Beadle's New York Dime Library (no. 1058) (1902 03)
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ani Lapp ees het mr 5 ay attains Te . - : a ‘ . . i as = : ROE Tee ARS i eS S &, i —— CopyricuT, 1881, py BrapLe & ADAMs. i Marca, sins’ x M. J. IVERS & CO., Publishers, No 19 ng Published Every (JAMES SULLIVAN, Proprietor), 10 Cents a Copy. Vol. Tie ti . Month. 379 Pearl Street, New York. $1. 00 a Year. SOL SCOTT, THE MASKED MINER; or, DAN BROWNS DOUBLE, BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR., AUTHOR OF “ THREE-FINGERED JACK,” “GOSPEL GEORGE,” “THE LONG HAIRED PARDS,” “OLD BULL’S BYE,” “‘ PACEFTO Prera,” “JACK RABBIT,” ‘‘CAPTAIN COOL-BLADE,” ETC,, ETC. ANT VN | 4 Z [ce en Le TMT TT pis GE Ail) i WITH A HOWL OF DESPAIR, VERNON SHADUTZ LEAPED BACK AND OROUCHED DOWN UPON THE VERY EDGE OF THE PLATFORM. Sn i
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| - Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. Aa ERI) PT i ea 7 ‘ ‘ A Bde -THE MASKED MINER; . OR, DAN BROWN’S DOUBLE, BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR., AUTHOR OF ‘‘ ALABAMA JOD,” “‘DAN BROWN OF 4 DENVER,” ‘‘ CAPTAIN COOL-BLADE,” ETC, CHAPTER I. f BEAUTY ON A ‘‘ BENDER.” Tue ‘city 2” of Golconda was both alive anda lively place—this much was freely acknowl by her silver rivals Wing to her right and her left. True, some of them added that the name adopted was somewhat bombastic and not exactly appropriate, since the only diamonds dealt with in this New World Golconda were all of the same shape and color, and of much rg value to the Knights of the Field of reen, than to reputable lapidaries. Golecondans never noticed this vile calumny, or if so, laughed at it. Slander helps change many e a town into a city, and so their little ‘‘ boom” went steadily on. : There isa strong family resemblance between all mining towns where the precious metals are wrested Peden the boscm of mother earth. The day is devoted to work, the night to pleasure— a grim sort of pleasure that tco often resulted in “‘a man for breakfast.” Yet the contrast was less ppp in eee = oe placer towns of a generation ago. y long was the clattering of machinery and the ponder- ous strokes of the mighty ‘‘ stamps” to pul- verize the silver-bearing quartz. The earth rumbled and as the charges of = powder explode! in its bowels. Cars loaded with quartz cresked along tramways, or mule teams passed frem pit to mill. But Golconda was not fairly awake until midnight. To use the vernacular, then she was red-hot, and just boiling over with fun. ~ It was thus on the night when this chronicle ri opens—a night Jong to be remembered in the annals of Golconda—near the middle of July, 1878. in masculine attire, ran lightly A dark figure down the steps of the Parker House, then paused and cast a quick glance up and down the street, | as though in doubt which way to turn. Sters and moon were shining Wags ye age ‘ whether the stranger was — or ol or homely, could only be surmised, for alight cloak and a slouched hat shielded both form and fea- tares. Yet not satisfied with this, the yanters, pa drew forth a flexible mask of silk and carefully aed it in place. | tall, square-shouldered, heavily-bearded man brushed past the stranger, but was checked by a clear, musical voice: | “ Sir, can you inform me where I can find the : Dew Drop Innf” “Certainly. Cross the foot-bridge yonder— that lamp stands at this end—turn to the left, | and you will see a red globe, That is tae place you want?” : ‘ : “‘ Thanks—and pardon for having troubled you. . The tall man made no ly, but gazed ear- nestly after the Cake tigate rapi y away. Tere *Pve heard that voice before—but where? It sounds like—bab! Sol Scott, old bey, you’re growing looney!” Nevertheless, so Aspe Aire glad impressed that he turned and glided the stranger— unconsciously rushing on his fate. ‘i SET pe was aoemrare of baer espial. Rapi e passed along the street, reachiug the d ted lamp that marked the east end of the foot-bridge ning the little river that flowed through the valley, cutting the city of Golconda into almost s. gy the —— he ramadan ea over the low railing, gazing thr e eyelet- holes of his rie She water beneath. Here the stream. was and swiftly flowing. A few hundred yards below, the black surface was broken A ts of foam, g more as end of valley was neared. There the river roared and hissed through great bowlders. Once a drunken . sailor, dare-devil in his cups, on a small wager pry ery m7 to shoot those rapids. The ters of bis boat were scen again, the man or his never. 5 as would be the shortest and easiest way out of the darkness,” fell slowly from his lips. <i “ A gasp or two--then those rocks would end all. Bars it no: Seoeped to ‘orp cci gging pardon, sir, ou are a stranger, i and mee ~~ aw a a and rotten this ee railing 8 e way beneath your salt wouldn’t save you fad * ith a start the mask turned around and be- held the igs rretadeet he had addressed before ding within arm’s-length; yet the echoing bridge had given forth no warning of it moved her, she flung the glass er nking, with all the force of surprise. .A muttered word of thanks for the warning, then he turned and hurried over the bridge, not pound sents until beneath the red lobe that shone like a fiery beacon before the oor of the Dew Drop Inn. ; A quick glance down the street failed to dis- cover the miner, and then, after a moment’s hesitation, the stranger pushed aside the door are ‘number had already ted th number acce e fancifully Naonaed invitation to ‘ dro; Pim,” for this establishment, run by Isaac Tampkin, Esquire, was the favorite resort of all money and ability to “buck the tiger,” or “‘throw themselves outside of” first-class—if price be the €riterion—liquors. A moment the stranger paused to cast a swift glance oe the spacious sage Bs though in uest of some particular person, then passed w ib the bar and ordered a Sekonde, if The polite bark —the redoubtable Isaac himself—stared at the stranger open-mouthed, as he noted the black mask; but only for a moment. en he turned to the tools of his Sane a broad grin upon his not ill-looking ace, Never a man in Golconda had a keener eye for the fair sex than Isaac’s, and that one glance told him that his customer wasa woman! The garb was masculine, but could not ba f dis- zuise the rounded outlines of a superb form. he breast was too full, the shoulders too slop- tS ge hips too swelling and the lithe waist too sma. “Some gal on the look-out fer her feller—an’ means business, too, from that battery she’s got slung to her middle!” Isaac thought, his eyes busy as his fingers. The woman—for such the masked stranger undoubtedly was—did rot notice tlie scrutiny of the curious Tampkin. Her eyes were wander- ing swiftly over each form in the room, now dwelling a moment as though the man she sought might possibly be in disgnise. The apartment was large and well fitted up. The moral laws of Golconda were not very rigid, and pring a gambling hell was con- sidered purely legitimate business. There were three faro tables, each with its row of devotees; a tte wheel, a monte bank, besides a number of round tables where those who preferred the solid comforts of draw poker, seven up, eucher or kindred games, could please themselves. From the ceiling depended two chandeliers, each bearing a cluster of oil Tee ‘* A she-critter! Durned ef I don’t b’ileve it’s sap, Fed Jane} Old gal, give us a buss fer uck! These words rung out in a shrill, unpleasant voice, and all, even the stolid faro dealers, looked toward the bar.. A woman had rarely, if ever, before crossed that threshold. None were more surprised than the one who as, me ated ‘wan kontun onl - e mask was leanin, @ bar, slow Sipping her lemonade Mee eyes still searching the crowd, when the door opened and half a dozen men entered the saloon. The leader, a giant in size and breadth of frame, dressed rudely in flannel and corduroy, with huge horsehide boots; a broad belt with revolvers and bowie-knife; a slouch hat cocked rakishly over one eye, was the man who spoke. The attitude of the woman, unconsciously to herself, wr Sb bn like ak Bevatte;: of her magnificent person, the li e n back over her shoulder as ber unoccupied hat rested upon her hip, arm akimbo. An ugly light filled the bloodshot eyes of the half-drunk- en miner as they rested upon that superb shape, and striding swiftly forward, with the rude h “pagplees be — aside the glass and thrust his bearded lips against those of the mask, just visible below the silken shield. And at the same time one arm ‘was slipped around the lithe waist. With a swift, aghe motion, the woman freed herself from his loathsome , then, with a fharp cry of anger, as the giant moved toward frcm which she had been her nervous arm, full in the ruffian’s face. Fairly between his eyes the missile struc breaking into a hun pieces. With a how of rage and pain the blinded ruffian red back, brusbing gait co | blood. and liquor aside, while his other mechanically felt {et dtastiva:to Edw that platcl. ahd ; v w tol and you are a dead pois pee the inask, her voice clear as a bell and stern as fate. ‘Up with your hands, and apologize for that foul insult, or I fire!” A cocked and leveled revolver hasized this . The giant, dimly through the blood that flowed over his eyes tom a dozen cuts, could see this, even if he failed to distinguish the hot fire that streamed from her eyes. And he knew from her tones that she was not threat- one iat “hesitated to obey fully, though bh et he is i He,t e oack of self, to be cowed by a woman! It was a bitter pill, and one he could not swallow. Better risk a shot, by a sudden attack, even though he knew a victory over a woman ‘ ahd teareioen quarrels upon him; for there were ‘en pres ent. quichet than the, reeh TA crocs naan quicker a3 sat ¢ with a vise-like gripe upon the ruffian’s neck, , and snatch-. oe giant A swift, snake-like twist of the body alone saved the man who had termed himself Sol Scott from the gleaming steel. As it was the keen weapon slit open his flannel shirt and left a red line across his stomach. , A dexterous dart of his left hand, and the- giant uttered a howl of fierce rage, not unmixed. with in and wonder, for ; wrist was. wrenched terribly and the knife torn from his. grasp. A thud followed—the deadly weapon uried its point in the ceiling and hung there quivering. ‘Never hit a man when he’s down! Up, you. lummox, and face the music!” cried Sol Scott, with a cold, hard laugh. The spectators could scarcely believe their es, and the nearly sobered giant was probably the most surprised, as Sol Scottraised him from his knees with one hand, twisting him around until they stood face to face, then drew back his. free hand. Fi Instinctively the t tried to put up his. hands as he lurched forward, but his antagonist. would not be denied. With terrific force the clinched hand shot forward and landed fairly between his eyes. A blood —, followed. that wonde stroke, and the huge carcass, raised clear of the floor, fell headlong among his: astonished mate with a jar that ok. the en- tire building. An enthusiastic cheer arose at this display of - aided nt for the majority of those present felt no ove for big Vernon Shadutz, as the fallen bully was nam But only one of them all drew nearer to the bar, for they knew that the end. was not yet, and the cronies of Shadutz formed a ‘“*migh crowd,” Sol Scott seemed unmoved alike by that cheer or the ugly looks of the ruffians who gathered 9 = “7 fallen eden, Uae Pati toward @ mas stranger in whose defense he had interfered. ‘ lady,” he said, with a. frank bow, his tones as Sol, and even as when he first addressed her. “I-don’t often interfere in other people’s affairs, but that big bully was just drank enough to be reckless.” i ‘“* Another forward and he would have tasted lead,” ied the woman, the words bold ewe ,» but there was a faint trembling. ceptible in her voice, that told such scenes were something new in her life experience, ‘“‘True enough, but the blood of such a cur should not stain the hands of a lagy. For that Homan ventured to take the ma off your s. . “Tl ask your pardon, ** An’ a monstrous neat job you made of i a gil !” cried a h akon nd the eadicer’s Seotteehouidon No: pa Tense Og Sot < oulder. 0, ain’t lost no pi driver—thank ye, all the same!” met pa eile: Sol Seott wheeled around as ke felt that hand be ater ae at his fists watgneek closing, ie ea one heat enchitet ye. - . unias - a ae 0 payee pp ng hit a frind” are you, and what. do whely on yrs Bh y m ee ‘One 0’ the sheep 0’ Israel—a perambu-- latin’ tailor’s sign 0’ hard Iuck an’ ghort Shticns —a duke in ef Ihed my rights, mebbe —but I won’t lie to ye, stranger. _I was one 0” the fust men as cradled gold he nent gok on this yer conti per home Saratogy, Yer to raise funds to construct a mon- strous monument to th ) : pt ades ye ars em heroes—one of whom “ Go soak your headand»sober impa tly cried the mi head oF tall of ts . miner, spend ‘oolishness, | gees ask for it at See fot Fant adrink, the veteran ‘They told me down below - fun to the squar’ inch in Gclenaas other place this side o’ the land‘ } ‘an’ suiphur—but that lick is fun I’ve see’d yit. Good you could make ef you could Only
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4 / Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. ) 3 i quartz-crusher! Forty-stamp power in them! “We are fit allies, then.” interposed th 2. ee iston-rods 0’ yourn, I on!” tand. aside, or | miner, a bitter cadence to his tones. e “T don’t . youcancarry. Lady, if you would beso kind | fore such curs can boasi of rubbing me out,” * as to retire—this is no place for you—” 7. * —no!” ized by the actions of the mask. With a revolver in each hand, cocked and ready for , *, wse. she stepped . Scott. A woman of nocommon coura beside Sol was this, Whatever Scott may have felt, he knew there was no time to parley with this willful beauty. forward and stood - Vernon Shadutz was once more upon his feet, * all the more ‘ “a ee eee ee at ofas want, an’ I'll never kick—but Whil i ee gen - fear an _ least save his own bacon. : eager as I be fer to see the fun, I moves a ’mend- - & } Ido say it.” **T ask no help,” cried Scott, pean “Let the lady go, and I will fight the whole crowd single-handed.” us from his silence and the deliberation of his movements. ' Allin the saloon saw that worse was to come, and those nearest the door began to edge their way outside, eyes fixed upor the rival forces, ready to dodge if any stray lead came in their direction. _ One of the most nervous was the worthy tik, hie Garter nclttees ceareniy great are ut his hardly roperty m y suffer in case of a Hitched battle. In desperation he snatched up a double-bar- the bar, and reled shot-gun from undernea raising both hammers, cried: **Gents, P've been bu’sted up in business twice a’ready by free fights, an’ durned ef I stand it any longer! The man as burns powder fust inside ranch, ‘Il git a load 0’ buckshot, sure! Go outside an’ amuse RA Cale all you do here!” e , Isaac turned the muzzle of his battery first toward one, then upon the other party, and all could see that he meant business, : * Durn a man that lets a few dollars stan’ in the way of sech a h 0’ fun!” cried_a shrill voice, and as Tampkin glanced in that direction he Jet vi! was oe Mata a wi sc at worthy was upon counter, fronting the rival groups, but his right hand ee Pach TM barre} restin upon arm, the muzzle staring Isaac in the face, : ¥ ‘Barkeep’,” said the veteran in a cheerful tone, ‘‘goeasy! Ef you crook your finger onto them triggers, thar’ll be a funeral to-morrer, an’ @ auction sale in this here shebang, sure / Strike ; an’ let the fun begin. *isco—which is me—an’ more, Did he attempt to turn bis ie upon the reckless veteran, a bullet would check the movement, The shot-gun dropped from his hands i the bar, with a howl of mingled disgust, he dove under cover, to at This bit of by-play had caused a temporary cessation of hostilities between the rival parties, though neither Sol Scott nor the mask whom he was risking his life in defense of, turned their eyes from the six ruffians before them. as an iceberg, Sol Scott covered his gigantic foe, and despite the rage that was consu him, Vernon Shadutz saw that the miner held his life at command. Of desperate courage, he : ft as might - ae onset, fs that oany shots ahr harged, and at such close quarters would almost surely reach its mark, s Sol Scott laughed mockingly as he noticed “Six to two, and one of those a woman! Bah! instead of tnen’s clothes, you should wear coyote hides!” ‘Pil tan your hide for a vest, Sol Seott!” snarled Vernon Shadutz, but not offering to TDonsias Wisk t it?” taunting! : ou ou ma i unti laughed the other. mn | ada t will havea a 5 to-morrow—for you are not worthy other ae Time, ts!” called out Funny. Felix, squirming Beauty on his seat. “I’m jist paint - see some Roach «| ou’ll get more than you bey | soon 9 Ms end game-cocks!” growled Shadutz, anu glance. one ch ak is only a pullet, ef she do kerry the gaffs,” retorted the veteran, no whit dis- concerted by thethreat. ‘* An’ right thar, gents, ment. Gal critters like that ain’t so plenty in these diggin’s that we kin a’ford to waste ’em onnecessarily. Let her skin out, an’ to keep the odds even, PU take her place, Pm old an’ mighty nigh wored out, but you'll find thar’s ‘izen lot o’ fun wrapped up in my hide yit, ef ‘* or me you got into this trouble—I will not flee and leave you to bear the brunt alone,” said the mask, her voice firm and resolute.. “It does not matter much to me—I have little to live for now. But for your sake, Iregret—” Poe Wee ee a | ‘** And leave you alone to suffer for my folly | tion would have been impossible, for men act Under ordinary circumstances such conversa- : ou may get more fun than | value my life a farthing, but Ill fight hard be- | | swiftly when thirsting for each other’s. blood. | The words rung out yea ob and were em-/ But just row matters were at a dead-lock. / ’ ! : | | / | 3 a The roffians feared to advance, retreat or make a single movement while those four pistols covered them, for they knew that such would prove the death of some of their number. , So ; | they were keenly watching for some favorable | opening, in readiness to instant advantage ot it On the other hand, Sol Scott was seriously hampered by the presence of the masked woman. Had she been out of danger, had he been alone, with only his own life to rd, Funny Felix would have seen the “ fun” begin, long since. For the miner spoke true when he said that he valued his life but lightly, anda ag ie gd man La i oy ne ove ife, cay ‘ampkin, encourag yy the delay, pee out from under the bar, but the veteran seemed to have eyes all over him, and one Hepes se of his leveled pistol was enough to send the worthy Isaac once more to cover. * Spit it out, gents,” added Felix from Fr’isco. nodding toward Shadutz and his men. ‘Shall the } Ma take a back seat while this chicken dances to your music instead?” Shadutz gave a surly growl that might have been taken either for assent or refusal, and Funny Felix chose to interpret it to suit him- self. Heslid from the bar, with a shrill crow of delight, but the woman made no effort to re- treat. Instead, words dropped in a soft whisper from her lips: ‘Look out—they mean mischief—see his eyes! Tho tall miner made no reply, but he too had seen the quick pience of intelligence which between the party, nger was drawing near from behind, but he never removed his of the giant. To do so would be fatal, as he knew right well. The notes of the horned owl echoed through the room. At the same moment, two chairs whirled through the air and striking the two chandeliers, broke the lamps and extinguished the lights in an instant. Several swift flashes light up the gloom, only to render the darkness the more intense. Shouts, curses and angry ron were mingled with the heavy trampling of feet. Bewildered and terror-stricken the tors flocked to the door, crushing down that frail barrier in their mad haste to escape the storm of bullets which they felt must follow, And high above all arose the piercing scream of a woman! ee CHAPTER II. WAS SHE MISTAKEN? the instant tie ottehts we peopel iL trige r the e lights were e and it was the red glare of these shots that momently ted up the scene. it they saw that their lead had been wasted, Vernon Shadutz and his backers having leaped swiftly aside and were now crouching low duwn, t to leap upon the twain. That woman’s scream, thrilling all who were within hearing, came from the mask, as strong her form, raising her from the ough her weight was but that of a feather. Her first belief was that the red- haired, princes giant had clutched her, and in tion she strove to eae Barer inst either him or herself, she cared little which, just then. But something struck her elbow sharply, and the weapon was knocked from her hand. bias that wild, piereing cry—and her senses reeled. That strong arm belonged to Sol Scott. Len sul tiny bt he saw og the odds “8 yd all against them, as he was, resolved at all basttde to aave the woman in whom he felt such a powerful interest, question- able though her actions had thus far been. Quick as thought, he thrust one pistol into his bosom, then flung an arm around the woman, raising her to his shoulder as he leaped swiftly toward the door. None toosoon. He heard the heavy tramp- ling as Vernon Shadutz and his comrades in rushed forward, thinking their revenge sure, and even felt the wind of their pamece. It was the arm of the chief ruffian that the pistol from the hand of the mask, thus saving either her life or that of her bold de- fender. The yelli ing, panic-stricken crowd had no yet cleared the door when Sol Scott burst upon them, but the vigorous impulse of his tobe shoulders, aided by hand and foot, neither of which he conghe' quickly removed the temporary blockade, and still bearing the mask upon his left arm, the miner rushed across the street where the light from the red globe could not reach him. - A swift glance backward failed to reveal any | gall poems and a low, movking laugh burst from is i y Rilenny eats over in, from the howlin they keep up in yonder! Only for her, I wouldn ask any better fun than to bave stayed in the me and stirred them up a little. Vern Sha- uty has ran the town long encugh—” A faint struggle on the part of the woman brought his brief soliloquy to en abrupt close, He released his grasp and allowed her to kan against the side of the building. **'You are safe enough for the present, lady,” he said, and there was an unusual softness in his tones as he spoke. ‘‘ Those curs are biting and snarling at each other in there still, but they must soon find out that we have given them the slip, For your sake, perhaps we kad better increase our distance.” *‘I have troubled you enough—by my folly I have already made you bitter enemies—” ‘Not if you mean Vern Shadutz and his hard crowd, lady. <A Collision between us was only a question of time. Ha! they have discovered a ope the red-haired giant plunged s he spoke, the - mt plun through the doorway and Giured Purity op and down the street, revolver in hand. “* Keep under cover of the shadow, and hasten back to the hotel 7 muttered Scott, the red ne of battle g his eyes. ‘“‘ Even if they should discover you, not a finger shall bier Sg person while I breathe.” as tt would you do?” and the little hand of the masked woman closed upon the sinewy arm of the miner. “That rascal and his gang are looking for me, and I never yet willingly disappointed an enemy. “Surely you cannot display less courtesy toward a friend? You call ine ind ; despite my unwomanly conduct; then, as a lady, I ask you to guard me safely back to the hotel.” ftly the words were uttered; an appe He feared that | light shone forth from the holes in the m Few men could have resisted such an appeal, from the inflamed face | and Sol Scott was no misogynist. a zoe request is a command, lady,” he said, antly. Tt pate once, but now—” The softly. breathed sentence ended with a sigh, and Sol Scott felt the hand that clasped his own tremble. But he did not care tos just then, Somehow the welfare of this strange woman seemed very precious to him, and from cover of the shadows he could see Shadutz and his comrades in evil glaring about in quest of them, pouring curses and fierce qu upon the sca’ crowd, Swiftly and rae Gay“! glided along under the shadow unnoted by the infuriated ruffians beyond, They turned the corner, crossed the bridge and were soon at the foot of the broad ht of steps leading up to the hotel entrance, *You are safe now, lady,” said paus- ing. ‘‘In the garments more suitable for your sex than these, there is no sanget of your being recognized, or if you are, D. W. Winkle is ni the man to suffer his fair guest to come te harm. But the mask showed no intention of taking the hint. Instead, her fingers closed more firm- ly upon his arm, and there was a ring almost of command in her voice, as she spoke: “We will not part just yet, if you’please, sir, We must come to a perfect understanding some poo (laa there is no better time than the pres- en The miner gazed curiously into her eyes for moment, then quietly yielded, The weak ed lightly up the steps, passed through the office, fon we sented fight of stairs, Sol Scott nodded shortly to the landlord, whe stared open-mouthed after him as he followed a up-stairs. ne e strange woman open a door. wiotfohed the intner to nbs te OBaN MIATA , find- ing himself in a comfortably firmer divers lor. The mask followed, and as she closed he door, he heard the key turn in the lock, A lance showed him that she had withdrawn the but be said nothing. e L Wait here for me,” the mask said, her voice. sounding cold and even stern, “I not de- tain you long.” Sol Scott smiled queerly and his shoulders as the strange weman Into inner chamber and closed the Sune behind hee. ‘** Not so much danger of a love scene, after all,” be muttered, leisurely his sur- roundings. ‘Yet I could swear that I have heerd her voice before, and not so many days since, either. Well, the dear creatures mus. be kumored. Give her time and she'll show her no eer ' e was not kept long in suspense. In less than ten minutes the inner door ependa, anda Seige vision of graco and beauty stood before m, lustrous as diamond dust; a complexion o' aling purity, with a soft flush upon either cheek —little wonder that the roughly-clad miner Rat rose from his seat with an Be ee eae
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4 3 Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. The woman smiled; but it was a cold, chilling leam. And there was a bitter, almost con- ring to her voice as she spoke: ** Have I not fallen terribly low? To actasa spy upon my husband—the man whom Iso fondly sti f to love, honor and obey?” and the woman ended with a bitter laugh. ** No doubt you believe you have good reasons for your actions,” said Scott, speaking slowly. asthough carefully choosing his words. ‘ And yet. it does not seem possible that your husband d give you cause for doubt.” A very neat compliment, Mr.— by what name do you choose to be addressed, just at present?” * Sol Scott will serve all purposes, I reckon,” was the cool response. “It is short and easily ken. ** And quite as much yours as that of Dan Brown, no doubt.” “Precisely as much, madam,” smiled the “Then you acknowledge that your rightful name is not, nover was, Dan Brown?’ demand- ed the lady, her cheeks glowing vividly, but the rest of her face pale as a corpse. **T do, cheerfully. Will you kindly tell me when lever laid claim to that name?’ coolly asked the miner. ** When you swore that I was all in all to you —when you vowed that you loved me and me alone—when you married me!” exclaimed the woman, her eyes flashing as though on fire. Sol Scott smiled faintly, and then brushed one hand across his eyes as though he would clear his vision. There was no levity, no care- lessness in his voice now as he spoke: ‘*I uttered those words—I recorded those vows—but it was years sepia you were but a child, lady. I once a wife—as fair and beau as you—but she is dead.” “*T have no to do with the past. The present is black and bitter pee x God knows!” uttered the woman, ionately, advancing until within arm’s-le of the miner. At the sound of her voice, the ge of at repay safer pape, a composed, as impenetra- ble as that of a = ** No doubt this little drama would be inter- esting to me, lady, were you to give me the cus. As it is, lam wholly in the dark, in all politeness allow me to ask, what on earth have I to do with your domestic troubles?” The woman gazed into his eyes with burning intensity; but if she hoped read any con- fession of weakness there, she was doomed to disappointment. Steadily her gaze was re- turned. The miner even smiled until his white teeth were visible under his heavy, drooping mustache. **Do you know, I am powerfully ogre tae i be you as you stand neyo at Jett gion he utiful lucking a long, r ger pth 4 and fiashin from her g it dangerously near the face of the miner. Not a muscle flinched, nor did that baffling smile fade away. ticular lo or life, suppose you try it Had he flinched. ee reason with her, in all probability the maddened woman te eee re With 4 dotnet sob, she flung the dagger and the sofa, sobbed bitterly 5 ib aoterell bie oven Sol Scott looked down her for a moment, with a strangely softened look in his eyes, then aad’ guitly laid Bs hedid upon her It was an 0 eg ye movement Ae meant to soothe her. ith an angry cry, sprung burning rage quickly drying the , 1 admit,” was the calm re- ee one tie Bicds wack ondee who will bo tniphetens if 2 w impatient them wai longer. Yet I could not bear to leave you a@ warning, uttered as a true friend. «be sararenrnty og bag hg alge ld , never ang - Yee beatd tie pains pot 1 believed you. mel Gor cae’ Wot coe ot tone great Ba believed you the same as I. And from this fags, demain in I could not hel comes the warning I would give you. Remem- ber that if a woman’s fair teas is once be- smirched, even if only in seeming, it never shines perfectly clear again.” There was a brief silence, then Sol Scott laughed softly. ‘Pardon me, lady—I could not help it. A sinner lecturing a saint! But for the time I for- got who and what I am.” “Shall I tell you who you are?” the fire again leaping into her eyes, as she moved closer to the miner. “Tf it will be any comfort to you, I don’t mind,” coolly. “The man whom I once believed to be my husband!” *Tcould wish your words were as true as you think them, lady,” was the earnest response. ** For my sake, if not yours. I know your hus- band, by reputation at least. He is an honest man, one who has no reason for hiding his face or his real name from the pure light of y- A short mocking laugh checked his speech. “You are as modest as you are truthful! See! how easy it is to unmask you—” With a swift motion her fingers twined them- selves in his long, heavy, tawny beard, and cag sharply. cry of astonishment burst rom her lips, and her face grew ashy pale as the luxuriant hair refused to come away. Quietly Sol Scott bore the infliction, and smiled broadly at the discomfiture of his fair an mist. **You took me for your husband, in disguise? I fear the worthy detective would not think your mistake a compliment to him, if ever he comes to know me as I am.” ** You are—you must be Dan Brown!” the bewildered woman. “I could not have made such a mistake!” **Lady, calm yourself and listen to me. I tell you now, as I said before, I am not Dan Brown, nor am I your husband. Instead, I am one whom he is hunting down—whom he has sworn to bring to the pallows--a blood-stained criminal !” The woman stared at him in mute amaze- ment. Not yet could she believe that all her instincts were at fault—that this man was a stranger, and not the one whom she had loved dearly enough to call husband. It was incred- ible! Surel j ee was some cunning leger- is ‘*'You still doubt me, I see,” added Sol Scott. **T have confessed myself a criminal—have told you that human blood has stained my hands, and that the officers of justice are on my track, hounding me to the ows. Are you wise in still disbeli me—you, a peri in beauty— a woman for whom a man might well barter his very soul? Lady, it isan awful temptation for one to forswear oneself!” Calm though his tones were, there was a burn- ing light in his big blue eyes that caused the bewildered woman to away from him as her pale face grew paler. Instantly that glowing light softened, and with a low, soft laugh, Sol tt resumed: **Pardon me, lady for my presumption, but reading you a littie lesson in prudence. With such a glorious temptation, tew _ could resist a claim such as you have t forth. **I do not know what to think!” murmured the wretched woman, sinking upon the sofa and pressing both hands to her brow. ** Your brain is disturbed by the scenes ve have witnessed. In the morning all will be clear. Then, if you wish you can see me again. Ask for Sol Scott. 'y one will know me by that name, and your message will find me. In the broad light of ben AA will see how different I am from your h' Na As the miner seemed about to take his leave, the lady arose and drew the key from her pocket. “You intend returning to that saloon?’ she “Certainly. I shall be expected, and as I have little else to lose, I don’t care about being deemed a coward.” **If you are the man whom I have called hus- band—as I must still believe—I know how un- bending is your will when once it is formed. Yet I wish you would not go there.” “Tf I were your husband, your will should be my law; but unfortunately I am only Sol Scott, a hunted criminal.” ** Then flee while can!” impulsively cried the woman. ‘My brain is all in a whirl. I ean hardly think. It may be that I am mis- taken—that you are what you say. If so, save lf by speedy flight, for if Dan Brown sworn to hunt you down, nothing else can ay Os TI have fled, driven from § ‘Por years ve riven from State Sta bit Thave turned my back on the boos, h of the law for the time. Life has little attraction for me now. Blood calls for bl and I am ready to pay the penalty. Tell Eb par hoa you gg that he will Sol Scott” ih ee aa. Sci he took th ose tdi kth key fom, ber bands, an SSS en ee npn essen stenoses emetic sunk down upon the sofa, a sobbing moan burs ing from her lips. ‘Can I be mistaken? Surely that man ts my husband!” CHAPTER II ‘““FUNNY FELIX, FROM FRISCO,” “Tunes looked boomin’ fer a spell, but whar did it all goto? Whar is the fun? Whar is the cold meat fer breakfust? Ain’t any—an’ yit, ir them good old days ’round Han blog eye or Dead Dog, many the time hey I see’da less promisin’ prospect pan out fun an’ stiff uns enough to run a crowner’s mill fer a week, tail He icy Things ain’t as they was then—more’s eS t OF course it was the old ’49-er speaking, and he relapsed into silence with a sigh that seemed to come up from the very soles of his boots, as he leaned inst the bar and gazed owlishly into the clouded countenance of Isaac Tampkin. Time was money to a saloon-keeper in Gol- conda after the sun set, and the doughty Isaac, though not wholly recovered from his panic, quickly had his Bsa put in running order again, after Shadutz and his crowd left it in search of Sol Scott and his masked companion. Not much harm had been done beyond shat- tering the lamp-bearing chandeliers. No shots had been fired after the first volley discharged by Scott and company. Those four ets formed a line in the end well; thanks to the swift movements of Shadutz and his crowd no blood had been shed. They saw what no one else noticed: that two friends were preparing to break the dead-lock. They knew that Scott would shoot on the instant, and as the chairs whirled through the air, they ducked low down and let the bullets pass harmlessly over their Ss, “They’s only two bright specks in the hull fizzle,” resumed the veteran gold-hunter, as Tampkin only scowled sullenly: “Them was the love tap that two-leg quartz-crusher lent the tivehenceien phere: bones, ar’ the cute way in which you ducked onder the bar an’ drawed in your head every time Sn ketched me a-p’intin’ my shooter at ye. Twas ekil to a big mud turkle—” “What in blazes do you want around h anyhow?” sourly demanded cat peer his red face turning redder as he re ae ie low laugh among hace whose attention was attracted by the shrill, high-pitched voice of Funny Felix, from Frisco. ‘ For two cents I’d come out and mop the floor with your karkidge, ef only to pay, you fer pullin’ on me when I wasn’t look- “Take out your change, Johnny!” chuckled the veteran, tossing a twenty dollar gold piece upon the counter. “It’s bin a heap o’ time sense I was used as a mop, an’ mebbe gettin’ kind o’ old fer brisk work like that, but I reckon thar'll be two cents wuth o’ fun intoit, an y. Pile out, Johnny! Spit onto your han! an’ ketch holt. Yar’s your old mop, an’ yar’s your flo’—the sooner ye to work, the sooner ye’ll oh your house-c’ ’ done!” ith a shrill crow that would not have dis- ae a prize chanticleer, Funny Felix from risco flung his battered hat upon the floor and rubbed his weather-beaten hands er in high glee at the prospect of some “i of them we th had nearly broken their necks ie elbeting the saloon when bullets bid fair to begin to play, but they anticipated no such dange This ay malt oo either drank | * e pie © saloon-keeper had thought at first; a f-drunken mining towns are infested with. But this belief was shaken by the gold produced so carelessly, and as he ran his eyes over the capering y afer all, & mop not so readily h The fellow was tall, well-buil cided stoop of his shoulders, sud che sien his motions as he danced around his Sid ber and tousled, of a sandy hue a foxy gray. His garm Frisco, t”: , that hendcis ane rons tea mY thle weld an’ ‘tirin’ or you may y in the jug, bef marshal of Golesi: way, for, Sam Ellis, city ter whom few reees Ghaed $6 he ip eae Even Funny Felix rapidly “simmered . ae Pe rocomniaed the down, a squar’ b ” ia (See a up his old hat and cavetairoe tp -
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- Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. mural sheepishly at the marshal. . “‘ Johnny yonder, “lowed of] I'd give him two cents, he'd mop up the hull floor with my old clothes, an’ I jest tuck him up at his offer.” _ : “‘Johnny would make more money fooling around the butt end of a og homies uake, un- less I miss my guess,” said Ellis with a grim smile. the damage done by them cusses. Ain’t that fa’r?’ — Tampkin gingerly accepted the proffered hand, but im iately wished he had refused, as he felt Peete carly, giving way beneath the terrible pressure of those sinewy fingers. Funny Felix did not appear to notice his con- tortions, but called out in his shrill, peculiar tones: ‘Gents, all hands promenade to the bar, an’ do me proud by helpin’ tie my night-cap fer me!” Save the dealers at the gambling tables, who perforce must keep their brains cool, and two other men, the entire company advanced with alacrity to accept the frank invitation. The keen eye of Funny Felix noted these exceptions. ‘*Gents, you hearn my inyite? Won't you honor us?” . "Thanks; we are temperance apostles and never indulge,” one of the two men responded, barely cing toward the veteran, then re- suming his conversation in low tones. * “No loss without some gain—it’s a half a dol- lar saved, any way,” coolly uttered the old 49 er, a a to the bar. ; he drinks were swallowed and Bid for, then, after putting a few questions to Tampkin concerning the y, the marshal insisted on Funny Felix’s bearing him company home. Meanwhile the two men who had claimed to be temperance apostles, seated at a table in the further corner of the room, were conversing in ed tones, on matters which nearly con- cerned at least one of the characters introduced to the reader. : ‘*T tell you I cannot be mistaken,” repeated the man who had answered Funny Felix. ‘I have kuown the fellow for years; have worked in the same cases with him, and can penetrate any disguise he may assume at a glance. The fellow you call Sol Scott is none other than Dan Brown, the so-called famous Rocky Mountain detective.” The sp ther with his present not. masked by hair, were regular and hand- some. His eyes were brilliant and steady in their glances. His muscu'ar form was clad in rather flashy garments, his linen white and well ond studs sparkling in the front. From dress and general appearance, he ssed for any thing from a pros- oe gambier to a retired merchant or capi- He had arrived a Oe gs a short . vy peng dy e er House as Pa Gerur of New York Bay Plainl companion was a less favored son oe fortone. Of middle a bushy gray hair and dress was worn and soil over the ta was good, tall and muscular, his face not wahtitense his big blue eyes bright and shrewd, when not bleared and bloodshot A ‘bad * the more reputable citizens of Golconda long since set against the name of Carmichael. Not that any crime or es- pecial sins could be laid at his door, He was always hail-fellow-well-met. But he would work at mining only when the humor took him. soon quitting Toa oafing around saloons uu money and credit were gone. Carmichael rong quietly to the words of “There is a mistake somewhere. You say ‘Dan Brown left Denver only a week ago?” “One week yesterday. I saw him off, so am Per aud he had been in town—how long?” * “Fora month, constantly. I met him nearly the wrong tree, so “You called me, King?’ he asked, in a low tone of voice. “Yes. You khow the fellow called Sol Scott? how long has he been bossing the ‘ Glory of Alabama’?”’ “Not more than twice, and then only for a single day each time.” **That will do. Go, but keep an eye in this direction. I may want you again,” said Car- michael, whose words were obeyed with an un- . questioning promptness that might have opened the eyes of many in Goleonda who looked upon him as a drunken, worthless ‘‘enemy to none save himself.” Carmichael made no comment on the infor- mation taus obtained, but slowly shuffled and dealt the cards which were used only as a cover to their conversation. “There may be a mistake, but if so, I have not made it,’ doggedly muttered Paul Gerux. ‘‘The man you call Soi Scott is none otker than Dan Brown. You have been deceived by some cunning trick—he is wily as a fox and sure as death. He has played some ‘double’ on you, to throw you off your guard and enable him to work under cover. He has sworn to run you to earth, and he will keep his oath unless aie get in the first blow. It is your life or his, for once on the right scent, as he surely is now, death alone can choke him off.” ‘**I don’t see how Sol Scott can possibly be our man; but if he is, our work may be done | for us easier than you think,” said Carmichael, as the door opened and Vernon Shadutz with his hard crowd” blustered into the room, after 5 vain search for the man who had knocked him own, ‘You know the fellow, then? Can money buy him?” eagerly asked the Frenchman, his black eyes glittering. “‘ Better thanI do you. Of one thing be sure. Either Sol Scott or yonder giant, Vernon Sha- dutz, will be ready for a ccffin before another ‘sun sets, Shadutz has ruled here too long as ook of the walk, for him to overlook that ow. “‘Unless he strikes from behind, or. shoots without warning, your big friend will lead the mourners, then?” said Gerux, grimly. ‘‘I hate Dan Brown as the devil hates holy water, but I never yet saw his equal at fighting, from naked up.” e Weil Pll not shed many tears, whichever s under. Shadutz has been growing more oublesome— Is that drunken fool bent on suicide?’ he exclaimed in amazement, It was Funny Felix from Fr’isco who drew forth this uncomplimentary ejaculation. | nf some means he had eluded the city mar- shal, and returned to the saloon, entering close upon the heels of the “ bad crowd.” With characteristic impudence he approached Shadutz, and clapped him on the shoulder, say- ing corcially; ‘Stranger, come an’ hi’st some p’izen. I owe ye as much, fer I hedn’t see’d a smell o’ fun fer a month until you—” “Clear out, you drunken cur!’’ growled the ploody Faget ruffian, raising his fist, threaten- y: Foon Felix leaped back out of reach, then key Be shrilly as he leaned carelessly against the bar. **No ’pulsion, stranger. Ef you won’t drink I won’t hey the liquor to pay fer. Mebbe you’re right. hide is powerful bad fer black eyes —an’ a neater lookin’ pa’r then them o’ yourn I neyersaw! Fresh beef is good—better go home an’ poultice ’em!” The battered giant glared at the audacious veteran like a mad bull that first catches sight of Bach | . Then he coped one stride Ha ward with a curse—only use as quick- ly, ggrgaouba argued wis dashes him fall in ‘ace, *You’re powerful good-lookin’, old man, but you cain’t come in yer,” said Felix, squinting along the leveled tube with a coolness doubl ovoking. “I’m mighty fond o’ fun, but on’t want no brick house fallin’ on top o’ me— not much!” . Once more there was an instinctive scatterin on the aly of those gathered around the ca tab! t this time their haste was needless, The t, mad as he was, was no fool. He saw that the wuppored drunken bummer was a man of nerve; who could not be rushed over with impunity. The cool, quaint smile, as Funny Felix. squinted over revolyer, plainly told him this aang ey he could ey a wea- or close grasp wu’ an’ Rowh, a bullet waokt Buda lodgtna-place in far as Sol Scott is concern |.” was the quiet re- | brain. -been here, reg silver mine, ‘Glory of Ala past two months. e . atchin, wire cory seh | me With a hoarse, forced laugh, his raised fist out of the road.” ‘Some o’ you'll run a an’ bu’st eto : was lowered and unclinched, and he said, speak- ing slowly: ‘Some other time will do as well, old | retorted Funn mse, as Funny Felix lowered his weapon, though still keeping it cocked and in his hand. “T ain’t the man to force fun onto a feller when he ain’t feelin’ like laughin’. But Pm sorry. I hoped we was goin’ to have a little jamboree all to ourselves, Say!” he added, asa rilliant idea seemed to strike bim. “You couldn’t make b’lieve I was that feller you call Sol Scott, could you?’ Shadutz pape at him with an ugly scowl, but said nothing. ** Mebbe ef I was to sorter stir you up—call you a cold water drinker, or a honest gentle- man, Or some other sich insult—wouldn’t that mc hy fetch about some feelin’s 0’ fun in ye?” e sublime impudence of Funny Felix pro- duced an effect exactly contrary to that intend- ed, and Shadutz fairly laughed aloud, ‘Tm afraid you’re too heavy for me, stran- ger,” he said, with a smile that was even more repulsive than his frown. ‘My quarrel is not with you, as I said before. But don’t try to rub itin. Tm not always in a good humor. ‘“‘T was never known to crowd a stranger, an’ so I won’t try to tickle you any more,” frankly said Felix, putting up his weapon. ‘ But meb- be some one o’ your crowd would like to play circus fer awhile—jist to please the gents - in’ on. Tm old an’ pu nigh wored out, but I'll do my best to make it interestin’.” aig athletic young fellow stepped for- ward. *‘I don’t mind trying a fall, just for luck,” he sas smiling. ‘‘That is, if you can wrestle a i “Never tried it sense I used to wrestle with my gal, an’ then she throwed me every clip; but anythin’ fer fun,” scan i Felix. “It’sa squar’ thing—no double bankin’?” ‘** There’s gentlemen enough around to insure fair play,” replied the young miner, and an eager murmur, accompanied by sun signifi- cant clicks as revolvers were drawn tojfull bore out this assertion, ‘‘Catch as catch can, if you don’t object,” P ** Durn the odds, so long as thar’s any fun into it,” responded the veteran, removing his belt and laying it upon the counter. Eagerly bets were offered, but without takes, The odds were allon the side of the young miner, well known as a good wrestler. Funny Felix only smiled as he heard the general opinion. ‘Whenever you’re ready, say so, boy,” he exclaimed. “Tm ready any time,” smiled the wrestler. Just how it was done, nobody could tell. There was a swift rush, a momentary struggle, then the young miner was hurled headlong over the bar into the pile of glasses and bottles * Look out thar’! you'll bu’st somethin’—durn sech a keerless feller, anyhow!” shouted Funny Felix, grinning. At that momenta sharp voice shouted aloud the warning; ** Look out, Shadutz / there comes Sol Scott [” \ CHAPTER IV. A DUEL IN THE AIR. VERNON SHADUTZ, in common with all the rest, had become wholly absorbed in the meet- ‘ing between chags Felix from Frisco and the young wrestler. Nothing strange in for the red-haired giant called the young athlete brother—Rucker Shadutz. But as that warn- ing rung out clear and startling, he whirled around to the door, by which alone his on ore enter. a ici 4 wiftly the crowd sca’ ling back on either hand, leaving Vernon Shade and his four companions standing alone with no one between them and the door, where stood Sol Scott, each hand caamnes revolver butt, thumb on hammer and forefinger on trigger. and careless as he seemed, none present but knew he meant business and would make things lively if the “hard crowd” dared press Eine “* All at once, boys,” growled Shadutz, intense mace, 4 Ha conti ich jae ie ie ae en nance, e can more one that will be at me—rub him out!” bd The delay was only momentary. long eno’ to pat & new pe ‘on mettorg apo creates equalize the eng again vick as a flash, at the first alarm, Funn Folie leaped to where his Bape kg vine, hastily buckled it around waist, then dodged *“ Run over the fool!” led Shadutz. £ fie Vinast ocean exroughe 00 e23 your bilers, sure, a-tryin ” ? man. You've got the drop ie now, and I | breadth. ore never stop a fight what the odds don’t hold my life as exactly my own, while | was anythin’ like le lcsware Sol Boot, walls the that cursed as long as T afm marshal of th earth.” city!” bag ier ba Re of Sam “ Jest as you say, stranger,” was the cool re- ° ing past Scott und taking ‘position nei ¥ “ But Iw hoe fas = FT) 3! eh. é 2 ome aarrh T es By b oe a Sey Fal Rass nc enti ej eee ke en ae one bin San BW b ook hs ee CR Te am ninis > Meta n im, ae 2 BR a Sd i AN tea aos Pea yt leans eR SF gga O ee be 5 | t
