it was as well that I had somethin else to i:hink of. Iam no coward, but it woul have been jaard, very hard for me come here to meet you, a stranger—even at my own ap- poiiftment. What must you have thought of me “*T don't think I dare plat ape wee et,” said Ned, with a little laugh, putting both ds be- hind him the better to resist the temptation to clasp the little paw that trembled at her side, “Sometime, when we are I may dare, if you promise not to awa, like— f | ; have met again, only I did not wish you to think me ungrateful for your kindness to him— and me. Our paths in life divide from this point—and perhaps ’tis better thus,” and Inez ended with a little sigh, so faint that Ned could scarcely believe he had heard it. ‘*T will not believe that!” he cried,impetuously, despite his effort to speak calmly. ‘There cannot be—unless you are—are married!” ‘*T am not married—but let that pass. What I have said is the truth, and words are idle. Nay, do not speak. There is no time to waste in argument. Icame here to k sober words of warning, not to listen to tspeeches. It is painful enough for me to speak as I must of my father; let me get it over as quickly as pos- sible. Listen, senor, and believe me I do not warn you without cause. You and your friends were never in 3 Ponte! danger than at this mo- ment. Stay—I know that my father agreed to leaye you unmolested, and he will keep that pledge sacred as far as himself and his servants are concerned. But there is another—you know himas Fiery Fred. He was at our house last night, and I heard himswear never to rest while one of your party drew breath. I tried tolearn his plans, but failed. If Lever succeed, I will send you word by a trusty friend. Or better— bg must leave this place. Do not delay an our. Surely life is worth preserving—if not for yourself, then for some other—for your mo- ther, if nod one else.” ‘* And you would have me go—slink away like -! 2 gama that has been thrashed?’ muttered Yes,” came the answer, but it was faintand hesitating. ‘*T thank you for warning me, lady, but that I will never do. I may be murdered as so many of my friends have, but it shall never be said that I was a coward. And more: unless you can sincerely say that you hate me, I will—I must see Epo again. Can you say that?” **No—I donot hate—why should I?” faltered Inez; but the next instant, with a low cry, she sprung before Allen, almost enfolding him with her arms, as a man sprung owt from behind & bowlder, with leveled rifle. CHAPTER XXIII THE GOSPEL TRUTH. Trever man was fairly taken aback, Ned Al len was that being, for one brief instant. A pair of fair arms clinging ciosely around his neck, a plump cheek almost touching his lips, while he could feel the rapid fluttering of a heart aghinst his breast, and all this coming so soon after the decided snubbing he had received, that it is little wonder he was utterly taken by surprise. ut the next moment he realized the truth— that Inez had interposed her body as a shield. inst a treacherous bullet—as he caught sight of the dark figure beside the bowlder, whose rifle was still at a level. Quick as thought Allen whirled the maiden around behind him, drawing a revolver with the same motion; but before he could rk the weapon to alevel he saw his antagonist lower his rifle and heard the words: ‘* Waal—I ber-durned! ef it ain’t the boss?” The young min r started back in utter amaze- ment, almost in terror, as though one from the dead had risen. The voice was that of Gospel George—the man whom he had believed murdered, and over whose fate he had sorrowed deeply and sincere- ly. He rubbed his eyes lik one just awaking from some wildly fantastic dream. “T don’t blame ye, boss, fer not bein’ overly glad to see me, considerin’,” added the phan- tom, slowly drawing nearer. ‘‘I’msoe-tarnally ashamed o’ myself that I don’t reckon I'll sleep a wink this blessed night—an’ the same to you ma’am. Yesee, this was the how: I was jest ridin’ along over yender, when I see you two, an’ thinks I—now thar’s a angelliferous critter in diffikilty—ye see, bass, I kinder ‘lowed you was one o’ that pesky Fiery Fred’s hounds, as had— Waal, I swan!” Inez uttered a sharp whistle which brought the mustang quickly to her, and leaping into saddle, uttered the single word—‘t Remember!” —then gg te de pd away, never once look- ing bac ; despite the cry that Allen uttered. ‘Thar’s Roxy Ann over Pieigod ef you want to chase her,” eagerly cried 1 George. “Shell I fetch her—say?” Perhaps no other words would have brought. the young man so quickly to his senses, and as the ng rider disa behind the point of rocks, he turned to Gospel George with out- stretched hands and r voice, ** And is it you— y alive?” “Don’t that sorter feel like it?’ grinned the scout, as his fingers closed like a vise upon the young man’s hand. ‘‘ Ain’t thar livin’ bone an’ muskle an’ sinner, eh? .An’ yit—mebbe I be dead. A feller’s a blamed fool ef he thinks he’s sartin o’ anythin’ in this ’ere world. I wouldn’t sw’ar you wasn’t a woman, ‘less I measured your tongne, fust. Wve jest about made up my mind to leave the world an’ climb a tree ontel things sorter settle down ag’in. J don’t reckon you got any tobacker. hev ye?”
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eS te * re ‘* But, man alive,” sputtered Allen, “‘we saw your dead body—” ‘That settles it! it’s jest my luck!” and Gos- pel George scratched his head ruefully. ‘‘Then —who in thunder’m J? = pec were unable to bear remo espe- cially Malachi Grey. “ : To think of retreat now would simply mean to desert the wounded and the women. de- termination of the others was tersely embodied in Grumbling Dick’s threat to “ crawl all over the feller as Warned by the experience of the past day, promise from ail that these duties should be strictly complied with. Indeed, after the warn- ing the had received, all knew that there must ect discipline if they would avoid worse. Genel George left them directly after break- fast, nor was he seen again until after dark. The remainder worked hard and steadily, with far more method than before. There was much to be done before they could hope to reap their richestreward. The bedof the stream between the fall and the lake promised them the most gold, if proper] set to work wit Favored by the y were, it would not be turn the ide. all that day not a li being was seen besides their own company, and, with each a secret h that they hadi effectuaily * bluff ed” the w chief, they lay down to sleep, wearied with their hard labor. As before, two mén were kept on alarm, each relief
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aa with suspicion. Who could be the. mysterious ho but one of themselves! Though inessenger—w. _ not uttered in words, this was what those covert glances declared. Already the poison was working slowly but surely. Doggedly the day’s work was pursued; but the laughter, the jesting retorts, the spec- ulations over the amount of gold which was to finally reward them—none of this passed be- tween them. sven ares ve ap and gloom . Thoug could not explain the mys- ry, & felt almost sure that he could answer oP —s «fave sor as ne ig ers He ) em or years, all, is, ex- ek parses and Gospel George. : “Pick, he would almost take an oath was true, and—su g him theone—what object would the old scout have in playing such a part? He had fi tin their cause against the outlaw, and blows count, too; and equally clear was his hatred for Fiery Fred. It was a eae peor as he was forced to ad- mit, tried to dismiss the unwelcome thoughts by resolving to ‘stcibcg Soin. 3 a close watch upon both Dick and ‘ night, though the fires were permitted to orn. ; occupied the rifle-trench, ——— in han During his day’s scou an unusual the Cuhiabane | den of the rahe and expressed his belief that the signal- hd a their work in calling in the tg of Fi By Fred’s band. midnight passed without alarm, . and the miners gy to congratulate them- selves, when what looked like a meteor arose from the hill beyond the river, and fell within a few yards of their ition. By the tiny, fli light they d see an arrow quiver- ing in und. 1 George crept out and secured it. Around the shaft was wrapped a third message, simply stating that not one of the should live to see another night. Lest ht be only a ruse to throw them off their ,. the entire kept on the alert until broad day. Br was eaten in silence; then Allen advised his comrades to sleep instead of work, since he believed that the ob- _ )ject of these repeated alarms was to wear them out through loss of sleep, when they might be easily surprised and overpowered. is advice was silently complied with, but Ned, himself, wearied though he was, could not sleep. The haunting suspicions were still present, despite the last Se ade evidence, Gospel George remaiied in camp that day, and upon him and Allen devolved the keepin guard. It was cher! work, and when night came again, even Allen doubted whether he could endure another such. Better the final le at once than this horrible suspense. shed by their day’s repose, the four mi- ' ners and the wounded Picard declared their readiness to stand d, but it was thought better to divide the watch into two parts. Allen, completely worn out, lay down early and soon fell asleep; nor did he awake until the gra light was wing in the east. Then, as his eyes opened, a sharp cry broke from his li lock of his long hair was knotted around ihe handle of a dagger, the blade of which was driven deep into the earth! CHAPTER XXV. A PRIVATE ADVENTURE, Fora moment after uttering his ery of sur- oe a terror—Ned Allen was overcome a dizzy, sickening sensation hard to describe. knowledge that their utmost vigilance could not against these repea warnings— that there was one hovering near them, day and t, who appeared able to enter their camp at to post message beneath the very eyes of men whose utmost energies were bent on solving the mystery—that he had lain wholly at the mercy of this dark unknown, whose hand could have driven the keen blade into his heart just as cantly as into the earth; these thoughts caused his brain to whirl until a bloody mist seemed spread before his eyes. Thecry attracted generalattention, and great was the consternation when the miners beheld their leader lying e and motionless wu b et, his long hair half-concealing jeweled haft, the blade of which seemed buried in histhroat. The excitement acted as a@ restorative, and Allen arose, with a sickly smile, leaving the dagger in its earthen sheath. Before answering any of the flood of ques- tions that were poured upon him, Allen quickly but keenly scrutinized each countenance before him, but if he hoped to gain any clew from this, he was doomed to disa cama. Even the most suspicious could have detected nothing save mine astonishment, in more than one case deeply enaed with superstition; though only Grumbling Dick spoke out his thoughts. “Bf it wasn’t fer them wimmen! A feller’s a aginst the devil and all his 4 jest what we're doin’! They an as kin sneak aroun’ an’cut up yer leavin’ no sign behind nur in’t tell me!” i . pepsin. | Beadle’s Dime Library.. it down mighty fine on us, I won’t deny, but as . He paused beside the bowlder for several min- to its being an more than an pgs) A sly, sneaking dog—I’d give a year of my life just to have one squint at him over a pistol bar- rel. Now, look here. There are two ways to look at this matter. Somebody has played these tricks, thinkin g no doubt, to drive us away from our find. t person is either an ee enemy, or a pretended friend—one of | ie Fred’s men, or else one of us seven men! Hold hard—there is no use intalking. Who- ever would play these tricks would deny it, of course. There is only one oe to get to the bot- tom; and that is for each and every one of us tosuspect every other person—to watch hisevery action, night and day; then, at a certain hour— for instance, directly after suppér—we will meet in council, each man will deliver his report in turn; and, also, each and all of us must stand ready to answer every charge, clearly and with- out reserve. You may say that such a course will create hard feelings; but I don’t believe it. Tf we all publicly swear to perform our duty, honestly and without prejudice, there can only injury to one person—and that person is just the one we want to find! There, Y opigge ne a concluded Lane, ‘‘you have my ideas, and if this plan is conscientiously carried out, one of three thi will be the result. It will be found that one of us, now present, is guilty; or if not that, that these tricks will have to be aban- doned; or, that the guilty person is an outsider, which will at least restore perfect confidence be- tween ourselves.” Allen grasped Harry’s hand, and pressed it re Old fellow, your head is the best among us! and I, for one, bind myself to follow your ad vice from beginning to end. Jf anything can solve this ge eet our plan will.” : The rest follow being one dissenting voice; and then, in words cmap by Harry Lane, a solemn oath was <en to yor ted prejudice or rap he Be _— re- ports, and heartily agreeing not to e offense where all were to be treated alike. Then, by common consent, the matter was dropped. It was that, though one man was to stand guard, the work of laying bare the river- bed should be prosecuted regardless of the threats made by Fiery Fred or his representative. Since Alfred-Picard, though steadily improv- ing, was still unable to handle pick-ax or spade, he was selected as the sentinel, and upon a little rise in the ground, not far distant from the scene of labor. Beside him lay all the wea- pons of the miners, save one-revolver each, which was worn constantly. Thus, in case of emergency, the entire could be armed and ready for hot work inside of ten seconds from the alarm. The work progressed steadily, without inter- ruption, until noon. It was during the hour after dinner, which was habitually one of rest, that Harry Lane drew Allen asi e, and when safe beyond earshot of the others, said: ** Let me look at that curious present of yours, Ned; I have a reason for it,” he added, as Allen produced the dagger. ‘‘I knew it! I can tell ou where that plaything came from—or, at Least: where it was less than one week ago, You remember my hobby—a love for rich or curious specimens of armory.” ‘© Yes—but wha’ out, man!’’ ‘¢-You remember that girl—the daughter of old Mendoza, I believe? Well, she wore tit identical dagger in her sash, on the day we tried her father. I would willingly take my oath on it.” A new light seemed to burst upon the young miner’s mind, and he never knew what answer he made to his friend as they slowly paced back tocamp. He firmly believed that this was the message promised him by Inez, though it would have pushed him hard to have explained the reasons for his belief. One whose mind was less disturbed, would have seen the utter folly of such an idea. No such risk would have been in- curred in order to deliver an article against the recognition of which the chances were thou- sands to one. But Ned was not reasoning; he was acting purely on impulse, and when his comrades arose to resume their labor, he briefly explained that he believed he had found a clew to much that had puzzled them so utterly, and asked a full consent to his devoting the remain- der of the day to investigating the matter. Only Lane objected; he believed that Allen would in- cur too t a risk in venturing beyond the valley, alone, ** At least, let me go with you,” he u **No; you are needed here. I pledge my honor, party not to run any unnecessary risk. I will be back by sunset, at the outside,’ ‘““Ef you chaince to seg anybody we ever see afore, jest give’em our re-gards!” called after him; but if Ned heard, he made no reply. @ young miner pressed eagerly forward, though still keeping a keen look-out, until he reached the spot where he last parted with Inez | de Mendoza. There he paused, glancing rly around; but his face clouded as no living Zz met his eye. What he expected, probabil would have puzzled himself to state, even if his wishes were more clear. in en’s wake, there not | pel George | ———. | utes, uried in thought; then, with a sudden air | of resolution, he started forward, heading for: | the point of rocks around which the fair rider’ had vanished. | **]T will see her!” he muttered aloud. ‘“ There | may be risk, but I can’t go on like we have these | few days back—it is enough to drive a dead man crazy! I'll see her, even if I have to ask for ad- “ » _ ge 96 2 ne i ough by no means an experien: scout | Ned’s eyes were keen enough to ee up the trail | after passing the rock-point, and following it for / nearly a mile, he came out upon a low ridge, | from which he could look down upon the square | stone building which he knew must be where: Mie balding peared utterly d e building ap utterly deserted; not- | even an animal was to beseen. For some min- utes he watched, doubting what course to pur- sue; but this was decided for him in the next. instant. Slowly passing down the little valle evidentl ——- @ course that would yi shelter from the house, he spied a rider—and even at that ce he i Inez. His. first impulse was to meet her as speedily as - sible, but a second thought convinced him that. she was not ere er precautions without | reasons, so, marking her probable course, ; | drew back and hastened along in hopes of inter- cepting her. ehad calculated closely. Whenonce beyond yer discovery from the building, he crossed he ridge and found the rider just below him. | Inez wrenched her mustang around at his sud- den appearance, but at the sound of his voice she paused, an eager light in her fine eyes as the: young miner hastened down the slope. ‘*T was riding in hopes of meeting you,” she said, hastily, not heeding his rather impulsive greeting. ‘‘ But not here—I fear Iam watched —back over the ridge—anda—anda !” Not less agitated than herself, Ned finally pausing close beside a huge bowlder. ‘*You were eoming to our house, senor,” she said, in an eager, trembling voice. “That you must never do! your life would be in great ct ger—they would kill you!” ‘* And who are they?” laughed Ned. “Is there not a truce between us and your people?” ‘* Tt has been broken—one of your men shot my father—and some one told him of our meet- ing—ay de mi! what have I not endured!” ey an exclamation broke from Allen’s ite but before he could speak, Inez hastily ut- tered: ‘ ‘¢ Never mind that—listen! You are betrayed —the victim of a dastardly treachery! Thereis a traitor in your midst—no, I do not know his name; I could not learn that, but he is in league with the villain you know as Fiery Fred. I have tried to warn you before this, but since- that evening I have been kept a close prisoner. and I had no one whom I could trust to send you the m I promised—” ‘Then you did not send me this?” exclaimed Allen, extending the jeweled dagger. ‘* No—though it was mine—but he took it from: me—I tried to kill him—” At that moment, without shout or warning half a dozen rough, fierce-looking men darted around the bowlder, from both sides, and pre- cipitated themselves upon the young miner. Though taken so completely by surprise, and not given time to draw a weapon, Allen struggled so eg eos that he fairly shook off his assail- ants; but before he could do more, a pistol was discharged, almost against his head, and he fell. back without a sigh or groan. ‘CHAPTER XXVI. FIERY FRED NAMES THE DAY. WueEn Inez de Mendoza told Edward Allen. that she had suffered much, of late, she spoke nothing more than the literal truth. She had endured both bodily and mental pain since that interrupted interview. The fear which she ex- ressed then that her steps were being dogged, aa only too sure a foundation, and the report. of the stolen meeting reached home before she did. She a her father, = and = ye ing her at the great gate, and one glance tol hae that he knew all. Without a weed he mo- tioned her to her room, following close upon her steps. But if his cold deliberation told her how deeply offended he was, it also gave her time to decide upon the course she must follow; and thus, when the long pent-up storm of r anger, almost curses came, she, drawn proudly erect, met it with an unflinching front. Not a. word did she attempt to utter until her father, out of breath and exhausted by the fury of his own ions, sunk into a chair, muttering hoarsely: ‘* Have you not one word to say—no defense- to make? Mother of Jesus! it cannot have gone: so far as that—” ‘* Stop!” almost imperiously interrupted Inez. ‘*You have said enough, and more than enough. Had def md been oe Som of ear as he Mele sharp-sig you might have us this painful scene. Know, then, that I had two motives in meeting this gentleman. One was to thank him for saving your life; the other to [ emee Deo Apalant Aoy nanere ous enemy, who had sworn his destruction. You know whom Lk 1