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p< crgen his pistol could ach both S. yourjweapons, emen. there’s te Bm Urhrgpeert. t, I’m going to have he first squib!” Vernon Shadutz was the first to obey this order, by cing his revolver, and gome there were hapten. ou who secretly lieved he was not ‘y disappointed by the Macy entrance of the marshal. ‘A cheap way to gain a reputation for cour- age, Sol Scott!” he sneered, ‘‘ Almost any cur ona bold front, when backed up by “You see, Mr. Ellis, what a false position our interference places me in,” coldly uttered Bol Scott, turning to the officer. ‘Not that I mind what that overgrown bully says, but there may be some honest men present who may think the same—that I only pod ni here because I knew you were at my back. Oblige me by re- tiring, and let us have it out.” The marshal shook his head, his stern coun- tenance not relaxing. ‘Then you place me under the disa ble necessity of begging the name and address of one who will act as your friend, pointedly ob- served Sol Scott, cool as an iceberg. ay To say the worthy marshal was astonished, is to put the case very mildly indeed. He had in- terfered on behalf of one man who was threat- ened by half a dozon—for by this time the dis- comfited wrestler had recovered his wits suf- ficiently to range Limself alongside his brother —and now, in return for saving him from al- most certain death, that man was coolly chal- lenging him to mortal combat! Ror the love o’ humanity, boss, don’t bu’st the circus up altogether, leaded Funny Felix, pathetically. ‘* Repeated disa’p’intments on sech @ tender p’int ‘ll surely send me into a ea “The calaboose, more likely,” bluntly inter- posed the marshal. Then turning again to Sol Scott, he said: “T cannot answer your last speech just at mt, because 1 am on duity; so let that rest i the present. Will you kindly explain why you think I should withdraw? What is the between you and big Shadutz?”’ ** A natural curiosity to see which of us shall reign chief of the town,” carelessly replied the mixer. ‘Don’t you swaller that, boss!” cried Funny Folix, earnestly. “A gal-critter slamanaded in yer, dressed out as a he-man, an’ was enjoy- in’ of herself all alone, when purty black eyes, yenuder, pranced up to her an’ smacked her right on the gob. *Ooetse she bu’sted her glass in his face, an’ then this gent, yer, be made old heck 0 git down on his bunkers and ax par- on— A savage growl from Shadntz as he started toward the veteran with clenched fists, cut short the valuable account, and Funny Felix whirled about, bands up in good shape, by no means anxious to avoid the an yo giant. But Ellis motioned Shadutz back with a significant look not to be mi en. **-You’re nove too good for it, even if it isn’t true,” he said, then turned in to Sol Scott. “You are determined to have it out with them, “Certainly; Shadutz bears my mark, and he ien’t the kind of animal that forgets easily. We must come together sometime — provided be couldn’t slip in a stroke when my back was -tarned—and now is good as any other.” ** Your quarrel is with bim alone, then?” “Well, he is the one I mean to mark first, I’m not particular as to one or two more or They run together, and form such a sweet scented crowd that it would be a pity to scatter them now. The six will make aboutan average man, and 1’m willing to take them in 2 lump. There was a cool, careless: insolence in the words and tone of t y Felix, whipping forth a heavy ** But you ain’t ing Scott. willin’ to *vide up with a fri’nd,ain’t ye? Thar’s jest three apiece fer us, an’ you kin take your ick, too, m the boss, thar’, kin give the word, an’ ef wo two cain’t tickle all the fun out 9’ that crowd, then Pll oe the church an’ never in i all phy —o play. You smile, om emen,” he added, a little sharply, address- those among the crowd who were amused at the idea of a sworn guardian of the peace i a a g hard passed. and put them in the cooler, ner or later they must meet, a dozen Ha i &f i : : Sol Scott, the Masked _of this town, I am to arrange the details—you can have your i? rent ba Gentes ¢ you agen EEE am sai Soe, marshal, I ask your pardon for the hasty words I spoke a moment since.” “ And bee, Shadutz?” asked Ellis, after bow to Scott. me. It would have been settled before now, only for your interference,” was the sullen bes mei “but you’ve wasted too much time in_ talking. Look ‘at my eyes—they are nearly blind, and full of bits of glass. Am I in condition to fight a duel? I can scarcely see across the i. ht across a ec geen pe and peoretta es n of eyesight,” coo and even contemptu- oeniy altered Sci Bove ‘ “*T want to kill you, but not bad enough to commit suicide,” said Shadutz, with an angry scowl. ‘Mr. Ellis, I will make one more suggestion. If that is refused by the other , then I soy Sores apo? Sarrteese Arb, | tme. Fixa ew boards on top of the windmill by the gulch for a platform. t us up there, armed only with a knife each—or just as that fellow prefers. The moon gives ry al ie toy gt oe’ f can see the fun, and at the same time be out of dan- ger. ** That’s better, and ’lagree—knives alone,” ey cried Vernon Shaduiz. ‘o do the ruffian justice, he was quite as anxious for the fray as was Sol Scott, but he spoke true when he said that his eyes were in no fit condition for fighting a duel with fire- arms. They had been injured by the glass which the masked woman had shattered in his face, and by no means bettered when Sol Scott dealt him that terrible “mule kick.” On a narrow stage, where dodging was out of the question, where the combatants must stand up breast to breast until the weaker gave way, his enormous strength must Poh der And then, too, he was an expert with the knife. With difficulty he smothered a shout of ex- ultation, lest Marshal Ellis, who he knew was no friend of his, should think the odds too great, and refuse to let the affair go on. The officer did look pa, but the proposition hav- ing come from Scott, he could make no objec- tion without showing too plainly where his sympathy lay. As already shown, the moral laws of Golcon- da, as is generally the case with young mining- towns, were not very rigidly enforced, and duels and street fights were pe srent rarity ; but there was something origi about this | spree and the outsiders were correspondingly elated. Volunteers to arrange the platform were not lacking, and .chief among. them was Funny | Felix, who took a strange interest in the affair, | Plank, hammers and nails were procured, and | the crowd moved quietly through the town, panne just beyond the city limits where oomed up a massive structure, pyramidal in shape, the blunt apex surmounted by a round top of heavy timbers, some eight feet in dia- meter. This was the frame of a, windmill, as yet un- finished, and on this, when covered with pianks, the air duel was to be fought. “Pm gen’ally bilin’ over with fun,” said Felix, when the planks were firmly nailed in ures looking over the edge, “but while hold my sober senses, you won’t ketch me fightin’ a man mountin’ on no sech high-toned riggin’ as this—not much! Wheat life the knife leaves, them rocks down yonder ‘ll take p’izen nasty keer of!” Thirty feet below, tying thickly on all sides. were rough bowlders, a fall on which could hardly be other than certain death. Not far away, some twenty feet lower, ran the dark waters, breaking here and there into foam over a sunken rock. Funny Felix descended and reported all in readiness. “Gentlemen,” said Ellis, addressing the duel- ists, ‘‘let one thing be understood. marshal mean to see that both of you have fair play. After the fight onco begins, of course you each look out for yourselves, and any tricks you may see fit touse in gaining an advantage over the other, will be considered fair and part of the game. But until I give the signal, you are under my an and sure as the moon shines down on us, I will kill the man | who first breaks A orders. ‘Now listen. You will each one be searched, to make sure that pee bears any concealed weapons or armor on his person. en you will toss for first choice of positions. C) man who wins, will climb up there and selecting his side, stick his knife-point down in the ng | close to the edge. He will then come down, an the other man will do the same thing, only takin the be te tg ais : *You en searc again, to make sure that no friend passes you another weapon. The man who won the toss up and stand in the center of the platform fostig his knife, holding both hands above his head. The other will mount and stand back to back, his bands also up. Then I will askif youareready. You ; will respond, and I will call time. The moment Miner. that word is spoken, you are at liberty to ne. But thind: if either of prevent his arming himself, before he secure the next moment! It is to bea fair e duel, and the best man has gottowin. Are you satisfied? Is there any point which I have stated that you don’t fairly understand?” Parr could be clearer, and [, for one, am perfect M4 satisfied,” said Sol Scott, frankly.» too,” growled Shadutz, ‘* but it seems to me you're taking a mighty roundabout way of getting us to work.” “ You may thank your own hard for that,” coolly retorted Ellis, ye tong a gold eagle. ‘‘ Heads or tails, Shadu Cali out while the coin is in the air. “ Heads?” cried the t as the coin revolved swiftly over their heads, and fortune seemed to be sufi g upon him. “Heads it is, and you have first choice. Stand and let me search you,” said the quickly assuring bimself that the giant no weapon save his long, heavy bowie-knife. With a devilish laugh of anticipated triumph, Vernon Shadutz clim up to the platform, chose the side where the moonlight would fall upon his back, stuck his knife into the plank, then descended. Sol Scott went through the same performance, and returned to the ground. By this time Shadutz was re-searched, and five minutes later the two deadly enemies stood pe en the platform, back to back, hands elevated above their heads, every muscle in readiness for a swift leap for the gleaming weapons the instant Marshal Ellis should utter the fated si gnal, ‘Gentlemen, are you ready?’ demanded Ellis, his revolver raised and covering the motionless duelists. age the answer came; clear and cold from the lips of Sol Scott; hoarse and vengeful from the red-haired giant. A brief pause of suspense almost painful in its intensity, then: ‘* Tre!” thundered the marshal of Golconda. One swift stride carried each duelist to where his knife stuck in the floor—at the seme instant their fingers closed upon the handles—then a gasping cry came from the ‘‘ bad crowd” that supported Vernon Shadutz, for they saw the knife slip from his fingers! In his haste to be LP tgiae he had not fairly grasped the andle A fierce curse from his lips as he turned to re- ie the expected attack; but the tall form of 1 Scott stcod motionless, A cold laugh echoed tenoagh tke night air, and he said, contemptu- ously: ‘Pick up your knife, blunderer, and handle it more cleverly than that, or Satan will lose yd ae Fanigp ice forever!” ¢ of fear crept over the giant, and he os be shuddered as he once more gra his knife. This was no ordi man against whom he had ae himself, and for the first time he doubted the result of the duel. — He had little time for reflection, however. The moment he was armed and stood erect, Sol Scott strode forward and boldly attacked him in his own position. Per hes ba Kaa ce gona 8 onto Sol Scott!” en- usia e nny Felix, as those below noted this advan : e ited } Drop , old man!” cried Ellis, sternly. “No pea on life and death while Ta around,” **'You cain’t choke me off from seein’ the fu pos bys grumbled the veteran 49er. ‘ en ar gd Seok that!” - With a metallic clash the long, heavy knife- blades came together as Shadute ‘ddilfully par- ried a blow that would otherwise have cleft his heart in twain. Sparks flew from the red steel. The duelists now stood with foot over- lapping foot, breast to breast, their eyes glow- ing bitter hatred into each other, each one sternly resolved to conquer or die! Like statues they stood from the waist down, . To retreat or be forced back meant death wu the rocks below. Rapidly their blows fel swiftly thrusts were made—but each was par- ried. They were very skillful in the m ag oe — oe and the breathless specta- rs below thought them equally matched. But Shadutz knew better. There Wie a cold, devil- ish light in those blue eyes, a sneering smile that showed tho white teeth through the tawny mustaches, that told him he was being played with, that his master stood before him The knowledge made him furious, and his coping blade was kandled with redoubled — and fury. Slowly, inch by Shadu w,” uttered tt, as ly as though at play instead of being etgaged in “Gat dend only in the death of one, if tor beat “It would be a pity to rob those
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. : i Mier 0 qs Te Aa Calmly as he spoke, every word was audible to those below, and Vernon Shadutz uttered a hoarse snarl of at the wild cry that arose to his ears, for it told him how bitterly he was execrated by the great majority of the specta- ‘Rucker Shadutz turned ghastly pale as he heard these words, and then his face took on such a desperate look that Funny Felix silently stole up close beside him. : ** Now look to yourself, for I mean business!” Like lishtelag his w gleamed in th ) weapon gleam e moonlight, and as Shadutz parried his thrusts and ey glittering wall of steel seemed to e an All the skill of the ed into requisition to keep t flashing blade at bay, without makin stroke or thrust in return. Great drops o ee eettic ie on his aria vei as was oe arm, elt it beginning tire. wer an lower sunk his heart. He knew now that he had dared his doom where he counted victory assured beforehand. “ You are growing “goriy areg kos gn said the tall miner, as the point of his blade shone red in | the moonlight. ‘ Are you tired of life that you blindly run against my blade?” ‘Are you man or devil?’ gasped the red- haired giant, dashing the sweat from his eyes and turning aside another vicious thrust. “A pie Png your master, dog!” cried Sol Scott, a low, mocking laugh following his words. ‘‘For months you have been a terror to all honest le in Geleonda, mh ae the lion’s skin. Now strip it off, and reveal the uerading ass!” As he bs Sol Scott seemed to redouble the vigor of assault, and then, with a sudden powerful wrist, he tore the knife from the giant’s hand and sent it flashing like a meteor through the air, falling to the rocks where its metallic clink sounded like the death- knell of the defeated duelist. With a hoarse howl of despair, Vernon Sha- dutz leaped back and crouched down upon the bid 4 edge of the platform, looking like some dened wild beast at bay, rather than a hu- man being. “Say your prayers, Vernon Shadutz!” cried Sol Scott, in a cold, measured tone, ‘‘ The devil your master has deserted you in your ‘time of need. The innocent blood you have shed, calls out loudly for vengeance! Say your prayers, dog!” Intense was the horror of Rucker Shadutz as he saw his brother disarmed, for, evil though ‘they both were, blood-stained with many an etrocious murder, the sams mother bore them and their love for each other was strong and fierce. He knew that such an act, though it might save his brother, would surely doom him to death at the hands of an enraged mob, yet he leveled bis revolver and tcok a swift aim at Sol Scott—then pulled trigger! is? CHAPTER V. BOTH VICTOR AND VANQUISHED. SHARPLY tho pistol yy rung out, but the ‘bullet whistled through the night air wide of its intended victim. Fanny Felix from Frisco, reading aright the desperate look upon the face of Rucker Shadutz knocked. = his pistol hand, then, with a power ‘no whit inferior to to that which had, an hour ‘before, laid the elder brother low, his hard fist ‘struck the would-be assassin beneath the ear, ‘mocking him headlong a dozen feet away. “Durn a critter so p’izen mean as to want to ‘stop sech ge-lorious fun as them!” the ‘veteran snorted in hot indignation. — “ Who fired that shot and what at?’ sharply phat dirty — d He pulled Sol ‘That ¢ cuss yonder. He on Scott up thar—” 3 nt on him! Throw’ him over into the drink!” cried several voices in high anger, for dest now the tall miner was in great favor, anks to the lesson he was reading the giant, coors fa gach nearly every man pre- sent, ** Pl see that he don’t give any more trouble,” said Ellis, ucing a pair of bandcuffs and aon Sd them on the wrists of the fallen er, senséless from the combined effects of that heavy blow and his headlong fall upon the they usually were. They knew that a single Leteees ate ge All this transpired very of Seott. A singlestroke ran over the spectators as | draw back his right hand, ! red-ha leami reapers taoy-basra: pA 1. e victor was no fool. He meant to end the matter without again trusting himself within arm’s-length of his adversary. It could be easily done. At that short distance, bis move J arm could hurl the heavy bowie knife with force sufficient to split the skull of the giant, thick as that might be, and soswiftly eee elude the missle would be utterly im- possible. As the crowd below thought, so believed the the *‘ under-hold,” both ofthis arms below those of his adv: Gis sacs bowl of fury told how bitterly . Shadutz felt at being thus outgeneraled, but then he fought in silence. That terrible pres- ribs told him that he no ~ sure upon besniie fe spare, not an ounce of strength to waste did he hope to escape defeat—and defeat meant death. Twice he felt himself almost lifted clear of the floor, while all he could do could not budge defeated duelist, and bent on revenge even in | the feet of Sol Scott an inch. Never before death, he prepared to leap m his terrible ad- versary knowing that, pasty if death-stricken midway, let him once grapple with his de- stroyer, both must fall from the narrow plat- form upon the ready rocks far below. Once more that cold, mocking laugh, as though Sol Scott possessed the power to read the thoughts of his an mist, and knew that they were fated never to be realized. And then the knife was cast—gleaming through the moon- light like a silver wheel as it turned over and over in swift revolutions. Cries of astonishment came from below—the excited crowd could scarcely believe the evi- dence of their eyes. Instead of piercing the brain or heart of Ver- non Shadutz, the bowie knife was hurled oy into the air, descending swiftly and burying it- self forever with a sullen chug in the k waters of the little river! . “A good blade once, but it was stained with the blood of a cowardly cur, and would soil my hand were I to use it again! Cold and biting came these insulting words, and half-stupefied by the strange action, yet feeling as a great criminal must when the suffo- cating noose is removed from his throat by a reprieve, Vernon Shadutz rose erect duelists once more stood face to face. ‘“*“A dozen times to-right have I given you your life, Vernoa Shadutz,” said Sol Scott, his voice ringing out clearly. ‘‘ Not through any love for you, nor yet com jon on your crime en. soul, but to make you feel all the bitterness of death, time and egain—to show you that, feared bully, fighting man and fire- eater as you are, you are but a bungler in the hands of a man }” “You haven't rubbed me out—maybe the crow of triumph will come from the other side, after all!” hoarsely growled Shadutz. He was not averse to this delay. His strength and wind kad both been severely tested, and every moment he was growing more fit for the death-grapple which he knew mustcome. He no longer underestimated his antagonist. Un- less Sol Scott was far more than an ordinary man, he would never have voluntarily disarmed himself. Yet the subtle tricks of. fence and pugilistic skill could avail him little now. Thero was no spare footing for attack and retreat, no ckance to avoid punishment by rs dee agility. They must stand face to face, foot overlappin foot, and givo and take, or else grapple an trust all to mere strength and endurance, “* Come!” pay’ 24 uttered Sol Scott. ‘*Toe the mark—hand to hand, breast to breast—and I will finish the little lesson I set out to give you. I could have slain you as you crouched there like a wild beast, trembling with terror, but I ask odd of no man—much less a cowardly ruffian like Vernon Shadutz!” He stood with his foot upon the center crack | of the littie platform. Shadutz hesitated a | moment, meditating a fierce rush that might | ed force his taunting enemy over backward before he <— deal he portal beoace Byer — peo too eat. nimbly stepping e and tripping him or Sabrectong abnlhier of those lightning blows, Sol Scott might easily reverse the pro- gramme. ‘Your stomach turned already?” mocked the tall miner. ‘Then down upon your knees and abjectly apologize for having wantenly insulted a lady as far abote you as heaven is above hell! Swear that you will leave this part of the country, never to return egain under penalty of death—and take your craven life!” “Tl take ‘yours, instead, curse you!” snarled the-red-haired giant, with one swiit stride meet- ing the speaker, : of intense excitement went up from the Spactators below, as they saw those two giants close in death-g: their muscular arms wound tightly aroun other with such force that it seemed as though flesh and bones must give way beneath the fearful pressure, their Lowets, be taki: wWidesmend feet, fixed x Ww ut t ee as tebe ned fast to the ficoring. © game-cock hes got the unde the Shanghai! Good Lawd! I tii “peeve, Pg nyse my old woman ketched me kissin’ the cook!” f naan oe Be Miho. slightest sttontt to his veteran or $ a ion speech. Allsaw what he did—that, despite the suddenness with which Vernon Shadutz made his atack at last, Sol Scott had foiled him and Caaccot mee ceamslecmen oer re net Dueking down his hands kept low, just as the giant clutched at him, he secured / ud oS abe he grappled with such an antagonist, never ~ before had his boasted strength been neutralized : as now. In each moment that that terrible wrestle lasted, Vernon Shadutz felt what Sol Scott had said—all the tortures of death, for he to believe that this was no nierely mo man with whom ke was contending. A gasping groan in unison came up from be- low. A heavy cloud was creeping over the face of the moon—black shadows were about to vail pect scene—shut out that terribly fascinating ight. ‘**Git a breom, somebody, an’ sweep them cobwebs away!” cried the pressible Felix from Frisco. “Jest as the funny part was comin’— By heavens! they’re down! The black shadow swept over the scene and shut off all view of the duelists, but there came from the darkness above, a sound that could notibe mistaken—a heavy thud upon the plat- form, followed by shuffling and thumping sounds that told the antagonists were still des- perately struggling for the mastery! Strug- pling like wild beasts, in utter blackness, wit ut a few inches of safety surrounding, them separating them from death. A single revolu- tion—the aint 4 over of the one on top by the the man beneath—might hurl them from the narrow scaffold to the rocks below! The uncertainty, the suspense was absolutely agonizing, and the spectators below must have suffered nearly as much during those brief mo- — as did the men above who fought for e. Then came a sudden silence—the sounds of “tae, <p ceased abruptly —and the crowd breathlessly listened,in awe, Serene to hear the horrible thud of a human being crasbing upon the rocks. But instead, there came a voice, still cold and even: the voice of Sol Scott, ad- ~ dressing Vernon Shadutz: ‘* Yield or you die, cur{ Confess that you are a cowardly dog for insulting a lady whose shoes you are unworthy to kiss—confess that "Sel are a lying braggart, and swear to leave this part of the country as soon as your legs can carry ou, or go to meet the death your crimes have ong deserved!” ot a-ssound came from the tators as the listened for the answer, pain y straining th eyes in the vain endeavor to pierce the. black- ness that enveloped the windmill, scarcely dar- ing to even draw a breath. ‘ Kill and be ——!” came a busky growl from the defeated giant. brief, furious struggle—the last desperate effort of a desperate wretch—and then the cloud passed away from the face of the moon, and onee more ber mag fell upon the scene— now one of strange, ling interest, Standing erect upon the platform was Sol Scott, holding Vernon Sbhadutz with both hands pinned to his sides, head downward over the Senttaies aut vogh pase Sak an e - giant wo own- bib: a pg egy pa ake your last look u earth, then!” sternly uttered the victor. Took down upon the rocks. You will lie a shattered mass of flesh and bones upon them in one minute, ome you repeat, the words I dictate to you, I have spared you a dozen times at least, to-night, but now I solemnly swear that unless you confess, as I bid you, that you shall die!” While darkness lasted, Shadutz was firm enough in a that he oo death, but.now it was erent. Held helpless as he was, he could see the cruel rocks u which - he must fall, and his brute iled him as Sol Scott slowly counted off ue ee i ‘ noug' cave!” he suff - “Confess that you rend iy inoultiees be guilty nce again.” Chekingly Vernon Shadutz repeated the bit- drew back, drop- a of d from that quarter. | ‘A beatal rules Verne undoabted- ly was, but at one time in his past he had been ™|
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were of whom many high predictions convened. eh still , ani Well ¢ | ** Look out, Scott! the dirty dog’s onto ye!” Funny Felix, as the giant arose and leaped at his hated conqueror. it was this warning shout, or _ whether his keen ear caught the sound una- voidably made by Shadutz in regaining his feet, Sol Scott stepped swiftly aside and crouched low down, thus avoiding the mad rush of the infuriated ruftian. Shadutz had thought only of slaying his enemy, and when he was foiled in this, he was unable to save himself. One hoarse yell of baffled rage—a horrible screech that rung long in the ears of those who heard it—and then a soulsickening thud ! Sol Scott slowly descended to the ground and sage td resumed his outer garments, doffed when e duel was in pereeieee An eager crowd surrounded him, showering praises and congratu- Jations upon him. The feeling of horror which came over them as they witnessed the frightful death of Vernon Shadutz was short lived. A dreaded scourge had been removed, efter a very dramatic manner, and they were just in the mood for raising up a hero in his place. The tall miner received this ovation as he did every thing else—in a cool, half-contemptuous manner. **'You are entirely too kind, gentlemen,” he said, at length, a trace of impatience in his tones. “Go worship the rocks, if you are glad | Vernon Shadutz is dead; they did the good work, not I. I only read him a littie lesson he ‘has long needed—and one that any man among ou might have given him, had the ‘sand’ not been jacking. There was little more cheering after this, and _ the crowd was cooled down in a remarkably short time. The words of Sol Scctt cut deep. . Clearly he would never be a favorite with the masses unless he spoke the truth less bluntly. All this while. y Felix had stood apart from the crowd strangely silent for one who had taken such a — nterest in the affair. Surely he was not disappointed at the result? His voice had ever been loud in favor of Sol Scott. Twice had he offered to fight against Jong odds on his account, and his had been the hand that saved the tall miner from the bullet of Rucker Shadutz—his the voice that warned him of his deadly peril. Yet there was a dark frown upon his brow, a * troubled look in his blue eyes as he bore the crowd company toward the town. His head ' was bowed he seemed unconscious of where his footsteps were leading him, but as if instinct- en he kept close behind Sol Scott. @ paused outside, when Scott, in company with several who insisted m his drinking with them, entered the Dew Inn—another > emodag~¥ considering the convivial nature of Felix. Clear. something was sorely trou the genial ’49-er. His reverie was broken by the sudden rea nce of Sol Scott, who had shaken off ds who wanted him to a them in making a night of it, and under the red light of the colored globe the gaze of the two strange men Fun F of street? There will be less danger of our words caught by inquisitive ears than if we Silently the veteran nodded. hing thvog rods together, then Funny Felix said, “ Mebbe you'll think it queer, boss, but I’m in dead airnest when I tell ye that I’m monstrous 70 € bopnthen, Sr on hasrigh thon ye out, back yen- “Indeed!” and Sol Scott laughed ce **May I ask why you took so much trouble save my life, then?—for save it you did, once ys from a treacherous shot behind, and. again oe when Vernon Shadutz made his last despairing ye rush at me.” ; © ‘Simply brave Sol Seott, ** You had instructions to say to all that I was not at home to-day, Lucy,” came the response, a little sharply. ** Please, ma’am, I know, and so I told him, but he won’t take that for an answer. He says he must see you, on very ’portant business, this very hour?’ a ‘** What kind of a looking man? Do you know him? Is he a messenger from the office, think?” ‘Old, and dreadfully hairy, and please, I don’t know, ma’am,” stammered, the abigail, confused by the questions so rapidly pat. Her mistress sunk back by al the sofa from which she had half arisen at the announcement. ** Go tell him I will not see him unless he sends up his name and some assurance that his busi- ness is as important as he claims,” she said, de- cisively. This conversation took place in Denver, one week prior to the events narrated in the pre- oe chapters. The last speaker was Daniel Brown, once Miss Rachel Trowbridge, but now the wife of ‘Dan Brown of Denver,’ one of, if not the most celebrated member on the rolls of the ‘‘Rocky Mountain Detective Agency.” i ne leaf from Dan Brown’s eventful life has been placed on record, [See ‘‘ BEADLE’s DimE Lrsrary,” No, 105,] telling how he won fame, fortune and a lovely wife, besides earning the gratitude of all honest men, by bringing to ustice the band of road-agents led by one aptain Moonshine, wild tales of whose daring exploits may still be heard in the Silver State. The wife Dan Brown thus won was as rich as she was beautiful, and the Agency naturally supposed they were to lose the services of their keenest detective, but Dan Brown was in love with his perilous profession, and his fair youn bride was proud of the good he had done an might still do, so after the honeymoon, they settled down in Denver and Dan Brown reported for service. .the night before the day on which the importunate visitor called upon . Dan Brown, the detective told her he was under orders to take the field at once, to arrest a criminal who for years had eluded justice, but who was now run to earth, and then endeavor to break Be of road-agents known from the peculi style of sre fry adopted, as the Owls. ‘Tam glad to be at active work again,” added Dan Brown, still loverlike, ‘‘ and only sorry to leave you on such short notice. The mane ball is to-morrow night, too!” There is no necessity for recording their further conversation. Some carping critics might find fault with it as being too “‘spooney ” for man and wife of over a year’s standing. Enough that Dan Brown took his departure that same evening, and for this reason Mrs. Brown refused to receive visitors. **Please ma’am, I couldn’t help it!” half sobbed the little waiting-maid, rushing into the room, closely followed by the man who would not take no for an answer. 2 ‘*She ain’t to blame, ma’am,” the intruder said, as he closed the door and stood with his back against it. “Iwas bound fer to see you, ef I hed to bu’st things wide open.” '_ Her eyes flashing, her cheeks flaming, Rachel Brown sprung from the sofa, one hand impe- riously extended. ** Leave the room and house! How dare you intrude—?” ‘*T don’t mean no harm, lady, but I cain’t go ontel I tell you what I come here to say,” dog- gedly interposed the stranger. With the swift grace of a lithe young panther, the"woman darted to a desk and then turned the insolent mage ol a revolver staring hin full in the face, sharp double as the hammer was raised, emphasizing her words: **T will not paciey with you. Leave this room before I can count ten, or I will send a bullet Pee ae “You ef you like, but itll be mur- der, an’ you'll be mighty sorry you didn’t hear me out,” said the fellow, sullenly, yet never flinchin th from hi ition. rr ve long a hair’s bread : ee ee en consarns you as nighly as oes mm: an Den Brown a all.” " . just in time to save. That name was spoken j the foolhardy fellow’s life. Rachel’s forefin was about to contract itself, but at the men of her husband the weapon was lowered. For a moment she hesitated, still holding the Sere Sp aes to the trembling servant Rachel. “+ your have nothing to fear. If leave this house only as a man.” prisoner or a dead te sateen the Masked Miner, detective here; by that time I'll be ready to go ’leng with him, ef you think [d orter,” said the stranger, cooll ‘ Rachel scrutinized him keenl lined and weather-beaten, sun-tanned one, color of old leather. A prominent nose, eyes smali and deep set, but black and keen as needles. Thick, matted hair and long beard of a grimly gray. Clothing rough, well worn and trav: stained. Heavy boots of pny es and spattered with dried mud. ltogether, a hard looking ornament for a lady’s dainty boudoir. , ‘‘Sit down and tell me what. you have to say —how you can justify this watteate intrusion,” coldly uttered the lady, ‘i don’t blame you fer lookin’ an’ talkin’ sour, ma’am,” said the stranger, his voice no longer rough and desperate, but husky with strong though concealed emotion. ‘‘But you cain’t blame me so much when you know all. Pears like I'll go clean crazy some o’ these days, an’ all along o’ him!” ““Whom do you mean by him ?” demanded. Rachel. ‘*Dan Brown of Denver, as he calls hisself now—” “Stop!” and the outraged beauty rose to her feet, indignation flashing from a “ You are speaking of my husband—” ‘* He never was your husband—he fooled you as he has many a poor gal afore you!” inten oer Ps Brown stood like a statue, rified by this terrible asserti but then the blood rushed back to her nave and superb in her wifely indignation, her re- volver rose to the level of the stranger’s heart. _ Take back those foul words—say that you re or - with the base calumny fresh on your mgue The old man never moved. The old do ~ ness came into his face, and he gazed r into her blazing eyes. “Shoot. I ain’t so much in love with life as te lie to save it. Shoot—an’ go on living with the man who has ruined ye, who is even now lannin’ when an’ how to meet my poor child is lawful wife!” 4 ere was the bitterness of truth in his words. and face. The stricken woman stared at bim, the fire fading from her eyes, the brilliant color from her cheeks. The weapon was power undischarged, and her brain reeled—she woul have fallen to the floor but for the quick leap of the man who had dealt this terrible blow. _ Gently he supported her to the sofa, mutter- ing: ‘It’s bard to strike down a dainty critter like that, but rough as the truth is, she’d better know it than to live on in bitter sin with that *Sottly. ftly as his words were ken, Rachel caught them, and with a dimeatane effort she rallied her fainting energies. “Return to your seat and tell me all—but bear in mind you must exhibit proofs of your charges. And if you fail to substantiate them og Ay pee isa bese above us, you shali ei ve to ki ou with hapa y my own “Pll stand the resks, lady, though some mought think it hard lines fer a ha to be talked to like a dog, when he was ? to save aay from a sin—unconscious of it though you ** No moralizing—go on! Man! can’t you that J am suffering ayes than the to: sof death?’ gasped Rachel. “Then you can onderstand the black story I. come here to tell.” said the old man, his eyes agiey, “ Fust, whar is the man as now calls If Dan Brown of Denver?” “ Gone—on secret duty—sent by the officers of the agency.” ‘ “* Whar to, an’ when did he “To Golconda; he started night.” By the stage, last -*“* You're sure you ain’t made no mistake? He went to Golcondy, this State o'clock stage last night?” nen ee Oe ee ence. Her tongue was al- Rachel bowed in PPT saw Dan Babys tn’ Disk saw Dan Brown ver last night at one o’clock, I saw him this mornin’ > deliberately averred the man. " iris “‘ Impossible! he told me himself—” Rachel, only to bave her speech cut short by a oe One. ge top o’ th @ more on e rest— ; it matter?. He made up that 5 stokion yome fs bs He hain’t be nowhar—ef bilieve my wo call in y tect- Be when he comes, or go Pept of dhs pa 0’ the agency. en he ke the: ou, he knowed that his wfal ca Riad og nver huntin’ fer bim—an’ when he went right straight to her. Noe te centht a’ left her as soon as he only I was on the " Pat eetal , | it are lawful man and wife, as y say, how could | interfere them— _ should he fear yao? ila ispibland
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. 9 EEE = These words were spoken slowly, calmly, but | she felt that this terrible accusation was founded | once loved—my God! the man I still love, even i they cost the woman agony beyond the power | on fact. _| though he be the lawful husband of another of to depict. “T don’t ax you to trust my word alone,” | woman!” “ Let me tell you the story from the begin- tg said Drake. “Go ex at the office ef | _ Anexplosive snort from the nostrils of Ezra - nin’, lady, an’ then you kin git at the rights of | Dan Brown hes bin sent away on secret duty— | Drake startled the wretched woman. She it better. ‘ ef he left town by the stage, as you say he fold | stared at him for a moment as though unable to “My name is Ezra Drake. Five year ago I | you, you kin l’arn by the bookin’ agent.” account for his presence in her private room, had a good farm, well stocked and fixed up in “He may—he must have had good reason— | then ber face once more grew cold and stern, Kansas, I was gittin’ along in life, but 1 wasn’t | but that be is the husband of your daughter, | for she remembered all. Satisfied to make haste slowly, an’ I got mixed | that I never will believe!” The old man was lying on the sofa, breathing up in 9 mighty payin’ but powerful resky busi- “The marriage is on record; I kin bring the | heavily, like one worn out by fatigue and loss ness; that of stealin’ hosses an’ other stock, an’ | judge as ke the words over ’em,” coldly | of ey Considerate even in her terrible dis- runnin’ ’em down South to a market. added the o!d man. tress, Rachel moved about softly, ard instead “We was a big gang, with reg’lar laws an’ “Some villain assumed his rame, then—” of groaeeae | the maid, went in quest of her, rules, and spread over half a dozen States. We “Could a rascal borry his face, an’ form an’ | lest the rest of the man who had stricken her to hed a smart man fer chief, an’ we would each | all, too? Hereis a picture which he hed tuck | the heart should be disturbed. one o’ the band, hev laid our lives on his faith- fer Rose, the same week they was married. It was night when the soft touch of her hand fulness. ‘You can guess how bad we was fooled, | Look at it—an’ read them words on the back.” | awakened e slumberer, A yawn, a-hu when I say that our boss then, is the man now Pale as a ghost, Rachel clutched the photo- knowed as Dan Brown, of Denver.” graph Drake extended, but; a blood- mist Ezra Drake paused, as though expecting an | swam before her eyes, and she could at first dis- outburst of Sod es from the listener, but | tinguish nothing. -But then, like a phantom she only nodded for him to continue. Despite | slow] shaping itself out of nothing, the face herself, the cold, matter-of-fact manner with | and re of the young, handsomé detective which the old man gave these details, was grew clear and beg eae lifelike. slowly but surely undermining her faith in the Even she could dow man who had wedded her. For now she re- membered that long ago, soon after they were married, Dan Brown had told her something of this gigantic league, had said that he was the chief means of breaking it up and destroyin the head criminals—that this i exploi proved the first ad I Iai to the pinnacle of fame which he had since reached asa success- ful detective. “They was only me an’ my son an’ my da’ter Rose in the fardly,” resumed the old man, his voice growing harder and more bitter as he proceeded. ‘‘T don’t say we was clean i 0’ sin an’ wrong-doin’, but I do say we wasa *) happy fambly ontel he come. I knowed from ‘ the fust that it wasn’t fer my comp’ny nor yit i the sake o’ Jehudi’s talk that the han’some I young chief called so often an’ bye ae so long \ at a time, but I didn’t keer then. Iwas proud, | destroy him and me. Why do you come here vi to tell the truth, fer I honored him, an’ t ought | and tell me these dreadful lies?” | pritty Rose couldn’t do no better then to marry ‘Every word an’ every p’int I kin prove so m stretch, then Ezra Drake was ready for busi- ness, ““They’s one thing we fergot,” he said, ab- ruptly. “* Tickets!” Pe ia, ‘I have them here,” said Rachel, turning from the chair on which she had spread a monk’s hood, gown and rosary. ‘tI have for- gotten nothing. This is your disguise. In ten minutes the carriage will be at the door.” Ezra Drake looked keenly into her fece. Even more beautiful than ever did she appear then, robed in somber black, a white fillet hiding her hair—a nun such ss one occasionally behoids in paintings, but never in real life. to voice was cold and passionless as she at You think you kin through with it—see an’ hear what you’re ost sartin to, an’ yi never give way?” **T am ice—my heart seems dead within me. I could gaze upon him, dying at my feet, and never shed one tear,” Ezra Drake shook his head doubtingly. He saw that the woman was calm enough now, but would it last? Then he laughed to himself soft- ly. It would last long enough for bis purpose, nko his blow was struck, what matter t im Entering the carriage, the monk and nun were whirled rapidly away through the lighted streets, tuen .peusing before the open doors of the theater building, in which the masque ball was to take place. chel thrust the tickets of admission into the band of her companion before they alighted from the coach. As usual on such occasions, a rabble of boys and loafers surrounded the doors, but the hunch- backed monk pushed through them, and pas» ing along the vestibule, ascended the stairs. e ball was a public one, and so there was no difficulty in obtaining entrance to those who could buy tickets. At midnight all were to un- mask, when such impr characters as had pee admittance would be promptly ejected y the strong police force on duty. The hour was an early one when the monk and nun entered, and but few persons were resent, r A flooring bad been laid level with the running over the tops of the cbairs in they par- tarde pe back to the dress circle. On this the cing was to take place. ** Look around see # pg Ay ae here yet,” whispered Rachel, from beneath her full mask. “If they have so much to settle, they will be alrost sure to come early.” *: Rose is here, but I don’t see him /” mutterea t% no longer, though the icture had been taken some years before she snew Dan Brown; it was the likeness of the man whom she had caJied husband! She turned over tbe card, and read the words written upon the back: “ To my wife Rose—Harry Dupont.” “That was the name he went by when he was our chief,” said Ezra Drake, picking up the picture from the flvor, where it had fallen from the nerveless fingers of the stricken woman. For a few mornents there was Silence, then once more the undying love which Rachel felt for Dan Brown flamed up in his defense, Inch by inch she was contesting the ground that seemed sliding from under her feet. “It sounds terribly true—but I cannot, will not believe it! she gasped, her voice hoarse end unnatural. ‘“Itis some diabolical plot to that even yow'll be forced to believe me,” said Drake, slowly and coldly. ‘“‘’Tain’t fer love o’ you, nur yit to save you the sin o’ livin’ with a man who’s already got a wife. You ain’t nothin’ tome. I would not turn over my hand to open your eyes, ef the man wko hes fooled ye was any other than Dan Brown. But I do this because I kin so deal him a bitter blow— not in the heart as he did me, but in the pocket, wkar he'll feel it harder. “You dor't believe me, I see. Wait, an’ ef But the day come when my eyes was opened, an’ I saw the buman sarpint as he was “T cain’t talk of it easy even now, lady, an’ then sech stories wasn’t tended fer ears like yours. Enough that our chief growed tired of Rose, an’ left her—ruined an’ disgraced. ‘‘ Jehudi an’ me follered an’ hunted him out. He lied about it, an’ tried to throw the blame onto Tom Johnson, a bonest young farmer as used to hang around a’ter Rose ontel he saw he stood no show "longside the han’some youn you keer to know jest how low the man is stranger, who dressed so fine, wore sech rich | whom you love, you shell hev the knowledge ate yd § and had so much money. But Rose | this bef night. Your own eyes, your own told us all, an’ we fetched him back at the | ears she help to condemn him, ef only you hey muzzle of a shot-gun. Ef he hedn’t bin our | the co i chief, an’ we bound by a terrible oath never Rachel rose upright, laughing sharply. A to shed the blood o’ one of the league, he would | sudden change came over her. She was cold have died like a dog! and hard—a vengeful woman. “*We tuck him back, an’ he married Rose. “The courage shall not be lacking. You shall They lived ther a little while, ontel the awe your charges or you will never live to see baby come, then he run away. We didn’t where phatoed o. =f I will kill you like a mad- ’spicion the fact then, but all the while he was | dog, if you r quiet after the marriage, he was plottin’ an’ *'T won't lift so much as a finger to hender schemin’ to break up the 1 2. e,ma’am. This very night I will show you “The blow was a sudden an’ sure one. an Brown in comp’ny with his real wife.” It Almost in a day the hull league was arrested or ref be that we kin manidge to overhear thar killed. Jebudi tal Se a An TPs 2. ee, a. an’ me was tuck among the fust. I interrupted them afore all was settled, An’ when the trial come off, our chief was the | last night, but found out that they agreed to | Ezra Drake. one fatal witness ag’inst us. meet evenin’ at the mask ball,an’ thar| ‘ Where—show me— but carefully not to ‘“* Me an’ Jehudi were sent to State’s prison fer —_ to a full understandin’, We kin thar | arouse her suspicions.” twenty years. Weswore to bearer an’ we did eal ef you like. I'll go an’ get The words came in that showed what a in the end, though not fer ’most three years. “ You will do no such thing,” sharply inter- | fire was beneath that calm exterior. Not Then we set out to hunt up Rose an’ her hus- | rupted the woman, now cold and outwardly | yet could eceived wife think or speak about band. com vf is too much at stake for me | her successful rival with com ‘* We found her. Mighty low she hed fallen | to waste asingle precaution. You romain “That's her, dressed that ‘y-away rig, —bitter as the ’fession is comin’ from the lips of here, under lock and key until we start for the | yender,” said Drake, poin a woman a father who loved her as the very core of his | ball ressed as a cef goul. The baby was dead. The o!d fri’nds fell “Jest as you say, ma’am,” equably responded away from her when we was found guilty. She e. “TI was up all night, an’ ef you pe not find any work—all our property went | don’t ob Br lay down on the flo’ an’ ketch ‘ore te ttn sensing ballet-dancer, lea against one of the pillars supporting the cony. iz fines an’ payment to those who swore we hed | forty ’s time to start.” stolen trom: them, A hard winter come; an’ yet a fi of scorn crept over her as then the yg geet soho to death, I reckon. CHAPTER VIL noted the vo To be slighted, After that, was but one step furder down GA forsaken for an animal like that —an’ Rose tuck it. Tue last hope fled from Rachel’s breast at this At that moment the dainty mask which only Ezra half-covered the face of tho woman me de- “‘ We hunted fer our chief, an’ one day Jebudi | ready Sey ce aad on the part of Drake. found him. He found a slip-noose at the same | He must speaking the truth, and confident of time. Dan Brown, asthe traitor called himself | proving the terrible chargeshe made. If it was now, outswore him, an’ my boy was hung fer a | only a cunning plot to destroy her faith in Dan crime he never done. Brown, the old man would have insisted on go- “T never could come onto the man ontil last Fe ere hintry venga tye least, to let his con- night; I hed ’arned a good deal about him sense | federates know the part they were expected to strikin’ Denver, an’ when I knowed he was | play. livin’ with a beautiful woman who In silence she motioned him to lie down upon | eff. with most men. The face of a Ven t herself his wife, I swore to tortur’ him | the sofa, then sunk into an easy-chair herself, | a Cleopatra; a face that appeals to the ewer as he hed tortur’d me, afore I let out his black | thinking long and deeply. passions; a face such as men have gone lood. Her reflecti mad over—the f; heart’s b * d Rose livin’ here, jest come, an’ she | had woman loved man more dearly than Rachel | when he penned his terri weird tale of the let ate secret onawares ae she was so Trowbridge loved Dan Brown, but now she felt | Succubus. ¥ startled by my comin’. That led me to watch, | that this ocean of love was slowly but surely | At least one other # wc of rested upon an’ so I found him last night. turning to a dead sea of bitter hatred. Stub- | the face before the “Wher vou thought he was ridin’ away to- | bornly she had fought against believing his | and Rachel almos* swooned as she heard an ex- wards Golem.‘v Dan Prown was folded tight in doubts treachery, onl elding when proof | clamation in the aisle behind ber—the voice of the arms of his lawful wife!” was piled on proof and doubt was no longer pos- | one who had until that it been her guidiog “You are lying— is a foul fabri- | si tar—the all to eation from ig to end!” cried Rachel, Dan . rousing in her desperation; but bold as her | her li “*T will go and see for Det caetg She felt him brush past her, and choking down @peech was, ber heart was as heavy as lead, for ' there is truth in his words. I will the man I oe AOS OE POS Ce Sy N AP tate’ Falun is, baht rh), 4 a ee <i ot hy.
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recognized her husband! Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. Wi tiedek! che Sane im hasten to greet the Tf she had felt doubt , there was none was dressed asa beth, his form She saw him sey dle ballet-girl’s hand and raise it gallantly to his lips. A terrible sickness came over her, and she sunk into achair, famtly murmuring: “Take me away—I am dying!” “You ain't sure, yit—thar may be some mis- ” hurriedly whispered t old man. take. - Look? they’re ‘comin’ this way. For land’s sake don’t give way now!” - ‘Through a dan comes. Over on the stage, we can be secret enough, and—” The remainder of the sentence was lost to her ears as the brilliant couple receded, but what she heard was enough. He was expen his breath needlessly, The few words she h cng begee Semi Rachel if no longer thought be and was waiting to steady her uustrung nerves, and avoid the appearance of following the gay couple on pur- She saw them cross the floor and reach the om ge The foot-lights were not yet turned on, the ‘ajo wg among pil es Were BED dimly, the stage, ospecially amon C) cast into of avorable for Rekha in Sscurity f. f saw them near the rear of the stage, saw the cavalier bring a chair for the et-gir! then one for himself. saw them sea closely side by side, and hidden almost wholly from the few se upon the floor. “We kin git close ahind them, never know anybody is ni pered who was resolved that not the shadow of a doubt should remain in the mind of his companion as to the truth of the terrible story he had told her. “By :goin’ around: to the other side, then keepin’ onder kiver of them git whar we kin hear every word _an’ they ” eagerly whis- . you.” A low, chilling laugh fell from the wronged wife’s lips. “I have borne worse than death now—my heart is dead, I tefl you. Nothing more can move it. Come, let us go.” Ezra Drake was not satisfied, he dared say no more, but silently followed her lead. More than one pair of eyes were turned curi- ously upon the somber le as they made their bape Boag, Toa edge of the platform until hidden from view of those on the stage, then turning and crossing over. A strangely matched The soft, clinging folds of the nun’s habit could not wholly ise the superb form of Rachel Brown, and she Icoked like a tragedy So the He ge Niger eed forward. Behind shuffled the monk, with his huge hunch but rsd Mw peor Ae b he wore, It was like uty atten e b oe them. i thought the few attention was momently drawn toward eaves- * Pon haa no right to doubt me,” came the ord SeUha nen Ce oe oe ou I wi come— “ But if you had failed, would it be the first lie your s have told me?’ deman the ballet-girl, rich voice petra a and heart. cold, as though doubt still dweit in course | couldn’t. But there are many hard said you had married again—were living with a / Tm dub’ons this night’s work Ii be too mtu ter — rich and beautiful young lady. Yet you swore | you.” to me, only a few minutes before he came in, that your love for me was stronger than even in those days of the past, before—” “Before I played the fool—exactly.” ‘*Then he said true? You are married? You got a divo ree?” ‘IT could not find or hear anything of you, I | making a ‘“‘scene” by ad + Pn came to believe you were d or I might have it a divorce, when the great temptation came in my way,” the easy alee said, quickly adding: “T am glad that I did not know, now, for you are mine by law, whether you are still so in heart—are you, Rose, darling?” Again that iow, hard laugh; musical, but wholly devoid of soul. } *T am not so impulsive as I once was, Harry. 1 ee to hear you out before committing my- either way.’ **T can’t blame you. I taught you the lesson. But you will soon see that your suspicion wrongs me. Let me convince you. **Of course you know that I am Dan Brown, now, the famous detective. Little more than a year ago, I made the acquaintance of my—of the lady who at present passes with the world as my wife, in a peculiar manner. I saved her life and fortune, from a brace of scoundrels who were plotting against her and it. She was young, lovely and teful. Of course there could be but one ending—we were married.” ‘But she isnot your wife!” hastily uttered the ballet-girl. “*T know: you occupy that enviable position. But J married her in good faith, and never re- the action until I met you and - nized you yesterday. In aninstant the old love —that which we felt before trouble came—was born again, and tenfold stronger. I can’t ex- plain it, Rose, but ifa thousand pure, innocent women. like Rachel, stood between us now, I would crush them one and all without a pang of rt rather than lose you, my peerless one There came the faint echo of a kiss followi these ionate words, and never before di Dan Brown stand so near death’s door as at that moment. The white hand of the betrayed wife clasped a revolver, and she was on tho int of stepping around the wing to confront he traitor, when Ezra Drake y clasped her arm. The silent pe was sufficient. Once more the nun stood like a statue, listening to the damnable revelations, ‘ “Tf I could only trust, only believe you, Harry!” came the rich voice, now grown soft and truly musical. **You shall, and that before this night is spent,” was the earnest reply. ‘‘ Let me tell you what [I have planned sinceI left you, last night, and then you will see that lam devoted to you alone, “Rachel believes important business has called meto Golconda. I mean to start for that lace in the morning. From there I will send er word to come—that I need her aid in carry- ing out my plans. She will obey, she will go— she will never come back again!” Imagine how terribly those words fell upon the sore heart of the wronged wife! Even the ballet-girl was startled. “ Surely you would uot—not—” “Kill a F py 4 don’t you spit out the ugly word? Is thisa time to be so squeamish? Loo how Istand. I married you. marriage still Your father was a wit- ness, and he can bring the proofs to light when- ever he chooses to doso. He hates me—you know that. I don’t deny that he has good cause. He knows, or will soon find out, that I been married again. He can have me arrested for bigamy—and I would sooner die than have that take place, and miy buried Past be raked as a feast for the curious. Nor would you ‘Now look at the other side, It would be worse than death to Rachel, such an e She would far rather die than lose bac eosin me, in such ashape, too! She is very rich. If she dies, it all comes to me—and with it, Rose, we can go where no one knows our past, and live Pode happy.” bes to shed her blood—she has been as the wife of your bosom! Bad as I am, now, it is too horrible even to think of!” “Or I would not strike the blow—I who would feel no such scruples, pave. be no further privacy for conspira- rs. Ezra Drake, the instant the gas was turned on, grasped the hand of Rachel and drawing it through his arm, led her swiftly away from their place of before the t- girl and her cavalier d arise and discover their dan- | gerous proximity. He led her to a retired seat, and stood beskle ‘git stil unt “ Bit until your narves is steadied a little, e proofs of this_ | Rachel made no reply, but steadily at. the cavalier as he and the baler eiel arose and joined the other couples as they szowly m to the menade music. The fears Ezra Drake entertained were with- out foundation. There was no dan of her fainting. er heart seem ave died within her while listenin to the diabolical plot of the man whom she ures ~ only a true, passionate soul like hers ove, As he watched her keenly, Ezra Drake bit his | lips nervously. He misinterpreted her stony | yonder, yes; before tbat, no. uttered Sol tt. calm, and thought she was not yet convinced that the cavalier was her husband—tbat she fondly clung to the belief that all this was part. of some cunningly atrocious plot. ‘*Ef you kin b’ar to hey your last doubt blowed away, watch me,” he muttered, starting. to join in the moving crowd, “ What do you intend doing?’ Rachel de- manded, also arising: “Show you the face of that man—unmask a pizen traitor!” ‘Good! Wait until they come around again,. then fall in behind them,” said the nun, her voice as steady as fate, Drake seemed nervous and uneasy as she took his left arm, but he dared not raise any objection. Quietly they slipped in behind the cavalier and his companion. A few steps, then Rachel pressed his arm and quickly released it. With a swift and dexterous movement, the hunchback reached forward and cut the string which held the silken mask over the face of the gayly dressed cavalier. The mask fell to the floor, and its wearer wheeled around with am angry exclamation, revealing the bold, hand- some face of Dan Brown, the detective! Rachel quickly reised her mask and con- fronted him, her face pale as death, but infinite scorn flashing from her eyes. One moment—then the unmasked traitor abandoned his companion and rushed in head- long haste from the hall! CHAPTER VIIL DAN BROWN, OR HIS ‘‘ DOUBLE?’ “Son Scorr, you are wi siesponen/”’ As he uttered these words, Funny Felix from Fr’isco clapped the tall miner on the shoulder with one hand, while holding a cocked revolver ready foruseim the other. Clearly he was dis- _to take no chances with aman of such wonderful prowess as Sol Scott had that night exhibited. To all appearance, such caution was unneces- sary. The man thus strangely arrested, never even started, and of the twain, be wrs clear] the least agitated. That low, mocking rete d broke from his lips, and he steadily met the keen gaze of the detective, ah *‘My dear sir,” he said, a faint trace of con- tempt in his tone, “‘ you are putting yourself to a t deal of unnecessa an, A I was going with you quietly. ou might have had the company of a friend to the police-station, instead of acting as escort to a prisoner.” “You know me, then?’ asked the disguised miner, in\surprise. ‘Since our meeting under the red globe, back. t 1, took you for what you seemed—a jolly, big-bearted, reckless soul of the days gone by. id wonder at your taking such an interest in me and my fortunes, this evening, but never once suspected the truth until I met your gaze as I left the Dew Drop Inn. I must congratulate youon your disguise and acting, Mr. Dan Brown of Denver!” “So, you know me, then?’ ejaculated the detective in surprise. _ “I knew that you were on my track, so in- ferred your identity,” was the cool response. “Tam glad that a master of the art has taken me, not a common bungler.” “If you knew I was after you, why didn’t” you levant? why did you make yourself so con- sak are to-night?” ; ; ** Perha was tired of running—perbaps a fool; who knows?” “of ‘Or something’ new bas come to lizht—you can. prove the charge false?’ eagerly demanded WM No: tie Chaes 0; arge rfectly correct. I killed General ror Cowpactliionts,* coldly I was in hopes that you could y . As it is, I must ao ba dre, i I never had a more disagreeabie one ro ‘orm. *“Your kind tone emboldens me to asi oe, Mr. Brown” said Sol Scett, athens ey ied the ers witn- * 8 A th you from arrest.” a: dea cage “Tam leasi “ I I don’t ask that. You deserve the feather a have won, and "twould be a pity totear it om your cap. But. if I chose to go frea, even man as Dan Brown undeniably is, , not keep me in bonds,” rete “I trust you will not make the attempt,* — now, he
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. different nature. You remem fended? She is now at the Parker House. I . Wwe do not go as ‘ running from Dan Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. 11 ‘responded the detective.‘ My orders | on his’ lips, and a peculiar gleam in his blue ’ are strict—to take you, dead or alive.” . “The favor I wish you to ene is of a very wish to take me there for a few moments.” “Tl do it, gladly—my only regret being that officer. Your wife, I su ‘* Not exactly,” and the white teeth of the miner gleamed through his tawny mustache, ‘*Sweetheart, then—not so awkward as I | . thought,” muttered the detective, but not so - low that Sol Scott failed to catch the words. ‘* Not a word ever passed between us before ’ this night, though the lady was not the entire at believed her. It is strange, th that your keen eyes did not penetrate ise ‘*Why so? I took her to be another Calamity Jane, out on a bender. Surely no reputable woman would—” “Stop!” sternly cried the prisoner. ‘‘ That lady, sir, was none other than your wife—Mrs, Daniel Brown!” ~ A of utter amazement burst from the lips of the detective, at this disclosure, and his hand on, from atequniiy o hey ee arr en an yy sudden change came over Sol Scott. : Dexterously he wrested the pistol from the unnerved hand of ip the cool courage for which he was remarkable, returned to the overthrown detec- tive, as he realized that he had been outwitted. a was not the faintest tremor in his voice as : ‘* Don’t threaten more than you can perform, Mr. Scott. I don’t believe the best. microscope ever made could detect an atom of brains in my head-piece, or I would never have fallen into such a clumsily baited trap!” ‘The least pressure of my finger now would solve that problem,” gravely said the mirer. “‘Can you give any good reason why I should hold i hand?” ; ** Only that the report would be apt to b curious eyes to look upon your work, and tha’ be inconvenient for you. Better take your knife. It is equally sure, and being silent, ou will have so much the more law before Ellis strikes your trail,” was the cool, almost impudent reply. ‘* You refuse eigen for your life?’ ‘* After I have e such an ass of myself— ' yes: Do your work, and quickly. If you fail WEL line through title night L wal have a dou- ble motive for pe omy v4 ‘ou down.” Soar oe ei 1g 2 eS et sonata 8 threatening R wing a e, he arose and held the butt of the revolver wake 9 your sam ” id, . ' Weapon, wn,” he said, ly. “I am your prisoner again. There pec f have been no change, but you smiled in- credulously when I said even you could not keep me in bonds did I choose to go free, and as I never like to have my word doubted, I gave you the easiest proof I could.” t aor ee PHY ci: 5 mm sing 7 of vitor’ ver |; restored w @ seem hens aaron loss how to sr pe eould not fathom the strange conduct of the tall miner. Sol Scott showed his white teeth in a smile as he noted the perplexity of the detect- ive. ine 7 “The lanation is easy. I am tired of ire ice. As soon as I learned that Brawn of Denver was on my trail, I re- solved to yield quietly to him whenever he m I have been a Seinen coulis codcsuchsthen 4 anronr the human blood-hounds off m I have grown tired of such a life—and then, the only one for whose sake 1 dreaded the shame of the ws, is dead. Alone in the world, I’d rather _than live on as I have lived these ten “*T amunder order’ toarrest you, colonel, and ; but Td rather lose a year of my life!” earnestly said Brown. sc giusloincntthiskedl will ach, abtenips $0 and gen’ a es- S nk al kee promise and take me to the Parker House for a few moments.” _ “Then there is a lady in the case? I thought it but.a part of your cunning scheme to lower my overweening conceit.” “The lady you saw in at the Dew Drop Inn is a guest at the hotel,” briefly re- “ And 1 was fool enough to half when you said she was my wife!” laughed Dan Brown, as they arm-in-arm toward hotel, more like brothers than captive and Sol Scott said nothing, but there was a smile friends, instead of prisoner and | r the lady I de- | eyes, strange enough in one whom a shameful death on the gallows stared full in the face. Entering the hotel, Sol Scott, followed by the rough-looking “‘Funny Felix from Fr’isco,” Fiehtly the landlord with ti oa then ran ightly up-stairs, pausing before and rapping at the ps Bi the room where he had left the be- wildered woman. ‘ There was a brief silence, then a muffled voice bade them enter. Sol Scott opened the door and entered, the detective following. - The woman arose from the sofa where she had been lying and confronted them. Red cir- cles were around her eyes, the traces of pas- sionate tears on her cheeks, but still she was gloriously, almost peerlessly beautiful, “Merciful heavens! Rachel, what brought you here?” The voice belonged to Dan Brown, but her eyes were bent upon the face of Sol Scott, be- lieving he had spoken. + ou throw off the mask at last!” she ex- elaimed, bitterly. : ‘*Your husband spoke, lady, not I,” said Sol Scott, quietly, at the same time placing his hand on the shoulder of the utterly bewildered détective. Dan Brown stared from one to the other, un- able to solve the mystery. Nor was Rachel less bewildered. This rough, ill-clad, hairy old man her RK on And he, whom she firmly _be- lieved to be her husband, to tell her so! Was she going crazy? ‘** Rachel, what does all this mean?’ demanded the detective, advancing, but pausing as she shrunk away with a low cry. Believing this affright proceeded from his rough org os he pulled the cunningly adjusted ig and from his head and cast them aside. The false wrinkles of old age, the stain as of sunburn were still upon his face but none who had ever seen the famous detective eould doubt his identity now. Still Rechei 2 Sane d away, if anything with that look of utter horror deepening upon her ea her face, and as Dan Brown extended is hand as though to touch her, a gasping cry parted her lips. “‘ Never again! back, false-hearted traitor—do not touch me!” “Rachel, are you mad?” was all the detective could ejaculate. With a ome Asa effort, the wronged wife jially regained her composure, but still mo- ioned the detective away. Amazed, fearin she had suddenly and unaccountably gone Dan Brown still advanced, pausing only when the woman, her eyes flashing with hun de- spair, turned the muzzle of a pistol upon him. “ Rachel, my wife—what does all this mean? Are you crazy, or am I going mad? You draw a pistol on me—” A bitter laugh interrupted him. While he was growing more excited as his bewilderment , she was growing calmer. ‘*We both arr ae that there is a stranger in the room,” she glancing toward Sol Scott, who had discreetly turned his back upon them, but who could not help hearing every word. ‘*Madam,” he said, turning around, his brow deeply flushed. ‘‘I should have left the room at once, but unfortunately I am no longer a free agent. Your husband has arrested me.” ‘Give me your le of honor, and wait for me in the office below,” hurriedly tsaid Dan rown. ‘*I will make no attempt to escape, sir,” and bowing first to one, them the other, Sol Scott left the room. ‘* Now, Rachel, please explain,” said the de- tective, with a strong effort of will sueceedin in keeping his emotions under control. “‘I le ou safe at home, only a week ago—I find you ere—merciful heaven! it was you—thatj wo- man in man’s clothes!” “Wild, reckless—terribly altered for the worse, am I not?” the woman laughed, bitterly. ‘* But who is to blame? he lying, plotting, double-faced traitor would-be assassin!” Dan Brown stood before her, dumbfounded by the avalanche of bitter epithets hurled at him. She noted his bewilderment, but set it down as shame and confusion at being unmasked, and again she laughed scornfully, contemputously. “T have saved you the trouble of sending for me, or mayhap I passed your cunning lure on the road. Iam aan tell sy oe Poo last my eyes are opened, now I know I loved a devil in human guise, rather than an arch- angel on earth, as I fondly believed! I came to tell you that Ihave discovered al—and then to die, to kill myself, and save your hand from one more crimson crime.” With a panther-like leap Dan Brown reached her side and obtained possession of the weapon she bore. With a strong arm he placed upon the comer Aye knelt at her feet, holding both her hands in his, to keep her from doing ne No Rachel, ust explain. You ha ow, you must e . You have made terrible charges, have hinted at some horri- ble Be seat in m with your hus- ban ‘“‘Husband! I have none! From your own lips I beard the damning truth!” she cried, her voice trembling but her eyes flashing seorn un- utterable. Dan Drown stared at her in bewilderment. Either he was wholly at a loss to understand what she meant, or else he’ was a most fimished actor. ** No husband—from my lips you heard that?’ he cried. ‘ Rachel, for the love of Heaven, tell me what you mean! You are not mad? ** You have changed your plan, then? Instead of murdering me outright, ycu think your seeret can be buried in a miad-bouse.” ‘Rachel, you have said too much not to saymore. You must teli me what terrible thing you are hinting at. As your husband, I have the right to demand this.’ “You are not my husband—you never was! Stop! think not to deceive me with plausible falsehoods. From your own mouth you stand condemned—and that you may know how ut- terly you have been unmasked, listen.” et words she told ail that has been laid before the reader; of the visit of Ezra Drake, his story, the investigation which fol- lowed, the terrible revelation to which she had listened on the s of the theater, and of the unmasking of the tor. ‘“‘It was your voice I heard, your face I saw when your mask fell. There, sir, isthe explana- tion you demanded—the reasons why I said you were not, never had been my husband.” In stony silence Dan Brown had listened from beginning to end, though several times he could with difficulty refrain from interrupting her recital. Now, en even through the ing stain, her blue eyes shining like polished steel, he Re ** Rachel, I do not blame you for the mistake — have fallen into, after what I have heard. ut I swear by cet ho of heaven—by the love I feel for you—by the bones of my sainted mother—that you have made a horrible mis- take. Inever uttered those words, I did not attend the uerade, because I was not in Denver at that time.” “I saw—I heard. Can ears and eyes lief’ coldly demanded Rachel. “In this case they have. Poor girl, how you must have suffered!” ‘No! never again!” Rachel cried, pushing him back as he sought to clasp her in her arms. “It was you Isaw—youI heard declare that I was not your wife—that you loved me not only her!” And then you told how you would remove me from your path, lest I should accuse you of eran st With an effort the detective restrained him- self, and bowed his lead for a moment in deep thought. Then he looked up, and there was a lad light in hiseyes. Grasping the bell-cord, e@ pulled it, then sat down upon a chair near the sofa. Iu a few moments a colored bell-boy eee at the door, and Dan Brown bade him enter. ‘“*I wish you to find the marshal, Mr. Ellis, and bring him here as qui as possible. And on your way, bid the landlord please uphere, Take this for your trouble—and th the mate to it waitin a pe if you bring the marshal here inside of half an hour,” he said, giving oe darky a five dollar piece. rinning from ear to ear, the delighted retreated. } ee bey A few moments later the host, D. W, Winkle,’ made his appearance. Curious as the biplane par-wecay Nace paverens had been aroused to a painful pitch by the stran ing and of that evening, and had lost ne time ia chavhe : i ae hoping thus to get at the hotties a e mystery. “Mr. Winkle, this lady is my wife, Iam Dan aah detective, who—” spluttered * Not the t ve, w ” the excitable landlord. ; ee “The detective, great or little, a pens,” coolly inter Brown,” ay polinn 9 your presence for purpose of as your opinion of the city marshal, Samuel Is, a rer re ese rthy; can his word be de- “‘T'd sooner believe his bare word than the sworn cath of alm any other man of my ac- 8. “That will do. Many thanks for our kind- ness, sir,” and ed the reluctant host out of the room. my messenger returns, that masquerade came off at the time very well If I prove to you that I was knew you well, and said that the stage, th you had coldly responded the woman. Rae est
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ng - my oath—that 12 Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. ** As for the stage, I lingered a little too lon with and missed it. I took a horse ined the stage not ten miles from town. One of my fellow passen was Mr. Samuel Ellis, the marshal of this He brought me some important information concerning a g of road-agents operating in this vicinity and known as the Owls.” He came highly recommended, and.as he might be of considerable help to me in my plans, the chief introduced us, and we eame here toge ; ** You know that you took me by surprise when I found you here, and you know that I have not spoken a word to any one since that ou have not heard. Any collusion, then, with . Elis, is nrg 3 impossible. If he confirms was not in or near Denver at the time you believe you saw me—then surely you will admit your mistake?” Rachel ag hy reply, a — moment soot steps approac and on the door being opened, the marshal of Golconda entered. Dan Brown gave the boy his promised re- then closed the door. “ Mr. Ellis, my wife. A little misunderstand- ing, which I will explain sometime, led to my sending for you. You remember the date on which you left Denver last?” DPE awed aaa of a: se pen A uli o'clock evening,” promptly i accept- ing the chair offered him. 3 When and where did you first meet me?” “Between four and five o’clock that same afternoon, at the head-quarters of the Rocky Mountain Detective Association.” the marshal visibly hesitated about replying. **T never doubted her, but you remember we were bound to strict secrecy and great caution. But the cause is easily told. “IT went to Denver, having learned some im- portant facts concerning the Owls. I suppose I could have worked them up myself, but as I am so well known around here, I thought it best to have a man sent out who could not be suspected. ‘You were the man chosen by the chief, and so we were introduced.” ‘* Where and when did I join the stage?” ** A few miles out of Denver. You explained that you had been delayed, and so missed con- nection.” ‘How often have you seen me sinee that ‘Every day, and dozens of times each Gay.” ‘Could I possibly have been in Denver on the 24 Ae mitt, ‘pomibl but assured! t in n y, no body. ‘ou were in the coach with Fe that ni Bt, as I well know. When we upset, you Poe 5 down on my stomach so hard that I’ve had the nightmare ever since!” declared the mar- shal, with a rueful smile. *T am a thousand times obliged for your kindness, Mr. Ellis, and hope to repay you, some day,” warmly cried Dan Brown. Taking the hint, Ellis arose and bowing to the , the door, Dan Brown turned toward Rachel, and held out his arms. One moment of hesitation, then she was soon Be a his breast, sobbing as though her h would She believed his truth now, but who was his evil ** double?” SOL SCOTT LIFTS HIS MASK. Wrrs Rachel Brown, it was all or ——* The clear and bie proof off by husband that he was many milesaway from Denver at the moment she was eavesdropping the damning words of the masked cavalier “double,” in with ek oak mane them Ezra . ningl “okting. the Se f aeigiaal ° genuine“ Dan of Denver.” 2 er he is, he is to be dreaded,” said the detective, though , “for no common rascal could have such a cun- a one what that hunchback did about my the Moonshine gang No; “‘ double” wo they aasougy vag ll force. ‘Vor he-xunt-t cannot see through it! Only three be- “There is only one man in the world whom I have seen, except on that terrible night,” said Rachel, slowly, after a space of puzzled silence, ‘* whom I could mistake for you, even when in disguise. That is the man who calls himself Sol Scoit.” “The very criminal I was sent here to ar- ?’? exclaimed the detective, a fresh cloud ema over his brow. ‘‘I never had a harder uty—he is a noble fellow, even if his hands are red with human blood. I have arrested him, and he will have to “eS but I would giadly give a year of my life if I could save him. ‘*He risked his life to defend me from further insult,” said Rachel, a vivid flush suffusing her face as she remembered her mad folly. ‘* You moust release him, Srbe | sake.” “T saw it all, and ly knew how to act. I knew he was the man I had orders to arrest, dead or alive, but when hestood up so boldly be- fore those long odds, something held me back. Better a sudden death like the one he was dar- ing than the noose. ‘But why did he interfere in your behalf? You never met him before?’ **Only on the street as I was going to the saloon in search of you. He spoke te me on the bridge, and the sound of his voice gave me a + pew pent ~ gc wrng e sole sworn it was you speaking oug) was hunting for you, I fled, half-crazy. You know—you have not forgotten the terrible words I heard at the theater—” ** And thought I meant to fling you over into the river?’ * ““T was half mad—forgive me,” murmured the wife. “T can make allowance. I know that the evidence must have been fearfully strong and complete, before your love and trust in me gave way. Heaven pity the cunning scoundrels when we meet, for I'll show them no mercy!” The last sentence was uttered with an intens- ity that startled Rachel. Never before bad she known her husband so wrought up. He saw her face pale, and the biack frown left his face. “T will go and bring Sol Scott up here. We both owe him our thanks, and it is barely pos- sible that he can throw some light on this dark mystery,” he said, arising and leaving the room He found the miner quietly awaiting him in the office, taking with the city marshal, who had not the faintest suspicion of his being under arrest, or accused of any crime, Bidding Elis -night, they returned to the room where Rachel awaited them. Then Dan Brown said, gravely: ‘* In justice to both my wife and myself, Mr. Scott, I must ask you to listen to a stran story. It is barely possible that you may able to throw some light on the subject.” Clearly and rapidly Dan Brown ted the he had heard from the lips of his wife omitting nothing of moment. Sol Scott listened Freres hy but at the end shook his head nega- vely. $ whole affair is as much a mystery to me as it possibly can be to you. Indeed, how could I know es of the matter? 1 have not outside of Golecnda for several months.” ** Your word is enough, and I ask pardon for may saeichons, sep Un ctv. Bot Mag for me, in disguise. Andt , you defend- er—' “And with a woman’s —— Mr. Scott,” blushed Rachel, “let ane ask why you dared such heavy odds oo ni baer roll Surely Se did not recognize me in t ious disguise “No, madam,” and.the miner bit bis lip to conceal a rising smile. ‘I was blinder than 7 for I made a more unpardonable mistake. took you for much the same as did Vernon Shadutz—but still, you were a woman, and as such, had aclaim on all true men—or even a red-handed fugitive from justice, such as I!” “Mr, Scott, this places me in a very painful position— “It need not. You know your duty, sir, and are sworn to perform it. twice this night you have saved my life. Balance that squire the little service I was fortunate enough to render your wife, and call the account even,” coldly said the miner. “ T donot believe you can be guilty of murder!” Rachel impulsively cried. You have been ee, accused—I feel it!” ** You are wrong ” returned Sol Scott, a of the affair, before, but I should like you to know me as I am—not as the cold-blooded ‘Not with my consent shall you ever ask your husband to break his oath,” firmly said the prisoner. ‘‘ He has arrested me. He must duly turn me over to the authorities, I am not in love with life, for the last tie that bound me to earth was severed a few weeks since. | ** Before the war, I lived in Tennessee—was born and raised there. My father, and his father before him, believed devoutly in State’s rights, and being thus reared, of course I did not hesitate long in casting my fortunes with that of the South when it “T had just been married, to as pure and D, lovely a girl as heaven ever looked down w but not even her charms were enough to me from the Ppt rac -honor called. I vient a company of g; t mountain fitting them out at my own cost, dftered thei services to the government. ‘**T don’t mean to bore you with an account of all that we did vA fot not — = that we saw our share 0: ting, and though hardly a corporal’s guard remained of my original com- pany, at the end of a yearI was a colonel, in command of a regiment of t boys as ever bore musket or kna’ < rae “During this year, I only visited home and wife on one occasion, and when I bade my wife a tearful good-by, it was with eels ended hope and fear—for in a few weeks she was te become a mother. ‘* We were bard pressed then, and I.was um- able to get leave, even foraday. Then camea message. Iwas the the father of a man-child, bac was going well! **Two years passed by, and I hardly saw family often enough for my noble little iairew remember that he had a father—then came the terrible blow that crushed out of existence an entire family—that made me what I now args a blood-stained fugitive from justice, over whom. hangs the shadow of the hangman’s noose! ““T had been very fortunate during the war thus far. Not only had I th ha seore of fierce engagements without receiving a single scratch, but every enterprise where I was intrusted with the command, proved successful. This fact, — noted at head I was given command of a regiment of cavalry, that my field of o tions might be extended. _ “‘ Itis not for the sake of boasting that I men- tion the great success that attended my eareer, but to explain why the enemy were so desirous of either aye or capturing me. ‘** Among other Federal officers detached for this service, was a colonel of cavalry, Watkyns Cowperthwait by name, a brave and daring officer, but one who carried an utterly merciless heart in his breast—one of those men who are more like wild beasts than aught human. ‘“*f learned the whole story from a faithful old n servant, whom the marauders over- looked, and in time his account of the terrible deed was corroborated by one of the Federal cavalrymen concerned in the affair. **Colonel Watkyns Cowperthwait t for me at my home, and came near catching me, too. [had ey | left there at daylight—he came Lrg — ge oe oenidky t of the horri- e tragedy I was ing ra) from, else m good rah head woul ri been turned the other way, and I would have shared the fate of my dear ones, ao at not San: _ as he had con- y ——e one wperthwait de- clared that I must be in hiding somewhere near the place, and threatened both white and black with his direst vengeance if they did not reveal my whereabouts. hen half ae he nengs behins soul on the bi earnestness, he ordered two of the negroes vey He and let them hang until they were dead. But still the survivors could ef repeat their former story, amid their tears an Pag for mercy. “My wife, leaving our boy-babe asleep in his crib, came forth an givated with the drunken demons for the life of the slaves. Furious, Colonel Cowperthwait drew back his hand and dealt her a blow that felled her sense- less to the id.