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ee Gospel George. a 2T ‘allude te—Senor Gonzalo—or Fiery Fred, the outlawed murderer, robber, and scoundrel in “You are mad, girl!” cried the Californian, hhis face ashen gray, casting a nervous glance over his shoulder. Inez laughed hardly, almost contemptuously. *“} see you are/expecting him. Very well; so Jong as you do not expect me to meet him again. That I will never do. I never liked him, even while he was at his best, but now that I know 4him in his true colors, I would sooner herd ‘with lepers than be for one moment in his com- ‘pany! ‘This is a sudden change, Inez,” said Men- sdoza, forcing himself to speak calmly. ‘It is ‘not so long since that you promised to become ‘* Ay—because you declared that upon my con- ‘sent depended your honor, if not life. But now —not even that consideration can influence me.” ‘** Now—does that mean, since you have met country’s good—” “Father, why did we: leave. our own dear house so suddenly— ay,” cried Inez, startled at ‘the effect of her wo ‘‘Pardon—I did not mean that!” y **Mean what?” asked Don Estevan, though taken less W seer to show your dislike, I dare the assassin’s side, the ne say I shoul for . wife.” A ee ou are insulting, sir!” gasped the Califor- nian, : pee ae seeking his bosom. ver have dreamed of wooing you | ; Iam, whoare you to complain? Be- | ware! I am not in the humor for nonsense. Let your weapon rest, a4 friend, unless you wish to die unshriven. Take your seat in yon- | above the collar-bone it struc so recently re turned to her by Allen i in the air. Swift as the lightning’s shaft the weapon de- scended, before the assassin could ize his peril. Her eye was true, her arm ae enough to drive the good wea home. J ranging down _ and tapping his foul heart’s blood. der chair; I mean it—there is no use for you to | struggle. +] Bp. weapon in my breast—ay! and one that I know iy = well how to use!” Remember that I, too, carry a itha ahaa of impotent anger, the old man | literally obeyed, sinkin —_ and covering his face with his trembling ds, ** And now, my lady,” said Fiery Fred, turn- ing ouce more toward Inez. ‘‘I have a few words more to speak to you, and then I leave you to your sweet dreams—of this gallant Ed- ward Allen. Ha! that touches you? The noble ‘*You will never have the chance,” inter- rupted Inez, forcing herself to speak with that calmness which means so much. ‘I will kill you with my own hand, first!” **T have heard a score stout men threaten as much,” laughed the outlaw; ‘‘but I am living, into the designated | But the frenzied woman never paused to note the effect of her mad stroke for vengeance. She saw the man she had learned to love—sud- pg Aa ih all the sn Cg her ig —lying motio: eeding, as she believed, at her feet, an ing down be- side his body she raised head to her breast, pressing her ye upon > oe him by name, to return to life, to her, lavishing upon his in- sensible ears the fondest epithets mortal lips» could frame into speech—unheeding the fierce curses of the enraged bandits as they gathered around their dying comrade, unhearing their brutal threats and imprecations. ‘this ragged Yankee? this robber of other men’s | captain of ragamuttins has e a conquest, I | Fortunately for her, aid was close at hand. _ gold—no doubt some despicable, low-bred cur, | see. Well, do uot think that I shall be a jealous | Don Estevan rode hastily up, and leaping to the who was forced to leave his country for his | husband—” | ground he thrust the scowli ilains aside and touched his daughter upon the shoulder. ‘Come with me, gg he said, sternly, as she raised her eyes at the touch. ‘“ You have wrought enough mischief for once. Come, I yn th unless you would have me use force.” “They have murdered him—see!” she mut- with an evident effort. ‘‘I do not understand | still, and my death will be a more glorious one | tered, ey von But let that pass. You must never see | than by a soft woman’s hand. much for| ‘Better for —for us all, perhaps—if they qhisherefic again—you must never even think | your threats. Nowlend me your ears for a mo- | had! Look! he is opening hiseyes! fool! would of him. Swear this, upon your Master’s © **T cannot--I will not! You ask too much, father. I have always obeyed you, but in this I cannot. You ask me to take an oath that I would break every day—ay! every hour!” ** Are you mad, girl? or am I dreaming?” ** No; it is ! who have been dreaming, all my Jife—but now I am awake. Father, what mo- ther felt for you, I feel for this stranger! I see him before me every time I close my eyes—I can hear his voice still ri in myears. I know that I love him—that I shall love him until I die! And this is the reason I will not ‘take the oath you wish—why I swear that I will never receive your friend as you and he ** And now listen to me!” cried the Califor- nian, hoarsely, his face convulsed with fury. “‘T swear that you shall receive him—that you shall keep your pledge to become his wife. And more—I swear to you that if you are obstinate, ment, while I prove what a generous husband I | hall be a 8 ; ‘* Your father threatened. to bring you this fellow’s head for a bridal present. I pledge you my word to do even more than that, for I will convey him here, aliveand unharm Heshall be one of the witnesses to our happy espo' he shall wish us joy, and, if you are on extra good behavior, he may even be permitted to salute the bride—after the happy bridegroom, of course. Now—am I not magnanimous? and his low, taunting laugh rung out insolently. Inez made no reply. It seemed as though she must suffocate. Herbrain reeled and she would have fallen but for the support afforded by the high-backed chair beside her. Don Estevan started as though to assist her, but at a sharp | order from the ruffian he sunk back, with a groan of bitterness. It seemed as though the sound of that hated voice acted as a stimulaut | to the almost fainting maiden. She drew her proud form erect and met his sneering glance usal— | you have him learn your mad folly?” grated or Californian, lifting Inez to her feet by main orce. Don Estevan had spoken the truth. Thou through no mercy of the dead ruffian, the lead- en missile had merely his skull, tearing through the scalp and momentarily s i him, but not seriously injuring him. Now he opened his eyes and faintly raised his head with a wondering air. ‘* Beware!” cried Don Estevan, authoritative- ly; ‘‘remember your master’s orders—on your life do not injure him! Bind him securely and bring him to the house—blindfolded, mind. You have already exceeded your orders.” ‘‘ And if he did, the poor devil has paid for it with his life—thanks to that wildcat of yours,” insolently growled one of the men. The Californian made no reply to this rude speech, but placed Inez — her mustang, springing into his own saddle, and gallo away, holding. firmly to her bridie-rein. that I, with my own hands, will kill this ac- | with one of open defiance. Reaching the stone buil he dismounted, cursed heretic, and bring you his bloody head ‘* Now I will proceed,” coolly resumed Fiery | and half-carried, half-led his hter into the for a bridal present!” , resolved on enjoying tothe full his re- | house, placing her upon the in her own **You will make me a murderess as well, | venge for all former coldness and slights. ‘In | roemand eg p= the housekeeper to attend then,” slowly uttered Inez, as though the words | just one week from this I shall have ae | toher. Inez lay still in what seemed a sort of issued with difficulty. ‘‘If a single hair of his | inreadiness for our wedding. There will be a stupor, and v anxious for her welfare, Don head is harmed, I swear never to know rest until I have had revenge, deep and bitter—ay! even against you, my father!” * Very prettily spoken! If all other arts fail Aci fair lady, you van make your fortuneupon @ stage. Father and daughter started at the sound of that soft, musical voice. Fiery Fred was lean- ing carelessly against the door-post, half laugh- | little laugh, Fiery Fred stepped toward her. | fellow—instead of following the others in their & ing, half sneering at the tableau he had inter- | Contrary to his evident e tation, the maiden | exit, coolly dropped into an easy-chair beside rupted. Inez was the to recover, and in a | made no — to avoid his approach; instead | the table. ‘‘ You heard what I said?” demanded clear, ringing tone she spoke: ‘she pushed aside the heavy chair, a cold smile | the Californian, his face flushin , hotly. “You are intrudin g, sir; begone, or I will ‘summon the servants to teach you common po- liteness!” = t would be as a great deal of useless trouble, ay love; and I fear the poor fellows would find me rather an untractable pupil,” sneered the outlaw. ‘**Father, order him to leave the house!” im- petuously cried Inez, turning pale with anger. “If father is wise, he will do no such thing,” and as he spoke, the former languid inSolence a ge an air of stern authority, as he closed oe oor rss ve ane tag on nd —e ending ipping is pocket. 5 nie-thare?” be added, impatiently, as the Californian made a ee him. “For once in our lives let us be honest together, and cond eather ‘ag tomainas Wey Se ere wasted, too muc ing and. not near enough action. I am tired of this ie ragehsh <a and my lady—you are really in n of a pecan die Reape r ** Senor Don Gonzalo—in my own house—!” **In your house? shall E call the servants and ask them who is their master, you or I?” sneered the ruffian. ‘‘ Peace! you have triec your way, and failed, most miserably; it is my , now. Lam going to play the limits, this time—break or e. Tosatisfy you that 1 know my game, listen: ** You, Don Estevan, are a forger, a defaulter, vl tea dnt dhe pe your head. You, my dear, to insure my silence, have pledged yourself to be- come my wife. I know that youdo not love me quite to distraction—-I heard enough to deter- mine all doubts, before coming in, just now. Well, to tell the simple truth, I am rather glad of that; there is so much more pleasure in store pri holy enough to satisfy your every scruple. The one particular witness will also be here. In the meantime, I don’t think it would be good for your health to take too much exer- cise, and I 1 leave orders to that effect. You will save yourself considerable annoyance if you bear this fact in mind.” He paused, but Inez made no reply. With a upon her face. Then, quick as thought, she 7 hone forward and struck heavily at his t, a glittering dagger in her han But something in her eyes had warned the ruffian of peril, and he Fy poe le t her descending hand, wrenching it so that the wea- pon dropped to the floor, and she turned sick and dizzy. Then his arms were closed around Senge lips were pressed upon hers for one instant. “A kiss for a blow,” he laughed, stooping and securing the jeweled r. ‘‘ And now, my darling, —— As for you, Don Este- van, I must trouble you to bear me company. have a few words for your private ear.” Like one in a dream, the Californian followed him from the room. CHAPTER XXVII. A DISAGREEABLE SITUATION. InEz uttered a scream of alarm as the gang of ruffians burst upon them so suddenly, and sprung toward her snorting mustang, ht be- ing her action But this ny. oO Bae mentary. Naturally courageous an ed, her training since early childhood ‘bad been such as had rendered her wonderfully self-re- liant and devoid of fear. She turned to see the young miner hampered by a dozen arms, only to free himself by a tremendous effort—to hurl aside his assailants as though they were mere children—to follow up his momentary advan- tage, striking down two burly ruffians with blows of his clenched fists, that sounded like the dull thud-thud_ of a horse’s hoofs upon the springy turf. But then, as though fearful of losing him after all, one of the cursing despera- his pistol almost against the miner’s | the approach of the Estevan did not leave her side until he heard Ned Allen. ‘Meeting them at the entrance, he signed them to lead the prisoner into a room upon the left. “Put him in that chair: unbind his eyes. Now you can go; but keep close to the house,” he added, as his orders were promptly obeyed, save that one man—a short, villainous-l “I don’t reckon I’m quite deef, boss,” grinned the fellow, pan Out @ glass full of liquor. ‘*T hearn you, but I hearn a louder voice fas, I take my orders from your s’perior, I d he said, ‘ Weasel,’ said he, ‘don’t you let the old man i en one single word to that feller as — hone an’ pawl An’ _— the orders Ym go erry out, too. on with your rat-killin’—an’ I’ll boss the job.” For a moment it seemed’ as though the Cali- fornian would spring upon the insolent boor, but Ned heard a sharp click, and glancing in that direction he saw that Weasel was covering Don Estevan with a cocked revolver. “You cain’t come no en, boss,” he chuckled. = Beenie chil ently to trust himself to the Californian turned abruptly lah Alten, thenceforward acting as though the outlaw v.Seruecian ws peeleh cain cial at ‘When we senor, I did not e to meet you again, so soon.” ” ‘And now that we have met, perhaps you deed pl nomena ty yo why I am here, a bound prisoner—why I was ambushed like a dog—after your swearin oe the cross of your faith to keep the peace?’ demanded Ned, only the remembrance that Inez’ father stood before ag casper the bitter taunts that rose to s lips. “Look!” cried Don Estevan, brushing the hair from his temples and touching a livid welt upon his brow. ‘‘ You speak of trace—this was made by a bullet, no pwey than yesterday, and one of your friends it!” “You must mean young Grey,” hove replied Ned, startled at this proof of how bi gum-game on thic chick- “ Orders is orders—an’ i aaa does thrust head—she h the report—she saw Allen fling Sees Seoee Sin Fal) Dock wart ithe & Cond. Sani or one instant she stood as oe a petrified; then, with an inarticulate scream she sprung to for me—in other words, it_will be amusing gb pens Ep adage You see I am per- ectly frank with you, I don’t love you—I mever did, probably never will; and had you terly earnest Zabdiel was in his gg igs “But you cannot b us q You were warned by him Before yq oe ite self. You knew that he had 5; '
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~ ayer es ee ee ; ; j : ee, ee _.* of my dress! q —— Beadle’s Dime Library. **He was one of your party,” coldly replied a Estevan. ‘‘ But even adtaitting the Sand yoice, though low, grew deep and menacing By torn aed have ae t the ace trying to set my own child against me - ing her mind with 7° este teaching her to def and betray me! ough to doom you to deat eae ne | cried, ; anger running over; ' but then he remembered that to justify himself e he must in a measure implicate Inez, and he said _ normore. __ *T know what you would say,” resumed the “Calif in a calmer voice. ‘‘I know that in a wild fit of romantic gratitude—nothing _-more—my daughter thought to cancel my debt of tude by warning you of some peril, or visionary, it matters not now. Had the matter ended there, I should have been con- tent to have overlooked it. But you must come ‘spying upon my house—you lure my child into - another secret interview. She is young and ‘romantic—she is only a child, as I may say. Who you may be, I know nothing and care less; Stent hi ; you are of a different religion from ‘ours. That is a bar sufficient against all inter- course. You must pledge me yoursacred honor ‘ou will never to her by word or by letter. io this and you may that “i will never attempt to meet her again of go free—” _~ *T reckon Fiery Fred’ll hev a word or two to say n’ that,” interposed Weasel, sharply. *Give me the pledge, and I swear by my dead mother’s soul that you shall go free, no tter who comes between,” said Don Estevan, a low, resolute tone, paying no attention to the interruption. * And if I refuse?” “You will die the death of a dog! Listen: my daughter is betrothed to the man whom you know as Fiery Fred; she gavea willing consent long before she saw you. In two days from this e— ' ghe will become his wif ** That day will never come!” uttered a thrill- ing voice from the doorway, where Inezsudden- lyappeared. “I hate and loathe the creature name so utterly that I would rather die Na havea finger of his hand touch one thread ut you, my friend,” and her voice softened like magic, ‘‘ give the promise asks. You must not sacrifice your life—” “J would rather die for you t live for any one else!” impulsively cried Allen. ‘‘ Re- member this—d or living, I love you—” With a furious curse Don Estevan sprung forward and smote the prisoner’s lips with a force that brought the blood; but it did not hinder Ned from reading aright the glad glow that filled the maiden’s eyes at his pote te tion. Look to him, men!” hissed the infuriated oon “If he dares utter one word, blow his out! He hastened to the door and grasping the girl’s arm, thrust her before him until within her chamber, when he turned the key upon her, witha ting curse, before he hastened back to the coher room. ‘The , contrairy fool wouldn’t so much as open lips!” snarled Weasel, in a tone of as though he felt defrauded of a deserved treat. “Be silent!” sternly uttered Don Estevan; then turning Allen, whose eyes were still filled with a joyous exultation. ‘‘ As for you, fool! I tried hard tosave your life, but you committed suicide in spite of me. ‘ After these ae, Alpes shall never leave this roof alive, even though my own hand must silence lips. And yet—bah! Iam a fool for pity- after this. I will wash my hands of the Fiery Fred will be here to-night, business. ee in his hands, to deal with he sees fit.” JT do not careso much what you do with me,” said Ned, slowly. “‘Iamaman, and can bear it. Butfor the memory of the mother that bore you! monet sacrifice your daughter to that through his comrades to the room. Don Estevan did not but motioned them to bring the captive, soa light in he led the to an under- wa cell, cool but dry. in which Ned Allen eas thrust, his hands still bound behind him. Tee taily died away, and. he found. himoo away, a A dooased to death! AN EVENTFUL NIGHT. lost little time in getting to Ned\Allen set out u his eventful alread so much time one came others would follow, like vultures to a of Lane, who quickly secured it—a rough peb- dead body. | ble, nearly the size of a hen’s egg. This fact, too, will serve toexplain why Fiery | ‘‘It came from beyond the river,” he whis- Fred was so determined in his resolve to ‘‘clean | pered, as he announced his discovery. . “Scatter out” the entire party, since an influx of miners outa little, but keep within sound of a whisper. would render it nec for him to abandon | There’s mischief brewing.” ; his present a. for others less congenial. “*Jt’s only some more durn foolin’,” growled Scarce half an hour after resuming work, | Gospel George. ‘‘ Ef they meant business, they Grumbling Dick gave a yell of delight, as he | wouldn’t stop to tell us they