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a NEE - ard stillsat. I AS eS A - Sol Scott, the Masked: Miner. “13 EE SEE MAD SUCINN HEE DOs NOON ARERR ALAA IE Ss Tht Nae with his feeble arm, struek the drunken brute to | So I waited here, and when I penetrated your the It was his last blow—exhansied, | disguise I yielded myself quietly,” . he fell. But at command of the monster whom “ After reading me a_lesson such as I shall he had struck, a noose was flung over his head | never forget,” said Dan Brown of Denver, with and he was hung—like a dog! a shrug of the shoulders. 5 $M commander was furious. In ““ And me!” interpolated Rachel. ‘‘ Husband, opes 0 ig me to the scene, he ordered | remember what service he rendered your wife. his men to fire the building. You cannot—you shall not arrest him!” : “Tt may be that he was ignorant of the fact “You hear?’ asked the detective, with a that my child was asleep inside. His sin was | comical shrug of the shoulders, ‘‘ You are free, great enough without ging him with what | Mr. Scott. I shall never arrest you—but others @annot be proven. Whether he knew it or not, may. Better levant.” the house was set on fire in a dozen places, and * No, that is too much trouble. And the end boy was inside! a When may wife awoke from her swoon, the must come sometime. I shall run no more. Bet- | ter be taken by you, a gentleman, than some building was all ahl; d. from the midst of | other.” that’ fiery furnace came the pitiful wails of her ‘If he does, Pll never k to him again!” idolized infant. There was no chance of saving | cried Rachel, looking as though she meant all it then. The brutal hell-hounds had done their | she said, too. : work too well, But my wife tried to enter— | “If I do, may I be —” bluntly declared would have entered to share the horrible fate of | Dan Brown. ‘‘T’d rather leave the force for- her only child, had not she been seized and | ever—and I will, too!” forcibly restrained. . ; ‘*To make sure, the soldiers bound her to the CHAPTER X. trunk of one of the trees, then they mounted nd rode away. **Do you wonder that when the faithful old negro, who afterward sought me out and told me the horrible story, ventured from his covert and went to his mistress’s aid, he found her mad —her brain turned by the pitiful wails of the child she was adage to aid? #4 5 tage fore the negro found me. Tt was so, perhaps. The ligat of reason could never have returned to her eyes, for in | ling over the easy way our work was to be her poor, shattered brain, those agonizing cries | done by your red-haired giant? Didn’t I tell were ever ringing. She died, was buried, and | you that Dan Brown had no equalon earth with THE CONSPIRATORS IN COUNCIL. * Youpsee now what a man can do!” “Say devil, rather!” was the explosive re- sponse, ‘‘He played with Vern Skadutz just as you or I might play with a year old boy. If I had known him before we entered into part- nership, I’d have taken a second thought be- fore bucking against him. He’s mighty bad medicine, Gerux.” ** Didn’t I say as much when you were chuck- Ifaraway. _ fist, knife or revolver?” “Only my poor old mother was saved, she | Bitterly as the Frenchman hated the noted being away on a visit to some friends. detective, there was a trace of triumph in his “Not until after the war ended could I learn the name of the officer in command, but I knew thet it was Federal soldiers who wrought this}. The two men—Paul Gerux and King Car- ruin, and from that time on I was an avenging | michael as they called each other—were seated angel. I neither asked nor gave quarter. My | in a small room situated at the rear of a saloon, men knew my story, and they 1 tt ten | by no means savory scented in the nostrils of with me. They took no prisoners. Day and | the Golconda guardians of the peace. A rough night we were in the saddle, and the sure | table was between them. Water, a bottle of rapidity of our blows gained for us a terrible | villainous whisky and a greasy pack of cards celebrity. Through it all I was blindly hunting | rested upon the pine plank, but the two con- for the murderer of my family, but in vain. | Spirators were too busy to devote much atten- ‘The dark days of the South came, but we | tion to these, never surrendered with the main army. We They had much tosay concerning the thrill- fought our way through to Mexico, and it was | ing events of the last night, in all of which they years before I again returned to the States. | bad aE ed. ot weed interested, and a portion of ‘*T had changed my name and let my beard | which had fallen to their share. w, like this. Only a few intimate friends It was their hands that hurled the chairs to ew me, and I knew my secret was safe with | extinguish the lights, when Sol Scott and his them. If was in New York city that I found | masked companion held big Shadutz and his my man, through a friend who had formed one | ‘‘ bad crowd” at bay—and it was the voice of of a wine supper, given by General Watkyns King Carmichael that warned the red-haired tones as he spoke of the signal victory gained by Sol Scott—as he believed, Dan Brown. pit erhpi giant of Sol Scott’s unexpected return. “Toe general was drunk, and boasting over They were still talkin his cups, told the story of how nearly he had come to capturing me. If he had been sober, he would not have blazoned forth his devilish cruelty—but the hand of fate was in it! busily when a low, culiar rap came from the other side of the oor, startling them into silence for a moment. The signal was repeated, and this time recog- nized, for Carmicliael said: ‘It’s only daybird-heel— come in, you ace of spades!” The owner of this fantastic cognomen opened the door and entered the room, grinning from ear to ear, bowing and scraping with a queer mixture of fear and impudence. ‘Mornin’, men; hope I sees yer libel an’ feelin’ erik Mauntnlnt notrert dry wor walkin’ so fur, gemmen,” he added, licking his thick lips as he noticed the bottle and saw that it was nearly full. “ My friend excused himself on plea of sud- den illness and came direct to me, telling me boasted of by the drunkard. when first I] overtaken my loved ones. Like a madman I rushed to and into the room where the drunk- ed him among his sr T- ed it with my foot, then fled—not through “Help yourself, dark,” said Gerux. ‘But love of life, but Ricca my old mother still | unless the news you bring is good news, that’s the last whisky ‘you'll ever swallow—I swear it! st RD pee noose. ey escape; how, I can hardly e non. Ij There was a malignity in his tones that en ins punadtian jnside. Outwe ‘y, I was | startled the huge negro, who was drinking out eool enough to disguise myself and lie low in | of the bottle, and caus igh the great city until the first fury of excitement was spent. Great rewards were offered for the discovery and capture of the assassin—but none him tosiart. The fiery w of those tw ae ou spile nigger’s gleam his “How I help what udder folk say? I make bad news good news? You teil me, ‘nebber say nuffin but what you hear.’ Denef it ain’t good—ef it don’t suit you, you say ‘I kill you, damn raseal!’ Don’t see no fun in dat way.” “Then you do bring bad news?” snarled the Frenchmen. ‘“* How me know? You don’t tell me what want to hear. You say—watch dat room— ear m me, each man gave a different descrip- tion. ebery word dey say in dar den come tell e. Nigger lissen—he hear heap words—be scratch ’em all down in his head, he come, as you say. But how he know wedder you tink bad news or news?” “Spit it_out, and we'll decide, Jaybird,” in- terposed King Carmichael. “Good or bad, if what crim 5 worth anything, you shall be -paid down on the nail for it.” : “Of "assented Paul Gerux, w then whee sie a wa kick re tad ep my eRe Alf ae ih i giz atthe Le a r gE eB gE iE i c i i : a ¢ 3 Z The negro obeyed. Fortunately-there is no necessity for transcribing his pv in full. Jaybird-heel as he was known throughout Golconda, was the porter of the Parker A cunning rascal, fond of money and whisky, he had more than once been of service to Pinel gan and by him was introduced to Pa Gerux. Li pay bought the negro soul and body, and he faithfully carried out his instruc. tions. These were to keep a close bc... -xret watch over Mrs. Dan Brown; to mark her comings and goings; to note her visitors, if she had any, and learn who and what they were: to over- hear the fe ein “ey that passed between them in private, ible. At this he gr sec and now brought his re- port. ‘ He told how the woman he was set to spy upon, left her room on the evening before, dressed in man’s clothing. He meant to follow her, but landlord Winkle caught him while stealing away, and set him to work. He saw her return, accompanied by Sol Scott, whom she took up to her room. At this a furious curse broke from the lips of Paul Gerux, and the negro spy ducked his fead and threw up one arm as if he expected a blow to follow. ‘“* Dished, by ——! I could have swore she would have used a knife on him the moment they met—” “That accounts for his defending her Shadutz and his crowd!” interpolated - chael. ‘‘He must have penetrated her disguise at first sight. Goon, dark,” The blask spy resumed. He had secured a position from whence he could see into the parlor and overhear all that was spoken there in, With remarkable fidelity he repeated the speeches of both Sol Scott and Rachel Brown, and when be came to where the woman vainly attempted to unmask her visitor, the two men again interrupted him with exclamations of wonder. They had been so sure that Sol Scott wes Dan Brown in disguise. And Paul Gerux still believed so, though he cursed him- self for not being able to explain the seeming mystery. “I don’t see why he should deny her!” he muttered. . ‘Natural enough,” said Carmichael, with a low laugh, ‘*Sbe unmasked him whi?» walking with a very charming woman,” **Do you know, I begin to believe that we must have overdone that piece of business?” growled Gerux, but abruptly ceasing ata sige nificant look from his fellow conspirator. The negro was listening curiously, but as the Frenchman turned upon him, he dropped his eyes and resumed his report. He was on the watch when Sol Scott returned to the hotel, accompanied by Funny Felix from Fr’isco, and scenting further information, he oe back to his place of espial and eaves- ropping. 2 told them all that passed, greatly to their amazement. Time and cpninhe wasinterrupted by the astounded conspirators, and Fequired te re oT felt wane Sol Sco elt sure that tt could not be bird, from the first,” declared ichael ‘* But who would have suspected that old cus} , I never doubted him for a moment, If he {4 really Dan Brown, then we have got our handg pe ag he could deceive the very devil bim- se ‘Dis nigger must go, now, gem : tured Sayhied beak, nk appeared te ieee ~ —_ his presence. | “De ‘boss gb me de il fer way so long, £pecks, how. ere dhe me oft.” ect “ w never iow, when need your services mura Girona ‘aaoleeaedl Gerux. “‘You must manage to keep your place, even if he does cut up ruety, you — watch a yee yee than Pay <a ear every wo spoken in rooms, and forget nothing.” rd As he gave this caution, Gerux handed the pal uierllyy bot Re was Paine Lats vos e was a ert playing for a very ‘* Nebber fear fo’ dis nigger, I yaller birds is on han’, gemmen! Soniieeed ate ont lighted spy, bowing and scraping back from the room. For some little time after his departure, the two conspi sat looking at each ee ecree cease er oO spy bad rendered neces- sary a complete change in theirplans. And not only that, but the work already se out had ted. vin aes Sica et but now they them reunited and more ‘lf he is the man black look-out fn emenr et wig Laps Sry uttered Carmichael, ¢ strikes our trail,"
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° 3 ie B ge g s hardly recognize —believes me one of his best friends; as I was until he introduced me to his wife.” **- You don’t mean to give over your schemes her, then?’ asked. King Carmichael. “Not much. I mean to win her for a wife— “gnd then retire from business as detective, and ee eA myself with her wealth.” ‘if ever finds me out the part you mate's on that night, I eo, the old bunchbac Drake,” laughed the other. “She woul bore your brain-piece with a blue pill, or slipa knife ,between your ribs, husband or no hus- wae “Tf she ever makes the discovery—yes. But let that pass. Now that we know Sol Scott is not Dan Brown of Denver, you will give over yoar little plan?” ; “T can’t, evenif I would. He killed Vernon Shadutz—or was the cause of his death. Sha- dutz was lieutenant of the Owls. Webhave an inviolable rule among us that death shall be bens engage Hed harming or killing sg yore of y- lood calls for blood, and Sol Scott is as surely doomed to death as though already young Shadutz—Rucker—was by Ellis, for trying to shoot Scott, last t. Yet one of the boys ma d to get word with him, and he demanded that we a his brother's death and carry out our oath. Wecan’trefuse. This very night Sol Scott will be taken prisoner and conveyed to our stronghold, there to be placed on trial for his life. You can easily guess what the end - will be.” “T will with you and seo what sort of metal the fellow is really com of, when certain death threatens him. It may be that we can put him to better use than to kill him, and if so, law or no law, rules or no rules, you must give him a little grace.” Carmichael shook bis head slowly. zs jeve, not acquittal, thickhead,” laughed ux, significantly. ‘ After his work is done, the shorter his thread of life is cut, the better I shall be suited. He can’t escape. Your oath can be kept at any time.” “That may answer, but I don’t think you'll find him a very pliable tool. He showed mighty stern metal last night.” ‘So much the shorter his life, then. But let him go for the present. After all, he is only a secondary consideration. Our greatest danger isfrom Dan Brown. There is no telling what discoveries he has made while bumming around as Funny Felix from Fr’isco, and he may be down on you and the band at any moment. Woen he does strike, he strikes swift and terri- bly sure!” **Wecan watch him, and slip a bit of steel under his bump ribs when he isn’t pes 7 **No, that would make her still think him a hero, and she is just one of those romantic women who would live single until death for sake of one she loved. No; he must be killed, but in such a manner as will cover him with seeming shame and disgrace. But how—tbat’s tae point?” “ Hal I have it!” cried Carmichael, a devilish mmnile lighting up his sleepy blueeyes. ‘* We ean not only di of him forever, but at the same time make enough rf the operation to pay our . with a ag none 1e HA bobs ne w?”’ impatiently deman seem Frenchman. Carmichael was about to explain his satanic scheme, when a rap was heard at the door, similar to that which had heralded the = you were in the jug? Did you break “No, there was no need. Sam Ellis came to me a bit ago, and said that Sol Scott would pre- er no charge against me, provided vanted, never to return. He ge until sunset to I was found here after you must pretend tp levant. Go out of town, ong wait for us at the stronghold. I command y “Take him alive, then. Ill drain the heart dry of any man who dares to robme of my psu 2 y killing him!” grated the young w leaving the room. And then, once more with fastened door, the two conspirators sat by the table, concocting a diaboli Plot, the success of which would surely give Dan Brown to a shameful death. CHAPTER XI. SENTENCED TO DEATH! NEARLY a mile from the city of Goleonda, up the river, lay the mine known and near as the ‘Glory of Alabama”—a rather bombastic name, but after events justified the enthusiasm of the original discoverer, and proved the strike an extraordinarily rich one, even for that region of precious deposits. The lucky-prospectors lost no time in perfect- ing their claim, developed it sufficiently to reveal its true worth, then sought and found a cash customer, in a “solid” of mining speculators. ‘ These gentlemen, after a personal examina- tion, became convinced that there was more money in working the mine for their own benefit than in trying to sell at a profit, and the result was Sol tt was placed as foreman over a strong force of miners, every ounce of the quartz being reduced by the speculators, own i mill. Where the quartz was so valuable as this, it offered strong inducements for nocturnal thieves and to avoid such losses, a stout log cabin was built in the side-hill near the main tunnel, where the overseer dwelt. Science was also called into use, and at no time between sunset and sunrise could any per- son not in the secret enter the mine without causing an alarm bell to ring above the bed of the foreman, if at home, or if absent, the wires were connected with a heavy charge of giant powder, whose report, if ignited by the electric spark, would echo much further than Golconda. It was an early hour of the night next succeed- ing that on which big Vernon Shadutz met his death. Sol Scott sat alone in his little cabin—alon¢ with the bitter memories of a bitter past. A guttering candle stood upon the rude table be- side which he sat, its flickering rays cast upon a glittering object which be held in his hand—a olden case, now open, containing the painted images of a mother and her child—the portraits of his murdered wife and little son, taken only a short month before their lives ended, and borne away by him as a precious talisman on the very morning of the terrible eng, “a Telling his tragic story to Dan Brown and bis wife, had in a measure broken the icy crust beneath which the hunted man had learned to hide bis real feelings, and now, his day’s work over, he was indulging himself in a brief un- vailing of his real heart. Bitter tears were roll- ing silently down his bearded cheeks and falling upon the pictured faces until they grew dim and blurred before his vision. A cautious tapping sound ‘at the window aroused bim from his painful brooding over the past. Swift as lightning the golden locket vanished, and with the same movement the candle was knocked to the floor and extinguished, while Sol Scott himself leaped aside, a revolver in his hand. These movements, one and all, had been ly instinctive, the result of ase years of being hunted by human blood-hounds, for in that moment’s glance, Sol Scott saw a face pr against the little window, and recogn it. “Hold hard, mate! Is that the sort of re- ception you give friends when they come to call on you?” cried the clear, ringing voice of Dan Brown of Denver, easily recognizable, even thro’ the closed barriers. ; sé is there with you?” **Nobody but Funny Felix from Frisco,” was the prompt reply. ‘The other name is too well known for me to shoot it out. Come, old fellow, let me in. Sure as you live I’ve found out all about that double!” * All right; wait until I strike a light. I saw your face against the window, and recognized it, but my hand was quicker than my brain,” laughed Sol Scott as he struck a match and torichting this end placing’ it on the table, b is and p g it on the e unbarred the door and threw it wide open; but terribly was his confidence betrayed! A swift leap—a still swifter blow, and Sol Scott was hurled to the floor, bleeding and senseless. Quick as panthers, two men were upon him, holding his whiloa third, either Dan Brown of Denver or his dcuble, knelt upon the senseless miner’s chest and thrust a steut between his binding it firml ech gece ; Thon he ated 5 bel and bearing with him the wea: of the victim of his treac ; better for us all.” | ge pone Dan Brown’s double entered the cabin the light, lest # should betray them to some too eurious eyes. Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. Sol Scott was raised from the ground and placed in the saddle, his feet being connected by a stout rope, while another bound*him fast to the high By ihe time this was done, he recovered his consciousness, and glared ously around him. A mocking laugh rung in his ears, and the man who had so suc y personated Dan Brown of Denver, rode up bead e him and flunga heavy sack over his head and shoulders, where it was firmly held in place by stout cords. ‘Your eyes are too keen to be left at liberty, j now, Sol paige he said, mockingly. ** You are bound on a little journey so in’ ing in scenery that Diy migee be tempted to relate all you saw, only for this precaution.” The prisoner made no response. He & shrew icion as to the hands he had fallen into, but to breathe this could only ren- der his situation more perilous. “You are not as talkative as you were last night,” added the abductor, a little annoyed. ‘* But be sure we know a way to you speak in good time.” ‘**Less talk,” growled a hoarse, husky voice. ‘* While you are palavering here some of his mates may chance along and trail us home,’ Spur y et’s get out of this!” Sol tt all his wits about him, despite the dull pain that racked his brain from the ugly blow dealt him, and as_the rode rapidly away from the cabin, he strove to im- print upon his memory the direction they took and the various turns in the trail, For a time he was successful, but then he became confused. Everybody knows that when one is riding in total darkness, or with the eyes tightly closed, how easy it is to fancy that they are moving in an exactly opposite direction, aiid how naar that fancy will seem the truth, even when they know it is false. And if they are helplessly bound and blin their very effort to clear oa brain will only the more surely confuse em. Thus it was with Sol Scott, and soon he abandoned the effort as worse than useless. He believed that death awaited him at the end of that journey, and even if he should remember the various crooks and turns, the knowledge would Pe ao ber i¢a £0 bim, or wo hours the party rode rapidl then drew rein. Sol Scott aa ifted Pda the saddle, two men clutching him firmly by the arms, as though they feared he would give them the slip, blinded and with his arms bound. “He smiled grimly beneath the suffocating sack as he realized how highly his prowess was estimated, and inwardly resolved that his cap- tors should hold a still more exalted opinion of him ere the end, if he was given the slightest chance. Thus guarded, he was forced onward, and from the echo which followed their footfalls, he knew they were passing into some sort of cavern. : There were several crooks and turns, then the echoes grew more distant, and there was a de- cided change in the atmosphere, as he could tell even through the wuffling sack—a peculiar warm dampness and a scent as of steam. ‘“‘ Brethren, prepare!” uttered a deep, hollow tone. Sol Scott felt the upon his arms } ; but he stood moti ct is trained ear distinguish shuffling footsteps around, and he knew that he was surrounded. He believed it was intended for him to make a blind dash for freedom, when he would be mercilessly slaughtered, and he smiled griml ow on, Valueless as he held Tite, he w no se nstantly the cords were cut sack sy from i year spa strange, weird scene met his gaze. He stood in a cavern, the extent of which was not clearly revealed by the dim lights. Around bim were nearly two score figures, buman from the shoulders down, but above bout huge horned owls! Every arm was ex- tended, and every hand Posdih revolver, the grim muzzles all concentering on him. A some sight, and one that few men cond have pend upon unmoved. But from the lips of 1 Scott <ee has short, contemptuous lau, i a “1¢ is mum that will end in a tragedy, Sol Scott!” rumbled a cavernous voice, and an owl]-headed man came forward and seated him- self at the small table, where the red arose from hollow, ohaie sae. tate rather than bo booed ra t to death by such sibnbabte buffoons!” gs Sol Scott, as now call i perturbably added the mask of feathers, * yas are before tribunal for turd ee See Sree How
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. _ © Vernon Shadutz, he was known to those utside of the family.” 4 “ Not guilty, then. The clumsy brute killed a But you were the cause of his death!” firmly -eried one = the Owls, in a voice which Sol Scott instantly recognized. “Good! Te t one of the Owls marked down!” laughed the prisoner. ‘‘Sam Ellis told “me you would not sleep until you had done we some mischief, Rucker Shadutz.” “What you learn here will nover be made kmown outside of this judgment hall, Sol Scott,” : cried the chief. ‘A dozen witnesses are here who can swear that you caused tbe death of one of the family. A sacred oath binds us to exact blood for blood. The instant Vernon Shadatz met his death, your fate was as surely ‘sealed as though the worms wero already bat- *tening upon your carcass. Take your last look hokey tend Ba bed again will your eyes rest **Pve faced death too often to play the craven now,” quietly uttered the prisoner. ‘ You are ‘wise to make an end of me while you havea chance. [have got a clew to your identity now, and if you fail to make a clean job of it, 1 swear Tl hunt you down and rid the country of one bitter curse, at least.” ‘* Death—death!” cried the Owls in chorus, ‘plainly enraged by the dauntiless threats of the risoner. if Major Owlet waved his band pe aghctee -andthe extent of his influence might be esti- mated by the instant subsidence of those men- acing cries. “Te the faintest shadow of mercy had re- mained in our breasts, prisoner, that reckless 4 h would have obliterated it. You are Executioners, lead him to the brink -of his grave!” ‘ Two of the Owls replaced their bp bbc ee as the Jine of masks parted, they led Sol tt forward a few paces, pausing on the edge of a dark abyss, from the black depths of which ‘came a hollow, rumbling sound as of boiling waters, while hot puffs of steam ascended to his nostrils. ‘Behold your grave!” oma ge pronounced Major Owlet. ‘‘ Mortal eye will never look “upon your remains, and you will vanish from the world as completely as though you had ‘never been. You were doomed to be cast in there alive—but you are a brave man, and may select a brave man’s death, if you wish. **Choose! will you be first shot, or cast down into those boiling waters, a living victim?” “If you really mean to give mea choice, I prefer to be shot; if you are playing with me, as I migg seen sap me over!” Not the slightest tremor Pal ati erin in his voice; and even Rucker Shadutz, bitter as was his hatred, could not but stare at him in sullen admiration at his nerve. “You shall be shot. Brethren, prepare!” rumbled Major Owlet. Sol Scott was led back a few then left to face his executioners, his back to the black pit. The owl-headed outlaws raised their cocked revolvers, and covered their victim. ae while you can—in ten seconds you e! Deliberately Major Owlet counted. At the fatal number the pistols exploded! A hollow en all was still! | CHAPTER XIL AN ASTONISHING EXHIBITION. As if by the concussion. of the atmosphere, uced by the more rea 9 of so many pis- as the volley was the red light in the hollow skulls vanished, leaving all in intense darkness, <A deep, blood-chilling groan echoed through the hollow hill, then died away and all was still. ‘Only cit 8 apart Then et contem oe ‘rung out through the gloom, and a ‘voice said: . “ You go from bad to worse. Will you never understand that you ee faery with a man not a child to be frightened by ugi faces and sinte?? A : The voice was that of Sol Scott, and as the red flame onve more leaped up in the horrible stood there confronting his masked i 5 I od : mocked, Sol Scott relapsed into his former cold carelessness. “So! you are not quite so reckless of death as you would have us believe,” mocked the out- law chief. “You would fight, and fight hard for the life you pretend to despise—” ** Not for especial love for it, but because no man cares to die baited by mad-dogs—and be- cause I could kill a dozen or so of your cowardly curs before going under myself,” came the taunting interruption. ‘* Major Owlet,” said one of the masks, whom Sol Scott believed was Rucker Shadutz, step- ping forth from the ranks. ‘‘The prisoner crows loud. He is insolent, and should be taught alesson. Last night he was kind enough to show us some rare sport before he killed our ais sak ti us re wy 2 ones rain ou_ have the rig eard, my son. Speak plainer.” ‘*A moment since, the B agieat declared his readiness to fight for his life, against one or a dozen of our best men. I propose putting him to the test, and letting him prove whether he was sincere or onl ing.’ Major Owlet shook his headslowly. Evident- ly he did not fancy the proposition thus made. “There is a great work before us, to successful- ly accomplish which we will require every arm we can muster. The prisoner, like any other cornered dog, will fight desperately, and even though conquered, as of course he must be in the end, might seriously cripple us.” A harsh, venomous laugh came from the owl’s **T do not mean toplace weapons in his hands. The poor fool is so terrified that he would be more apt to hurt himself than any of us. No, it is sport and amusement, combined with exercise that I am after. There are among us men who can wrestle, fence, box—proficients in all ferry la yon We practice among ourselves, but that grows tiresome when we have once learned the strength of each man. We may learn some new tricks from the prisoner, and for that reason I make this suggestion. Let his hands be released. Let him faceeach man who may choose to challenge him in any specialty.” “You are wasting a good deal of breath Rucker Shadutz,” said Sol Scott, with a cold laugh. ‘“‘I do not feel in an accommodatin mood to-night. The only amusement I will furnish you, you can put in your eye.” * A craven—a white feather when it comes to the pinch!” hs Pb 5 tongue St eaient on If I had any- ing to gain by it, t oblige you by open- ry thet eyes, but I know what the end , be. A bullet or a knife thrust—or maybe a headlong tumble down yonder pit. Socut your mum- mery short, and make an end of me.” ‘Major Owlet, Ihave the most at stake. The woe a has recognized evar my voice. If e free, Judge Lynch will be hot on m trail. But despite this, I repeat what I said, with this addition. If the prisoner fairly con- uers each man who challenges him, let him go orth from here, a free man, on solemnly swear- ing to never make known what he has seen and heard this night.” “You brought the charge—you demanded his punishment according to our laws—if you choose to withdraw your claims, my son, not even I have a right to deny you,” slowly said Major Owlet, and as Sol Scott fancied, reluc- t y: Until now he had believed the speech of Rucker Shadutz St part of a prearranged schedule, and inwardly resolved that he would foil them by declining the offer. But the re- luctant consent of the outlaw chief gave him hopes that he was offered an actual chance for Sle and he determined to make the best wer, One of the masks drew Major Owlet aside, and whispered a few words in his ear. The chieftain nodded assent, then returned to his position and raised his hand. — Instantly the subdued buzzing was stilled. **My sons, you all heard the demand made by your brother owl. If there are any among you ar ah any Fh ier beg a inst m ng his request, please ad- vanes and tuake them known.” For a moment there was breathless silence, then one of the owls stepped forward and spoke in a shrill voice. an amendment to the motion of the has just hooted,” coolly ut- rear the noble to shoot down each and every tempts torun. That will make it more inter- esting, and give them something to exercise . their wea on. AndI will wager a hat full oh gold, that if the honorable owl who shot off before me, will act as one of the chal- rs, he will be the first one to taste lead,” at ree an Sergetr a OA one p forward, pa as Owlet raised his hand. ‘*Those who wish to test the nerve and skill of the prisoner will range themselves beside my _ throne. Four masks promptly advanced, among them the man who had proposed Rucker Shadatz “The others will form a double cirele, and le the ing circle Sol Scott smiled grimly as he noticed the caution of Major Owlet, and a wild project flashed across his brain—to seize the chieftain and make his life answer for his own—but was banished as quickly as formed. Unarmed as he was, the Owls would riddle him with bullets before he could fairly grasp the Owlet. paler | Owlet quickly severed his bonds, then be : “Tf your limbs are benumbed, take time to recover their use. You will need all your strength and skill,” he said, coldly. Sol Scott did not slight this caution, and briskly rubbed his arms to restore the circula- tion, closely scanning the four men with whom he was to do battle. He knew that each one of the quartette must be well skilled in his heron f else they would never have mapped for- ward as champions against one who had dis- Played such prowess against Vernon Shadutz. e knew that Rucker Shadutz would elect to wrestle, and he knew, too, that in him he would find a more troublesome custemer than Bi Vern, for he had witnessed displays of his ski on more than one occasion. Only in_ brute roe ry was he inferior to his giant brother; in activity and suppleness, far his superior. Of the others, one was tall, broad-shouldered, with long, muscular arms. Another was small, slender, but evidently tough and wiry asa wild- cat, The last—and Sol Scott noted him most closely of all, for he wasresolved to learn bim a lesson if it lay in his power, never to be for- gotten—was the Owl who had suggested his ag to escape by flight. e was of the medium hight, but so bread- shouldered and massively built as to appear several inches shorter. His limbs restored to their wonted suppleness, Sol Scott doffed his flannel shirt, appearing in a tight-fitting knit shirt, the sleeves cut off above the elbow, revealing a chest and pair of arms that caused more than one of those forming the circle to secretly thank their stars that they were not among the challengers. Removing his heavy boots a Sol Scott stood forth in stocking feet drawers, ready for the fray. he coolly nodded to Major Owlet, that worthy asked: is My sons, arrange the order of battle among ves, ourse ‘ “*T claim the first chance!” hastily cried Ruck- er Shadutz, advancing and casting off his outer clothing, then his owl’s-head mask. ‘‘ You know me dy, Sol Scott, so I can show my face freely. I bare reg gt you to wrestle —best Bo in three—provided I do not kill you in the first— eatch-as-catch-can.” **One moment,” coolly uttered the other. “Tf would ask your horned majesty a little light on — one point. You heard w this fellow said ye rag “bok He means to kill’me if he can. Am to have the same Lik Or will what would be all right with him, be murder in me 7? * Land Owlet hesitated, but Shadutz spoke u DAT ia Wan to thas I ask no chances that are not o to you. Kill me if you meg El yo pele Pv Os SE Le) the fourth lenger. “Life - lenge against life, po Rind pbiaayta it is an unfortunate accident, no “So be it!” confirmed the Owlet from his throne. Slowly Shadutz
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. escaped his throat as he re- late to avoid it! had intenti offered the open- SFY. .. Sol ckly accepted by the er. Bes fo ad char ‘A datetes cerniind x and great as was hi extraordi- Mary his ers, he not afford to expend too breath and force in a protract- _ ed struggle at the outse t. He knew too that his life would never be safe while the brother of the red-haired giant lived —knew that the wrestler meant to him now if he resolved to either kill or be at As lasped him around the ribs, Sol Scott flung one hand behind his adve , his wrist crossing the base of his n while his oh forearm was thrust under his e mighty effort—then came a distinctly audible wr and flinging up his Rucker Shadutz fell backward a dead man, neck broken! himself declared that it was to the death. The man who strikes the prisoner now shall die like a dog by my hand!” ~ ks, your royal highness!” cried Sol Scott, with a mocking bow. ‘‘ You are more of a gentleman than I thought you. But send in another champion. I am not fairly warmed up yet! Pat a gesture from the Owlet, two masks ad- vanced and bore the dead wrestler outside of the ring, then once more resumed their places, While thus engaged, the second champion, the tall, broad-shouldered fellow, was stripping for the contest. He removed his outer gar- ments and appeared in the orthodox ring cos- tume, bare to the middle, knee-breeches, stock- and spiked shoe. Scott smiled grimly. He knew now that for beforehand, that the scene beside the bo’ pit was but the farci- cal prelude, arranged to shake his nerves. F The second champion of the Owls also dis- carded his feathered revealing a bull-do Pe and features wholly unknown to tt. * * Stop and get-away,’ is it?’ laughed the miner, ad ellow advanced and thrust out his hand cautiously, in true ring fashion for the customary. ‘Well, old fellow, you look like a good ’un, and big enough to swallow me at asingle mouthful; but you can’t most al- ways sometimes generally tell. I’ve been there ‘ore! 6 OES apd rumbled the deep voice of Major wlet. F For a few moments the antagonists cautiously, in ring vernacular, “ feeling ” each other; then, as if satisfied, Sol Scott opened the concert by sending in his ri:ht, tapping the big fellow on the nossa, leaping back to avoid the though seemingly ta touch, “ PR eorad a touch, wassharp en to his latigh- ing antagonist sharply. f iking naught save air. His distance was judged wall enough, but Sol Scott displayed remarkable activity and skill in dodg- no other way can an old ring fighter be more surely * rattled,” and Sol Scott w it. He felt that he was the big fellow’s master, that pr also peageid wi — hg hago would take lots beating before thro up the wo adversaries still awaited him, and Sol Scott ord to throw away a chance. i saw a favorable ; on the neck, him_ back, conv, Jeong i Pe eet. Swift as thought he his advantage. Once, thrice his fists ted in the same each stroke driving the big fellow a few feet around the recatill tne pugttise Lapt hie heet, though bie E able eas nothing more 5A was bi bewil- dered, such a pitiful ay serps of stupid amaze- Gan deopite tt If Sol Scott laughed aloud mself, and lowered his fists. ** Old fe low, you're the first man I ever put wp hands with that I couldn’t knock down!” he eried, but less amazed than his adver- fuskily, gulping once or twice as though trying swallow som which would neither Gown nor come up. Thars a bull bungle bee's nest inside my head, buzzin’ louder’n thunder, an’ I didn’t Ps ketch what you shouted.” ‘* You’re down now, though I couldn’t knock you down—and I don’t believe there’s anotner man on earth who could have stood up under those four blows, if I do say it!” ’ **My hoofs is so p’izen big, pard?’ faintly Owlet. ‘Time, an’ be durned! Come down an’ try it yourself!” growled the big fellow, never offer- A good pay if. I would punch the stuffin’ out 0’ some duffer—meanin’ you, I reckon. I was ‘shoal on the bar ’—hedn’t the price of a drink about my clothes—an’ so I said sartinly, Mind ye, I don’t say I’m licked—but I do say that ef we was to go on, you would lick me. An’ 50, to sorter save my credit, yar’s my hand!” ‘And mine upon it!” warmly cried Scott. “Tam to hear that you don’t belong to this scaly set. You look like an honest man, and I wish you may never fall into such com- var Pe Bare: s’all I have ze honaire?” at. this junc- ture interrupted a voice, and turning, Sol Scott saw that the third champion had entered the ring—the little wiry man, who bowing pencnely and extending a long, slender rapier ward him, CHAPTER XIII. AN APISH ADVERSARY. Sox Scorr stared at the bowing, grimacing champion in wide-eyed amazement, real or pretended. ; **'Your horned highness,” he exclaimed, turn- ing to the Owlet, ‘I have fought two of your best men; killed one and made it mighty lively for the other. I have shown that I am neither acowardnoraslouch. But having fought men, and being a man myself, I decidedly object to being pitted 7, ap a little withered, dried up ape, armed with overgrown darning-needles!” A low laugh ran around the circle, for the diminutive fencing-master was no favorite with the Owls, being malicious and snowing them no mercy while giving them lessons with the foils, Few among them would mourn his fall. » *Sare, you have-a insulted me!” cried the little Frenchman, with a sharp stamp of the foot. “You s’all give-a me satisfactione, sare! Before you spik zem vords, I only sink to read-a you a lessone, but now—monsieur, Is’all kill-a you! I s’al] proceed to run-a you trough ze — sare, wiz my darn’ needle, sare—got m! ‘* Your lange J hears,” coolly said Sol Scott. *- Your pet ape P ainly declares that he means to kill me, and I as plainly declare that I shail take his life to save my own.” Without more words he grasped the hilt of the proffered rapier, having effected his purpose —enraged his adversary, thus gaining an im- portant advantage where such delicate tools were to be used, for no man can handle a rapier to perfection whose brain is heated by er. ge es the wiry little Frenchman attacked, their pliant blades twining around each other without clash or elatter, but emitting a peculiar hissing sound not unlike that of an enraged ser- mt. And even this early in the fight, Sol tt saw cause for gratulation at having en- raged his antagonist, Though the smallest and ate the most insignificant of all the champions, the fencing-master in reality was by far the most dangerous and difficult to handle. A complete master of his weapon, active as a cat, tough as oil-tempered steel, if need be he could fence ‘‘for blood” from the rising till the setting of the sun. His only weak point was his choleric bog “e ** Aha!” he snarled, iciously. ‘ You s’all see zat ze monkee knows to use ze darn’ needle! b whe rd ng cat ze honairo te make-a ze leetle hole you’ suppaire— “Meanwhile, there’s an air-hole in your front 1c coolly interrupted Sol Scott, as his needle-I blade pie the sword arm of his antagonist, between the elbow and shoulder, Quick as thought his weapon was withdrawn in time to a vicious counter-thrust, only that marvelous activity and a backward leap saving his throat from perforation. But little blood followed the withdrawal of his weapon, nor did the wound seem to incon- venience the Frenchman in the least, as far as wielding his rapier was concerned. But Sol Scott suiled grimly as a fierce curse came from his astonished an mist. Wilder than ever waxed the rage of the fencing-master, and few among those whose champion he was but began to bt his infallibility. Fiercely he attacked, slowly driving the cool-nerved miner back and around the circle, whose guard could neither be forced nor penetrated, while = now and then his needle-like point punc- the tough skin of his antagonist, senening him of danger. For a moment after each touc the Frenchman wo fence more cautiously, but only to allow his devilish temper to flash Ping TE ee r Lane ee eee ee ee eee eee eee ee ee eee eee | ms venomously for “Have you given me lessons 1 qpong, ape- ike the eae -an-owl?”’ mocked Sol tt, as for the fifth time his keen point pricked the Frenchman. ‘If so, let’s get down to sober Then a scream of frantic delight burst from the Frenchman, as his little A ag ar passed in- side the miner’s guard for the time, and sida! was echoed back by the masks, as they saw the point proktuce behind Sol Scott—for they believed the fencing-master had at length ¢ his word good. ; But instead of a ery of agony, a taunting laugh came from the lips of the miner. o end the duel, he had deliberately provoked. the thrust by laying himself open. Straight for his heart the keen weapon was plun but by a swift, almost im tible motion, Sol Scott permitted the rapier to glance along his ribs, drawing in his left arm closely, pinning the weapon to his side. It was smartly with- drawn, but not soon enough to pony the counter-thrust. Swift as thought the miner’s long arm was extended and his pointed blade buried half its length in the left _ ai of the Frenchman. A wild-beast-like screech of mortal agony—a frantic snatching at the biting blade, then red blood burst from the horny beak of the owl’s head and the duelist fell back, his heart punc- tured, dead ere his carcass touched the ground! His fall snapped the fatal blade, and Sol Scott stooped to draw the broken point from its bloody sheath, then arose, cold as at first, his blue eyes glowing like white-hot steel. “‘Now for you, fellow!” he cried, ing a forward step, but halting as the fourth champion made no sage gg move, “I don’t fight with darning-needles, thank ou, sir,” said the shrill, iar voice, sound- g oddly enough when coming from such stunted Hercules. “* Name your tools, then, for I am anxious to thea one of us will run from the circle “* How are you with the weapon of acavalry- man? Can you handle a saber as well as that bit of wire? “* Better—as I hope to show you ere many minutes. . Come! rf yourself and get to work, or these Honest gentlemen will conclude that your tongue is your best weapon!” ““Tf it’s all the same to you, I'd rather not,” squeaked the squat Hercules. “I have a young and interesting family hanging around my neck, and reaily have no right to commit suicide by confronting such an hy sr able Crichton as you have oe elapsed! t am I to understand by this?’ sternl demanded Scott. 4 : ¢ ** That I frankly own myself vancuished even without pia weapons with you,” was the com reply. - Bap I thought as much when you sugge: such precautions inst m i xg He encered the miner. eee . “A man of common sense an prudence, a aie . It matters little what call yourself. Actions speak louder than worda: Well, here I a gentlemen, "aba ws) your pleasure. ere any more champions among you? don’t be bashful, Pve just got oy and Rye" don’t know how I could spend rest of the night with more pet to the honest portion of mankind than by killing a few more such as enone I a 1 Sai ence followed this bold h. The owl- heads turned to glance at pe pg but no. one left the line. The wonderful d made by the gladiator, was such that no eee cared to stand up before bal migra Scott laughed mockingly no cepted his challenge. Still oe bi at one sary’s rapier in one hand, the point of fron y his other, he moved toward the skin-covered rock on which Major Owlet still sat. “As no one seems to aid me im creating further amusement for your majesty, I stppoen I am a free man?” ae certain conditions, yes,” deliberately’ responded Owlet. “The only conditions you first may ge I have fulfilled,” said Sol Scott, celmaly. t with an ugly devil in his ms Sag eyes. fhave met and conquered all who dared face me. You ledged your word that I should go free if I did Pais. Am I to understand that you mean te break that pledge?’ ‘* Not unless you reject my conditions—” “If conditions there must be, I prefer making. ox elo If!” Nin 7 e fourth challenger, him who had owned himself defeated without striking a blow, waa: the only man standing near the crene, and be- lieving that his life was forfeited any way, Sdi Scott resolved on a desperate attempt at re- venge, As he uttered the words recorded abewe, he