was a-comin’ this- dropped upon his knees and began burrowing a-way. Ef it was only light enough to tell in the dirt with all the rness of a terrier black from white, I'd fetch one o’ them dirty scenting a rat. ran Sock the others crowded . imps ef it killed me!” around; they knew that there could be but one | here was no reply made, for at that moment cause. | a small but brilliant light became visible upon ‘**Good Lawd! jest look at them ’ar!” gasped | the hillside, dancing to and fro, leaping sudden- Dick, brushing the streaming perspiration from | ly from point to point, now remaining apparent- his eyes with one hand, holding the other, cap- | ly suspended’in mid-air, soon after to be whirl- shaped, up beforethe sparklingeyes of his com- | ing around in a wide,circle. The miners-looked rades. ‘Ain't them the raal beauties? an’ sharply, but not oné could detect the agency thar’s more whar they come from—you bet!” that controlled the eccentric light. Noone ap- The exultant digger had chanced upon a veri- | ed to be moving near it, and when motion- table ‘* pocket” of gold, where the flat, smooth- | less, the fire clearly lighted the rocks and bushes worn ‘‘ ” lay nearly as thick as plums in | for twenty yards around. or the moment it seem- “Keep a look-out behind, boys!” suddenly y muttered Lane. ‘‘This may be a trick to— velous tales of ‘‘ gold by the mule-load!” with | Ha!” which veteran ’49-ers were so fond of “stuffing” | Even as he spoke, a brilliant ball of fire a greenhorns, but ten minutes of eager toil sufficed to burst into existence almost aireotiy: to exhaust the ‘‘ pocket.” The result was near- | above them, falling tothe ground nearly in their ly a quart of golden beans. midst, blazing fiercely and emitting an unplea- The excitement of thisdiscovery brought Gos- | sant odor. « pel George to their aid, though he was still stiff ‘Look out!” screamed Gospel George, as he and sore from his wounds and bruises. Hoping | scrambled hastily toward the rifle-pit. ‘The with each stroke of the pick to unearth another | durned thing ’ll bu’st, or somethin’!” ket, the five men worked wonders, even af- That the ball of fire was not without its r Gospel George had left them in disgust. | mission, was soon discovered. Following the And after a time Picard, the wounded miner, | words of Gospel core almost immediately, a ged him to relieve him for a little while, de- | dozen firearms from the hillside vomited “forth claring himself fit for work. But the poor fel- | their contents, the shrill whistling of bullets low’s will was stronger than his body, and from | being plainly audible to the startled miners, that time on the twomen kept guard over the | who for the moment were too bewildered to little pile of weapons together. move. The day drew to an end, and Harry Lane be- ‘*Take to the hole an’ give’em as good as they to grow anxious at the long absence of Al- | send!” cried Gospel George, his rifle speaking en. As the sun set the men quit work and re- | out sharply. turned to camp, all but Harry in high feather |} These words seemed to recall the miners to over their g progress and better fortune. their senses, and all made a hasty dash for. the ‘* Ef thar was only a bank, or a’spress office | sheltering trench, save Alf. Picard. With anywhar nigh, so’s we could putt the stuff in a | greater coolness than the rest, he scrambled for- sate place,” muttered Dick, as the beans were | ward and attempted to stamp out the fireball. placed with the other gold. | He succeeded, but it was only to sink to the ‘“They’s a safer place right under your eyes, ; ground witha ing groan, as another volley ef you’d only think so,” quietly uttered Gospel | came from the hillside. Witha cry of horrified George. ‘‘ Jest tie the stuff upan’ putt itin one | indignation, Harry Lane left his shelter and 0’ them old iron pots, an’ sink it out thar in the | catching the poor fellow up in his arms, bore drink. Ef the boss was right in sayin’ one o’ us | him into the trench. fellers wasn’t on the squar’—an’ it do look that-| ‘‘It’s no use—I’ve got it, here,” he faintly a-way, I must say !—ef so, then the cuss couldn’t | near ae see, Sp hand to his breast, where levant with the gold so easy'as he mought now. | the fatal bullet had pierced him through. *‘If Jest sink it, an’ putt a little float-stick to show | you live—through this—my wife—tell her I whar.” | didn’t forgit—” This suggestion was eagerly seized upon. An The miner’s voice failed him as the blood advantage was that the women could always | welled up in his throat. There was a gasping keep an eye be ay the spot, while the men were | struggle, inexpressibly horrible to the others in absent at work. By the timesupper was ready, | that intense darkness—and then the limbs re- the ‘deposit ” was made to the satisfaction of | laxed, the head fell heavily, and all present all. sacrifi knew that one more life had been ificed to Harry Lane could scarcely wait for supper, | the manes of gold. so anxious was he for the safety of his friend Gently the corpse was laid outside the trench and catching up his weapons he started.toward | no longer needing its protection. Not one of the pass, closely followed by Gospel George. | the survivorsspoke. Silence, too, reigned upon The night was setting in, dark and almost star- | the hillside. e light had vanished, the rifles less, threatening a storm. were stilled—darkness covered evérything. ‘*T’m dub’ous he’s got intosome trouble,” mut- | Jotham Grey noiselessly crept away to reassure tered Gospel George, as they reached the end of | his women. The others kept their places within the without any discovery. ‘‘He’d never | the rifle-pit, nor was a word spoken for several ought to went alone. Them dirty Fiery Fred’s hev bin lookin’ fer jest some sech ; an eager w ee chaince. Afeard to tackle us fa’r an’ squar’, ‘** Look yonder! out to’rds the lone tree!” they count on pickin’ us off one by one—durn | From the direction indicated there shone a sech a Injun way o’ doin’!”’ faint, hazy light, indistinct in shape. A mo- ‘‘If they have harmed him, there shall be a | ment later this vanished, only to reappear still heavy reckoning!” grated Lane. ‘‘I will hunt | nearer. And then, as the miners breathlessly him and his gang to the very ends of the earth | watched, they could catch the faint echoes of but what I will fave revenge!” what seemed a heavy footfall upon the springy & : F i i= F 2, S 3 FI A ‘* An’ you kin count me in, boss,” quietly add- | turf. ed 1 George. ‘‘A whiter man neverlived , ‘‘Git your barkers ready!” muttered Gospel then him!” * Geo cautiously. ‘‘ They’s hot work a-com- ? Reluctantly Lane retraced his steps, knowing | in’! "Bat don’t shoot cutel I give the word— that nothing could be done before daylight. | easy, now!” Closely watched as they undoubtedly were, to! Asif by magic the figure of a man stood be- venture a search now would be little short of | fore them, scarce two-score yards distant, a suicide. bluish flame playing around him, issuing from According to the recent agreement, a council | his mouth, flickering in the gentle breeze as he was held, but it was an empty form, since none | steadily advanced. i of the party had any charges to make. After ible, and it needed not the fierce, grating this was over. Lane announced his inten- | curse that broke from Gospel George’s lips to tion to take the tra in search — bane w — ; - : < comrade at day-dawn, unless, happily, he shoul ‘*Sorrel-top—Fiery Fred!” such was x hevle. ; “Now!” yelled Gospel George, pulling os r re The fires were allowed to die down, but there | ger. : was little oe are of sleeping. Theunexplained | Click—click went the hammers, but not one absence of Ned Allen touched them too reser | weapon exploded! Again—and as before, only Even Gospel George was silent and evidently ill | the caps were bursted! at ease ; A horrible curse broke from Gospel George’s ‘* What was that?’ suddenly cried Lane, as a | lips as he flung down his pistol, and draeiag slight sound broke the oppressive silence; but | a knife he sp toward the phosphorescent though all heard it, none could reply satisfac- | figure, closely followed by the miners. Yor toril one instant it seemed as though the man | Switiay toward. tke lake and plunged, sont swi Ww e in, head- tovephoet. = 3 ‘*He cain’t git off—follow close!” yelled Gose 1 Geo: Pe Stop!” thundered Lane. “ ae only a trick followed—from Tom to scatter us—back to the snakes of | minutes; not until Gospel George broke out with — His face was plainly vis- ”
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eisai — ly a ee Le Age ., a Z Gospel George. 23 CHAPTER XXIX. FOLLOWING THE TRAIL. party that failed to promptly obey the com- as | of Harry Lane. Without a moment’s es. “An’ that’s the eend o’ him!” muttered Grumbling Dick, as they once more resumed their stations ‘in the rifle-pit. ‘*The boss said they was a traitor ’mong us, an’ now I knows it—the bigger fools we fer lettin’ him blind us so long! ‘Treachery there has been,” slowly respond- ¢ ed Lane; ‘‘ foul and cunning treachery, but I cannot believe that Gospel George is the guilty one. What could be his object? ae has fought for us, has been badly wound- ‘*T don’t reckon you’ve ever see’d these wounds, hev you?’ dryly added Barnes. ‘‘ An’ } what was the reason our weepons didn’t go off? ?eause somebody ’d doctored ’em. Who could ’a’ did it? Just one o’ two persons—the two as war left alone with ’em this afternoon; Gospel “ George an’ poor dead Alf. Picard.” : “It may, possibly, have been an accident,” Be): said Harry, yet evidently struck by the clear- ness of Grumbling Dick’sreasoning. ‘‘ Thecaps may have got wet, or have fallen off. Keep a close look-out while I seé.” A hasty examination—through the sense of touch—assured Harry that the tubes were still capped. Holding the weapon close to the groun he tried each cylinder. Two of the caps ha been snapped before; the other four burst with force. “That settles it!” muttered Lane, sternly. ‘*Draw closer, boys, and rig up some sort of a screen—a couple of blankets will do. Two of you hold them—so! the rest must keep a close watch. Those devils may be down upon us at any moment!” - Harry was not idle while giving these direc- tions. Hastily collecting a few dry splinters, he struck a match and kindled a fire beneath the blankets held by his two comrades, His brow darkened as he examined his pistol. The traitor had not slurred overhiswork. Each tube of the weapon was crowded full of a stiff clay, yet so neatly done that the mischief could only be de- et tected by a close examination. A stout pin } ily put the weapon in order, and then arry turned his attention tothe others, They, also, had been ae ea the earae was equally as easy, and then the miners began to , breaths freely once more. If the enemy intend- pt ed an assault, they would be warmly received. t ‘“ What ’re you goin’ to do about it?” persisted Dick Barnes, as the fire was extinguished and the little party settled down once more to their i watch. eps im t can be done? what proof have we are any person? True, he was left alone th the weapons; but when we were sinkin the gold out yonder, all our weapons were left on shore; and neither you nor I went into the a water. He might just as well accuse us two, as ai we him; or there is poor Picard. No, Dick, we a have made mistakes enough. If he returns, we must watch, but say nothing. If he does not—’" A low, cautious whistle came to their ears, followed by one of the which had been used by them in their hunt for the had delivered the first message —.... ¢ “Remember!” whispered Lane, warningly, , as he answered the si A moment later 1 George entered the trench and silently ater a wet, dripping ob- ject into Lane’s hand. peculiar thrill crept — young manas he felt thatit was human hair. \ ** You needn’t be skeered, boss,” said Gospel Geo’ with a faint chuckle, ‘‘’Tain’t no live skelp—I wish it was! I overtuck the pizen crit- ter out thar, in the water, an’ ee when thought I hed him dead to rights, the thing an’ he sli me, by divin’. I hearn when an’ struck after ’im, but he was too sdople fer me, an’ got off in the dark. You hain’t none o’ ye seen my pistol round here? I drapped the dratted thing when it played off on me, ‘ Ours did the same—we found the tubes had been plugged up with clay,” quietly uttered If George was not innocent, his aston- ishment was a perfect bit of acting, so much so “that even Grumbling Dick did not utter a word **T cain’t see into it,” muttered the old man. “Thar was my rifle—they ar as much chaince at a others; an’ yit yelped out loud ; “ Didn’t you wash it out, this even JP eubdenly ekei Tom Wenn at’s it! an’ the water must ’a’ soaked out I vy? ’t help us any—how thar, an’ who putt itin? That's what we to find out!” GosPEL GEORGE was the only one of the hesitation he plunged into the water, vanish- ing almost immediately from view of his com- and within another half-hour he reached the ridge from which Ned Allen kad caught his first. glimpse of the stone building. After a brief scrutiny, the march was re- sumed, the work now being comparatively easy. Ned, in running along to intercept Inez, had left. a broad trail. **I knowed it!” muttered Gospel the huge bowlder was reached. ‘*The led into a trap—look at the blood!” ‘It may not have been his,” faltered Lane, deeply moved. ; In silent answer 5 George pointed to a dark object lying half neath a rock. grasped it up, with a low groan. It was the hat worn by the missing miner. “He may have only been wounded—he may be a prisoner,” he muttered, grasping at the faintest hope. : ‘It may be, but ’mdub’ous, Look!” and the scout pointed to a pile of rocks hastily.thrown together. “They’s a dead man kivered up thar _ vane see cca ll ithout a word Harry sprung forward and be tearing aside the rough stones, resolved on learning the truth, however bitter. But at that instant a crushing weight seemed to fall upon his head, and a low, taunting laugh rung in his.ear; then all was blackness. CHAPTER XXX. WHAT A WOMAN CAN Do. EVER since the capture of Edward Allen, and her steady refusal to bind herself as her father wished, Inez de Mendoza had been kept a close prisoner in her chamber, She was suffered to see no one save her father and the old house- J keeper, who was, the Californian felt firmly as- . sured, entirely devoted to his interests. And peony she would have justified this confi- ence had not gold been still dearer to her heart than fidelity. Of gold Inez had more than en- ough to win over her janitress to aid her in an even more dangerous plan than the one she had conceived—which was to set the young miner free. Beyond this, Inez did not dare even whis- per to her own heart, though she, all the same packed up her few little treasures and sec them about her person. If he should ask her to share his flight—and had he not said that he would rather die for her than live for any other woman? When Inez had secured the aid of eld Maria, as the housekeeper was called, she quickly ' learned that far greater obstacles stood in the way of her success than she had calculated upon. Fiery Fred had taken almost entire pos- session of the place. Such of the servants as he could not trust to implicitly obey his orders were promptly placed where they were power- less to work him mischief with either hand or jw. pe Nearly two-thirds of his band were stationed at the house, with strict orders to stop Ely. all persons attempting to enter or leave the < eae yg he or she bore a pass signed by “Talking will not mend the matter,” inter- Harry. ‘‘Let it drop, now. To-morrow we willlook itover. I think I have a clew that will lead us to the truth.” ‘* Ef you do find the dirty sneak, jest let me hey the fust lick at him, boss!” begged the old man. ‘‘ Only fer him I’d’a’ made sure work o’ that pizen imp—!” ‘You think it was Fiery Fred?” “Yes; I don’t reckon thar’s many men in his g as would think o’ tryin’ sech a trick, even et they did know our weepons hed bin fixed. S’pose we’d thought o’ sech a thing a little air- her? or ef I hedn’t—like a durned buil-headed fool!—emptied my rifle at them rocks over yan- der—whar would he ’a’ bin now?” The party soon relapsed into complete silence. The knowledge that at least one traitor was among them, and possibly even then plottin more mischief, was notan agreeable feeling, an not one of the number but ney. welcomed the first light of day as it encircled the mountain The dead miner was laid gently in the trench and covered with a blanket for the present. Jotham Gray joined them, saying that his bro- ther had not been disturbed by the night alarm, — that the women would soon have breakfast ready. Harry Lane drew Grumbling Dick aside and spoke to him earnestly. He was going out to search for some signs of Ned Allen, and Dick must take charge of the camp during his absence. Picard must be buried, though it would be bet- ter not to attempt any other work. “Let me go ‘long with you, ruther then him.” ‘*No; I can trust you here, but I can’t him. I’A vather have him under my eye, all the time. Hist! not a word!” Gospel George approached them, showing the revolver whica he hadrecovered. Like the rest, it had been tampered with. ‘“‘ Put it in order,” quietly said Lane. ‘sWe may have use for it this morning. You will go with me to look after Allen?” ol George gave a prompt assent, and no more was said on the subject until after break- fast. Lane spoke to each of the meninturn and warned them to extra caution. In silence the two men left the valley by the pass taken <d Ned Allen, nor was a word spoken until Gospel George abruptly paused beside a large bowlder, pointing out two clearly-defined footprints. , ** They’re his’n. Hestopped here—leaned back ag’in’ the rock—theim bits o’ fuzz came from his shirt. I reckon we’ll take up the trail from this peint, ef you’re ’greeable, boss.” “You can’t follow it over these rocks!” ex- claimed Harry, despondently. “ A horse would- n’t leave a trail!” “It may be slow work, but I kin do it,” quiet- ly replied the old scout. ‘‘They’s a heap o’ things [ don’t know nothin’ about, but they ain’t follerin’ a trail. It’s the gift I’m proudest of. You show me one eend of a trail, an’ I'll show you t/other, ef you’re willin’ to trust me. Which is it?” ; “Go on. There is no other chance. One ighs hunt a month among these rocks without ing anything!” | “That de-pends on his style o’ workin’. Now you watch me, an’ you’ll know somethin’ more about the skience o’ trailin’ when we git through.” , as was rapidly, and the two men began to despair. No. Maria She knew the The scout seemed to forget all else in the in- | —provided she, was well paid Hy eee of his Sy nly stoopi pert as ae grec 5 alin huis ae why along, reading the si y , where, loo ous ve e gold can hold in i keenly as he might, could ver abso- | both hands, cd you save her life cried Don Es- : u no , eagerly. ‘ “It’s a asI said afore,” uttered Gospel “Swear it!” muttered Maria, roducing @ @ oeeks, h a low laugi as he straightened | cross from her pocket. o 4 himself to rest his back. ‘It’s a gift, an’ you| The oath was taken, and a substantial advance ae, hain’t got it, while I hey—an’ thar lays the hull | placed in her skinny paw. Then she made known . difference. Ef a man ain't born a scout, all the | her requirements. She must be allowed to go oat practice in the world won’t make him wuth | forth in search of a certain plant, the roots of f shucks when it comes to pickin’ up a blind | which were absolutely necessary to complete a a trail. Ef I was only sure the boss was all cure. That secured, she would Lrg no bee fn then Ea | at oi ca work. But ’m wow y the boy’s| ‘Im see the ” my run into trouble. Mebbe you don’t know it, but | Fiery Fred, with a halon: * Otherwise a rong ape 9 neha cer right vou ‘ll ae u) pee spb g rma beh ig be curious to. jet e shanty o greaser feller. ou don ollow to learn your great secret, reckon he had any thoughts o’ her?’ Old Savin cathotty “hs “ He started out tolook for her. That dog be- refusal would have 1] to her, I believe,” slowly replied Lane. pel —— made no reply, but a shade crept over his face, and from t moment on his of quaint remarks ceased, fire nor did he speak — unti Hee m hpi a4 ange ale i ah Lane his e. “You will hold that for me. Dve got to do some close work here. Mind an’ don’t come too "\ftarry's samicions, ‘which bed all slong, beer s ions, Ww gradually lessening, as he noted the intense earnestness displayed by the trailer, were en- tirely set at rest by voluntary disarm- ing. Surely a traitor would not so carelessly piace Teneers. Wiherty at, the meruy. of the be- oA Dah my ykemere sont he iu pope te cake ena) oe Bi Aaa Mirae TE SS Mee ee ha ee St Sab bale =i ee Se eee
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‘ Beadle’s Dime Library. the house than he would had the bridal not been | He cocked his ‘pistol, but before it could be departure given by Fi before his 'y relieved from his fears for his daugh- ter’s passa Paige Estevan ateand drank h y that e ; so much so, that when the major- domo entered, as usual, to ask his commands before retiring, he found his master asleep and _gnoring most melodiously, a half-empty giass wine in ocenige ane old Fad yer was or a philosopher, and instead of awaking the master, and thus earning a. dutiful cursing, he ven a jong pull at the decanter and noiselessly ithdrew. noni f afterward Inez awoko, and Maria assured her all was working well. The entire household were asleep, and there would be no in setting the captive free—the diffi- would begin only after they had left the ‘Trembling betwixt hope and fear, Inez has- tened her “ tions, and then with Maria, stole silen iY tholig to the stairs that led to the cells below. They did not dare take a light, Jest some one of Fiery Fred’s men should dis- cover them; but old ia was familiar enough ‘ with the passage to render such aid unnecessary. The heavy key was turned and the door flung open. A lIcw, startled c em. “Hush!” promptly muttered Maria; Inez was too deeply agitated for speech. ‘‘We are friends, senor, and come to save you. Take this cloak—wrap it closely around you—so. Now— here are weapons—your own knife and pistols. ‘They are ready for use; and remember—if you are Eiken again, you are lost, beyond all hope. One word more. I have risked my life to save — If you are reca — which our lessed Lady forbid!—remember that the life of an old woman depends on your silence. There —no words. Follow us and step haar? iad oe oad rrr too none ered sd speech, but grasping weapons a resolve Been boii beg er a reed ie epee ‘ollow “4, gwar the stairs and through the aerith haxs (f lips, Maria opened th a r upon her lips, opened the hall door, just wide enough for the tives to slip through. Then closing, but without re- placing the bolts and bars, she stole silently back to her young mistress’ chamber, drained a gob- let standing there, and then lay down upon her et, a satisfied smile upon her wrinkled face. less than five minutes she, too, was sleeping soundly. Inez paused in the deep shade just without the door; but nothing suspicious met her ear. Then she whispered: ** Keep close to me, but do not speak a word, no matter what happens. “If any one4liscovers leave me to do the talking. Now, come!” oiselessly she crossed the court-y: not to the massive gate, but to a point of the wall where a light rope-ladder hung to the ground. Up this she mounted, closely followed by the miner. There was nothing suspicious to seen, no living being in sight. Inez chan the ladder and descended, her heart beating high hope. *‘ Listen,” she whispered, softly, her hand eames Is ‘There are wicked, cun- men watching all around us. If we can them unobserved, well and good. We will pass on until you are safe with your friends. you and they must flee—to return, if you shoose, with enough force to insure yoursafety. If we are discovered, then leave me to face them. Saar Sharla ne bor me—and I care little so that you escape them. Promise me—” “Together, alive or dead!” came an earnest nd srk as a strong hand closed upon hers. might possibly have become a tender scene, was moo checked by a low, careless Ww! apparently drawing nearer them. Crouc ow down in the shadow, they awaited the result. A man close by an soft tune, little dreaming how di was, and leisurely strolled on, in the gloom. ** Come,” whispered Inez. “‘ Keep in the sha- on lg me roe ll we can reach those tly! Thus far Pro — had gps them —— beyond utmost hopes; but now came 2. Just before the fugitives reached the friendly bushes, the shadowy a. of a man arose from their covert, and a tone that showed his suspicions were aroused, demanded their business and their names. ** Silence!” muttered Inez, springing lightly before her companion; then spea ing to the sentinel in the harsh, cracked tones of old Maria, she replied: “The senorita is worse, and I am going af- ter a fresh supply of roots to make her another t— 4g i's played out, pritty,” coarsely laughed : —none other the keen-eyed ‘*You’re tryin’ to give the boss the ’twon’t work. Back ye go—who’s with ye? Speak, or I'll plug ye—” brought to a lével, Inez spree forward and buried a keen knife to the very haft in his throat. Death-stricken, Weasel fell like a log, but as the pistol dropped from his nerveless hand, it exploded. As though stupefied by what she had done, Inez stood ve a ot so the miner. He heard a shrill whistle caught up and echoed back from a dozen different points, and knew that an instant’s delay would ruinall. Passing anarm around the maiden’s waist, he sprung into the bushes, and then took in the situation at a glance. The path to the house was open, and, more- over, the shadows were deeper there. It would lead them further from the valley camp, but i tour when Still holding caaosieae Gaal cn har fetertaces A co! on promptness. der of mad rage came from the clump of hes. The outlaws had found their dead 2. The sound seemed to arouse Inez, and the fear of capture to lend wings to their feet. Side by side the itives left the cover of the house and ran tly up the valley. For a few moments it seemed as though they would —_ unseen; but then a loud yell, accompa- nied y several pistol-shots, told tthe outlaws had sighted their game. on, the fugitives soon entered a thinly scattered patch of bushes and stunted trees, and abruptly changing their course, hop- ing thus to their pursuers, they glided across the valley. This ruse e fair to suc- ceed, as the outlaws passed on beyond the point where the trail diverged. But the fates seemed against the fugitives. Just as they rig mounting the yf oe Inez stepped upon a loose stone and fell heavily, with an involuntary cry of pain. The young miner instantly lifted her in his arms, but an exultant yell from the valley told him that he was again discovered. one, he could have escaped with comparative ease, but in justice it must be said that not for one instant did such an idea enter his mind. He struggled on as best he could, bearing Inez in his arms, but he knew that five minutes more would bring the infuriated outlaws upon his back. Almost despairing, he glanced around him. Just in front, crowning the low ridge, was a huge bowlder. If fight he must, thi would be a good point. ey top,” murmured Incz, as he came to a t. The hint was promptly ty Sa With a des- perate exertion of strength, the young miner succeeded in scaling the rock, bearing Inez ben his shoulder, and then quickly cut the vines that had aided his ascent. ‘* Back!” he shouted, as the leading outlaw dashed nearer. ‘‘I will kill the man that—” Inez uttered a loud cry, and snatched the gloak from his shoulders. CHAPTER XXXII. GRUMBLING DICK TO THE FRONT. ‘*T KNOWED it! Didn’t I tell ye so? didn’t I say from the very fust minnit we set eyes on the cussed, long legged, ongainly brute that he wasafraud? Didn’t I say so over ag’in when we lost our mules? An’ hain’t I said the same thing over an’ over in ten thousand times sence—that he was playin’ bugs onto us? Didn’t I —sa-ay?’ and Grumbling Dick flung his battered old hat to the ground, stamping upon it and glaring fiercely at the three men who stood gloomily before him. ‘‘I jest did, and you cain’t deny it, nuther. But no—you fellers all thought me a blunder-headed lunytick, an’ that the sun jest nat’ally riz an’ sot in his britches! An’ now whar be ye? Whar’s the cap’n—whar’s Lane—whar’s all the rest o’ the boys— whar’s—” ’ “That's enough, Dick Barnes,” inte Tom Weston, his face flushing hotly. ‘‘ What has happened is bad enough, without your crowdin’ the thing intothe ground. If we were careless and dull-witted, you were no better. How long has it been since you war b hamocenr a reg’lar sarmon over this same Gospel George?” “The hull thing is bad enough, God knows!” inte Jack Hoover, “ lin’ henge ourselves won’t make it any better. Whar were fooled, nobody cain’t be blamed afore an- other. Instead of sparrin’ *bout. what is past an’ cain’t be helped, we'd better be thinkin’ of what lays afore us.” t was the evening of the day on which Harry Lane and Gospel George had set forth together in search of Ned Allen, or of somesign by which his long disappearance might be accounted for. Soon after their departure, preparations were made for the burial of poor Alfred Picard. A grave was dug close beside that other, which contained the ies of his one-time friends and comrades, and with rvndst Blak the gold-dig- ers lowered the lifeless clay to its last earthly ome. Sad as had been the former burial, this was even more gloomy, though there were no words spoken, no tears shed. Yet each heart was heavy and sick. How long before the would be even as he? The shadow of deus seemed hanging over them, descending, slowly but surely. Was there a-curse upon that valley of gold? Truly, it seemed so. Since their first entrance nothing had prospered with them. Riches al- most incalculable surrounded them; but was it Norby all the blood that had been shed in its de- ‘ense? These reflections and others scarcely more cheerful filled the minds of the four men who remained within the valley. Even had it been prudent, not one of them could have wielded pickax or spade that day. A gleam of comfort came to Jotham Grey as he found how much better his wounded brother seemed after his peaceful slumber, and he man- to persuade his mother to lie down and e a little much-needed rest. Minnie Brady. too, appeared much more like her usual self, an there was good hope that her yout spirit would soon recover from the terriblé shock it had received when her betrothed was murdered in her very arms. The hours crept on, and the day drew near its close, without anything occurring to break the almost painful monotony. And with each hour that passed without the return of either Lane or Ned Allen, the doubts and suspicions of the watchers grew stronger until they became almost certainty. ‘‘Ef it is so, what’ll we do?” Jotham finally asked. “T bin thinkin’,” slowly ed Barnes. “Only fer them,” and he nodded toward the women, ‘‘the thing vould be plain enough, fur’s ’'m'consarned. I'd jest take the trail, an’ stick to it ontel ’'d taken pay fer them boys, or got rubbed out myself. But ef we did thi what would they do? Fiery Fred would nab’em up, an’ you kin 7 guess what would foller that! No, we must look after them, fust. We- *ve got toleave this hole. We couldn’t make much of a fight ef them imps o’ Satan should come down on us—as they mean to, sure. I think I know a place we kin take to, whar we could hold out ag’in’a army. I found it the day the cap’n an’ me was out lookin’ fer some signs o’ that pesky 1 George. It’s a sorter cave small, but big a-plenty fer our party. You’ take to that, an’ I’ll start out after help. At the furderest I won’t be gone more’n two days—” ‘But the gold!” muttered Jotham, his eyes x, obey, | with covetousness. ‘‘If you bring any one here they will find out—they will want a share—” ‘*Which is worth the mdst to you them thar?” cried Dic’, in a tone of . ‘**-You’d sell your wife an’ children, an’ mother, an’ brother, an’ sister—” ‘*No—I didn’t mean that,” muttered Grey. ** An’ yit—it’s mighty hard to give it all up, af- ter it’s cost us so ee eotee hard!” ‘*They’ll be a plenty fer all, never fear; an’ better a’ small share than wuss then nothin’. I'll make the best barg’in I kin, but [ve got to tell the hull thing ef we count on gittin’a party to leave thar diggin’s to sarve us.’ The matter was dco discussed in all its bearings. Even Jotham Grey couldn’t help see- ing that it would be little short of suicide for their terribly-weakened party to attempt to hold the valley any longer. Now that he had only four men to deal with, it was not likely that Fiery Fred would wait much longer before putting his threats into execution. “Ef it’s got to be, then the sooner the better,” finally sai this hole in the dark?” “T could, enough; but I don’t reckon we'll that. Ef we're watched—which I don’t allow thar’s much doubt on—how fur do you reckon we would travel afore we run into a andbush?”’ “They could see us so much the better by old, or ** An’ so could we see them. The women couldn’t travel over sech a trail, let alone him. tower — 4 an pore that Har may come it. e’ll git everythi fera airl nar’ ea then walk fer oe he por o’ the fust things—I reckon we'd better haul up our gold. You'll keep the heft on’t with you, of course, but a speciment o’ it ’d goa long ways in prov- in’ I was tellin’ a straight yarn. As this point was agreed upon, Tom Weston flung off his outer garments and swam out to where the floating bit of wood indicated the po- sition of the sunken gold. With the string in his mouth he swam back to where he could touch bottom, then pulled up the iron pot and waded toshore. Within the pot was a package done up in a square of canvas, securely tied; but rumbling Dick uttered a yell of rage and as- tonishment as he felt the weight of this. The cloth was torn off—revealing a dozen pebbles— nothing more! And then the truth flashed upon them. This was what Gospel George had accomplished when in the lake, pretending pursuit of the disguised outlaw! He had removed the gold, replacing it with stones, so that the theft would not te discovered on a casual examination. And then it was that Grumbling Dick nurse forth with the tirade that heads this chapte.. , Jotham. ‘I reckon you kin Tt et
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All doubts now were settled. Gospel George was indeed a traitor, and doubtless he had lured Harry Lane on to his death. Bitter and deep were the curses showered upon his head before the miners cooled down again. Malachi Grey was told all that had occ in as few words as possible, and declared tha he was quite strong enough to bear removal, though his mother still doubted, though she knew that it was their only chance. Waiting until the darkness was deep eo to Sonata their occupation, the miners quickly formed a stout litter with pieces of the wagon- bed and cover. Grumbling Dick carefully look- ed over the horses, which were still staked out beside the lake, but though there were several fine animals among them, he decided that Roxy Ann, the tough serve him ver the rocky trail he expected to follow. inging her up, he tied her securely n lest the outlaws should attempt to stampede the animals during the night. The vigil, though tedious, was an uninter- rupted one, and when day fairly dawned it found the little oe across the river and slow- y verry Pi e p hillside. Jotham and oover bore the litter upon which rested the wounded youth, and beside them walked the women. Just ah was Weston, while Grumb- ling Dick acted as head scout, ranging rapidly from side to side with keen eyes that seemed everywhere at the same time. He hoped that their sudden movement would take the watchers, if any such there were, by surprise, but still there was the possibility of an ambush, and he was resolved to run no unnecessary risk. The ridge was passed without any incident worthy of remark, though more than one for a moment to cast a backward glance at all they were leaving: the graves of friends jo kindred, and all the glad hopes buried with em. Nearly two more miles had been passed, when Barnes paused and pointed behind them. Two columns of dense black smoke were rising from the ridge that overlooked the golden valley. Their flight had been discovered, and these signal smokes were sent up to a the news to the scattered band of Fiery ; In stern silence the fugitives pressed on knowing that every moment was precious, and that the bloodhounds would soon be upon their trail; yet their progress was slow, for Malachi to show the effects of fatigue. t length, with a long-drawn breath of re- lief, Grumbling Dick halted, pointing to the face of a steep hill just before them. A clump of vine-clad bushes grew upon a little narrow shelf or platform-like ledge, which he declared concealed the entrance to the cave. “* Quick, now!” he cried, ‘Up with the litter —or them imps ’ll cut me off yit!” ** You strike out now—we kin ervsage ig alone. an’ ef you don’t git through we're gone!” cham, But Barnes persisted’in seeing all safe be- fore he left, though he speedily cause to regret it. The party once within the cave he descended and mounted Roxy Ann, trotting rapidly down the valley; but three men sprung out before him, firing rapidly. Breathlessly the occupants of the cave lookedon. They saw Dick wheel abruptly and make a rate dash up the hillside. ey saw other shots fired— and with horror in their hearts, saw the bold digger reel in his saddie, then sink forward upon the neck of his animal. Tom Weston sprung out to his assistance, but a bullet grazed his temple as several rough clad men rushed forward to megt him, and he reluc- tantly retired. Still the outlaws came on, but now the pistols of the miners opened a b fire. One of the assailants fell dead, another one limped into the bushes with a yeil of angry pain, while the remainder sought the nearest cover. Grumbling Dick could not be seen from the cave, but they feared the worst. CHAPTER XXXII TOUCHING A HEART. TorLinG along under the hot, perpendicular rays of the sun with the Leavy, inelastic tread of one foot-sore and travel-worn, a man was Loree Ripe way along the narrow valley that led to tha cross- containing the retreat of Fiery Fred’s band of outlaws and refugees. The man p!odded on, as it might be, doggedly, looking neither to the right nor the left, scarce- ly even glancing ahead further than a few feet. is a ce was wretched in the extreme and a footpad’s nose would have been elevated in disgust at the impudence of such a person ' daring to travel through his realms, y The man was old, as evidenced by the long, tangled locks of hair, falling from beneath a paeees Fee, handkerchief, the only covering for his The hair was of a grimly gray, sun- burré and iil kempt. What little d be seen cf his face. which was half wanthoms, nor in adirty. bivod-etained rag, was deeply bronzed an wrinklea. ' From beneath the heavy, overkaanging brows, smamil eyes peered f with almost preter- patural keenness. His lower dress was little _ wetter than one mass of rags, fluttering in every little mule, would best | and lay, stunned and quivering, until his rades picked him w effected its work, and arising, though steady upor his feet, the crestholl his hand to th myself to thunder! They ain when a little bag o’ bones like you kin chuck a man like me eendways—an’ not hafe try!” A tne ssnsieseesuiieneenmnsesesitinitnenes ue me,” said the jean bel: with a low bow, sorry if you have very clumsy accident on my part. You will exclaimed the wrestler. n! ‘* Not just pow—another time, senor. I have | 3 «| Gospel George. breeze, bearing unmistakable traces of long ex- faked. lectins ant nein veer i a an , and he iim - fully