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| his rapler, hit foremost, fullin the face binding to me, unless I so pleased. But now, discover his barled Seaesperiaig alin, Thee, with deo tiger.like leap, g him, one tiger- eap, Sol Boole was beside the throne and bending Major Owlet over the table, pressed the point of the broken rapier against the nape of his neck, shouting sternly: “Back! dare to raise even a finger, and your master dies the death of a oe And you Major Owlet, s le even the slightest, and i sever the spinal cord that instant!” It was a thrilling tableau. The defiant g iator holding the owl-headed chief painfully doubled over the table, his blood- stained weapon resting its keen point directly ever the seat of life, his blue eyes flashing de- fiance at the crowd of weirdly masked men, whose weapons were drawn, but who dared not attempt to use them, lest their chief and master should die. “Bid your men lay their weapons on_ the floor, then fall back to the pit, yonder. Hesi- tate, and by the heavensabove us, you die, even eaee I perish the instant after!” poe o as he directs,” huskily uttered Major iwiet. Slowly the masks obeyed, disarming and fall- ing back to the edge of the abyss, where they formed in line. ; ‘* Hold up your hands, I don’t care to trust er gentry too far, aiter the specimen of double- ing this sweet-scented beauty has suown. There—that looks better. Remainso until you have my permission to alter your position.” While speaking, Scl Scott, still holding his weapon in place, deftly unbuckled the belt worn by Major Owlet, and first assuring himself that the revolvers were loaded, stepped back a Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. 17 whatever I agree to, will be ‘You were captured and brought here to suf- fer death, according to the rules tod Sa Owls, No mortal power but mine could have saved you. I saw you handie yourself last night, and I knew then tbat if there lived a man who could kill Dan Brown of Denver, you were he.” ‘*So, you picked me out to do an assassin’s work?” ‘‘ Would it be the first time?” swiftly retorted the mask. Sol Scott flushed hotly, then turned pale as death. There was a dangerous light in his blue eyes, and never before had the squat Hercules pa nearer death’s door than in that moment. “T have spies who serve me well, Sol Scott— if that is the name of your choice,” quietly added the mask. ‘‘I did not know you ‘were other than you seemed, last night, but before noon to-day, I knew all about you.” “Indeed?” sneered the miner. “That you were arrested by Dan Brown of Denver—that you and he went together to the Parker House, where boards the lady you res- cued from Vernon Shadutz—that she is Dan Brown’s wife—that you told them the story of your ‘seu life and the crime for which you were hunted down—” “An adroit spy, truly,” coldly interrupted 7 oo “but could he read between the es ‘J don’t know as I exactly understand you.” ‘* Many a smarter man has said that before you old fellow,” retorted Scott, laughing soft- 'y. “* After all, what do you know of me?’ ‘Enough to hang you, if I chose to hand couple of paces so as to command the whole | you over to justice. I know that there is a re- party with the brace of pistols which he deftly cocked “Keep your seat, old man, and never mind about turning your head; Pll excuse your back,” he cried, as Major Owlet made a motion to arise. ‘* Now ask my pardon for the treach- ery you showed me—” by if I do!” growled the enraged outlaw. CHAPTER XIV. THE PRICE OF DAN BROWN’S LIFE. Son Scorr laughed pleasantly at this blunt nee, ‘That sounds more like a man than anything Ihave heard you say yot. 1 of association with a gentleman, and you will be quite decent company.” ‘*' You can mock, : use you have me foul,” wled Major Owlet. ‘‘ But one thing is sure. Fon ean never escape from this strongbold alive, to boast of how you played with the! In silentawe the Owls Owls. You can kili me, but before you can fire a second shot, the crowd will be on your back for vengeance.” **T don’t i a very high value on my life,” laughed Sol Scott, ‘but Lam not such a fool as to exchange it for yours alone.” “Come, call a truce,” squeaked the squat Hercules. i “ Let’s talk the matter over more at our case— ‘Still there in the ?’ sneered the miner. “T thought I saw you odging under the tabie, to save your precious carcass. “My dear sir,” was the cool response, ‘‘ you are annoyed because I showed myvelf a man of more sense than my fellow challengers—because I would not consent to stand upand let you knock me down, slash and carve, cut and thrust just as though I didn’t cost anything. I frankly owned that you were my master at fighting, and withdrew my challenge, not altogether be- ‘cause I feared death at your hands, but be- cause I had more important work for you to ” “One would think, to hear you talk, that you were running this show. ho are you, anyway?” Ons who saved you from being butchered without having even a ghost of a show for your life,” squeaked iia aid: “Tf you doubt my ask Major Owlet who commands here.” **You do,” was the gruff response. ‘‘ The fellow would have been boiled into soup long before this, if you had let ro boon tg oe he — and two of my best men would not be dead! There was no counterfeiting in this speech, as Sol Scott felt well The outlaw chief was deeply at being thus humiliated before men, ie er Raed were’ T to tive the ceo, e were give a onder Owls would hes even ey knew their first move t* filtee they ooGlt teach both he - ore they could reach a weapon and you would be past savin, ” shortly threat- ened Lol Scott. . “ Perha’ perhaps no; but let us hope it telli-eok Somes to" teas mity. ge pt of that,” dryly ° : had a susliyie ot A few more hours | In Texas men turned a ward of twenty thousand dollars still offered for your capture, dead or alive—” . ‘*Double that amount, and. you would be more right,” coolly said the miner, ‘though you would have to visit half a dozen States to collect the blood money. You seem to know rt of ay history. You know that I fled from ew York, just ten years , with the life- blood of an enemy on my han But youdon’s know how those ten years were spent; you don’t know what various shapes and disguises the ex-colonel of cavalry assumed, Shall I tell you ‘*In Mexico I earned the name of El Diablo. pale with fear when they heard whispered the name of Captain Satan. In California, I was the Death King, while in Nevada I gained some little notoriety as Steel- spring. Otker names I have been given, but these are the widest occa ahaa upon the er, while even the squat Hercules involuntarily shrunk back. Each one of the titles enum- erated, had been borne by a reckless and merci- less dare-devil in the days gone by, who bad proved himself a terrible sco to the regions infested. Crimes enough were laid at the door of each, black enough to damn their author forever. It did not seem possible that one man alone could bave performed all nd yet, after what they had that night witnessed of his marvelous prowess in three widely different fields, nothing seemed im ble after all. Low and —eigee f Sol Smith laughed as he noted the effect of his disclosure. ““Do you wonder now at my reckless disre- gard of life? A thousand times I have seen it trembling in the balance—seven separate nooses have been drawn around my throat—yet I still live, and have come to believe that I will never die with my boots on.” “Tf you are ail that you claim, then more than ever am I glad that I saved your life,” said the mask, slowly. “That I may do the Ceo work, you are afraid to attempt?” mocked Sol Scott. ‘I have led too to act as any man’s tool now. Be- sides, Dan wn isa white man—white clean through. By a trick he arrested me, but be- cause [ chanced to serve his wife, he set me free | again.” ‘* Because your wife Piper for you, and he pre, rg sar reasons for not crossing her will, ope t least. But last night Dan Brown a letter—here it is, the seal yet unbroken —but I wager my right hand I can guess its contents from the address.” The red light from the skulls shone upon the white envelope, and Sol Scott read the address at a glance. It — directed to the Chief of the Rocky Colorado, ‘He pledged his word_not to arrest but warned you tolevant.. You refused. He wrote this letter and mailed it. Ican read its con- tents with my eyes shut—and so can you.” “You think he sent for another detective to | come and make the arrest?” asked Sol Scott. “ ce tee I grt ante him, but that is de- se i soon cided,” salt the mask, tearing open the letter and unfolding it, A mocking laugh parted his lips as he noted the contents. He asks that a good man may be sent out to take you in.” With a dark frown Sol Scott took the letter and read it himself. The mask had spoken truly. mS £3 I knew he really meant such treacbery—” ‘* You hold the proof in your hand,” quickly said the mask. ‘‘Bah! I have seen bolder tricks than that layed. You might have written this—and fer ore likely to than Dan Brown of Denver,” bluntly cried the miner. “That can be readily proven,” calmly re- turned the mask. ‘‘I will seal the letter again. They will think nothing of the direction beirg in a strange band, for naturally Dan Brown would not want his presence here « ted, and the postmark might tell fales at the Denver Office, where his hand is known.: Inside of a week, the new detective will be here. Dan Brown will point you out to him. When he makes the arrest, you will be convinced.” “No doubt,” dryly uttered Scott. ‘‘ That would be convincing !” ‘You are hard to please,” laughed the mask. But jesting aside, Dan Brown wrote that letter. If the man sent for don’t ecme in- side of a Spe ps a will write again. His boner is pledged at the cffice to bring you to justice. It is either your life or his: Take your choice,” ‘* Tell me why you areso set on his death?’ “That is nove of your business, but still I will explain. Dan Brown came here to break up the Owls, just as he did the band cf Captain oonshine. [am interested in this family, and besides that, Captain Moonshine was cone of my nexrest friends. For these reasons I have sworn that the detective shall die. I came here, in- tending to do the work, but now that I have got a hold on you, I prefer taking my revenge through a mig due ‘* Suppose I refuse, what then?’ ** You will never leave this stronghold alive! But you will not refuse. You know that Dan Brown has dealt you one treacherous blow in the dark, and feel that he will not hesitate to follow it up with others, if necessary.” “ You will not be satisfied with anything less Loe papery Would not his disgrace answer as we ** No, he must die,” came the stern response. “What security have you that, once awe em — and a free man, Twill not brea w P ou may exact, an tra ou and these fellows?” ee ““The very best of security. We ail know ae while you are in utter ignorance concern- gus. True, you may suspect, but suspicion does not go far. You were brought here blind- folded, ard you will be taken away in the same manner. If you had the nose of a bleod- ring you res wap gat your ups And should you try, you die. — ou, one or more Owls will be watching yon, both night and day. Your ev movement will be noted, your every w overheard and pee to me. ‘You have seen none of our faces, save those of Rucker Shadutz and Turk Elder. One of those lies dead, the other knows no more than you—for he was brought here in the same man- ~ Even ope dion od and our forms have Leen isguised. ou might pass any one of us on the street within the hour, and. never suspect our identity. ‘I speak frankly, for I want you to wuder- stand that there is only one course open fer you to follow. Good man as you are, a knife-thrust in the dark, a bullet from ambush, or a sprink- ling of strychnine on your meat can lay you low; and if Dan Brown is alive at the end of a week, or you oat to give us the slip by levanting, you will by one sf these methuds.” .“ You talk plain and to the ow ag will I,” boldly returned Sol Scott. “I pledge you my word as a brother rascal that ‘Den Denver shall die—on man,” was the slow ‘ is full of the tkind of too. I she and I w make a d team to beat. Aid bay geen ee mi e will do what we can for you—abduct ce upon you claw = Detective Association, at Denver, ‘*He says that you are here, but does not wish to make the arrest lest Owls should
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Sol Scott returned the confiscated weapons to Major Owlet, and received his own instead. Es Savin his garments, and quietly ; to ha the heavy sack tied over his head and sh rs. He no longer antici- treachery, for there was a blood Then the cavalcade rode on like grim phan- toms of the night. ) CHAPTER XV. ‘OPENING A BANK.” d Ir is doubtful if there was a man in Golconda who felt moro content with himself and the world than did Edward P. Rolfe, Esquire on the Saturday evening following the strange do- 3 ¥ 8 Pe em é zg Bese é uttonous hours at the table in his rooms at the Par- epicure deemed it to feast before wag es of the vulgar herd who only ate to li was now slowly | reader, Pramas the street, in blissful consci ving done his whole duty by himself | his stomach, There was still another reason, Mr. Rolfe was ‘ bond, and all who was mough to be | dlessed with ic oa , banked th Mr. | Rolfe. Amo’ heaviest depositors of course | were the wners and their largest cus- tomers. samy er lye the regular “‘ cleaning | precious products of the | ress company, or deposited in the big vault of the bank for prenete keeping. And | counter of the bank as on this particular Satur- day. x jolly, whole-souled fellow—thus was banker Rolfe ted by those who had more intimate | with him. Semi-occasionally he would | > lie a tear,” to use his own expression, and | ‘or a month ward would secretly admire himself as a most delightfully reckless and im- | moral fellow. This ‘ tear” consisted for the | most part in eon, Rona tof to the best the town afforded, and in drinking a wine to set his sedate brain to dancing alittle. And | cegularly the next morning the repentant rioter _ would send for the city marshal and request a full repetition of his last night’s exploits—how many men he had killed or disabled: for though | he had never had a personal difficulty in his life, and hardly knew the muzzle of a revolver 7 from its butt, banker Rolfe believed that, when in his me = he was a terrible desperado, who would “ gh of a hat.” On this steel-trap. His weak side was g the better of him now. When he sat down to his daintily pre- | = oe supper, Mr. Rolfe intended to quit the for his virtuous couch, but this good reso- lution gave way before the subtle temptings of evil, and when the banker left ith the firm intention of they once awake!” he murniured, self-admir- ing y. ‘I know that somebody will be burt ore morning, for I am awful when I once get started! ! fahren ete? i briskly alo Ms arcacd phew they overtook Denker, and-encd pped one . : arm through his. gs, and though Mr. Rolfe stared curious- ly at first gr, then the other, he could recog- nize neither o ** Keep a old codger,” growled one of the men, in a deep, If a jest, it wasa re er The man on his left thrast cold muzzle of a while the one hold- Sol Se his word considered as good as any other man’s . ortuna +=) pares ee age ee eae eee Fe NR ee ee ee Le eee reality. These were genuine ruffians—most likely some of the dreaded Owls—who meant to rob if not murder him; possibly both. The banker was not an over brave man; _ many would bave deemed him an arrant cow- ard. Certain itis that now, taken at such a terrible disadvantage, his arms firmly held by the men with whom he seemed to be takinga leisurely stroll, with a knife and a pistol press- ing between his ribs on opposite sides as they passed up the street, he trembled violently and would have sunk a nerveless heap on the ground, had they not supported him. Twice they men who would have at- tempted his rescue at a single ne but each time he felt those horrible weapons eg | his ribs, and as often did he suffer the bold foot- to lead him by in silence. At the earliest possible point they turned aside from the main street, an through less frequented ones, not disdaining alleys and short arm. They stood in the deep shadow, but Rolfe could see that the speaker was removing his | slouched hat and donning another covering. For a moment he was in doubt, but then the startling truth dawned upon him. This new disguise was the feathered semblance of a huge horned owl’s head! He knew then that he had fallen into the gxipe of those terrible desperadoes, the Owls, and he knew that more than his life was in danger, ie ,Mr. Rolfe!” warningly muttered the owl’s head, relieving his comrade.‘ We mean business, but your life is safe enough as long as you are sensible. Cut up rusty, and we'll leave you in prime condition for a funeral sermon— mind that!” Shivering, trembling, the wretched prisoner watched the transformation of the man with the knife into the head of an owl, feeling vaguely that he had ere this seen that clear cut profile, momently on aa to his view. Ifso, his brain was too confused to identify the face at that moment. Smoothing down his feathered bead the man with the knife addressed the banker. “Mr, Rolfe, you now know who we are, and can give a pretty good guess as to what we mean to do. You have made a good deal of money since you came here, and we have had our eyes on you for some time. You are fairly ripe, now, and we mean to squeeze you pretty dry. But it is only the filthy lucre we are after. We don’t want your blood—but we'll take some of that if we can’t get around it.” Just as he felt that the profile of the man with the knife was not entirely strange to him, so Edward P. Rolfe felt now that he bad heard that smooth, clear voice before. When or where, he could not now “In plain words, we mean to rob the bank, {f the alarm should be given before we are pert: away with the plunder, I swear that I will cut your heart out before I try to escape. I impress that upon your mind; your life depends on our success. He paused for a moment as if to allow the fear-stricken banker time sufficient to fully comprehend his warning. «* Now then, is there any one sleeping in the bank? Isy Albus Black acting as night ee or does he remain there simply as a r “Tf you lie,” cautioned the man with the re- volver, “it may cost you "dager life.” “He sleeps there,” Rolfe managed to stam- mer. ‘*You and he each carry a key. Can you enter without alarming him, d» you think? Mind, we are bound to goin, and if he wakes up the chances are that both of you will get rubbed answer.” ‘* He is a sound . He may—I hope he will—won’t wake gasped the banker, s.arce knowing what he did cy & ** So much the worse for you and him both if rye ‘ was ito e's th and ly nthe in M His the bank key found was clear, and the door was quic No sound came from within as the open and the three men entered, . 5 ott, the Masked Miner. the slide, casting a clear ray of light around the room, revealing every item and feature in turn, while they themselves remained in the obsow rity. e ts were those of any ordi coun A walnut counter, tong ey wire screen along its th save one aperture through which business was trans- acted, An open passage ran along one i Albus = clerk and assistant kept by Rolfe, slept on a lounge. ‘“‘ He must be cared for,” muttered the man with the revolver. ‘The light or the noise pao tly: depsasi and he is no coward like his r. along the passage, his comrade in crime bring- forcing the banker —— rec to fall back again with a hollow groan as the man with the knife leaped forward end brought the butt of a heavy revolver down on his head with fearful force. No need of a second blow. Blood streamed from the wound and saturated the pillow on which the poor head lay. _ Edward Rolfe almost fainted at the terrible sight, and was only kept from falling by the pen gripe on his meek bids little courage © may have possessed was utterly extinguished by this ruthless deed. 3 “He brought it on himself!” muttered the murderer, as if trying to excuse the bloody deed. ‘‘A moment more and he would have raised the alarm.” ‘**You’re sure he’s settled?’ coldly asked the . second bly" ‘Ready for a fun ” with a hard laugh, ** Just as you will be, old man, if you Beseng rd any trouble. Take warning by his fate, and do ast as you are bidden, or Pll kill you with as _ hesitation “ : did him!” assing around the end of the counter, the stood before a large iron safe—‘ fire and. md — proof,” its makers claimed, but probably hey never anticipated its being attacked after the eae fashion. ‘You know what to do—do it,” sternly or- dered the Owl, pointing at the little silvescieibed rarest containing the secret of the ‘‘combina- on. The banker never oven thought of resistin though the huge safe sonitninedl she fortunes ot a dozen better men than himself. Unlike the heroic Martin, or noble Heywood, both of whom deliberately chose death rather than be- tray their trust under similar circumstances, Rolfe knelt before the safe and with trembling fingers turned the wheel as he spelled out the word forming the combination. Eagerly the taller owl grasped the knob, but the massive door refused to open. A fierce aiiee te rer . ‘ it again. ou fail this time, I scatter your brains over the floor!” So snarled, angrily. ; The very extremity of bis danger served to compose Rolfe’s nerves, and this time ke made no mistake. The door was opened, the inner door unlocked, laying bare the treasure the Owls had stained their hands in human blood to win. Quickly the safe was ransack th coin and bank notes being roves Pah bag. ‘“* Now for the vault, old fellow,” la taller Owl. ‘* We haven’t found iaatettvees we need here. Mate, you look out and call the boys. There’s enough gold and silver bricks in “ym by Bowers ob ipa all. Here's the key.” . 4 Ww. V' ning the door and 3 ing a low. guarded hoot which was cedily ines iby, the hs mpm of haif a dozen men, all o' wore the feathered head-dress —. beg slouched hats. ; e vault was opened and the bullion pack for pba pes etapa ag Not a dollar’s worth 2 e Dearing whole tenes vaste, ring their heavy en the six Owls de- a leaving the banker alone with the other nf Swiftly the : assassin replaced his ' turned apen Biweed Hilfe
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. . “Did you see my face?—curse you! if I wag so— “7 don’t think he did, mate,” answered the other Owl. ‘ The light was only on you for a moment, and his head was turned the other ny if he had, what matter?” ; fiendish laugh was the response to this qogetions, snd the blood of the banker grew more chill as he heard it. ** True, I reckon he'll never tell tales of this night’s doings. Such a craven-hearted cur hadn’t ought to live,anyway. Set down the pees Gehby ane mong ere was a horrible meaning in the 's tones rather than words, and Edward Roite believing his death was resolved upon, made a te ottenps toescape. But he was like a child in the hands of those two powerful men, and was quickly thrown down and held helpless by one, while the other bound him hand and «Fetch him. along, mate,” laughed the taller ‘@wl, arising. “Put him on the lounge with the other dead man. They were friends in life—in death they shall not be divided!” { His words were obeyed. Dead and li lay oe by side upon the narrow, blood-stain: -couc cou “Go bring in the kind , mate,” continued the murderer. ‘‘ Let’s get the job over as soon “as wecan. The boys have got safe out of town with the plunder by tkis time.” In silence he was obeyed. The shorter out- law brought in two great armfuls of pine knots and poet them in several piles where they -would soonest communicate their flames to the woodwork. Over all was poured a quantity of turpentine, and then the subordinate Owl vent outside to make sure that the coast was clear. ‘* As soon as you hear the hoot of an owl, old man, the fun begins,” malignantly laughed the Owl. ‘‘In ten minutes later you will get a fine foretaste of what awaits you hereafter—ha!” as a low, lugubrious hoot came to their ears. “ That’s your death-note, old fellow!” * Lighting a roll of paper, the robber quickly eet fire to the cep piles, i = Kaun springing up as if by ic. en be y left the te closing the decor after bim. And higher lea; the tlames, shooting out = suptertike tongues toward the living and CHAPTER XVI. A SHOT "TWIXT WIND AND WATER. A most horrible situation! Bound hand and foot, his tongue fettered as well, lying beside a dead or dying man, his head upon ‘the same pillow, his cheek in the clammy, coagulating blood, his eyes alone ‘possessing any power over themselves, and these coahaihen by the leaping, dancing, growing Traly Edward P. Rolfe was “ making a ae of it,” but in a far different manner from that so fondly anticipated. Desperately he struggled to free his hands, his feet, his jaws—if he could only slip the gag, his screams for help would soon b: aid to the f—but in vain. ay am ds had me the work, and his furious efforts were all in vain, though he rolled heavily to the floor | be while striving to release hi . But that only carried him still nearer those terrible tongues of fire. It seemed hours to him ‘of bitter fear and torture such as ee well turn one’s hair from black to white—but really only a very few minutes passed after the Page eee of ing shout ‘*Fire! fire! Rolfe’s bank is on fire!” Sweeter than the most heavenly music came | ‘these words to the ears of the helpless wretch a ay more desperately than ever did he strive to recover the use of his tongue, for even yet the aid might come too late to save him, unless it was prompt and rightly directed. The floor and the counter were now ablaze. The red, serpent-like tongues of flame were shoot- we beans and nearer the ‘spot where he og 5 y his hair, his clothes were and scorch, Five minutes’ y might Jado that shrill eat upon the night s ru ps to be caught cand topes by poten se another voice until the whole i ean on a E : BE E fi i i : le g ! : : almost into the face of the miner, driving him back half blinded. But only for a moment. A shrill, unearthly scream came from within —followed by a wild, maniacal laugh! ‘*Somebody’s in thar, roastin’ alive!” the man who had driven in the door, as two men dashed up to the spot. * Guard gad face and let’s rushin! Quick —or we'll too late!” cried one of the new- comers. Pulling his hat over his eyes and bowing his head he made a Wash at the opening, only to be driven back and almost overthrown by a wild, haar io shape that seemed vomited forth by the flame-tinged smoke—a shape nee in fire, with pale, blood-streaked face, and staring eyes from whence reason had fled forever! Once more that horrible send Pe sl blood-curdling! Then the figure fell lifeless the ayer 48 above!’ gasped the man who had raised thealarm. ‘It’s young Black—thar’s bin foul a —he’s bin murd !” he gasped as with i e hands he tore away the burning rem- nants of the night-clothes worn by the unfortu- nate clerk. A crowd was around him now, but the two men who had first answered his alarm were not among them. One glance at the flame-wreathed form, then ie ev eae Rina ee urning g y the so whic came from the A ne banker, whose feet were kept lustily thumping the floor. Together they asped him, and then beat a hasty retreat m the doomed ory, nil A terrible cry went up irom the excited crowd as they saw and recognized the banker. Bound hand and foot, securel gged, left in the building to die a horrible death! Heaven pity the devilish criminal or criminals if ever dis- covered, for these men would never show them wert: 8 ‘4 o did weld us a clew!” uttered a voice in the ear of the nearly dead banker—a voice that caused him to shudder and his blood to run cold in his veins, for it wasa counterpart of the voice he had last heard when left helpless on that bloody couch! And there, bending over him, pale and stern, was the face of the speaker—the same face he had seen by the flash of the dark-lantern when the dropping of the owl’s head mask drew that - of annoyance from the lips of the robber who had stricken down young Albus Black! The “handsome face ced strangely—then was swallowed up by darkness as the senses of the banker yielded. He swooned, and lay upon the ground like a dead man. ‘*Carry them to the Parker House, some ot you. The rest pitch in and fight the fire—come on!” cried the voice that had so terribly startled Rolfe, and its owner was the most active of all in fighting the flames. There were no a Nearly every man doing business in conda had a direct interest in the banking-bouse, and ce ie the flames as only men can fight who believe their worldly all is at stake. But their efforts were all in vain, so far as the bank building was concerned. ' The flames had gained too. great headway be- fore being discovered, and in an hour more the spot was marked only by a heap of glowing em- ieee Nee nS a ee a ee een rs. Both Rolfe and his clerk wero conveyed to the hotel, where their injuries were carefully attended to. The banker was in no danger, a few burns being the extent of his injuries, but the doctors looked very grave when they saw the clerk. His skull was crushed in by that terrible blow. If he lived se hes, the night, it would be little less than a miracle; certainly he could not sur- vive another day. M Edward Rolfe, on recovering his senses, kept his lips tightly closed, and would answer no | questions put to him, until Sam Ellis was found _and brought to his bedside. Then he ordered _ the room cleared of all save the city marshal. _ For nearly an hour they were closeted to- | gether, and when Ellis. came forth his face was , ve, Scarcely had he left the hotel, when a_black- tered, ened, scorched en and asked to be | | shown the s “He refuses to see any one, Mr, Brown,” said the landlord. “ That _ not include yo nes, Laura the famous detective, nowno longer in i | «T must see him in the interests of justice. There has been murder and done here | Contes, and he may possess a clew to the erim- inals) Show me up to his room.” all bars must fall. “You can go now,” said the detective, paus- before the door of the banker’s room. “ You know the result as soon as anybody else, but in such a case as this, we must be very el. ’ Mr. Winkle departed, and then Dan Brown entered the room, closing the door softly be E Po the — gra - black night’s work. ve you an Ww e sn be y perpetra nial teas banker P pagcrwcaial te : hed lips aye , and as into bloodshot eyes as they dr ore the steady gaze of the detective. But his hand was not removed from the revolver which jlay be- “* Time is of t importance in such a case as this, Mr. Rolfe,” added Dan Brown, as the banker le no mse. ‘A great crime has been committed. you possess any clew to the Lg Nema s you owe it to yourself as well as J ose who have had business dealings with you, to tel acne and at once. ** Am I right in uding that the bank was robbed?” ** Yes— made a clean sw safe and vault,” slowly responded the banker. ““Who and what were they? How many? Tell me the whole sto: I do not ask through simple curiosity, Mr. Rolfe, but as an officer of the law. You have no right to keep back a sin- of point—nor will you, if you really wish to “ bh ej the criminals to justice. ted the banker, and there was a burning light in his eyes as they met those of the detective. ‘‘ They murdered Albus Black— yourself for the doubt, not me,” coolly uttered the detective. ‘‘ Butitisa doubt you may hear expressed by more than one pair of a8 when Padi sere mes known vg you are giv- ing the crimi ime to escape by refusing to state the whole facts of the case,” ‘You mean that I will be accused of playing a part—that men will think I am a sharanie this robbery?” ‘** Unless you bestir yourself, yes.” The banker laughed, low and [enh “If they escape, my personal loss will be over fifty thousand dollars, not counting that for which Iam responsible, the amounts placed in my keeping by depositors—” ‘So much the more reason why you should lose no time in setting the machinery of the law at work,” quietly interrupted Dan Brown. ‘*Ha! Ellis, I am glad ycu came,” he cried, as the door opened and the city marshal entered the room. ‘“ Perhaps Mr. Rolfe will have more faith in you. He hesitates recmge ow 8 about giv- ing me an account of this little affair.” muel Ellis appeared seriously but the banker came quickly to the rescue, ‘‘T was not satisfied that you had the right te ask, but I will tell you the whole story now— you and Mr. Ellis.” With feverish rapidity, but clearly rt Thocooraig: nights or guiting: Seetidlae aang memorable rtance, but the story need not be reproduced ere, “It was the man who struck poor Black,” he said, coming to the point where the feathered mas) ro gar from the face of the taller rob- ber. ‘‘He uttereda cry as it fell, and not know- ing what was the matter, the other rascal turned a of his lantern full upon the face of his comrade.” “ You were looking—you saw his face?” asked Brown. “As plainly as I see your face at this mo- ment!” **You can swear to it if ever you see that face again?” “*Yes—and more—I have sworn to it!” cried Rolfe, exultingly. ‘‘ Mr. Ejlis at this moment holds the warrant for the arrest of the robber and assassin iia * aa ae me this Fiercely the banker uttered these words Salow. - revolver, ae Ww, c a the of which Dan Brown full in the face! ee g> Cains ¢
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he now; that he saw your face when that Zit = ‘fell off." m : é And you have a warrant for my arrest, on charge?’ es. L believe you can explain it all away, could dopothing else. You must go with “ee but me until the dirty mistake can be cleared up, old fellow.” vi him—put handcuffs on him, or he'll tz «Dry ‘u *m running this thing now,” bluntly cried Ellis. “‘Give me your word not to e any trouble, Brown, and no one shall know that you are under arrest.” Dan Brown hesitated, but only for a moment. be | .and thank you for your con- sid old fellow. Get me out of here as quietly as —— Let my poor wife have one ight a Gamaede: t them, I hope,” cheerily an- big-hearted ** Of course it 3s all a ralatale. I'd sooner believe myself. guilty! I know you couldn’t do it!” Dan Brown made no reply to this impulsive — though he felt it keenly, and together bee the room. office was thronged by excited men, who erowded around the twain with a Sed but Ellis bluntly declared that he could tel them teen Snes than they knew already, and shaking them off, reached the street. “To the stone ‘jug,’ of course?” half-inquired Dan Brown. “ Yes,” answered Ellis, his face flushing. ‘It is the safest place. Not,” he added, preg hs “that I fear you will to escape, but the le are terribly worked up about this affair, if they learn that you are arrested, I’m afraid there’ll be serious trouble. A mob is the devil and all to control when it once gets started.” “You can’t keep the secret long. Some one will scent it out.” ' ** Long enough for me to collect the witnesses who can swear that you were somewhere else when the robbery and murder took place. Then old Rolfe can’t help withdrawing his charge, and we two will take the Reid and never let up until we have run the real criminals to earth!” Dan Brown made no response to this warm speech, and no more was said until the jail, a small but stout stone structure was reached, As it was empty, there was no one on duty, and the marshal carried the key. “It’s not quite as comfortable as the Parker ,” said the marshal, as they entered the gloomy building. ‘One comfort: you won't ve to board here long.” ’ * That depends on the mob,” said Dan Brown, yarn ‘ “Vl have you out of here before anybody knows of this ridiculous charge, Of course you can an alibi ‘ ; i F a8 3 : F : . he noted the consternation of his ugly, don’t it, old fellow? I set off be I had found a of the Ow I foliowed it it. I turned toward North Hill when I saw the zeae ie ee 5 i e782 Bere ks FF ep 4 “I believe he must be mistaken,” was the; “A fine bold enough to do what he | with the very criminals pretend to be reply. ‘‘But he swears to what he told wi wii srg a few white thought right,” said one big, hairy-faced miner eG down. There have among the crowd that thronged the Dew Drop | crows found, I believe, though I’d hate to fnn. ‘He didn’t drink, nor smoke, nor cuss | h until I found one—but if asked to m an’ fight like we tough roosters, but it wasn’t the discovery of either an albino crow or an cause the sand was lackin’. When hecameout | honest detective I’d toss up to decide which one here, his mother—a poor lone widdy woman, | I’d best go gunning for.” ts, she made him promise not to, an’ henever | _ “ We don’t know much about Dan Brown of in’t!” Denver, outside of what_common rumor says, “Wuss then all,” broke in another fellow, | but we all of us know Edward P. Rolfe. A the last man in the crowd a stranger would Some: honest, truthful and on the square, have picked out as owning such a soft and sen- | He would never swear toalie. He does swear timental heart. ‘‘ Thar’s the pore gal as he was | that the man who butchered Albus Black was to hey married—the day set, an’ all ready. | afterward unmasked by an accident. He She’s over thar now aside him, an’ takin’ on | swears that his mate turned the light fair on his most turrible! They do think her little heart’s | face—and that that face was the face of Dan clean bu’sted wide open, an’ that the same hole | Brown! So positive was he that he swore outa in the ground ’ll hol all two both on ’em!” warrant against the detective,and Sam Ellis 'Rough though this y vor was, it touched a | made the arrest.” wertul chord in the hearts of those present. “He'll git his just desarts ef Sam is runnin’ Resp and bitter curses were showered upon the | the machine,” cried an ardent admirer of the foul assassins, The mob was slowly but surely | city marshal. growing ripe for an outbreak—wouid they find “ A squarer man was never made; I frankly the victim? admit that. But what. can Sam do? Only Spontaneous as this all seemed, there were prodoee his prisoner when called for—the rest hidden hands at work, cunningly manipulating | lies with the judge, the lawyers and mutton- the wires. Not only at the Dew oe Y but at | headed jury. Does any man here for a single each saloon or place where the excited citizens | moment believe that Dan Brown will be con. collected, there the same arts were brought in- to requisition though the master workmen kept careftiiy inthe background. Those who talked the most bitterly were quite as free with their money as with their tongues, and those who drank repeatedly at their expense quite natur- ally accepted their leadership. us. several hours were — the evil pas- sions rising higher and higher, only lacking a word to give them direction—a word that was | —if he does go to trial, then we one and all are quickly to come. : his accomplices in this foul murder—for he will A wild yell arose just without the densely paiy Ao scot free through favoritism. crowded Dew Drop Inn, and then the tall form ‘Gentlemen, the assassin is in the jail yonder. of King Carmichael was seen forcing his way | What shall be done with him?’ tow: the bar. Close behind him came the| ‘Take him out an’ hang him! Lynch the huge, gorilla-like negro porter of the Parker | durned ’sassin!” House, his ugly countenance bearing an expres- A single voice broke the silence, but it was sion at once proud and frightened. enough. Just as a spark will explode a mighty “Make way, there!” shouted Carmichael. “TI por pee so one word can set a mob in motion. re a you who murdered poor Black! This = ions once eeiorg mob of such men as — ese hardy miners is like an avalanche—quite e — eng a him—roast bee cuss alive!” | as ‘gor to amok. ed a dozen furious voices, and as many eager “Spread the news!” shouted Carmi ands were outstretched to grasp the now ter- | leaping down from the counter, ‘ Toes rified ms. 2 i boys so none will be cheated out of a share, Ai Bethy 74 me, gemmen—don’t kill a pore are with the murderer!” gger!’ : : gain the moonlighted streets of Golecnd ** Easy, gentlemen!” cried Carmichael, knock- | rung with shouts and valle: but far more terri ble ing aside the nearest hands, “The nigger | and awe-inspiring than the tumult which reig:ied didn’t do it—he brings us word who did, | earlier in the night, for that arose from a laad- thouzh!” ee able desire to save—now to destroy! It was “ Whooray fer the dark’! H’ist him up on the | the cry for human blood! bar so we all kin see an’ hear him 2 ed the The two good men whom Sam Ellis left to rough-looking fellow who had waxed pathetic | guard the stone jail, heard the wild outcry, and over the griet of the betrothed bride of Albus read its meaning aright. They were brave Black. ; ‘ i men, equal to any ordinary crisis, but they With a friendly force that left him well-nigh | were married men with wives and children de- naked as he came into the world, and fairly | pendent upon them. They knew that this was drove the breath from his body, Jaybird-heel | no ordinary mob. The mighty volume of was hoisted upon the counter, iooking down | united yells told them that. ey might die at upon a mass of terribly excited faces, _ their post, slaying a few out of the scores, should “Give him _a fair chance, gents!” cried Car- | they elect to defend their prisoner, but die they michael. ‘ You'll frighten bim clean out o’ his would, and that without serving him in the seventeen senses. Silence! Speak up, blackie. | least. Just the con . If blood was shed -_ the truth and youshall not be hurt. Spit it = Brown would be held accountable for it ou al. “ The negro could not so readily recover from They interchan one glance, and either bis affright or his rough handling, and | other’s hearts. Then they did what A re tere his speech was both rambling and obscure—too | men out of every hundred would have much so to be recorded here at length. they stole away under the shadows, leaving the Enough that, his curiosity aroused, he had | stone jail unguarded. contrived to overhear all that transpired in the Inside, Dan Brown also heard that terrible room where the banker lay. He repeated the | outcry, and knew what it foreboded. But he accusation made to Sam ; told how the | did not even arise from his rude cot, Unarmed, banker obliged him to swear out a warrant; | he could do nothing. And he was too mueh told how Dan Brown of Denver came in and of | of a man to make a useless outcry. the strange interview which followed. And The frenzied mob came then, to cap the climax, for the first time he | and crow-bars with which bottonn fe men’ who was the eccused. stout doors. At their head was King Carmi- ‘*Marse Rolfe swore dat de face he see’d in | chael, Paul Gerux. ° © face of de man dat knocked Jilly marse A few fierce blows, then the barrier gave victed, even though the evidence was ten times as direct? Ifso, he isafool! It would be con- sidered a mal disgrace to each officer of ustice. He would be decided insane, or else - fellow-scavengers would swear to an alibi, **One of these two things would be done, if Dan Brown of Denver ever be brought into court on this charge. Isay if. And I will add dar—d Black on de head—he swore dat it ‘longed to | way, and the mob swarmed into the jail, yell- ok tagehonaes followed t hi astounding as- ilence lowed this astoun as- | fasten the prisoner. ee The woh ope at weigre get in Pale bat i hi like mute amazemen ot one present but knew | marble beneath the red light of the lanterns the famous detective by reputation, and they | borne by his foes, Dan, Brows of Denver con- sa searcely believe their en a single voice arose: Not a word did he utter. Hi **It cain’t be—not Dan Brown o’ Denver! | was doomed. Mercy could adie Gicaeee a nigger hes made a bloody biunder, sure!” | from such animals—human they were not then With a cat-like bound King Carmichael was-} —nor would he demean himself to ask it. upon the bar, ete ee spy: Rudely he was fastened , and dragged I answer for the nigger, men!” he | outside. A noosed ro wae fang overt Sood. Jiro 44 ova Would ceed ers ee The =e meer and howled as only such a come own acco ear to a lie, | crow eligh shamefui knowing that when we a he had been sight, Each AY ia eae roots on us we wou mighty apt to ‘Cool and See erik Hn Not at a | CHa eT on : 0 is rown ver as ‘““We are calls himself? A detective, who has done the | hang, but it mama ie aiecmenet <a cas him credit for that. It was from no merciful motive the villain bery and murder? Is ho the first detective on pA and hatred. H that who has played a rear ape The ‘and in ting for eens mock anton v4 set a thief to a thief.’ | drag er to death under their trampling may be some exceptions—all detectives | feet. Such a death would be too ly. The leagued he ten toll. ae iH : are not rascals at heart, or secretly