as he walked. Across his eft oon was resting a long, rusty musket, flint-locked and ap ntly in the last stages of destruction, te) held together with bits of wire and cord. uch was the forlorn-looking object which Tom McKeown, one of Fiery Fred’s most trust- ed‘ men, had been watching for the last ten minutes from his vine-wreathed perch among me soe ae, bacenes Tl let him pass b ‘Some played-out tramp— et hi Vy if he doesn’t take too much notice,” muttered the sentinel; but at that moment the stranger came to a halt, his eyes flashing around hin, finally resting upon the very point where McKeown was then crouching; and then, as if satisfied, the man uttered a peculiar whistle, twice re McKeown looked ed, but answered the signal with promptness. The stranger had evi- aren Ca 9 5 is, for he seemed in no wise asto d as he fumbled among his finally producing a dirty p of paper whith he held up before him, saying in Eo oa ‘* From the captain; come and look.” McKeown rapidly descended from his perch, and opening the soiled missive saw that it was from head Fred, an order to pass the bearer wherever he chose to go. **When did the captaim give you this? and —_ was he?” demanded the guard, still in oubt. ** Yesterday; at the house of Don Mendoza,” was the prompt reply, still in Spanish. “ He swe me hore with a message to his wife—she is ere? **One of them is,” replied Tom, with a haif- laugh. “The one—he called her Little Paquita,” quickly added the stranger, his eyes glowing like twin coals. ‘* She is here; but I don’t envy you your duty, old man. The little queen is in a delightfui hu- mor, and if you are wise you will look out for breakers,” laughed McKeown. ‘‘Goon. Follow that narrow path yonder, and you'll be all right,” he ed, uttering a shrill, quavering whistle as a notice to those within the den that na! might mito a duly accredited visitor. ithout reply the old man toiled wearily up the steep ascent, pausing when he reached the little 1 before the clump of bushes that had been trained to hide the cave entrance, and mr gc back to the point to which the sentinel already returned. A wave of the hand bade him enter, and hesitating no longer, the stranger obeyed. At first his eyes could distinguish nothing, though he could hear the sound of shuffling foot- steps and of low mutterings, but he soon became accustomed to the dim light, and then saw that he was being curiously regarded by half a dozen men. ‘*They’s a circus bu’sted loose, an’ yar’s the Lae monkey, boys!” laughed one of the out- ws. “It don’t make a dif of bitterance—monkey, kan ror man-critter—a rule’s a rule, an he’s zot to tackle the king o’ the walk afore he goes one step furder!” a huge, red-haired, yet not unpleasant-looking fellow, had he been a little more sober. ‘‘ You hear that, uncle? You must throw me or git throwed afore you go one step furder—them’s the rules an’ regelations. Take your ch’ice o’ holts;‘collar an’ elbow, side- holt or snatch-grab—which is it?” “I bring a word from el capitan,” hesitated the stranger, casting a half-bewildered glance around him. ws ’n be durned! they ain’t no cap’n yer ontel the rules an’ regelations is done up brown. Thar—don’t git scared—I’ll pick out a soft place an’ lay ye down—jest as easy! It’s all in fun, eknow. They ain’t nobody goin’ to hurt ye. tt down your cannon—so! Now ketch hold an’ try to lay me on my— Good Lawd!” With a strength and activity that did not seem possible in one so worn and old, the stran- r-accepted the hold offered him by the wrest- er, and fairly flung the h fellow over his shoulder. The outlaw fell ly upon his head, com- up and poured a half-pint of throat. The liquor _ ickly ill un- en bully offered goin’ out an’ blow t no use in livin’ down his © stranger. **Good-by, st r. I'm ou fell over “Tam urt yourself any—it was a ‘My foot slipped, senor, and on me ‘Ef I didn’t think so, all the time!” eagerly “Le’s try it over message from the to—to Little ni- He was very cular, Letete onatis as soon as possible; but I do not see “Come on—I’ll show you whar she is, She good wataneg iant. ‘‘ But mind you y to dodge. She’s in the most humor! I jest went in thar to ax would she like an , an’ dog my cats ef she didn’t jest chuck a b eright at me! Ef it ain’t good news you bring, fri’nd, you don’t want to git so 7 saic, cluss to her you cain’t dodge. Them little wim- men is the pizenest critters you ever see when rey oncet bile over,” e old man made no reply to the remarks of his loquacious companion, nor did he speak untii the giant pointed out a faint green Sy ht. that apparently be gov through the crack at by opened door. find her in thar, stranger; but mind—” “Tl be careful. I hope it is good news I bring her. But do not you wait here in the damp; it may not agree with you after that un- lucky tumble.” The giant hesitated for a_ moment, but them turned‘to retrace his steps. The smiled faintly as he saw the man shake his head with a PiWhen the sh mad e shuffling footsteps had died a the old man stealthily aperonched the door, and listened breathlessly. He could just distinguish the muffled sound of sobs, and for a mo- ment, his head bowed as if in deep thought, Then he gently opened the door, wide en to admit his person, and entering, he closed the door behind him, turning the key in its massive lock, his eyes fixed upon the form of a woman, who lay a low couch in the further corner. jane eli god an ro faint as it was, aroused e woman, who, with a glad c rung to her feet. But the sudden change that came over her face told how bitterly she was disappointed in her visitor. ‘Who areyuas how dare you come in here unsummoned?’ she cried, her voice trembling “with anger, her eyes flashing. “‘T am the bearer of a message, lady—” ‘From him? oh, give it me! ¢ried Little Pa- nose gd face lighting with joy. “ Quick—oh, “It is not from him,” said the r, slow- ly, as if with difficulty.” Pe Ao not come from the man you—” “Then why are you here? There is no one else from whom I will receive a message—so go! or I will call for those who will know how to punish—” a “Call them, thea—call them and finish the work you have begun so well!” cried the stran- er, in a stern, ringing voice as he drew his tall orm erect and tore the from his face. _Little Paquita started as though one risen from the dead had confronted her, cover- ing her face with her hands and to her knees. The old man made one step toward her, with outstretched hands, but as suddenly re- coiled, while the hard, stern expression re- turned to his face as he heard the words: ‘Save me—he will kill me, Leon!” “Yes, I have a message for ou; I have walked many a weary mile to aibeub it, and’ ou must listen to me, now that we are me ace toface. It comes from the home le —the home where all was so happy and blessed until he came, like a beautiful, poisonous ser- pent of evil. He found you young, innocent. and blessed in the pure love of your father and — who oe you as the very apple of eir eyes. y were simple peop enn no evil coe the has rR one ora night’s lodging, The a + a and honored him as He stayed on, day after day, for his health. he said. e two poor old fools learned to love almost as their own child, and when he and pare pion, sage heey wo ile and nod to each other laugh softly, for it reminded them of the — by, when they were young, and everything was they could. stranger stole ding her to a life of dis- vhed far He ‘“No—nol” moaned Paquita. ‘Not forgot ** Not ang fl sternly cri man. “Not forgotten, and yon ore hare be she is dying—dying, with the vain prayer con-- ee § upon her — she may once more loved child may return
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26 voice faltered as he spoke the words. “‘ His love you never had—only a hot, short-lived, devouring passion. If he loved you, would you be here, alone, weeping for his return?” *¢ Tt is business calls away,” muttered the ‘woman. “* Ay! and what business? that of leading an- other young soul to ruin! Child, will your eyes never open? Do you not know that this iy night the man you fancy you love, is to another?” “Tt is false!” cried Paquita, springing to her ‘eet. “*It is true—I swear it by the soul of your dy- mother!” solemnly uttered the old man. “+ He is tomarry the daughter of Don Estevan de Mendoza this very night. The eee, there andallisready. If you do not believe me—it you think your father is a perjured liar, come with me and put his truth to the test. And en— And then I will die,” murmured Paquita, her head si : _ ‘No, Then you willremember that she is wait- ing to give you, her repenting child, a mother’s holy kiss of forgiveness before she dies. You come home with me, Paquita, and we will live for each other—” ‘But if he is still true to me?” pouted the “woman. ‘*Then you shall choose between us—I will not try to force your will,” was the sad re- mse. ont Bercar that you have told me the truth— that there is no mistake—swear it oe this cross, and I will go with you!” cried Paquita, soem, ang sacred emblem from her bosom and holding it up before her father. In silence he accepted the symbol, p: it reverently to his lips. Paquita pressed her hands over her eyes tightly, then, in a voice that sounded strangely calm, she said: *T will go with you—at once. Only—I have one duty to sock pa first. Wait for me here. I will not be long.” Taking a stout knife and brace of pistols, with ammunition, from the wall, she left the room and was absent for several minutes. Then she returned, and slipping on a plain, coarse dress over her short petticoat, rd ees her parent to follow her. When in the outer chamber, she ordered one of the men to saddle two horses at once and bring them around to the front, simply stating that the captain had bade her come to him with- out ooo Though evidently puzzled, the men dare not disobey, and five minutes later father and daughter were riding rapidly away from the mountain retreat. CHAPTER XXXII. GAME TO THE LAST. As her companion shouted forth his loud de- fiance to the pursuing outlaws, Inez uttered a ing cry of wonder—almost of horror; for Re vo ce was not that of the man whom she risked all to save—not the voice of Edward Allen! For an instant the discovery seemed to paralyze her, but then, with a shrill scream she g to his side, and snatched the muffling oak from his shoulders, and peered eagerly into his face. A bitter groan broke from her lips as she “sgunk to the rock, covering her face with both hands. Her suddenly aroused suspicions were +oo true—the man whom she had rescued was not Edward Allen—was an utter stranger to her! The young man stared at her in anxious sur- _ + was well-nigh becoming fatal. Un- now she had borne up so bravely, had seemed free from womanly weakness, that he could of only one cause for such a sudden break- down; that one of the many bullets aimed at them during their go had taken effect upon her person. With fear, he took one step toward her, when a point of fire seemed drawn swiftly across the back of his head, “apgnrars, ers brain to reel, his limbs to tremble, until it seemed as —o was falling. But the tri- um t yell that rung out from the hillside w it told him how that one had sav his brain from being bored by the death-dealing outlaws could carry his tion, unless the vere content to await the slow method of 4 Tee thare ented ne ner Reagent hare was no ie range comm#f~aided the top of the table-rock. Satisfied ot knew that his best chance was to ¥ ee | Beadle’s Dime Library. Le laws should urge them to an assault, when the struggle would be on more even terms, ‘*T am afraid you are injured, lady,” he said, softly. ‘Can Ido nothing for you? Se o are you?” suddenly demanded Inez, lifting her head. ‘* And where is he—the man whom I thought I wassaving?”’ “Bow your head lower, lady—those scoun- a might mistake you for me in this dim ight. ‘** Who are you—are you afraid to answer?” cried the maiden, impatiently. ‘“My name is Harry Lane. I see no reason why I should deny it,” quietly replied the young miner. ‘If there been a mistake, I do not think you can blame me, lady, when you hear my story. I remember you—you were at our camp in the valley, the other day. My best friend disa strangely, and I started out to look for We found his grave, and over it the man who was with me treacherously knocked me senseless. When I came to, I was in a dark cell. Then you came and set me free. You may remember I was bidden to keep si- lence, and I obeyed. How was I to know that you were acting under a delusion?” ‘Tt was my fault,” said Inez, slowly. ‘I should have made sure; but I did not know there were two captives—” ‘*Two—and the other—the one you thought you were saving—you know his name?” eagerly demanded ne. “They called him Edward Allen—” ‘“‘ Alive! thank God! and _ that treacherous scoundrel made me believe him dead — muar- dered!” ** He will be—they have sworn his death, and I, his only friend, am here, unable to help him!” ror a Inez, wringing her hands in an agony griel. . Harry was silent, for indeed he knew not what to say tocomfort her. Though the imposition had been an unconscious one on his part, he felt the mistake none the less keenly, and could it have been done, he would not have hesitated a momentin exchanging places with his friend. And yet—as he heard the low signals ‘passin from one to another of the outlaws below—woul the —_ have been so great, on Allen’s side? Would he not just as surely be doomed to death here, as in yonder cell? “* At least, he would die fighting for one who loves him,” he muttered, as he listened to the ful, heartbreaking sobs of the young woman testis him. 2h Gradually the sobbing grew fainter, and pres- ently Inez, as she crouched low upon the rock, seemed to fall asleep, as Harry believed. He was glad of this, for it gave him time to think. One by one he weighed his chances, and _ his heart sunk lower as he saw how faint they were. Not alone for himself, though life was sweet; but if he were killed, what would be- come of this woman—of Ned Allen? Once free, he could hasten for help, buying it with the price of their golden secret; but how could he escape? Itseemed an impossibility. While thus reflecting, he had kept both his eyes and ears open, knowing that he had bold and desperate men to deal with. Several times he had heard a low, shuffling sound, as #f some rson was cautiously circling round the huge wider, and now the noise was repeated twice at thesame point. Lying flat along the rock, Harry kept glancing around him, with finger upon his revolver trigger, convinced that the crisis was near at . His position brought the edge of the rock in bold outline against the dusky clouds, so that he had a clear view in every direction. For nearly half an hour longer all was still. Then, with a thrill of fierce delight, the young miner caught sight of a hand as it grasped the — of the bank almost directly before him. With leveled revolver, he waited in breathless suspense, all unconscious of what was going on tuechate t, a sto thand grasped th edge ust as in front, a stou e of the rock, but there was less delay in the head’s following it. A shaggy head suddenly shot up into view, and another hand leveled a coc revolver at the unconscious miner’s back. But at that critical moment Inez sprung into sudden life—her white hand pony from be- neath the folds of her cloak—there was a blind- ing flash, a sharp report, and with a stifled yell of agony the outlaw fell heavily back, a bullet through his jaws, his pistol exploding as he fell, ood —— contents speeding harmlessly through woe — same bear a dark face er — e, but as quickly disappeared, its s 8 tered by his bullet. The attack had been made and repulsed almost before the young miner could realize that Inez had again saved his life. For, though they yelled and cursed fiercely en- ough, the fall of two of their boldest fellows cowed the assailants for the time being. “Only for you—” began Harry, his voice bling. “Tt was nothing,” coldly interrupted Inez. “They are my enemies as much as yours. would not dare harm one hair of my head, I would sooner die a thou- sand times rather than fall into their power again. ** And yet,” hesitated Harry. take you back home—and he is there. You a have a chance to set him free, as you did e ‘‘No—there could only be one such chance and that I have wasted. I would be watched too cloesls until it was too late. If you knew —listen: I will tell you all. To-morrow—or rather to-night, for it must be nearly day, now —to-night I was to be forced into a marriage with the man whom you know as Fiery Fred. He was to be there—bound—you can guess why. after what I attempted to do this night. And after that—when he had been tortured enough to satisfy that demon, he was to have been mur- dered. y return, as his captive, would be the signal for your comrade’s death, but while Lam free, that fiend will keep him alive in hopes of finally carrying out his plans, as Ij have told them. This is why I shot that scoundrel, not simply to save your life.” ‘You are still blaming me with that unfortu- nate mistake,” said Harry, quietly. ‘‘ You will learn to know me better, some time. I will sa no more, now; only’ that while I live you sha never fall into their hands. en I can do no nay may the good Lord guide and protect you!’ Neither spoke again until after day had dawned, nor was there any further disturbance made by the outlaws. Harry felt an almost un- controllable longing to rise up for at least one glance around him, though reason told him that such an action would be little less than suicide. Nothing was more unlikely than that the out- laws had abandoned the siege as in vain. The sun was beginning to peer down u them from over the mountain-top, when a nia voice was heard, hailing them. Inez raised her head quickly, her eyes flashing. “Tis he—Fiery red!” she muttered, cocking her pisto] ‘You uae as well answer,” continued the outlaw chief. ‘‘I know you are there. Don’t be a fool, Harry Lane, and throw away your last chance.” ‘*T have only one word to say to such a con- temptible scoundrel as you; and that is spoken best through my revolvyer—the sooner the bet- ter!’ . agg abe geil how nicel i played Gospel George on you all at the valley cam eh? Well, it was Sanaa to take advantage Ye such verdant greenhorns; but that is past. What I want tosay is this. You have a young lady up there, who is my wife—” ‘* A lie—black as your own heart!” cried Inez, we springing tc her feet and leveling her re- volver. But Fiery Fred, bold though he undeniably was, was not chivalrous—or foolish—enough to stand still to be shot down by a woman, and ~ sprung quickly behind a convenient bowlder,. pon ped derisively as a bullet whistled harm- lessly past his head.. Inez glanced quickly around, but there was'no one in sight, and she quietly resumed her former position. ‘* Now that little by-play is over,” called out Fiery Fred, ‘‘ perhaps you will listen to what I have tosay. Ihave twenty men here, who only await my signaltotake you. ButI kno: that some of them will get hurt, and I am so very tender-hearted that I prefer to spare their lives, if possible. So, to that end, I make you an of- fer. Throw down your weapons and surrender, and I pledge my honor you shall be free to go where you will in four and twenty hours from this. fuse, and you shall die, if it costs a dozen lives to rub you out!” ‘*T will surrender—on one condition,” coolly, ‘ replied the young miner. ‘‘And what is that?’ eagerly cried Fiery Fred. ‘‘That you show your beautiful figurehead above this rock long enough for me tospeak one so to you—through the mouth of my revol- ver!’ A bitter, grating curse was the only answer; and then all was still fora few moments. looked to his weapons, feeling sure that he would soon have occasion to use them. Nor was he mistaken. Fiery Fred gave the signal, and his men rushed boldly up to the rock, scaling it on every side. Crouching low down, back to back, Inez and Harry coolly picked off the first two or three, but even this did not check the stub- born charge, and despite their utmost efforts, several of the outlaws succeeded in gaining a foothold upon the rock, and Lane was fo to — to iting, a at ‘pe Peapod Fred had mn waiting, and his pistol spoke out viciously. With a wild cry, the miner fell back, and was brutally kicked from the rock by one of the ruffians, while his companions su in dis- arming Inez. Fiery Fred received the maiden in his arms as she was lowered from the rock, bidding one of his men look after Lane. The ruffian quickly errs my ing wes aga ‘ f ‘* He’s . n; but to make I jest lent him the len’'th o? my knife,” he grins ned, in high glee, sukiene ade mii?” ‘aughea re bag then with ery Fred, ‘*They would |
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' glass of wine. CHAPTER XXXIV. BRIDAL. A WEIRD THES vrsamer quiet household of Mendoza was | lessly with her glossy hair. confusion as the night fell. As | get married | should not lack | all bustle an Fiery Fred observed, one did not every day, and his bold fello the wherewithal to eat and drink success to his | merry wedding. The ene court, well light- ed, was given over tothe men. Blankets were spread upon the ground, and upon them were piles of food, and almost every kind of drinking | vessel the house could afford, from cut glass down to horn.and leather cups, gave ample con- provided with an unusually liberal hand—‘‘ jest as though the cap’n was bound they shouldn’t none on us turn in sober,” laughed Devil’s Dan. Fiery Fred smiled darkly as he left them. All was working as he desired. Passing along, he entered a room where two men were sitting over their wine, in silence, One was Don Este- van, pale and evidently ill at ease, with dark circles around his hn that told of restless nights and troubled thoughts. The other was a cowled and tonsured priest, and unwieldy in form, cunning and sen in countenance, Fiery Fred, a broad, black patch upon one cheek, and his head still coolly sat upon the table’s edge between the two men, swinging one foot carelessly to and fro as he spoke: ‘* Well, Padre Ignatio, I hope this gentleman has fully satisfied your scruples. It will save us both some trouble.” “It was only my duty, senor,” muttered the shears with an uneasy, sidelong glance. ‘“‘My umble services are at your disposal whenever you desire them.” an Sh cry nancy ig F Spheg ees cs ~ ient bri m,” with a mocking , Go see that the lady is ready, Mendoza. ew my good friend,” he added as the Californian left the room, ‘one last word to you. I have es- pecial reasons for wishing this ceremony to be strictly legal, according to the rules of your church. ou have been told that the lady is a little bashful, and may occasionally mistake the responses; but that need make no difference to you. Perform your duty well, and you will be a dozen ounces richer—fail, and I will give the holy church one more martyr. You under- stand?” The priest nodded, and filled himself another Fiery Fred laughed mockingly 8 the trembling hand spilled a portion of the liquor. He knew that the holy padre would take care not to cross his will. “Come,” said the outlaw, arising. ‘I hear their door open. They must not find us ab- Bent. Together the two men crossed the hall and en- Pik: brilliantly-lighted room beyond. At one end stood a narrow table, impiously decorated wsanaltar. The wall behind was hung with re- hgious symbols, and lighted by tall waxen ta- rs. Fiery cast an approving glance over hese, then turned to where the form of a man was half reclining in an easy-chair. His gar- ments were torn and stained with blood and dirt. His long hair was tangled and stiff with the blood that had flowed from an ugly-looking cut upon his head. His jaws were painfully dis- tended with a stout gag i his limbs were wound et around with rawhi ongs, but despite thi laini y shot forth the bol the eyes of the captive p defiance and deadly hatred his lips were forbid- den to utter. at! fey! Leaespecrwes combo and most trusted friends, who has kindly consented to act as one of the ee ok iage. As you see, he is a kind of an invalid, witch makes his kindness all the greater. Ah! here comes the fair bride!” Ghastly pale, her eyes dull and almost ex- alles. Inez entered the room, leaning heavily upon the arm of Don Estevan. Fiery Fred stepped lightly to her side, and drew her hand within his arm. She raised her eyes at this, but the vacant expression of her face did not chan She acted like one under the stu fying influence of some powerful . The outlaw looked at her keenly, then suddenly bent his head and touched his li foe orn ype did not even start, nor attem avoi © caress, though she, as if Snabhanieally, passed her ker- chief across her lips the moment after. Fiery Fred drew a long breath, and cast a glance of satisfied triumph at Don Estevan as he muttered ; “You have done well—I will not forget, when our time for settlement comes.” “See that you don’t!” hissed the Californian, intense hatred fron his “You have driven me to the wall—if you are not a fool, you will not try to drive me further.” **You have the right to grumble, if it makes feel any better,” laughed the outlaw, care- y. passing on and gentl Inez in a ead me t to which Edward Allen was beside Inez and sat down, one arm resting upon the back of her chair, his rs toying care- is lips parted with a mocking smile as he saw the big veins start out upon the young miner’s forehead. He knew that his devilish torture had begun. *T said I had a confession—or an explanation, whichever you please—to make to you, Captain Edward Allen, and asI wish to start my wedded life with a clear conscierice and an unburdened mind, I have chosen this opportunity to make it. ‘* You remember the time that Gospel George left your camp to investigate the meaning of those signal-fires which my men kindled? You also remember searching for him, and finding a body which you believed was his? You were right. That was his body, and he was killed by my men, after his giving me this love-token,” touching the black patch upon his cheek, ‘‘and putting another bullet through my side—here; all of which goes to show spying isnot the safest occupation in the world. nd yet—the death of this meddlesome fellow gave me an idea—a bright one, if I do Pas myself. It was to play the part of Gospel rge, and by this means dispose of your party easier than by hard fight- Sey a prudent gate you know, is merciful to his men, ing recruits are easily gained for pleasant work like mine. ‘*Well, I ‘made up’ as Gospel George, and you know how I introduced myself—and what a pleasant interview I cut short. You may thank my wife, here, that you are alive now, for I freely admit that I intended to make short work of youat that moment. But her inter- ference gave me time to think, and I concluded to play my hand outas I at first intended. ‘* You remember the note which was so mys- teriously delivered that evening? I had pre- it beforehand, and simply snapped it u peer ba Lgl meg talking. aby me ease the other messages, and watching my chances, I knotted your hair around that dag- ger, though I must admit that Idid not count on your ange ivan, Lop ** You remember the agreement that I was to work on my own: hook—to come and go asI chose. This fact made it easy for me to prepare notes, to make all ments with my men for carrying out their part of the play, and to agree upon signals which I could give without suspicion on your part. It was by my orders that you were captured and brought here—for this especial occasion. Then I hastened to wind up my work at the valley camp. I agreed to cast up a fire-ball—arranged by McKeown, one of my men who was formerly a pyrotechnician of no little skill—that should burst in the air, and by its light, your friends were to be picked off, one by one. During that day I managed to ‘doctor’ all the firearms in camp,” and he then gave a minute detail of all that oceurred in camp the night after Allen had been taken cap- tive. How one of his men, disguised as ‘‘ Sorrel- top,” and covered with phosphoreted ether, played the part of lager ghost, and how he, in pretended pursuit, secured the sunken treasure **In the morning I accompanied your friend, Harry Lane, in search of you. I led him to the spot where you were captured, and while he was trying to unearth the body of the man whom you killed, I gently knocked him on the head and had him put in one of the cells just below us. He managed to escape last night—thanks to my lady here, who fancied she was liberating you—but my ‘lads kept too closea watch, and he was killed. ** Meanwhile, your friends in the valley began to think that neighborhood was slightly un- healthy, and pulled up stakes. They were fol- lowed and run into a little cave, Grumbling Dick getting knocked over in an attempt to escape. My boys sent me word—I replied to rub them out. As the easiest way, they just undermined a huge rock and rolled it direct! before the narrow entrance; then covered with a pile of brushwood and set it on fire. As none of the panty have succeeded in digging their way through the rock, as yet, I guess they have concluded to make a stay of it. So you see that I have kept my threats to the very let- ter—save in your case; and a few minutes more will settle even that point. Now, padre,” he added, gently lifting Inez to her feet, ‘‘ we are ready. Please perform the ceremony.” Pale and trembling with horror at the recital Gospel George. ‘“‘Paquita! you here!” he faltered, for once fairly taken shesk, and losing his boasted self- possession. ‘* Ay!” replied the old man, in a deep tone. “* Here to see with her own eyes how truly you keep your vow to love and cherish her—to brand you as a treacherous villain—” “Who admitted you? Iwill tear the drunken fool limb from limb!’ snarled the infuriated outlaw. ‘‘ Paquita—what does this mean? why are you here—why have you left the cave before I gave you leave—” ‘For this!” screamed the woman, spri, ‘ing forward, a glimmer of steelin herhand. “ You said that whenever you played me false, you were ready to die!” and with an arm nervy by. despair, she plunged the keen knife into his breast. At berg instant . pe hly-clad ea into the room, and di a pisto int- blank at Don Estevan. ae “i ‘Blood for blood!” he grated, with a shrill laugh, as the Californian reeled back, overturn- ing the altar in his fall. CHAPTER XXXV. ROXY ANN IN HER GLORY. WHEN Grumbling Dick saw the outlaws dart forward and cut off his retreat down the val- ley, and heard their exultant yells as their bul- lets began to whistle uncomfortably close to his ears, he took in the situation at a single glance, There was only one pepe: 6 slender one, at best. Wrenching around the head of his mule, he rode straight at the steep, rocky hillside. As he did so, he felt a peut numb shock that caused his brain reel and a misty cloud to pass over his eyes. Sinking forward he had just / consciousness enough left to wind his arms around the neck of Roxy Ann, else he must have fallen headlong to the Sdigesaee Perhaps it was as well, or better, that the mule was left to its own oie prnees. for a few moments later a pistol-bullet glanced along her haunch, inflicti a slight, though stinging wound. This novel ur seemed to give Roxy Ann wings, so oy idshe traverse the broken and tangled ground, leaping over or dodging around bowlders, trot- ting swiftly along narrow ledges where even a gvat would have proceeded cautiously, slipping and sliding, yet never once losing her footing, while Dick, half-unconscious, clung to her n with a gripe that nothing seemed able to loosen. One by one the pursuing outlaws were dis- tanced and fell back to join in bagging their easier prey in the little hole in the hillside, but Roxy Ann, possibly believing herself to be witch- ridden, paused not until full half a dozen very rough and difficult miles had been placed behind her, and her mad race led her into a pleasant valley through which wound a clear, spark stream, and where the grass was green, crisp an succulent. Here Roxy Ann stop short, and turning her head, took a good look at her queer rider. en, as hemade noattempt to dismount, nor to free her windpipe from that uncomfort- able grasp, Roxy Ann ina ted a little circus on her own account, nor did her exertion cease until Grumbling Dick was unceremoniously itched from the saddle to the ground, where e lay like a dead man for nearly an bour. At the end of that period his eyes opened, and he felt, though somewhat faint and dizzy, et lively for a dead man. A glimpse ° xy Ann, grazing near, helped him to re- call what had and crawling down to the water, he proceeded to investigate matters. He Te ger oe a reg had struck him in the right side, but instead of boring bim through, had glanced along a rib, emerging nearly in the center of his breast. The severe shook hack stunned him, ek Cee eee ee his rough ride, had greatly weakened his frame. Maes Ale sense of his friends’ danger could have as : mn the heavy le that seemed ¢ over him, but Dick pom hey managi tp weake and ban his wound, after ich he con- trived to recapture the ve Roxy Ann and to pag Macca ge into rg saddle, though with many a heavy groan of pain. Grumbliag Dick never bea, the ride that fol- lowed to the day of his d . Roxy Ann seem- ed determined to prove that vel George had in nowise stretched his accounts of her powers —she seemed possessed by a thousand devils, each and every one her on with head- long speed, no matter what difficulties lay in her path. Grumb Dick to her head in direction which he nat more control over her he bestrode, For full two hours Roxy Ann kept up her wild progress, but then she came to a sudden halt, almost pitching Grum Dick over her head. He was glad enough of the respite. His wound was bl , every muscle was and at that moment he would unhesitatingly have decided to follow, bus beyond that, he had little than had the saddle which y made oath that his backbone had been driven up through the crown of his bh frightfully cause Smee Bae Re to renew its mad c it a
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le--/ smile curli 28° for the honor of her sex, and remained motion- po bayee sunk,ears drooping and—as Grumbling afterward solemnly affirmed—a sleep her lip. Dick kicked and tebe. cursed—but it was like tickling a ground, Roxy nn, pedirmoad of her speed, with a shrill he- haw! that rendered Barnes fairly mad with vexation, and, forgetting the service she had minutes more she was out of his sight. ‘Dick started after, on foot, but his oes were not equal to his will, and with a faint cry he sunk to the ground, senseless. When consciousness returned he found him- was a then, as the blessed truth burst upon him, poor Dick fairly broke down and cried like a baby. The last two weeks had told upon his nerves terribly. One by one his trusted comrades had been murdered; the knowledge that a traitor them, securely plotting their exter- ken rest and un anxiety; , together with his wound and the that the fate of his surviving friends depen upon him alone, had been nobly borne now—when he knew that the aid he sought un } found at last. bys ht of whisky soon enabled copious dra him to sketch the outline of his story, and to beg assistance for his surviving friends. It ph, pel promised, and would not have been wi even had not Dick spoken of that mar- velously rich valley of gold. And yet, these men, nearly a score in number, had resolved to know no rest until they had found Ned Allen’s party—to win a share of his golden secret, even at the cost of blood. They had been ranging the hills for weeks, and only for the contrary freak of Roxy Ann, they might never have been any wiser than at first setting out. But they heard the rt of Dick’s pistol, and crept forward to investigate it. Sal rpmeey fea senseless, and knew that the long-searched for clew was in their hands. Hope is a grand restorative, and Grumbling Dick soon declared himself able to take the rr trail. His nr tg Ser mage were none t ess eager, an ough their progress was necessarily slow, midnight found them withina mile of the hill cave. Uncertain what force they would have to en- counter, it was determined to steal as near as ble without risking discovery, and then lie ambush until day-dawn should reveal their game, unless, indeed, the outlaws were to ven- an attack upon the cave; in that case, they were to charge, and trust to Providence and their own stout arms to winning their way through. -_ the orig ad passed without ra gmeoly and eagerly, wi ger on trigger, each man peer- ed forth from his covert, seeking for the out- laws. wien rock and covert was closely scru- tinized, until, at the foot of one bowlder, half- co. ied by a leafy bush, portions of two hu- man beings were discovered. At a whispered b head of geo ge — Ma a ve tbh 'y S lozen pistols, and as thes volley rung out, the rs broke cover and charged. with ye oe the enemy? Not a man arose to them. two half-hidden bodies had not stirred. most immediately there was a glad shout from the cave, and Tom Weston sprung out upon the ledge, tossing aloft his old hat, and capering about like a crazy schoolboy. The meeting was one more easily imagined than descri Until that moment the fugi- tives had believed Grumbling Dick dead. They had also believed the cave was still be- sieged, nor could they tell when the outlaws had retreated. Assoon as the joyous greetings and tu- lations were over, the men gathered tugether in council, discussing the best method of in on the cam . Thatthe band of eg? | fio werk their gokdaxinein suything like to wo - ein an . But how? ee ° “ "s two ” said Grumbling Dick. ‘One is the cave, t/other is the house of that feller. I move we take the house fust, sence then we kin hev a good place to leave the wimmin while we’re huntin’ out the other hole. Ontel we kigcaptur’ that, I reckon it’d be best leave ’¢ here, witha couple or three men on, Grumbling Dick’s views *. Beadle’s Dime Library. were generally adopted. Then a hasty meal was icparedt wits the men gave their weapons a general overhauling. This ts tg i em until mid-forenoon, when, leaving three men with the women in the cave, the remainder started for the golden valley, it being their in- tention to-seout around and find the Californi- an’s house, but not to venture an attack before ightfall. They had just reachéd the ridge overlooking the valley when they caught the sound of dis- tant firing. The direction co nded with that in which Grumbling Dick knew the stone building to lie, and it was resolved to press for- ward at once to investigate the matter. Two good men were sent ahead as scouts, and two hours later one of them returned hastily with word that he had found the spot where the hting had occurred. rly the party pressed on, following close ps of the scout, and presently t bowlder, the sides of plen y tted with blood. Around its base lay half a dozen bodies, just as they had fallen. Dick was examining them when he was startled by a sharp cry from the opposite side, and scrambling forward, he saw one of his men supporting the head of a ghastly object. tt was poor Lane, seemingly dead, a terrible knife-wound in his breast, his left arm broken, a bullet-wound through his face, from cheek to cheek. Yet he was still living, and at the faltering voice of Dick, his eyes opened ag A se o did it?” asked Dick, his eyes streaming withtears. ** But I needn’tax—’twas them cus- sed hellhounds—” ‘*Save him,” painfully breathed the wounded miner. ‘* Ned—captive—over there—house—!” and then he fainted away, lying in the man’s arms like a dead man. Grumbling Dick sunk back in mute amaze- nent, scarce able to believe hisears. Ned Allen alive—a captive! He sprung to his feet as if about to rush tothe rescue alone and single- handed; but Tom Weston restrained him, and finally made him listen to réason. More than ever it wasn for them to await until the shades of night should aid their approach. CHAPTER XXXVI. AFTER THE STORM, SUNSHINE. Strrone and true the wronged woman had struck, her arm nerved cn scene of treachery she had just witnessed. Fiery Fred reeled back, vainly cophtng. to keep his feet, but the weapon had sunk too deep. As he fell, Paquita, forget- ting all else, sprung to his side and raised his head to her lap, striving in vain to staunch the blood that flowed over her dress. His fall and that of the Californian had been nearly simul- taneous, so that the other occupants of the room had scarcely time to comprehend the ‘double tragedy when a wild uproar sounded from the courtyard; shouts and fierce curses—the rts of firearms and the clashing of steel, all ‘galing of a desperate poral The sound seemed to revive sings | Fred. As his eyes opened, they rested upon the figure of Ned Allen, bound and helpless. A hissing curse his lips, as he drew a revolver from his m and leveled it at his hated rival; but be- fore his trembling hand could render his aim se- cure, the old man, Paquita’s father, wrepched the weapon from his , and then proceeded to sever the bonds that confined the young miner. ‘* No thanks!” he muttered, as Allen sought to speak. “Tt is only because he hates you that I am ready to do youa service. I have no love for your race—’ * This wey, boys !’ shouted the man who had shot down Don Estevan. ‘‘This way—yar’s the cap’n!” The next momefit he was-hurled violently aside, and a wild-looking figure rushed into the room, but ney, & abruptly as though blinded by the dazzling lights. Inez, who until now had stood like one utterly bewildered, gave a faint cry and sprung tremblingly to the side of Allen, whose stiffened arms did not prevent him from pressing her closely to his breast. Then Grumbling Dick, his personal appear- ance in nowise improved by the blood which streamed from a fresh cut by an his —— rushed into the room and almost smothe both Ned and Inez with his joyful greeting, dancing around them both more like a whisky- maddened-savage than aught civilized. But as his eyes rested upon the wild, haggard face of the man whose sudden entrance had aroused Inez from her stupor, a quick change came over him. He rubbed his eyes as though unwilling to accept their evidence. Then, flinging his battered hat to the floor, he uttered: ‘*Waal, I ber durned! of all the owdacious impidence, I do think that is the beatenest!” “Treckon you never ’spected to set eyes on _. ag’in,” replied the man, with a sickly smile, Grumbling Dick uttered a snarling curse, and whi a pistol from his belt, but hand of Ned Allen was placed upon his arm, before he could use the weapon. —eeSsSSsSSeeeqoqoq>=$S$S$$S$>xE0 090000 SS eeeeeeeeoeE—E—ETETEoo *He is innocent, Dick—yonder lier the maa who layed the part of Sospel George—he boasted of it n this very room,’ “ He b to me of all he was doin’, when he’ had me tied han’ an’ foot in his cave, over yender,’” said the real Gospel George. “I hoped you would find him out afore it was too late, but I couldn't git loose to warn ye. She set me loose, to-day, or I reckon I’d’a’ rotted thar. I camest ht here—but I’m too late. Cuss the hand that killed him afore—” Fiery Fred raised his head with a laugh—faint, but still hard and scornful. Gospel George sprung for- ward and squatted close beside him, unheeding the crimsoned b with which Paquita threatened *Look at me—look at me close!” he hissed, ina tone of the bitterest hatred. ‘‘ You knew me once— Iam George HamiJton!” A sharp cry broke from the outlaw’s lips, and a swift change passed over his . He strove to > but a dark stream of blood filled his mouth. ere was a short, tremulous struggle—then his head sunk back. Fiery Fred was dead! The remainder of that night was spent mainly in giving and receiving explanations, but to give the ousand and one questions and their answers here would consume far more s than is at our dispo- sal. The reader can easily supply what little is lack- ‘ after a reed brief Pecan ‘te ashes e prospecters, whom we left wit r Lane, awaiting the coming of night, bad fone thee task of surprise made easy for them by the carousal of the outlaw band. Drunken, almost wholly with- out arms, the dozen ruffians who survived the first volley were easily slain or taken prisoners. In the: morning they were given a hearing—and half an hour later their es hung suspended from the limbs of the nearest trees. Don Estevan, be pe wounded unto death by the avenging bullet of bdiel Grey, lingered. through the night and far into the.pext day, carefully nursed by his daughter and Ned Allen, and finally died, af- ter receiving the extreme unction at the hands of Padre Ignatio. But before he died, he told a strange, startling story of hatred and revenge. Inez was not his daughter, though the child of the woman who, long years ago, had sworn to become his wife. He had’ stolen er, in infancy, from the mother who had jilted him in favor of a wealthier man, and ever since had cared for and loved her as his own child. He had fallen into the ethic of Fiery Fred—through what means he did not state—who scon wrung from him his secret. Inez, through the death of her parents, had become sole heiress to an im- mense property in Spain, and in order to secure this, the outlaw resolved to make her his legal wife. He made the priest write down his confession, and told him where to look for the papers necessary to prove the identity of Inez—and then died, with the bless ing of the woman he had so bitterly wronged ring | mg petey in his ears. e gray light of dawn found the trio still com versing over the startling confession they had lig tened to; but only the substance need be given here. The priest declared that as the holy church held the property in trust, there would be dut one way ig which Inez could hope to secure it: by going at once to her mother country— But Inez would listen tong more, and as Ned met her soft glance, the dark shade passed from his face like magic. And the priest smiled, well pleased. He knew that though the church would lose one child, it would still gain a princely fortune. Gospel George was aap d reinstated in the good graces of Grumbling Dick and his friends, His sto- ry was a plain, simple one. Though he had fallen over the cliff, he had not been seriously hurt, owing to the fact that the outlaw with whom he was grap- pling fell undermost and broke his fall. When he re- covered his consciousness, he found himself a pris- oner, in Fiery Fred's retreat, his head and face clean shorn. With these, Paquita dextrously wove a wig and false beard, which Fiery Fred donned, together with the prisoner's clothes. Thus, a close prisoner, starved, and otherwise tortured to make him confess his fabulous secret of gold, Gospel George the time so dextrously employed by the disguised, outlaw. Then Paquita came and set him free, giving him arms, food and ammunition, bidding him make his ye 38 through the rear entrance, ashe had done once before. This he did, and e all haste to- ward the stone building, thinking only of reven And then he briefly sketched a black, woeful ry—the cause of his undying enmity to Fiery Fred; a story that needs no repetitio here. Enough that a wife and child had been brutally murdered by the, even then, notorious outlaw and desperado. Harry Lane finally recovered, though only after a long and tedious struggle for life. Yet those days of slowly-returning strength were made sweet and pre- cious by the love that came to him, through his gen- tle nurse, Minnie Brady. Though she never forgot Eben,Gray, she learned to read her heart better—to knowthat her girlish love for him was far different. from the passion which her handsome patient awoke in her heart. And when the spring came again there was another wedding—or rather two of them—at the old stone building; far different from the first. Padre Ignatio was Md rtgpte though only asa by see # tor: and when daylight came it found him already upon his journey to his beloved Spain, bearing a pre- clous paper in his bosom; a paper in whiclf Inez Al- len made over all her claims to the Holy Church, With the extirpation of Fiery Fred's pestilent band ali worked smoothly at the Golden Valley. The gold deposit proved fully equal to their most sanguine ex- tions, and though the news soon spread, and a mendous rush was the result, our friends had no difficulty in holding their claims in addition to what they had already amassed; and less than a yearlater found themselves rich men. Then came the double wedding, and shortly after, their return to the States, with only one sorrow to mar their happiness: the knowledge that they had yet to tell the sad, tragic story of those friends, tried and true, whom they had buried in the Go.peN VALLEY. ao
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~ Sissersseaueesstaatdasses ae; ood Dick, the Prince of the Road. By E.L, Wheeler. Gtlewstone Jack. By Josepa E. Baciger, Jr. - 4& Wire By Buffalo Bil, (Hon, wer Cody.) he W ild-Morse Hunters, Captain Frederick Whittaker. - & Vagabond Joe, the Young Wandering Jew. By Oll Coomes. 6Bill Biddon, Travpe By Edward S. Elli { on, Trapper. wa 2. The i 8 Seth ly Captain Mayne Reid and Flying Yankee, By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. t Jones; or, ‘the Captives of th- Frontier. By E. S. Ellis, 9 Adventures of Baron Munchausen. } i Nat ES and The Fate of the Sioux Captives. By E. S. Ellis, 1 The Two Letectives. By Albert W. Aiken, 12 Gulliver’s Travels. A Voyage to Liliput, and a Voyage to Brobdinguag, By Dean Swift, The Dumb Spy. By Oll Coomes. Aladdin ; or, The Wonderful Lamp. ‘The Sea-Cat. By Captain Frederick Whittaker. 6 Robinson Crusoe; (27 Illustrations.) By Defoe. Ralph Roy, the Boy Buccaneer. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 18 Sindbad the Sailor, From the Arabian Nights, The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill. The Double Daggers, By Edward L. Wheeler, The Frontier Angel. By Edward S, Ellis, . The Sea erpent; or, The Boy Robinson Crusoe, By J. Lewis. Nick o’ the Right; or, The Boy Spy of 76. By T, C, Harbangh. - 849 Wild Wolf, the Waco. By Buckskin Sam. oh 850 Red Ralph, the River Rover, By Ned Bontlim, 4 851 Deadwood Dick Sentenced. By Edward L. Wheslen g 852 Tombstone Tom. By Maj. E. L. St. Vrain. 858 The Reporter-Detective. By Charles Morris. 854 Big Horn Ike the Hill Tramp, By Roger St. nek, q 855 The King of the Woods , D Boone’ Tre, By Joseph E. Badger, Jr, Sree ees: 356 Cool Sam and Pard, By T. C, Harhangh, 857 The Ranch Raiders, By Bockskin Sam, 858 First-Class Fred, the Gent from Gopher, By E.L. Wheeley 859 Durango Dave, the Y: ung Wrestler Ci ict j mt fi Ay hg, rhe « er Canmypion. By Maj. & 860 Silver-Mask, the Man of Mystery. By J. C. Cowdrich, 861 The Phantom Lighthouse, By Roger Starbuck. 862 Deadwood Dick’s Claim. By Edward L, Wheeler, 868 Little Tornado, By Philip S. Warne. 864 Snap-Shot, the Boy Ranger, By Buckskin 3am. Pe 865 Baltimore Ben, By A. P. Morris. p= 866 Velvet Foot, the Indian Detective, By T. C. Harbaugh: $67 Wide-Awake Joe, By Charles Morris. % 868 Yreka Jim, the Gold-Gatherer. By E. L. Wheeler. 869 Shasta, the Gold King. By J. C. Cowdrick. 870 Breaker Ben, ‘he Reef-Runner. By Roger Starbucks 871 Kingbolt Chris, the Young Hard-Shell Detective By Maj. E.\L, St. Vrain. By Edward L. Wheeler, 872 Vreka Jim’s Prize. 878 Little Jingo; or, the Queer Para. By Phitip S. Warne, 874 Gold-Dust Tom. By George H. Morse, 875 Chiota, the Creek. By Buckskin Sam. 876 California Joe’s First Trail. By Capt. F. Whittehen, 877 Bonodel, the Boy Rever. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 878 Nabob Ned. By Edward L. Wheeler. 879 Larry, the Leveler, By Charles Morrie, 880 Avalanche Alf, By Major E. L. St. Vrain. ; 381 Randera BAlly ot, Frio Frank to the Front. By Rocka oan. 882 Cool Kit, the King of Kids. By Edward L. Wheeler. 888 The Indian PHlot. By Col. Prentias Ingraham, 884 Whip-King Joe, the Boy Ravehero, By Oli Coomer 885 Yreka Jim’s Joker, By Edward L, Wheeler, 886 Captain Cutlass, the Oceon Spider, By T. C. Herb. ~ 8ST Warpath Will, the Boy Phantom, By Col. P. Ingret- 888 Little Oh-my, By Philip S. Werne A New inem Every Tuesday. The Half-Dime Library iit tor sale by «ll pewsdenn, conte per copy, or sent by mail on receipt vf aix conte enh. ‘ ~ BEADLE AND ADAMS, Pabtishers, 0S William Street, Jew Raw_ \
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“OH! STORIES. uy MOTHER-IN-LAW. By “Bricstor.” Tlustrations by Hopkins. 88 pp., Paper, 8vo. . his is one of the most humorous stories of the day. Every man and Yoman in the country should read this serio-comic experience of a man with jis mother-in-law, who made home torrid for him, and how he succeeded, after : oo and failures, in getting rid of her. UR FIRST BABY; or; Tue INFELICITIES oF Our Honey- moon. By the author of ‘‘ My Mother-in-Law,” etc. Illus- trated. Paper, 8vo. fhis is a witty and charming narration of a young married couple. It pre- gents vividly the first attempts of a young husband at housekeeping. eMITH IN SEARCH OF A WIFE. By the author of “ Our First Baby,” etc. 64 pp., Paper, 8vo. This story is not founded on fact, but there is so much comical human _ pature in it that truth couldn't make it any better. It should be read by every: body contemplating the great lottery of marriage. Laughably illustrated by *yhomas Worth. ‘| maRMING FOR FUN; or, Bacxyarp Grancers. By “ BrIck- Alaughable story. The experience of Timothy Budd and his wife at city gardening ‘s brimful of fun ; and thousands who read it will exclaim: “I've been there!” t PARSON BEECHER AND HIS HORSE. By “ Bricxtop.” Illustrated by Thomas Worth 96 pp., Paper, large 12mo. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, brimful of fresh, brilliant humor and ya@ughable situations, the author claiming it to be the best of his many humor- ous productions. FRED DOUGLAS AND HIS MULE. aaa a to “* Parson Beecher and His Horse.” By the same author. Mustrated. 96 pp., large 12mo. ss gawatory of the late war it deals with people who “‘ were there,” and will e rd many of whom enjoyed the very fun that gop.” Illustrated by Thomas Worth. Paper, large 8vo. Auy of the above books sent by mail on receipt of 12 cents. Postage stamps taken. JM. J. Wers & Co., Publishers, ame sive, Pps.) 379 Pearl Stret, New York BIG JOKE BOOK SERIES. MAMMA, BUY ME THAT!” Illustrated. 64 pages. GRIN’S CATECHISM OF FUN. THE TROUBLES OF MR. AND MRS. BOWSER. [Illustrated. 64 pages McGINTY’'S JOKE BOOK. Illustrated. 64 pages. WIT AND HUMOR OF THE BENCH AND BAR. 48 pages. WIDE-AWAKE SKETCHES. SOME SCREAMING YARNS. Illustrated. 64 pages. ROARING JOKES FOR FUNNY FOLKS. ‘JOLLY JOKES FOR JOLLY PEOPLE.” «THE BUTTON BURSTER; or, FUN ON THE RAMPAGE,” LAUGHING GAS; or, DRIVE DULL CARE AWAY. Illustrated. 64 pages PUT THROUGH; or, FREEMASONRY AND ODD FELLOWSHIP EXPOSED. By ‘“ Bricxrop.” ‘FUN ON THE ROAD.” A Con.ection oF Jotiy JOKES AND Fousne Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 80 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages. Illustrated. 64 pages Illustrated. 64 pages. A Recorp or AMERICAN Wit AND Humor. 48 pages. PRICE 12 CENTS EACH BY MAIL. POSTAGE STAMPS TAKEN. HUMOROUS PUBLICATIONS. THE CELEBRATED LAUGHING SERIES. BOUNCED; or, Tae ADVENTURES oF AN Untucky Man. B Br Joun Carsoy. Illustrated. Paper, 8vo. THE QUIET YOUTH; or, Just Lrxe Hw Unowe. By “Brow ror.” Illustrated. Paper, large 8vo. ; BEANWHACKER’S TROUBLE; or, Nor a Brr Lice ba Uncie. A sequel to ‘‘ Just Like His Uncle.” By Jonw Carsoy. Illustrated. Paper, large 8vo. DEACON BOGGLES AND HIS LIVER PAD. By Wra) WanpveER. Illustrated. 64 pp., Paper, 8vo. . This book is a humorous record of the Deacon’s frantic struggles with than malignant enemy of the human race—the dreaded Liver Pap, THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS SHOWN UP. By “Brice ror.” Illustrated. Paper, 8vo. ‘Don’t make any mis- take.” JOINING THE GRANGERS; or, Experrence or SassaFRAS Dopeer. By the author of ‘‘ My Mother-in-Law.” 64 pp., 16mo, DRY GOODS DRUMMER. By Tom Wonper. 88 pp., 16mo. This is one of the funniest of all the Laughing Series, and its glimpsesof the trials, scrapes, and troubles of a Drummer on his travels are precisely the medicine to cure the blues and make the reader happy. TRIP OF THE SARDINE CLUB. By “Bricxtor.” 96 pp, 16mo. Profusely Illustrated by Thomas Worth. ms This book is full of fun and sentiment, giving personal observations and historical reminiscences of places on the Hudson between New York aa Albany. SCRAPES OF FARMER SKOOPENDYKE. Illustrated. He buys a Billy Goat. He Gives Widow Snugg a Sleigh-ride His Experience with Dr. Bungle. Mrs. Maloney’s Goat, etc., etc. Paper, 8vo. 80 pages, —_
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q — BY JOSEPH, E. BADGER, JR. “928 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St, Louis. 925. White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective. te i 918 The Double Edged Detective. P 907 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. ie 898 silky steele, tue Stay-in Sport. | Ben 881 T e tter-Sport s° Neck-Tie Party, | : 870 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. t 362 Riata Rob, the Range Champion. ae 855 The C »bov Chief's Sure-shot, “A 848 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. ; $87 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. 824 The Sof: Hand Deti ctive. : 815 The Soft Kund’s Cluteh. 809.Dan Duin the Soft-Hand Sport. 796 Tne Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle. 89 Sam Cary, the River Sp. rt. “80 Tne Dead Spert’s Double, (71 Prince John, Detective Special. BY WILLIA”I R. EYSTER, 916 Two Dead-Square Sports, - 902 Soft Velvet, tae Man jrom Sandrock. 891 Genteel Jim, Sport-at-Large, » 881 The Clubman-Crook’s Cat’s-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport. 832 The Stravger Sport’s Shake-up. 828 Kirk King, the Nac from Kirby. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of tilver Bend.~ 718 Unc e Bedrock’s Big Bounce, 707 The Rival Rovers, 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm. . 677 Mr. Jackson, the Gent from Jaybird. , a Lester’s Lone Hand. andcart’s Big Dump. 650 Luck 634 Old i. 622 The All Around Sports. ‘ 763 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. 603 D : 3 ' i esers Alf, the Man With the Cougar. ge TS4 the Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield. the | 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug. Doctor Detective. 1 j 744 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport. \ 720 The Secret Six; or, Oid Haleyon. 712 The Man of Silk. , f 705 Bantam Bob, the vow xd from Butte. 693 Kent. Kasson, the Preacher Sport. vn er es coy wae vg rghit. eel Surry, the Sport fr.m Sunrise, 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Streak 661 The Get-There Sharp. 651 Sil¥ewtip St- ve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou. 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective. 636 Dandy Darling, Detective. 627 Mossback Mose, the Mountaineer, it 617 The Grip Sack Sharp's Even up. } 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte. y 588 Sandy sands, the Sharp from Snap City. , 576 Silver-Tougued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep. wy 564 The Grip-Sack Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom. R 555 Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. : 647 the Buried Detective; or, Sa 1’s Six Sensations. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport with a Smile. ' 568 [he Dude Detective. 558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes. 533 Oregon, the Sport With a Sear. 503 The Dude from Denver, 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, The Fool from Way Back. 459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives, 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Fiat Racket. 