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the gre like the blackest felon of all! Be‘' er for him, perhaps, had his cruelty been less putined. At that moment a muscular form pressed through the crowd, and with two swift blows, knocked Carmichael and Gerux headlong to the setting their prisoner at liberty! or Bask into the Brown into the buil mob with a revolver in emch hand, cocked and ready for use. “Two hundred onto one man ain’t fair play. gents,” he said, cool as an iceberg to all outw: ap’ ce. ‘S’pose we make thegame a little mo’ even?” “Kill the infernal scoundrel!” spluttered Carmichael, as he scrambled dizzily to his feet after that terrible blow. “It cain’t be did quick enough to save you, etranger, fer at the fast move I’ll make you cold meat. An’ what Enoch Dodge says, he gen’- rally backs up.” ' Just then another diversion came. A strong ‘orse was urged with bloody spur through the trowd, knocking over those barring the way and scattering them like nine-pins. Then the bold rider leaped to the ground and stood shoul- der to shoulder with the bold ex-marshal of Grenada It was Sam Ellis, and his hands clasped a brace of revolvers, ** Fall back, you cowardly curs!” he thundered, his big blue eyes aglow with a dangerous light. **Dan Brown is my prisoner, and before you take him from me, you’ve got to kill me. Back, or Dll open fire—and shoot to kill!” _ ‘*Twenty-to’ bullets an’ plenty o’ coid steel to eho ‘ran on th gen hed Enoch ome eye rane A whenever you git a good ready. Weil try ced to git one good Bite while vous gittin’ a squar’ meal!” Light as a cat, Dan Brown slipped past his bold defenders and leaped upon the still un- y Gerux, who stood nearest the jail. Flinging him to the ground, he tore the leather belt from around waist, then leaped back ‘almost before his action was noted, much less understood by the mob. “Just to make it a little more interesting, | eeaeenns hae cried. with a careless laugh, as faced the mob, cecking the pistols so dex- terously obtained. "I consider myself Mr. ered prisoner, and 2 his mesons will lay own my w ms. if you want them, come and take them?” Dae, “You must murder me first! We live or die together!” A woman’s Voics—a woman’s lithe form—but braver, truer bart never faced deadly peril. Revolver ip Aand, Rachel Brown stood beside ber husband.; CHAPTER XVIII. LAW AND ORDER PREVAILS. Ove surprise followed another in —_— pro- eession that night, all startling enough, but this the climax. magic the detective’s wife made her ap- scram gt No one noticed or heard approach. Bade ined, Her slumbers were broken by that wild tu- mult, and as the frenzied mob rushed the Sg Art we nag ry apts h to her sto mares ve ten a sli : Rachel PP on a an ppers, wn and hastened forth, to save her loved one or else die with him. Sam Ellis was a keen judge of human nature, and saw that now or never was his chance. the rough, tough and hardy fellows who the mining country. always apes es ee with them, even when worn calamity Jane,” “Fighting Panay ee ane, “ How pom 4 greater the influence, 5 | wean beautiful in face and 0 that Les Sage only carry vengeance # “Gentlemen!” cried Sam clear and firm yet conei Pi, ap tog. Non all to reflect on what you are about to do. cause one foul murder been commit is Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. h of death—and then die jail!” he cried, pushing Dan ing, then facing the amazed 21 Brown never struck Albus Black—he was not in town at the time. We have positive proof that he is innocent, and by hanging him, you would have been guilty of foul murder! ‘““Ed Rolfe swears that Dan Brown struck the blow that will or has murdered Albus Black!” «And he believes the truth of the oath he took, no doubt, but when he learns all, he will be the first man to apologize to Mr. Brown for the terrible wrong he has done him. You all asf me, gentlemen, Have I ever lied to ou d ; - A moment’s silence, then an honest murmur bore evidence to the eee of the city mar- shal. He knew that his point was won, and made a bold stroke: ‘I know who the criminals are. They are at this moment within hearing of my voice!” ide cena Pint ’em out!” yelled .the crowd. ‘For you to lynch?’ laughed the marshal. **No, no, gentlemen—I’m a lover of law and order, and then the capture of these rascals will be a big feather in my cap. You see I am y plans are so carefully laid that I have no fear the scoundrels will escape. They Ellis say he’s the p’izen critters marked down? An’ I kin lick any ’ooon as says Sam ** Begin with me, then, old friend,” in the marshal, with a sickly laugh. “I did lie but I knew that there was no hope of getting clear of that crowd without a fight—and the first shot fired or blow struck would have signed our death warrants—unless I could convince them that Mr. Brown was innocent. I feel sure that the real criminals were among the mob, but who they are, I have no more idea than the man in the moon!” *‘ A lie like that ain’t no lie at all But now tell me the hull a’fair. Who's bin killed, an’ why, an’ how did my old mate git mixed up into the scrape?’ _,‘ Still in ignorance—and yet you risked life poms aie defense, not knowing but what [ w: as — “Easy, mate!” interrupted the worthy ma: of Grenada, as the detective impulsivel “T ain’t no fool, ef I do say it peyeelts Ive knowed you sence long afore the pin-feathers begun to sprout onto your face—an’ in all that time, I never once ketched you off o’ the squar’, never knowed you to ne even when are watched, and at the first attempt to flee, | the keerds was stocked . 4 t you. they will be arrested.” it i t in town this evenin’. I hearn the “Bah! he’s giving us taffy, boys! Prove Ayes ’, an’ knowed thar war fun afoot. Course peeled out an’ j'ined in. But when I bearn ‘owed words, Sam Ellis, nA pet out the irds you say you have spotted.” “Go slow, King Carmichael,” cried the marshal, meaningly. ‘‘I don’t mean the mur- derers shall be lynched. They shall suffer, but only after a regular trial. But I will give the honest portion of you a little hint, “The Owls committed this crime, gentlemen, and then, to cover their tracks as well as to dispose of a bitter enemy to all such scoundrels, they raised this cry against Dan Brown of Denver. Those very assassins were the loudest in crying for his blood. Watch them one and aBaods not suffer one of them to leave town— and you will see that I have spoken no more than the truth.” ** And so give you a chance to run the real mourderer out of danger!” cried a deep voice from the shadows beyond. “If by that is meant Dan Brown of Denver, he is still my prisoner, and I pledge you my word that he shall remain in custody until this affair is entirely cleared up. Mr. Brown, hand me your weapons.” * Willingly,” said the detective, surrendering his pistols. ‘I did not arm against justice, — injustice,” ringing cheer from the honest majority greeted this action, and all present knew that the victory was won, thanks to true hearts and ready hands. your name—when I saw they was goin’ to lynch you—then I knowed thar was foul play sume- whar, an’ I tuck a hand in.” ‘*And saved his life,” broke in Sam Ellis. “I feared something of the kind, and as I met with no success out in the hills, I hastened back to town. I heard the uproar, and made my horse travel for all he was worth, but I would have been too late, only for your brave row he ” Bs ‘ ‘He was my mate,” was the simple response, as though that fact comprised all. A genuine heart of gold was—and is, [ am glad to state—that worn in the bosom of rough old Enoch : Dodge again asked for enlightment, and was told the plain facts so far as t present knew them. He listened in silence, a deep, brooding frown wrinkling his brow. **It’s a put-up job—that’s cl’ar enough,” he commented. ‘I knowold Rolfe; a queer enough critter in some ways, but one who wouldn’t knowin’ly tell a lie or say anythin’ to injure a innocent feller bein’ fer untold gold. He b’lieves he see’d eet face—” “ He : ‘One word more, gentlemen, and then I hope | In guarded tones, Dan Brown told them of you will quietly »” added the city | the daring imposition which had heen practiced marshal, frankly. “If I spoke plainly and his wife before she left Denver, adding ? acted roughly, it was in the performance of my simple duty. Bear that in mind, and don’t hold a grudge—but if you whys it out, and I'll be happy to apo with my tongue or my hands, just as the occasion demands, ‘Even divvy, mate!” cried Enoch Dodge. “You do the ngue work an’ turn the other over to me. I ain’t on duty, jest now, an’ kin stop a bullet or dull the knife with my karkidge as well’s not.” This bold s Black that dastardly blow!” ** Not a doubt of RL rye mud!” cried a These were stationed as a guard before the shattered door, while Ellis and Enoch Dodge oined Dan Brown and his wife, they having re- reated inside after the detective voluntarily disarmed himself, iameauvay ee bey to her li “iar Vv “ For = Sor hemeets lifes yon saved him murdered!” she uttered, her voice th emotion. ping a hand on Enoch ’s shoulder. “ His. was tho entering wedge, and 1 only followed it up. But we d have accomplished little bad sed ys Ro Sarvin goa The boys are used to facing ls in the hands of men, but when a beau woman stands behind the barkers, the case is different. I knew then that we had got ’em!” laughed Ellis. “But it was you that discovered the real criminals—” it is Sol Scott!” Rachel faltered, her face death. Sam Ellis keep from her eyes the sober look that chased on smile. As by in- stinct she read the tru his arm around her waist Dan Brown passed and gently drew her down beside him on the cot. ? “* You know that I am innocent, wife, and must have faith that all will come out right in pt oe ee the guilty ones have escaped ‘or the presen sagt en to!” exclaimed Enoch Dodge, obody a twisted fool’d even dream o’ Dan Brown’s . . don’t i her husband, clinging to his neck and for the first time that night gi evidence was a woman as well asa ey ee mob won't confidently. “It’s only the outburst that is to
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eee en a Sol cott, the Masked Miner. being escorted back to the Parker os Sie “te black: cloud tims! had ‘50 He sure that the ee which a i bu Ee dia- ay vee ich » ied it, were but a AL ica pn sae ruin him. that cun- ronon gp mare on his wife—a But who could this unscrupulous “double” be? | wae ~ In vain he strove to solve the mystery. There iy ae, was not the faintest clew to act upon. All was , black and unfathomable earted, both bodily and mentally, Dan Brown lay down upon his cot and slept long and peacefully. Day dawned, waxed and vHogemes mt Brown sat still pondering upon that ter blem, but tly nerieaer the solution oem be- fore, a sudden light flooded his mystified brain, and he cried aloud: © “Thunder! can it be that some one has got “ ceased, for hastily entered aman entere the cell. It was Sam Ellis, his face deeply clouded fii erent AE * It’s bitter black news I i be Brown!” he said, his voice unsteady. “ the faintest k up, and now— Black has died of that blow!” men, its rates in proportion to its ty; Sep hibher dembedsied! all the delicacies of the sea- its of liquors and cigars com- neg tina ces icest and dearest brands. these reasons, all combined, the patrons of the Senate were generally very select, and drunken rows never occurred within its pre- cincts, Few citizens of Golconda could afford to give ine supper” at the Senate, and fewer yet —if any—were those who would decline such a Seetuneres ; we saw ee soa P. Rolfe, beg mao pretty used up, and seem- 7 } Dicleneaia ele would ; with the lamentable affair, and ng ew they three meet that évening at the and calmly discuss the matter over a good cigar B & f if confirmed bon vivant, and hesitated—for im the room adjoming could hear the faint yet heart- of the poor girl who bowed over of her murdered betrothed—he tation. The eae { 5 : gE é. f | the bullion those rascals stole—but if I could re- cover every mill of that loss, by swearing false- ly, I would cut out my tongue by the roots rather than yield to the temptation.” ‘*T b’lieve you would,” said Dodge, sincerely. “T never met you afore, but I’ve heard of you often enough, an’ I know that you're a honest man,clean through. Neither Bilis—nur me meant | any sling at you when we spoke'of a mistake, | We know you are honest in sw’arin’ as you did. But in sech close quarters as them, human eye- sight is monstrous deéceivin’—” ‘I was cool enough at that moment,” Banker Rolfe hastened to say, speaking with ve calmness. ‘‘ The brutal murder of poor Black seemed to turn my blood to ice in my veins. My brain was never clearer, though my limbs seemed benum “The two principal robbers called in six others, and they carried off all the- bullion that had been stored in the vault. The shorter ras- cal who had me more particularly in charge, turned to make sure that nothing of value was left in the vault, casting the rays from his dark lantern into it as he did so. . Mechanically I looked in the same direction. Then wo were both startled by a sharp, angry exclamation from the lips of the taller man, who stood be- hind us, and we looked around. The smaller robber flashed the light full into the face of his comrade, whose feathered mask had dropped to the floor. Clearly as rein, 8 at noonday, out under the bright sun, I saw face and recog- nized it in an instant for that of Dan Brown!” “Or of somebody who strongly ’sembled him,” suggested Dodge. “No, sir—Dan Brown and none other!” posi- tively declared the banker. ‘‘I have seen the man frequently, not only here but in Denver. He had money on deposit with me. I could not possibly be mistaken. His face is a marked one, and once seen, not readily forgotten.” ** Dan Brown is called a more than commonly smart man,” slowly observed Enoch Dodge. “Ef he was the man, wouldn’t he be a fool not to hey shut off your wind at once when he saw you ized him?’ “How much mercy did he show? What chance had I to escape with life enough to tell what had really occurred—what I had dis- I was , bound band and foot. cleshpine nat was . in Ser places, — pine turpentine. oor was closed a wok pon did th only a few burns,” . ou did escape, with only a few : “Thanks to the fire being discovered almost immediately after they left. But you inter- rupted my statement, and jumped to a wrong conclusion; for neither of the robbers knew that I had noticed the unmasked face. ‘* The quick wheeling of the man who carried the lantern, threw me behind him, and in the shade, Thus I could see and not be seen. The murderer was in the act of stooping to recover his mask when Isaw him. Before he rose erect, I was a facing the vault. ‘* He fiercely demanded whether I had noticed his face, but I was gagged, and of course could not answer. His mate spoke for me, and de- elared that I could not have done so. The other man—Dan Brown—was not satisfied, but then said that it mattered little, for dead men ‘| could tell no tales. Then they set the place afire and left me.” _ As neat a bit o’ deviltry as ever I knowed!” said Dodge, reflectively. ‘‘But it won’t suc- ceed. Not much! Dan Brown’s double hes got to pay fer the work his hands did.” he Then you still believe your friend innocent?’ incredulously exclaimed the banker. “I know he is. The hull thing was put up from the start, to down Dan, an’ at the same time make a neat little haul to pay ’em fer the trouble an’ the resk they run. 5, “Jest rub your eyes cl’ar o’ prejudice, an’ look at it: from the stan’p’int o’ common sense. Mark the workin’s from fust to last. Would a man who acted all through the job so cool as he did, be one to yell out when his face came on- kivered? Wouldn’t he ’a’ sooner clapped it on ag’in without a word, or any how turned his back onto ye afore he spoke? “S$tan’s to reason he would, or s’posin’ he was the big fool he made you think, wouldn’t he bev slit your throat at once, ruther than run any resks, seeing they lowed to rub you out in the rere tes way?” ‘You may argue snow, but I'll never change my stinately muttered Rolfe. until your head is white as inion,” ob- an Brown’s face I saw, and none other. I swore to that when I had Ellis arrest him—I will swear to it before the jury when he is brought to trial for murdering—” ; : “ Then you will swear to a lie, black as hell Cleat ear and distinct these words rung through the room, but ng ees not come from the lips of either Enoch ge or the city marshal. From toward the door, and swiftly they glanced in that direction. Wondering exclamations burst from their lips, for there was a fourth presence in the Leaning back against the doer in an attitude . “Tt was a a TT of careless grace, was a tall man dressed in the rough oni of a miner, whose big eyes were blue, whose heavy beard and mustaches were tawny, and whose white teeth gleamea through the hairy screen with a mocking smile that at. least two of the trio had seen before. How had he reached this position without. attracting their attention? Hnoch Dodge after- ward swore that he had locked the door and put the key in his pocket, the more surely to goes nst being interrupted while amica- ly discussing the case for and against Dan Brown of Denver. None of them heard the door open—not one ted the intrusion until those cold, stern words cut banker Rolfe skort. ** Sol Scott, by all that’s holy!” ejaculated Sam Ellis, starting to leave his chair. |. “‘Keep your seats, gentlemen—don’t let me interrupt your little drinking bout,” uttered tke bold aig compen more emphatically. ‘Nay, I insist—Ktep your seats!” With dexterous rapidity that showed how thoroughly accustomed he was to manipulating the tools, a brace of revolvers came out from their places of concealment and -covered the astonished trio at the table. ‘All above-board this deal, gentlemen,” the stranger cried. ‘‘ Place F fees empty hands on the table before you,and beware how you to deal from the Lottom. I’m not particularly anxious to burn powder, but if it must be done, Tl get in the first salute, mind that!” ** The fust trick is yours, stranger,” coolly said Enoch Dodge, obeying orders and placing his naked hands upon the table before gor a but ou cain’t keep up that whack all night. It idn’t cost you nothin’ to ccme in, but you won’t git out so easy, mebbe.” Sam Eljlis and er. Rolfe followed the example of their omg in silence, but there was a dangerous gleam in the eyes of the marshal that told he was only biding bis time, that the bold game was not yet ended. ‘Gentlemen, you look on meas an insolent intruder, and are even now trying to devise tome means of turning the tables on me, If noe should succeed, you would be dealing your riend, Dan Brown, his death-blow!” ‘* Talk is cheap, but it takes rocks fer to whisky,” grunted Dedge. ‘ You hain’t no fer to come in here without a invite. Spit out what you got tosay, then puckachee in a heey, or I'll crawl all over ye!” ‘And thereby docm the man you call your friend to certain death. I know the whole story, and Icame here to tell you the plain truth, if Pw will let me. Dan Brown is as ins nocent of the double crime charged against him as the babe yet unborn!” “Stranger, make them words good, an’ I'lk stand by you ag’inst the hull world!” cried Enoch Dodge, earnestly. “‘T came here to clear an innocent man from suspicion, at the risk of my own life; but itis uncomfortable, talking across loaded revolvers. Pledge me your words of honor that you will not take advantage of my courtesy, and [’ll put up these playthings.” ‘You hev my word, stranger, an’ good fri’nds though both these gents bee me, afore they tetch you they must crawl over me!” im- pulsively cried Enoch Dodge. “Tt agree, but only . because I am anxious to get at the bottom facts of this strange case,” coldly added Ellis. ‘Sol Scott knows he can trust my word.” ** And so do I,” smiled the stranger, his teeth gleaming. shal, ‘*So you think I am Sol Scott?) And Mr. Roife—whom do you take me for?” vat ‘For what you are; Sol Scott, or at least the man who is known here by that name,” ‘* No doubt you would be willing to swear to that, on oath—another proof that man’s mead is notinfallible. Take another look, Mr. Rolfe. Am I not the man who robbed you—who struck down Albus Black and left you bound and helpless to perish in the flames? * Nol - either lie or are crazy when you say so. 1 can swear that you are neither of those rascals—” : ‘That proves just what your solemn oath is worth,” sneered the intruder, tearing off his false wig and beard. “* Dan Brown or his double, by the Eternal” CHAPTER XX, A COOL HAND. : Tus wondering ejaculation shot from the ki of Sam Ellis as he stared at the face thus a ruptly unmasked—the face of Dan Brown, the Denver detective, or else that of one bearing a wondrously perfect resemblance to him. One instant of stupefied amazement, then the three men instinctively leaped from their chaizs to seize the bold intruder. . But the stranger—Dan Brown or his double— was not to be caught napping. whipped forth a revolver, say pth them. Me member your tlemen, be obliged to recail fae: Ta ened a manner,” be cried, his voice stern and menae- ing, ‘Idid not come bere to commit cuicide, ‘I meant you,” bluntly added the city mar- :
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EE —— _ hope, and is the honest detective @r be fhrust my bead isto the noese that threat- ems Dan Brown’s throat. My object was to e to. Mr. Rolfe his mistake in swearing that Denver detective robbed him and killed Al- bus Black, not to surrender myself to justice. Resume your seats for at the first step forward. attempt to draw a weapon, at least two of Toth arising porel hanical, and all C) was mec an rhad paused when eh hap in flashed forth weapons. Not wonty from fear, but because Shey remembered the pledges they had volunta- rily givon the mysterious intruder. silence Sam Ellis and Edward Rolfe sunk back into their chairs. The face of the marshal wore a look of almost ludicrous doubt and amazement, but there was a iar expression on that of the banker—a look of suspicion that was rapidly becoming conviction. “Stranger,” cried Enoch Dodge, earnestly, “you may be the blackest recon unhung, but durn me ef I couldn’t hug you like a love-sick ““The hand of an honest man, too, else com- mon report lies,” laughed Dan Brown's double. * Any man might be proud to clasp it as a friend—but friends you and. I can never be! TPhere’s a bloody grave between us, though you know it not. me day we must have a reck- ening that will end in your death or mine— oo ae both. For the present, resume your sea With a thoroughly puzzled air, the worthy mayor obeyed. ° ef I know what you're drivin’ at,” he muttered, perplexedly scratching his head. “‘T know I never sot my two eyes onto ye afore, an’ what quarrel we kin hey— “The solution of your doubts will come in time, never fear,” coldly interposed Dan wn’s double. ‘‘ Did you speak, sir?’ he add- ed, turning Perey, Wears Rolfe. The face of the banker wore a cynical smile. The wine he had drank lent him an unwonted of and there was bitter movk- ery in his tonesas he said: ‘Oh, no—1 am too deeply interested in watch- ng this little farce to dance) it before the right time comes,” “‘ Better a farce than the bitter, black tragedy you would havecaused by swearing an innocent man’s life away!” “Tf Dan Brown is set free, as you seem to have until now believed him, he will take F had trail and ee down—am I not right “Tf he should act as you say, he would only be doing his sworn duty,” coolly responded the strange man, replacing his disguise. “If by my means he is set free, then we will be even. I will have paid the debt I owe him, and can meet him withoyt fear or favor. My hand has kept my head against enemies his equal in cun- ning and courage. I do not fear but what it can do so “But we are wasting time in idle talk. I have pressing business on hand, and no doubt wish to return to your wine. I'll not keep ae. aria to explain why I have taken this trouble to clear the man who is the most adversary we knights of the road have ever encountered. . “Who I am—what my real name, does. not concern you in the least. Enough that my early training should have {proved a safeguard ome my falling tg AL it. did wee am not. abusing made myself wha’ am, and will meet the consequences like a man when the last turn is called. I only mentioned the past, to explain how I came to have a pure and true-hearted wife; one who clung to me through ail evil report. “TI was hunted hotly by the hounds of. the law, and at last they nearly bagged me. I es- caped, but the nest was still warm. They found my wife, and questioned her. She could not lie—she owned that I had been there, but would saynomore. They were furious. y threat- ened her, but she was still firm. Then they were about to put their threats into execution— what those threats were, I leave you to guess. “A man came and cowed them. He saved my wife from onor. That man,.as I afterward learned, was Dan Brown of Denver. Do you wonder that I felt grateful to bim—that i vewed to y the debt with interest, if ever the o , arose? _,' My wife soon after—from the effects of the fright aud abuse she received at the hands tye cowardly hounds—and I naturally from bad to worse, finally bringing up at ed the robbery of your bank—I that fan ot execution—I dealt the blow hat : young Biack, and I meant that youshould roast In your own building. It was my face you saw—t' I never ted that you had bier soon it when my mask fell. of Or a of the affair until it. was over. WT cos tele ba neous toad among the hills at that they were fellowing him so greatly resemble Sol Scott Sol Scott, the Masked Miner, very hour—or would, only the confession would surely put the rope around their own throats instead of his, ‘I swear that Dan Brown is innocent—that I am the guilty one—” , “TI believe your oath—that. you are guilty. not that Dan Brown is innocent,” interrupted Rolfe, with a hard laugh and a iar smile. “Tf one, then the other follows, as a matter of ‘‘ Not exactly,” smiled the banker. “Tf you saw us both together, side by side, my face undisguised, which one would you swear dealt that blow?” pe that could happen, I could not swear— but it never will, never can—because you are Dan Brown himself !” Enoch Dodge stared from one to the other in open-eyed amazement, while Sam Ellis moved uneasily in his seat, hardly knowing what to do or say, for the same belief had been his from the moment their strange visitor removed. his mask—the false beard and wig that made him © miner, f them ali—the unknown alone remained cool and composed beneath the startling accusation. A low, mocking laugh parted his lips. “Tt is lucky for the welfare of your immortal soul, Mr. Rolfe, that you are not now under oath, Already you have perjured yourself twice, since I came in, though I give you credit for believing you are speakin Brown never robbed your bank, nor am I he.” ‘* What is your opinion, Mr. Ellis?’ asked the a, ‘** Who is this gentleman—Dan Brown or not “T hardly dare sa ita bey ago Iswore he was Sol Scott. If Dan Brown, how did he get out of jail?” “Now we are nearing bed-rock!” cried the unknown. ‘‘ Mr. Rolfe, if you positively knew that Dan Brown of Denver was at this very moment in the jail—that he had not set foot outside of that. building since he surrendered last night—and knowing as you do that he denies being the criminal, whi.e I as positively admit my agency—could you, after seeing the face I have shown you, swear that Dan Brown killed Albus Black and robbed your bank?” “Answer him as ef you was on oath, an’ may the devil grill you ferever an’ ever ef you lie!” cried Enoch Dodge. “No, I could not make oath, if you are not Dan Brown.” The answer came slowly but plain eaough, for the banker was really an honest and con- scientious man. “That settles eg xa cried the unknown, exultantly. ‘‘Dan Brown is now in jail, strong- Fg cg Tagg all you have to do is to go ere, See » question the men on duty—” “TI must see you two ther first,” stub- bornly declared Rolfe, ‘*There’s so much hocus-pocus and juggling about this business that nothing less will convince me. I still de- clare that you are Dan Brown. I bélieve you have ed to escape from confinement— perhaps by the guard—and come here to throw dust in my eyes, I believe this sup- per forms a portion of the plot—that both of os gentlemen are mixed up with it, somehow,” e added, hotly, turning upon Dodge and Ellis. “Tf not—if yo are innocent of complicity in this bold scheme—I call on you to help me arrest this self-acknowledged murderer!” Never before bad the naturally timid banker been so thoroughly worked 5 reckless of pecan) peril, he would have leaped upon Dan rown’s double, had not the strong Enoch Dodge held him back. ‘*My word is an’ no man sha’n’t make er a liar. t down, Rolfe, an’ have your- se ** Another motion like re Mr. Rolfe, and Dan Brown will be acqui for lack of~an accuser,” coldly said the detective’s double. ‘* He is not so much to blame,” said slowly, ‘‘ Like him, I am in af Dan Brown—though I can’t on earth you ee to give the boys the slip, for bribe them I know you couldn’t—then it is my duty to arrest you, If you are not, then my bone the same, and a thousand times more ie to me.” “Tf Dan Brown can’t be cleared by any les heroic measures, I will surrender Lina f to justice and suffer in his stead. But the testi- mony of you three gentlemen will prove suff- porn: Wig 2 you have seen us both er “That is all we ask—side by side, face to face,” sail Rolfe. ; “You shall have your desire fully gratified, rovided you agree to my terms. You must areata yourselves and leave your weapons here, You must promise to mmke no attempt to arrest me until after I have convinced you that I am not Dan Brown. You must utter no word, Sent Men Rae On REray, Int, Whee eo pee along the street. Promise this, and I will go aelig: to the jail and there unmask before of Penner wiemat gaits wit atk “You sav nothing my you afterward?” ‘No. My hand can keep my head, even 80 & Man as you gubted| gg ood y y are, nee etruth. Dan. esses esthetics doeicinihtaglie tie coresignetitignsiacensete lessen diienpaicenitionencensintasrannas anni cpigiainaincenheeiailingnianieipatnmantniniad without any efs or ands,” chimed odge, following wy his honest eyes fairly dancing with joy. “Ill never lift a finger ag’inst you in the futur’ ef you kin cl’ar my old side pardner!” e banker said nothing, but drew a smak, revolyer from his hip pocket and placed it with the rest on the e. He seemed dazed, yet suspicious. He knew that the man before them was Dan Brown of Denver, impossible as that seemed, and he resolved to detect the imposi- tion at all hazards, ‘*Mr. Ellis, you will oblige me by lotr e way, in company with Mr. Rolfe. Not that I doubt sh weg lam playing Sep apele | ous game, s my life against nothing I would be foolish to throw away a sin chance, Mr. Dodge, will you take my arm? No objection being raised, the quartette left the room, descended the private flight and reached the street without seeing or being seem by any person. Then, in the order chosen by pen rown’s double, they hastened on to. the ja them incorruptible, still he felt that the goes vd must be Dan Brown himself until he saw men quietly guarding the jail. Surely their prisoner could not have escaped! ‘* All well, Moses?’ he asked. ‘‘ There’s beem no more trouble?’ The nian responded in the affirmative first, then in the negative. All was well, and no one had tried to raise another row. ‘* I bring some friends to visit the prisoner, I know you will be glad to hear that, there isa a prospect of clearing him of this dreadful charge. “IT never gave it a moment’s eredit. That fool banker was so bad scared he could see any- thing, and so pitched onto the first man that thought of,” replied Moses, im the deep shadow failing to recdgnize Rolfe. “Come in, gentlemen,” hurriedly added Ellis, desirous of saving the feelings of both men, Edward Rolfe was shaping a cutting retort that should annihilate the p Aadhcaws es, police- man, but Ellis forced him along before he could give it utterance. Ahead of them shone a dim t, which al? knew came front the cell of the ver detec- tive, and all else was forgotten in the intense interest of the moment. as Dan Brown still there? Could it be ible that there existed another man so exactly his double as to deceive even bis most intimate friends? Three hearts beat almost suffocatingly in those few moments of doubt—then och Dodge flung open the cell door, siliog eben the neck of his friend in a frenzy of delight, almost sobbing aloud. Dan Brown stared at his visitors in blank amazement, % whet ie it, gentlemen? Something new u ““Thar’s the man what killed oung Black F wn. ‘He cried Dod Rascreag to the Scott?” ejaculated the detective, nici shy _ “ fs) bewildered. ‘* How could any man in his senses. mistake me for him?’ but ptly pausing as. he remembered that such a mistake Aad been ar ey rig kg pape y “No, n @ good imitation,” laughed the Sesked Goa i is di ay ‘Now, Mr. Rolfe, at our faces, Mark them closely. then, on i honor, say which was the face you er night while you were being rob- Peor Rolfe stared from one to the other, his eyes wildly distended, his face growing purple as his stupor deepened, Line for line, there was a marvelous resem- blance between the two men. And as Dan Brown, arose to his there was a similar likeness in their forms. Two statues, cast in the a could not be more alike than these o men. Dan Brown’s double laughed softly as he once. more replaced his mask of beard and wig com. You .are, satisfied now, Rolfe?” be asked. I presume, Mr. Si ltteer
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Sate em ages y gn ap 3 r+ 2 ; : 4 . should Jeave the jail unmo oursel 24 Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. back. Mr. Ellis, be kind enough to see that your men do not prevent my departure.” pated, “Ty bules if yon cok sun word, you After thet, yon exactly aT think 1 ce do it, too.’ But Lag an can do / Mr. Rolfe, have you decided which’ one or us two is the crim “It was you, Dan Brown or the devil—may the foul fiend fly away with mo if I can swear %o either!” spjuttered the banker. Dan Brown’s double turned away with a saat, and accompanied by Ellis and Dodge Th instant th passed the shattered doors, e C) es Bilis said: v: bs ' “Thave kept my word. You are outside— now surrender!” Like a flash hard struck him, and felled him to the gro’ Dan Brown’s double darted around the corner of the jail—then came the clatter of hoofs and a mocking laugh! CHAPTER XXT. AFTER THE VERDICT. THe unfortunate clerk, Albus Black died in the arms of his fair young betrothed just as the san was sinking to rest on the day following the bold robbery of Rolfe’s bank. Unlessit was when he rushed forth from the blazing building with that maniacal screech, his scanty clothing all afire, his consciousness never returned after receiving that dastard biow from the revolver of Dan Brown’s double. When it was seen that he could not long survive, | gdee gab efforts were made to obtain his death-bed deposition, but in vain. Fie died without sound or sign. Word way ere dispatched to the coroner, but owing to erent causes, he did not reach the spot until the next day, and it was nearly noon before his jury was impanneled and all in readiness for hearing the evidence. But little work was done in cr around Gol- conda that day. From the first, excitement bad been intense, the gathering of the frenzied mob—the i scenes at and around the where three true hearts saved the accused a dog’s death—had only served to increase the general seek ro then there were vague rumors flying about the town coneerning strange discoveries made and soon to be de- wouid be replaced by the real a thousand rumors ly wild. ‘The nature of the case and the evidence to be came when Edward P. Ifo pony He bag A story frankly, and cun- wing conspira' lances 0 i- ficanit meaning as the banker told w he bad sworn out the warrant against Dan Brown of arblgmigfteesy Sore oth nga on to hia th the strange ents of the past evening. eir yy became bewildered consternation. What it mean? ed a venomous glance at the circumstances. W: > — parties unknown. suppressed excitement found vent in from confinement, and received a perfect ova- tion from the very men who, a few hours be- fore, were bent on a killing cur. Dan Brown from the taken root. One and all felt themse:ves seiner; Sonor yp pt lnc Neither Paul Gerux nor King Carmichael were with the crowd now oe Dag sol Bern sind per och pr deg Be A 4 edged away from group, former GUAR the latins aLtdl thot oeke ta hen ot ee eee et Tim E : i Fe boded danger fo the tall vagabond. ‘“ There’s something been going on that I don’t under- stand, and you’ve got to make it clear.” “T only wish I could!” muttered Carmichael, ry. Gerux laughed np hor but neither of them said anything more until they were safely en- sconced in the little room behind the where we saw them receive the startling report of their negro spy, nearly a week before. Gerux drew a revolver. cocked it and covered King Carmichael as that worthy turned around from locking the door. *‘Now, old man,” he said in a low, deadly tone, *‘tell me why you have been playing a double hand in this game?” “Lower your gun, or devil a word will I speak,” declared the vagabond, his face a shade paler, but giving no other evidence of fear. Gerux complied, so far as resting the weapon the table, but still keeping it cocked and his finger on the trigger. ** Now speak out. you cry to deceive me, PLT yn chars we Wlir ulty de at do you c me with?” quie manded Carmichael siaidlad “‘ Bah! you know well enongh. Why did you undo all of our work, by playing that cursed trick? Only for you, Dan Brown would this moment be branded a murderer—” “You are barking up the wrong tree, pard. I never played that hand, because I know that while Dan Brown breathes, my throat is in danger. I was not in town , prove by a dozen witnesses. Ididn’t get in until after daylight. Tim Ragdop can tell as. much,” ‘* Then who the devil could it have been?’ **No friend of ours, be sure of that, Who, TI can’t even guess.” “Tf not you, then there’s three Dan Browns in the field! By the Lord! the ground is grow- ing shaky under our feet!” * There’s only one we need fear—the original. The other, whoever he may be, dare not show his face after the confession he made, for he would be mob sure!” ** You are nosafer. Let me but utter a hint of the truth, and your cunning disguise would not save you.” “Td live long enough to utter Pita death- warrant, anyhow,” coolly retorted Carmichael. ** But let’s drop this. We can’t afford to quarrel just now. We’re knee-deep in the mire, and ere’s only one way out of it. Dan Brown must die. You must stir Sol Scott up, If he can’t rub the cuss out, then I mean to throw up my hand in the game and levant.” “Tf you try that, youll bring at the end of a rope,” fiercely cried the Frenchman. “Til set the blood-hounds on your track at the first sign of flinching. You’ve A to see the game out. Dan Brown must die, el Brown must be my wife—” “You agreed Sol Scott should have her.” “*T don’t think he’ll live long enough to claim his reward, when once his work is done. If Dan Brown don’t settle him, the gallows will.” “Tt’s a pity to spoil such a good man, but have your own way. When do you mean to wane ts I ch rig. Do soon as I can cha my rig. you wait for me here, I'll not be xous long. It may be that Sol Scott will turn , and we bave to try some other plan,” said Frenchman, leaving the room. Half an hour later, under an al er dif- All mines near Golconda were ty of workmen that day, and the reg 0 e etly en His big blue eyes were ued we te wreck on whisky’s shore drew near, but if they penetrated the disguise, their owner gave no Sol Scott. receive your decision “Grace and decisionon what? Speak a uncle, if you want me to you, cooll the miner. ! you know well what I mean. to play a double hand? Have you some one there. to hear my taking the alarm. “* Step inside and search, if you like. There’s lying around_loose valuable enough to oe re ee, I don’t reckon,” drawled “* What the devil do you take me for?” growled the disguised Frenchman, cut to the quick and unable h be was sorry night. as I can. pe vey lin, day tele slanders F4 in i Major Owlet should mot fined sheet : over his shoulders.” “T am nos the man you think,” said speaking more composedly. “I am only his messenger, sent to receive your answer to the proposition made you one week ago.” wif bape nace Dan Brown, you mean?” The disguised Frenchman nodded assent. **Suppose I tell you that I'll have more to do with the matter? That I never meant to, but only gave you that Pledge because y life depen on it at I am a white my life d di it? That bi man, not a cowardly assassin nor the tool of assassins?” “Do you give me this answer?’ demanded rux. gel ae suppose. What would be the conse- quence * That the Glory of Alabama would be look- ing for another foreman orrow.” ‘Not more surely than that the Owls would have to hold another election for chief,” cried Sol Scott, leaping m the astounded rascal and flinging him to the ground before he could touch a weapon or makea move to defend him- But his cool nerve quickly returned, and pre Psy Bir trace of fear in his voice as he ut- “You are barking up the wrong tree, Sol Scott, I repeat Iam not Major Owlet, only his messenger. You can kill me, or hand me over to the authorities if an think you can establish a case agai me, but to do either will seal our death-warrant. Ali the band know iam ere. If harm befalls me, you will not live an par longer. Put that in your pipe and smoke it! Sol Scott taughed coldly as he released his grasp and suffered the disguised conspirator te arise, ‘“‘T know you are not the chief of the Owls. I acted as I have, because you came at me, not as one comrade in crime should approach another, but as ne you thought me your slave, con- demned todo your bidding and bear your ingo- lence in fear and trembling. If youare nota fool, you will take this little lesson to heart, and govern yourself accordingly.” aul Gerux arose and rearranged his beard, which had partially po away when he was overthrown. Then, cool as ever he added: “Once more I ask your answer. It is either your life or the life of Dan Brown. Kill him, owe Joe std ae at pnt Epes Refuse, or , an e i en their beaks your heart’s blood. “i ie “IT care no more for your threats than I did when your gang. held me prisoner. If I kill Dan Brown, it is through no love for you or yours. but because I have resolved to make his "iThen you will eagerly cried P you kill him?’ rl i Gerux. vy “Til try. He is no slouch, and my toes ma’ be the ones fated to turn up, for balk ne Linay have been, I never yet assassinated a man in cold bi —save one” **No matter how, just so hedies The devil of a detective bas as many lives as a cat!” “Be around town to-night, and maybe you’ll see some fun.” “What do you mean?” “ Just this: before morning either Dan Brown yt Sol Scott will be dead,” coolly returned the miner, tions. citizens were hardly given time to recover bas f one ise before another burst upon them. The Was Over; the coroner’s
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. *T heard the whole thing, and I knew then, | what I say now, ae, Nagin piece A at some cunning | in preten ouble business, or an ites one and all swore toa point-blank lie! Bah! the whole story is a lie en its face! They say they had the real crimi- nalin the jail, face to face with Dan Brown. They were four to one, and a strong guard out- side. Yet the fellow escaped—knocked Sam Ellis down, mounted a horse that stood mighty convenient, and rode out of town. “TI don’t blame you gentlemen of the jury: of course you had to decide according to the evi- dence. Idon’t blame the guard, for they may | have been hood winked—but I do say this much: if the prisoner had been anybody but a so- officer of justice, with a powerful rich and mighty handsome wife. the chances area thousand to one that no such maryeious dis- covery would have been made, and that for once a cowardly assassin would bave to pay the just punishment for his crime!” ost in silence this bold denunciation was received. Since his duel in the air with big Vernon Shadutz, Sol Scott was regarded as a privileged character, and none there cared to cross him, even by venturing an opinion con- trary to the one he expressed. All saw that he was drinking nnus heavily, and felt that the tall miner was on the war-path. Several of them, busy-bodies who would like nothing better than to see a collision between two such notables as Sol Scott and Dan Brown, | sli away and rapidly spread the news. In half an hour it was known all over Golconda, and wherever Sol Scott went, the crowd fol- lowed, eager to see the ‘‘ fun ” which was almost certain to follow if Dan Brown, Sam Ellis or Enoch Dodge got wind of the facts. In the Dew Drop Inn, Sol Scott was even ‘more severe in his stri ictures. “TI believe Edward P. Rolfe swore to the truth when he had Dan Brown arrested: why he swore just the contrary at the inquest, per- haps Dan Brown or Dan Brown's pretty wife can tell. Yet the old dandy is such a softy, that he may have been deceived—I have no 1 with him, and am willing to give him the benefit of the dovbt: but the man who says or believes that Dan Brown did not rob the bank and murder Albus Black, is worse than 9, fool—” ** Tsay he didn’t, an’ ef you say so, you lie!” voice from the door, and © clear, Sol Scott wheeled swiftly in that direction, hand | on revolver. ithe the hard look h ed within rtals, a ook upon his rugg face, a falas light in his honest y eyes, a eocked revolver in his hand and half-leveled. Instantly there was a wide, clear space be- tween the antagonists as the crowd hastily di- vided and fell k. Ike Tampkin once more dove beneath his bar, cursing the fates that made his saloon such a favorite place for the | an meeting of fire-eaters when about to burn | powder. When Sol Scott saw who the bold speaker * tleman?’ demanded Scott, turning quic. from his weapon, and the ! Gerux. his hand dro look on his face softened. a oe words those, Mr. Dodge—” ~~ ever-you- bluntly interrupted the mayor of Grecnas. ua : : “ Takin’ water, by thunder!” cried Dod with a mocking laugh. ‘I thought you Geuwed powerful like a dung-hill!” ‘unless you force it upon me,” coldly added h no interruption had occurred. ut my fri’nd,” repeated Enoch, ** You've got to 3 me, or else flog him over your shoulders, the tall miner. . “You kin bark loud enough when he ain’t | miner, form of Enoch Dodge stood just | ficulties,” he said, as cool and composed as though not covered by a weapon that seldom its aim. “Pull trigger an’ I blow ye through!” snarled “Quiet, Enoch,” aga said Dan Brown. Put up 2 hee weapon. his quarrel is between me and Mr, Scott.” “‘T ask odds of no man,” said the tall miner, calmly lowering his weapon and returning it to | his belt. ‘* All I want is a fair deal. This camp isn’t large enough for us two, and if you ask a regular duel, I’m your man.” **Most happy to hear it—if you had not, I shouid have insisted on a duel. ou have foul- | ly slandered me and I mean to kill you,” coldly uttered the detective. ** Unless I do that little job for you, instead,” retorted the tall miner. “Just so one of us goes under, I don’t care much which. ‘There can’t be two‘ chiefs” in Golconda!” ** Enough of idle talk,” impatiently cried Dan Brown. “If you have a friend present, name | him. Mr. Dodge will act for me.’ oo Pm not particular—you will serve me, Mr. rux? The Frenchman bowed acquiescence, though | he inwardly cursed the chance that led Sol | Scott to pitch on him for a second. He bad | Strong reasons for not mixing himself up in the | affair, but was taken so completely by surprise | as to be unable to refuse. : Gerux and Dodge drew aside and conversed | earnestly for severai minutes, the crowd eager- | ly watching them. A duel, conducted according to the “ code” was a novelty in Golecnda, and all the more interesting because, under such circumstances and with two such men as principals, it was almostcertain to end in the death of one or botb. «it length the two seconds separated and Gerux said, aloud: ~ ‘* Gentlemen, this is the arrangement we have cecided upon. The principals are to be armed alike with revolvers and knife., Mr. Brown is to cross over the river and stand at the further end of the bridge, Mr. Scott occupying a simi- lar position on this side. Neither is to draw a Weapon or advance until the word is given. When it is given, they are at ta ag ve fire at once, or advance at will. o other person is permitted to step upon the bridge until one or both of the gentlemen fall, or cry , *Enough.’” _It was a curious mee Saga but one par- : ticularly satisfactory to the crowd, for by this | means they could witness the movements of both parties from beginning to end without dan- r tc themselves, as the two racy se aided by tho fu?l moon, lighted up the entire bridge. | **One word for my own self,” said Enoch - Dodge, as Paul Gerux concluded. “Ef you've | got a fri’nd, Mr. Scott, in this crowd, why not | make it a fo’-handed affa’r? It'd give more fun fer thar money to these gents, an’ suit me ; Monstrous well.” ‘* Will you accommodate the sak gear Pel y to |. The Frenchman flushed hotly even through his swarthy skin, and replied hastily; “T have no interest in this uarrel. You forced me to act as your second. I'll do no more, “You're m hard fuck, Mr. Dodge,” said Scott, with a grim smile, “but if I come out of this right side up, I'l try hc=d to give you what | you_are seeking.” '_‘*Enoch, promise me one thing,” interposed | Dan Brown. | “Whatever you ax, it’s promised aforehand,” promptly. “That you wih steer clear of all quarrels, if anything serious should happen to me, until you can escort my wife safe back to Denver, or to her relatives” 4 The mayor of Grenada made a wry grimace. “You've ketched me ge at gx hogs I won ; back onto my word: t, ye—onl Then I’m free to hunt him up, ef he rubs you out.” ‘** As 1 mean to do,” coldly uttered the tall “And Pll not be hard to find, if you here—ef he was, you’d drop your tail an’ run ‘a | choose to seek me out.” m - “This world wouldn't be big enough fer you Siesta tii’ bets end "Pn the say same to his face—that Dan Brown isa Gowardly nestle. Ts whar Stop right you be, or Pll cut it short Z bs i a - ae Pe hie L if 57 uy ee * i i "hy E f to hide in. ef you try,” quietly Enoch. Let’s ' Be te: oh bli get to work, Fcried the Denver detective, patiently to the spot selected for the combat. this time bad spread all over town, wit pasty male tant was out to w the meet of two such celebrated 25 the anxious glances cast around in search of his tall form, and eager questions asked concerning his whereabouts. **T see him an’ some o’ the boys ride out o° town jest afore sun-down,” at length volunteered one fellow, and the welcome information was quickly circulated. Their last fears put at rest, the arowd cunning- ly maneuvered with each other to secure the most advantageous ition from whence te note every detail of the life and death encoun- ter about to take place. All was in readiness. Soi Scott stood at one end of the bridge, Dan Brown at the other, each clearly outlined by the mingled moonlight and the glare of the lamp beneath which they wait- ed for the signal. Their arms were folded across their breasts: The stern, set look their faces told all that this was to be no every- day affair—that Golconda could have only one “* chief,” and he the survivor’ of that duel. ** All ready, gentlemen?” rung out the voiee of Enoch ; “Ready!” came the prompt response from both duelists. bad a cut loose—an’ may the best man win Slowly, with deliberate steadiness, the weil- matched foemen stepped upon the bridge and advanced toward each other, their revolvers drawn and cocked. Nine men out of ten would have opened fire at once, hoping either to disa- ble their antagonist or flustrate him, but not so with these; they knew each other’s metal too well for that. : Not more than twenty paces separated the duelists, when the first hostile motion was made by Dan Brown of Denver. Swiftly his weapon rose and exploded the mo- ment it reached a level, but even more rapidly Sol Scott stooped low down and lea swiftly ere wm ragged lead hissing harmlessly above ead. Like an echo his revolver spoke, and a gasp- ing cry ran along the ranks of eager as they saw the Denver detective reel and stag- ger dizzily back, only kept from falling by the ow hand-rail of the bridge, They saw him raise his pistol—but it fell from his hand remem and then Dan Brown fell headlong from the bridge! CHAPTER XXIII, SOL SCOTT TALKS BUSINESS, INSTANTLY all was excitement the most tn tense, If a sound came back from the lips of the ill fated duelist, it was drowned by the balf-groan, half-yell that came from the crowd of Om - tors. But even through this could be distin- uished the sudden ‘plash as the body of the Denver detective struck the dark, swift-running waters under the bridge. Those who were near enough instantly flocked upon the bridge, the others lining banks, all peering over, eager to catch the first gli of the dead or dying man. “Thar he goes!” screamed Enoch Dodge, shrilly. “The current’s kerryin’ him down to’rds the rapids! Peel out an’ git a boat—if he tetches them rocks, be’ll be ground into sassidge meat! Cl’ar the way!” Like a mad bull he plunged headlong into the crowd that had followed him cnto the and when those compcsing it did not, or not, a for him soon enough, the sha of battered nose or blackened which 01 remember that night, ¥Aded ttle wonder that such should be case. If once drawn within the = rapids, the most power of those
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such as the Owls never yet struck, and I willdo it if rach A aro to me—if you make me — sunk ina heap to f of the face with hands. veil! meyer I have not the power to do so,” ! miners stood around him, | impatiently cried Gerux. ‘‘I am not Major respecting his grief. _ knew that there | Owlet, nor am I one of the band. I admit that was no use in following e stream further. te saw me there, that night. I am a friend of Keven a senseless log of drift-wood could n wiet, and together we have been working pass that terrific gantlet unscathed. And if it | against the man you killed to-night. But be- ea out below, battered, bruised and ed yas that friendship I have not the slightest nag che ea eg as had a disabled man? one. ‘ore this he was a mangled mass to be recognized as humanity. Fa did not join in the headlong rush bank. Cold and impassive he reel and then 2 hand pmoved he held his for self-defense as the crowd rward, lest some among them should to avenge the Denver detective in the mad % of the moment. Then when the cry Dodge sent all running toward the the tall miner retained his “4 em fda cg cel ye rg vil at: as a joining én this rush. “Pye kept my promise—are you satisfied?” demanded Scott as they two alone were left on the bridge. “ What promise? I don’t understand,” fal- to play with me,” s 1 Soinies iaatmachink mr t uence.” ‘“ Well, tell him, then. Tell him this. I can bea acon ally, but a worse enemy. Ihave rot been ou a g le during the last week. I know w rendezvous. I know nearly every mem- r of the band. More than that, I know whose hand it was that robbed old Rolfe and killed Albus Black. If I chose to do so, I could have the murderer arrested before morning, and could lead Sam Ellis and his crowd to the re- treat—but I do not so choose. ** All these secrets are safe with me, if the Owls keep their pledge. Iam to be chief of the band, and they are to help me secure Dan Brown’s wife. It was for this that I killed Dan Brown—no less glorious prize would have led me to lift a finger against him. * Tell this to your friend, Major Owlet. Say that I must have his decision by noon to-mor- row. If he refuses to keep his pledge, or if he tries to flee, I swear to put the blood-hounds of the law on his track, and héad them myself un- btn a all connected with him are hunted own. . Cold and outwardly unmoved Paul Gerux listened to the rapidly uttered words; when Sol Scott ceased, he arose and said quietly: ‘*T will deliver your m Beyond that, I will not mix further in the matter. It is you and the Owls for it. Have you anything furher to ry oe “Only this. I bave jotted down all the dis- coveries I have made, and placed the paper, cont sealed, into safe hands, If anything should happen to me, the has orders to hand that paper to Sam Ellis without the loss of asingle moment. It may save trouble if you mention this fact to your friend.” “Twill do so. Good-night,” and with a cold bow, the Frenchman left the cabin. But the moment he was out of sight of the cabin, his enforced calmness disappeared torrent of curses and imprecations poured from his lips. He cursed the audacious miner “up bill and down.” “Tf I thought he was lying—if I knew he had prepared no such paper—I would kill the infernal devil this very night! Instead of a tool, we have found a master—Satan grill him alive!” he snarled, fairly frothing at the mouth so intense was his rage. He found King Carmichael in the little room behind Tim Ragdon’s saloon, and closing the door securely, sunk into a chair with a deep, venorsous curse. The tall vagabond stared at him open-eyed. “ What's up now?” heejaculated. ‘‘I thought you would be in the seventh heaven of delight —asIam. Dan Brown is a dead man—” ‘* Have they found the body?” - 4 ‘‘No, and never will. Those rocks chop him into fish bait, But he’s dead, no doubt of it. I saw him in the very midst of the rapids. We have got rid of a terrible danger in him!” “Only to find a worse one in the tool we chose to send him to the devil!” snarled Gerux, viciously. He choked down his r sufficiently to give bis fellow-conspirator a clear account of bis in- terview with Sol Scott. Carmichael listened in : BE i : : - aaa ce i sr ib feo should have no excuse for thinking 1 my work. .Again I say, are you sa ‘“* He may escape afterall. Curse him! he has more lives than a cat!” growled the Frenchman, aneasily. Sol laughed icily. . “He carries my bullet within an inch of his hear‘, at the outside, as you will see if ever his carcass turns up. But éven if not dead before his body touched the water—as I believe he was—what chance has he? Not the faintest. By this he is among those rocks—when_ he them, the very mother that bore him would not be able to recognize her son!” During this Paul Gerux had time to collect his wits, and still hoped to throw the tall miner off the scent, so far as concerned his identity with one of those who planned the death of Dan Brown of Denver. “ After all, the matter has but little interest for me. Dan Brown was once the means of sending a good friend of mine to the ows. Only for that, I would not have cared much which one of you came out the victor, You ed the night—” Fs ‘Not yet, Paul Gerux,” firmly inte I must em ng "oh ete aoe ia wor H to you before we é n’t crowd me toohard. The gvil blood is fairly awakened in me this ev: , and you mesy get hurt. Come. The crowd will be returning in a few momen: and what I have to say, if overheard, migh fit a noose around each of our throats.” Paul Gerux was strongly tempted to draw a lor knife and use them as he well knew 7 g akin to that feeling—resirai hand, and in silence he followed the lead of | grave silence, not speaking until the end. oo Scott. ‘*You think he spoke the truth about that paper?” ‘Yes. He is not a man to forget anything. He is a devil, even more to be dreaded than Dan pulse felt by Paul Gerux, e | Brown was!” bear a charmed life, or was the interview to be | ‘No, because Dan Brown was an honest man, @ friendly one, ? on whom we could get no such hold as Sol Scott has given us,” coolly replied Carmichael, “He is as d in the mud as we are in the bama” mine was reached, entering; Sol | mire, and as he is, we can get the better Bovtt struck 8 light. pra ty ing “Sit down, Mr. Gerux,” he a4 placing a| ‘He wants to command the Owls. Good; he rade:stool for his reluctant en seating bave the position, We will obey him himself af the ite side of the table. “We thfully, and soon gain his confidence. mer may as well at our ease.” or later he will let out the truth. If we can _ “have eg iT oe rather than ens secure as amy destroy it, we are safe ‘Breet e Frenchman, slowly, | enough, for before he can our purpose, * but I am all in the dark as to what you want | or write another, there will be a terrible ac- of me.” cident—and the Owls will bave to elect another i ap Benaeiy oR ole op singing . , 7» as ; i es, but coll are counting without Sol Scott,” moodily uttered Gerux. “TI can’t ex- plain it, but somehow I feel as though that man was my evil he is only playing a api: may be a,cunning scheme to en- trap us ” ‘“We will wafch him too close for that. At the first shadow of treachery, Sol Scott will be “That may not be so easy ; but let it Sa: He pened Dan ome wife oO him win anda. ““And that touches you in a tender spot! Natural eno’ after all the trouble we have taken. But can be ma too. The Owls will perform his will. We carry off the dainty madam, and you can win her grati- tude by coming in as her bold rescuer—in your propey. colors, of course, not as Paul Gerux. at will be as a time as any for extin- guishing friend tt. I will arrange matters so that there can be no failure. We will be rid of a dangerous friend, and you can bear off the fair Panne widow in a blaze of glory. sia your glass. Here’s to the good health and short life of Sol Scott, otherwise Colonel Owlet!” : CHAPTER XXTV. A CUNNING TRICK. _ THREE days had passed away since the even- ing on which transpired the tragic encounter be a a es Faria ane Dan Brown of Denver. ing that time, close and persistent search had been made for the body of the detective, but in vain, by men under the direct super- vision of och and Rachel Brown. Pale, ier Piso te ys corwerd) éom young wife on the search, offering hea rewards for the finding of her husoadid, dnad oF alive. But the search was unavailing, as nearly everybody knew it must be. © pando and their cruel denizens rarely yielded up a victim, Tt was early evening of the third day, when a abi message was conveyed to Rachel Brown by the porter. _A man was below who said he could give her tidings of her lost husband, but re to say more until he was face to face with the lady herself. Would madam see him? : See eee Rachel bowed in silence, as though fearing to pA: 4 her voice, re the negro ipdeeaood bar, and retiring, quic returned with the per- sie pe aa vay i ot a very prepossessing-looking fellow,rough- ly clad, heavily-bearded low-browed and i eyed. Unless nature flatly lied, a treache unscrupulous rascal—so Rachel Brown decided | — a i glance mgm face. : ‘You have news for me, you say? Please state it,” she said. mnotiontive’ hire 4 a chair. ag seating herself. r e stranger grinned a little sheepishly as he twiddled his greasy hat betwsen Bis Risers | Evidently he had not counted on such a frigidly | calm reception. For a young widow, so recent- | ly bereaved in such a terrible manner, Mrs. Dan rown was wonderfully composed. : *Tt’s about Dan Brown, your husband, ma’am.” ““'You have found the body?’ a quick flush* coming to ber cheeks; but this wen the only sign of emotion he could detect. * You reckon he was killed then?’ asked the feliow, abruptly. ‘“*There can no longer be a doubt of that, If alive, he would have returned to me long ere this,” said Rachel, huskily. “'Mebbe yes, mebbe no,” grinned the rascal, adding quickly, as he saw a dangerous glitter leap into her eyes: ‘‘Ef you cain’t bar to hear the truth, ma’am, I’d better go. Thar’s more’n one p’int ’bout Brown, as even you never suspected. I kin give you some quar infermation, pervided you're willia’ t pay me fer my trouble.” * If you bave any information that is reliable, k out. But I warn you that I shall sift it closely, and if you try to deceive me—if you are trumping up a lie in hopes of bl. ing —your pay wiil be lead, not gold.” As Rachel spoke, she drew a revolver from | the table-drawer and placed it before her. The man shifted uneasily on his seat, but de- elared: But ef Eli **T kin prove what I say. ou don’t want to hear it, Pll go to ebbe he ’nd me kin make a trade.” “You have said too much not te say morp. You don’t leave this room now unless you Fe, 4 gy breast f Os f ow much’ll you pay?’ persisted the rascal ‘ though it was clear that he Papen means relished his present situation, ‘* All the information is worth.” ** Pm willin’ to trust to your honor, ef you'll sw’ar you'll pay me what it is wuth,” he oried, rly. * You have my promise; go on—and waste no more time than you can help,” coldly uttered the woman. “ An’ you won’t git mad an’ cut loose at mo heyy that pepper-box, ef what I say don’t jest ye?” ‘No; if 1 think you are 1 ru hand you over to ati ms Me Hooch Day Go on—once more.” ““Mebbe you eet that cepa nb id Denver, as calls hisself, was head chief 0’ the Owls—” ¥é Roy nor you either!” sharply interrupted be aD ed me to tell what I knowed, yit when T try to, you won’t let me,” eld
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_ “master—left the room and hotel, lurki Ni ee Na TY ed Sol’ Scott, the Masked Miner. 27 “Mebbe he ain’t as dead as ‘you think fer!” -grimned the low-browed rascal, once more reas- Rachel started convulsively—then closed her dips firmly as though to smother the words that rose in her throat. For a few moments she : led with deep emotion; but when she Meee eee tnesing, Wisk on: but don’t forget m } you say will have to be paid for.” “Jest so you pay me what it’s wuth, I'm satisfied, ma’am,” and the fellow chuckled con- Jentedly. ‘‘But as I was sayin’ when you put in ahead o’ me, Dan Brown was the head o’ the Owls, Major Owlet, we called him—fer I own up I was one o’ the gang. ** Tt was him that robbed old Rolfe’s bank an’ ‘killed the y feller. I was one o’ the six ‘men as kerried oif the bullion from the vault. “You think I’m lyin’—I kim see that in your two eyes; but afore I’m done, mebbe you'll chan your notion. “You know what pe ae when the boss hed that fight with Sol tt; the fust part of it, any way. The boss was hit, the blue pill jist scrapin’ his temple an’ makin’ him a bit i like. He ary + ORR aginst the rail, an’ then fell over—but he did it on se !”? “Go on,” uttered Rachel, coldly, as the fel- low as though to give her a chance to ‘question him. . ““T cain’t sw’ar to why he did it, though mebbe Icould give a guess not so wide o’ the truth. Enough fer now that he did it, on the «upper side o’ the bridge. He struck the water, deep a plenty thar, an’swum to bank in the sat creepin’ up an’ hidin’ under the tim- while the crowd thought he was floatin’ down to the riffles. Some said they see him bobbin’ ’round ’mong the rocks, but they either lied or was mis An’ while they was huntin’ fer him down thar, Dan Brown stole away to whar his wife was waitin’ for him—” si ! J am his wife, and I have not seen ” ‘“ Leastways to a woman that he calls wife,” y added ithe stranger. _‘‘ Whether the | m ever tied ’em together I cain’t say, but | >ve hearn ’em call each other husban’ an’ wife, aan’ I know they’ve bin livin’ together as sich— that they be livin’ together now—” _ You said you could hei oe words,” in- te ted Rachel, her face flushed, her eyes glowing. ‘‘ Prove them now, and namo your own | reward, even though it be my whole fortune— | ra of Aa are lying, I swear I will kill you like a I take you to whar you kin see him, ‘won’tthat dof’ ventured the rascal, keepi one eye warily on the pistol so tightly gri ne by those slender, white fingers. ‘‘ You'll be cmp a eet song i a low? Fer ,the | moug my hopes y higher ’n a | ras ef he =e, sight o’ SB ty you'd out. in | promise an —only take me to. this cabin—to where you say my husband is alive— with another woman. Me lie, PL kill you— cee speak the truth, I'll kill him pn. “It’s a whack, ma’am!” and the rough-looking customer brought his pap las we down upon his knee with an erroere that sent out an unsavory cloud of dust. “ I keer fer isa ig enough stake to let me cl’ar out o’ these thy diggin’s an’ go somewhar whar I kin live like a gen’leman. The boss is big enough an’ old enough to take keer o’ his own self—ef he gite etarnally salivated long o’ foolin’ with two women-critters all to onc’t, *tain’t my fault now is it?” Rachel paid no attention to the question, but remained with her head bowed upon her hand for full a mim g enough for the dirty rascal to grow uneasy lest, after all, the golden prize was about to elude grasp. . Then Rachel looked up, her face pale but wearing a look of stern determination. “You may be pla, me false, but I will run | the risk. Go now, and wait for me outside. ,| the way you | SS a ee ey anette nent wish me to follow.” _ “No tricks?’ demanded the fellow, shrewdly. “‘-You ain’t sendin’ me ahead so you kin putt old or egress wre onto the “1% “A _ ef that’s your game, won't | % El enybooy follers you, as itll be a wild-goose ehase fer us all.” Tegan have my word that I will not breathe | in the | =: beyond until the detective’s wifeshould Be was not severely tried. Appar- - q le As ng descended the steps, closely vailed and | wiapoed n a long cloak, thedellow showed him- ~Sfe of her hand. | >one who saw them through the | etreets would hay dream of connecting ther movements, ges % hed along with ‘A “Se; 7 never a glance behind him. The dark, vailed figure glided silently forward, looking neither shies right nor the left, blindly rushing upon— wha The busier portions of Golconda were quickly left behind them, and lower end of the valley reached. Then the low-browed guide paused and pointed up the hillside, where a faint light now glowed through the shadows of even- in ig. ‘‘ Thar’s the place, ma’am. In that cabin the woman lives that calls Dan Brown her husband. Mebbe he’s thar now—but ef he ain’t he will be soon. I hearn him tell her he would come this evenin’.” ‘* Lead the way—quick!” huskily breathed the “The path is plai kin foller it e path is plain—you kin r it easy. As fer fae I Seni go no furder,” doggedly re- mded the fellow. “Ithink a powerful ight o’ money, but I think still more o’ my life. Brown would shoot fust an’ ax questions arter- ward, if he should lay eyes onto me.” ‘‘Coward!” exclaimed Rachel, strong con- tempt in her voice. ‘* Wait here for me, then.” As she spoke, she hastened up the steep trail leading to the lone cabin, proceeding more cau- tiously as she drew near, then pausing abruptly as the subdued sound of a voice came to her ears aur voice of Dan Brown, the Denver detec- ve Only for a moment did she hesitate. The red light came through the half-open door. She sprung forward, thrust the rickety barrier open and crossed the threshold. A man speaking and wheeled qomely as she entered. man, but not Dan Brown. She stood face to face with Sol Scott, the mys- terious miner! There were two other men in the room, but she did not notice them. From behind her came a low, grating laugh—from the lips of the cunning rascal who had decoyed her hither— and Rachel. Brown knew that she was en- Capped: “A thousand thanks, fair lady, for your kind- ness in granting me this interview!” exclaimed Sol Scott, with a profound bow, then stepping forward as though to clasp her in his arms, ‘** Back! contemptible villain!” cried Rachel, her right hand clasping a leveled revelver. *“You murdered Dan Brown—thus does his widow avenge him!” As she aroke, ber finger contracted and the hammer fell! ~ CHAPTER XXV. A DOUBLE BLOW. Sou Scorr never flincbed from before the leveled weapon, ge it bore full upon his brain. Instead a reckless laugh bubbled from his lips as his big blue eyes boldly met the gaze of the entrapped woman, In desperation she pulled the trigger. The hammer fell, but no report followed, and Sol Scott was once more preserved from what ap- peared certain death. Rachel uttered a cry of baffled rage, but be- fore she could in cock the faithless weapon it was wrested m her hand and she herself clasped firmly to the breast of the tall miner. ‘You are helpless, my precious one, and may as well yield gracefully to the inevitable. Be wise, you shall be treated courteously. If nct—our lives are too valuable to society to be sacrificed to a woman’s idle whims.” Rachel, desperate, as she struggled to free herself, felt her hand touch the baft of a knife at the waist of her captor. She grasped the weapon and snatched it forth from its sheath, but her very eagerness to be avenged upon the a eed frus 5 bo _ hope. pees he weepon sli m her grasp ow half-way across the room, quivering as if stuck up in the floor. Again Sol Scott laughed, but there was a trace of angerin the tones that chilled the des- perate- woman’s blood. ‘* Blame yourself, not. me, lady!” he grated, as he dexterously slipped a pair of handcuffs upon her wrists as he forced her arms behind her. “I would have treated you as the lady- love ef Colonel Owlet should be served, but you would not have it so. Open your pretty i f ith wonderful ease and dext , Colonel Owlet, as Sol Scott now procla himself, slipped a gag between Rachel Brown's teeth, securing it firmly in place. : “You need wear that ornament’ only until we get sors away from . town thet aeakeea ears can hear your gentle vo lau the miner, ‘I am Teco ioaiening te iam Eoadlove teahy WAVORES IG. a gl ndle of beauty ve for. "Lead the way to the horses, ” he added, more . “There’s a neat of work ete engenders least groan tte iti ae not awaiting us to-night—one that will pan out | better for you than kidnapping.” Less than an hour earried them thither, and entering the ‘ jud t ball,” where the re- mainder of the outlaws were congregated, Sol Scott lowered the helpless captive to the rocky floor, casting a swift glance around him. The men before him were all masked, the dim, red lights upon the small table only serving to render the scene all the more fantastic. “Gentlemen,” rung out the clear voice of the tall miner. ‘I promised you a double treat hag and I mean to make my word good. This lady, as some of you may be aware, was once the wife of Dan Brown ef Denver— now his widow. I have brought her here, to be our queen. And sheis to play a prominent part in one of the rises I promised you. In lain words, we have a genuine wedding ere to-night, when Mrs. Dan Brown will be transformed into Mrs. Colonel Owlet!” ET, Phd Pages! stewed this announcement. idently the Owls were not going crazy with joy over that portion of the onniekie treat! Colonel Owlet showed his white teeth in a mocking smile, then resumed: ‘But business comes before alwa The bridal feast must give p he treat. to the other “When I consented to take command 6f this honorable order, I informed you that I had scent of a veritable bonanza. That I spoke no more than the truth, this night shall prove. ““Edward P. Rolfe has determined to open his bank again, and he has seventy-five thousand dollars in greenbacks now on the road from Denver. Gentlemen, we can that bundle es wealth without firing a shot, if you care to 0 so. There was nothing half-way about the cheer that echoed t h the cavern now. The mar- riage of their chief and the co juent installa- tion of a beautiful queen of the Owls, was all very well in its way, and no doubt ail-imper- tant in the estimation of the Se bride- m, but it could not a to the pockets of he mass in general as aa this vision of many crisp greenbacks! ‘Your lungs are not affected, after all, as I feared from your former cheer,” laughed Colo- nel Owlet, sarcastically. ‘‘Never mind. A man’s own money is better than another man’s. wife. But we have no time to lose. A dozen of you get your horses ready, while I place your future queen in a place of security.” Raising Rachel Brown in his arms, Sol Scott strode toward the rear of the cave, seeming thoroughly familiar with his yet P teem oy though they were now in almost perfect dark- ness, Presently pausing, he tly deposited his helpless oA u a A. og of blankets, then ate > a —_— on tp a ee lamp. ‘* Now, lady,” he said, turning is ‘*T must leave you for a short time. White t am gone, weigh your situation well} and when I return, meet me with a smile, like a sensible woman. Bury the past. Live only for the future—and your humble slave!” Stooping, he removed the gee from her jaws, then pressed his lips ardently to hers, arising and retreating quickly as’ though he ‘aganed a passionate outburst on her part. Brief as had been his absence, Sol Scott found the number of men he mentioned in readiness for the night ride, and he showed his white teeth in an eg 3 smile, ay ¢ k to your weapons and see that they. are in serviceable condition, though it is not likely you will have occasion to use them to-night, fottn to petaiac weg Ceenge-ai ae orce to ge’ wealt i with- out paying toll to the Owls.” “ : Each one of the selected men advanced to table and examined his pistols, then fell back Sol Seott, satisfied that all was in order, led the way to their horses, and mounting rode rapidly away from the stronghold, es as the moon was pee over the Eastern hills. At a reckless, breakneck pace he led them: through the frowning masses of rock along the narrow trail, not drawing rein until close the road that led to the valle ‘“‘Hark!” he exclaimed, only a tow 'witeviton after their ambush was prepared. ‘ We are none too soon!” never dose a nc : me pia covert threat was erstood, ttle danger of any Owl in his sober senses to such a tough customer as Sol Half- half . the ridge to a nar- they were far from saticfied. for sanag han eee is rica rere & “ the . | even the less rienced could tell that yonder Mounting, he raised Rachel in his arms and | sounds came not from coach nor special, cee eae tr peadie jag ng At ing Cealghidtig Soa Oe the Me, through the rocky waste, Pg . acl rene 3 stronghold of the Owls. eye Pe a i SL ee ee eek RR ara
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ie ea eS bmi ? Was it a mistake? Was there not a cunning trap under this? Treacherous themselves, and hence always ready to treachery in others, the Owls held themselves in readiness to flee should their new-born fears prove founded on fact, but each one ste on ge aN nd to send one bullet at least ip quest of the traitor’s heart. It Sol Seott suspected aught of this, he gave no signs. Like some grim statue he sat his horse, his keen eyes fixed upon the point where theiranticipated game now put in an appearance —a four-mule team loaded with freight, as the Owls had surmised. ib wh only no Lom hn a nee he a strode near wheeler, plying w wit melodious cracks. ba 3 ‘* Halt! and throw up your hands, stranger!” eried Sol Seott, as the team reached the moon- Ly vhs ‘e directly before their ambush. = up it air!” promptly responded the teamster, first jerkin: up bis mules, then rais- ing beth hands above bis head. ‘“‘ But hain’t you a leetle out o’ your reckonin’, boss?” he added, as Sol Scott rode out into the moonlight, thus revealing his fantastic head-dress, worn as Colonel Owlet. ‘This ain’t no stage-coach cart. Only groceries, dry an’ wet, »” coolly nded Colonel Owlet, canny phe ane in obedience to which his men instantly surrounded the teamster. “ You can’S tell us anything about your freight that we don’t know already, even to that sack of beans! When you get to Golconda, tell old Rolfe from me that he showed very little judg- ment in selecting such a hiding-place for his treasure. Colonel Owlet is a tonian, and his nose naturally detects any attempted adul- teration, of his favorite cooked or un- ed. The Owls stared at the chief while these curious words rolled trippingly off his tongue, wondering | whether he was not seriously re ,” but the mule-driver only too readil ary reyes his rk : * ] told the durned old fool somethin’ crooked would turn up afore I got the pesky stuff into Goleondy!” he uttered in supreme disgust. “Then he can’t blame you, of course,” laughed Sol Scott. ‘Boys, the rest of you climb in that wagon 7 Rr out the freight until you find a bag of navy beans; bag ed th letter R.” wi PN ae be he was fool enough—” began an ‘*Nor are you fool enough to argue when I ” sternly cried the new chief—clearly fn a few moments the marked sack was found and Colonel Owlet ripped it open with his i the white beans in a snowy spilling 1 ot mites ty Col Owlet, holding the package aloft, so all could see it. “Not bad wages for a few minutes? work. for you, mate,” to the teamster, ** but old Rolfe is in his second childhood and I arn his appo:nted jan.” “ You’ve done all the mischief Peni kin; now kin go, I s’pose?” sullenly manded the iver. “ P'd rather you remained bere until gi as an gene ogame to hel Neeley nd ‘ou migh ‘our breath by heavy » latehed Colonel Owlet. his direction the man was pa eye - will her; wait.” He away to the cell where he had left Brown, buta of astonishment fhcus his ina an he cove Duet is wa empty! For a moment he stood as though pe ‘ through used to dissembling, and smothered his rage, biding his time. Neither Paul Gerux nor King Carmichael were rogeieg Ae volunteers for that night ride, though the latter worthy, after searching vainly for his friend among those remaining, came to the conclusion that the Frenchman had at- tended Colonel Owlet, for some reasons of his own. This was exactly what Gerux intended he should think. He had resolved on a bold stroke, to which he knew Carmichael would object, lest, in his rage at being outwitted, Sol tt should expose all their dark secrets to the off- cers of the law, as he had once threatened. _ “Tye run too much risk—stained my hands | and soul too d y, to falter now,” were the re- flections that shaped themselves in the busy brain of the cunning schemer as he crept noise- lessly through the gloom to the cel) where Colo- nel Owlet had left Rachel Brown. For many long months he had been trying to devise some plan by which he might obtain complete possession of this gloriously beautiful woman and her large fortune. It was his hand that finally put all this cunning machinery in | motion, and now, just when his long coveted | reward seemed almost within his grasp, this au- dacious fire-eater stepped in between them, claiming the prize himself. “His bridal couch shall be a ve, curse him!” snarled Gerux beneath his reath. “I can brand him as the chief of the Owls. Even if that r should be produced, who would believe it, against my oath? Bah! cunning as ou think yourself, Sol Scott, you are no match or_me!” for a moment at a narrow niche from which he took several articles, then crept on until he reached the rock chamber where Rachel Brown still lay as Sol Scott had left her, be hype sarey by the dull light above. - cautious, lady!” softly breathed Paul Gerux. ‘‘Iam a friend, come to rescue you. Be cautious—a single word above your breath might reach the ears of our enemies, and surely doom me to death!” Rachel Brown now gave evidence of remark- able nerve, slowly rising to a sitting without sound, though the words of her visitor must have thrilled her with strong emotion. “Who and what are you?” she demanded, softly, as Paul Gerux e forward within the dim circle of light. “ A friend, lady, risking his life in your be- half,” he replied. “How came you here, then, if you are an honest man? If I wrong you, pardon me. But once this night I have been foully betrayed by one in whom I placed my trust. How am I to know that you are not acting from some similar motive?” “Can any fate be worse than that which threatens you?” he asked, in ed tones feathered head-dress. ‘‘ Colonel Owlet, whom you know as Sol Scott, only a few minutes since, declared to his men that this night they should rejoice over tho bridal of their chief—that on his return from a brief jundering expedition, you should become his ide. How, you can guess, when you reflect what place this is, and how unlikely it is that either priest or justice can be f to legally unite you. And even were such at hand, the blood of your husband lies on that demon’s soul! Would you suffer this?” “T can die,” slowly uttered the woman, her Poca orgs Bate po Rebar pr and steady as ate. “ Better tive, if only to avenge the death of Dan Bro “‘Gladly would I escape, if [ couid; but that is im le.” “Nothin a witness 0: re ecercts of the Owls, 1 tight possibl Ww. rescued you t but I ferred to f and learn more ore I struck. I didso. I now know where the outlaws rendezvous, and if ou will trust me, we can leave this, reach Jconda and raise force sufficient to surprise and capture the entire band.” «IT have provided for that,” and as he ke, Gerux unrolled tee bundle he bore, displaying a long cloak and an owl’s-head mask, sim to the disguise worn by himself. ‘‘The fellow who once wore , will never need them He was on guard near the entrance. I him, and when I passed by his post, the bushes, quiet enough.” “You kiiled him?’ asked Rachel, shuddering slightly. It was his death, or your continued captiv- bands of the man who killed your husband—my friend.” ‘Who are you? Surely I have beard your voice before?” Ae of answer the man removed his feathered ‘Paul Gerux ‘since my arrival in Golconda; before 'that—see!” and as he e the hea black beard came off in his d. “Wash away this dye, and I am Dan Farrar.” _ Rachel knew him now, and with difficulty choked back a of amazement- Dan Farrar’ was an Official high in the police circles of Den- ‘ver; toall seeming an ardent friend to herseli and husband. ean she could trust him. “You are satisfied?’ he asked, replacing his disguises. “Yes. I will go with you, if you think we can bs “By donning these things, I know we can. Let me unluck those handcuffs—so. Now IH put out this light. Some of those rascals may take a notion to steal over here for a surreptitious peep at their promised queen,” As he spoke, Dan Farrar—Paul Gerux no longer—arose and extinguished the dull light. “Arrange your disguise, while 1 make sure that there is no one spying upon us,” he added, drawing a knife and gliding away through the darkness. Rachel did as she was bidden, placing the owl-mask upon her head, and folding the Ion cloak around her. Even in the broad light o day she might have passed without her sex being suspected. In the darkness—for even in the judgment hall, only the center of the room was lighted clearly by the skull-lamps—there was scarcely a chance of suspicion being aroused. by her passage unless some one of the Orwis had been eavesdropping there, Ip.a few momjenta Dan Farrar returned. **So far as I can discover, my movements have not been noticed, or ected,” he said in guarded tones as he touched her hand. ‘‘In ten minutes more we will be in safety, if no un- fortunate accident occurs.” “Tf it should—if by any chance we are dis- covered—leave me to my fate and secure yeur own escape,” breathed Rachel. _ “Can you think that of me?’ and there was intense passion—the passion of a fiery love—in his voice as he res “ No—I will rescue you, or die in defending your honor!” ** Let us hope there will be no such necessity,” responded Rachel, and the keen ear of Farrar detected a coldness not there when she Kern tiaiy's hims being _Inwardly cursing himself for so impul- sive, alarming her before the time was xirat fo lucking the dainty fruit be had sworn should ils. at any cost, he said: ‘We will go now. Guide yourself by m cloak, and do not release it until i fone: oie hand. Then wait until Iam out of sight. it fifty, then follow in my tracks. If any one should offer to stop you, I will come to your rescue at once. Youunderstand?’ . ‘Perfectly. Lead on and I will follow.” Dan Farrar led the way until near the circle of light cast around by the skull-lamps, then reached behind him and touched Rachel’s hand where it clasped bis cloak. He felt her grasp relax, and moved slowly forward, unno by the Owls scattered around, though his course led him close by several. At this point he paused for a moment, uttering some careless remark, then moved on. Rachel watched him until he disappeared, after a brief period, followed in his tracks. Thanks to the gloem and the disguise she = brevis Abstr ian sina rssh ftp ope. No one appeared to notice her, or if t! di none addressed her, doubtless "takin uy a Stenocageiess ceased i anleD Owl as the best of em. ** Safe, so far—follow me as before,” breathed a low voice, as Farrar joined her in the nd meg around the ee in “ gradually con- ng passage. ‘‘ Weare almost out ere open we will Ls safe!” aan ew rods more, then they eme from the hollow bill into the bright ioouli t. ** Quick! there are no guards now, bel some of the rascals may chance to come out, and if me it will result in a fight for e Dan Farrar was terribly in earnest. He was playing a bold game where defeat meant death. led the bee rapidly, diverging from the rocky trail usually followed e Owls, onl iohaped ha when ake piles of fantasti ly-sha: rocks rose ween them and the Sat t er he ali e at la e almost so intense hen his relief—not on his xp account, for few en more animal courage than he pe — ne a Sg po pte ‘perilous tend which he 4 and si was at last wholly his own. whi f ne complete chan came Ra ach ei Brown Pp. ge also over ntil now she had followed him without question or exhibiting the least hesitation, One would have said that she placed the most im- licit confidence in the man who had so adroit- rescued her from the power of Colonel wlet. But now—she drew away from him and refused his extended hand with a gesture ‘that seemed born of dee ‘fe