396 The Piper Detective; or, The Gilt Edge Gang. 375 Royal y sed oe the Three in One. 356 Thr e Handsome Sports; or, The Combination. 333 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 268 Mazic Mike. ~he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Cutsiceve; or, The Little Sport, 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, Tho Man with the Sana. 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar BY NED RUNTLINE. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer, 633 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red Privateer; or, The Midshipman Rover, 584 Fire Feather, the Buceaneer King. 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot Spy. 11/1 The Smuggler Captain; or, The Skipper’s Crime, 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle. 16 The White Wizard; or, The Seminole Prophet. BY JACKSON KNOX—‘** Old Hawk,” 838 Old Grips Still Hunt, 827 Detective Walden’s Web. 778 The Butler Detective; or, Old Grip’s Grip 770 The Showman Dete tive. 641 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. 585 Dandy Dutch, the Deccrator from Dead-Lift 527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective, 514 Gabe om. the yee’ from Ginseng, 504 Solemn Saul. the Sad Man from san Saba, 495 Rattiepate Rob; or. The Roundhead’s Reprisal 488 The Thor: ughbred Sport. 474 Daddy Dead-Rye, the Desvot of Dew Drop. Od Rough and Ready, the Sage of Sundown Duteb Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. 443 A Cool Hand; or, Pistol Johnny’s Picnic, 438 Oklahoma Nick. 433 Laughing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. 4% The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. 416 Monte Jim, the B'ack Sheep of Bismarck. “09 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle. ~ 10% The Nameless Sport. Hn 895 Deediy Aim, the Duke of Derringers, est Nick, the Border Detective, 345 Maskea Mark, the Mounted Detective, 3 339 Spread Hagie Sam, the Hercules Hide Hunter, % 831 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport, =) 817 Frank Lightfoot, tie Miner Detective, im 292 Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. 236 Pistol Johnny; or, One Man in a Thousand, a 283 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. ity 257 Death Trap Diggings; or, A Man ’Way Back Dh. 249 Elephant Tom. of Durango, . 241 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers, | % 233 The Old ioy of Tombstone, a: 201 Pirate of the Placers: or. Joaquin’s Death Hunt pn 180 Old °49; or. The Amazon of Arizona. 5 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective, 4 165 Joaquin. the Terrible _ om 154 Joaquin, the Saddle King, Baa 141 Equinox Tom, the Bul'y of Red Rock. om 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters, Hu -°305 Dan Brown of Denver; or. The Detective, te ' 88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers. Bea 71 Captain Cool Blade; or, Mississippi Man Shark, rl 67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness, 7 50 Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport, BY WL. G. PATTEN, 0 Fire-Eya, the Thug’s ‘error. . Old Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower, The Prin e of New York Crooks. 756 Old Burke, the Madison Square Detective, 747 Double-voice Dan s Doublc Disguise, 715 Double-Voice Dan on Deck. 702 Double-Voice Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective 396 Doubdle-Voice Dan, tLe Go-it Alone Detective, 689 The Sparkler Sharp. if 887 Dirk Durg. the Ishmael of the Hills. 762 Old Grip, the De’ ective. (672 Captain Crisp, the Man with a Record. 740 Capt in thew, the Fighting Detective. ‘867 A Royal Fius:i; or, Dan Brown’s hig Game. 732 The Hurricane Detective. =» 860 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter. 3 1 — Storm Steve, the Mad Athlete. 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. Be - or 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Wellborn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the’ Detective Expert. 574 Old Falcon’s Double. 561 The Tnug King; or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe. 548 Falconbridge. the Sphinx Detective. 536 Old Falcon’s Foe; or, The Detective’s Swell Job. 515 Short-Stop Mate, the Diamond Field Detective, 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective, 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 44 Tho Detective’s Spy. ; 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective. 477 Dead-arm Branat, 457 Mainwaring. the Salamander. 462 The Ciscus Detective. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The Magic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s eg 386 Hawk Heron, the Falcon Detective. BY J.C, COWDRICK, 752 The Suspect Sport of Daisy Drift. 626. Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry. 598 The Dominie Detective. 591 Duke Daniels, the Society Detective, 580 Shadowing a. Shadow, 565 Prince Paul, the Pcstman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle, 519 Old_ Riddles, the Rock r 499 Twilight Charlie, the Road port. 473 Gil of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. 452 Rainbow Rob, the Tulip from Texas. 436 Kentucky Jean, the Sport from Yellow Pine, 422 Blue Grass Burt, the Gold Star Detective. 390 The Giant Cupid; or Cibuta John's Jubilee. BY EDWARD WILLETT, 483 Flush Fred. the River Sha 368 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head. 848 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. _ 337 Old Gabe. the Mountain mh ig |S 327 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective, $15 Flush Fred's Double; or, The Squatters’ League 308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True, 298 Logger Lem: or. Lif in the Pine Woods, 289 Flush Fred’s Full Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the pyre | Sport. 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of Last Chance Camp, 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime. Buck Farley. the Bonanza Prince. Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man’s Sacrifice, BY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID, ‘ es) a ge rye , the Rough and Ready. % the Man of Grit. n Nameless. the Mountain Mystery. Dismal, the Ranges Detective. Harry, the Cowboy Sport. BY GEORGE C, JENKS. et by ‘Sam. the Shasta Sport. Silver Sport’s Double. Race-Course Detective, esse 98 uaz BEADLE's*T)IME*]IBRARY. - Bublished Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers 659 Gilt-Edge J Sng or, Roldan and His Rovers. ‘“ 10 ~ BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Grayhound. 906 The Cuban Cruiser, 854 Tne Ocean Gipsy. ‘ 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Terror 83 The Rival Monte Cristos, 805 The Last of the Pirates; or, Docm Driven. 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapoing the Grave Ghouls, 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death-Chase. 748 Arizona Chariie, the Crack-stiot Detective. 704 Invisinle Ivan. the Wizard Detective, 685 The Red-skin Sea Rover. 679 Revello, the Pirate Cruiser; or, The Rival Rovers 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover's 662 The Jew D-tective: or, The Beautiful Convict. 640 Tne Rov r’s Ret ibution. 635 The Ex Buccanerr: or, The Stigma of Sin, 625 Red Wings; or, The Goid Seekers of the Bahamas, 610 The Red Flac Boren sper Ww The over; or. te of the 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. “ Sines 600 The Silver Ship; cr, The Sea Scouts of °76, 593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution, 587 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or. Trne Hearts of °76, 581 The Outlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner. 560 The Man from Mexico, 553 Ma. x Monte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig, 546 TFs Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck. ” 530 The Savages of the Sea, ) 524 The Sea Chaser; or, Fhe Pirate Noble, 510 El Moro, the Corsair Commodore, 493 The Scouts of the Sea. 457 The Sea Insurgent: or, The Conspirator Son, 446 Ucean Ogre, the Outcast Corsair, P 435 The One-Armed Buccaneer, 4 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and Warn 399 The New Monte Cristo, 893 The Convict Captian, 377 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspirator. 369 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea. 364 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of tne Coast, 341 The Sea Desperado, 5 336 ‘Tne Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters: Di. 825 The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Casco Hermits, 4 318 The Indian jsuccaneer: or. The Red Rovers. ; a 307 The Phantom Firate; or, The Water Wolves, 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s Daughter. i 246 Queen Helen, the Amazon of the Overland. 235 Red Ligntning the Man of Chance. 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer, 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother's Crime, 210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea, 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon, 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer. 184 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis. 104 Montezuma. the Merciless. 103 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor Brand BY PHILIP 8S, WARNE, 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man's Land. z 583 Captain Adair. the Cattle King, oe 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft. $3 544 The Back to Back Pards. §22 The Champion Three. 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plains, 472 Six Foot Si;.or, The Man to “ Tie To.” 431 California Kit, the Always on Hand, ‘ 404 Silver Sid; or, A * Daisy *’ Bluff. : 880 Tiger Dick's Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, 359 Yellow Jack, the Mestizo. i 338 Jack Sands, the Boss of the Town. ey 299 Tnree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Spork 3 251 Tiger Dicx vs. Iron ie 207'Old Hard Head: or, wind and his Mare. 171 Tiger Dick, the Mau ef the Iron Heart. . 114 The Gentleman from Pike. ry 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. oom 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hiils Sport. e 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier’s Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON. 823 Hotspur Hugh; or, The Banded Brothers. 311 Heavy Hand; or, The Marked Men, 305 Silver-Plated Sol, the Montana Rover, 291 Horseshoe Hank, the Man of Big Luck, a 285 Lightning Bolt, the Canyon Terror, yrs 276 Texa Chick the Southwest Detective, 271 Stonefist, of Big Nugget Bend, 266 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves 263 Iron-Armed Abe, the Hunchback Destroyer 258 Bullet Head, the Colora:’o Bravo. 237 Long-Haired Max; or, The Black ok eas 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of a 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, Weg rk: 219 The Sccrpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom’s Mission zy 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. ag 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, : ae 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. ress. BY OLL COOMES. ee 619 Kit Bandy & Co, the Border Detectives. 148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter, ; 99 The Giant Rifieman: or, Wild Camp Life. ee: 43 Dakota Dan, the Reckless Ranger, % BY COL. THOMAS H, MONSTERY, 236 epics Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Show 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR,
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~ Each Number \ Complete. 984 Buffalo Bill’s Life Raffle; or, The Doomed | 822 Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 979 Buffalo Bill’s Releatless Trail. Prentiss Ingraham. 973 The Dread Shot Four; or, My Pards of the Plains. By Col. W. F. Cody. : 964 Buffalo Bill’s Invincibles; or, The Sable Shad-| ower’s Sublime Sacrifice. By Col. P. Ingra-! ham. ! 908 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun-|. _ flower Sam of Shasta. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 897 X86 Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The Mysterious Man in Blue. By Col. P. Ingra-| ,_. ham. | 794 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker’s Doom. By Col. P. Ingraham. 943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game; or, The Mounted| Miners of the Overland. By Col. P. Incra- 781 ham. ; : By Colonel 820 816 812 07 ’ ; 787 936 Buffalo Bill's Black Pard; or, The Gold! 777 Boomers of the Big Hern. By Col. P. Ingra-| ham. 1773 927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, : Sport. By Col, P. Ingraham. 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary; or, Velvet Bill’ Vow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or, Go- wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In-| 781 graham. : 90? Buffalo Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. By| Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | 904 Buffalo Bill's Tangléd Trail; or, Gentleman | 755 Jack, the Man of Many Masks. By Col. P.| Ingraham. 900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Skarp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 895 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally; or, The Texan’s, Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 800 Buffalo Bill’s Life-Stake; or, The Pledged Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. 882 The Three Bills; Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Band-Box Bill; or, The Bravo in nese] the | fe 769 ; 765 757 743 739 735 731 By Col. P. Ingraham. : 874 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves; or, The Card | 727 Queen’s Last Gane. By Col. P. Ingraham. 869 Buffalo Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up; or, The} 722 Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By Col.| P. Ingraham. 863 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Charm; or; The Man/|716 With the Scar. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri-|710 der’s Death-Run. By Col. Prentiss Ingra-| pare. | 697 851 Buffalo Bill’s Double Dilemma; or, The Great} Scout's Big Three. By Col. P. Ingraham. : 845 Buffalo Bill’s Redskin Ruse; or, Texas Jack’s 691 Death Shot. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 839 The Ranch King Dead-Shot; or, Texas Jack’s Proxy. By Buffalo Bill. ; 830 Buffalo Bill’s Boys in Blue; or, The Brimstone) 667 * Band's Blot-out. By Col. P. Ingraham. : 826 Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon | 658 Scout to the Rescue. By Col. P. Ingraham. | 682 Sa. PPP et Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Montebello the Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. White Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, ; Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill’s Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider| 644 Renegade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand Riders of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham. Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, The Girl Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo Bill. Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, The Girl Grande Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. falo Bill. Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand; or, The Masked Woman of the Colorado Canyon. Ingrahem. Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scout of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Brand; or, The Brimstone Brotherhood. By Coit. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bil!’s Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. By Leon Lewis. Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, The Wipe-out at Last Chance. Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Mascot: or, The Death Valley Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Double; or, The Desperado De- tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack’s Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or, The Masked Driver of Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham. Buffalo Bill Robin Hood Rivals. ham. Buffalo Bill’s Zeagies; or, Silk Lasso Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Btii’s Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso and His Merry Men; or, The By Col. Prentiss Ingra- Sam, the Will-o’-the-Wisp. By Col. P. In-} graham. Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers: or, Emer-| ald Ed of Devil’s Acre. Buffalo Bill Baffled; or, The Deserfer Des- perado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In-| . graham. Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, The Daughter of the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. By Major Dangerfield Burr. Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, the King of the Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. The Cowboy Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. — E DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per eopy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ° ad bed H SH] ap ph fee] Pee oe a on >}s| ceipt of price. : oo os eS ~*~ &@ |: ‘ " sis The Miner By But- By Col. P.| By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. | By Col. P. Ingraham. | Ten Cents a = Copy. 4 Te | DIME} » LDTaNy. | Ne The Lasso King’s League; or, The Tigers of Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. Buck Taylor, the Saddle King. Buffalo Bill’s Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham. Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or, The Knights of the Silver Circle. By Col. P. Ingraham. '639 The Gold King; or, Montebello, the Magnifi- } cent. By Buffalo Bill. | 629 Buffalo Bill’s Daring Role; ; Dick, King of the Cowboys. | 599 The Dead Shot. Nine; or, Plains. By Buffalo Bill. | 517 Buffalo Bill's First Trail; or, Will Cody, the / Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline. Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The Gold Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill. The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution tn Borderland. By Buffalo Bill. The Wizard Brothers; or, } Trail. By Buffalo Bill. | 394 White Beaver, the Exile of the Platte; or, | es Man’s Red Trail. By Buffalo ill. : | 362 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer. : By Col, Prentiss Ingraham. : | 653 649 or, Daredeath By Leon Lewis. My Pards of the | 414 401 | 397 White Beaver’s 329 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or, The League of TDhree. By Col. P. Ingraham, 9 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West. By Buffalo Bill. 304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler; or, The Queen of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill. | 243 The Pilgrim Sharp; or, The Soldier’s Sweet- . heart. By Buffalo Bill, Government Scout ; and Guide. | 189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate : Dozen. By Col. P. Ingraham. Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. Buffal Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell. 117 Buffalo Bill’s. Strange Pard; or, Dashing : Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills. By Major ee | 175 | 168 ; 158 D. Burr. | 92 Buffalo Bill, the Burkskin King;, or, The Amazon of the West. By Major Dangerfield Burr. | 83,Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Knights of the Overland. By Buffalo Bill. 52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; cr, Life Oe ; — Love in a Frontier Fort. by Buffalo R ; ill. : NEW ISSUES TO COME, a A I a et Eo ee ee | 985 The Long-Haired Pards; or, The Tartars of the Plains. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr. '986 Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster. By Col. Thos, : Hoyer Monstery. 987 Shadrach, the Sport Detective; or, The Secret Seven. By John W. Osbon. Rocky Mountain Rob, the California Outlaw. By Albert W. Aiken. 1988 ; a 0000000080 O0od0a CCd0A08 O00000000 0039000000