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Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. 29 a peeeemeeeeeeeeeceeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeec “You refuse my hand—why?” asked the man, in * ‘“* Because my eyes are open at last,” she re- mded, her voice ringing out clear and scorn- “What do you mean? Are you going or mean that I know you at last. That I know whole life, so far as it concerned me and mine, in the past, must have been a lie black as Hades itself!’ Dan Farrar stared at the speaker, hardly able to believe his ears. What could have produced this wonderful alteration? What discoveries could she possibly have made since leaving the judgment hall of the Owls? Before he could answer his mental questions, or recover from the surprise her bitter words threw him into, Rachel added, her voice full of scorn and contempt: “You pretended to be a friend to my husband and me. You succeeded in poposing. upon him, but I never liked you. Instinct told me your heart was black and corrupt at thecore. TI saw what my husband did not see: that you envied im his wife and her fortune—but [, even 1! did not dream to what depths of infamy you could descend in your vile plottings—” ‘*Rachel Brown, are you mad? What do vou mean?” he hoarsely uttered, advancing as if to her. ‘*Back! or by the moon above! I will kill you!” she cried, facing him with a cocked re- volver. “I know you, Ezra Drake! Ha! that touches you to the quick!” she laughed, con- temptuously, as he started as though stung. ‘You know too much!” he snarled, wickedly, leaping forward and catching the revolver so that the hammer fell upon his palm. ‘“ You have sealed your fate by those words. I would have condueted you safely to Golconda, content to woo and win you asa true lover should, but now I will use other means. You never leave these wilds until you go as my wife—” . ‘Don’t be too sure of that, mate!” cried a voice that a through his brain like a verita- ble death-kn —the voice of Dan Brown of Den- ver ! Like a flash he wheeled, but too late to defend himself. A hard fist shot out, and Dan Farrar was lifted from his feet and hurled headlong a dozen feet away! CHAPTER XXVII. ¥ A TRANSFORMATION SCENE. THs Owls heard the wondering ery that burst from the lips of Colonel Owlet when he discov- ered the fact that Rachel Brown no lon occupied the little stone cell where he had left her, bound, handcuffed and helpless. They saw him rush back to the sadenient hall, glare around him fora moment, then hasten neh os pomage sanding t5 ses outer oe Won- ering, they follo r him, but abruptly as he confronted them ere pet aprer | the entrance, t “ Back!” and the command came hoarsely from the curved beak of the owl-mask. ‘“ The man etchaber pied aan dies like a dog!” A brace of revolvers filled his their dark muzzles covering the nearest Owls. Sparks of living fire seemed to shoot forth from the ' eyelet-holes of his feathered head-dress. oa ne kigg eho’ ea and a half, and those a ee seat ul treach d “* There ie) my absence,” continued Colonel Ow Fgennen. dot witha more com if: cogetm you must be ity, and I mean to find out tha’ unto bim the punishment pre- by cy laws that govern us, tl ‘ “¢ children!” boomed the deep notes Ring’ Carmichael as Owlet, A pon his fellows. If any vom to steal away in the gloom, arrest them, bg 39 78 have to do it with bullet or steel!” hall where one more scene was to take place. . outlaws, for the most part be and even awe-stricken. _ Brothers,” at length spoke their chief, rais- las bo hawt and rok his fantastic head- tossing it asid her with his cloak, cama oe Sider sptled I am no longer Colonel Owlet, but simple Sol Scott, a brother who accuses some one or more among the family of foully betraying his or their trust.” ‘* As accuser, name first the crime, then those trenchale” sait bhajce Gwiee, from asnong the Ww i man, her P e a woman, bands in handcuffs behind her back, her ankles firmly bound. I depart on duty that results ra k in placing seventy-five thousand dollars in the trea . While I am thus engaged, laboring for the.benefit ofthe whole family, some one or more of that family is dealing me a bitter, treacherous blow in the back! “Treturn. I seek my captive, your future queen, but she is not where I left her. The handcuffs are unlocked, the cords cut, the lady one! ‘This could not have been done without the aid of at least one traitor. And now I demand his punishment, according to the laws of the family!” While this charge was being made, the brain of King Carmichael was busy. He knew now why ke had failed to find Paul Gerux. That worthy was boldly retrieving the march their new chief had stolen upon them both. For, un- til Sol Scott made his appearance in the stronghold with Rachel Brown a captive that evening, neither of them even suspected his purpose was to be carried out so soon. “Let bim find out the truth—let dog eat dog!” were the reflections that busied Major Owlet’s brain while Sol Scott was speaking. ‘“* Whichever way the fight between them turns out, I can bardly be the loser. Gerux knows tco much. He could slip the noose over m head whenever the notion took him. So wit Sol Scott. Let them come ther, and may the devil aid them each to kill the other!” Thus mentally, then aloud: “Tf the c can be fixed upon any person belonging to the family, he shall be fried for his life. orcs guilty, you have the right to fix his punishment, Am t right, brothers?’ A deep murmur of assent ran through the crowd, “The lady could only have escaped through this inal of Ligment bal any one observe her e ry i that murmur, now of ere “You hear, brother?’ asked cr Owlet, turning toward the accuser. ‘ declare their innocence, since they swear none of them has seen aught of the missing lady.” “So foul a traitor would hardly balk at a lie,” sneered Sol Scott, bis white teeth gleaming through his tawny beard. ‘But I have not the slightest idea that the criminalis here. Of a dozen dark lanterhe whose slides had been suddenly opened, and as the Owls stared in blinking dismay, they heard many significant double clicks, telling of fire-arms being cocked, ready for use, Before them, with a ready revolver in each hand, stood the man to whom this terrible sur- dng was due—no longer Sol Scott, for at his eet lay the blonde beard und wig—but Dan Brown of Denver ! And as sa 29 fears dey in stupefied amazement, another dark lantern was opened several yards to the rear of the others, its brilliant stream of | light being moved slowly from the right to the ; : er course he fled with the af and by this time | G) may be near Golconda, no doubt hastening to cheat the law in his own case by betraying us all to Sam Ellis and his blood-hounds!” Exclamations of alarm came from the Owls. This was a new and terribly serious phase of the affair which, strangely enough, had not un- til then struck them. ‘** Silence and order!” sternly cried Sol Scott, raising his hand. ‘‘ Not a man shall leave this hall until we all know who the traitor or trai- ' tors are. “The entire family was present to- t; | clinkin leit, thus disclosing a close rank of men whose leveled aged covesen the outlaws. And rominent among them were recognized Sam Enis and Enoch Dodge! ‘“* Betrayed!” snarled Carmichael, crouching low down, then leaping forward like a wild beast, straight at the throat of the dar- ing Denver detective. As his feet touched the rocky floor, a jet of flame issued from Dan Brown’s revolver, and Major Owlet fell backward without cry or oan. ‘‘ Beware!” thundered the detective, ‘‘ Throw up your hands and surrender. The man who dares hesitate shall share the fate of that fallen cur! What could they do? Unarmed, covered by a full score of y pistols, the only avenue of escape to the outer world blockaded by the men holding those weapons, bers 9 they knew that almost certain death awaited them when brought before the bar of posaged justice, their hands went up above their heads as though all were impellea vy the Petes int wish tb beads iL® ‘Send in two men wi ordered Dan Brown. ‘‘Manacle them in Keep them covered, and if any one ventures to resist, load him full of bullets! Two men advanced, each a bundle of handcuffs which they dexterously meni in place, fettering the right hand of one outlaw to the left wrist of his comrade, a, lorious peng old man, and ; con- u on the perfect ef your id pase orto Ellis, sdvancine sit so the hand of the Denver detective. “ am sorry you were forced to kill that fellow—” “T only ‘creased’ the rascal,” laughed Dan Brown, as he stooped over the fallen Major Owlet. ‘‘He knows too much for me to his tongue in death. See!” At the word he twitched at the sandy beard which came off in his hand, rey a face go marvelously like his own, that Sam E back with a cry of surprise, almost awe. ‘Do you wonder now that Rolfe mistook me for that mi ht assassin?” ed Dan Brown, * K as you have known t was to insure his therefore, if are ey er - now, he or they | him, dealt that blow, and must ba oe erisxteale As shortest method | capture, not death, that I arranged this little of fin this out, will one by one advance to this table, place year weapons upon it, then remove ‘your mask so all eee | Then, that there may be no double dealing, those who have the ordeal will stand to | one sidé, apart the rest. Major Owlet, have I spoken well?” | **T can see no objection to your plan,” slowly observed Carmichael, yet feeling a strange uneasiness which he was ashamed to confess, even to himself. ‘‘ As an example of obedience a Pe ibuc fol belt md placed it th eun a upon the table before Sol Scott, then removed his feath- ~~ mask, letting the red fight fall full upon “T thank brother,” said Sol Scott, grave- cae ee ene ee wed ease advance, one ning a b the oe he ed forward, piling one ov" their wie the table, then baring their faces to the light for a few moments, until Sol salves. 43 ede Ma} Strain keh foe ten ves alo or Ow us the curious scene fasted until every man present net pone ba pom. the ceremony. ** Brot! ” said Sol Scott, after a d nrestthan dines the family are ey, Can you ‘** Paul Gerux and Oil Peacock!” came the an- swer as if from one man. ‘*And they are the traitors! What is the doom d treac ‘* Death!” came the united responses. : A jbrief silence, sc profound that one could almost hear one’s pty am F fin gah came a most astonishing move on the part Scott. He grasped the weapon-laden table, raised it clear of the floor and hurled it with all its con- tents down into the black abyss from whose depths arose the hot steam of the boiling springs far below! Yeils of angry amazement-burst from the of Scot: ety gto orgs Buamd ge diene e for such Even as he spoke, tense darkness was dispelled by a broad wave of brilliant tag om near the where the passage open pes rhode This light streamed from half ‘ echt Poon atk ss Fi a Ne a a RR BR tl ar Sa ite tds Ki, Ye he cult haba-ehsead you—it was ho who v3 to us that night and proved you in- nocen as this warrant oo him, the years assassinated General Watkyns . Derthvent® in New York — city!” Truly, this was a nig! dol cicbatead oil abiadst Se
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i ccna NR Ses ares Sans aN ee Pa a. dl i Sol Scott, the Masked Miner. the detectives, took the trail prison tions would allow. And then; one ; 93 Tae Boy Mrvzns. Edward S. Ellis... .. i «. Se @ Villain to earth. His only morning the whole city’ was astounded by the | 94 Mmpnicur Jack. By T.C. Harbaugh =... . 5e- : old photograph of the criminal, notice that Fergus Randolph had escaped! oot yeah an Rowers. Sy Leet, Col ene oS from one of his confederates, who died A devoted wife—plenty of money—a faith- | 97 70 Gorruw Beoranns, By J. T Seta be. This, like the bore a mar- less jailer; that was the old, old story. 98 Ross Hoop. By Prof. Stewart Gildersleeve.., 5c ous resemblance to Dan Brown of Denv Dan Farrar proved almost.aslucky. He was | 99 Tae Ticrr or Taos. By George W. Browne... 5c whom the teur believed to be the criminal found guilty of aiding the robbery of Rolfe’s | 100 Deapwoop Dick iN LEADVILLE. Wheeler. 5c. * ew nog met. He found him high in bank, and despite his great influence in magis- | 101 Jack Harkaway In New Yors. Brace- vor in Denver, and rightly ie oe he terial circles, was sentenced to State’s prison for | |, et eee er FP Mle NE gc ER would not have a fair chance with there, ten years. ion Tae Line oe eae Bek "By Col Dele Be settled down in Golconda as a miner, finally _ Before he had served six months he managed ! 494 Deanwoon Dick’s Device. By Ed. L. Wheeler. te ~ sending the Rocky Mountain Detective Associa- > to en Yo how, nobody appeared to know. | 105 Oun Rusz, raz Hunter. By Capt. H. Holmes . 5e : tion word that the long-sought was En odge still serves Grenada as its-| 106 Oxp Frosty, rae Guipe. By T. C. Harbaugh.. 5¢ 4 - . . le 7se eS seen ce under the name of Sol Scott,at mayor, and his big heart grows bigger every | ou on Eyep Sm. By J. L. Bowen Be da ; epee aking Gat tice Beale cera sure. Rachel 110 THe Biack Strep oF THE PRAIRIES. By Bowen 5c So cunning and perfect was the Denverde- head-quarters at Denver, and be 5 . 3 ae” Peony Felix from Fr’isco,” will Gaver again doubt the truth and fidelity of at SY Syme Sa thf a Aeewg- dein eg vsanpeiaas Sa that ‘‘Sol Scott” failed to recognize him until her husband. | 113 Jack Hovte. By Edward L. Wheeler, . fe he had rescued Rachel Brown from the As soon as Fe Randolph was sentenced of Vernon Shadutz. To solve all doubts, to death, “Scl tt” returned to Denver, {nvE Wal : manufactured thet affecting stery of the where he and Dan Brown entered into partner- | ih te eae Se ae Col. Le jpgrenam. 5c man who killed the general, watching Dan tne fe gp siete ci A ‘ private or otherwise.” itd Wiel Goaeas, tome Bor Deeorine eRe. oc Brown closely, and gradually becoming con- t is barely possible that we may again take | 119 Musrane Sa. By Jos. E. Badger, +. Rin vinced that his suspicions were et eee up the pen to record their daring deeds, at some | 120 Tur Brixnep HAND. By Frank Dumont .... 5c toi larly after hearing the story Rach future time. 121 Crynamon Corp. By Edward L, Wheeler....:. 5¢ “Dan Brown’s Double.” THE END. 122 Pur. Harpy, Tae Boss Boy. By Chas. Morris. 5¢ Unluckily for the conspirators, their negro __ = Kiowa Cuartey. . By T.C. Harbaugh... ..... 5¢ spy was called away before the two detectives | 195 Bonavas Bra, Maven By Eek. Wheeler... bo came toa ees understanding, else their end- BE ADLE’S 126 Picayune Pek By Charles Morris ane 5¢ sg ty or ve been different. Lae ay 127 Wop-Fire. By Frank Dumont......... .... be I Scott did not confess his imposition, but — < i 128 Tue Younc Privateer By Harry Cavendish. 5e. made a league with Dan Brown to join him in H lf. D L b | 129 Deapwoop Dics’sDousie. By ¥.L. Wheeler. 5e. hunting down the Brown prom to | 2il-Dime j rary. } 30 DernorivE Dick. By Charles Morris. . Se plead that service in extsauation, should mint [a as commen ano. Be Comeee We Praes. e ever be t t to trial. ' 1 Deapwoop Dick. By Edward L. Wheeler..... 5c | 133 Boss Bos. By Edward L. Wheeler Nigh id 5e Then Sol was approached by the con- 2 Yrrrowsrone JACK. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr... 5¢ | 124 Sure-Snor Sern. [ON Odortres shy 3) 3 5c: as_a suitable tool by means of 3 Kansas Kine. B pe Sg ie Le. ase e. 5@ | 185 Caprarm Pavt, By ©. D- Clas Bring eee ae 5c f which Dan Brown might be removed. Con- | 4 Tue Wup-Horse Hunters. By Mayne Reid.... 5¢ | 135 Nicnt-Haws Kir. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... 5e | vinced that PN ge hi reality ap | VaGaBonD Jor. By Oll oe Beat a = emai. Sarg By ha ot Ah ag ne Reid. 5c _ i Brown’s double, an game, he apparently | a Brppon, TRAPPER. Ww Sis. a . w . Wheeler... «.. Be s eyes ; d Albus Black killed: 4 eee ae Edward S, Ellis ok. so 140 foun Bute vy crip hers 4 ° fs ae | ; was robbed an » | 9 Tae ADVENTURES of BARON MuncHAvsEN...... 5c | 141 Sotrp Sam. By Edward L. Wheeler... .... 5e this and the endeavor to throw the blame on 19 N By Edward $: Ellis. _ . ue | 142 DSOME HaRR | Dan Brown being the plan hinted at by Paul | 11 Tas two D 4 By Albert W. Aiken ' $6 | 148 Scar Face SauL. B on Oactien Te Weddi - : d ETECTIVES, . Aiken... : A 4 PCH! BE Woe BAY alias Dan Farrar. '12 Guiiiver’s TRAVEIS,. ..- .. ... hide OG | 144 AINTY Lance, THE Boy Sport. wey Badger. ra yo It will be remembered that, while ing? oa tg a toe Duma Spy. By Ol! Comes. .....::........: ia \ aanaay iggy 8 re inci kL. be this “ ” LADDIN, ..-... LU ice os eat bil tiiie g de ak hes Bales y. MESS sagt ak yc : oe ee eens ene Conld. q be, | 15, Tu Sea Oat, By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5¢ 147 Wit Witprimz. By Charles Morris... be 3 au a suiden idea struck him, but its utterance woe ; 16 SEE We tines cy cy a ois Lt 5e 148 Sam. By J. Alexander Patten.... |. . be ss root whe dost of younr it announc- ¥ Ehiee Roy. By Col Preniiss Ingraham, .... ze 74 sora or GoLtp. By hee L. Wheeler-.. 5e Ly dea oung Black. INDBAD THE SAILOR....... -.... vA LANCE snp Lasso. apt. F. ittaker, ... He Mat Kies wad destindd to: beat rttnt | 19 Tae Puanrow Spy. By Buffalo Bit". be | 151 Pawrnen PAUL. ceeph ©. Badger, 363/60 ay fruit. Just after his 20 THe Dovsie Daceers, By Ed. L. Wheeler....5¢ | 152 Buacx Bess. By Charles Morris..... |...) Be Trowbridge, Brown was meee With a. |\ 3) Vacwmaan! Awcanc By Rawerd 5 ald | Tee Be dicey he Olt Coomes. Se : E Sea SERPENT. uan Lewis....,.. 5¢ | U UNTERS. Ly “apt. F. Whitt past of himself, carved by @ rising young sculp. | 93 Nick o' Tam NicuT. By T. C. Harbaugh... be | 155 Gon Triccer. By 'T. ONetmah be wor. bust, mace Diamond Dirx. By Col. Prentiss f 5¢ | 156 Deapwoop Dick or Drspwoop, By Wheeler. Sc Ps wax, perfect in every detail. And Dan Brown 25 Tar Boy Carrar. By r Starpuck ...... 5c | 157 Mike Merny. By Charles Morris. Ee Anam anme rhe ee Cee Te || ay ceccunpe ace eee fave Crate Ob Gimmes ine Lp Tae Loar Cneetin te rods Wee . / ANTELOPE ABE, THE Boy GrIDE. es .) 5c T CAPTAIN. By . Whittaker..... be After his rescue from ynchers | 23 BurraLo Ben, Edward L. Wheeler .. ... 5¢ | 160 THE Brack Giant, By Jos. E. B en to his ord about this eons — paket ee | 29 Tae Dowe paanay Oy Capt. F. Whittaker..... 5c | 161 New York Neu. By Edward L,. eat a be she had it in her at the hotel. She con- | 30 RoaRine ” Rockwoop. By H. St. George. 5¢ | 162 WiLL Witprire in THE Woops. By C. Morris. 5c with oe Dales Sol Scott, the | 2! Keex-Kumwz ByOll Coomes 5e | 163 Lirrre Texas, By OllCoomes.. ..... .. Be sulted Enoc and t, | 82 Bos Woour. By Edward L. Wheeler ...) |). be } 164 Panny Rock's Pieper. By Geo. W. Browne... 5c result being a neatlittle plot where Edward | 33 Tae DHOUND. By S, W. Pierce..... Sc | 165 Bruty Baaeacr, THe Ramroap Boy. Morris. 5c , Rolfe and Sam Ellis were completely deceived, | 34 Orraon Capt. J. F. C. Adams . Be | 166 Hickory RY. By Harry St. George....... 5e is Sol Scott removing his carefully pasted-on | . A gph any Wed ae ge 5306. 974 be ix “ Reoees By Bawand Willetts! en Be ag - OWN. EADLY Dash. By Joseph E. Me IP b ss 5c a See RAE el | si Tae Hinomn Losge By TC Hartmugh’.... fe | WB Tognano Tox, By iC. ariaugle Se : The duel between the two detectives was a | 39 jeurn-Face, feo Soma 2C | im Dak BY Peank Di rat fae 5c oan a “eg - -F ACE, THE DETECTIVE. E. L. Wheeler 5c BONY Dan. Frank Dumont...» ........ 5c put up 'job,” Dan Brown voluntarily leaping | 40 Rovine Ben. By John J. Marshali...... ..... 5c | 172 THunpernour Tom. By Harry St. George.... 5c a into the river, and sage | detection by the | 41 Lasso Jack. By Oll Coomes . ... 4.4... 5e | 173 Danby Rock’s Rrvaz. By Geo. W. Browne.. 5¢ ‘very means described by the decoy who led | 42 Tur Puanrom M By Ed. L. Wheeler. ..: 5c ; 174 Bor Bocxerr. By Charles Morris..; =....... Rachel into what he siopdabd was 3 real trap, | 43 Dick Daruinc. By np Frederick Whittaker 5c | 17% Capra Arizona, By Philip S. Warne..... } be while Enoch Dodge drew the crowd down to- = aby er? Rose. yy sony ye ormeee Se os i iy Bo ating bs foam By Mie A aa BE 5c VALANCHE. Wi a‘ r.... 5¢ | 177 No ICK OF NEVADA. 4 eeler,, Bi ward beta by his pretended glimpse of the 46 Guise Eve. By “ee a0, C. Adams ....... Se | bs ae Sourrary. By, i loomies. "iis be ee 2 va ° IGHTINGALE Nat. By T. C. Harbaugh ..... 9 Bos Rockett, Tot PANK Runner. By Morris. Se Dan Brown donned Sol Scott’s disguise, | 48 Brack Joun, THe Roap-Acent. J.E. Badger, Jr Sc | 180 Tae Sea Traiter. Lieut. A. D. Perry. U. eo 2 and insisted on the conspirators making him 49 Omans Own. By Edward L. Wheelers... 5e 181 Witp Frank cr Moen: By Bl. Wheelie sc eo chief of the Owls as they had promised. 40 Burr Bunker. By Charles E. Lasalle.......... ‘Se | 182 Lrrrie Hurricane. By Oil Coomes.......... Be ie i The abduction of Rachel wasa farce, intended | 51 Tre Rirtes. By Archie C. Iron. « Be } 383 THe Hippen Hanp, Ey Chas. Morris...,.... be 5 to ‘the entrap the enemy. Sol | 52 Tae _Werre Burrato, By C . be | 184 Tae Boy Tramers. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr... be ee os org more Pp. xp tg 53 Jim Buupsor, Jr. By Edward L. Wheeler..... 5c | 1% Evin Eve. By Frank Dumont ©...) . Be or Scott as Oil a recruit vouched Y | 54 Nap Hazex. By Capt. J. F.C. Adams....... Be | 186 Coc Desmonp: Col: Delle Sara... |. be 25) Colonel aon Bh to watch over her, both | 55 Deapty-Eye. By Buffalo Pill... 220.1): 5e | 187 Prep Hatyarp. By Chas. Morris . be ae feeling sure that Gerux, as they alone knew | 56 Nick Wairrtes’s Pet. By J. Fo. Adams, .... 5¢ | 188 Nop Tepe. By T. C. Harbaugh Be him, would not tamely give up the prize he had | 57 Deapwoop Dick's Eactes. By E.L.Wheeler.. 5c | B ROCKRIT, THE CRACKSMAN, By C, Morris 5c echesnbll 60 lodgrand bokihy for; 58 Tus Borper Kine. By Oll Coomes.:....; s.... Be | 199 Danpy Darke, Wm. R. Eyster..... . ... 5¢ It was a genuine surprise to Rachel, when he 59 Oup, Hickory: By Harry St. George ......... 5e | 191 Burrato Brniy, Capt. A. B. Taylor,U.S.A. Se vendsied biasedlt an Dau Baten. bat played - oa Sere TeDEe. wees Ae aren ae Be | 7 am 2 ps By icut. #. Dz. Perry, U. .N, 5¢ y 1CEHORN y Edward L. eeler ..... 5¢e | 1% © LApy Roap-AGEnt. itip S. Warne. 5c her boldly, holding bim at bay until Sol | 92 Tae Suanow Sarr. By Col. P. ingraham..._ Se 194 Berrato Bux’s Ber. Capt. as Oll Peacock could come to the rescue. | 63 Tur Rup ae le: 8 By W. J. Hamilion “ | 195 Deapwoop Dick’s DREAM. Bye Wien The package of moncy was a fraud, the | 64 Danoy Jack. By T. C. Har Se | 196 Sxapowep. - By Charles Morr: bone rte . O. Harbaugh. ..)......). 3 < te: cal cates we be fu (na hire 4 and the rob- | 65 Hurricane Bu. os. E, Badger, Jr,..... be | 197 Lirrte Grit. By Col. Prentiss Ingrah % va being sinply Gerux time to | 66 Sincte Hann. By W. J.H Se | 198 ARKANSAW. By T. C. Harbaugh.” ree pret Rachel, x bd . a ble | 87 Parent-LEATHER Jog. By Philip §. Warne... 5c | 199 FzaTHerwricHt. By Edwar Willett. ~{.") Be 3 mand the Owls, t hig 68 Tue BorDER S Bon. Bye Falo Bill... be bed — - ag say By Cept. F. Whittaker. 5e hus LD RIFLE. iwa eeler. ... 5. a Oe He Buack Hints Jrzrsri. E. L. Wheeler.. 5c their capture without bloodshed. 70 Otp Zip’s Cant. By J. F.C. Adams.......... 5e | 202 ‘ct Petr. By O}l Coomes 5e How all turned out exactly in accordance | 71 Drtaware Dior. By Oll Coomes. -. Be | 203 Te Boy Parps. Jos. E: Badger, Jr. as with carefully * 72 Map Tom Wesrerx. By W.J. Hamilton....... 5c | 204 Gotp Pius, By Col, Pianie Yorn be has 73 Deanwoon Dncx ow Decx, By E. L. Whedler.. se | 205 Deapwoop Dick's Doom. By I, f. Wheeler. bo WE-EYE RY. By ‘OOMES.... 0... ARK Pact, THE ‘i rris But little ee be said om tea a ?5.Tue Boy Durst. By Col.P. Ingraham...... Se | 207 Navaso Nice, By TC Wartasck seta ci events detailed in these pages only | 76 Ape Cour. THE Crow Kitzrr. By A. W. Aiken. 5c | 208 Tam Bor Hekcures, By ON tel } Coomes 5e three years ago, there are few changes to re- | 77 Conpuroy Cuartrs. By Edward 3. Wheeler. 5¢ | 209 Frrrz, tae Bounn-Boy Derectiv-. Whotler 2 cord. 73 Buor. Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid Be | 210 Faro Fraxx or Hic Px By WR. Bysten £0 Sol Scott succeeded ia taking King Car- | 79 Sot Gincer, Tur Granr Trarper. A.W. Aiken. 5e ) 211 Crookep Cate, By Jos. E. faager a cs michael, or, more properly, Fergus Randolph, | 80 Rosrsup Ros. By Edward L, Wheeler... - . 5¢ , 2i2 Dasmine Dave. By Charles Morris. Be to New York, the charge ef murdering General | $1 Licuyrxe Jor. By Captain J. F.C. Adams... 5e | 213 To THe Front, By E. 1. Wheeler..... 5c : a that of | 8 Krr_Hareroor. By T. C. Harbaugh......,.... 5¢ | 214, Wotraana. By Capt. Frederick Whittaker. 5e taking iyedraiened | 83 Rowto, THe Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes... 5c | 215 Capram Butter. By TC. Berbaugh .’ be voce ggg Meme and he was duly | 84 Inv, THe Get Miver. By Ed. 1. Wheeler .. be | 216 Bison Brix. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham...” s for There was no defense worth men-| s Brox Buckram. By Captain J. F.C. Adams... 5¢ | 217 Carraty Crack-Suor, By E. L Wheeen. Be wholly arising / Sopa pasts 35 Banos Rome. By ‘Dy Cape Mayboitnad ce 218 Ticer Tom. By Oll Coomes .......... ....) Be fend, yg epee mer ed was brought in 88 PHoTOG?APH Lal By 3k 4 li Wheeler... 5e A new issue every Tuesday. j and sentenced to death. | Oo Aenar Jt By Eraccbedge anyng.-..... 6 |, The Halt-Dime Library is for sale by all . ay - beautiful woman, | . gpa Rie : ©. -- 5€ | Newsdealers, fiv t wife—a voluptuously 91 THe CAPTAIN oF THE Cie. By Bracebridge be » Bye cents per copy, or seat by mail Shao om the reader once met as Rose Drake—came SMI is, 2 Le. yea nA dn tecelbtotel PS te bim, and spent ali the time with him thas the | 92 Canaba Cum, By Edward L. Wheeler... ’.".. § Publishers, $6 Wiliant street, Noe sey ADAMe
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- BEADLE's*])IME*]IBRARY, ~ 2 *. ‘BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR. #2 Old Sobersides, the Detective of St. Louis, 328 White-Horse Wheeler, )18 The Double Edged Detective. 07 Maverick Mark. the Man from Nowhere. | 98 Silky Steele, the Stay-in Sport. 84 Tae os arable? ort’s Neck-Tie Party. 70 High-Water Mark; or, Silver-Tip Sid. #2 Riata Rob, the Range cour Sern 355 The Cuwhoy Chief's Sure-Shot. 848 The Rival Red-Hat Sports. 837 Curly Kid, the Cheyenne Sport. 824 The Soft Hand Detecti port. Frisco Detective’s Thug-Tangle, 489 Sam Cary, the River Sport. ‘80 The Dead Sport’s Double. W71 Prince John, Detective § 763. Dandy Don, the Denver Detective. 24 ihe Man from Texas; or, Dangerfield, the Detective. UD 744 Sw akes Sam, the Silver Sport. 720 The Six; or, Old Halcyon. 712 The Man of Silk 675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise, 668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Streak or aie se rd One Bik Vestip Steve, the S. Scraper from Siskiyou. 645 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective, 636 D Darling, Detective. 627 Mos Mose, the Mountaineer, 617 The Grip-Sack Sbarp’s Even up. 597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of 588 Sandy sands, the rp from Sna 576 Silver-Toogued Sid; or, Grip Sack Sharp's Sweep. The G ck Sharp; or, The Seraphs of Sodom. Grip-Sack Sid, the Sample Sport. 647 The Buried Detective; or, Saul’s Six Sensations. 541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve. $35 Dandy Dutch, the Decorator from Dead-Lift t27 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective, 514 Gabe Gunn, the er Boone Ginseng, me Butte, City. ; . The Thorcugnbred Sport. 474 Dadd -Eye, the Despot of Dew Drop. Old ugh and 'y, the of Sundown 43 438 Oklahoma Nick. 433 Laughing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard. #6 The Ghost Detective; or, The Secret Service Spy. _16 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck. 9 Bob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle. % The Nameless Sport. 6 poy. Aim, the Duke of Derringers. 8 Dark Durg, the Ishmael of the Hills. #2 Captain Crisp, the Man with a Record. 47 A Royal Fiush; or, Dan Brown’s Lig Game. 860 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown. 3855 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete. ' 251 Nor’ West Nick, the Border Detective. ‘ 845 Masked Mark, tbe Mornted Detective. 339 Spread Hagie Sam, the Hercules Hide dunter. *831 Chispa Charley, the Gold Nugget Sport. Frank Lightfoot, the Miner Detective. Moke Horner, the Boss Roustabout. 286 Pistol Jonnny; or, One Man in a Thousand, 283 Sieek Sam, the Devil of the Mines. 257 Death Trap Diggings; or, A Man "Way Back 249 Elephant Tom, of Durango. 241 Spitfire Saul, King of the Rustlers. 233 The Old iioy of Tombstone: 20} Pirate of the Piacers; or, Jo ’s Death Hunt 180 Old "49; or. The Amazon of A na. 170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective, ‘Biz 292 165 Joaquin. the Terrible 14 J the Sadde King. 141 inox Tom, the Bully of Red Rock, 119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters, 105 Dan Brown of Denver; or, The Detective, 88 Big ; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers, 71 Captain I Blade: or, Mississippi Man Shark, 67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness, 80 Jack Rabbit, tne Prairie Sport. - BY WE. G. PATTEN. e, the Thug’s Terror. pa la Night-Hawk, the Crook Shadower, Pas Prin -e of New York Crooks. | vy: he Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan. ‘S56 Old Piug Unly. mo 11 Glove Gid, Jack, the Desert Nomad. 831 Colonel Cool, the Santa Fe Sharp. Wi bs) Gaptaio Maenlon, the Hountale MERWE, ismal, the nge De , 4Hustier Harry, the Cowboy Sport. “BY GEORGE C. JENKS. The Arizona Detective. tective, Fearless Sam, the Graud Combination Detective, the. < Der tective, — JOCKEe e Fi ae aT etc e Len 6. Death-Grip, the Tenderfoot Detective que mer Detective. Captain Corden, the Twister Detective Wild p- en, the Oe . io Deteotis ee. we the Revenue Detective. ‘| 348 Falconbridge. the y 536 Old Falcon’s Foe: or, The Detective’s Swell Job. Field Detective, ‘yublished Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cengs. No Double Numbers 3 BY WILLIAM R. EYSTER. 916 Two Dead-Square Sports, 902 Soft Velvet, the Man from Sandrock. 891 Genteel Jim, S; rt-at-Large. 881 The Club K's Cat's-paw. 867 The Frisco Sport. 82 The Stranger Sport’s Shake-up. 828 Kirk King, the Man from iy. 818 Gentleman Dave, the Dead Game Sport 783 The King-Pin Tramp. 767 The Sport of Silver Bend. 718 Uncle Bedrock’s Big Bounce. 707 The Rival Rovers. 687 Double Cinch Dan, the Sport With a Charm, Seb Giibtlee dohuty: or Locke nea le Ro ohnny; or, b an is Rovers, 650 Lue ny phere fis Hand. 634 Old Handcart’s Big Dump. 622 The All Around Sports. 603 Deserts Alf, the Man With the Cougar. 590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug. 578 Seven Shot Steve, the Sport witha Smile. 568 The Dude Detective 568 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon. 549 Belshazzar Brick, the f of Blue Blazes. 583 Oregon, the Sport Witha Scar. 508 The Dude from Denver. 478 Pinnacle Pete; or, 459 po ag Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives. 429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red Bend. 402 Snapshot Sam; or, The Angels’ Fiat Racket, 396 The Piper ve; or, The Gilt Edge 875 Royal George, the Three in One. Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop. 268 Magic Mike, ~he Man of Frills. 229 Captain Catsiceve; or, The Little Sport. 214 The Two Cool Sports; or, Gertie of the Gulch. 182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon. 160 Soft Hand, Sharp: or, The Man with the Sana. BY NED BUNTLINE,. 657 Long Tom, the Privateer. 638 The Sea Spy. 621 The Red 584 Fire Feather, the Buccaneer King, 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail. 361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot. 122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot § 111 Bhe Smuggler Captain; or, Bh 18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Quéen 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, 762 Old Grip, the Detective. 740 Captain Clew, the Fighting Detective, 732 The Hurricane Detective. 643 Castlemaine, the Silent Sifter, 616 Magnus, the Weird Detective. 606 The Drop Detective. 595 Welibasn, the Upper Crust Detective. 582 Joram, the Detective 574 Old Falcon’s Double. 561 The Thug King; phinx Detectiv: 515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond 509 Old Falcon, the Thunderboit Detective, 501 Springsteel Steve, the Retired Detective, 494 The Detective’s Spy. 485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective, 462 Th ive. 451 Griplock, the Rocket Detective. 444 The ic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand, 424 Hawk Heron’s Deputy, 386 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective, BY J. ©. COWDRICK, 752 The peers rt of Daisy Drift. 626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective. 612 Sheriff Stillw ood, the Regulator of 598 The Dominie Detective. © 591. Duke Daniels, the Society. Detective, 580 Shadowing a Shadow. 565 Prince Paul, the’ Postman Detective. 557 The Mountain Graybeards; or, Riddles’ Riddle. er 519 Old. Riddles, the Rock 499 Twilight Charlie, the port. 473 Gilbert 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 WILLETTS. 483 Flush Fred, the River gin 368 The Canyon King; or. a Price on his Head. 348 Dan Dillon, King of Crosscut. 237 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tram 397 Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective. 315 Flush Fred’s Double; or, The Squatters’ League 308 Hemlock Hank, Tough and True, 3 298 Logger Lem: or, Lif: in the Pine Woods, 289 Finsh Fred’s Fall Hand. 274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi a Ae 248 Montana Nat, the Lion of La&St Chance Camp, 222 Bill the Blizzard; or, Red Jack’s Crime. 209 Buck Farley. the Bonanza Prince. 129 Mississippi Mose; or, a Strong Man’s Sacrifice.’ BY CAPTAIN MAYWNE REID. 97 The White Squaw, 234 The Hunter's Feast. 21; The Wild Huntress; or, The Squatter, 200 The Rifle Rangers; or. Adventures iv Mexico, 74 The Captain of the Rifles; or, The Lake A mc 66 The Specter Barque, A Tale of the Pacific. 68 The Scalp Hunters “ Romance of the Plains, The Fool from Way Back. 856 Three Handsome rts; or, The Combination, 145 Pistol Pards; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar rivateer; or, The Midshipman Rover, peSkipper’s Crime, or, The Falcon Detective’s Foe, e oh BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM. 911 The Blue Blockader; or, The Coast Gra: hound 906 The Cuban Cruiser,’ f 854 Tae Ocean Gipsy. } 834 The Wild Steer Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Terrors, 819 The Rival Monte Cristos 805 The Last of the Pirates; or, Doom Driven. d 801 The Water Wolves’ Detective; or, Trapping tea Grave Ghouls. 791 The Coast-Raider’s Death-Chase. 5 748 Arizona Charlie, the Crack-shot Detective, 704 Invisible lvan, the Wizard Detective. = ye aE ey, Sea ae evello, the Pirate Cruiser; or, The Rival Rovers: 672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride, 662 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict. 640 The Rover’s Ret: ivution. 635 The Ex-Buecaneer: or, The Stigma of Sin. 625 Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas, oe ane Three penn mcr e Red Flag Rover; or, White W ofthe 605 The Shadow Silver Ship. _ ae 600 The Silver Ship: or, The Sea Scouts of °76, 593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution, 587 Conrad, the Sailor Spy; or, True Hearts of "76, 581 Tae Outlawed Skipper; or, The Gantlet Runner, oe ey le an war bere Hs 3 Ma. onte, the Mutineer; or, The Branded Brig, 546 Tr» Doomed Whaler: or, The Life Wreck. ” 580 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, 435 The One-Armed, Buccaneer. 4 430 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and War 899 The New Monte UCristo, 393 The Convict Captian. 877 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspiraton. 369 The Coast Corsair: or, The Siren of the Sea. - 364 The Sea Fugitive: or, The Queen of tne Coask 341 The Sea Desperado, 336 The Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters. 325 The Gentleman Pirate; or, Tne Casco Hermits, 818 The Indian tuccaneer; or, The Red Rovers, 307 The Phantom Pirate; or. The Water Wolves. 255 The Pirate Priest; or, The Gampler’s hter, 246 7" Helen, the Amazon of the Over is 235 Lightning the Man of Chance. 224 Black Beard, the Buccaneer. 220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother’s Crime, 210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea. 205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon, 198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer, : 184 ‘The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea N oh. 104 Montezuma. the Merciless. | 108 Merle, the Mutineer; or, The Red Anchor" BY PHILIP 8S. WARNE, 802 Dan Dirk, King of No Man’s Land. 583 Captain Adair. the Cattle King, 567 Captain Midnight, the Man of Craft, 544 The Back to Back Pards, 522 The Cham pion Three, 502 Bareback Buck, the Centaur of the Plaing, 472 Six Foot Si; or, The Manto“ Tie To.” _ 431 California Kit, the Always mm ete 404 Silver Sid; or, A * 4 380 Tiger Dick's Pledge: or, Tne Golden Serpent, 359 thera Carag the Mestizo. 338 Jack . the Boss of the Town. 299 Toree of a Kind; or, Dick, Despard and the Spor 251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron 5 207 Old Hard Head; or, wind and his Mare. 171 Tiger Dick, the Man of the Iron Heart. 114 The Gentleman from Pike, 80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf. 54 Always on Hand; or, The Foot-Hiils Sport, 29 Tiger Dick, Faro King; or, The Cashier’s Crime, 4 The Kidnapper; or, The Northwest Shanghai, BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON, 276 3 Stone of N t Bend. 36 Leopard othe Ring of Horse-Thieves 27 Long Haired Max; or, The Flack Lea , 227 Buckshot Ben, the Man-Hunter of oO. 223 Canyon Dave, the Man of the Mountain, 219 The Scorpion Brothers; or, Mad Tom's Miseig 202 Cactus Jack, the Giant Guide. 194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent, 176 Lady Jaguar, the Robber Queen. BY OLL COOMES, 619 Kit Bandy & Co , the Border Detectives, 148 One-Armed Alf, the Giant Hunter, 99 The Giant Rifleman: or, Wild Camp Life, 43 Dakota Dan. the Reckless Ranger, BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERE, 236 Charcpion Sam; or, The Monarchsof the Shor. 150 El Rubio Bravo, King of the Swordsmen, BY DR. NOEL PUNBAR, 919 The Sea Scout; or, The Patriot Privateen ~° 8. 886 0 The Despard, the Gamb} a ; ike . the Gambler ss 604 The Detective in Rags: or, The Shadowes, 500 The True-Heart . A new isene chery Wednesday Beadle’s Dime Lib is for sale Newsdealers, ten cents per ean C2 receipt of twelve cents ea-” & + OF sent by ma b + as ning hay
Page 32
>. Complete. ‘Novels BUFFALL all 979 Buffalo Bill’s Relentless 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. 960 Buffalo Bill’s Blue Belt Brigade; or, Sun- flower Sam of Shasta. By Col. P. Ingraham. 956 Buffalo Bill’s Volunteer Vigilantes; or, The Mysterious Man in Blue, By Col. P. Ingra- By Colonel 950 Buffalo Bill at Bay; or, The Gold Seeker’s Doom. By Col. P. Ingraham. 943 Buffalo Bill’s Block Game; or, The Mounted eee of the Overland. By Col. P. Ingra- am. 936 Buffalo Bill’s Black Pard; or, The Gold Boomers of the Big Hern, By Col. P. Ingra- . ham f 927 Buffalo. Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick, the Sport. By Col. P. Ingraham. 921 Buffalo Bill’s Quandary; or, Velvet Bili’s Vow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon Scout: or, Go- wan-go, the Redskin Rider. By Col. P. In- graham, (909 Buffalo Bill’s League; or, Red Butterfly. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. ‘} 904 Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail; or, Gentleman Jack, the Man of Many Masks. Ingraham. 900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders; or, Texas Jack’s Sharp-Shooters. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 895 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Ally; or, The Texan’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 880 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 Brayo in Broadcloth. By Col. P. Ingraham. 874 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Braves; or, The Card , Queen’s Last Game. By Col. P. Ingraham. 869 Buffalo Bill’s Road Agent Round-Up; or, The By Col. P. Mysterious Masked Man in Black. By Col. P. Ingraham. 863 Buffalo Bill’s Death-Charm; or, The Man With the Scar. By Col. Prentiss In 857 Buffalo Bill’s Royal Flush; or, The Pony Ri- der’s Death-Run. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- 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 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 Band’s Blot-out. By Col. P. pongo Buffalo Bill’s Sharp-Shooters; or, The Surgeon ee Scout to the Rescue. By Col. a ai ewe Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or, Montebello the = Gold King. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 000000000 0G0000008 sts eis els 3 a) 319 sis sts sis sis The Miner Marauder’s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill. 816 Tuffalo Bill’s Red Trail; or, The Road-Rider Renegade’s Run Down. By Col. P. Ingraham. 820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt; or, 812 Ruffalo Bill's Death-Knell; or, The Red Hand Riders of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham. 07 Wild Bi-l, the Wild West Duelist; cr, Their Mascot of Moonlight Mine. Ky Butralo Bill. 807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist; or, The Girl Grande. Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buf- falo Bill. 794 Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand; or, The Masked Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By Col, P. Ingraham. 787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, The Skeleton Scout of the Colorado, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 781 Buffalo Bil!'s Brand; or, The Brimstone Brotherhood. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 777 Buffalo Bill’s Spy-Shadower; or, The Masked Men at Grand Canyon. By Col. P. Ingraham. 773 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue. By Leon Lewis. 769 Buffalo Bill’s Sweepstake; or, The Wipe-out at Last Chance. By Col, Prentiss Ingraham, 765 Buffalo Bill’s Dozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 761 Buffalo Bill’s Mascot; or, The Death Valley Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 757 Buffalo Bill’s Double; or, The Desperado De- tective. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four; or, Custer’s Shadow. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 743 Buffalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or, Texas Jack's Bravos. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 739 Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or, The Masked Driver of Death’s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham. 735 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men; or, The Robin Hood Rivals. By Col. Prentiss Ingra- ham. 731 Buffalo Bill’s Beagtes; or, Silk Lasso Sam, By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 727 Buffalo Bill’s Body Guard; or, The Still Hunt of the Hills. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham, 722 Buffalo Bill on the War Path; or, Silk Lasso Sam, the Will-o’-the-Wisp. By Col. P. In- graham. 716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers: or, EXmer- ald Ed of Devil’s Acre. By Col. P. Ingraham. 710 Buffalo: Bill Baffled; or, The Deserter Des- perado’s Defiance. By Col. P. Ingraham. 697 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Opening Up a Lost Trail. By Col. P. In- graham. 691 Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or, The Daughter of the Regiment.: By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 682 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail. By Major Dangerfield Burr. 667 Buffalo Bill’s Swoop; or, the King of the Mines. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 658 The Cowboy Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas, By Colonel Prentiss In TS DIME LIBRARY is for sale by all Newsdealers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail, pre-paid, on re- ceipt of price. eS a, a we se Se IME 653 The Lasso King’s League; or, The Tigers of Texas. By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham. 649 Buck Taylor, the Saddle King, Buffalo Bill's Chief of Scouts. By Col. P. Ingraham. 644 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; or, Daredeath Dick, King of the Cowboys. By Leon Lewis. 599 The Dead Shot Nine; or, My Pards of the Plains. By Buffalo Bill. 517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail; or, Will Cody, the Pony Express Rider. By Ned Buntline, 414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective; or, The Gold Buzzards of Colorado. By Buffalo Bill. 401 The One-Armed Pard; or, Red Retribution in Borderland, By Buffalo Bill. 397 The Wizard Brothers; or, Trail. .By Buffalo Bill. ‘ 394 White Beaver, the wxile of the Platte; or, eee Man’s Red Trail. By Buffalo White Beaver's 362 Buffalo Bill’s Grip; or, Oath-bound to Custer. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 329 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or,, The League of Three. By Col. P. Ingraham, . 319 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. ' Buffalo Bill, Government Scout and Guide. 189 Wild Bill's Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen. By Cel. P. Ingraham. 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card; or, The Indian Heiress. By Col. ntiss Ingraham. ’ 168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot; or, Dagger Don’s Double. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham. 158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or, The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell.- 117 Buffalo Bill’s Strange Pard; or, Dashin Dandy, the Hotspur of the Hills, By Major D. Burr, 92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King;, or, Th Amazon of the West, By Major Dangerfield 83 Gold Bullet Sport; or, The Knights of the | Overland. By Buffalo Bill, 52 Death Trailer, the Chief of Scouts; er, = Love in a Frontier Fort. By ‘Buitae NEW ISSUES TO COME. 981 The Gold Lace Sport; or, The Texan Sam- son’s Wide Swath. By Jos. B. Badger, Jr, 982 Chris Crewley’s Winning Hand; or, The Rascally Vailet’s Double Game, By A. Pp. Morris. 983 Kid Glove Kris, the Sport. By J. C. Cow. )f drick. Ready August : 984 Buffalo Bill's Life Raffie; or, The Doomed aham. Ready Sept. 1, Three. By Col. P. Ingr. 000000000 000000000 O6O0000000) a AS